"Big Boy" Tuesdays

I like to think that my husband and I are quite social people.
 

Our children, not so much.

This was brought to my attention recently when I spoke to Cassius's daycare teacher with concerns he wasn't developing academically. Imagine my suprise when she said that her concerns were more with his social skills! He doesn't always like to participate in group activities, and he and Phoenix tend to stick together like glue. Of course this isn't neccessarily a bad thing, but with Cassius starting primary school next year, I'm a little worried for my boy! She also mentioned that he has a tendency to fall asleep in class, and I had to contain myself and not laugh when she told me that one!  

And so we have implemented 'Big Boy' Tuesdays. Essentially this just means that Cassius goes on his own to daycare, but the name gives it a little appeal (I think?). This week was our second week of it and it has actually run suprisingly smoothly. Phoenix, who isn't too big a fan of daycare anyway, is very happy with the fact that he is a 'small' boy and so only goes on Wednesdays and Thursday. Cassius has suprised me with his willingness to go, and he seems rather proud of himself that he is the biggest of his brothers and has that extra day.

While on the subject of my eldest, last week at football I was holding a packet of rice cakes like the one in the picture to the left. Cassius came and asked for one, and once he had it in his hand he started picking at the grass and putting it on his cracker! I asked him what in the world he was doing? He looked at me innocently, pointed to the picture on the wrapping and said 'Like the picture mum?'
 

Going Public

I am currently contemplating whether to advertise my blog. By advertise, I simply mean putting it on my facebook and instagram accounts. I'm hesitant because at times I feel like I give away 'too much information', and currently I only have four followers, so the risk of being 'over-exposed' is pretty small! I do like to keep some things private, but those who know me also know I am very partial to a good chat. What are your thoughts?

Imperfect Grammar

My husband is not a blogger. He's not really a computer person either - unless it's looking up sports statistics and the like.
 

In a way I am glad. Very glad. Because I know if he was to read my blog he would be apalled at my spelling and grammer. Bad grammer is one of his pet hates, and after spending the last half hour reading over some of my posts, I sit here and shrink in shame.

The irony is I actually did well in English. I think I might have even come first in my year, but I went to Hoxton Park High School, so that's not entirely an achievement. In contrast, Rick barely finished School and has never studied at University, yet his grammer is impeccable, and mine is kinda in the gutter. So to anyone who ever reads this, I apologize. And please don't tell my husband!

Ps - This post was initially titled 'imperfect grammer', woe is me I couldn't even spell it correctly!    

Two Ingredients

The past few months have been a little crazy for our little family. As an accountant, end of financial year is always like that, but this year seemed even more so. I guess having a newborn, trying to be a good mother and wife (and let's face it, sometimes it's easy to forget that they are two seperate roles!), having four kids under five, and working full time are not entirely compatible. Who would have thought right? (note the extreme sarcasm here).  

 

I often get asked 'how I manage' and I have come to the conclusion that my life is made significantly easier by two main ingredients:

 

1. A supportive, hard working, 'hands on' Husband

2. A supportive, 'no questions asked', 'always doing things for me' Mother

 

That is 'the secret' to how I manage. These two people are what make my life a whole lot easier and I would be absolutely lost without them!

 

Thankfully, things are quieting down at work and I have returned to two days a week. I appreciate my time at home with the boys a little more now, doing the everyday things and getting back into our normal routine. I was about to write how I haven't had alot of time for things lately, but a good friend of mine once commented how she liked that I wasn't one of those mothers who used the phrase 'I just don't have time' (insert dramatic voice). Hmmm she would be looking at me with disapproval right now, as lately, I have pinned that phrase quite frequently! Oh well, it's not the worse thing in the world right?

Oh, and before I forget - we have moved! I told you it's been a busy time for us! It was all really quick and there is still alot of organisation left, but we are now around the corner from Cass's school for next year, within walking distance to the park and shops, and have four bedrooms! The extra space is absolute bliss and I am looking forward to making this house into a home.

 

Ps - Here is a picture I took of the linen cupboard. My linen cupboard never looks this organised so I thought I would take a photo and appreciate the moment!

 

 

Fathers Day

Just over a fortnight ago it was Fathers Day. My boys are still a little young to really appreciate the day, but I ordered them personalised tops from one of my favourite sites 'Tiny Me' in an attempt to make the day extra special. 

I had planned to take photos of the boys in their t-shirts myself (when am I going to accept that taking fabulous photos is not one of my assets?), however thankfully a few nights before the day I was chatting to some friends who have started their own photography business, and they took the photos for me the (click here to see their facebook page)!! Kingston was not a happy camper though, but it wouldn't feel right if I took photos and all my boys were co-operating!

For the day itself, we made Rick and my Dad breakfast, then went to the airport to see aunty Jaslyn and Max off. Rick misplaced the parking ticket and we were stuck paying the $50 maximum rate - Happy Fathers Day to him (he actually found the ticket a few minutes later, but they wouldn't return the fee)! We then had lunch with Ricks family, and finished off the night with a nice quiet evening at home. I really am becoming more appreciative of our time at home these days!

A Trip to the Farm

A couple of weeks ago the boys and I went to their cousin Laraes 'Cowboys and Cowgirls' party at Calmsley Hill City Farm. It was such a fun day, and I especially love when my boys are outdoors, not around any electronic devices, and having the time of their lives!

Look at the joy on my boys faces! We also went here for Phoenix's birthday earlier in the year, I would recommend it to anyone with kids, although the adults were loving it too!

Life lately, in Photos

A few photos of 'life lately', and the story behind the picture ...

Here is McCaw watching his dad and uncles lose their grand final! My mum frequently reminds me that my boy 'likes to be held', but at football, he was pretty content to just sit in the pram and watch the whole game on the sidelines.

My boys are still infatuated with their little brother... they like to get up close and personal.

Phoenix was beginning to get a little upset when the barber started on his hair. I asked him if it would help if T-Rex stood by and watched. I put him on the counter and his eyes lighted up! No more fears after that! Phoenix is such a wierdo at times but it makes for entertaining times.

Last Saturday at the end of Ricks grand final, my boys brought a smile to my face when I saw that they (on their own initiative) had started collecting the cans near the rubbish bins and cleaning them up. That smile soon vanished when I realised they were alcohol cans and Phoenix went in for a drink! Please don't let that be a sign of things to come!

 

For Kingston birthday I picked up some of his cousins and took them to McDonalds, followed by cake and movies. Unfortunately for Kingston his birthday fell on the week we moved, so mum and dad were a little poor! I was wondering how I was going to handle five kids under four on my own, but it was quite a fun (although tiring) day! When we got out of the car I told them all to hold hands. And this is what they did ... priceless!

I've also just realised that the birthday boy isn't in any of these pictures. My poor boy, he really was neglected!