The SportyMummy

Photography in the Botanic Gardens

2012-02-24T05:00:00.001-08:00

I have just discovered that I have been voted first place in last week's Tina's Friday flowers link. Thank you so much Tina! I am truly honored that others are enjoying my photographs! This blogging caper is amazing!!

Here are some more photographs from my trip with my son, Buster to the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Last week I focused on the unique Banksia flower, This week I I have tried to capture some of the beautiful and colorful plants flowering at this time of the year.

The beuatiful eukalyptus...just covered in bees

Bright paper daisy's growing in front of Black Mountain Tower

Even GrumpyDaddy doesn't know the name of this one....any ideas?

Paper Bark Tree

Epacris impressa (native fushia)

A blood red kangaroo paw....and Buster....."mum, what ARE you doing??"

This weekend I'm sharing these Australian Native Flowers at Tina's Weekend Flowers and Ewa's Flowers on Saturday.

Fresh Horses Brigade: The Sorry Edition

2012-02-24T05:00:00.000-08:00

The awesome Eden over at Edenland has asked her Fresh Horses Brigade to share what they are sorry for. I have definitely detected a sarcastic note (!) to her post and I have the distinct impression that Eden and some other awesome contributors are sharing what they are NOT sorry for.....Have a look!

Here, I’m going to do the same….

I’m sorry that I’m so proud of my children…all the time. Your own mum has to be proud of their kids right?!

I’m sorry my kids do well at sport, win races, get awards….but hey, they spend a lot of time training and working hard…..to the people who take issue with this…I don’t see your kids out there!

I’m sorry that sometimes, I just really need my own space.

I’m sorry I’m so driven and demanding of myself…that’s just who I am, it’s all or nothing around here!

I’m sorry I’m not a musician and I don’t do music anymore. It’s just not who I am.

I’m sorry I have no belief in a God…I have actually tried many times but I can’t seem to suspend my rationalism and logic far enough! I don’t have anything against those that do. I actually envy your peace and trust and faith.

I’m sorry I’m not a great friend, sister, daughter, partner…

I’m sorry the Labor Party are doing such a great job of knife-wielding, self-destructing, and instating Mr. Budgie Smugglers as Australian PM

I’m so sorry my little boy has so much trouble just trying to find his voice. I want him to be heard, he has plenty to say.

(I am actually really sorry, no sarcasm intended, about these last three).

I’m sorry I don’t have the intestinal fortitude to publish this post…I'm worried it might hurt too many feelings….I’m sorry.

Or just maybe…thanks to Edenland….I do have the guts after all….

…..because this is who I am

And I’m NOT sorry!!

Friday Fences: Minnamurra Rainforest

2012-02-23T15:43:00.000-08:00

One of our favorite things to so as a family is to go on bush walks. The combination of exercise, adventure, fresh air and beautiful scenery always lifts everyone's spirits

Before children, I loved the dirt wilderness tracks; obstacle courses of mud, rocks and logs. Walking (or running) the tracks would give me a real sence of nature, adventure and accomplishment. In fact, I used to snob boadwalks with distain! Nowadays, particularly while the children a young, we have been activily seeking out Parks that have boardwalks and fences!...oh, the irony

The kids run off along the board walks with such joy and enthusiasm..... that is until they are completely exhausted! It just means that I have to carry the little one all the way back...at least there is a ice-cream treat waiting!

Now I appreciate the access that the boardwalks and fences provide and I have to admit, I'm glad the fences are there to keep everyone safe. I can't wait until they get a little older though.......bush tracks, here we come!

I thought our trip to the Minnamurra rainforest in the Booderoo National park, near Wollongong NSW would be perfect to share the bush walk fences for Friday Fences.

For more Friday fences, pop over to see Life According to Jan and Jer and immerse yourself in beautiful photos of fences from all around the world!

Change Can Be A Good Thing

2012-02-22T15:17:00.000-08:00

….at least that’s what I’ve been telling my younger daughter Muscles (7).

The girls school has an odd set up as it runs across two different campuses. This year I elected to move muscles to the other campus, as her sister Flash (8) was making the compulsory move to the new campus for year 3 (along with all her class mates).

Muscles has had to leave all her friends behind at the old campus, and start at, essentially, a brand new school. Before school started she had been very anxious and emotional about the change.

I was feeling a little guilty about making her change campuses. But, by going to the new campus, she will be at the same school as her sister. The girls are so close in age, it’s nice that they have the shared experience of attending the same school…and they always know that they have each other a few classrooms away, not a few suburbs away! This means that I will have to do ‘just’ two pick-ups and drop-offs (Buster is at a preschool in a different location) instead of three. The new campus is also much closer to home.

The first week was very difficult for muscles, she missed her friends and her old school. I have tried to comfort her by reminding her of all the positives. I have told her that it’s a great chance to meet new friends. Making new friends and adapting to new situations is an important life-skill to learn. In the future she will need these skills when she changes jobs or moves house…..It is still hard for a 7-year old to understand though….and I know that I really didn’t like changing schools as a child.

During that first week, I was so thankful that Muscles had the friendship of the girls in her gymnastics team. After school, muscles was convinced she would never fit in. But, after spending time with the other girls in her close-knit Gym team, she realized that she still had friends….and making new friends did not seem so desperate and onerous. Being part of the gym team really seemed to put things into perspective for her and it did wonders for her confidence!

This week I am thankful that Muscles has started really enjoying her new school. We arrived at school this morning and a group of girls ran to muscles, shouting her name to give her a hug. She returned home today proudly sporting a friendship bracelet. Muscles shyly reported to me tonight (with blushing) that a little boy gave her the heart sign in assembly….and was it OK to have a new boyfriend?!

I am thankful that she has a lovely, enthusiastic and caring teacher whom muscles just adores! It seems to make such a tremendous difference when the child likes their teacher! And it really seems to have made the transition a little easier.

I am thankful that the closer location of the school campus means that we can ride our bikes to school in the morning instead of fighting with the traffic in the car. Although I think we make quite a site…. with the girls…school dresses tacked (unladylike) into their under clothes. Me, pulling buster along in a trailer as the school is a little to far (and up hill) for him to ride without help…..not to mention the dreaded ‘helmet hair’!!

A the parent teacher meeting this week, I was so thankful that she reported that Muscles was fitting in well, happy, and trying her hardest to do well in class…

…and that’s really the most a mother could ask for!

Today I'm linking up with Kate Says Stuff for Thankful Thursday....pop over and enjoy reading what others are thankful for today!

Wordless Wednesday: Australia's Most Easterly Point

2012-02-21T12:15:00.000-08:00

According to Wikipedia, Cape Byron Lighthouse was built in 1901, and it is the last of the great 19th-century Victorian era lighthouses managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). It is constructed from concrete blocks and stands on the most easterly point of the Australian mainland.....If you really look hard you can just see the USA (no, not really.....but that didn't stop the girls from trying!!)

For Wordless Wednesday, I'm sharing with My Little Drummer Boys, Sakura Haruka and Tina's pic story

I Really Hate Housework

2012-02-20T13:49:00.000-08:00

“….But you don’t do any thing all day…”

This was the reply I received from my 8 year old daughter when I told her I was too busy that day to go to the shops and by her some ‘essential’ craft materials.

This statement, although uttered out of disappointment , actually really hurt me more than I’d like to admit. I think it hurt me because my job at the moment is working as a stay at home mum, by choice. I know full well how little value society places on being a SAHM. It seems that my own children, the very people I am doing everything for, also place little value on the work that I do (for them!) as well.

What really made her statement strike a chord is that I hate doing the house work! I find it mind-numbingly boring. I derive little satisfaction from it because it is all messed up the next day…the dishes and clothes get washed, just to get dirty again. Some of it is really disgusting, like scrubbing toilets, showers, wheelie bins and emptying cat litter boxes. I hate house work so much that sometimes I actually convince my self that it doesn’t matter…..I’ll do it tomorrow….maybe…but even though I detest doing the house work, I still do it!...... for my family.

Well...maybe I do have some help!!

But the house work does matter!! I really want to make our house a clean, safe haven for the kids and GrumpyDaddy to come home to after school, work and sports training. Deep down I know that it matters to me….and I want it to matter to them too!

I still have trouble comprehending why SAH mums have such a low status in today’s society. I hate being asked ‘what do you do’ because I am honestly embarrassed by the answer. I feel like I have to justify myself by saying…’actually, I have a PhD in medical research you know’…but I never do.

If I could choose one thing to make matter this week, it would be get society to accept the work that SAH mums do as inherently valuable and indispensable. However, I realize that this is impossible to accomplish in one lifetime, let alone one week.

So, for this week, I intend to make house work matter for me and for my children. I want to feel proud of the work I do for my family behind the scenes. Cleaning, scrubbing, tiding, washing, packing, driving, cooking, organizing, form filling appointment making/keeping…..etc. I want my children to value the work that I do and feel proud of me for doing it. Just has they are proud that GrunpyDaddy is a scientist!

I think the first step in getting my children to feel proud of me for doing all these things is to feel proud of them myself!

Part of my personality make-up is being a planner (weather I carry out these plans is another matter entirety). I draw up a weekly plan for myself which includes which household chores I am going to do that day. That is Monday; bathrooms and toilets, Tuesday: kitchen, Wednesday: vacuuming and dusting….etc. I also like to have a menu plan and a shopping list. I need to do this because it stops me from over thinking which job to do…and then end up doing nothing. It also helps me plan chores, and cooking against the kids sporting commitments.

The kids don’t know about this to-do list….. Yet! This week, I’m going to hang this list on the fridge! For this week, I’m even going to get my kids to add a sticker for me when they see that each task has been completed…..just like I have the kids doing with their reward chart. When 50 stickers have been reached, I plan on buying myself a treat!! Hell yeah J

So, this week my goal is to make my household duties important, and matter to me and my family! I think that all parents should be proud of the work they do behind the scenes for their families. I truly believe that society should also value this work. This week I will be starting with myself and my own family…making the house work matter.

I am linking up this post with the Me and YOU making IT matter meme on A Parenting Life. If you have a goal that you really want to make matter this week, add your post or comment …because in the words of Michael Jordan

‘You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them”

(I read this quote on twitter from @JBMthinks)

I'm also linking up with Diary of a SAHM for #IBOT (I blog on Tuesdays) come and read some other amazing blogs!

Youth Sports Weekend: A Little Self Confidence (with linky)

2012-02-18T22:27:00.000-08:00

One of my aims for this little SportyMummy blog, is to develop a Youth Sports community where parents can support, encourage and motivate each other to support their children’s participation in youth sports. If your children have participated in a youth sport or an active pursuit this week-end, you can link up your post with the linky, found at the end of this post, and share the fun!

Just lately, my 8 year old daughter Flash has been having a mini crisis of confidence at little athletics.

Normally she is self assured and quietly confident in her own abilities. However, late last year, at her regular Saturday mooring meet, Flash fouled 3 throws in the discuss and didn’t record a distance….The self-doubt started to creep in.

When it came to one of her favorite events, the long jump, Flash suddenly became overly concerned of fouling by overstepping the line. Instead of running in at full speed and launching herself. Flash would run, slowdown, then leap. She would not pull her legs up out of fear of falling backwards. As a result her jumps have been about 30cm (a foot) shorter that they were at the end of last year.

Not training during the holiday break seems to have compounded these thoughts of self doubt. She has also been slipping on the wet grass at the athletics oval and she has had a bad collision with a hurdle. I think she has been feeling a little insecure starting at a new school campus as well. I think all these things combined have put a large dent in her self-confidence.

Part of my daughters personality I think lends itself to perfectionism. She is very driven and single minded in pursuing the things that she wants. She works really hard and gives 100% effort at training and at school to achieve her goals. But I think that one of the down-sides to perfectionism is the habit of not trying if you think you are not going to do well, win or be the best. In life, I don’t want her to be scared of trying new things for fear of failure and I have been trying to find ways to increase her confidence.

Some mums with older kids in little athletics suggested that I get Flash some spikes. This is the first year that flash has been old enough to wear spikes and I have been reluctant to buy them simply based on their cost. However, many of the girls she races with in the representative competitions wear spikes. You should have seen her eyes sparkle when I said she could have some!!

Some scary looking spikes!! (spikes on the left and waffles on the right)

This week at training, it was raining slightly. Normally training would have been cancelled but because it is raining so much lately I think the organizers were happy to take what they could get. The scheduled events of high jump and hurdles were cancelled and only long jump was run. Flash ran and jumped into that pit for a whole hour…and just didn’t want to stop!!

The coach (importantly not her mum!!) explained to her that she needed to jump at her fastest point in the run, jump high and lift her legs…..and she flew, with a smile from ear to ear!!

At the meet on Saturday, Flash was up bright and early busting to go and do her long-jumps. And she Flew. Not only was she back to her previous best…she managed to jump a new personal best and break the club record! Her self confidence is back!

I knew that she had it in her the whole time but it was self doubt that was holding her back.

It has me wondering how many other times self doubt holds people back. Weather they are worried about making new friends, applying for a new job or a promotion or starting on their dream to be a published writer. Often the fear of failure is just in ones head. Once overcome, people could really do amazing things….if only it was as easy as a new pair of shoes and an hours practice!!

I’m hoping this experience will demonstrate to her that she need not limit herself and the activities she does for fear of failure. It is interesting how a few bad experiences can creep into other areas of your life and affect those as well.

It is reassuring to know however, how some positive experiences can also affect other areas of your life and increase your overall self belief and confidence as well!!

You can read about the experiences of families involved in youth sports below. If your family has been involved in a youth sport, please feel free to add your link below!

I’m A Weirdo Too!

2012-02-17T22:32:00.000-08:00

One of the reasons I started blogging was that I was inspired by the passion, honesty and heart of an amazing blog I had discovered from twitter…Edenland.

Today, the author of this blog, Eden has asked us why we blog for her 'Fresh Horse's meme. She has titled her post 'Weirdo bloggers are WEIRDOS'

This title makes me smile, because two weeks into this blogging caper, I was accosted by a lady in the carpark and was told that I should stop writing things on the internet. She said that writing that stuff made me seem mentally imbalanced. After that episode I wrote this post and it still rings true today

This is part of that post

“…..For me, blogging is my voice. As a SAHM I often turn to social media for adult

interaction during the sometimes, very long, and often lonely days. Reading about others experiences on their Blogs and on twitter has really made me feel less isolated and alone. Reading about others has also helped me support and validate my choice to be SAHM.

Over the past two weeks I have had readers from all over the world look at MY Blog, MY thoughts and MY stories. Maybe some of these readers are struggling with similar issues of their own, maybe they are interested in what other sporting families get up to. Maybe there are some readers who are also dealing with apraxia and can take some solace in the fact they are not alone. Maybe some readers are dealing with passive aggressive bullies in the workplace or at school. Maybe some of the readers are also SAHMs looking to be part of a wider village of other carers who are also at home, with feelings of isolation, looking after children…..”

While blogging gives me a voice, I have since discovered that the most fantastic part of blogging has been the connections I have made in the blogosphere. It is these relationships that have made blogging such a worthwhile experience.

In writing about my sons battle with apraxia, I have been so incredibly touched by the comments I have received on my posts. People who genuinely care and understand. Without their support and encouragement, right there in my computer, I would be largely facing this on my own. I would specially like to mention.

Kate Says Stuff

Life Love and Hiccups

I have also connected with other families facing dispraxia. I am simply amazed that I can offer and receive support, advice and encouragement form other parents battling apraxia from the other side of the world.

Jakes Journey to be a Little Man

My Armada, An Armada of Love

I have also found other parents that are highly involved with youth sports. I find their advice, knowledge and encouragement such a valuable support to parenting active kids. I have also appreciated their support for my 'Youth Sports Weekend' posts.

Stats Dad

JBM Thinks

Track Mom

One of the unexpected things to come from blogging has been the re-kindling of my interest in photography. I have been inspired by the most talented and creative photography blogs. I now look at he world with much more detail and appreciation and I love the opportunity to share my photos.

Pieces of Contentment

The Greastst of these is love

Life according to Jen and Jer

Finally, there are those wonderful bloggers who I consider to be my tribe. They have been a constant source of support and encouragement on Twitter and the comments on my blog.

A Parenting Life

Delightfully Tacky Little Squirts

The Mother experiment

My Journey, Am I There Yet?

Diary of a SAHM

Mum on the Run

Iron Mum Karla

Even though I have been blogging for a little over 3 and a half months, it is the people I have met, and the support I have received that has given me ‘fresh horses to ride’ and made blogging so worth while. I am still discovering my tribe, my journey is just beginning and I am so looking forward to the ride!

If being a blogger makes me seem weird or unbalanced to others than so be it! I wouldn’t swap the wonderful people or the support or encouragement for the world. Nor would I let go of this amazing opportunity to share my voice with the world.

If you would like to see the reasons others blog, and their tribes...go over to Edenland and have a look!

Unique Flora and Fauna

2012-02-17T16:39:00.000-08:00

Every second Wednesday, I have a day to spend with my little man, Buster without any organized activities. As this is his last year before school I have decided to make the most of this time by taking him out to places around Canberra for some special time together.

I have written about his really great start in preschool this year. At preschool his class is named the ‘Banksias’ He has seen pictures of this unique flower at school but he really wanted to see one for real….so off we went for a lovely day at the Australian National Botanic Gardens

The day was made even more special because GrumpyDaddy met us at the café ….But, buster was simply astonished at another surprise guest who joined us for lunch!!

Our surprise lunch guest, sharing Busters chips!!

Not so impressed with the tomato though

This weekend I'm sharing these Australian Native Banksia Flowers at Tina's Weekend Flowers and Ewa's Flowers on Saturday.

Black Mountain Tower

2012-02-16T13:37:00.000-08:00

Black Mountain Tower (or Telstra Tower) is much loved by my family.

When we return home from often long and ‘torturous’ road trips (think 3 kids squeezed in the back seat saying “…are we there yet?...” for 12 hours straight), Black Mountain tower is the first Canberra landmark they see. It is greeted with much anticipation and jubilation! The site of the tower signals that we are back home!

The tower is visible in many parts of Canberra and the children know that their dad’s work is located at the base of Black Mountain. Just about wherever they are in Canberra, they can look at he tower and know that their daddy is working right there!

For me, Black Mountain tower is a symbol of freedom, adventure and growing up. I moved to Canberra, far away from my Country NSW home to start at the Australian National University. It was here, under the shadow of the tower, that I began to discover who I was. I had the chance to experience that heady feeling of first-time freedom and independence. Of being surrounded by others who loved to learn and study, of finally finding my tribe.

Now my kids just love to climb up there and run around it…and they really think that they can see our house! It's a good thing they have a fence up there!!

For Friday Fences, I'm linking with Life according to Jan and Jer. Click over and see some really interesting and creative photos from all over the world... though a fence!

Thankful for Summer Holidays

2012-02-15T15:26:00.000-08:00

Now that School has commenced for 2012, I’ve had some time to reflect on the summer School Holidays.

I am so thankful that we have the summer holidays to spend together as a family! I love that the girls don’t need to have their hair tie tight back…it can just be wild and free!

I am thankful for a break in the school uniform, lunch box packing, hair pulling, teeth brushing morning routine. Instead, the regimented daily routine gets replaced by staying in pajamas until lunch, watching movies, drawing, crafting and playing games. A Rushed cold breakfast gets replaced with a nice slow brunch!

I am thankful for that my oldest daughter has decided to let me show her how to cook…the time we have spent together this summer in the kitchen is so special to me, I will never forget it!

I love how my children just get to be kids, messing around in the back yard, with no schedule or time table. It has been amazing to watch their sibling bonds strengthen as they sit on the trampoline and dream together about the cubby house they wish they had, high in the tree tops!

I love the sparkle in their eyes as they run full pelt along the shore line where the ocean meets the sand. They got to go fishing, boogie board, build sandcastles and play beach cricket.

I am thankful the kids got to ride their bikes, pogo sticks scooters, rollerblades and rip sticks up and down our cul de sac to their little hearts content. They could ride in the cool of the day-light savings evenings which is normally past their bed times (and with only a few minor grazes!).

I’m thankful for the time we have had to spend with our extended family of Grandmas, Cousins Uncles and Aunts. I love that we had the opportunity to see so many all the fantastic and beautiful places.

Finally I am thankful for all the memories that his summer has given me and hopefully my children.

Oh, and to be completely honest….I’m also a little thankful that school has started! For the first time I have two whole glorious days a week to be me!!!!

I found this wonderful site called Mosaic Maker from Veronica at Mixed Gems. I have had bit of a play around with some of my favourite summer memories to create my own summer memories mosaic…..

(Just click on the mosaic to see it in more detail!)

I am linking up over a Kate Says stuff for Thankful Thursday. Pop over and see what some other inspirational bloggers are thankful for!

Wordless Wednesday: Black Rock Beach

2012-02-14T13:21:00.000-08:00

.......A picture tells a thousand words!!!

For wordless Wednesday I'm linking with My Little Drummer Boys, Sakura Haruka and Tina's Wordless Wednesday

A Ranty Pants Red Head Post!

2012-02-13T13:22:00.000-08:00

I am a proud red head. In fact, if I was to nominate my favorite feature, it would be my long red hair! I was delighted when two of my children were born with a great shock of the stuff…my eldest daughter was born with a bright red Mohawk!. I feel happy, proud and honored when a passersby on my blog, or in real life tells me how lovely their hair is…

…but it wasn’t always this way. During my childhood and early teenage years, I would have given anything NOT to have red hair. I was teased mercilessly because of it. I was called a red-headed chook and an orange carrot top. I was convinced nobody wanted to be my friend because I had red hair.

Fast forward to my adult years and I wouldn’t have it any other way…. I still don’t like the word ‘orange’ J…..But I have learnt to appreciate my hair colour! My hair has been the subject of some often hilarious pick-up lines (….yes…red ones do go faster, by the way….and yes I am a REAL red-head!) and I leant that sometimes what makes you different also makes you stand out in a crowd and remembered. Now, I would never change my hair color!

Me and my hair at a a soccer game

However, there are two things yet that I have not reconciled with being a red head. The first is the term

‘Ranger’.

Ranger is derived from the orangutan, a large, orange tree dwelling ape. Honestly, would you like to be called a name after a hairy primate? I have to admit that I just don’t like the term. Maybe it is the sound of the word. ‘Ranger’ can be almost thrown, or spat out of a persons mouth if it is used in a derogatory way.

I dislike this word when used to describe me or my children. I also don’t like it used to describe the current Prime Minister of Australia. Regardless of ones political beliefs or persuasions, I think it is a low act to simply bring a person down based on their appearance. I can’t believe that it is socially acceptable to do this!

My friends teenage niece is intelligent and beautiful, and she also has red hair. This girl has taken a different approach and taken ownership of the word ‘Ranger’. She makes a joke of it and describes herself as ‘everyone’s favorite ranger’. She uses the term ranger to sign off on her emails and facebook posts. Although I am proud and a little envious of the way she has taken ownership or the word, I worry that such a beautiful an intelligent girls defines herself simply by her red hair….because surly this is not how other people see us…just our red hair??? …or is it??

This brings me to the second part of being a red-head that bothers me. That is the propensity of non-redheads to think that all people with red hair look alike. You would be amazed at how many people have said

“…..There is someone from my home town/school/ mothers group with red hair and she looks just like you! Do you have a sister there???...”

If there is a red-haired child on a TV commercial my children even get asked if they have been on TV!

I do realise that I, and the other people mentioned share red hair and a similar pale complexion. I also realise that most of us are probably not lacking in the freckles department! However red heads, like other people, have different facial features and different personalities. We are not all related. We are individuals.

Red-heads should not be defined, grouped and stereotyped simply by the color of their hair but, just like everybody else, what is on the inside…our personalities.

I would love to hear what you think of the term ‘Ranger’? If you are a red head, or have children with red hair, do you like being referred to a ranger….or do you ever get told you look just like somebody’s mothers cousin, who also has red hair??

OK rant over now….I feel so much better!!

I am joining in with Jess from Diary of a SAHM who has also written a great post about hair (!!) (great minds obviously think alike!) for the wonderful Tuesday link-up #IBOT (I blog on Tuesday) Come and read what others have blogged today!

Youth Sports Weekend: SportyMummy Organisation

2012-02-12T04:52:00.000-08:00

Today I thought that I’d talk a little about the organisation that goes on behind the scenes, as a parent of ~~over-committed~~ active kids!

In our family, like many others, we have a hectic schedule of school, sporting activities, birthday parties and play dates. Sometimes I find it quite a challenge to keep up and on time with it!

Once, when I was trying desperately to register my daughter for a swimming competition a day late, I joked that “….My children need their own manager…..” To which the club secretary dryly replied, “….That’s your job…”

These are some of the systems I use in attempt to keep in control of all the kids activities.

Command Central

On this white board I write all the necessary information for the upcoming week. Each Sunday night, I help the girls to write on the board what days they need to pack their books for each subject, library bags, school readers and the like. This systems gives them a little (guided) independence and responsibility for their own equipment at school.

I also write on the board when their after school activities are and weather it will be me or GrumpyDaddy picking them up. On occasion, being parents can sometimes feel a little like two ships passing in the night…..and the white board helps keep us on the same course at least!….

On the right side of the white board, I keep a list of all upcoming activities such as competitions and birthday parties. I also have a box to tick when registrations and RSVP’s are due…I confess that I can be just hopeless with RSVPing on time. This system seems to help make sure I am on time for registering for sporting events and RSVPing in time for parties.

School Shelves

I store all the kids school and lunch supplies in these shelves. The girls can check the board and pack the appropriate items. Having their school items in the shelves means that the bags can be packed without searching under their beds for that missing lid…and finding a 3 day old sandwich….

Laundry and sports bags

I hang all the sports bags on hooks on the laundry. When the clothes have been washed and dried, it is easy to place them back into the corresponding bag. I keep the bags pre-packed and ready to be grabbed in the inevitable rush on the way out! Because the bags are hung in the laundry, I find it is much easier for the girls to take out their wet towels and dirty and sweaty sports clothes from the bags, place them straight in the hamper and hang their bags on the hooks….this has become a returning home routine in our house!

The reward chart

This year I have been using reward charts to inform, communicate and monitor their daily tasks. So far, this has been working really well and I can already see good habits starting to form.

That was a snap-shot into the ways I have been trying to bring order to the apparent chaos that usually involves me running around from one sporting activity to the next.....

....Now I just have to work out a way to organise these!! :)

Do you have any tricks to help with organizing and coordinating a busy family schedule? I would be really interested to hear your ideas in the comments!

As I have decided to make family organisation matter this week, I am linking up with A Parenting Life for me and YOU Making IT Matter. What are YOU going to make matter this week??

You can also add your link below, to share your involvement with youth sports. You never know, perhaps your post will inspire a family to take up a youth sport and get on track to a more active and healthier lifestyle!

Almost Healthy Chocolate Brownies

2012-02-11T03:41:00.000-08:00

Today, I’m sharing with you one of my families favorite treats….delicious chocolate brownies. This recipe has been adapted from the Australian Institute of Sport recipe book, Survival For The Fittest.

Image and recipe credit

I usually use vaalia french vanilla yoghurt, which is quite sweet, so I have reduced the amount of sugar in the origional recipie. I have also found that I ofen need to add upto 1/2 cup more yoghurt to reach a stirrable consistency

I make this for the kids as an after school treat. Coupled with some fruit, I know it will give them the energy to complete their afternoon training. The kids think that they are getting a delicious treat, but I know that it is almost healthy and limited in saturated fat.

I also like to bake these brownies when our swimming club is in charge of the catering and they always go down a treat!

The recipe is so easy to make, and my kids love to ‘help’ me make the brownies. Of course, they especially like to lick out the bowl!

Ingredients

¾ cup plain flour.
¾ cup self-raising flour.
2/3 cup Cocoa.
1 cup caster (superfine) sugar.
200 g carton low-fat vanilla yoghurt (I usually use Vaalia French vanilla).
60 ml (¼ cup) olive oil (light flavor is best).
4 egg whites.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
icing sugar, to dust (optional).

Optional ingredients

1/3 cup (40 g) roughly chopped walnuts. Or

½ cup white chocolate bits

Preheat oven to moderate (180°C or 350°C). Line a 30 x 20 cm shallow baking pan with aluminum foil. Sift flours and cocoa into a large bowl and make a well in the centre. Whisk yoghurt, oil, egg whites and vanilla essence together in a small bowl. Pour onto dry ingredients, and mix lightly and quickly until just combined. Stir through optional ingredients if required. Spread into prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 30 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre of the tray comes out clean. Leave in the tin for about 15 minutes, then lift out and peel the foil away. Cut into squares. Dust lightly with icing sugar before serving (optional).

Water Lilly at Rocky Creek Dam

2012-02-10T17:10:00.000-08:00

This Christmas, I was fortunate to be able to take my children to see the area I grew up. We visited a popular picnic spot at Rocky Creek Dam, which is part of the water supply for the city of Lismore. For me this is a place full of chilhood memories as my parents would often take me there as a child. To return there with my brother and our children was something special.

Rocky Creek Dam definitly lived up to my memories and I wonder if any future grandchildren will also get to see this beautiful place!

A beautiful White Water Lilly in the sunshine

Monet, Australian style

Stopping to gaze at the grandeur!

At the base of the spillway

A view over the dam...after quite a climb!

For the wonderful weekend flowers memes, I'm linking up with Tina's Weekend flowers and Flowers on Saturday Stop by and see beautiful flowers from all over the world!

Friday Fences: Closer to Home

2012-02-09T13:39:00.000-08:00

For Friday Fences, I have shared photos of fences from some of my favorite places to visit here in Australia. Today I thought I would stay a little closer to home and show the fences of my own back garden.

If only those fences could talk...they would tell the story of my children growing up, playing in the back garden. learning to run, jump and hide, learning how to build cubby houses and swing on an old tyre. Enjoying summer family BBQ's and learning how to garden from their father.

These fences change with the seasons...and change with time, just like my children.

Part of our fence with the beautiful Clematis in full bloom in the spring

The fish pond (there is also a lovely little Crimson Rosella and a very disinterested cat!)

My little boy, planting up the garden in Autumn with his dad

The first tomatoes ripening this summer

These fences have seen a lot of action

I'm linking up with the wonderful Life According to Jan and Jer for Friday Fences. At his beautiful photography blog, you can find creative photographs of fences from all over the word!!

Thankful for a Great First Day

2012-02-08T12:17:00.000-08:00

For some time I have been very worried abut my little boy’s first day at mainstream preschool. My greatest concern has been that he would be so frustrated with not being able to make himself understood that he would react badly. I was anxious that he would shut down and forget about communicating all together. I was also worried he would get so frustrated it would cause him to melt down into a tantrum. I was worried that a bad start may set the scene for his preschool year. A year that is meant to be full of fun, wonder and adventure.

I am thankful to report, that even in the face of my worries, Buster’s first day at preschool seemed to go astonishingly well!

In the morning he was excited and enthusiastic, ready to go! We put his uniform on and he strutted proudly in front of the mirror! He ‘helped’ pack his lunch box and his bag, just like his big sisters do and was raring to go!

‘’Our first stop in the morning was to take the girls to their school. Buster would point to himself and say, to anyone he could find….

‘…I go preschool….I big…”

Once we got to Buster’s Preschool, I was so thankful to find that his teachers were just lovely! I explained to them his speech difficulties and they were very understanding and supportive. They even offered to make flash cards for him if he needed them.

Buster happily played with puzzles and toys until it was time for us, the parents to leave. I told my little guy he was too little to go to big preschool. I wrapped him up in a great big cuddle and sprinkled him with kisses all over his gorgeous little face! I told him that it would be best if I took him home, to have a nap and

“….cuddle and kiss him all day…..”

But, my dear little boy, screwed up his dear little face and very clearly (and loudly) stated

“…Nooooo! I stay here ….you go now mummeeee!....”

Causing giggles and laughter from the other parents, preschoolers and even the teachers!

I left with out even a tear from Buster….although, I think I had some sand caught in my eye……

Can you imagine how thankful I was when I returned to pick Buster up and the first thing the teacher said was

“….He has just had the best day….”

His teacher went on to say that his speech difficulties didn’t affect his interaction with the teachers and the other children. He was sociable and out-going and happy!!

…..I was so happy I almost cried!

I am so thankful that buster had such a great first day at preschool! I feel that this was a very important hurdle for us to overcome. Today was the culmination of months of preparation (and worry on my behalf) and I am just so happy that it went so well.

….and he just can’t wait to go back tomorrow!

For this Thankful Thursday, I’m linking up Kate Says Stuff. Come and see what things others are thankful for!

Wordless Wednesday: Look for Trains

2012-02-07T11:55:00.000-08:00

I remember reading in the paper once, that scientists had discovered the 'steam-train gene'. The article went on to say the the gene was most prevalent in older men and young boys. I think that the article may have been tongue -in-cheek.....But I'm not sure!

Either way, my little engineer was definitively born with the steam-train gene. This was the day, on our holiday to the NSW North Coast, that he finally got to meet his beloved Thomas (sort of!).

(I just love the expressions in this photo :)

Buster fulfills a life-long dream....sort-of!

I wonder how my little engineer is doing today..... his first day of preschool.

For Wordless Wednesday, I'm linking with My Little Drummer Boys, Sakura Haruka and Tina's Wordless Wednesday

Reward Charts: Making School Work Matter

2012-02-06T05:05:00.000-08:00

When I sat down to decide upon my goals of 2012, one of my major aims was to ensure that I put the highest priority on the children’s schoolwork. Last year, in the crazy chaos of sports training, competition, music, appointments and play dates, schoolwork often got left to the last moment, was done in a rush, or not done at all.

I must admit that I have not always practiced the girls reading and times tables the way that I should.

I was pretty much able to convince myself that the school work didn’t matter because they are still quite young (they were in grades 1 and 2), and they would get enough practice at school.

But school work does matter. I believe that the children’s education is the most important thing in their lives. Not their sport or their social lives. I really want them to understand that even though they excel and enjoy their sports, school work is the most important thing. Even though they are still young, I think it is important to introduce good early study habits.

School resumes this Wednesday for my children so I thought this would be a great time to really make school work matter. To do this I have decided to introduce some structure into the girls routine in the form of a reward chart.

Initially I struggled a little with the concept of a reward chart because I believe that motivation to complete tasks is best coming from an internal source, intrinsic motivation. rather than coming from rewards or bribes. In reality though, we all do work with the expectation of a reward…just instead of stickers, it is a deposit into our bank accounts!

However, a good reward chart does more than just offer an incentive to complete tasks. The reward chart also sets out the expectations I have for the children, so that the kids and I are both clear on exactly what they need to do. It is also a way of giving them a sense of satisfaction for doing their set tasks. In addition, it teaches the children valuable lessons about goal setting.

I also really like the reward chart system because it lets the kids know that I have recognized they have done a good job in completing their tasks. It acts as positive reinforcement for a job well done.

I have found some really great reward charts on the site goalforit. This site enables you to construct your own reward chart with everything from the background, right to the list of tasks. The charts are very visually appealing and the cute picture on the icons make it easy for the kids to understand.

This is an example chart from the goalforit site

Some of the many icons you can choose from

I sat with each of my children at the computer and we designed their individual reward chart. Flash chose the surfer girl, Muscles the pink panda and Buster chose aliens.

We then talked about what tasks, such as homework, packing their school bags, doing their sports training and buster doing his speech therapy, to add to the reward chart and why they were important. I let them have input into the tasks and we came to an easy agreement (heavily guided by me!). I think this process gave them some ownership and responsibility for the reward chart. The process was also a lot of fun!

The goalforit site has the option of completing the chart on line and attaching a points system to each task which earns rewards in term of ‘moolah’. For the charts designed for tweens and teenagers there is also the option to set a SMS message to be sent to the kid’s mobile phone to remind them to complete a task....like clean their room!!....imagine that!

I took the option of printing the reward chart and my children are extremely excited just to have stickers. I have told them for every 50 stickers (about 1 week) they can choose an app or song for their iPods….they are extremely excited!! ($1.99 is a small price to pay…. but they think it is’ huge’ to get a new game :) )

The kids are so enthusiastic about starting their reward charts with the commencement of school on Wednesday. Now that I have set this reward chart process up, I believe it will be much easier to keep the momentum going, so that completion of the daily tasks becomes a habit.

I am linking this post to the Me and YOU making IT matter meme at A Parenting Life. This is a great meme that encourages and supports you to choose one thing every week to really make matter. Click over to A Parenting Life to see the inspirational posts about making things matter. You never know, you may be inspired into making something important really matter to you, and start making some positive changes in your life.

And because it is technically Tuesday (12.02am!), I am linking this post with the crazy vlogger, Jess at Diary of a SAHM for #IBOT . Come over and see what has been blogged about on Tuedsay!

Youth Sport Weekend: Relay Fun (with linky)

2012-02-05T04:05:00.000-08:00

My Children mostly participate in individual sports. Even at the young ages of 8 and 7, my daughters seem to place quite a bit of pressure on themselves to perform well. There is a real focus on individual technique, performance and achieving personal bests.

I truly believe that stepping up to the challenge of individual sport has many benefits for building confidence and character. However, The fun and enjoyment from their individual sports often seems to come from their results: swimming a good time, rather than actually enjoying the process of competing in the sport itself. I wonder if perhaps they are missing out on some of the fun, friendships, camaraderie, and team building that can be obtained from team sports.

Today, the girls swam in the Speedo Sprints Relay Carnival. The atmosphere at the pool was simply amazing and infectious. When the older kids swam their relay events the noise level in the pool was absolutely off the scale! It was hard not to smile and cheer at the fingernail biting closeness of some of the relay’s. The joy on the kids faces was priceless. Listening to our club members cheer for my little girls brought tears to my eyes!

Although swimming is not a team sport, I think relay events are the next best thing. The spirit of camaraderie was there for all to see. The best part of the event was that the kids really seemed to be having fun!

Interestingly, many of the competitors swam personal best times as part of their relay teams. I wonder if taking some of the individual pressure and expectation off, or the added motivation to perform well for your team was responsible.

I think that in youth sport, it is important not to measure success just by winning or doing personal bests. In the relay competition today, the relay teams my girls were in did not receive any medals. However. The day was a resounding success as the girls were able to really have fun, enjoy swimming and enjoy competing with their friends.

The relay carnival was so important today because ultimately I aim to make my children’s youth sports experience fun and fulfilling. In making sport enjoyable and fun, I believe I am giving them every chance to participate in an active lifestyle for life.

I’d just like to add that my oldest daughter, Flash (8) participated in the Speedo Sprints Heats as well. This was a individual competition to select swimmers to represent the ACT at a NSW state swimming competition; The Speedo Sprint Finals, next month at Sydney Olympic park (SOPAC). I am quite excited to say that Flash was selected to be part of the ACT team. She is just so thrilled and proud of the opportunity to represent the ACT and swim at SOPAC. She also can’t wait to get her team uniform! I will let you know how it goes!

If your children have participated in a youth sport this weekend, please consider adding your blog post to the link at the bottom of the page. My aim for ‘Youth Sport Weekend’ is to build a community of supportive parents to encourage and motivate each other to involve their children in a youth sport or active lifestyle.

Special Chicken Soup (Hand Written)

2012-02-04T04:47:00.000-08:00

I first came across this wonderful warming and rejuvenating soup one very, very miserable day.

All 5 members of the sporty family had been struck down with gastro…..all at the same time. I discovered it takes amazing strength of will to look after and clean up after a child, when you just ~~need~~ want to lie down and suffer.

Our kind neighbors knocked on the door and delivered a pot of amazing chicken soup. The soup and the kindness that delivered it was a life saver….It was our “Fresh Horses to Ride” .

My neighbor has since given me the recipe and it has become a staple in our house. Particularly on cold, rainy nights, or when somebody is feeling a little poorly.

In support and solidarity with one simply amazing and inspirational blogger; Edenland (and because I know what it’s like to be swinging in the breeze!). I have decided to join with the Fresh Horse Brigade (or perhaps the Fresh Horse Stampede) and I have hand written the recipe.

Please forgive my many spelling mistakes, I am a simply awful speller. I fail miserably in the style department as I’ve never learnt how to do lovely cursive writing. I was never the sort of girl that dotted my 'i' with a heart. I couldn’t even find nice stationary and had to use a piece of copy paper. I guess I just am what I am….

I hope you enjoy the recipe anyway.....

Funnily enough...most of my recipes are written by me, just like this!

There are many more hand written blog posts here, at the Fresh Horses Brigade.

Flowers in the Rain

2012-02-03T03:57:00.000-08:00

Like many parts of Australia, we have had unrelenting rain for the last 3 days. At this point, the ground seems saturated and the water is just running off the earth in torrents. Regions in North West NSW are being evacuated and are facing major flooding.

These photos were taken this afternoon in our mostly Australian Native Garden

Pandora Climber

Pendulum rain drop

Grevillia

Wax Flower

Leptospermin

Rose from our neighbors garden

Rain drops...the spider web makes this raindrop resemble a cut diamond!

Our driveway

Flowers on Saturday, Weekend Flowers and Macro Flower Saturday and for the first time at
Floral Friday Fotos

Come and have a look at some breathtaking flower photogrphy from all over the world!

Friday Fences: Wattamolla

2012-02-02T14:50:00.000-08:00

Last week's Friday Fences post was all about the fence...This week, it's more what you can see through the fence!

The Royal National Park in Southern Sydney is Australia's oldest National Park and the second oldest in the world (after Yellowstone in the USA). It is hard to believe that there is such a beautiful place right in Australia's biggest city! Wattamolla beach is one of our families favorite places. It is full of history too because GrumpyDaddy's family also visited there many times when he was growing up.

To get to the beach, there is a lovely walk along the edge of the lagoon.

There is the option of swimming in the lagoon, or braving the surf!!

The fence and warning signs are supposed to act as a deterrent to stop people from jumping into the lagoon from the top of the waterfall. If you look at the top right, you will see that these measures were not enough to deter everyone.

We last visited Watamala after my kids first taste at' high patform ocean diving' at Watson's bay. As the bigger kids were jumping into the lagoon, I could see my children watching them; the wheels turning in their little heads, begging the question...".maybe we could".....

........"not a chance!!".....

For Friday Fences I'm linking up to Life According to Jan and Jer for Friday Fences. Come accross and see some beautiful photography from all over the world!

Augmented Communication.......Reluctantly!

2012-02-01T13:32:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was just one of THOSE days. …..

Buster, my 4 year-old son, had a long noisy tantrum in the school supply shop. For some reason, it seems all Canberra schools have opted to have their book packs supplied by one small store, which was packed to overflowing. The cue was snaking out the door…There wasn’t even enough room in the isles for two people top pass each other. …and there was Buster, on the floor, screaming , sobbing, shouting, because He wasn’t getting the same school supplies as the girls (although his book-pack was waiting at the counter).

………Not being one to give up easily, I then went off to the shoe shop for tantrum number 2! It wasn’t just an ordinary shoe shop though, I was buying the girls shoes for upcoming athletics competitions…he tried some plain runners on, but they didn’t have a pair of shoes in the shop that fit buster. He even refused to give back the shop’s socks! The young athletic staff and clientele of the sports footwear establishment, couldn’t get us out of there fast enough!

Because I had promised Buster I would buy him a pair of shoes at a different shoe shop, off we went, But I didn’t buy him shoes. No, I bought him an iPod touch!

This is where we get to the real reason behind my difficult day. You see at speech pathology on Tuesday, Buster attempted to relate the story of his racing debut to his therapist, complete with a determined theatrical re-enactment!......

……….She couldn’t understand a single word and promptly decided that Buster required augmented communication.

She disappeared into her office and brought back a flip book with big exaggerated stick-figure-like pictures for Buster. All I could think of was that little kid in the movie ‘Witness’, mutely pointing to pictures of his mum and dad. I just didn’t want that for my son. I didn’t want him to be that kid with the flip book tired around his neck at preschool, pointing to me.

The speech therapist also recommended an iPad or an iPod touch and a program called Tap-2-talk.

I am intensely worried about augmented communication. I don’t want him to become reliant on it at the expense of his own communication. And I don’t want him signaled out as the different kid on his first day at preschool.

However, I also don’t want buster to get frustrated with his inability to communicate (or the inability of strangers to understand him). I don’t want him spiraling off into a tantrum like he did at the shops out of frustration. I don’t want him to shut down and stop trying, just giving up.

I desperately want him to remain the enthusiastic, charming, funny, loving little boy that his family knows…

After talking to a parent of a child who has autism and a teacher, both recommended purchasing an iPod.

So there I was, reluctantly buying my son an iPod touch. I wasn’t feeling reluctant because I was spending money we don’t really have (an iPad at 3x price is way out of the question).

I wasn’t feeling reluctant because only days previously I firmly believed a 4 year old had no business owning such a piece of technology.

I wasn’t feeling reluctant because he’d spent the morning having tantrums (well, maybe a little reluctant).

I was reluctant because I needed to admit to myself that my son has a big problem that, will not be fixed before he starts preschool next week. I had to admit that Buster required augmented communication.

So today, after accepting the obvious, I am going to focus on the things I am thankful for. I am thankful that buster is receiving therapy and is making slow progress, but progress nonetheless.

I am thankful I was able to buy buster an iPod touch (or alt least the credit card could). I know that many family’s couldn’t. He is already learning to use tap-2-talk with the help of his enthusiastic big sister. I hope the iPod touch will give him confidence and the ability to communicate at preschool if he needs it.

Finally I am thankful for my little man. His bubbly personality, his enthusiasm, his unrelenting desire to be a big kid, his excitement at getting his own iPod touch. His relationship with his sisters and his family, his look to me for approval, the way he says mummeee….I truly wouldn’t swap him for the world!

For Thankful Thursday, I am linking up with the wonderful Kate at Kate says stuff . Come and see what other inspirational bloggers are thankful for!

Wordless Wednesday: More Garden Visitors

2012-01-31T12:52:00.000-08:00

Lat week I posted about our spikey little visitor. Here are some photos of other creatures that have come to visit our garden....some cuter than others!!

To celebrate Wordless Wednesday, I'm linking up with My Little Drummer Boys, Sakura Haruka, Tina's pic story and Tots and Me

Happy Wordless Wednesday!

Speech Therapist in Training!

2012-01-30T13:47:00.000-08:00

By the title of this post, you may think that I am referring to myself as the speech therapist in training. I am, however, not referring to myself, but to my 8 year old daughter Flash.

You can see her here, helping her little brother, Buster (4) who has childhood apraxia of speech or dispraxia. This is a speech delay that I have described here.

There is actually some irony in what you can see in thist video. You see, Flash was also diagnosed with apraxia/dispraxia, when she was 3 years old (see here and here). After early intervention and exhaustive practice at home, she is now able to speak quite well, even though I was warned that she may never speak clearly.

It is my daughter, that gives me the best hope that Buster will too, win this battle against apraxia.

Flash is in a unique position as she seems to remember how it felt to have dispraxia. She is able to really understand and empathize with the difficulties Buster is having with is speech. She also seems to get the best out of him and at the moment, Buster prefers to do his practice with his big sister.

I can’t help but get a little emotional when I watch Flash and Buster practicing their speech. The level of caring and patience Flash demonstrates for her little brother is enough to melt any mother’s heart…….

……. I am just so proud of them both…….

The device you see them using in the video is a 'smart chute’ from Smart kids. It’s purpose is to help kids develop literacy and numeracy, but I thought that it could be adapted to help Buster with his sounds and putting them together to make words.

He, like many other preschoolers just loves the concept of ‘posting’ the card. That action of posting, seems to be reward enough for having attempted to say the correct sound. You can see how much he enjoys using it in the video.

One of my major goals for this year is to ensure that I practice busters speech so that he can beat this apraxia curse….. so he can find, and share his beautiful voice with the world. I have been coming up with ways to keep his speech practice fun and exciting.

I was motivated to set out my goals in 2012 by my participation in the me and you link-up at The Mother Experiment. The reins have now been handed over to A Parenting Life.

The me and you, making it matter meme is a terrific way to start the process of figuring out your goals and receive support and encouragement from the wonderful community there.

You can find the 'me and YOU, making IT matter meme here:

I am also linking up with Jess, at Diary of a SAHM for #IBOT. Pop over to her inspirational blog to see what others have posted today!

A Sporty Weekend!

2012-01-29T14:24:00.000-08:00

This weekend I have traveled to two youth sports carnivals. As I sit here typing I am exhausted! ….I am a little dehydrated, I have sore muscles and I’m a little bit sun burnt….Red hair is not the best asset to have during outdoor, summer sports carnivals, I can tell you! I am dog-tired…even though I didn’t actually compete……..

Well, actually I did ~~sprint~~ run between the girls events with camera and water bottles in hand and 4 year old on hip, so that I didn’t miss any medal presentations, water breaks or personal bests.

...and it was so worth it!!....

The highlight of the Little Athletics carnival on Sunday, was the toddler race! Buster (4), for the first time ever..... lined up at the starting line for his 30 seconds of glory. He fell over, just as he was getting started, but he picked himself on up and kept running….no tears!! My favorite part however, was the way he looked at me as he ran past…..’sniff’….my boy!

The girls had a great day at the carnival too. Flash (8), ran a gutsy 800m race to come 3^rd in the under 10 age group. She was so proud of herself!! even if she was a little dwarfed on the medal podium.

It may not have been a gold, but she was so proud of her self for racing in the 10 year 800m and finishing 3rd!!

Flash also won three gold medals and 1 silver in her other events (100m, hurdles, 400m and long-jump) in her age group. I was delighted that Flash’s little friend from our athletics club won a gold medal in the long-jump. She was trying so hard and I was just as happy for her as I was for my own children!

My younger daughter Muscles (7) also had a terrific day winning three gold medals in tightly contested races! The hurdles, 100m and 200m.

On Saturday, Flash had a Swimming carnival, her first in an outdoor poor (yes, I think we are a bit spoilt in Canberra!). Flash had an awesome carnival finishing with 2 freestyle PBs and 1^st places in the 100m and 50m. She won 1^st place in 50m butterfly….just , in an extremely tight race….I can say that she just might be a tad competitive ;). Flash also got a 2^nd for 50m breaststroke and a 3^rd for 50m backstroke.

We had a really wonderful week-end full of sport and fun! Now, if you’ll excuse me kids, you’ll have to look after yourself for a little while…..I really need to go and have a lie down……………..

Oh, I'm linking up today with the Wonderful Sonia, at life, love and hiccups for Wonderful Weekends! Come and see what others got up to this Wonderful Weekend!

Youth Sport Weekend: Involved Parents

2012-01-28T03:44:00.000-08:00

One of my goals for 2012 is to develop a Youth Sports community on my blog to support, encourage and motivate parents and children to adopt an active lifestyle. To help build this community, add your youth sports or active lifestyle post at the linky at the bottom of this post.

Today I’d like to talk about parent involvement in Youth Sports. I have written about being a committee mum (or not) here. Parental involvement doesn’t have to stop behind the scenes. Many sports rely heavily on the help of parents directly on the field.

I’m the first to admit that it can be hard to give over your precious relaxation time to volunteering at a sporting event. However, I have found that there are many, many benefits to being actively involved in youth sport.

For an example, I’ll tell you about GrumpyDaddy. Now playing and interacting with children doesn’t seem to come easily to GrumpyDaddy. He likes to spend time in the garden or looking after his fish. But come Saturday Morning , he is on the athletics field and is responsible for over a dozen giggling 7 year-old girls. He is patient and understanding and all the children look up to him. My little girl is so proud to be his daughter and I’m sure her confidence and self-worth is boosted by having her dad there in charge.

These are some of benefits that can be gained by parents participating in youth sport:

By helping with the sport or activity, the parent is sending a message that the child’s activities are worth investing time in, and that the child is important to the parent. I’m sure this leads to increased confidence and self-belief in the child.

You get the opportunity to meet and form friendships with other parents you wouldn’t normally see.

Parent help is an absolute requirement, without help many sporting events simply could not take place.

Kids learn an awful lot by example, so if you are there to model fairness and good sportsmanship, they will follow your lead.

There is a unique opportunity to get to know other kids and play a small role in their lives by helping them to achieve at sport. I have written about this further here.

Kids feel really proud that you are there, even if you are wearing a silly fluorescent vest! I have seen my daughter point to me with a big fat smile on her lttle face saying to her friends….

“…that’s MY mum!!…”

Parents get a unique opportunity to lean about their child on the sporting field. Weather it is watching their grin as they achieve, watching their joy as they socialize with their friends, or watching their determination to do their best. Even if that means running last.

Lastly, parents get to take their camera and take lots of really awesome action shots of the kids doing sports…….or is that just me?? J

So to demonstrate said action shots, here are some photos I took of my daughter Flash (8) competing in the high jump at little athletics

Seriously consider being actively involved in your child's sporting activity, the benefits for your child and you could be amazing!!

If you have a Youth Sports or active lifestyle post to share, please add it to the linky below. Together we can build a terrific community!

Australia Natives in GrumpyDaddy's Garden

2012-01-27T03:46:00.000-08:00

GrumpyDaddy has a green thumb and one of his passions is growing native Australian pants in our garden. He collects seeds and seed pods from the places he visits when travelling for work or when we go on bush walks with the kids.

By spending his relaxation time pottering about in the garden he knows the details and history of every plant intimately. He even gladly suffers the indignity of having purple stained fingers from hand-squishing all the little bugs that have the courage to feast off his beloved plants.

From his labors, we are all rewarded with these beautiful and unique flowers, which I just love to photograph!

Grafted Eucalyptus Flower

Waratah

Banksia

Bottle Brush (or pussy cat tails, as my Dad called them)

Paper Daisy

Swan River Daisy

Illyarrie (red cap) gum

Kangaroo paw

For the weekend flowers memes I'm sharing with Flowers on Saturday, Weekend Flowers and Macro Flower Saturday

Come and have a look at some breathtaking flower photogrphy from all over the world!

Friday Fences: Old or New??

2012-01-26T15:00:00.000-08:00

Since starting blogging. something very strange has come over me....... Once I would happily go about my day without really a thought for fences. Now, fences suddenly catch my attention, and absorb me as I find myself wondering at their linear beauty, charm, detail, and purpose.

This is entirely to do with the Friday Fences meme I have been participating in on the beautiful photography blog Life According to Jan and Jer. There is a wonderful and friendly community there who capture and share interesting and creative photographs from all over the world...of, or though a fence.

Life According to Jen and Jer

To demonstrate my new found affliction, this Australia Day, we took the kids out to a little cafe for an ice-cream treat. From the parking lot of the cafe, I could see this very interesting fence (you can see the fence as I did if you look closely at the first photograph), and couldn't help but go and inspect it!

I love how old and rustic it looks and how it is made in the traditional style of fitting the tapered end of the railings into the holes of the fence posts. I liked the rough texture of the wood and the way the railings are not straight but follow the curves of the original tree...... What has happened to me !!!! :)

The fence is located in an historic part of Canberra known as Gold Creek or Ginninderra Village, close to the site of the original homesteads that pre-dated Canberra. Strangely, the building the fence is protecting seems relatively modern, yet they have been abandoned.

The buildings and the grounds have fallen into disrepair, overgrown with grass weeds and rubbish. I am not sure if the fences were built at the same time as the buildings or if the fences remained there from the original homestead....What do you think?

Either way, my children thought it was a bit odd to be taking photographs of them!

Come and see some beautiful fence photography at life according to Jen and Jer! You too may discover and appreciate the beauty of something once taken for granted and largely ignored.... fences.

Australia Day

2012-01-25T14:26:00.000-08:00

So, today it is

Australia

day and I am extremely thankful to be living in a country of such beauty and diversity; Not just it’s landscape but in it’s people as well.

image source

I think that Australians are fiercely proud of this wonderful country. Traditionally though, it has been a deep seated pride, found running under the surface, filling hearts and minds with the belief, motivation and courage to accomplish great things in many fields such as wartime, sporting, medical, and scientific, just to name a few. It has never really been the ‘shout it from the rooftops and emblazon every surface with the flag’ kind of pride........

I have traveled to the USA on several occasions, once a mere 2-weeks post the 9/11 terrorist attacks. On each visit I was stunned and touched by the level of pride and patriotism shown in that country. The American flag, proudly flying from flagpoles and rooftops seemed to bring the people together, giving them a common purpose, sense of belonging, community and safety.

I was also in the Sydney suburb of Cronulla, In January 2006, just after the ‘race riots’ of December 2005. Walking around the streets in the predominantly white Angelo Saxon suburb, our family was greeted with the site of an Australian flag hanging from almost every balcony, window or veranda. Many cars drove the streets with their flags cracking in the breeze, often honking and hollering! This should have made me feel proud. However it actually made me feel a little uneasy….The flags, and the prevailing feelings and attitude at the time seemed to represent more than nationalism, pride and patriotism. They seemed to represent something defensive, like an animal making its territory, or a call to arms.

Of course I think that Australian themed decorations for

Australia

day parties and children is a fabulous and fun way to celebrate

Australia

day. But, now, when I see cars driving around with those flags…again cracking in the breeze. I can’t help wondering what their motives are. If it is for patriotism, fun and celebration, then great!.....but is there something more?

Interestingly, I read a recent article which suggested a higher percentage of drivers of cars that displayed the Australian flag, support the white

Australia

policy (as opposed to the percentage of drivers with no flags on their cars, that supported the White Australia policy). I wouldn't go as far as concluding that this research means that drivers of cars displaying flags are racist, but it is interesting nonetheless.

Growing up in Country NSW, I have heard family members and their friends vocally ‘discussing’ such issues as the white Australia policy, immigration, refugees and boat people. I decline to participate in these discussions as some of the extreme viewpoints only end up making me feel sad and discouraged. The protagonists know that I agree to disagree.

However, to feel positive and hopeful about the future of this great country, I only need to look at my children. I believe that they have been brought up in a family and school community mostly free of racial stereotypes. My daughters can sing the Australian National Anthem in an Aboriginal language, they are learning to speak conversational Indonesian, They have learnt about festivals, celebrations and traditions from other cultures including there own. All theses things have taught them the value and importance of cultures that are not there own.

.My children do not seem to categories people based on the color of their skin. In fact, they were curious about a conversation that was occurring over dinner about the refugee boat sinking in rough seas at Christmas island causing much loss of life. When I explained to them the story, they showed compassion and sadness rather than fear and hostility.

My children also love the Australian flag and they love to fly it for Australia day!

I know it is not just my children that have been bought up to think like this….this is why I celebrate

Australia

day, with the Australian flag.

My motive for celebrating with the Australian flag is for the flag tosymbolizes hope. Hope for the acceptance of diversity. Hope for compassion, empathy and hope for the future.

For me, my feelings about Australia day are described beautifully in the song by the members of the Australian band the Seekers, that many, many children have learnt at school.

We are one, but we are many

And from all the lands on earth we come

We share a dream and speak with one voice

I am,

You are,

We are,

Australian.

I'm thankful to be living in such a beautiful and diverse country and I'm linking up with Kate from Kate Says Stuff. Pop on over and see what others are thankful for this Australia day!

Happy

Australia

Day!

Wordless Wednesday: Our Special Visitor

2012-01-24T14:34:00.000-08:00

In honor of Australia Day tomorrow, I'd like to introduce you to our special little visitor....

My Children were surprised, delighted and instantly fell in love with this spikey little traveler......our echidna! If you look closely at the last shot, you can see the brave black ants he missed for lunch, crawling on his head! We were lucky enough to have this beautiful Native Australian marsupial appear in our garden, twice... before he was never seen again....

The kids (and grown-ups) still keep an eye on this spot though....Just in case.....

To Celebrate Wordless Wednesday, I'm linking up with My little Drummer Boys, Sakura Haruka, Tina's pic story and Tots and Me. You can visit these sites for beautiful photos!

Apraxia: Making Speech Therapy Fun

2012-01-23T17:05:00.000-08:00

My 4 year old son Buster has childhood apraxia of speech or ‘Dispraxia. Oral apraxia is a speech delay where there seems to be a difficulty in getting the correct signal from the brain to the mouth. I’ve written about our family history with apraxia here.

Buster has seen a speech therapist 3 times now and we have finally got past the diagnosis stage to the speech therapy stage. This is the beginning of a very long road......

Buster's speech therapist has been trying to teach him to say the ‘p’, ‘b’ and ‘m’ sounds. These sounds are made at he front of the mouth and require him to move his lips…something he doesn’t seem to be able to do very well or with accuracy. He makes most of his sounds with the back of his mouth (if you say the sounds ‘c’ and ‘g’ you will see what I mean).

It’s amazing how complex speech really is when you break it down to it’s component parts. Most of us, including me, just take it for granted and picked the sounds up when we were babies. However, Buster has to be taught each individual sound. It’s a little like learning to read, I didn’t realize how complicated it was until I tried to teach someone to do it!

Buster only has a speech therapy session once every 2 weeks, so it is vital that we practice his speech at home. He was given this book to complete by the speech therapist.

You can just imagine how utterly boring this is to an active and exuberant 4 year old!!

He soon refused point-black to have anything to do with repeating the same sound (that is difficult for him to say) 12 times over, be constantly corrected and reminded that he can’t say it, only to be rewarded with a tick!

I thought that maybe if I try and make his speech practice more exciting, he will cooperate and practice his sounds. So, to make speech therapy fun for Buster I made him a wall chart with some of the materials from the girls craft box (hence, the pink ribbon…) (you can see that I’m definitely not a craft blogger!!).

I laminated some cards that show him the correct sounds to make for visual cues. I also laminated some Ben10 pictures I found on a google image search to be used as a reward. I attached Velcro spots to the cards and Ben10 pictures.

I find the chart to be much more tactile and stimulating than the black & white photocopied pages of the book. So-far he really seems to enjoy using the chart. He gets to place the cards on the chart when he says the sounds correctly (or at least gives it a really good try). He really enjoys choosing a Ben10 sticker to put on his chart as a reward. He even spent some time today carrying his chart around with him and practicing his sounds on his own

I am determined to do whatever I can to help my little man communicate with the world. He really does have a sweet little personality that I really want the world to see. I don’t want the world to judge, label and categorize his personality and intelligence by the way his speech sounds.

Buster starts preschool this year……I am very, very worried for him and I am a little reluctant to let him go…I’ll keep you posted.....

I listed Busters speech practice as one of my goals for 2012 in this post for me and you with the Mother Experiment. I'm linking up with her me and you link to share the progress of my goals.

I am also linking up for the first time with a lovely blog I discovered, Austism Wonderland who is developing a wonderful community where everyday wonderful moments are celebrated with her 'the little things are a big deal link-up

and because it's Tuesday. I'm linking up with the lovely Jess from Diary of a SAHM for #IBOT

Where Sport Imitates Art....Almost!

2012-01-22T13:56:00.000-08:00

The two days of this weekend were spent at the NSW Country Regional Swimming Meet at the Australian Institute of Sport.

On several occasions there was quite a lengthy wait between events. So, while GrumpyDaddy took on the time keeping duties, I was in charge of entertaining the three troubles; Buster (4), Muscles (7) and Flash (8).

As you can imagine, Buster does not enjoy sitting in the stands watching swimming races for hours at a time. So to keep the kids entertained, and myself sane, we explored the AIS. The kids were facinated by the various statues and sculptures in the AIS grounds. We had a lot of fun messing aroung and taking silly photos :)

Interestingly, when we arrived at the pool on Sunday morning, the beautiful swimmer statue was wearing a swimming cap, belonging to one of the participating swim clubs....I wonder how she got that??

We also purchased some souvenirs from the AIS gift shop for mum's taxi..... Now I'm really feeling like a soccer mom!

Today I'm linking up with Sonia at Life Love & Hiccups for wonderful weekends and at Sunny + Scout for Point + Shoot. Come and have a look at what everyone has been up to this wonderful weekend!

Youth Sports Weekend: Swimming NSW Country Regionals

2012-01-21T05:21:00.000-08:00

This is my second 'Youth Sports Weekend' link-up where I am sharing with you a youth sporting story. Last week, Stats Dad from the USA linked up a fantastic, humorous post about the trials and sacrifices parents make as they become Youth Sports Parents.

If your family has participated in a Youth Sport or physical activity, please add your link to the bottom so you can share your sporting stories too! It is my hope to build a community that will support , encourage and motive families to participate in youth sports and an active lifestyle.

Today was my 8 year old daughter, Flash’s first big swimming carnival; the NSW Country Regional Meet held at the Australian Institute of Sport.

There were over 30 swimming clubs from southern regional NSW competing at this carnival. It was a very, very big day!

I decided to enter Flash in the carnival principally to gain experience swimming at a big swim meet. The age groups for the races started at 9 years and under. So Flash, who is only 8 would need to compete against the 9 year old girls as well. We have also just returned from holidays, and Flash has not done any formal swim training in about a month. I was worried she may be a bit rusty. So, I had told her many times not to worry about the competition, but just to concentrated on swimming well and achieving good times, no matter what her overall place was……which would be fine if she actually ever listened to her mum J.

Her first race was the 50m butterfly and despite everything I had told her, she was very, very, very nervous. She seems to be especially nervous in the marshaling area.

It must be so hard for an 8 year old to stand up on those diving blocks in front of all those people……

Weather it was lack of training, intimidation and nerves from the he size of the meet, or the competitors, Flash swam 5 seconds slower than her previous best time and she ended up placing 8^thin the 9 years age group. I told her I was very proud of her and that she had done really well at her first big swimming meet. Although I tried to reinforce that there were no expectations on her, I think she put a lot of pressure on her self. I think this pressure also contributed to her nervousness.

I have to say however, that she didn’t appear to be upset with the outcome of the race…but I did notice a steely resolve and renewed determination for her next race.

For her second event, the 100m freestyle, Flash seemed to have relaxed a little and was not as nervous. ….and she was amazing!!. She swam a great race, very close to a personal best and ended up placing 2^nd in the under 9’s over all.

Flash is second from the bottom in the gold cap.

Despite the earlier nerves and anxiety, Flash was extremely happy and proud of her silver medallion. I know this photo is a bit cheesy, but I just has to show it because its really shows how happy she was!

Today, flash needed to find a part of her self, deep inside that was strong. Strong enough to race her very best against older kids, with hundreds of spectators watching on.

I hope that in the future, in circumstances where she may be in need, she will be able to draw on this same strength and belief in her self. This is one of my favorite benefits of Youth Sport…the development of character.

I am so proud her for her effort today. Not just her effort in swimming, but of her strength of character to participate at her first major swimming carnival.

If you have a Youth Sports story, photographs, or a physical activity your family has enjoyed. Please add your post to the link. Together we can form a community that will support, encourage and motivate other families in the pursuit of a healthy, physically active lifestyle.

Little Native Alpine Wildflowers

2012-01-20T05:26:00.000-08:00

In my last post, I shared some scenic photographs from our trip to the Tidbinbilla Ranges. My family, especially my oldest daughter (8), took great delight in exploring the bush and discovering beautiful little hidden treasures....summer flowering, native alpine wild flowers.

It was lovely to watch her enthusiasm and delight as she made her discoveries....

This delicate little flower is the Royal Blue Bell, the floral emblem for the Australian Capital Territory.

The girls had a good giggle whenGrumpyDaddy (also a Scientist) told them that this trigger flower smacks the bees on the bottom!

We found these little pink wax flowers tucked away.

This daisy-like flower surrounded us as we ate our picnic

The bees and ants were making the most out of the little tea tree flowers.

We were a little disappointed to discover that these little rock roses are actually native to the UK. But I've added them to the collection anyway.

I'm linking my flowers up with Flowers On Saturday, Weekend Flowers and macro-flower Saturday
Come and have a look at the stunning flower photography from all over the world!

Friday Fences: The Bush Capital

2012-01-19T15:00:00.000-08:00

Whilst we were on holiday, we took the kids to see the mountains and rain forests of the Far North Coast of NSW. Now that we are back home in Canberra, we took them for a day trip to the Tidbinbilla/Brindabella ranges.

These mountains were ravaged by a ~~bush fire~~ fire storm 9 years ago (to the day, coincidently) and the scares on the landscape are still very obvious.

Up in the mountains there is a beautiful little waterfall called Gibraltar falls. In the rushing water, I just caught a glimpse of a rainbow.....

There is an absolutely amazing contrast between the lush rainforests and the dry Australian bush of the National Capital, Canberra. Canberra was a planned city and sometimes I wish they had planned it to be near the beach…or not so cold…. and sometimes not so hot!

But in it’s own way, the country side around Canberra has it’s own beauty and charm. The sky seems to be painted with a lighter blue and the scenery is in shades of yellow, brown and dark green. It reminds me of Australian folklore, of bushrangers and brumbies.

I guess that’s why it’s known as the Bush Capital

It's Friday Fences day so I'm linking up with Life According to Jan and Jer, where you'll find lots of wonderful and creative photos...through a fence!

Sometimes, Life Just Isn’t Fair

2012-01-19T04:27:00.000-08:00

There is this beautiful little girl in my daughter's class at school. This little girl loves ballet, is always twirling and dancing. She is friendly, smiley and incredibly artistic. Like my little girl, she still believes in fairies and treasure buried under the end of the rainbow.

You might be thinking that there is nothing remarkable here. But, this little girl is also one of the strongest and courageous people I have ever met. She has been fighting a raging battle with a rare form of cancer; neuroblastoma, for 6 years.

This little fighter has undergone months and months of toxic chemotherapy. It has robbed her of her beautiful blond hair, and forced her to rely on crutches….

…but she still dances.

Once, my little girl had a few days away from school after having gastroenteritis. Upon her return to school, I listened as my daughter told this little girl how sick she had been with gastro. I thought then, that my daughter just has no absolutely no concept of the amount of pain that this little girl has had to endure.

She should not have had to endure so much pain if life was fair.

Today, the day after her 8^th birthday, scans have revealed that the cancer has returned

And no…it’s just not fair.

My heart just breaks for her and her family.

Her Mum….

Her Dad…..

Words are not powerful enough to even get close to the emotion they must be feeling tonight.

Even for me, just a fellow school mum, after hearing the news tonight I just can’t seem to clear my head or my eyes from the tear that is there every time I look at my own children. I just can’t comprehend how it would feel to know that my child’s life was in danger. To know that there was a real possibility that I may loose them……

Tonight, after my children were asleep, I crept back to their bedrooms to watch them sleep…..hear them breath…to kiss them on their warm little cheeks. But I didn’t want to stop there. I just wanted to scoop them up in my arms, hold them and never let them go….

….Sometimes it’s easy to take them for granted……but not tonight.

http://www.olivialambertfoundation.org.au/olivias-story.aspx

Thankful for my Friend

2012-01-18T13:56:00.000-08:00

Sometimes in your life, if you are really lucky, you meet an amazing person.

This is the person who has the remarkable ability to see the good in everybody.

You can sit and chat to this person and the hours just seem to fly by and you feel as happy as you have ever been.

Someone with the most beautiful sense of style and artistic talent for baking and decorating the worlds most amazing cakes.

This amazing person is the one who brings you chicken soup when you have pneumonia.

She will pick your kids up from school when you are too sick to drive, or taking care of one of your children too sick to go in the car....or you just can't find the stupid keys!

This amazing person will support you through one of the most difficult, stressful and emotional times of your families life. She will take time off work to have lunch and wait by the phone with you. She will even come over and cook an amazing dinner for your entire extended family to make sure that everyone at least has a descent meal

This is the person who will listen to you without judgment, offering only compassion empathy and support.

This is the person who sees your children in the same ~~rose colored~~ light that you do.

This person will pretend to turn a blind eye to the disaster area that can sometimes be your house and even help you vacuum!

This is the ONLY person you would ever sing an ABBA duet with on sing-star.

This person will stand on my side.

This is the person who will send supportive text messages in response to slightly unbalanced tweets.

This is the person who only encourages you when you come up with a bizarre, cockamamie plan to start blogging, and even helps you to set up your blog......

Sometimes, in your life, if you are really lucky, this person becomes your friend......

Once, I messed it up, no, actually... almost completely destroyed our friendship. You see, instead of being understanding and compassionate, I was judgmental and made assumptions without knowing all the details and facts and reasons. I was selfish and didn't think of anyone else's needs except my own. I was too pre-occupied with my own feelings to notice that she was hurting too.

But I remember that feeling , that feeling of having a cold empty hole where my heart used to be...

My friend reached through that darkness, reached out to me.

We managed to talk through what had happened, apologize and move on.....Stronger.

It certainly takes somebody exceptionally special to do that……

...someone I am thankful to call my friend..

I am so proud of my freind. Here is a sample of some of her amazing amazing cakes for you to enjoy....

You can find more of these fabulous cakes at Luna Cakes

I’m linking up this post with Kate at Kate Says Stuff for Thankful Thursday.

Come over and see what other’s are thankful for too.

Wordless Wednesday: An Evening at the Beach

2012-01-17T13:34:00.000-08:00

Occasionally, just occasionally, it happens...a perfect day.

In the evening after after Boogie Boarding we had a quiet, relaxing family walk on the most beautiful beach.....A picnic of fish & chips tastes so much better with the smell of salt in the air and the oysters...O' my goodness, the oysters.....they were the taste of the ocean itself!

On my favourite blogging day, I'm linking up with My Little Drummer Boys, Sakura Haruka, Tina's pic story and Tots and me

Happy Wordless Wednedsay

My Goals for 2012

2012-01-16T13:37:00.000-08:00

I have previously written that one of my goals for this new year is to spend more quality time with the children in my life. Today, I thought that I would outline some more of my specific goals for 2012.

Bloggy goals

I have really enjoyed Blogging. Much more that I though I would! My goal is to continue my SportyMummy Blog with these four points in mind.

1. My Blog is my way of recording my family’s adventures and development, in words and in photographs.

2. Through my blog, I will aim to share and connect with other like-minded people .

3. To inspire and support my readers through my experiences and challenges.

4. To build a supportive and motivational community for parents involved in youth sports and an active lifestyle. To develop this communtiy I'm attempting to develop the ‘Youth Sport Weekend’ blog link-up. I understand this will take some time, but I intend to keep posting!

Personal Goals

I have also determined a set of specific goals that I would like to aim for this year:

One of my goals is to endeavor to support my children in their sport for as long as they still want to keep going. Both the girls have reached the stage where their sport is getting quite serious. My older daughter (8) will be progressing to 4 afternoons per week swimming and competing in NSW state level competitions. My younger daughter (7) will be training at least 6 hrs a week for gymnastics. The girls also have athletics on their schedule as well as school representative sport in swimming, cross country and athletics. Keeping their sporting commitments is a very big logistical deal! Transporting them to training and competition, feeding them, entering them in appropriate competitions on time and paying for the training requires extreme levels of commitment and organization.

Another goal for this year is to make the children’s school-work a priority. Often in the rush of after school training, I admit that I have sometimes given the girls homework, readers, spelling words and times tables a miss. This year my aim is to make sure that I prioritise the school work, even if it means missing a sports session. I want my children to understand that their school work is the most important thing in their lives. My oldest daughter will also be taking piano lessons this year. I will be aiming to ensure she carries out her piano practice as well.

My Son Buster (4), who is struggling with a speech condition called Apraxia, will also require considerable time and attention as I go through the speech therapy sessions and homework with him. My goal is for him to reach his potential and I am determined to do whatever I can to ensure that he does. For this to happen, we need to conscientiously and diligently practice his speech. I am 100% committed to this.

For 2012 I have a goal of making sure that I organize play dates for my children. So-far I have not had the best track-record with some of the school parents. However, I want to make sure that the children get a chance to play and develop friendships and social skills with their peers, away from the structure of school. I am hoping that by doing this they will not inherit their mother's social awkwardness! I am intending to force myself out of my comfort zone and make sure that I organize social opportunities for the children.

I also still have the goal of strengthening the relationships with the children in my life. In order to do this I intend to make a real effort to listen, interact, play and spend real quality time with my children. I also aim to positively interact with the other children in my life as well.

Over the past 8 years of being out of the paid work force I have unequivocally determined that there is no such thing as a ‘money tree’. As the children grow, the cost of their sports training, therapies, private schooling and cost of living seems to be skyrocketing out of control. It has sadly come to the point where I am financially unable to be out of the paid work force. Buster will be starting preschool this year for 2 days each week. It is my intention to use these days to source and apply for paid work. The goal being to be in paid employment by 2013. Apart from the money, a part of me has been missing the intellectual and social stimulation of working. However, I have really enjoyed and been thoroughly grateful for the opportunity of staying home with my children whilst they were young. I still want to be available for the children when they finish school and I would still like to be able to take them to their sports training. Therefore I hope to find that magic, flexible job, within school hours….I know that is a hard ask, akin to finding a needle in a haystack….so cross your fingers for me!

So, there you have it, they’re out there….my goals for 2012.

Today I am linking up with the wonderful me and you linkup hosted by the Mother Experiment. As a former scientist herself, I know she will forgive my slip into a more scientific and factual writing style ;)

....And, because today is tuesday; I'm linking up with the super stylish Jess at Diary of a SAHM for I blog on Tuesday (#IBOT). Come along and read some of the other fantastic tuesday blog posts!

Wonderful Weekends: Gardening with the Kids

2012-01-15T17:26:00.000-08:00

This weekend was the ‘little Sporty Family’s’ first one back in Canberra after our lovely holiday on the Far North Coast of NSW. It usually takes me a little time to readjust to being back in Canberra…Cooking my own meals, doing housework, paying bills and being away from my family……the morning temperature of 1.6 degrees Celsius didn’t do much to help my holiday-sickness!!

On Saturday we were up bright and early, back into the swing of things, for an athletics carnival. As we were rushing out the door GrumpyDaddy asked "…should we take jumpers?..” “...Don’t be silly...”, I said, “....It’s Summer....”…….and how wrong I was!! We shivered our way through the first part of the carnival, wishing for a jumper, or a blanket, or thermal underwear!!

The sun appeared around mid-morning and we all returned from the carnival exhausted, satisfied and, perhaps ironically…..a little sun burnt L Sometimes red-hair can be a curse!

Here is one of my favorite photos from the day, My daughter enjoying a much deserved sunnyboy at the end of the carnival.

There are more photos of the athletics carnival here

On Sunday, we all spent some time tidying up the garden. Even in Canberra, the grass and weeds reached epic proportions while we were away. The kids were really enthusiastic and excited to get involved. But there was no hard labor for them. Oh, no…. they just wanted to do the pretty stuff! In fact, they emptied out their piggy banks and demanded that we take them to the garden shop to buy some flowers. They were so sincere, cute and keen, that we just couldn’t refuse!

Here is the result of ‘their’ labors…Not quite the Native Australian garden that GrumpyDaddy once envisaged....

I’m linking this post with Sonia at life love and hiccups for Wonderful Weekends. Pop over and see what other 's got upto on their weekends! I'm also linking up with Sunny + Scout, for Point + shoot...come and take a peek!

Introducing YOUTH SPORT WEEKEND (with linky)

2012-01-14T14:21:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my new initiative! A blog meme to celebrate Youth Sports!

There are countless benefits to an active lifestyle for children. Even from a very early age, before organized sport becomes an option, physical activity can be invaluable for a Childs development. And not just their physical development, but physical activity has benefits for a child’s social, and emotional well-being. I have written a little about this here and here.

I honestly believe that participation in physical activity, an active lifestyle and in organized sports has had enormous benefits for my children and my family.

A major goal for my blog this year is to develop a supportive, motivational and encouraging community for parents involved with youth sports and an active lifestyle. Because of the reach of the internet, this community has the potential to become world wide!

It is my hope that such a community would act to encourage each other in the participation of an active lifestyle and youth sports. Youth sports can be a very time consuming ,exhausting, and a lot of hard work for children and parents…I know! But the benefits for the children and families can be huge! At he very least, participation can teach children to, and give children the habit of, being involved in an active life-style for life!

In addition to encouraging each other, I also hope that a youth sports community could motivate and inspire other families to take up a youth sport or add some extra physical activity into their lifestyle

One of the things I have enjoyed since starting my blogging journey is participating in blog link-ups. So, I thought that a really great way to develop a community of youth sports parents would be to host a blog link-up.

You will find the linky at the end of this post, (I hope J ..please let me know if there are any problems). I will aim to put up the linky weekly, on each Sunday. Please think about linking up with this post to share some photos, or a story about some physical activity you’re children or your family have participated in this week-end or it's fine to link an older post too! It could be a synopsis of an organized youth sporting event, match or game. Alternatively, a post could be about any part of an active family lifestyle such as taking the kids to the playground, the pool, going for a bush walk, or the beach, or kicking the footy around in the back garden!

Even for kids too young to participate in organized sports, an active lifestyle is equally important. Teaching skills such as catching balloons, balls and bubbles, jumping on a trampoline, or even crawling after the cat. Photos or descriptions of these types of activities could serve to give other parents ideas about to how to incorporate physical activity into their lifestyles.

One other aspect I’d just like to touch on lightly is that of the ‘tall poppies’. This has been a problem for me and my children since we have become involved in youth sports. I also know from other parents I have ‘met’ online that this has been an issue for them as well. Wouldn’t it be great to have a community that is supportive and encouraging of youth sporting achievement, rather than disinterested, jealous or even mean.

To create a supportive community, I’d like to invite you to link-up your youth sports or active lifestyle posts. I would also ask you to look at the posts from any other participants in the link-up and add an encouraging comment. I understand this may take some time to develop, but please consider linking up a post as together we could build an exciting, and inspirational world-wide community. If we can inspire more families to be involved in an active life-style than ultimately, the families and children will reap the benefits.

As I’ve used enough words already, For my inaugural Youth Sports Weekend post, I thought I would share some photos I took today of my girls at a local Little Athletics Carnival. Both my girls Flash (8) and Muscles (7) had a fantastic time…… They did well in their events and even broke a couple of the meet records. However, one of the best parts of their day was finishing up by sucking on the quintessential Aussie ‘Sunnyboy’ (ice-lolly in a triangular package)….does anyone remember those??

Flowers on Saturday: The North Coast

2012-01-14T04:50:00.000-08:00

There is a dramatic difference in climate between my home city Canberra, and the Far North coast of NSW, the region I grew up in.

In Canberra, summer can (usually) be hot and dry, the grass turns brown…as far as the eye can see. The air, and everything else just seems to have the water completely dried out from it.

In Northern NSW the climate is semi-tropical, green and lush. Sometimes the humidity feels like a weight, making the air thick and steamy.

Here are some photographs of flowers I came across on my holiday in Northern NSW. Though common in Northern NSW, you just don’t get flowers like these in Canberra!

Since it’s Saturday, I thought I would join with two lovely new memes I’ve discovered through the greatest of these is love…… Flowers On Saturday and Weekend Flowers.

Things I know: Goodbye Holidays!

2012-01-12T16:37:00.000-08:00

I know that The Border Ranges is one of my favorite places. I am very thankful for the opportunity to take my children to see this amazing place. I’m also glad that I had the chance to share some of the pictures…to places all over the world…. on my blog. Thank you to everyone for your kind comments about my pictures, I appreciate them so much. Blogging truly is an amazing medium!

I know that I really enjoy photography and admiring others pictures. As my way of saying ‘good-bye’ to the holiday, I’m adding photos of ‘my’ Border Ranges and the Tweed Ranges taken from a distance and linking them to the fences meme on Life According to Jan and Jer. Pop over and see some of the talented and creative photography… through a fence.

I know that I had a fantastic holiday with family in beautiful locations. However, I also know that it takes me a little time to adjust to being back by myself in lonely old Canberra. But, Canberra is where GrumpyDaddy’s job is, where the children’s fantastic school is and where they have tremendous opportunities and facilities to pursue their sports. I know that at the moment, wherever GrunpyDaddy and my children are……that is my home.

I know that I am standing on the cusp of 2012, excited and enthusiastic about the opportunities and challenges this year will bring. The girls are excited about starting school at a new campus, although the adjustment may take a little time. Music lessons will begin, school work and home work will get more serious. Their sports will be fun, challenging and exhausting, but I’m excited about the many rewards it will bring. Buster will face a challenging year of speech therapy and pre-school. I am apprehensive and worried for him but hoping he will be OK.

I know that I am excited about blogging. I am really enjoying sharing my stories and becoming part of a world-wide community. I know that I would really like to build a community on my blog to support, encourage and motivate parents and children to be involved in youth sports and an active life-style.

Finally…I know that I am linking up this post with Kellie at the The Good, The Bad and The Unnecessary for the things I know blog hop. Come and have a read about the things that some other great bloggers know!

Thankful Thursday: We Survived the Pacific Highway

2012-01-11T14:37:00.000-08:00

You know how it seems as if there are a lot of plane crashes just before you or a loved one are scheduled to fly? It has felt that way for me travelling on the Pacific Highway, A major arterial road between Sydney and Brisbane.

Thankfully we have made it safely to our destinations.... so far.....Unfortunately other families have not been so lucky. The news reports over the past few days have been filled with reports of a pregnant couple being killed when their car crashed into a tree and a boy died sleeping in his room when a truck ran into his house. My heart breaks for these families. The devastating loss, pain and sadness that these, and all road deaths cause, is beyond comprehension.

There have been constant upgrades of the highway in recent years. Much of the highway now has double lanes. Shockingly through, there is still many sections of single lane road, often snaking slowly through small congested country towns.

In one such town, we were stuck for 2 hours, moving at a snail’s pace, if at all, in a very hot car. The kids in the back seat were getting very frustrated and agitated that we weren’t moving. Many overheated cars were pulling off the side of the road with steam billowing from their bonnets. Impatient and rude drivers were trying to jump the cue by passing the line of cars on the left nature strip. The locals from the town were simply standing on the roadside shaking their head at the gridlock their town had become.

link and image credit

It is hard to believe that a major arterial Australian highway has such slow single lane traffic for much of it's length. Upgrading the highway to double lanes and by-passing the towns still seems to be years away. In the mean time, it seems inevitable that families will be ripped apart by devastating car accidents. I so hope that upgrading the pacific highway is a priority for the governments because I believe such upgrades would really save lives!

However, It is not only the road conditions that I find frightening when travelling along the Pacific highway, it is some of the other drivers as well! On two separate occasions, the car travelling in front of us came perilously close to running right off the road. We could see that the luggage bay was overflowing with Christmas presents, pillows and nappies...... There were also many instances of dangerous and inconsiderate driving. I have to say that there was a very obvious and copious police presence. Every few kilometres a car was being pulled over by those distinctive red and blue flashing lights.

I’m not sure how to write this without sounding like a clichéd bad traffic commercial but.......Please, please drive patiently, cautiously and defensively. Take plenty of rests breaks too, and try to stay calm and patient in the face of traffic cues, bad drivers and the whining from the back seat! Please, for you and your family’s sake, don’t text or talk on hand-held phones and stick to the speed limit.

Even doing these things there is always a chance that an accident will occur....we all take that risk. Each time we reach an intended destination we phone worried loved ones to let them know that we made it!

I am so thankful that my family is safe and have enjoyed an absolutely fantastic summer holiday. The pregnant couple who so tragically passed away were also on their way to summer holidays with their family, the boy that passed away in his house......My heart goes out to you and all other families dealing with the tragedy of road deaths.

Today, for thankful Thursday, I am truly thankful we are alive!

I'm Linking up with Kate at Kate Says Stuff for Thankful Thursday. Come and read what some other fantastic bloggers are thankful for...it's guaranteed broaden your outlook!

Wordless Wednesday: My Favourite Place

2012-01-10T15:06:00.000-08:00

At the end of a steep bush track in the Border Rangers lies a magical place, a hidden rainforest gully. A surprise discovery, a place that holds many happy memories. A place so beautiful to me that it feel like my soul is uplifted and I unconsciously smile! Surrounded by the smell of the lantana and rainforest. Punctuated by the call of the whip-bird, and the crack of leaves and twigs underfoot. Immersed in the sound of the gushing waterfall. I've taken my children to visit my favourite, magical place. They wonder if there are fairies hiding under the gigantic mushrooms....

I'm linking up this post with My Little Drummer Boys , Sakura Haruka , mums own words and Tina's for Wordless Wednesday. Come and see the beautiful and clever wordless wednesday posts. You can also see my shout out to my favourite photography blogs here

I'm also linking for the first time with tots and me

Boogie Boarding

2012-01-08T23:52:00.000-08:00

I'm still on holidays!! I' thought I would do a quick update on one of my goals for 2012 for Me and You Monday; to spend more time with the children in my life.

This Wonderful weekend we spent a lovely few days at the beach! There is something about being at the beach where the kids are just simply happy just to be alive! I have to admit that it bring out the kid in me too! I've been having a great deal of fun teaching the kids how to catch waves on their boogie boards. It's such an exhilarating feeling to be catapulted along by the waves.

I am very protective of the kids out in the surf. I don't let them get too far away from me. Of course the irony is that it would be my 8 year-old daughter flash, saving me if we were ever caught in a rip!

After our day at the beach, my little niece had a sleep over with my girls. As I sung her to sleep, she peered at me through her heavy eye-lids and whispered

'......I love you Auntie Nicole...."

You could have picked up the pieces of my heart.....sometimes it's the small things that are the most meaningful and I hope I have made an impression in her heart the way that she has in mine!

Next week I will be back at home, back to reality, and I’m am planning to write a post outlining some more of my goals. Goals for my family, me and my blog...so stay tuned!

I'm linking this post with The Mother Experiment for me and you Monday. Come and see the goals of the other participants and see how they are progressing.

Photography Blogs

2012-01-07T20:18:00.000-08:00

I've always been interested in and appreciate photography. Unfortunately due to lack of talent, training and equipment I’ve been mostly producing happy snaps of my kids. J

Since I have begun blogging I have discovered some extremely talented photographers and I have thoroughly enjoyed and been inspired by their beautiful photography. In particular the Wordless Wednesday meme has been instrumental in opening up the word of photography blogs to me.

Some of my favourite blogs to drool over are:

My little drummer boys:

The greatest of these is love:

Pieces of contentment:

The Nature Jotter:

Life According to Jan and Jer:

Enjoying the small things:

Faith, Hope and a Whole Lotta Love

I know there are many more amazing Blogs out there…please let me know if you have some suggestions and recommendations. I’d love to hear them!

As I’ve been perusing the photography blogs I have begun to look at the world in more detail. I’ve found myself looking at objects and scenery, looking inquisitively at the light, the colour and the shadows and thinking….’that might make a nice photo!”

This is my attempt at trying to capture this beautiful spot on the North Coast not far from where my mum lives. I really tried to capture the peacefulness by showing the reflections of the boats on the water.

I have also come across this plant in the garden and I think it would also make for an interesting piece of photography.

I just love that the photography blogs have inspired me to look at the world in a whole new light...

….or maybe it had more to do with my brother’s home brewed ginger beer, which I now suspect may actually be a little bit alcoholic! I suspect this because I have walked passed this plant many, many times. I only noticed it was ‘photo worthy’ after drinking that ginger beer!!

Black Forest Cheesecake: From My Little Brother

2012-01-05T20:54:00.000-08:00

Thiss post is about the things I know about yummy Black Forest Cheesecake and my brother

Do the words ‘chocolate’, ‘cherries’ and ‘cream’ get your attention??

I have the recipe for you!! This absolutely delicious cheesecake has all the flavour of a black forest cake and it is really easy to make!

My Brother made this for our family to celebrate the new year!....

..Yes…My. Little. Brother…

The cheeky little red-head. The hyperactive troublemaker and constant annoyance of my teenage years. This photo, taken sometime in the 1980’s, pretty much says it all! (Kindly disregard the perm…)

Somewhat surprisinglyJ, he no longer uses his boundless energy and creativity to find innovative ways to annoy, tease and irriate his big sister! No, he is no longer sneaking around to catch me kissing my boyfriend, reading my diary or reading out-loud the last paragraph of the novel I’ve just begun to read. He is now channelling his creative energy into being a simply inspired and talented music teacher and an amazing cook…picture an Australian red-headed Jamie Oliver, with all the energy, passion and pizzazz!

He is also an AMAZING Dad and Uncle!

However, you should see the disaster area that once was his kitchen after he has finished one of his fabulous creations……some thing’s will never change….but the results are sure worth the washing up!! I absolutely recommend this his recipe for Black Forest Cheesecake…its YUMMY!!

This picture does not do justice to this fabulous cheesecake….it was the only bit left once we’d all stopped eating and I remembered to get my camera out!

Black Forest Cheesecake

Cheesecake
250g plain chocolate biscuits
125g butter, melted
3 teaspoons gelatine
¼ cup water
250g packet of cream cheese, softened
¾ cup caster sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
300ml thickened cream
425g can pitted black cherries

Topping
1 tablespoon cornflour
1tablespoon caster sugar
1 tablespoon brandy

1. Blend or process biscuits until mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add butter and process until combined. Press biscuit mixture over base and side of 20cm spring form tin, place on oven tray and refrigerate about 30min until firm.

2. Sprinkle gelatine over water in a small heatproof jug; stand jug in a small saucepan of simmering water. Stir until gelatine dissolves; cool 5 minutes.

3. Beat cream cheese, sugar and juice in a small bowl with an electric mixer until smooth; transfer to a large bowl.

4. Whip cream until soft peaks form. Fold into cheese mixture in two batches; fold in gelatine mixture drain cherries, but reserve all the syrup for topping.

5. Spoon 1/3 of cheese mixture onto crumb crust, top with half the cherries, repeat layering, ending with cheese mixture. Refrigerate until just firm.

6. Meanwhile, Make topping: blend cornflour and sugar with reserved cherry syrup in a small saucepan. Stir over heat until mixture boils and thickens, stir in brandy; cool 10 minutes.

7. Spread topping over the cheesecake; refrigerate cheesecake for at least 2 hours-overnight.

Today I'm linking this post up with The Good , The Bad & The Unnecessary For The Things I know. Come and see the things some great blolggers know!

Thankful Thursday: Cousins!

2012-01-04T16:44:00.000-08:00

There is something really special about cousins. Perhaps it is the deep genetic link that comes from sharing grandparents. Perhaps it is the of similar upbringing that could only be possible from families that share grandparents…..even if the families live 1500km away!

My children have a wonderful time when they get to play with their cousins. Luckily the kids are very close in age and there is such joy when they get to be together. Weather it is catching waves at the beach, bushwalking in the rainforest, giving each other ‘make-overs’ or simply hiding away from their parents in cubby houses or bedrooms.

Today, as I walked passed the bedroom (being naughty and lingering a little longer than strictly necessary…) I happened to catch some conversation between the cousins. They were exchanging stories about how mean their parents were!! I found it so hard not to laugh at their ‘serious’ indignant tone and their reactions to the perceived injustices imposed on them by their ‘mean’ parents….like having a bed time AND screen time!...Those poor kids!

I couldn’t help imagining a fast-forward to the teenage years where I can see how healthy it would be to vent to other kids that have similar experiences and can really understand and ‘sympathise’….I wonder if they will be having similar problems with their parents?

So, Today I am thankful for my family and especially for my children’s cousins. As we are still on our holiday I thought I would share some photos that show the fun and the bond that my children have with their cousins.

Linking up with Kate from Kate Says Stuff for Thankful Thursday

Wordless Wednesday: Super Sydney!

2012-01-03T15:01:00.000-08:00

On an overcast and muggy boxing day, we ventured out of the hustle, bustle, honking and haze of the city. It was the start of the annual Sydney to Hobart Yaught race and as we walked along the cliffs I was stunned by the beauty of this city. I was also pleasantly surprised at the openness friendliness and smiles of the other people.

When the girls saw the other kids throwing themselves off the platforms, shrieking and splashing we had no choice but to let them have a try...they (and me) were a little tentative at first, but they were soon sailing through the sky, like superman having the time of their lives. Even Buster had a turn, jumping into the safe arms of his big sister.

For Wordless Wednesday I'm linking up with My Little Drummer Boys and for the first time with my new friend Sakura Haruka. Come and see all the beautiful posts!

Also linking up for the first time with Moms Own Words

No! We Are definitelyNot Buying A Drum Kit....

2012-01-02T15:29:00.000-08:00

As we continue on our family holiday we have had a lot of fun outdoors like learning to skate boogie boarding at the beach. We have also however engaged in more 'cultural' pursuits :). We have gone from classical piano and vocal performances to rock, jazz and funk!!

My Brother, UncleD has given the kids a lesson on the drums...

Buster is so cute that I just had to share this clip

Flash has taken to the drums with an absolute passion....the first thing she wants to do in the morning is have a drumming lesson.....perhaps the apple has not fallen too far from the tree after all!!

This is a clip of Flash and UncleD after her first drumming lesson

So as you can see ...We are definitely NOT buying a drum kit.............well, maybe!

ROCK ON!!

...and because it's tuesday I'm linking up with that cool chick, Jess from Diary of a SAHM for #IBOT

The Way to a Mother's Heart is.....

2011-12-30T16:22:00.000-08:00

This year I spent Christmas with GrumpyDaddy's family. We enjoyed a relatively quiet traditional English Christmas, the first since the passing of the family patriarch. It was now GrumpyDaddy, sitting at the head of the table lighting the Christmas pudding (with a little more brandy I think....)

GrumpyDaddy's brother, UncleJ also came to Sydney to celebrate Christmas. He lives on the other side of the country, in WA. I had only met him briefly before at family gatherings. I never guessed that he would give me such a special Christmas present!

UncleJ, spent his Christmas holiday playing with his nieces and nephew... My children. He was available, cheerful and willing to draw endless pictures for the girls to colour in. He took the kids into the city and to the Harbour for the start of the Sydney to Hobart race. On Christmas day he patiently helped them complete all the craft activities they had received and launched Buster’s sling-shot approximately 3200 times. UncleJ also played Christmas carols on the piano and never seemed to tire of the girls (and me!) singing in ‘harmony’!

He slept in the room with the Christmas tree and didn't complain when he was woken extraordinarily early on Christmas morning by an excited and loud bunch of children...a feat made even more impressive as his body clock was actually 4 hours behind ours making it 1am WA time.

UncleJ has certainly won the hearts of my children. After he returned home, busters first waking words were “....UncleJ back yet please???....” They got so much out of having the attention of another adult. I think that UncleJ got quite a lot out of giving so much of his self to the children as well. He really seemed to be enjoying himself!

I am now spending the new-year period with my family…my children are having a fantastic time playing with their cousins, grandparents, aunts and uncles….I am really understanding that it takes a village to raise a child.

Today is the last day of 2011. Now is the time for a little introspection, reflection and the setting of new goals and resolutions. After being inspired by UncleJ one of my goals for 2012 is to spend more time with children. Not just my own children but my nephews and nieces. I’m going to make more of an effort to interact with the kids at the school and in sporting groups.

I think that doing this will have a great benefit to the kids I know, and for myself. Everyone remembers that special teacher, coach or family member that listened to them, motivated and inspired them. Playing with children can create such a strong bond. But don't just consider your own children. You can also touch the lives of other children in your extended family. Volunteering to help at sports and youth clubs can be another way of really benefiting children and playing a part in their lives.

So, in answer to the question posted in the title… the way to a mother’s heart is…

…… through her children.

However, one way to a childs heart is playing with them and spending real quality time talking to them and being with them.

For me, this Christmas and new year period has inspired me to refocus on the children in my life. I have also received a very special gift this year….

…I have gained another brother.

Wordless Holidays: The Sporty Kids Christmas

2011-12-29T14:27:00.000-08:00

While we are on holidays, I thought I'd use a few stolen moments of borrowed computer time to post a few pictures....

Santa thought long and hard about a present to choose for the Sporty Kids. He was looking for something fun to keep them active and fit over the summer holidays.......Rollerblades (in-line skates) seemed like a great idea! It took a bit of practise, small amounts of frustration and a little persistence. However, the kids soon started to get the idea.......

Merry Christmas and Happy (Summer) Holidays

2011-12-23T18:56:00.000-08:00

"Snow" man

(Christmas) Food Friday

2011-12-23T02:34:00.000-08:00

In honor of the holidays I've put a few pictures together of my kids having fun with their Christmas treats....and I'm linking up with the Moiderer who has made an awesome gluten free gingerbread house!!

It's not too late to make some cookies for the fat man when he comes down the chimney....best washed down with a tall glass of cold milk! (or perhaps something a wee bit stronger...)

Yummy, Easy Butter Biscuits

125g butter softened (I use low fat margarine, because I can't help myself.... and the biscuits turn out fine)

1/2 cup icing sugar, sifted

1 1/4 cup plain flour

1 teaspoon vanilla

Beat butter and sifted sugar in a small bowl with an electric mixer until smooth and changed to a lighter colour (not too long as the biscuits get too soft).
Stir in the flour.
Turn out dough and knead lightly on a floured surface until smooth.
Roll into a ball and wrap in plastic wrap, refrigerate for about 1/2 hour until firm.
Preheat oven to 180 degrees.
Roll out dough and cut with festive cookie cutters.
Use a small, round shape to cut a hole in the cookies, add a boiled lollies to the hole
Bake biscuits for 10 minutes or until browned lightly.
Transfer onto a wire rack to cool.

The SportyMummy

Photography in the Botanic Gardens

Fresh Horses Brigade: The Sorry Edition

Friday Fences: Minnamurra Rainforest

Change Can Be A Good Thing

Wordless Wednesday: Australia's Most Easterly Point

I Really Hate Housework

Youth Sports Weekend: A Little Self Confidence (with linky)

I’m A Weirdo Too!

Unique Flora and Fauna

Black Mountain Tower

Thankful for Summer Holidays

Wordless Wednesday: Black Rock Beach

A Ranty Pants Red Head Post!

Youth Sports Weekend: SportyMummy Organisation

Almost Healthy Chocolate Brownies

Water Lilly at Rocky Creek Dam

Friday Fences: Closer to Home

Thankful for a Great First Day

Wordless Wednesday: Look for Trains

Reward Charts: Making School Work Matter

Youth Sport Weekend: Relay Fun (with linky)

Special Chicken Soup (Hand Written)

Flowers in the Rain

Friday Fences: Wattamolla

Augmented Communication.......Reluctantly!

Wordless Wednesday: More Garden Visitors

Speech Therapist in Training!

A Sporty Weekend!

Youth Sport Weekend: Involved Parents

Australia Natives in GrumpyDaddy's Garden

Friday Fences: Old or New??

Australia Day

Wordless Wednesday: Our Special Visitor

Apraxia: Making Speech Therapy Fun

Where Sport Imitates Art....Almost!

Youth Sports Weekend: Swimming NSW Country Regionals

Little Native Alpine Wildflowers

Friday Fences: The Bush Capital

Sometimes, Life Just Isn’t Fair

Thankful for my Friend

Wordless Wednesday: An Evening at the Beach

My Goals for 2012

Wonderful Weekends: Gardening with the Kids

Introducing *YOUTH SPORT WEEKEND* (with linky)

Flowers on Saturday: The North Coast

Things I know: Goodbye Holidays!

Thankful Thursday: We Survived the Pacific Highway

Wordless Wednesday: My Favourite Place

Boogie Boarding

Photography Blogs

Black Forest Cheesecake: From My Little Brother

Thankful Thursday: Cousins!

Wordless Wednesday: Super Sydney!

No! We Are definitelyNot Buying A Drum Kit....

The Way to a Mother's Heart is.....

Wordless Holidays: The Sporty Kids Christmas

Merry Christmas and Happy (Summer) Holidays

(Christmas) Food Friday

Introducing YOUTH SPORT WEEKEND (with linky)