Luke and Elliott Find That Music Rocks With Battlebird

It is the classic parenting story. A father feels for his son's struggle with shyness and finding his feet in the schoolyard, so he decides to share his love of music to help his son build confidence. Two years on, and Elliott is now eight years old. Elliott and his Dad, Luke, also known as The Kid and Lucky Luke, and their trusty robot DJ Scooter have teamed up to create BATTLEBIRD, the galaxy’s finest time-travelling, space-hopping, pop-rocking kids band.

 

Luke says “Elliott was struggling a little bit at his new school and I found it pretty heartbreaking. I had a feeling music may bring him out of his shell as it did for me when I was younger so we started goofing around in the garage writing music, making video clips on an iPhone and an old MacBook and before I knew it we’d pressed a handful of EP’s and performed live at the local Moruya Arts Festival (2015) in front of 200 people with Elliott’s classmates joining us on stage.”

 

With their song ‘Ho Ho Ho Let’s Go’ featured on the ABC Kids Christmas album Volume 2, and their debut album ‘Life is Good’ due out on March 25, Battlebird are set to blast the airwaves past and present with their very unique sugar-rush style of Intergalactic boomboxpop! - they can’t, don’t, won’t stop until the battle is won…

 

The CD also comes with a five track DVD.

You can buy it here and follow them on Facebook here, and jump over here to their website.

 

BATTLEBIRD ‘Life is Good’ - Album with 5 track DVD

Available March 25

 

The coolest musical collaboration of 2016 is looking set to come from none other than an Aussie Dad and his eight year old son.

 

I had to include one of my favourites from the album, which is track 5. C'mon C'mon C'mon.

 

 

Tasmanian Snowfall

Snow was predicted and snow was received across Tasmania today. The hype was building, the cynics were voicing their doubt, and the child in us all was hoping it was true. Unless you were awake through the night and periodically checking for snow like a child watching for Santa, then you awoke a dusting or a dumping of snow across most areas of Tasmania.

Whilst it is not uncommon for parts of Tasmania to receive snow, it is extremely rare for so much of the state to have snow, and it was received down to sea level. If, somehow, you were oblivious to the outside world, it was soon in your face from every social media direction. Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and many other mediums were full of pictures and stories of snow across the state. Children and parents waited anxiously for news of school closures, and those who needed to venture out were checking for road closure announcements.

I was in primary school in the 80's when I experienced snow in my own backyard, which resulted in a snow day being called due to frozen pipes, and a huge snow fight in my cul-de-sac. My children see snow every year, as we usually make the journey to a snow blessed, elevated location at least once annually to have a play. To have snow falling around our house and to be able to scoop it off our own letterbox if quite a different experience.

So as not to bore you with too much detail, how about I just show you in pictures.

Great Kids Swimwear For Summer to WIN!!!

Summer is definitely here in Australia right now. Many of you look forward to trips to the pool, lakes, rivers and the beach with the family. But, then you realise that none of the children's swimsuits fit. This is where I come in with a great recommendation plus a chance to win. So sit back as I solve your swimsuit problems in a jiffy.

Heaven Lee Swim has a great website full of fantastic swimsuits, tops and bottoms for children.
The swimwear has been designed by Perth mother Lee-Anne Stilltano with the Australian climate in mind, and are made from easy fit UV50+ materials. The styles are fun and are a great cut, designed for growing kids. The swim range absolutely pops with colour and great prints, which I love to see on children and are great in photos. I hope everyone takes just as many photos at the beach as I do! I also love that the styles are modest and not miniature versions of adults swimsuits.

But that's enough about what I think. You should hop straight over to the website for Heaven Lee Swim (http://www.heavenleeswim.com) and check out the great range yourself. While you are there, please note your favorites. Why? Because ......

I am so happy to be able to offer the chance to win 

a Heaven Lee Swim $39.95 voucher.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Christmas: Handmade Ornaments

I love using the handmade Christmas ornaments, which my kids have made at school, on the tree at Christmas time.

To me, these ornaments are filled with love from my children, and tell their own little stories of their personality and development.

I have included below the ones we had on display last Christmas.

My daughter's hand print

A tiny Christmas hat

Santa - made from a cup

A pinecone reindeer

Wreath Ornament on a CD

Christmas Angel

Christmas Angel no.2

A glittery cone ornament

Teach Your Child He Is Not A Puppet

As your child grows, you will notice that they are prone to favourite colours, they like certain books and movies, and prefer laceup or slip on shoes.  Suddenly, they seem to get sucked into the hype that is swirling around them. It is important for a parent to know that this exists and how to help them be their own person.

Regularly ask your child - what do you love about this show?

What do you think is so cool about that toy?

How do you feel when you wear that colour?

With the marketing and advertising worlds with a steady grip on adult and children consumers, it is so easy to get sucked into their pitch.

Children also love the hype of popularity and the latest craze. Being involved in something is quite hypnotic.

Taking Stock

I hate taking things for granted, and so I'm jumping at the chance to Take Stock as Pip at Meet Me At Mike's has done (and done so well!). This is such a good way to look critically at your life and where you stand at the moment. So, here goes!

Making : a mess usually! It seems to be my way!
Cooking : hearty stews with lots of veggies
Drinking : Jarrah Choc O'Lait
Reading: Lone Wolf by Jodi Piccoult
Wanting: the answers to how, why, when and who.
Looking: at the big picture as much as possible, and ignoring the little things.
Playing: Candy Crush. Such a mindless game, but addictive.
Deciding: on our next camping location
Wishing: there were more hours in the day to sleep and get stuff done.
Enjoying: the coolish weather. I am such a Autumn/Winter girl.
Waiting: for the next Netball game
Liking: House of Cards with Kevin Spacey
Wondering: what my next favourite TV series will be.
Loving: my family (of course)
Pondering: over the fate of our world
Considering: my options incase I win Lotto
Watching: my children growing up right before my eyes
Hoping: that we have many more years together
Marvelling: at the beauty in our world
Needing: others to see their is beauty everywhere
Smelling: fresh bush air
Wearing: jeans and long sleeved top
Following: so many other bloggers, that I have lost count.
Noticing: more grey hairs, but isn't that what hair dye is for?
Knowing: ageing isn't the worst possibility
Thinking: of others who are worse off
Feeling: grateful ... always
Admiring: the things we have worked hard for
Sorting: children's clothes as they grow out of them
Buying: bigger sizes for the children
Getting: frustrated with clothing sizes
Bookmarking: Outlander, trying to get ahead before the next series.
Disliking: when you get hooked on a tv series and are left waiting a whole year
Opening: envelopes containing bills
Giggling: constantly at the antics of my children
Feeling: grateful ... always
Snacking: on cashews. Aren't they fabulous, but trying to restrict myself.
Coveting: Cadbury chocolate
Wishing:that I didn't like chocolate
Helping: as many as I can by donating blood
Hearing: little feet running

Relaxed and Refreshed ... Mostly

The kiddies are back to school today for Term 3, after two weeks and one day. Don't you just love that extra day thrown in for teachers to regroup and hone their skills?

Just when I thought that today would be the usual morning battle to get the kids up for school, we had a series of toilet trips and power outages from the early hours of the morning until I called defeat and got out of bed for good. The kids took this early rise as an opportunity to fit in one last Minecraft game complete with remote server hookup and Skype.

I must admit that Minecraft does keep them busy, creative and moderately quiet, and Miss 10 and Master 6 have been working nicely together to build some impressive worlds.

I don't mind them having a bit of online gaming time since we spent a whole week at our holiday spot, getting relaxed and doing more things outdoors and together.

Another term started, and another holiday done and dusted.

I Need Not Be Green With Envy

Having lived in the same town all of my life, there has always been the idea that living somewhere else would be exciting.  Imagine living in a town where nobody knew my name or anything about me. I could make new discoveries everyday and everything would be new and exciting.

Don't worry, because I am not going anywhere.

These thoughts have been woken by two lovely ladies leaving my workplace and the state, one to return to her family and familiar surroundings, and the other to pursue a new adventure in a different part of the country.
I am envious of both as they pack up one part of their lives, to start a new chapter.

When I was young and single, I would have been excited at the thought of uprooting and starting anew in an unfamiliar place. Now, I value the familiarity of my hometown, and the parent in me has much to share and pass on to my children about our town. I also have an awesome support network, and love that I am surrounded by friends and family.

In my maturity I can see how something that is new and exciting can wear off quickly. Our town has proven to be a safe haven with much beauty and charm.  Whilst I envy others as they seek new adventures, I am content in knowing that we can travel for adventures, but always return home.

What do you think of the town where you live? Is it new and exciting or old and familiar?

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Wordless Wednesday - The Era Of The Selfie

I am not one to take photos of myself. I do, however, like taking photos of me and the kids. I don't want to never be in photos with them .... and its loads of fun while you experiment with facial expressions and poses.

Linking up for Wordless Wednesday with

5minutesformom.com

Erica Price Designs

abusymommy.com

 

The Chance To Escape And The Chance To Win

I like to travel to places far away, and step into the shoes of the locals. While I am there, I like to experience different tastes and try new things; sometimes all in the same day. Of course, I can do this regularly and on a reasonable budget. Many would say that I live quite a dull life, but if they could see what I see when I get lost in the pages of the books I read, they would see that I am busy with adventure, passion and keeping up with the many characters I come across.

Reading books has been a huge part of my life since I first learned to read.

Books have taken me far and wide, introduced me to the most fascinating people, and have been able to capture my attention and imagination until I have forgotten where I am.

I would like the same experience for my children ..... and your children too!

Bookworld has the most amazing competition centred around the Middle School books by James Patterson.  

Middle School-Get Me Out Of Here , is the second book in the series, where Rafe Khatchadorian sets about trying to find his place in the new school as he enters Grade Seven. 

In Book 3, Middle School-My Brother Is a Big Fat Liar, Rafe's sister Georgia Khatchadorian is next to start at the school, but her brother has certainly made a name for himself, leaving Georgia to prove that she is not like him.   

Middle School-How I Survived Bullies Broccoli And Snake Hill is Book 4, and Rafe is off to Summer Camp. He is in for a few surprises and makes new friends. 

Simply purchase either Book 2, 3 or 4 to be entered into the competition.

It's that easy!

What is the prize? I'm so glad you asked.

By purchasing either Book 2, Book, 3 or Book 4 from the Middle School series, you are entered into the draw to win a 5 night Gold Coast family holiday valued at $4000.

Also, your purchase qualifies you to receive Book 1 from the Middle School series for FREE - Double bonus!

Just click on www.bookworld.com.au/middle-school to enter.

Check out this link to Zagame's Paradise Resort, where you could be spending five nights with your family (flights, meals, daily activities and entertainment for the kids included in the prize) Plus VIP passes to Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, and Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast!

Enough said!

Hop on over to the above competition site to enter now!

 

Disclaimer : This post was in collaboration with Bookworld.

Lucky I love puzzles

I love a good puzzle. Which is quite lucky really - given that parenting involves a lot of puzzle work.

I love a good Word Search, Crosswords, Sudoku, Maze, Who Done It mysteries and even untangling things. My children like to give me a good puzzle occasionally too. They test my brain and skill just as much as any puzzle in any book. Can you relate?

My children often say to me 

"Mum, you know yesterday, when we went to that park, and we saw that bird? I climbed on that big climbing thing. Can we go there again Mum?"

So to decipher this, I have to know that yesterday is hardly ever yesterday, but can be quite some time ago. 

I then have to flip through the pictures in my head of every park we have ever visited, and single out a memory of a bird. 

I then need to cross check in my memory if the park has a big climbing thing. 

Once I have worked through this process, I can answer the question.

We are always searching for things too like keys, remote control, favourite jeans, etc.

Then you have the joy of living in a small house and the need to organise rooms to fit everything in. Just when you think you have a solution, the kids change their minds and want the bed on the other wall.

I also play detective. Following the clues, deciphering the evidence, and analysing the story to discover the truth.

Lastly, there is the quick thinking involved in explaining complex things in life; the manipulation of words, and the tricky structure of the conversation to suit their growing minds.

Luckily, I like a good puzzle ... as long as my energy levels can keep up.

Remembering .... Growth

2011 Splashing in puddles

2011 Cuddles before bedtime

So many changes in two years. 

Growth in personality, maturity, knowledge, beauty and charm.

2013 Dairy Australia Picasso Cow Presentations

2013 Holidaying at Shearwater Resort, Tasmania

2013 walking on our favourite beach

Linking up for Wordless Wednesday with

5minutesformom.com

Erica Price Designs

abusymommy.com

 

Embracing Life And The Journey

A lovely friend reminded me yesterday that getting something you have wished for does not always make for a grand life. We were discussing parenting and relationships, as mothers do, and the ups and downs that go with the territory.

I walked away from the conversation thinking over the many times I had reminisced of my younger days when time was in abundance, and there was such a thing as "being bored". It is quite common in my thought process, and for many others I suspect, to wish you had more time to yourself, or to wish the kids weren't jumping all over you all of the time. Instead we should be turning our mindset around and looking at all the great positives in our lives. The humps and bumps along the way are what make the journey interesting and allow us and those around us to learn.

Along with the conversation with my friend, recent events around me that have reminded me that although there are what seems to be little inconveniences and nuisances in our lives, a tragic turn of events can change life so quickly.

This week saw the tragic loss of a toddler to drowning within my township which has the whole community mourning and feeling saddened for that families' unfortunate loss.  Another family's future has been revealed this week after a long court proceeding, in which the father was involved in vehicular manslaughter of a teen. A friend is trying to cope with the sudden departure of her husband from the home, with uncertainty of his return. Two lovely people have recently been diagnosed with cancer, with one having recent surgery and both needing treatment in hope of a good outcome.......

So really, I am thankful for my busy, hectic life full of events and endless demands and questions. Things can change so quickly, leaving us reeling and unsettled with the changes. What was once a hassle in life can be the thing you wish to return, like having to get up each morning to go to work, when you have been laid off and are now unemployed.

I need to embrace the complexity of life and look at the whole scenario as a huge positive.

The alternatives are much less desirable.

How are you visualising your life right now???

I am joining the lovely bunch over at

and also