Thankful Thursday - Bootcamp and Group Support Make Exercising Enjoyable

My daughter and I have been attending a weekly Boot camp. It is something we both need to do for various reasons and it has become "our thing". The exercise is the main drawcard, the group is local and the personal trainer encourages you to reach and even push through your current fitness level which is a must for both of us. We both have a tendency to back off before we reach our true potential.

At first I was happy to attend, do my session through gritted teeth and head home, ticking it off my list as something I had to do for both of our well being, both physical and mental. It was on my weekly to-do list, like a chore or weekly meeting with compulsory attendance.

Somehow, and quite magically I have realised that I no longer see it as just another thing on my list. I now look forward to the hourly session, which is different each week. It is always a good workout which keeps it interesting and challenging.

I realise though that each week I am needing Boot Camp for the many benefits it now brings, whether it is the relief it brings to my Anxiety Symptoms, the social interaction of the group, or the hour dedicated to self healing.

The bonus of Boot Camp has turned out to be the group itself. 

Initiated and run by a person who walks the talk by continuing to improve her health after losing close to 50 kilos, the personal trainer wants others to feel the same satisfaction and pride in taking control of their fitness and getting the best out of life. The people that make up the group are quite a mixture in fitness, experience, age and personality. We have felt welcomed from the start and the group is strong in its belief of encouragement and is displayed each and every week, which also spills over to encouragement on social media in daily achievements. We both enjoy the group experience rather than exercising solo or one on one. Everyone has different skills and assets, and I have been continually inspired by many members in their achievements and commitment to their individual goals.

I am thankful that we have joined this group, and thankful that we feel so supported.

Miss 11 and I sporting a bit of colourful positivity

Down The Bumpy Road Together on Thankful Thursday

This week was a little bumpy in every sense of the word for our little family. The weather hit hard, I came down hard at Netball, my daughter learned some hard lessons about friendship, poor hubby was pulled in every direction, and my son and our fur babies have been pushing boundaries. Even though, I feel there is much to be thankful for this week. 

• I have been injured and getting back on my feet this week, and although it is a slow process, I know I am making progress.
• The weekend brought some chilly weather, and a batch of snow which always brings delight to our household.
  

•   My daughter had a sleepover with her bestie. This was something they had been planning for a long time, but quite a bit has happened between them in the meantime. Miss 10 has learned quite a bit about friendship, the games that can be played, and about staying true to yourself in the process. They remain friends and she had a good time at the sleepover, but I think it has been quite a big growth period for her.
• Not only did hubby attend to his poor, injured wife in her time of need and ongoing disability, he also has been rounding up the children, attending to the family animals, keeping our home tidy and our bellies fed, AND responding in less than ideal conditions to calls of distress from the community in regard to the heavy rainfall, winds and flooding in the area. On top of this, he has understandably has come down with a cold of his own!
• Not to be outdone, Mr 6 is the usual ball of energy. He seems torn at the moment, after his recent Parent/Teacher/Student meeting and School Report, between wanting to move forward with his reading and writing, and not wanting to knuckle down to do the work required. Ho hum ..... how many more years of school left?
• Our dogs which you can meet here and here, have been having a ball in the backyard together, shredding the grass, getting muddy and generally enjoying life by making a mess in the rain as only dogs can. The guinea pigs seem quite oblivious to the rain, given there raised homes, but they have been consistent to letting anyone in earshot know, no matter which side of the fence they be on, that they love their food and are always happy for more. 

 Always eventful, but always full of lesson and laughter!

Wordless Wednesday - Get Creative, Get Outdoors

On our recent trip to the Highland Lakes district, Tasmania, I armed Miss 10 with the camera . 

These are a sample of her photos, both beautiful and creative.

Linking up for Wordless Wednesday with

5minutesformom.com

Erica Price Designs

abusymommy.com

 

The Tooth Fairy Scam

Miss 9 is quite practiced at the procedure involved when one of her teeth fall out. She has been building her skills since she was five.

She has a silky blue pouch that the tooth usually goes into, and she pops it on top of her blackboard easel with a big arrow pointing to where the tooth has been placed.

This time she didn't use the pouch, but placed the tooth on a tissue.

This is where problems began.

Being the very diligent, but awfully busy Tooth Fairy, money was left as usual sometime through the night, or certainly just before Miss 9 woke.

Miss 9 was ecstatic to see the fairy had remembered to come, since in her hectic schedule, she has in the past needed extra time to complete her obligations. Miss 9 also noted that she had left the tooth behind. Whoops!

As she lifted the tooth, the tissue came with it, so I was quick to explain that obviously the tooth had stuck to the tissue, which was a problem when transporting for the Tooth Fairy.

This was a satisfactory explanation for Miss 9, but it left her wondering what to do now.

"If I was to leave the tooth out again tonight, would the Tooth Fairy come again and leave more money?" she wondered out loud.

This suggestion was enough to send her brother into a whirlwind of possible opportunity.

"Yep, put it back out tonight and see if you can get some money for me" he encouraged excitedly. Master 5 is yet to lose his first tooth, so the thought that he could get some money for himself without even going through losing a tooth was too much.

"I'm sure it doesn't work like that. The Tooth Fairy keeps very good records of her visits and which teeth she has paid out on" I explained.

Regardless, the tooth was left out on it's tissue for several more nights.

I can't blame them for trying.

The Ability To Laugh At Yourself

Laughter is a marvellous thing. It is infectious and can lift the mood dramatically. Adults can learn so much by watching children interacting with each other and playing. Sometimes, in the adult world we can forget to have fun and laugh. The ability to laugh at your own antics is something I have been reminded of lately. When Miss 9 is with her cousin, you can guarantee to hear lots of giggling and girly squeals.

With iPods in hand, they are busy making their own little videos. These are full of the latest backing music, over exaggerated gestures. and moves they have seen on a music clip.

The filming usually ends with an excitement of watching their work. They fall in a heap of tangled arms and legs, giggling at their video and at themselves.

They are happy to show off the videos to whoever will view them. They are not trying to be perfect in their look or movement. They know it is a fun and entertaining activity. The end product is a joyous display of girls able to laugh at themselves. They are happy for their personalities to show, and the simpleness and lack of expert technique in their videos is not something they care about.

Have you observed children lately, and been reminded of a simple, but important life lesson?

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My Dog, My Sister

When my daughter was two we bought her a puppy. To say that they are close is an understatement. They have grown together, played together and comforted each other. They have a connection. My daughter says they are sisters.

Gypsy is a Golden Labrador.

Labradors are known historically as Duck Hunting dogs. She has been known to catch a few unsuspecting birds in our yard. Her love of the water is insatiable.

For the past 7 years, Gypsy has been solely a yard dog.

Hubby, always a keen hunter, has recently started taking Gypsy out to the Bush with him for walks. She instantly loved the space and the scents it offered. Even though she had never hunted before, she roused a wallaby out on her first run.

Hubby had never considered taking her hunting before.

Gypsy had a history of wanting to go wherever her nose took her, and was not the most disciplined at coming when called.

Hubby also worried that she may be gun shy, in which case she may run at the sound, leaving him searching the bush for hours.

Miss 9 is an animal lover by nature.

When hubby told her that he and Gypsy were going hunting, she jumped up and said she was going too.

Surprised, hubby asked why she would want to go when she hated seeing animals hurt.

Her response was quick and honest.

"I only want to make sure Gypsy doesn't get hurt."

The connection these two have is so gorgeous.

 

Pause! Mummy Can't Handle You Getting Older.

I have wished for my own personal remote control for many things in the past. 

Haven't we all! There have been many times when I have wished to slow down how fast my children are growing. It does not sit well with me that it is going so fast.

My daughter has just turned 9 years of age.

SHRIEK!!!!

Not only does this mean that she is getting older, but so am I.

No longer is she my little girl, as she is growing so tall, she is about to pass her grandmothers.

She has also had reason to recently borrow a top from my mother, as they are similar in size. This is just way too scary for this mother.

She is asserting her preferences in the area of clothes, hair and how she spends her time.

Miss 9, as she will now be referred to, is also maturing quickly. This is starting to bring on some of those awkward questions and conversations. On the other hand, I am enjoying the recent chances to have some amazing discussions with her. Being able to talk and discuss things on a higher level is helping us communicate and understand each other better. 

Hubby, on the other hand, is struggling with the thought of Miss 9 maturing. The hormonal changes and the constant moods of a growing girl have him quite in a spin. He lacks experience with growing girls, having only one brother and no sisters.

In my mind, she will always be my little girl. She stills takes opportunities to let me know she needs my comfort, guidance, and occasionally, loves to be fussed over.

She is now taking the opportunity to inform me that she is not a baby anymore, and has more mature tastes (if you don't mind).

 

 

ELECTRIFYING TAP

I know you are dying to know the big event we had the pleasure of attending over the weekend.

Miss 8 was fortunate to join me and it was hard to tell who was more excited out of the two of us. To attend the performance of this legendary group has been high on my list for some time. Luckily, for us, Hobart was on the tour list, which is the first time they have performed here since 1996. I also get to tick it off my 2012 TO DO LIST to see a musical/theatrical performance.

Tap Dogs is a brilliant production, set on a construction site, which ties back to how the group began 15 years ago. With the amazing talent of six dancers and 2 musicians, the show is non-stop action. It was visually spectacular, the dancing was amazing, the hints of comedy were funny and the use of props and stage was very clever. It was truly one of those performances where I didn't want to look away in case I missed something.

The following footage which appeared on Channel 7 Sunrise is a great sample of the talent of the boys from Tap Dogs. Is it any wonder that Tap Dogs were a part of the Sydney Olympics ceremony? There are also some great shots of the Blundstone boots in this footage that they treasure and insist on wearing for every performance.



If you get the chance to ever attend a performance, I would highly recommend it.

You can catch more Tap Dogs information and tour details here.

Grateful for ... feel good moments

This weeks has been littered with feel good moments that I had to share. I am grateful that I am blessed with these moments, they certainly make the week a little easier to bear.

On Monday, I made my second trip to the local Australian Red Cross. I had booked an appointment online. How cool is that? Wouldn't it be cool if you could arrange all of your appointments this way?
So after lunch I made my way in. My first donation had flowed rather slowly and didn't result in a full bag of my precious type A. This time, I was perhaps a little more relaxed, now being familiar with the procedure. My blood flowed nicely and my little bag was full in no time. I spent the time chilling and watching TV. It was completely satisfying reading the boards on the walls of how blood helps to save people, and the type of people it has benefited, like the beautiful Ivy whose Mum is the talented blogger over at Three Ring Circus. I have already booked again for September.

On Tuesday, I spent some one-on-one time with Miss 7. This has become a rare treat since Master 4 came along. So it was nice having uninterrupted, girly chats and watching a movie together. My girl is growing so fast and surprises me everyday with her conversations and views on the world.

Wednesday was a day back at work. Our workplace continues to be blessed, with the addition of some exercise equipment for the staff. With another session looming with the company personal trainer, my friend and I made the most of our lunch-break and the equipment. We peddled and walked our way through lunch, chatting as we did so. Another tick in my weekly exercise regime.

Thursday, I treated myself to a one hour massage after work.  As I lay there, listening to the soothing music, and being massaged and relaxed with hot towels, I willed the built up tension away. By the end of the hour, my back, arms, legs and face were tingling and relaxed and I floated home.

And Friday looked after itself the way it usually does, flying by in a flurry of procedures to end off the week.

How was your week? When was the last time you had an hour, a day, a week of feel good moments? Go on and treat yourself!

No reason to stay up

My daughter was asking about herself as a baby recently, and it brought back memories...

With my first born, she would wake religiously at 3am for a feed. I would hope that she might go at least half an hour either side. Why would it make a difference, you are thinking. Let's just say that the best thing on television at that time of morning was not my favourite viewing.

I would audibly groan as my daughter's whimpers and snuffles would wake me. It was not the thought of getting up to feed her, it was the sight of clock always showing that horrid time.

I'm sure it could have been worse. At least it was an Australian classic. The Sullivans never really excited me though, and did not do so at 3am in the morning either.

How I would loved having Austar, so I could flick through the many channels, and probably would have ended up watching a documentary on child-birth, or getting tips in advance on parenting. Surely Man vs Wild would have kept me awake or even a good story on the mating habits of animals, as I tended to get very drowsy sitting there on the lounge, listening to my baby gulp her milk.

Try as I might though, it was 2004, and the choice was much more limited than today. The Sullivans was the best thing my television had to offer.

Maybe it was a blessing in disguise, as I never got so wrapped up in the episode that I had trouble turning the TV off when feeding had finished, and the appropriate burps had been produced.

What did you do to pass the time whilst breast-feeding?

Happiness is .. being recognised

This week is all about recognition for us.

Master 4 has managed to stay in his own bed for three nights in a row. I made sure there was a big fuss in recognition of his very grown up behaviour. It wasn't just words - Mummy and Daddy are both really proud and relieved for three nights good sleep.

Miss 8 received her recognition at school for her efforts last week. She received a certificate at the school assembly showing that she follows the schools three B's of Br safe, Be a learner and Be respectful.
Her teacher made sure she included on the certificate that Miss 8 is always a hard worker. Whew! That is better than the often heard "is disruptive in class" or "could apply herself more". The certificate has pride of place on the fridge.

I was also recognised for my efforts this week, which was rather nice. My employer saw it as beneficial to give me a pay rise! That will come in very handy to cover the many price rises of late.

Overall, a pleasant week.

Tug of war - children and animals

As a parent, I try really hard to remember what it was like as a child. It can be so easy to just dictate and lay down the rules, and say "And that's that." With a little step back and some consideration, it helps me to empathise with the children and communicate better.

We are having a little tug of war within the family at the moment. We have our trusty female Labrador Gypsy who has been with us for 6 years now, since she was a pup. Miss 8 and Master 4 love animals. Miss 8 in particular has had her eyes opened to the world of pets lately, with her teacher breeding Guinea Pigs and kindly bringing them in to the class every couple of weeks. It is great for the kids, as they have free contact with some animals they can handle and learn about. On the downside, each time the Guinea Pigs come to visit, it renews Miss 8's pleas for another pet.

Personally, I am not against having another pet in the family. Before making any additions though, we need to consider the dynamics of our house and family. I like to think these things through to consider all the pros and cons. Hubby, on the other hand likes a pet to be useful and sees any addition as only more work for us.

Miss 8 has been pleading her case with great enthusiasm, and has hit the subject from several angles. Once she gets an idea in her head, she is quite adamant. Miss 8 is a romantic at heart though, and tends to see the cute fluffy side of things, and not so much of the yucky, problematic side.

So, with an open mind, I said we should sit down and discuss this.

M8: I can buy a Guinea Pig from my teacher for only $10. Can I pleeaase have a Guinea Pig.
Mum: It may be only $10, but then it needs a home, needs looking after and feeding ....
M8: Yeah, but Mum it can live in my room and I will look after it.
Dad: I don't think a Guinea Pig is a good idea. Who will look after it when we go on holiday or away for the weekend?
M8:Well if I can't have a Guinea Pig I want a Parrot.
Mum:Hang on, we need to consider the mess that a bird makes. They may not need as much attention as other pets, but birds do tend to like to flick their food around a bit. It definitely can't live in your room, so where could we put it?
Dad: They are messy.
Mum:Could it live under the carport?
Dad: We need to remember how cold it gets here.
Mum:We also need to consider that we have a dog, and they may not mix.

The conversation lasted quite a while, and took many different turns and twists.
We tried to explain that there were many things to consider before getting another pet. We live in a small house, Master 4 is very full on, and hands on. We already have a dog. We go away quite a bit through the year. We need to consider all aspects of the pets' needs and the affect on the family.

All Miss 8 could hear was "No." Which is not what we were saying at all.

Miss 8 is not just a romantic at heart, but an emotional child too.

In the end I explained that we needed to consider the matter a little longer. I want her to be happy, and I believe that pets are great. I had several as a child, but there were no huge attachments.  Miss 8 is a completely different person and bonds with animals quickly. We also wanted to consider the rest of the family, because we are a team - we don't please one person to the detriment of everyone else. I also explained to Miss 8 that it would mean adding to her chores, of which she is already committed to cleaning her room once a week and helping to feed Gypsy through the week. She is like most children and forgets or tries to avoid her chores on occasion.

so, our dilemma continues.

I can see the joy she would get out of another pet.

The housing of the pet and tending to it's needs are an issue.

I will continue to look at options ... she will continue to beg, plead and cry to win her case.

Do you have any suggestions? I would love to hear your point of view? 
Do you have any positive or negative stories on pets?

Here's to having options

image source

When I was younger (much younger) and needed to avoid being in the "family way", the choices were simple. Nowadays, there is much more technology involved, many more options and many opinions on what is good and bad.

It was easy back in "my day" and there were only a few choices. The most popular were, you could go without, use condoms or take The Pill, but these options did not suit everyone. Contraception now is much more tailored to the individual, and if something isn't working or doesn't suit your style, you can try something else. Contraception is a big topic these days, so big that Family Planning clinics now do all the explaining and implementation to save your local GP the time this now takes.

Funnily enough, as I was reviewing my options, it occurred to me that my daughter is now 8 years old. Obviously, there will some pretty deep discussion in the next couple of years about changes and then the birds and the bees. Boy, that came around quick. It seems like only yesterday that I was encouraging her to poo in the potty.

Hopefully, by the time "her day" comes around, more advances will have been made, not only to protect against "the family way", but against the cancers and diseases that seem to be stalking every second person.

Wouldn't it be nice if all she had to worry about was the right gap between children?