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.

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

 

Why Do We Participate In Halloween?

Halloween is a relatively new thing in Australia. Whilst we have been aware of the spooky tradition of Trick or Treat for years through television, the retail market here has suddenly exploded with the theme only in the last couple of years. So some would ask, why participate?

Whilst I agree that retailers are certainly benefiting from the sales of a tradition certainly not seen to be Australian, and it is aimed at the children which promotes the collecting of sweets from strangers ... I can't help seeing the fun side of it all.

Maybe my first and most vivid memory of Halloween as a child would be the scene from E.T where Elliot and E.T went out into the neighbourhood. What better time for an alien to go undetected roaming the streets amongst the humans?

I remember it looked so much fun.

As a parent, I want my children to be children.

In my view this means using their imagination, playing dress-up, and enjoying the occasional treat.

So we have participated in Halloween for the last two years and again this year.

I helped my own children organise their costumes. I trailed behind them as they went from door to door in our neighbourhood chiming ""Trick or Treat".

                      

Apart from wanting my children to enjoy and remember their childhood as fun, I also like them to experience the joys of living in a friendly community, the giving and receiving, and the reassurance that we live in a great place.

I think Halloween is a likable tradition, with much fun to be had for the young and the not so young.

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Watching AFL: Make Sure To Block Your Ears

I remember watching AFL on TV when I was quite young . Actually, I probably wanted to watch cartoons, but my brother would have been in charge of the remote control, so good old Footy it was.

My brother was the reason I started watching AFL, and he was also the decider on which team to go for. It was, and always has been, Hawthorn. As far as picks go, his decision has served me well over the years.

As we come to the pointy end of the AFL season, with tipping all finished (not that it got me anywhere financially, but someone has to fund the winners), I am excited to see The Mighty Hawks vying for a spot in the finals.

I have been a somewhat complacent fan over the years, but the last few years have seen more involvement in tipping competitions and social gatherings on Grand Final Day. Both money and some friendly competition is always healthy in keeping the interest in sport fresh.

I will be in front of the TV supporting The Hawks, hopefully through to the Final, but no matter who is playing, you can guarantee I will be screaming like a banshee (much to the amusement of some and the embarrassment of the kids).

Bring on the footy jumpers and scarves, the chip and dip, and the kick of the football at half time. I look forward to this time of year - awfully Australian, I know.

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How did you become interested in your favourite sport? Is it AFL?

Wordless Wednesday - No Matter What .....

    No matter how much they bicker, they look out for each other.
          No matter how much yelling, there is twice as much whispering and laughter.
                No matter where life takes them in the future, they were together through so much.
      

             

Linking up with these AMAZING bloggers

ANZAC DAY And Inspired Children

I am in hiding. The bedroom could be the only safe place for me right now. My house has come alive as three children fight their own war full of ammo, hideouts, tactics and pleas for mercy.

All three were witness to the proud display of the local ANZAC DAY March this morning. They had many questions about the people we honour each year, the people who were marching in memory of a loved one, and those who stood in uniform armed with guns.

The TV has been full of media coverage of Marches across the nation as well as movies relevant to the wars.

Miss 9, Master 5, and their neighbourhood friend have been thinking of nothing else all day, and even though they don't understand the full magnitude of the importance of ANZAC DAY, it was inevitable that this war had to happen.

The camouflage tent is shelter and considered safe. There are various types of Nerf guns being handed around. Spent ammo is littered across the lounge room floor. Each one has chosen which country they are fighting for.

Luckily, when they tire of this game, the guns, ammo and tent will be packed away. Thankfully, unlike a real war, this is an option for them. Hopefully, this will be as close as they get to any war. I'm sure every Mother has wished this same thing.
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An Entertainer, I Am Not

I love a good party. I love the atmosphere, the socialising, the chance to let down my hair, the chance to enjoy a bevy and a nibble. I am not a natural entertainer though. I stress too much and worry about the really little details. I don't enjoy all of the preparation and am not a natural cook.

It is amazing what you do, though, when it is for a loved one, and you stepping up to the plate is the difference in the likelihood of there being a party for that loved one, or not. Thus, I have just been involved in organising and throwing my 2nd 60th Birthday bash.

Luckily for my dear Mum, and also my mother-in-law, they both fall into the category of special people in my life.  Otherwise, you would NEVER have seen me organising either of their 60th Birthday celebrations. 

I can't take all of the credit though. Hubby is always there to do what he can in organising and pitching in on the day. We also have some pretty special relatives who are more party savvy than I, when it comes to feeding a large group of festive friends and relatives.

Despite my lack of experience, and my dislikes, my mother-in-law's recent birthday party went really well. 

The cake was great, there was WAY too much food, the kids had a great time, many people were chatting and laughing, and some choose to bust a move to the music. Amazingly, there were no disasters!

A successful event!

Going back in time

I was hurtled back in time today, just by attempting to put some things away.  This happens to me quite often. I try to get some stuff done, and in doing so, I find something I haven't seen in a long time. All of a sudden, I am fully sidetracked.

I like to keep things.
Things the children have made, significant birthday cards, etc. I guess this stems from my own childhood where my Mum did the same thing.

As I added things to the "Memory Box" today, I found some things I have kept from my childhood. It really did feel like finding a time capsule. They are just small things, but they revive some great memories.

 So, what have we got here?
1. Collectible eraser in the shape of a peg
This was one thing I collected as a child. I had quite a cool, colourful collection.

2. Netball medal from High School
I have played Netball since Third Grade, but this is a small memory token I can fit in my box.

3. Skeleton keyring from the Hobart Show
The annual Royal Hobart Show was one of those treats that I have some cool memories of. The rides, the tacky show bags and the fireworks are still a fun tradition.

4. Rock from Tasmanian West Coast
This is a treasure from one of our family trips. It is very shiny and glitzy.

5. Key tag with primary school photo
Ah ... those were the days. So young and innocent.

6. Mickey Mouse figurine
Another token of my childhood. I have a really cool photo of me with the Mickey Mouse Ears.

7. Feather earring
This was from my rebellion teenage years. Feather earrings and black eyeliner!

8. Keyring with boomerang and enclosed Scorpion
I carried these 2 around for quite a while. I thought they were both pretty cool.

9. The Bug key tag
This one actually belonged to my Mum. She once owned and drove a Volkswagen Beetle.

As I get older, I wonder how much the Brain can retain of these memories from long ago. I certainly spent a good amount of time today smiling and going back in time with the help of these items.

There are so many other things that would have been great to keep. I had some great posters that would have been cool to hang on to, but I think that would push me into the hoarding category...

photo source

Do you keep things as mementos? Have you ever made a time capsule?

Appreciation for The Olden Days

I love how a child's mind works. They can look at things in wonder and imagine shapes and what makes things work.

My children are particularly fascinated with things and happenings from the "olden days". For young minds that have known nothing but modern convenience, to hear that things haven't always been this way really opens their imagination.

My son was hesitant to sit on our toilet recently, as it was a little cold. He laughed when I told him that his Grandparents had toilets outside when they were younger. I explained that the toilet seat would have been really cold for them. He thought about this for a while as he did his business. "But why would they do that Mum" he asked in wonder. He could not comprehend why the toilet would not be inside the house.

My daughter thought the idea of riding a horse to school, as was quite common for some, would have been the best thing in the world. She is quite the romantic, and I can imagine her vision of herself making a grand entrance at school atop a big, shiny horse.

Both the children were amazed that when we were children, you needed to do your shopping before noon on a Saturday, or wait until Monday. Shopping hours have changed quite a bit since I was little with many shops open all weekend and some open til midnight or 24 hours.

I guess it shows how things don't remain the same for long. I thought of the time my parents grew up as "the old days", and now my children think the same about my childhood. I will continue to point out the conveniences of today's world, and share history and memories.

The olden days provide many lessons, give us appreciation for technology and convenience, but also show how things can advance and change.

Mothers Group made me the mother I am

I ummed and ahhed abut going to Mother's Group. Like many, I didn't know if it was for me. I was nervous about meeting new people and looking awkward as a new Mum. After talking about it with hubby, he suggested that I go just to suss it out. "You can always not go back if you don't like it."

I wonder now, how I would have coped if I had not gone that first day? Would I have developed the same respect for other parents without my group meetings? Would I have crumbled within the first 6 months, thinking I was the only one experiencing doubt of my abilities? Would I have gone stir-crazy in the house without a weekly outing to look forward to? Would I have found assurance from other sources that my baby was behaving age appropriately? When would I have discovered that my baby had a dislocated hip?

As we got settled at that first meeting, we all looked around, sizing each other up (I'm sure I wasn't the only one!) I wondered how I could live in this rural town all of my life, and have worked here, without knowing any of the other 7 mothers. Introductions were made, and we shared what we wanted  of our birth stories. I remember thinking "Thank God, somebody actually wants to hear the gory details and understands what I'm talking about".

The Mother's Group co-coordinator went through what we could expect from each week with the group. The agenda seemed interesting and there were a few topics I was looking forward to, and others I thought I had a little knowledge of.

The first 10 weeks of the organised program went quickly, and the opportunity to continue to meet as a group was an option. By this stage, we had bonded as a group, finding our similarities and differences, and laughed at our initial hesitations and awkwardness. A few of the Mums drifted away at the end of the scheduled meetings, but those of us that were left agreed that we really looked forward to meeting up.

Importantly, for me and my baby, we had developed strong ties with the group co-ordinator, who was also our Early Development Nurse. She had discovered and pushed the issue of the dislocated hip at the 6 month mark. Her perseverance and expertise was so appreciated.

The group continued to meet. The venue changed as well as the frequency over time. We took turns hosting the gatherings at our houses. The babies were not babies for long, and they loved this chance to socialise and check out other toys. Us Mums loved the chance to have a hot cup of coffee, and talk to other Mums experiencing the joys and battles of parenthood.

At this stage, 8 years on, there are a handful of us that keep in touch. We have watched our children and families grow in that time. We have shared some hardships and made wonderful memories together.

Mother's Group, for me really was something that shaped me as a parent. I still marvel at the idea that you can throw a group of women together who share one common factor, and you end up with a support network and an invaluable source of knowledge to help you through your journey.

Did you join a Mother's Group? What was you experience if you did? If you didn't, what were your reasons?

The Seven-Year Engagement

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The Seven Years between hubby and I becoming engaged and getting married could be classed as a romantic comedy. Alas, we did not think of making a film about it. 

We were not in a rush to set a wedding date. We wanted certain things to happen first. Unlike The Five-Year Engagement, the delay was not so much setting up our careers, as setting up our future.

We both had similar ideas about how we wanted our lives together to "pan out".

We wanted to enjoy each others company and get to know each other. We wanted to be a couple and make lasting memories together. And we did just that. We love looking back at photos with the children and telling them the stories behind each adventure.

Neither of us wanted to rush into a relationship that might fade or change over time either. So for the whole time of the engagement we lived together. We lived in several houses, and even with hubby's parents for some time. We played house, payed bills, nurtured pets, changed jobs and had a few disasters we can now laugh about. We had different experiences shared with different friends and family. We holidayed together and spent time apart enjoying our hobbies. We saw the good and the bad, learned ours strengths and weaknesses, and held each other up when it was needed. We gave the relationship every chance to change and grow along as we did, and by the wedding, we certainly knew each other inside out.

We wanted children, but wanted to set ourselves up first. If that sounds a little sterile and too organised to be romantic, then I can tell you we have our impulsive moments, but the big decisions were important and we liked the sense of control. We saved for our first home, which we renovated together (we could have done a comedy movie just around that). We then wanted to have a little money behind us before our family began, so we worked toward this. We worked on our ideals and discussed things about our future in detail. There was a lot of dreaming, but mostly we were ensuring we were on the same page. Of course, our opinions do sometimes differ, and we have had our disagreements, but we had the time to work through them.

Maybe this communication, and growing together is why we celebrated our Ten-Year Anniversary this year, and hope to keep adding the decades to our tally. We have watched as some of our friends have struggled through terrible relationships, and some have ended badly. We are so glad that we took the time to set the strong foundation for ours.

We hope ours will be a happily-ever-after tale. It has been so far.

Comforting memories

Do you ever catch a particular scent and it takes you back to a moment in your childhood? Or get a flash of something and it instantly gives you the feeling of deja vu? This happens to me quite regularly. Sometimes I struggle to place where or when that memory is coming from.

When I was growing up I spent a good amount of time at my grandmother's house, on weekends and school holidays. I have many memories from this stage of my life.

I sometimes catch the scent of her house.

I can see myself sitting in the garden, eating her peas.

If I see old cutlery, it takes me back to her kitchen. The same happens with old patterned plates and saucers.

I can feel the warmth of her open fire. We would sometimes cook our toast on a homemade 3 prong fork.

I can here the giggles of cousins as we played hide-and-seek outside.

I can see my hand reaching hesitantly into the chicken house to retrieve the eggs. I can hear the nervous cackle of the chickens.

I can hear the crunch of the gravel road under my feet as we walked along to the bridge, or up the road to her neighbour, Marlene.

I wouldn't say these memories are haunting me, when they pop up out of the blue. I would describe it more as the memories comforting me, and taking me back to a time when life was a little bit simpler for me. I'm glad that these memories are triggered by smells and sights, and keeping me company.

What are the memories that keep you company?

Today I am linking up with Kate Says Stuff 

Live in the moment

 

Linking up with yay for home 

This week I know:

That life is not forever. 

That no matter how long you were in someones life, and no matter what the extent, you will be missed.

An out of the blue work meeting called for first thing in the morning is not good news.

It is a lovely idea that we remember someone fondly and celebrate their life, but to laugh out loud after hearing of someone passing feels so wrong to me.

When a lot of people in one place are grieving, it is all consuming.

Memories are precious.

I DARE not blink!

My baby boy has just hit another milestone. 4 years. Gone - just like that!

I remember sitting with him in the hospital, knowing that he was my last baby. Willing time to creep by slowly. Alas, time waits for no-one. This is definitely true.

We have been through a lot with him in 4 years. So many memories, that it almost seems that it was impossible to cram it into that time. We are lucky that we have evidence of many of those memories that we can re-visit. Thanks to digital photography I happily snap away, and most of the time the children are happy to play along.

We reviewed some older video footage of when our boy was a toddler. It was great to be back there again. At the flick of a switch we were transported back to chubby cheeks and curly blond hair, his funny stiff walk and love of eating with his hands. Miss 7 was, of course only 4 in the footage. The love for her brother beams from her little face, even as he pulls her hair.
I guess, if they must grow up so quickly, then I must be thankful that I have the video footage and photos to look back on. I just hope that the memories that go with them, that are still quite vivid in my mind, will stay just as fresh with me for a long time to come.

It was evident that our boy has changed in his features quite a bit since his baby days. He is now slim and athletic. His hair is now short and straight. The puffy little red cheeks are gone. But he is the same boy - cheeky, a glint in his eye, quick to cuddle, adventurous, with the cutest little grin and ready to tell you what he thinks. He has always been able to make me smile, even when he is at his naughtiest I find myself smiling at his antics and courage.

I will leave you with photos of Master 4 (no longer Master 3) at his best.