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Me and My Munchkin

Me and My Munchkin: July 2012

Tuesday 31 July 2012

I am...

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I am a mother.
I am a daughter.
I am a sister.
I am an auntie.
I am a friend.
I am a chauffeur.
I am a comforter.
I am a peace-maker.
I am a play-buddy.
I am a chef.
I am a maid.
I am a nurse.
I am a counselor.
I am a writer.
I am a student.
I am a reader.
I am a dreamer.
I am an organiser.
I am a personal assistant.
I am a personal shopper.
I am a nose-wiper.
I am a teacher.
I am a fighter.
I am a strong person.
I am capable.
I am happy.

What are you?

Linking up with Diary of a SAHM for IBOT

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Sunday 29 July 2012

Windows of Happiness - A Welcome Treat

Following on from my post on Thursday, What Makes a Good Mother, my windows of happiness post this week is about giving my Munchkin a treat every now and then. There are some regular things that he is treated to, such as a chocolate milk with dinner on a Friday night. This is simply milk and chocolate nesquik in a drink bottle, and he loves it!

Master A eats all meals at the kitchen table. This includes breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. It is a real treat if we eat in the lounge or mummy's bedroom, and usually he doesn't like to break his routine so will insist on sitting at the kitchen table anyway.

On Wednesday this week we came home early from kindergym because Master A did not want to play. He only wanted to be held and cuddled by me. Getting home he was no better. He had been at his dad's house the day before so I wondered if he was maybe just feeling a little overwhelmed. So I decided to treat him to 2 of his favorite snacks for morning tea, AND - wait for it... he was allowed to eat it in Mummy's bedroom, while watching The Wot Wots.

He thought this was great and it made him so happy. He was even offering his Tiny Teddies to the TV screen just in case Dotty Wot was hungry. This little guy makes my life worth all of the hard stuff that has been hanging around lately, and I love him more than anything. Treating him every now and then makes me smile, and I think it makes me a good Mummy!


Linking up today with the beautiful Fi from My Mummy Daze for Windows of Happiness

Windows of Happiness

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Friday 27 July 2012

My Blog Post Planning System

I have been searching for a little while for the perfect way to plan my blog posts. I am not somebody who likes leaving things to the last minute. I like to have a plan, though I like it to be flexible, so that I have the option to change it, for whatever reason.

A few weeks back I came across this post by Pink Ronnie. I thought that the idea was brilliant, so adapted it for myself. Off I went to the newsagency to get what I needed, and I quickly got to work.


This is my new blog plan system. It is set up in the corner next to my desk so that I can easily see it when I'm blogging.


I have a large piece of poster cardboard, and used blue sticky notes across the top to highlight the topics covered on the blog. These are my main topics, and being on sticky notes, I can change these whenever I want. I use yellow sticky notes for post ideas. The post idea then gets put under the right topic, and I can make sure that there is a variety of topics included on the blog in any one week.


I choose the posts for the week and put them onto the "calendar". I have 2 weeks showing on the calendar, and have included a square for a blog goal for the week. When I am choosing my posts for the next week, I simply pick from the topics and stick them onto the calendar. Being sticky notes, it means that I can change my mind and push posts back if I'm not quite ready to write them yet.

I have been trialing this system for about  2 weeks and finding it great. The only thing I am looking to change is using smaller sticky notes so that I can fit more on the cardboard!

Do you have a system for organising your blog post ideas?
Where do you blog? At a desk, on your couch, do you have your own home office?


Linking up with Bree over at Twinkle in the Eye for Flash Blog Friday

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Thursday 26 July 2012

What Makes a Good Mother?

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What makes a woman a good mother? Is it the mother that stays at home with her children, or goes back to work to earn money to pay for the best schooling? The mother that spends her days playing with her children, or cooking and cleaning so that they have healthy things to eat and a clean house to play in? What about the mother that practices "helicopter parenting" or the mother that stands back and lets children find out what happens by themselves?

There are so many different ways to parent. Every person is different. I've talked before about women who appear to have motherhood simply come natural to them. Is that what makes a good mother? Is it the love in your child's eyes when they look at you? Or is it simply having the best cakes at the kindergarten open day?

The truth is there really is no way to define what makes a good mother. We all just do the best we can with what we have. I love my child, feed him, put him in warm clothes, play with him, cuddle him, provide him with toys and take him out to experience the world (or the community anyway!)

On the other hand I tell my child off, lose my temper with him, sleep trained him, put him in daycare 1 day per week when I don't actually work. I tell him to "just wait a minute, Mummy's a bit busy right now", I stay at home rather than taking him out to enjoy the sunshine when I'm having a bad day. I put him in front of the TV when I need a bit of peace or quiet, or when I simply can't take any more.

Do any of these things make me a bad mother, or just a normal mother? Do the bad things cancel out the good, and just make me a "mother"?

Does the fact that I want to go back to work, so that I can financially afford to move Master A and myself out of my parents house and set ourselves up on our own, rather than stay at home with him make me a bad mother? What about being a single mother, does that make me any less of a good mother?

The truth is I will never really know whether these things make me a good or bad mother. Some things are good-mother-like things to do, such as playing, cuddling and telling your child you love them (I do all three), and some are not-so-good-mother-like things to do, such as losing your temper, putting Facebook before your child's wish for bubbles or turning on Elmo to get 5 minutes to yourself. I have also done all of these things. Hell, I'm only human and there is only so many tantrums and tears and dirty nappies one person can take before they lose it (especially at that time of the month!)

I am not one of those mothers where it comes natural to me. The sleep deprivation surprised me and hit me hard. The loss of my identity and time to myself has been a huge struggle. I'm torn between wanting to give up everything for my child, and wanting to find myself again, doing what makes me happy, and having a social life outside of my child. Sometimes I feel like this makes me a bad mother, though I know that really, this isn't the case.

So really, being a good mother is defined by you. What makes you a good mother to children? What do you do for your children that makes you the best mother for them? Forget about all the not-so-good, though totally human things you do, and think about the things that make you a great mum.

What do you define as a "good mother"?
What have you done lately that makes you feel like a good mum?


Linking up with With Some Grace for Flash Blog Friday!

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Tuesday 24 July 2012

Big Spender

Please note that this is NOT a sponsored post. I simply found a great tool that helps me out and would love to share it with you!

I am a bit of a spender when it comes to my money. I always have been, and I am always looking for ways to curb my spending, and remember my bills. I'm the person that pays for a paper bill, rather than email because I can never remember to pay them otherwise. I despise direct debits because I have to remember to make sure there's money in the account.

I posted last month about the system I use for my budget. Although this system works well, I still found that I was spending so much money, and I had no idea what on. Bills were starting to get forgotten, or only partly paid. 

So I headed to the app store on my iPad in search of an answer, and my purse is thanking me that I found one!

The app is called ExpenSense HD and I paid $0.99 for it (though it may not stay at this price). I am using it in conjunction with my current budget system. 


It is so simple to use, with an easy way to add an expense, or purchase, or an income. You can also input recurring incomes or expenses. I love this function, because it means that the app really runs itself, and I only need to put in any purchases that I make.


You can see a full screen of your accounts. I have put in all of my accounts, including my credit card and car loan (these can be in the minus, so that when you transfer money into them, you can see what you have outstanding). I also have a cash account. You can transfer money from one account to the other, so when I take cash out, I just transfer it from my everyday account to the cash account on the app so I always know how much cash is left. 

Every purchase you make needs to be entered into the app. It really is so easy and I just ensure that I collect receipts for everything, and then spend 5 minutes at the end of the day going through them and entering them.


Entering recurring expenses, incomes and transfers is easy and takes very little time.


This is my absolute favourite feature. It will give you a chart showing where your money is going for the month. It is very visual so you can see exactly what you are spending your money on. 

It also has a budget function that I don't really use as it is monthly, and I budget fortnightly.

So has it worked? Well, last pay has gone on exactly what it was supposed to. All of the bills are paid, my car has been paid for and everything else. I know how much spare cash I have left, and what still needs to be paid for. This app has become a huge part of my budget system!

Do you use technology for your budgeting, or pen and paper?
How does your budget work for you?

Linking up with Jess at Diary of a SAHM for IBOT


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Monday 23 July 2012

Liebster Blog Award

I am feeling pretty special because I have received 2 Liebster Blog awards! I am going to do 1 post for the 2 awards, so as not to clog up your reader and feeds.


The rules for the Liebster Award are as follows:
1. Each person must post 11 facts about themselves.
2. Answer 11 questions the tagger has given you and give 11 questions for the person you tag.
3. Choose 11 people and link them to your post (they must have 200 followers or less)
4. Tell them you have tagged them.
5. Remember, no tag backs.

11 random pieces of information about me
1. I can be a very lazy person and hard to motivate
2. My favorite food is pasta.
3. I eat way too much take away food.
4. I love to walk, and when the weather is decent, can walk 2-3 times a day outside in the fresh air.
5. I am terrified of heights.
6. Ditto clowns.
7. My back and neck are completely screwed from my 9 years of calisthenics.
8. Lists and planning make me feel calmer.
9. I am a wee bit of a Facebook addict.
10. I have known my best friend since primary school, though we only became close in high school, and closer again once I fell pregnant.
11. I used to work for Spotlight, and spent most of my pay when my shifts ended!

The first Liebster Award I received was from the lovely Kate at Tutus and Trikes. These are the questions she had for me.
1. What is a family tradition you have created? Eating dinner together. Doesn't happen every night, though I try to do it every night if possible.
2. Do you make your child's birthday cake or buy it? Haha this actually made me laugh. I don't bake cakes, I burn them. So I definitely buy!
3. Ebook or paper book? I have an E-reader and an iPad. Though I still occasionally buy paper books.
4. Mac or PC? Have a PC, though I'd love a Macbook.
5. What famous person would you invite to a dinner party? Pink. I love her personality!
6. Dogs or cats? I do love dogs, but I think I'm a cat person at heart!
7. Do you ever wear your PJs out in public? No, but I do wear my ugg boots!
8. Number 1 tip for travelling with kids? Have never traveled with my Munchkin before!
9. Who's harder to toilet train, boys or girls? Hopefully not boys coz I'm starting in the summer!
10. What's the most important item in your handbag/nappy bag? Munchkin's Woody toy.
11. If you could have one object on a deserted island what would it be? My iPhone, with internet connection for Facebook and email!


The second Liebster Award I received was from the absolutely awesome Tubbah at Organising: My Crazy Life. These are the questions she had for me.
1. If you could be anywhere in the world right now where would you be? The Gold Coast in Queensland Australia. I love it there and would move there in a heartbeat if I could.
2. Did you eat breakfast today? Yes, Coco Pops!
3. Favourite TV Show? Oooh I have 3: Sons of Anarchy, Big Bang Theory and True Blood.
4. Any siblings? 2 older sisters.
5. Favourite childhood toy? My baby born doll!
6. Are you concerned about the environment? Yes, I think we should be looking after it better, but I'm not overly worried about it.
7. Are you a naturally organised person? No, I work very hard to be organised.
8. What's the weirdest thing you've done? Probably dipped my bread and butter in tomato sauce. But I'm sure there is weirder that I just can't think of!
9. Are you competitive? Generally, yes.
10. Can you keep secrets? Yes.
11. What did you want to be when you grew up? An author.


My 11 questions for my taggees
1. What is your all-time favourite movie?
2. Did you finish high school?
3. What was your first job?
4. Are you a bit of a hoarder, or do you get rid of everything?
5. How many children do you have?
6. Do you have a hobby that you pursue?
7. How old were you when you got your first mobile phone?
8. How often do you see your friends?
9. What 3 words would you use to describe you?
10. Coke or Pepsi?
11. What is your favourite piece of clothing you own?

And now I am passing the award on to:
1. Mum-ments
2. Organising the Three of Us
3. Redcliffe Style
4. Mum on the Run
5. Francesca Writes Here
6. The Simple Mummy
7. One Too Many
8. Mums the Word
9. Delightfully Tacky Little Squirts
10. My Mummy Daze
11. Six by the Sea

Please don't feel obliged to post about the award, especially if you have already received one. It is just a bit of fun!

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Sunday 22 July 2012

Windows of Happiness: A Beautiful Life

Just a short little window of happiness today. As I sit and write this post my Munchkin is napping after a great trip to the park with friends, complete with a little morning tea picnic. It has made me realise just how beautiful our lives are. I have the opportunity to create a great life for me and my son.

As we were at the park I watched many families come and go, family bike rides with happy children and healthy snacks. This was their "family day". I love that I can do that with my son. Although it is only him and I now, one day I hope that we have family day with more of us. I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to create these moments for us now though.

I work so hard to create balance and routine in our lives to make it easier to enjoy those moments. And today I feel like it is all paying off.

What is making you happy this week?
Have you linked up with Fi at My Mummy Daze for Windows of Happiness?


Windows of Happiness

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Friday 20 July 2012

The Versatile Blogger Award


I have been so lucky in the last week to receive not 1 but 3 blogger awards! Especially seeing as I have been so sick the last week or 2 and the blog has been kind of neglected. The first one I received was The Versatile Blogger Award from the awesome blog One Too Many.




The rules for this award are as follows:
1. Create a post for the Versatile Blogger Award and add the award.
2. In the same post, thank the blogger(s) who gave you the award and put a link back to their blog.
3. Nominate 15 fellow bloggers the Versatile Bloggers Award and inform each nominated blogger by posting a comment on each blog.
4. In the same post, share 7 completely random pieces of information about yourself.
5. In the same post, include this set of rules.


Here are my 7 random pieces of information about myself:
1. I love bright colours, and also pastels.
2. I have a routine and system for almost everything.
3. Handbags and purses are my weakness.
4. I craved redskins and sour lollies through my pregnancy.
5. I totally have the hots for Eric from True Blood and Jax from Sons of Anarchy.
6. My sisters are 7 and 9 years older than me.
7. I love vegetables, but absolutely hate fruit.


The 15 bloggers I am tagging for this award are:
1. Organising: My Crazy Life
2. Life, Love and Hiccups
3. Pretty Pink Peony
4. Beautifully Organised
5. Home Life Simplified
6. Tutus and Trikes
7. With Some Grace
8. Twinkle in the Eye
9. Mum-ments
10. Yesterday, Today, Tomorrows
11. Bossy Mummy
12. The Bling Buoy
13. Maxabella Loves
14. This Charming Mum
15. Diary of a SAHM

Please don't feel obliged to take part in this if I have tagged you. It is just a bit of fun!

Linking up with With Some Grace for Flog Yo Blog Friday!

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Thursday 19 July 2012

6 Month Goal Update

I am now at my halfway point for my 6 month goals so I thought I might do a little update and let you all know how I'm going. I am actually quite proud of my current progress, and excited to continue on with them!

1. To build Master A's immune system up and get him back into a sound routine.
Master A's routine is going pretty well. It is not set in concrete, which means it is flexible, and I like that. He gets up at around the same time every day, naps at around the same time, eats his meals and goes to bed at the same time every day. You can read about our bedtime routine here


His immune system unfortunately is still not great. To be honest though, mine is just as bad, and both of us need to focus on building our immune systems so that we don't get sick as often!

2. To become totally comfortable in my own company.
I have become much more comfortable in my own company. Though I do still feel lonely, particularly on a Friday or Saturday night. This is when I need to keep myself busy by blogging, watching a favorite movie or TV show, or finding something to do around the house. On the whole though, I am definitely feeling a lot more comfortable on my own.

3. To be organised and efficient in various areas of my life.
I am not a naturally organised person. I work hard to be organised, and I love it. I'm a total control freak and this gives me that sense of control in a chaotic Mother's world. I am slowly becoming much more organised throughout my life. These are a few lists and charts that I use already to help make life easier. 


I have done a bit of sorting and organising in my room and Munchkin's room to make things easier. I have also started a major clean out that I am in the middle of. I am reviewing my current weekly routine and also my budgeting. I would like to think I am well on my way to living a fairly organised life. Now I just need to find a man that doesn't think I'm crazy!

Do you have goals that you need to do update on?
What do you think; don't tell the men I meet that I am as crazy "anal" as I am until they have already fallen helplessly in love with me?


Linking up with the awesome Bree from Twinkle in the Eye for Flash Blog Friday!

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Tuesday 17 July 2012

When Anxiety Strikes

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Today I looked up the definition of anxiety on Google, and this is what it told me:

A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.

When I was 20 I was diagnosed with a social anxiety disorder, alongside my depression. This meant that I would have a full blown panic attack whenever I was placed in a social situation, often resulting in a meltdown.

After it was treated I didn't have any real problems with anxiety once I fell pregnant, other than the occasional bout of anxiety which is fairly normal in any mother's life. This was up until I separated from Master A's father 9 months ago. Since then, my anxiety has steadily got worse. Thinking about having to let my Munchkin go to his father's house sends my heart racing and shortens my breath quicker than ever before. It doesn't help that I know I have to actually see his dad, which usually results in an argument and being told that I'm doing a bad job as a mother.

Anxiety can take over your life if you let it. I find that in the week that leads up to Master A going to his dad's house I am on edge, cranky, can't usually get it off my mind and I dread having to let him go. There is also another reason why I get so anxious about letting him go, that occurred over the weekend that I can't share with you all just yet, but it's safe to say that I let this situation rule a good part of my life, and I am ready for that to change.

Anxiety causes your stress levels to rise, which in turn means that you get run down, and more likely to get sick. It can keep you awake at night, affect your choices, and affect your relationships with other people. I am lucky that so far, I have not yet let it affect my relationship with Master A.

With the problems that anxiety can cause for people, can you really blame them for wanting to get help and get it fixed? I have started with a trip to the doctor. It is still on my to-do list to look into yoga. I also keep a journal that I will be using more often to sort out my thoughts if I get overwhelmed.

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I am still recovering from the flu (so you will have to excuse if my writing is a little all over the place today!) and once I am back to my old self again I will heading back out on my walks to clear my head. We are also seeking help with regards to custody over Master A, meaning this is one less thing I have to worry about sparking an argument with his dad every time we see each other.


These are some of the things that I am doing to help deal with my anxiety issues. Not everything will work for everyone, and there is medication to help those with severe anxiety disorders. If you feel you are one of these people, I can not urge you enough to see your doctor and get some help.

Do you suffer from anxiety?
What do you do to help stop a panic attack?


Linking up with the gorgeous Jess from Diary of a SAHM for IBOT

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Sunday 15 July 2012

Windows of Happiness

Today I am linking up with the lovely Fi over at My Mummy Daze for Windows of Happiness. The idea is finding the rays of sunshine in this wintry weather, which is perfect for me, as I write this I am bed-ridden with the flu, only a week after my Munchkin's chest infection. Focusing on the things that make me happy help to get me through it.

So one thing that has made me happy this week is a day out with my Munchkin. We started out with a trip to Kindergym, in which Master A had a ball on the trampoline, among other things.


We then headed to the National Railway Museum for A Day Out with Thomas. Although Master A was a little too young for most of the day, he loved going for a ride on Thomas the Tank Engine, and although this picture doesn't show the smile that was plastered on his face most of the day, it was great to see him have so much fun.


Spending a day out with my little Munchkin and friends has been great, especially when winter makes it harder to get out of the house and actually do things outdoors. So even with a nap-deprived toddler this day was perfect, and a great excuse to enjoy winter!

Linking up with Fi from My Mummy Daze for Windows of Happiness

Windows of Happiness

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Thursday 12 July 2012

The Not-too-Strict Parenting Plan

You all know how much I love goal-setting. I have worked out my personal 6 month and 12 month goals. One area of my life that has fallen a little behind is my parenting. So I thought that if I set a few small goals I may be able to change that, and just maybe, I could become Supermum! OK, so maybe not, but still, any positive change is good for my little Munchkin. And you can never stop learning things as a parent.

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My first goal is spending more time doing fun things at home with Master A. Not getting distracted by the computer, housework, TV, or anything else. It's time to pull out the blocks and the train set and start playing!

My second goal is to get Master A's food under control. There is a reason why going to the Grandparents house is such a treat. Because they have all the treats. The cupboards are stuffed full of biscuits and lollies for when the grand kids come over. The problem is, when you live with the Grandparents, and Grandad has a problem with saying "no", this makes for meal time dramas! No more continuous snacking throughout the day and refusing to eat meals for this little Munchkin!

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My third goal is to socialise Master A more. He is in day care once a week, I am looking to start Kindergym this term as well. We do have plenty of play dates however I want something a little more structured. Weekly fun scheduled in the diary.

I do have my fingers crossed that these goals will turn me into Supermum, and Master A will look at me with those adoring eyes usually reserved for when he hurts himself. That medal I mentioned earlier this week would be a welcome surprise (I have even practiced my acceptance speech!)

I will, however simply accept having an even stronger bond with my Munchkin. What more could I really ask for?



Do you have a "parenting plan"?
What would you say in your best mum medal acceptance speech?


Linking up with With Some Grace for Flog Yo Blog Friday

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Tuesday 10 July 2012

Our First Aid Kit

After losing 2 of Master A's puffers, and constantly spending 5 minutes searching every time I needed something out of my first aid kit, I decided it needed a little bit of a revamp. We have quite a few little bottles of tablets for when I get back and neck pain, and have a massive stash of wound dressings from when Master A had surgery, so the system I had, was certainly not working anymore.

I used to have 2 small first aid tins. Although they looked great, they just weren't practical.


I tried to have 1 tin for medications, and 1 for bandages, band aids, etc. This didn't end up working. It didn't take long to fill both tins, and things were over flowing.

Sorry about the bad quality picture!
So off I went to Cheap as Chips. I had so much fun trawling through the storage isles, trying to find something perfect to do the job. Eventually this is what I came home with. All up it cost me $11.


After sorting through all the medication, throwing out old unfinished antibiotics and anything out of date, I starting sorting the medication and creams into the 2 baskets at the bottom of the box.


In the left side basket I have creams (antiseptic cream, deep heat, vicks, etc) and mine and Master A's spare puffers. In the right side I have all medications and pain killers. There is also a few boxes of tablets down the side.


I have sat the tray on top. It fits quite nicely, and there is still a little room underneath it to store anything else that needs to go in the first aid kit. Here I have bandages, band aids, tape, dressing kits and hyperfix that was left over from Master A's surgery wound, little sachets of sterile water, scissors and a heat pack. 

I have taken all band aids out of the boxes and put them in a zip lock bag. There is also a zip lock bag with alcohol wipes, and one with gauze packs. This keeps everything 'like' together, and means that if we are running low on anything, I see quickly and can make sure it's added to the shopping list.


The tub sits nicely on top of my DVD shelf in my bedroom. The lid has a carry handle on it so that it can easily be carried to where ever it may be needed in the house. 

Does your first aid kit need a bit of sprucing up?
What do you keep in your first aid kit?


Linking up with the gorgeous Jess from Diary of a SAHM for IBOT

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Monday 9 July 2012

Just a Stay at Home Mum

I met a man the other day. Now don't get too excited guys, I was totally unimpressed by his "charm". We were in the middle of a 'getting to know you' conversation, when he asked what I do with my days, and for fun. I had already told him that I don't work, and I am about to start studying, so I proceeded to tell him how my days are filled with entertaining my 21 month old. This includes trips to the playground, play cafes, afternoons on the floor playing with the cars and trains, you know, everything us Mums do to spend time with and keep our kids happy.

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The response I got completely took me by surprise. "I wish my life was that easy, and all I had to do was go to playgrounds and play with cars and trains all day". OK Chrissie, breathe. This is a man with no children, he must not realise that there is actually a lot more to our days than simply playing. 


At this point I had no interest in getting to know this man any further, so rattled off a few of the not so pleasant things that we Mums deal with daily. You know; tantrums, tears, snotty noses, constant demand for attention and entertainment, and forever cleaning up after a tornado. These are all things we Mums do daily, without complaint (most of the time). Again, the response surprised me. "Oh I know all about that. I babysit my sisters kids sometimes". 

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OK, so I give him brownie points for trying to make it sound like he understands, but seriously, not the same. When you give them back after a couple of hours, you really can't understand what its like to play Mummy 24/7. 

So my question is, did I overreact? I wasn't rude, as such. However shortly after that conversation ended I walked away. I feel that although I am "just a stay at home Mum", as some people put it, we still work hard. We have a house to look after, kids to look after, ourselves and usually other adults to look after. I love my Munchkin more than anything in the world, and take all the hard stuff with the good. I am not saying that I want a medal (although that would be kinda nice!) but a little recognition that it's not such an easy job after all isn't too much to ask for, is it?

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Linking up with Twinkle in the Eye for Flash Blog Friday!

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Friday 6 July 2012

Doing it Alone!

I have written this post with a fabulous single Mummy in mind. Rachael from Pretty Pink Peony posted earlier this week about feeling a little alone on her journey. So I have put together a list of reasons why it is awesome to be a single Mum. There are so many benefits that often get forgotten in the process of living day to day life. And here they are:

1. Having a whole bed (and doona) to ourselves. This is, of course, unless you have your children sleep with you. In that case, you get beautiful cuddles!

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2. You don't have to share the TV at night. On Wednesday night, as I was cuddled up under the blanket with my favorite 4 girls from the big apple (Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha), I logged into Facebook on the iPad to find many unhappy wives complaining about being stuck watching the State of Origin. I smiled, turned off the iPad, and relaxed with a Vodka Cruiser (nobody to tell me I shouldn't be having a drink!) Bonus points for not having to share the chocolate!

3. When you see a totally hot man at the supermarket, on the street, out for dinner, or in my case building the house next door, you are quite within your rights to flirt up a storm and ask for their number politely strike up a conversation. Who knows, it could lead to a dinner date!

4. You can plan a night out or in with the girls, without having to ask permission. Something I take full advantage of as a single lady!

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5. Cooking a pot of spaghetti or soup for dinner will mean you actually have leftovers for the next day! It did not seem to matter how big a pot I made before, once seconds and thirds were had, there was enough for him to take to work the next day, and that was about it. Now I can get 2 or 3 days meals out of 1 pot!

6. You can wear what you like. I like skinny jeans. Do not ask me why, I just find them comfortable, and love them. My ex, hated skinny jeans. Although I usually don't care what people think of my clothes, I will generally wear them anyway, I got a little sick of 'that look' every time I put them on. It is so nice to know I can wear what I want, when I want.

7. When something breaks, or you need something doing around the house, you can hire a hot tradie, who will do the job right, instead of watching your hubby fiddle around with the toilet in his socks and jocks, only to have no idea what he's doing!

8. When decorating your house, it's only your opinion that you need to worry about. Who wants to argue over which couch to buy? Certainly not me!

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9. You have no one to explain that totally necessary online purchase for a nice new pair of boots that you really couldn't afford. And you will look hot for when the tradie comes round to fix your toilet!

10. You have the time to focus on you, and your hobbies. I love that I have more time to read again. I just made the mistake of reading the Fifty Shades series. So not the book to be reading whilst you are single!

Do you indulge in any or all of these things?
Do you have any others to add to the list?


Linking up for the first time with With Some Grace for Flog Yo Blog Friday

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Wednesday 4 July 2012

Just Another Love Story

Things have been a little heavy on the blog recently, so I thought that I would lighten things up a bit with a little story about love...

Once upon a time there was a little boy who liked to eat spaghetti.


He would go about his day, eating and playing, and watching Hi 5. This little boy loved to dance! His Mummy tried in vain to get him to watch something other than Hi 5, but it was all he would allow to be played.

One day his Mummy put Toy Story in the DVD player.

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The little boy was mesmerized, and wanted the movie played over and over again. "What's that?" Came out of his mouth every time a new character came on the screen, and "whoa!" was uttered with wide eyes, every time Buzz Lightyear "fell with style."

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This is where this love story takes a twist. You see, most little boys fall in love with Buzz Lightyear, want to be Buzz Lightyear, want to have Buzz Lightyear toys. But not this little boy. No this little boy fell in love with Woody.

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His eyes would light up when ever Woody came on the screen. Whenever he was put on his change table he would immediately point to the Toy Story picture on the wall next to it and yell "whats that!" He would pick up his Toy Story book and flip through it, laughing and pointing to pictures of Woody.

The little boy was smitten. He insisted on watching Toy Story every day. The only thing he didn't have, was a Woody doll of his very own. So one day, when the little boy wasn't feeling very well his Mummy made a trip to Kmart, and picked up a small Woody toy to take home to the little boy.


This made the little boy's day. He was so excited and carried Woody everywhere with him, even to bed that night. Wait until he sees the Woody doll Mummy's got him for his birthday!

So that was the story of a little boy, and his love for his Woody doll. Maybe one day they will grow apart, but at the moment they are still going strong, and will live happily ever after.

Have your kids got a favourite movie, character or toy?
Have you got your own love story to tell?


Linking up with Bree at Twinkle in the Eye for Flash Blog Friday

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