Uh oh....

Oh boy. You know when you see this, you've got a bit of a surprise coming. Kind of inevitable really....

Nice look! What's that? You want to cut the rest? No way!
You want to cut mine? No thanks!

And don't cut your brother's either.

How Many Hazards Can You Spot?

Do you remember in Home Ec, you used to get those worksheets with a chaotic kitchen picture, and you had to circle all the dangerous hazards? You know, things like pan handles too close to the edge, someone sticking a knife into a socket, the stove catching fire, someone throwing a dart at someone else? Welcome to our home....

(This is what K was doing when I came out from putting J to sleep.)

I have always been grateful to my parents for their trust in my ability to judge my own safety. I remember many times on bushwalks, climbing to the extreme outermost rock at lookouts that were hundreds of metres high; Mum and Dad must have had their hearts in their mouths, but they didn't make me come back. Because of this, I looked after myself and I grew confident in my own physical awareness and abilities.

I know some people (not mentioning any names!) cringe at what I allow my kids to do, but it is a really important, deliberate part of my parenting to allow my children to take risks and decide for themselves what they can and can't do. Sometimes this is very hard! Sometimes I just have to look away! I try to assess the situation: if they fall, will they get a few scratches and bumps, or is there genuine danger here? Of course, if there is a real danger, I stop them (like Jimmy on the stool above!), but otherwise, I feel that the chance of a little pain is worth it for the physical confidence the kids develop.

I remember Kees playing with my sewing pins when he was very little: he learnt to take care and handle sharp things slowly and gently. I remember Jimmy poised for what seemed like ages, about to crawl (fall!) down the two back steps; I so wanted to go and "save" him, but he just hovered there for a while and then called out for me to help him.

I get worried about what the kids might get into when they're teenagers, like drugs, alcohol or stupid risk-taking, but I sincerely hope that this very early preparation will give them a healthy respect for and enjoyment of their own bodies.

PS: You may be wondering why I paused to take a photo before intervening to ensure my children's safety. I'm not really sure; I guess I thought the pic was worth it. Hehehe. ;0)

The Way Home From the Snow - Really!

Prepare for many photos - it was a holiday, after all, and so hard to pick and choose!

After catching up with family in Sydney (thank you Kerryn, Nick and Mia), we headed towards the coast and home, through beautiful countryside which was still nice and chilly.

(Jugiong)

But, after all that cooooolld weather, it actually was wonderful to hit the beach!

It was great to see more family in Dunbogan - thank you John and Nola.

Then on to this lovely spot, Sapphire, just north of Coffs. I would love to go here again in April or May for a group holiday if anyone is interested? The holiday park was excellent, and there was lots for the kids to do, with rocks, headlands, dunes, and water.

A moment of peace for Kees :0)

Who can resist the magic of Byron?

It's always nice to visit this place where we spent the first six months of our married life.

The sun set over Wollumbin accompanied by a very cool drum jam which Jimmy totally loved. I can't wait to see where his interest in music takes him. He must get it from you, Ben!

And after a truly scrumptious brekkie (and a spot of shopping for Mummy), we headed off home. Sigh! Until next time.

What We're Loving Right Now

Stacey my friend, you asked what we were loving?

We are loving new-season strawberries,

brotherly love in the sandpit,

worm jaffles,

and giant dirt piles at playgroup!!

(And also really loving your super-duper monster salads!)

The Way Home From the Snow: Delay!

Ah yeah, well, we had just packed up ALL (a lot) of our stuff to leave the snow, and hauled it down the two flights of stairs. Matt walked the twenty minutes to get the car and I waited behind with the kids, doing my best to keep them occupied inside for the third day of rain. I was thinking Matt was taking a while when he rang to tell me the car wouldn't start!!!! Oh boy. This was hard news to hear, but we tried to stay positive while we waited for the RACV.

Unfortunately, the news wasn't good, the car got towed down the mountain and we caught the bus down the next day. Nice weather for it!

We had really been feeling a bit trapped up in the snow with all the rain; trying to keep the kids happy in a small apartment was pretty tricky, especially young Jimmy. Even though it was still raining when we arrived down at Mt Beauty, it was just so refreshing to be able to get out for a walk along the river. It really was beautiful. And nice and cold!

The unstoppable puddle stompers.

We spent a few days in Mt Beauty, eating out, playing Fusbal in the local pub, walking and watching movies ("Ice Age", of course), until Matt had a go at the car himself....and started it.

This made us giddy with happiness and bitter with resentment.

If Matt could start it, why couldn't the bloody mechanic work it out?

But Mt Beauty charmed us with her loveliness....

until we packed up and took off north!

PS: Jimmy cried really loudly in the bus for ages, and I had to keep shouting out, "Sorry, everyone!" Then he vomited all over me. ;0) xx