<![CDATA[Oh, The Thinks You Can Think!]]> http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm Freewebs <![CDATA[Blog Migration]]> http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3506504 Freewebs this morning, so have decided to start blogging elsewhere...I'm hoping it will be a bit quicker, and I might get inspired to be a bit more regular.

http://unschoolersanonymous.blogspot.com

or try this link...

Unschoolers Anonymous New Blog]]> http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3506504#topBox http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3506504 Sun, 01 Jun 2008 05:59:00 -0100 <![CDATA[Wednesday- I can see clearly now!]]> http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3497050
I cleaned the kitchen windows today, inside and out, and the windowsill.  Nothing earth-shattering in that, except they were so filthy...and I wondered at how I had let them get that way.  Surely when I spend so much time in that particular spot I would notice when it starts to be difficult to see out of them.

Or, maybe I just don't notice stuff as quickly as I ought to...or maybe, as in the case of the ownership labels (lol) DDA5 has written on our doors, I *see* it but I don't really want to be bothered trying to fix it.  I could say something really profound right about now, but that wasn't my purpose in writing!

The job's done, and it looks fantastic!

DST1 helped too...he loves to help, and I am determined not to thwart that.  He helped me make Pea and Ham soup this morning.  He put the bacon bones in to the pot, added chopped onions, and he poured in the split peas.  He shook the pepper on top, and I added the hot water.

I love having him next to me helping in this way...what I don't love is leaving him to deal with the washing, and coming back to see what he's been up to in my absence.

He'll usually come with me, but not today!  He was very clear about wanting to stay inside.  He climbed up on to the bench using the kitchen drawer handles...then proceeded to throw down all my little pottles of homeopathic pills, and anything at all he could find on the bench (luckily not that much, since I had removed everything for the cleaning).

I cam back inside to him calling "Help...Mama...hot", and found he had turned on the hot tap, and with all the dishes in the sink it was squirting merrily all over the thrown items on the floor.  It was a huge mess frankly, and I felt like a complete noodle for not taking him outside with me.

After nearly two weeks of Sky TV (heaps of channels, at least 2 programmes on at a time that the children would like to watch, 24 hours a day), DSJ9 declared he is sick of cartoons.  They had started to watch Animal Planet.  Funny that that was always what he watched at other people's homes, but they hadn't found it yet- the cartoons were simply too engrossing, and always followed by yet another favourite show.

Today he has barely watched it.  He saved up and bought himself some samurai swords.  He even read part of a book (Ghouls and Monsters)  today, and regaled me with excerpts.



DDA5 has still watched way more Sky than I would have chosen for her- but she has done plenty of other things besides.  She willingly (enthusiastically begged to be allowed to) cleaned the outside windows, with the help of her little brother- who didn't sit in the bucket as I remember DDA5 doing at his age :0)









]]> http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3497050#topBox http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3497050 Wed, 28 May 2008 20:58:00 -0100 <![CDATA[Sunday- Rocket Park]]> http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3497081
We all went to Rocket Park for a play...we probably haven't been there since DDA5 was DST1's age.

It was tonnes of fun...



But sad as well, for me, watching children at a maths class on Sunday afternoon, with a super-cool park next door!



DH speculated that maybe they enjoyed it, like other children might enjoy a soccer team or a drama club...and I guess that might be so- but I bet not too many of them were offered a choice in the matter.  I noticed they were all either Indian or Asian, and I supposed it is our rather lax (dumbed down) education system, that makes the parents suppose their child ought to be doing more.

My children had no idea what was going on, but DDA5 commented on the way back to the car ,"Mum, if you have 4 and another 4 you have 8".  I said Yes, and what would you have if you took 4 away from 10?

"Oh, I can't take away, Mum!"

Sure you can, "You have 10 lollies and Josh takes 4, how many have you got left?"

"Oh, is that all it means?", she asks, "I'd have 6!"
]]> http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3497081#topBox http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3497081 Tue, 27 May 2008 22:23:00 -0100 <![CDATA[Boat Trip]]> http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3478434
We went on a free boat tour of the Ports of Auckland.  They do these tours once a year for See Port Week, but we have never been before.



It was quite fascinating seeing some of the cranes and machinery they use...we also went under the harbour bridge. 



The highlight was definitely seeing (huge) tugboats doing doughnuts in the harbour!



DST18 months was quite hard work on the boat...he loved it, but the place he most wanted to be was the "Crew Only" area.  He had a lot of fun running up and down the boat, and through all the seats...he also said "hello" to all the waves, and liked to hang over the edge.  It takes a lot out of me to just hold his shirt, and hold him round the waist light enough to not make him cross.  If he felt me there, he removed my hands and said "Don't".

He is remarkably strong, but didn't have much idea of just how easily he could be blown overboard.

All of my children have known their own minds very well, but I think DST1does so "more"...everything about him is "more", really...more sensitive to foods...more wakeful...more not-to-be-distracted.






]]> http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3478434#topBox http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3478434 Mon, 26 May 2008 03:31:00 -0100 <![CDATA[Monday (at home)]]> http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3446930
We got Sky installed on Saturday...we've wanted to for such a long time, and it does still seem a little frivolous.  But it is great!  The kids can watch TV any time, and find something on that is interesting- heaps of things that are interesting.

I fully expected them to sit in front of it and be glued/mesmorised...but that isn't the case.  Certainly they are watching more TV than usual, but they are doing plenty of other things besides, and even during their tv-watching.

Also, I am more inclined to sit and watch it with them for a bit- and dh really does struggle to walk past it.

It's only Autumn, but it feels like winter, and we all feel ready to begin cocooning...staying home more, being less busy.

In NZ there are only 5 reasonable channels, only 2 of which interest me.  Well, 2 others wouldn't be so bad, except the reception we get means you can barely see them.  I'm not sure how many channels we have now, but it's a lot.  At any given time, there are probably at least 2 programmes on the kids would like to watch.

Other than that, everything else seems normal...no...wait...DST1 turned 18 months old on Mother's Day- hes so cute- except at night.  He has always woken to feed every 2 hours like a little clock, but the last 2 weeks- it's been every 45-60 minutes...ouch!

I'm trying to work out what it could be...

Teeth...no- he has all the teeth he'll be getting before he's 2.

Growth Spurt...probably, but not for this long.  He did have three nights when he fed solidly for 2+ hours...it was insane!

Illness...he has a cold, but nothing earth-shattering: he likes to take all his clothes off (hoping soon that will translate to also wanting to put them on again).  He does look very proud when it's accomplished, and runs like lightning when I try to put them back on.  Tonight, in the cold and dark- he pulled me to the door "dark...outside"...he wanted to go out in it- in his birthday suit!  He is not one to be dissuaded, so off we went- we wandered round and round the garden, like a teddy bear (lol), then I suggested it was cold, and we needed to go inside.  He still didn't want to get dressed though.

Diet...probably the most likely culprit- I have been eating dairy products again- but then I began at Christmas, so that seems unlikely.

Cold...very likely...I started bringing him to bed wearing socks...but I noticed this morning that our pillows feel freezing in the mornings.  When I first twigged that temperature might be an issue- I had him sleep on me (tummy to tummy)...he slept 4 hours!!  I didn't...I was right on the edge of the bed, ready to pop him in the middle, but that never happened.  I felt like I lay awake trying to keep him comfortable, and not have hi roll out of bed...I also had a numbness in my arm from the awkwardness of it all.

I'm seriously considering trying to get a natural sedative in to him tonight- but it seems too mean...or maybe he would enjoy a longer sleep?

One of his favourite things to do at the moment is lift and drop the toilet seat, over and over and over again ,announcing "Bang" with every attempt.

Last night, at the grand 'ol hour of 3am, he called out "Bang" in his sleep, followed by a fit of giggles.  It was too funny :0)




]]> http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3446930#topBox http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3446930 Mon, 19 May 2008 03:45:00 -0100 <![CDATA[Tuesday- Museum]]> http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3420114
We had another cool day today, visiting the Auckland War Memorial Museum with friends...2 ladies, with 4yo sons they are unschooling.

The kiddos had a blast playing in the lifts :0) At one point, DSJ9 had disappeared, then DDA5 hopped out of the lift, and accidentally left DST1 in it.  She was panicking, but I said not to worry, he was still just behind the door...but when the door re-opened, he was gone!

We found him soon after though, with DSJ9, having a ball.



We went in an old-fashioned schoolroom, which was amusing.  Apparently the education system was a mess (lol), half the savages couldn't even be convinced to stay in school :0)



The kids had fun playing with dinosaurs, especially DST1...he says "dine...a-sooo"


The kids played around on the cannon outside before getting in the car.





]]> http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3420114#topBox http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3420114 Tue, 13 May 2008 06:50:00 -0100 <![CDATA[Catch up...]]> http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3420078

We've been super-busy, seems like for a very long time!  Tomorrow will be our first full day at home (hopefully) in a very, very long time.

I can't wait!  DST1 just turned 18 months old, so I need to get his hand and foot print...and there are little bits and pieces that need doing around here.  Also, I just want to get up slowly, and hang out with the kiddos.



I would like to sit around looking un-busy sometimes, and see who come to see me :0)  Generally if I sit down DST1 thinks he needs "Boobah".  I'd like to spend sometime gaming with DSJ9, and playing ponies with DDA5.  Making the most of each day with my special little people.

Yesterday DST1, DSJ9 and I got back from a few days visiting family in Christchurch. 



The plane ride was difficult, to say the least.  DST1 wasn't happy about going to the boarding area, or through the check-point, or on to the plane, or getting a seatbelt on, and not having a cup of tea, and not being able to get through to the cockpit, and many, many other things.  It was plain hard work, and something I'm not keen to repeat in a hurry.

We missed DDA5 unbelievably, and couldn't wait to see her again.  We talked on the phone each day, but it wasn't enough.  She had a ball with Daddy- we came home to 5 days worth of dishes and washing- every night (and the weekend) had been spent doing what she wanted to do :0)

When we got home ,there seemed piles of things to do, but it all (mostly) got done, and we relaxed together watching Spy Kids in the evening.



We got to stay with friends in Timaru...another family of radical unschoolers, with 3 kids (amazingly) within 3 months of my own children's ages.  They got on really well, and it was excellent spending time with people who "get" us :0)



]]> http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3420078#topBox http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3420078 Tue, 13 May 2008 06:36:00 -0100 <![CDATA[Monday]]> http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3383594

We needed to see the School Dental Nurse today…we have to go to a school to do so, but it is free for homeschooled children in New Zealand.

There’s a really cool playground next to the dental clinic…but today our appointment coincided with a break time.

There were kids everywhere…DSJ9 patiently waited in a line to use a swinging-bar thing.  DDA5 ran about oblivious to the mall.

A young girl with missing teeth- who I supposed to be around 5 or maybe even six, pointed at DST1 and asked, “Is they a baby?”

“I’m sorry?”.

Louder this time, “Is they a baby?”

Goodness me…where does one learn to speak like that?!?

DDA5 came to tell me, “These people are like maniacs- they won’t stop running, they won’t stop screaming- they’re crazy!!” 

I asked if she could think why they might be like that…DSJ9 came to tell me a kid had pushed him over without apologizing.

DDA5 said someone had knocked her over on the slide as well.  They both wanted to leave. 

I figure the problem is this…the playground is really big for my 3 children, but rather teeny for 50+ children.

Also, these children are effectively loved-up for far too much time, then released for 20 minutes…what to do with that precious time?  They need a snack, maybe a trip to the bathroom, and most of all – they need to release some energy, and some noise…and it’s over all too quickly.

It was chaotic, there were lots of tears…no adult in sight, and the Law of the Jungle was rife.  I felt sorry for them all.  Then the “bell” rang, only it wasn’t a bell- more of a dull whistle.  Like something one would imagine hearing on a farm, to let the cows know it was time for milking.  I barely noticed the noise, since I am not used to the sound or it’s meaning.

The background noise stopped, I looked to see if they were all gone, but they were all still there, just moving slowly away from the playground.

]]> http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3383594#topBox http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3383594 Mon, 05 May 2008 21:06:00 -0100 <![CDATA[The Weekend]]> http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3383616
They didn't come up as wonderfully as before- but this was after only 6 months of thrashing, where it had actually been (a disgusting) 18 months the first time.

We hired it for 4 hours, but could see we weren't going to be done...last time we had the help of Ben's parents, and it was a lot harder this time round watching a toddler as well as the carpet-cleaning.

We got an awful lot done, including cleaning out the (also disgusting) car...and to think I hassled a friend about the state of her car when we first bought this one...honestly, it looked like a giant lunchbox, that was also filled with toys, socks, mail, spare clothes, books, garbage, shoes...well, everything really.

It looks so good now that I can't believe we ever let it get the way it did...but I know how easy it is to do...one day of "I'm too tired to bring in the day's garbage" leads to another day and another, until the idea of it is stressful enough...and it gets left :0(

Nobody seems to realise how much a of a big deal it is to me, and how much to took to get it clean...but I am pleased, so that is all that matters for now.  It's lasted one full day in it;s clean condition- long may it continue!








]]> http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3383616#topBox http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3383616 Mon, 05 May 2008 05:20:00 -0100 <![CDATA[Friday- Visiting Friends]]> http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3383606


We spent all day with our new friends N and Baby B (16 months)…they are our friends with the magic garden. 

It was a fabulous day (again) except for DST1 toppling off the top of their enormous dog’s kennel.  He has all sorts of grazes on his face, and looks a bit of a mess :0(

N made a sling for DDA5 right there and then when her majesty reminded our friend she had said she would do so.

We all cracked heaps of macadamia nuts, then N snuck them in to my stuff to take home :0)   Yummo!  Today I made white chocolate and macadamia nut cookies…they’re divine.

We also sampled some quince slice she had made, which was incredible stuff, and she printed me off a recipe for Turkish delight that doesn’t need gelatine…ah bliss…that’s on tomorrow’s list of things to do.

We had fun at a local school playground (school holidays), and found field mushrooms and a feijoa tree.

The babies just seemed to be hitting it off when it was time to go…DST1 seemed determined to make his little friend laugh, and she was most obliging very sweetly indeed.

She is a proper little princess- about half his size, and terribly cuddly and cute…she calls to her cat “Puss, puss, puss, pussy”, and that is about the cutest thing I’ve seen in ages :0)

And to top it off, we were sent home with a little chair for DST1 to sit on, which he loves, and also uses to watch what’s going on at the bench- it’s a whole lot easier to manouvre than the dining room chairs.

]]> http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3383606#topBox http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3383606 Fri, 02 May 2008 17:17:00 -0100 <![CDATA[Wednesday- the mean mummy returns :0(]]> http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3364061
The mess everywhere I looked didn't help, then when it kept getting added to instead of removed I got more and more annoyed.

DSJ9 let DST1 in the fridge since he was having a paddy about it (he can open it but usually expects us to do it for him)...I have been trying to avoid that recently because of his fascination with eggs.  He got one again, and threw it on the floor...luckily the kitchen floor today, because yesterday he dropped one on the carpet.

Funny it didn't annoy me then- well, it did, but I didn't get cross.  Today was different though, I was set to explode...then DSJ9 offered to clean it up, and when he was about to get the 6th, 7th, and 9th handee towels I did explode.

It was only one little gg after all, and that stupid tv ad clearly says an egg is a three handee towel job (not any egg I've ever cleaned up! But still 9 seemed excessive).

Well...needless to say, this is not my normal mode of being...it's horrible.  I felt like screaming.  I felt like walking out as soon as dh got home, just to clear my head...eat some chocolate...maybe have a big cry, though that isn't something I would normally do.

But he didn't get home until 8:30pm, and by then it was dark, and cold, and I knew I didn't  want to go anywhere...though I did want some chocolate.

DSJ9 kindly suggested to dh that they go up and get me some...of course he wouldn't...so I went myself.

I came back wit ha double layer of Cadbury Continental chocolates (which didn't taste half as good as I remembered)...DDA5 leapt for joy, but DSJ9 guided her away, saying, "No, they're not for us- we don't deserve any- these are just for Mummy".

But something magical had happened when I was in the car... I knew I was being awful, and I knew that the kids weren't doing anything different to any other day- it was me who was different, and I had treated them unfairly, and unkindly.

I would never have scoffed the lot without sharing anyway...but my heart was full of love for those special little people, and I couldn't wait to share the chocolates with them...we had a lot of fun picking the ones that were most appealing ,and the day ended far better than it had begun.
]]> http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3364061#topBox http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3364061 Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:43:00 -0100 <![CDATA[Tuesday]]> http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3363935
We usually get piles of shopping done to replenish the fridge and cupboards...today was wonderful because I left DST1 with Daddy, and the "big" kids were still sleeping, so I went to the supermarket when it opened.

It was so much easier without a little person.

That just left the couple of things we needed to get from the mall, and the kids lie to look for things to do with their pocket money. 

I also like to treat them to lunch out on payday...we went to Subway- I was excited to be having my first Vegie Delight Sub.  I had been wondering about the logic of being microwave-free only to have them zap my roast chicken for the sub I most liked...but hadn't quite done anything about it.  Now I don;t need to worry :0)

Did I miss the chicken in my sub?  Not in the slightest.  I had a foot long, with the last 3rd cut off for DST1...his only had tomato and cucumber (since he doensn't eat lettuce anyway), and mine had everything but onions :0)

I hate when we go there that they always seem to ignore the kids, and expect me to say what they like...which I can easily, since it is always the same- but still, they can do it just as easily as me, and they *like* to order their own lunch.

Today's queue was out the door though, so I didn't make a scene about them being customers too.

DST1 pointed to a picture of the drinks available and said "Coke" (not for the first time, but it was kinda embarrassing- because really should a 17 month old know that??).

We took our subs to the centre of the mall for a dancing show...Asian dancing, and it is was heaps of fun.  DDA5 got picked as one of the dancers with the biggest smile as they did some set moves...she got to go up on the stage to do the dance with the other children, then got a prize (a game of Fish)- she was so excited.

DDA5 chose a new Polly Pocket, and DST1 found a very pretty pink stroller that he used to terrorise the other shoppers at Farmers.  he was so much enjoying it, that I felt I had to buy him one- but they only had *that* one.  I went to several other shops looking for a little stroller, and couldn't find one.   I was also looking for a little armchair for him...he doesn't seem to like watching TV on the couch with the other kids- he prefers to get right up close.

DSJ9 bought Fart Bombs (lol), and I said the kids could all choose something from a shop similar to a $2 shop.  DSJ9 chose a bow and arrow, he had bought one a couple of years ago, then left it in another shop.  DDA5 bought some new felts, and DST1 bought a packet of little bouncy balls- which he begun to eat :0(

We headed home to unpack everything, and get dinner ready.  The evening was spent watching The Coneheads on DVD...such a funny movie, and the kids loved it- especially DSJ9.








]]> http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3363935#topBox http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3363935 Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:24:00 -0100 <![CDATA[Part two...Monday]]> http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3363932
One of these days (!) I'm going to replace the ink in our printer, and print all of this out to make a little book of what we got up to way back when, for the kids to enjoy when they're older...one day.

Or maybe if I wait ling enough someone will open a shop that does that for you, so I don;t have to go in to every stupid entry and cut and paste it in to word- like I do now :0( (which is probably why I haven' bothered...or I did one day, then the computer died and I lost the lot and couldn't be bothered doing it all again!).

Right...so, the weekend had some fun bits...ti also had some horrific bits.  Dh and I argued something chronic, mostly about our son and an issue he has been having for a while.  I'm all for the gentle approach, listening, understanding, waiting for a change when the time is right.

DH, this weekend, was more about hollering, and belittling and shaming and threatening.  So I was left comforting my baby, and wondering (not for the first time) if parenting isn't an easier task when flying solo.  I know it's not, generally speaking...but when we are coming at a problem from two utterly opposite directions, it is harrowing.

So, Monday came and brought with it a ginormous sigh of relief that parenting could be my domain again, and mine alone (at least until 6:30pm).  Then I started to think about the possibility of another weekend like this one, and the thought of 52 weekends a year until we're old and the kids are grown...and how I didn't think I could stand it.

I discovered that dh has apologised to DSJ9, and they had made things right between themselves...only I didn't feel it was sorted... I still felt awful, for my self, but mostly on behalf of my little son.

I decided to write an e-mail to dh, explaining my pov, and my issues with the things that had gone on in the weekend, and in the last couple of months.  I've done this before, it's easier than a face-to-face, and we have had some of our best chats online...it's not easy finding time to talk with 3 children (or at least one child) with us constantly.

The reply I got was beautiful...I was prepared to feel hard-hearted and not listen to him, because I've heard it all before- and the next day everything will be the same.  But I couldn't help it.

We decided to talk that night, and since the kids would be there anyway- decided to have a family meeting ,where we could all talk about stuff.

It turned out to be a very cool evening.  We had lollies and lots of giggles, and when I asked the children if they'd like to do this again...I was thinking of once a month, DSJ9 asked if we could do it weekly...DDA5 agreed...DST1 was so full of sugar (from taking a suck of several lollies) that he was bouncing everywhere and couldn't have been happier.

So, we decided Mondays will be Family Meeting Night...not sure how long it will last- but I imagine it is a good way to keep on top of the little aggravations that come our way, and hopefulyl won't build up to the mess we just had.

Well, we shall see...







]]> http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3363932#topBox http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3363932 Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:58:00 -0100 <![CDATA[The Last Week...part one]]> http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3363677
Well, Saturday was fun...DDJ9 was with his friend Jerry (at their hotel) all day- having the time of his life :0)

We hung around home mostly, though DDA5 and I went to New World to get some groceries...she loves to come with me, and it is a lot more fun when she does.

Later in the day, we all went out with Daddy to Warehouse Stationery...they sent out the special I've been waiting for- 40% off any one item under $50.

I saw some painting sticks (felts, that are in the shape of paintbrushes, and that look like paint but dry really quickly) a while ago and told myself I would buy them when that special came up.  DDA5 loves to paint, and she wants to paint often.

Sometimes I just don't feel like I have the energy to make it happen...first to clean the table enough so there is a space (!), then to make sure there is space in the sink to wash her hands- because she will invariably end up painting herself once she's finished with the paintbrushes...and then there is the matter of our smallest person- who likes nothing better than sticking his painty hands on anything and everything in sight.

I have to be in the right mood...seriously.  I used to say with DSJ9 that it was 45 minutes of work for 5 minutes of fun...and that's about right...but when they love something, you need to accommodate...right?

So, these pens are to be my "no mess" option...the way I can say "yes" to painting whenever my dd wishes to express her creativity...we got some more white paper too, and coloured paper for framing it...and set off home to try them out.

She loved them...I loved them...at $25, they are no cheap- but with 40% off they are a great new art supply :0)

We also got new DVD's (5 for $5) to watch fro the week...then Daddy took DDA5 to pick up DSJ9, and we all enjoyed some movies and quiet for the rest of the evening.

Sunday we had some spare money- I ave up all our "schrapnel" (coins) until we think we have enough for a family outing...this time we chose to go to the Wave Pools and get pizza for dinner.

We all enjoyed the pools- DDA5 went on a hydroslide for the first time, and proclaimed it "the funnest thing I've done in my whole life".

DST1 amused us and the other visitors to the pool by being utterly crazy.  It was quite a juggling act trying to go with him up the little slides (because he was gripping my fingers and pulling) then quickly get down before he slid in to the water...so I could catch him...he listened eventually and would wait until I said it was OK to slide- but I never really knew if he would or would not.  A couple of times another mother held him so I could leap the wall and get to here he would end up.

He also enjoyed the spa pool...and is "Oooooo hot" is about the cutest thing you can imagine...he doesn't seem to be bothered by people staring at him, all in a "oh he's so cute" sort of a way...but I guess it won't be too long before he becomes self-conscious.

It was a very fun afternoon- I wouldn't want to go there with 3 children (while DST1 is so little, and crazy!), ad it is an expensive exercise ($24), especially when we have a free swimming pool 5 minutes up the road...but I'm sure we will go again soon.

I had my first vegetarian pizza- it was really yummy!



]]> http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3363677#topBox http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3363677 Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:21:00 -0100 <![CDATA[Drowing...]]> http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3363556
That sounds tragic, doesn't it?

Did you know I have played over 300 games of scrabble since I started playing (Scrabulous on Facebook) on Feb 9th?

That certainly explains where some of my blogging time disappeared to!

DST1 is coming 18 months- I write in his baby book every month (on his month day), and again in the middle of the month, I do "A Day in the Life of T" and write down all he gets up to in a day...well, not all- there is hardly space in the book to do that, nor would I have the time.

Still, I like to write up things like what he's playing with, new words he says, what he's eating,how he's going with his pottying and sleeping...that sort of thing.  I like to re-read it every now and again, and I'm hoping he will too.

I also hope that, should we have another baby, I'll be able to read this- and say, "Oh- so T did that as well".  So many times T has done something I knew the others did, but couldn't remember when they started.

I was so determined to make sure he has as many photos, and as much in his baby book as the first two children- that I have ended up writing more!  Which is not a bad thing, I only feel a bit sad I didn't write more in the other kids' books.

Like, I went from 15 months- 18 months...there's a lot that happens in those three months, but at the time it didn't seem necessary to write in the books every month.

He is such a treasure, and I love to be able to record some of the funnier things he does and says...things change so quickly.  I don't want to miss anything...the things that are huge today won;t be tomorrow, and I would hate to forget some of the more interesting aspects of this little fellow's wonderful life.

He's holding on to my leg watching In the Night Garden, and I'm hoping he will know how much I adore him...no, I just had to snaffle him up to smother him in kisses...man he's beautiful!






]]> http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3363556#topBox http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3363556 Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:06:00 -0100 <![CDATA[More Food]]> http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3343491

So, a little over week on, and the raw food diet has gone out the window!

Actually it only lasted 3 days.  It might have lasted longer, and I wasn't too bothered about the whole thing since I had already decided I would just be *trying* something :0)  The idea is that I get a little closer to a goal, rather than going all-out and quitting asap.

 I was never entirely sold on the need for raw, though the arguments I've read a fairly compelling- I just couldn't imagine being 100% raw.  There are too many things I would miss...sweetcorn, cooked courgettes, cheese on toast...well, heaps of things really.

But I did quit early...I was all set for another day, when DST1 started vomiting.  He was so unwell...kinda floppy in my arms, and while I didn't think going raw could be at fault- I didn't *know*.

The vomiting began at 6:30am Monday, and didn't end until 5:30pm the next evening.  Actually, he threw up again at 4am that night, but I think it was just after being stuffed (feeding hourly) after such a long time with no food.

He hadn't eaten, hadn't drunk anything but breast milk.  He was soooo not himself.  He is a very busy boy, but any toddler lying on a couch for hours is simply not normal.

He had two OK days, not really himself- not eating, and screaming a lot, and then it began again on Friday morning.  Luckily it was only for a day...or at least I hope it was/is!

So, the big news is that I have stayed off meat...hooray.   I didn't think I could do it, but turns out it's been easy.  I can't say I feel any better or even any different, but I'm happy to have done this, and hope it continues.

I've made some neat things...leeky pies (lol), vegetarian lasagne, corn chowder, couscous with roasted vegetables, butter chick(pea).  Delicious food.

The problem with not being "raw" is that I am inclined to eat garbage sometimes...I might go vegan for a time, because I'm not meant to be eating dairy products anyway- but for now, I love being able to add cheese, or eggs to my diet.

I've been pretty good all-in-all....not quite how I expected things would go, but not too far off.  Basically really happy my little boy is happy- everything else is a bonus.

Photo Note: Here is the little man (17 months), determined not to eat his dinner, but thoroughly enjoying making it small enough to fit in his pump bottle...the more his sister gasped at his antics, the more he laughed- which was a wonderful sight after 2 pretty harrowing days.









]]> http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3343491#topBox http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3343491 Sat, 26 Apr 2008 05:07:00 -0100 <![CDATA[Food]]> http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3314924
After lots of thinking, and wondering, and talking to other people, I've decided to make some radical changes in my diet.

I don't think this is a good place to mention it, but want to do it anyway- mostly, so I won't give up!

At first I thought I would eliminate preservatives, and made a good go of it too.  Then, I thought it was time to go dairy-free again, mostly for DST1's sake- coming in to winter again, and I don't want his ears to get worse...the specialist says he is only hearing out of his left ear.

Then, I wondered if maybe I ate only natural foods, if I would be able to eat anything at all, and not be intolerant.

I started to wonder about "going raw" too, but don't like the idea...too fiddly, and I like cooked things.

So, I've pondered some more, and thought about what I want to change...I've thought too, about how 3 or 4 days is usually my limit on trying anything new- so I ma set up to fail before starting, and I wonder how to over come that.

So, I've come up with a bit of a plan- but it's not set in stone...I don't want to get nowhere, by going full-on/cold-turkey right away, and throwing it in before the week's out.  I figure slow changes, a little bit here and there will add up to a lot far easier than the other way will.

I love food, I enjoy food immensely, and I want it to be a pleasure- I want it to be yummy...but I also want to be healthier.

My attempts at losing weight have been abysmal...so much so, that the last time I went to Weightwatchers, I discovered I had put on 1kg- which sent me in to an angry poop, and I decided to eat everything in sight :0(

So, the big change will be eating more raw food- I'm thinking all but dinner, but am open to changes.  I don't want to make this too hard...at the same time, I know that the more raw the better.  We're going away (staying with other people)  for a few days next month, and I don;' want to be annoying with dietary issues.

I think I want to see how healthy I can be...and what difference that will make to me.

I plan to eat no meat as well...so I'll be a raw/vegetarian combo.

Where this falls to bits is that I *love* cups of tea...atm they are with raw sugar and organic milk.  I could probably make adjustments there to make them more healthy (I know- quit the sugar- I knoooow!)...but that doesn't change that I will want hot water, and that is a no-no with a raw food diet.  Now might be a good time to get raw milk, only I'm not sure about that- because I am lactose intolerant in the first place, lol.

My first real day was yesterday, and I had one (wonderful) cup of tea in the evening while we watched a movie.  I knew I could have done without it, on day 1- I'm very good at sticking to things on day 1, lol...but I want the changes to stick, and being too drastic always means I quit.

It was a little over a year ago, that I went raw for the first (and only) time...it was OK, I was managing it fine- then went out a bit unprepared, and ended up at KFC.  It wasn't what I wanted- I felt like an ear of sweetcorn, or a big bowl of cooked courgettes...which I had when I got home 

Yesterday was the first day I have not eaten meat in years.  It was fine.  I had mini homemade quiches the day before with chopped ham steaks in them- but had vegetarian pizza for tea.

That's another thing that is difficult...still needing to cook for the rest of my family.  DSJ9( has been mainly-vegetarian for a while now, and it hasn't caused any problems at all needing to make him a different meal...but he's really un-fussy.  If we are eating meat and vegetables, I replace the meat with an egg, or baked beans, or creamed corn for him.

I read about the blood type diet last year, and knew without checking that I must be Blood Type A.  I knew DSJ9 must be too...we are meant to be vegetarians.  I do like meat though, especially BBQ chicken, or a nice steak- I never liked red meat until I was pregnant with DDA5- who it turns out, is a meat-lover like her Daddy.

What I ate yesterday: Cashews, pineapple, apple, grapes, banana, guacomole (avocado, chilli powder, lemon juice, spring onions and tomato), carrot an celery sticks with aioli.  I ate 3 little Naked Goodness bars, which I'm not entirely sure are "raw"...containing macadamia nuts, sunflower and sesames seeds, rolled oats, coconut and honey.  They feel like they *should* be, only I wonder how they stay their shape in the cupboard (being reasonably certain if I mixed seeds nuts and dried fruit in to bars or balls with honey, that they would turn to mush outside the fridge).

For dinner I ate vegetarian nachos...chilli beans, on corn chips without msg/anything added besides salt topped with a bit of cheese and aioli, with mostly lettuce, tomato and cucumber.

As I cooked the mince for everyone else...well, as it turns out only dh will eat it now- DDA5 has decided she doesn't like mince...I didn't want it at all- it is a bit gross really.  It was one thing I could never seem to cook in early pregnancy because the smell made me feel sick.

Later I made "ice cream" from frozen strawberries, coconut cream and icing sugar...the sugar is a mystery I will need to look in to- it probably isn't "allowed", but iI'm not sure how it is made, whether it is cooked.

It's 12:15pm today, and so far I have eaten raisins, a Naked Goodness bar, and a smoothie made of a little coconut cream, frozen strawberries and chunks of fresh pineapple.  I've drunk a fair amount of water.

How I feel so far...not really any different.  DST1 is still feeding normally (I noticed last time, when he was 4 months old that my milk seemed to change- he could suck for 5 or even 10 minutes without swallowing).  I noticed I was burping after the cooked beans, but that might just be beans!

This morning I thought my tummy was different- still flabby, but somehow smaller.  That surprised me- it felt like it did after my first 1 or 2 days on Weightwatchers...but I had eaten plenty- just differently.

Today I'm heading to the heath shop to try to buy raw chocolate, and a couple of other things that take my fancy when I'm there :0) and looking for recipes too.




]]> http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3314924#topBox http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3314924 Sat, 19 Apr 2008 19:14:00 -0100 <![CDATA[Update]]> http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3314767
Suddenly it's hard to get round to writing on here, as much as I like to- mostly there doesn't see ma lot to say really :0)

DSJ9 is to go on a children's TV programme in about 3 weeks, the filming is next week.

We saw The Spiderwicke Chronicles at the movies with our friends J and Baby J, and new unschooling friend D, and her girls O7 and M4.  They came back to our house, and the kids got on fabulously.  That's another change, wholly unexpected...here was a little girl who loves ponies, and DDA5 wasn't interested.  She hasn't touched her ponies the last couple of weeks- it seems bizarre really, since she has been soooo in to them...but the interest started to wane when Daddy took over the playroom to run his slot car set.

Just when the others were about to leave, they began a game with marine animals, in the bathroom sink...which DDA5 continued in to the evening.

We have had our neighbour's daughter over a fair bit, S7 is a nice enough girl, but she drives DSJ9 crazy, and annoys DDA5 sometimes.

She plays these games you hear in school all the time, like "If you don't do xyz (whatever I say), I won;t be your friend."

DDA5 handles it all very well...she just says "OK".  It doesn't stop the other little girl, but I think in time it will.

She told me last night, "Mum- I am a carnivore, but some days I'm a vegetarian...I actually like everything, except onions...and other things I don't like".



]]> http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3314767#topBox http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3314767 Sat, 19 Apr 2008 19:06:00 -0100 <![CDATA[Monday- Things are Changing]]> http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3314744
After months (years?) of not wanting to go out, preferring to be home all day if possible, suddenly DSJ9 wants to go out.  It is almost staggering this sudden change...but wonderful.

Like he's been in a cocoon, preparing his wings, and now he wants to fly.  I love it!

At the same time, it's hard to get used to...truth is, I like home as well.

And there are still large age gaps between our children- so today when I planned to take the littlies to see Fifi (minus the Flower-Tots) at the mall- it was only to be expected that he wouldn't be keen to come.



Really though, all DSJ9 needs to know is that I know he won;t be interested, I'm doing this because it is probably something DST1 will enjoy, and maybe even DDA5...he can handle that.  There are things we do which will only be interesting to him too.  In these circumstances, I try to make sure there is something for everyone- something to sweeten the deal, if you like...not a bribe- noone is looking for one...juts some way to make the outing less of a drag.



So, while the little ones and I watched the Fifi show, DSJ9 explored at EB Games, and JB's Hi-Fi.  Then he chased DST1 for me- who is in the mode of liking to run into every shop squealing with delight, then hide- really quietly.


The show wasn't much fun really, but DST1 was enthralled...and when given the opportunity, he touched the costume, and wanted to stay close- it was very cute.  DDA5 had noticed other children with lollipops, so asked a lady where she got them from, then we went to the cafe where a lovely man was offering them to children.

DDA5 said, "My little brother will need one too- and my big brother isn't here right now, but he would like one".  The man smiled at her, and gave her three lollipops, and said she was "a very kind little girl to think of her brothers". 



We finished off by going to Subway, which we all enjoy.  And here again were changes...DSJ9 now likes cheese and tomato in his sub...and DST1 had his own little sub- he's not keen on bread, but he loves the fillings.

DST1 delighted other customers at the mall by stopping to smell the flowers...



The kids all enjoyed playing in the parents' room after having taken DST1 to the toilet, and for some breastmilk. They like to play this game where DST1 chases the big kids...



We all stopped for ice cream...





On the way home, DDA5 called out, "That says "yes"!" and after a second I saw she was meaning a big sign on a building...and she was right.  I asked how she knew it said "yes", and she said she "I'm not really sure, but it definitely does".

At home I noticed further changes...DDA5 kept asking to help me, and whatever I suggested (even things I didn't think she would agree to), she was happy to do.

DST17 months said "Hello Dadda" when he came home...which is the first time he's said two words together over and over intentionally (not counting things like "get down" which is usually said as one word).  He put a DVD on by himself as well...got it out of it's case, opened the door, put it in the DVD player, and pressed play.
]]> http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3314744#topBox http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3314744 Sat, 19 Apr 2008 18:46:00 -0100 <![CDATA[Thursday- Picking up DDA5]]> http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3273427

DDA5 accomplished her first sleepover without any problem at all…again, it helped that the family she was staying with are radical unschoolers.  She was very excited to have had chocolate cake for dessert, and a yummy lunch which I am to make for her again (pasta spirals with tomato and basil sauce).

We arranged which park to meet at- because we live about an hour away from each other.  The girls wanted to play together in the morning, so we arranged to meet after lunch for an hour.

DSJ9 and I went to see 10000BC (with DST1 of course), and we were the only people in the whole theatre!

We both enjoyed the movie, an DST1 enjoyed wandering around…he’s now strong enough to open the double doors at the back, so I needed to get him (and look at the posters of Horton Hears a Who) several times.

After the movie, we quickly zipped in to a shop to buy more track-pants and socks for DST1…then went on to the park.

It was a neat park…our friends arrived and the kids took off to play.  After an hour, it looked like they probably didn’t want to leave just yet. 

Same after 2 hours.

After 3 hours,  I was hungry (we had eaten so much rubbish at them movies we had skipped lunch), so we all got in the cars and went up to he supermarket to get snacks.

Then we returned to the park until it got dark, and arrived home at 7pm.

It was so nice to have the freedom to stay at the park for hours…the children all got along very nicely, and had a fabulous time.  In fact they were all trying to wrangle another sleepover…

]]> http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3273427#topBox http://www.freewebs.com/ohthethinksyoucanthink/shellsblog.htm?blogentryid=3273427 Thu, 10 Apr 2008 20:32:00 -0100