Tiny tots Tuesday ... My room?

We have just done a reshuffle of the girls sleeping arrangements.

Goofy now has her own room and MiniMe and JJ are together. Goofy and MiniMe were taking a long time to go to sleep as they were up to shenanigans and then Goofy was waking up MiniMe in the morning.

This morning they managed to stay in their own rooms quietly till 7am which was a breakthrough.

However, it has got me thinking as to how important it is to have your own space as a child. MiniMe now sleeps in one room and has her clothes in another. I have taken to calling the rooms the 'purple room' and the 'cubby house room' (JJ cot is under the one side of the top bunk creating a cubby house) so that she still feels like she has some ownership as she plays in her old room. I like the idea that everything is shared.

However I speak as a person who has never shared a room. Have you shared a room? What did you like/dislike? Any tips for young players?

Made it Monday .... Mickey cushion covers...

This year at Prep MiniMe's class have taken turns taking Mickey Mouse home for the night. So all things Mickey are quite popular in the Prep room.

As a thank you to MiniMe's teacher and her assistants MiniMe and I made these slip on cushion covers for the book corner. Once you have finished your work you can go and sit with Mickey in the book corner so we thought this would be a nice addition.

I have been waiting for the right project to use this fabric on. It was my old fitted bed sheet from when I was a child.

Hope the teacher likes them - we are still new to the teacher gift thing! My Mum was a teacher so I think I have a good idea of what not to get!!

Fun Friday...

It was sweltering in the warehouse this morning but it didn't phase my two little gymnasts! They hung and swung and jumped with gusto. It took Goofy a little while to warm up to the place but she soon was beaming. 

I took the girls to try out gymnastics today. Goofy has been wanting to go to lessons ever since we went with a friend to the YMCA and my Dad is going to give her some lessons for Christmas so I am trying out the different options around us. Todays was pretty good. It was a bit more that just organised games, it looked like they were learning some basic techniques.

We then headed to the shops where I got them a Slurpee to cool those pink cheeks. We did some Christmas shopping - the girls chose their present for U2. Then to coles for some groceries where they on the whole took turns pushing the child size trolley.

The girls have just been painting - unfortunately Goofy went in for some body art!

So far it has been a fun Friday!

I am off to the physio which is kind of nice this afternoon - I get to lie down for 45 minutes. Then a quick Latina meal as I am going to a Jane Austen movie night at a friends house tonight.

More fun Friday ahead! What has your Friday been like?

Introversion....

The floor of the training room was divided into four squares. The introverts were to move to one square, the extraverts to another and those who were a mix to the other two.

The trainer told myself and my work college to move to the square that best described us. An extrovert was described as someone who liked being around people and an introvert as someone who likes being by themselves. I thought, 'I like being around other people' so I started to move towards the extrovert box.

A loud cry swept across the room, the extroverts in particular yelled , "What are you doing? You are the definition of an introvert" (If they new the definition surely they would have known then that drawing such public attention to the mistake of an introvert was one of an introverts worse nightmares!)

So here is the Wikipedia definition of an introvert

Introversion

Introversion is "the state of or tendency toward being wholly or predominantly concerned with and interested in one's own mental life".^[3] Introverts are people whose energy tends to expand through reflection and dwindle during interaction.^[4] Introverts tend to be more reserved and less outspoken in large groups. They often take pleasure in solitary activities such as reading, writing, music, drawing, tinkering, playing video games, watching movies and plays, and using computers, along with some more reserved outdoor activities such as fishing. In fact, social networking sites have been a thriving home for introverts in the 21st century, where introverts are free from the formalities of social conduct and may become more comfortable blogging about personal feelings they would not otherwise disclose. The archetypal artist, writer, sculptor, engineer, composer, and inventor are all highly introverted. An introvert is likely to enjoy time spent alone and find less reward in time spent with large groups of people, though he or she may enjoy interactions with close friends. Trust is usually an issue of significance: a virtue of utmost importance to an introvert choosing a worthy companion. They prefer to concentrate on a single activity at a time and like to observe situations before they participate, especially observed in developing children and adolescents.^[5] Introverts are easily overwhelmed by too much stimulation from social gatherings and engagement. They are more analytical before speaking.^[6]

Introversion is not the same as shyness or the social outcast. Introverts choose solitary over social activities by preference, whereas shy people (who may be extraverts at heart) avoid social encounters out of fear^[7] and whereas the social outcast faces solitude, but not by choice.

Turns out I am pretty much the definition of an introvert. I think my younger self thought that an introvert was boring, they stayed at home in their room and they didn't like people and people didn't like them. Extroverts were the fun people that everyone liked, that seemed like the better box to be in.

But now I understand that we are all just different and we need all different personalities for the world to work. I worked with a guy who was great at seeing the big picture but not so great at the processes to get there, I am the opposite so we were a great team. We got good stuff done.

It is interested that Wikipedia mentions that blogging is a popular introvert activity! So here's to the introverts ouy there and their blogs!!

Cute bottom baby...

I started using cloth nappies just before Goofy turned one. I had a friend who had been using them and they didn't look too hard or too much extra work. We had also just decided that there would definitely be a third child so I saw the cost benefit as well.

We went for Many Macs that can be used from birth till toilet training and you just need to buy the appropriate size covers. I have found the Motherease Air-flow the best.

As Goofy got older and not as tolerant to lying down for nappy changes we got some Baby Beehinds all in one large nappies (no covers needed) that she continued to wear at night until she was out of nappies (fortunately our girls have been quick to get out of night nappies - MiniMe was out of them at night before she was toilet trained in the day!)

When JJ was a few weeks old I headed out to the baby expo and bought a few all in one nappies. Some pretty ones, more for me than anything else. They just look cute! The ones pictured are the ones I got from Bambooty. As a child who struggles in the bowel department she has been the perfect baby for cloth nappies (one poo a week for her first few months of life!).

So I save a bit of money on nappies, I am helping the environment and JJ has a cute bottom!

Tiny Tots Tuesday..You make me feel like dancing...

MiniMe has got me tapping my feet this week.

She was in her first dance concert on the weekend and it gave me such a good laugh. She wasnt scared one bit by the crowd (her words) and the best bit was getting to eat food with her friends downstairs after her 3 minutes of fame were over. She jumped high and enthusiastically, looking gorgeous in her dalmatian costume. Pure joy to watch her up there having fun!

Yesterday she tried to surprise me by hanging out the washing. Unfortunately the washing wasnt finished (just soaking so the machine was still) so she dragged the washing basket full of hot wet clothes to the line, stood on a bucket and started hauling the clothes on. You cant get cross when the motive was so good! Plus she helped put the wet washing back in the machine.

She then continued to try and be helpful at the shops by getting me a trolley and getting the Weetbix while I stood in the line to pay.

Thank you MiniMe!

Made it Monday.... Candy dress

I discovered a size 3 dress pattern when clearing out a recently found box of Mum's things and decided to give it a go. There are not going to be that many times were I am in need of a size 3 girls pattern so I figure better hop to it! MIL had also given me some fabric.

This little candy stripe dress was the result.

I think it is cute - Goofy does not agree with me so much at the moment!

I can see many of these in different fabrics in my future and the future of my friends with little girls. You have been warned my friends so speak now if it is not to your liking (too late for one friend!)!!

Third daughter...

What do you get an 8 month old girl who has two older sisters for Christmas? She really does not need anything. She doesn't have any hobbies (well none that require equipment). She has an abundance of clothes. But I want to get her something!

MiniMe and Goofy are giving her a hooded beach towel so she can match them at future swimming outings.

I am thinking some wall art stickers so that I can make her room more hers. Currently it is as it was when it was vacated by Goofy.

It is a minefield though. I have just started and I am bamboozled! I stumbled across the above one (giggle smile designs) which it cute but not sure it would work in her room (wall wise).

Has anyone got a good places to check out?

Future son in law?

One of my good friends had her third baby today. After two beautiful daughters they now have a son.

He may be 8 months younger than JJ but you never know...

I made this cushion for his room. It has little pockets to put his treasures in.

I am looking forward to meeting him soon and seeing the man he becomes.

Welcome little man!

Birthday present due tomorrow ...

Tomorrow is Pa's (father in law's) birthday and we are still tossing around present ideas.

What is the best present you have given your father/father in law?

If our Barbies could talk....

MiniMe was playing with her Barbies and I was suprised to hear that they were talking with American accents.

This got me wondering what accent Barbie would have if she could in fact talk.

And what would she say?

Occasionally my inability to throw things out pays off and the decision to keep all my childhood Barbies, their clothes, car, pool, fridge, kitchen, bed, bean bag, cutlery.... (you get the idea, I had a big Barbie collection!) is one such occasion. Had I had three boys it would have been a different story but with three girls I am feeling quite pleased with myself!

Anyway, the point of that digression is that these Barbies are the secret keepers of my little girl hopes and dreams. They are how I worked through what sort of adult, wife, mother I wanted to be. I have clear memories of sitting on my bedroom floor helping Barbie get ready for her first dance, assisting her make dinner in the kitchen for her family,  riding around in her car with her friends, feeling excited for her as she had her first kiss with Ken....

I dont remember my Barbies ever having career goals, I dont remember my Barbie desiring to live in a huge house, I dont remember my Barbie travelling the world. I remember that my Barbie had lots of friends and family around and that she had fun doing things for them and with them. She also liked to change clothes a lot from the plethora she had to choose from (Mum made clothes for my Barbies too).
So I wonder what she would say if she could meet the adult me? Would she be surprised by what met her? Or would she just see a bigger version of the little girl she played with?

What would your Barbie say?

This weekend was brought to you by the letter M...

Morning sunshine started the weekend. Not sure where spring went but summer was sure here on the weekend.

Magnum Temptation at the beach. I love me a bit of chocolate and ice cream so the new Magnum is a real winner with me!

MiniMe Masterchefing and making Mince cannelloni for dinner. It is great watching her getting into cooking and very sweet that she wants to get on Junior Masterchef so that she can win me a mix master!

Misery Me when I hurt my back on Sunday morning but thankful that U2 vacuumed and mopped for me. It is making me take things a bit easier which while frustrating is probably a good thing.

Merci for weekends!

Afternoon fun....

This is what is keeping my girls entertained this afternoon.

A 50c spray bottle filled with water.

Endless fun.

Loving the warmer weather.

A busy week....

This year I have keep our weekly commitments to a minimum. MiniMe has prep 3 days a week, dancing one afternoon and I go to bible study once a week in the morning. We don't really do much outside of this either. So this week when we have had something on everyday it has been a shock to the system. Needless to say I am feeling a little tired (getting home after mid night on a school night didn't help!).

When MiniMe was a baby I was out almost everyday. Visiting friends, spending three hours at westfield.... Is it just that I am getting older that I don't have the stamina for it anymore? Is it laziness, getting our the door just seems harder? Is it a symptom of having three children? Do subsequent children miss out from less outings?

This may be something I need to ponder next week from the comfort of home....

Everybody knows, Leonard

I knew the deep husky low tones of Everybody knows from the caner advertisements.

I knew of the song Hallelujah sung by many an artist.

I was told that both of these songs had Leonard Cohen as their creator and singer.

With this vast knowledge of Leonard Cohen I headed off to his Songs of love and hate world tour with my father and brother and a friend last night.

I am at a loss at where to start.

I went to a concert that wasn't the Wiggles or Playschool!

I have never been to Acer arena so that in itself was an experience - it is massive! I also learnt probably best to bring your own snacks - $7 for a chocolate!

The support act was fantastic. Clare Bowditch. Beautiful voice and a little quirky. I was even more impressed when I learnt she had twins, she seemed to be embracing life.

Then on skipped Leonard.

He does have an amazing low voice and a beautiful way with words. He recited a poem at one point, silence beside his deep voice, a thousand kisses deep.

There were some amazing musicians too. One guy seemed to be able to play anything, especially wind instruments. Great guitar soloists.

Three encores. I never get encores, one maybe but three!? Some people left after the first one. After four hours I guess they assumed the concert was over!!

It has made me realise that music is a good thing to have in our lives. It just adds something.

I had a great night out, thanks Dad.

Art by Goofy...

You may have noticed that I have changed the photo of my lovely ladies to a drawing done by MiniMe. She loves drawing at the moment.

Goofy also seems to love getting out a pen and paper. I am not sure if this is because it is MiniMe's new favourite pass time or because she likes it too. She does seem to have a bit of a talent for it, well I think anyway! MiniMe couldn't draw like this at three years old but then she didn't have anyone showing how to do it so who knows. I am glad they both have a found a quiet activity they both enjoy!

Anyway, I thought I would include some of Goofy's latest artworks.

Mummy being chased by scary monsters

Goofy and her sisters. She has the orange hair!

I think she's got it, I think she's got it!

By George, I think she's got it. I could dance a jig with Higgins!

I think JollyJumper may have finally dropped the late night feed and has figured out how to settle herself (unwrapped) at night. It is a breakthrough. 7pm to 6:30am for the first time last night. Well done JollyJumper!!

She did wake a couple of time last night but got herself back to sleep quick smart. She did get a dose of panadol at 3:30am but considering she had a temperature yesterday and is struggling to breath through her a nose I will gladly allow her that. Especially as she went straight back to sleep after it was administered.

The thought of being able to choose my own bed time is very novel! Although maybe I am getting ahead of myself and I should hold off the jigging till last night has been repeated a few more times?!

Photo help...

Dear Bloggers,

I would value your assistance. I have been spending much time searching for good websites that have photos to use in blogs. Most of the ones I find have very small photos when I add them in. Is that just because I am cheap and don't want to pay for photos or is there somewhere else I could be looking? Or is it something to do with the way I save them?

Thank you,
DITR.

Rain, blogging and peppermint tea...

Tonight there is silence but for the gentle constant sound of the rain.

I have my ritual end of day peppermint tea next to me and I am reading some blogs.

All three elements are working together to create some peace after a somewhat average start to the day.

I was a bit behind the eight ball when I got up a bit too late (lovely U2 let me have a bit a sleep in). Finally got in the car after numerous trips upstairs for forgotten items, get to SIL's house and see DJ not in his school uniform - it's french dress up day (how did I miss this one)! SIL thankfully minds Goofy. Goofy has mad woman hair as she thinks running away from me with the hair brush is a great game, toothpaste all over her mouth to add to the look. Back home to get french clothes for MiniMe (bonjour Paris t-shirt quickly found with red Paris beret). Get to school and have forgot the reader, homework bag and library bag. Notice missing button from my jumper. Drive forgotten work document to U2 at work. Then off to bible study. 9:30am.

The day did improve from here. Lovely morning with five lovely ladies who are such a great safety blanket. Briefly got to speak to a friend who answering machine I had been getting well acquainted with. Spot of tidying and then SIL (also goes by Sink Fairy!) and Aunt were over for afternoon tea.

And now here I am at the end of my peppermint tea.

Goodnight.

Something old..

The girls discovered these this week.

My mother kept some of our toys and this one I had been saving till they were a little older but somehow they unearthed them. I cant even remember were I had buried them!

They are very cute and it lovely to see that some things never loose their appeal to little girls!

I wonder if they will make it to my granddaughters!?!

Red head..

Yesterday Goofy was very excited. She meet another little girl her age with hair the same colour.

We were waiting (45mins!) in the doctors waiting room when in came another girl with the same shade of red hair and the same length. Had it had a bit of a curl to it they could have had the same wig on.

Goofy showed such delight at seeing someone like her.

It made me wonder what goes on in her little mind. Many strangers stop and comment on her curly red hair and mostly she hides her head in my leg. Her response yesterday made me think that maybe she does realise there is something a little unique about her. (Not that red hair is particularly uncommon but it is a bit more unusual.)

I wonder what role her red locks will play in her life? Will they just be part of the backdrop that she never thinks about, the jewel she proudly displays or the thing she tries to hide?

Questions from the check out person...

When I was pregnant with MiniMe I had numerous check out people ask "How old are you?". They seemed to imply that I was too young to be becoming a mother.

When MiniMe was about 9 months old I was asked "Is this your first child?". She then went on to tell me that this deduction was made as MiniMe looked very anxious because I was an anxious first time mother.

When Goofy was a few months old I was asked "Is this your first child?". They there was much surprise when I mentioned I already had a two year old as I looked too young to have two children (so they said).

When I was pregnant with JollyJumper I was asked "Is this your first child?". Again, much surprise when I told them this was in fact number three, surely I was too young they said.

In the last month I have been shopping at Coles without children, "Would you like the school vouchers?" Suddenly I look old enough not only to have children but school age children!!

In my mind I have only just left high school but the reality is now hitting me, that was much more than a decade ago. I am not as young as I think I am.

Every now and again I look in the car rear view mirror and am surprised that I am the mother of three children. I sometimes feel that while I wasn't looking someone snuck up on me and filled my empty back seat with car seats!

Not that I would change were I am right now or who I am with, just sometimes I am surprised that I am here and so are they. A pleasant surprise!