Things I know | the grandparents edition

This I know...my children are so lucky to have grandparents...Nanny, Poppy, Granny and Papa. Their grandparents absolutely adore them and the feeling is mutual. I don't know what Andrew and I would do without the support of our parents. The kids are completely spoiled by them. I think that's every grandparents evil plan right to give them lots of sweet treats, then hand them back to the parents to deal with the aftermath...hehe. The lessons they learn from their grandparents are invaluable, and every minute they spend together is a blessing.

I don't know what it is about grandparents these days, but they seem to look and act a lot younger. I wonder if it has something to do with better fashions, or women having careers. I swear, my Granny looked old for about 40 years.

I've been thinking about my grandparents (my Dad's parents) a lot lately. I was only 5-6 when they passed away, and I can still remember them so vividly.  My Nan used to serve me cold tea that was really sweet and milky, and cold buttered toast for dunking. To this day I still prefer cold toast. I was Nanny's favourite and my sister was Poppy's girl, although I'm sure they loved us equally. They used to have Birds of Paradise planted down the side of the house and I used to think they were scary. lol. I remember watching her get dressed one day and she rolled her boobs up to put them in her bra! Pop said it was because they were fried eggs. That was very confusing at the time. hahaha.  I would have loved to have known them as a grown up. Unfortunately that wasn't to be the case. I still get sad thinking about it.  I never met my Mum's mum...she passed away when Mum was only 19. I would have liked to have known her. My grandfather remarried and I really didn't have much to do with him.

My great-grandmother passed away when I was 14. She was such a lovely woman...large and cuddly with a strong Scottish brogue. She always made you feel so loved.  I remember going to visit her in hospital the day before she died, and I will never forget the look on her face. She was the shadow of her former self and had lost a lot of weight. Her teeth were out and her hair had thinned terribly into wispy grey curls. It was as if she was a little girl again. I choose to remember her from before, when she would have a drink of scotch and run up my parents driveway (which by the way is incredibly steep)...not bad for an old lady. lol. She'd carry her handbag on her wrist and never put it down. We'd joke that she was carrying around the crown jewels. She collected crystal figurines and brass ornaments in a big glass cabinet, and towards her last days, she would give them away to anyone who would come to visit. One Christmas (I was about 11), she gave me a pair of her own underpants in Size 22. lol. I miss her and I can still feel her cuddles. My kids would have loved her.

Yesterday afternoon, Andrew's grandfather, old Poppy George, passed away after a long battle with dementia, several strokes and cancer. I loved this man and have felt like he was my own Pop for the last 15 years. Every time we'd visit, his face would light up when he'd see the kids. He was always after a cuddle...and would bribe them with smarties. lol. This photo was taken a few years ago at the grandparents home...box of smarties in hand.

The stories Andrew, his siblings and cousins have shared with me about him over the years made me love him even more.  I loved sitting with George and having a chat. I'd always ask him how he was, and he'd always respond "every day is a bonus for me dear".

I used to think it was a funny response, but it really is a good attitude to have. Every day is a bonus. Make sure you take the time to visit your grandparents and soak in every bit of love they have to give and appreciate the stories they have to tell. Those stories will be all you have one day.

I will miss old Poppy George as much as I miss my own grandparents, but I know he is in a much better place now, and at peace.  Off to get a tissue now...

Review and Giveaway | The Fox and the Hound 1 & 2 dvds

Did you know that its been 30 years since The Fox and the Hound was first released by Disney?  Complete and utter news to me...I was only 7 (ahem) when it was first released and I don't remember ever watching it.  See, this is the reason to have children...so you can relive all the Disney classics!

The good people at Disney recently sent me copies of both The Fox and the Hound and The Fox and the Hound 2 for my family to review...and to introduce these delightful characters to my own children.

The Fox and the Hound is the story of two unlikely friends...Tod the fox and Copper the hunting dog. Tod (the fox) is orphaned after his mother is killed by the hunter, Copper's master.  Tod and Copper meet soon after and pledge to be lifelong friends, but Cooper doesn't realise that he's being trained to hunt wild animals...including foxes. The story follows the main characters growing up and how its hard for them to stay friends because of their roles in life. As they become adults, they become estranged and Copper is driven by revenge to capture Tod and punish him. Friendship wins out in the end when they have to face an even bigger enemy in the form of a ferocious bear. While this movie does share a positive message about friendship, it can be quite scary at times for little viewers. Eme wasn't a fan at all of the chasing and shooting scenes, and she cried during the opening credits when Tod's mother is killed. Lots of cuddles were needed after.  Seth enjoyed this movie much more than its sequel, and I dare say its because of his maturity. Amazing what a couple of extra years can do. I would recommend this movie for children aged 6-7+

The Fox and the Hound 2 is not a sequel to the first movie like the title suggests. I know! Maybe it should have been given a subtitle or something.  This installment is much milder than the original and is loaded with charm and country music tunes that will have your little ones tapping their toes. This time around, Tod and Copper are kids again who don't have to face the tough choices they had to make in the first movie. Tod and Copper sneak off to a country fair and join a group of singing dogs who have dreams of making it big at the Grand Ole Opry. The supporting characters are really likable too, and there's great life lessons to be learned about striving for the things you really want and the consequences.  Once again there are positive messages about friendship, as well as diversity and forgiveness. The violence in this flick is more of the slapstick kind, which is much more digestible for younger viewers.  Eme preferred this one over the first movie, and Seth has now watched this one more than 10 times! Give him a movie with a talking animal and he's happy. I would recommend this movie for children aged 4-5+

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Thanks to the good people at Disney and Porter Novelli, I have a dvd pack to giveaway containing both movies!


To enter, simply leave a comment sharing which Disney friends you like the best.
 
Entries close midnight, 16 October 2011 and the winner will be chosen at random.  Entries restricted to Australian residents.

For extra entries...

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Make sure you leave a separate comment if you do so. If tweeting, please use @heyLisaWarren so that I can keep track.

Good luck!

Disclosure: I received complimentary DVD review copies courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment and Porter Novelli. No financial payment was offered nor accepted for this post. All opinions expressed are purely my own.

Scrap stuff | Layouts to share...

Well, the Scrapbooking Delights / Scrapbook Savvy retreat was held a couple of weekends ago, and it was the first time in months that I'd delved into my scrap bag...in fact I hadn't even unpacked it since Camp Mojo in July! Disgraceful really. lol.  Sandra always organises such fun challenges, and they're perfect for getting your inspiration flowing. Here's a few of the layouts I created over the weekend.

This first one was for a product pack challenge. In each of our goodie bags, there was a pack of papers and embellishments to create a layout, using at least one item. I scored a very pink Pink Paislee pack, and managed to use all three papers, the tulle, felt border and bling. The transparency doilies were created by me for another challenge (I'll share my layout later). The other items were from my stash.  These photos were taken the day I picked up my new Alex Perry glasses earlier in the year.

The bling fitted perfectly around the doilies. I'm going through a phase of using loads of little flowers in all kinds of textures...so expect to see it on a few layouts. lol.

This next layout was for a sketch challenge that Wendy Smith provided for the retreat. Now, you know I love a good sketch, so I was definitely up for the challenge.   These photos of Eme were taken a few years ago on Melbourne Cup Day. She created her little crown covered with cupcake wrappers at daycare and she was having so much fun riding her unicorn around the front porch. This girl loves to dress up and role play.

For the challenge, you had to include a handmade embellishment, so I created the white flower using a scallop circle punch and layers and layers of coffee filter papers.

This last layout was created just for fun. You might recognise this photo from a few posts ago...you can read the whole story here.  After creating so many girl layouts, it was good to create one for Seth.  Those picture cards have been in my stash for a while and I never know what to do with them, so I threw them on the page and kept on layering. Love the end result. This is the layout I broke Nat's star punch on...d'oh! Luckily I could get her a replacement straight away.

Thanks for popping by. Tomorrow I'll be back with a review and giveaway, so say tuned...did somebody say Disney?!

Wordless Wednesday | Evidence

How do you know if your children have been playing with your iphone??

You find a number of self-portraits that aren't of yourself...

There are pictures of unicorns and wedding cakes saved to your photo folder...

Do your children play with your iphone? What funnies have you found?

Linking up with Trish from My Little Drummer Boys

for Wordless Wednesday

Trinkets on Tuesday | Handmade jewellery

I received a surprise package in the post recently from my Aunty Ros. It wasn't my birthday or anniversary or anything special, it was a "just because she loves me" kind of pressie. Inside were three beautifully handmade beaded necklaces, that she made herself! They are so beautiful, and being black, they go with pretty much anything I am wearing. I love that they are three different lengths as well, so I can change up my look.  My Aunty took up beading as a hobby a while a go, and I'm so impressed with what she creates.  Here they are, in no particular order, because I love them all...

I'm wearing the long one today.  I'm still so surprised that she sent them to me.  My Aunty knows how much I love handmade, unique accessories, and I feel completely honoured to own a few of her pieces. Sending a big thank you your way! mwah.

Linking up with Diva Mum, Naomi for Trinkets on Tuesday.

Things I know | the birthday edition

Here's what I know...tomorrow is Eme's birthday party and I'm completely unprepared!  I had very grand plans of hosting a sophisticated little tea party for Eme and a few (5) friends.  Somehow, she convinced me to invite 11 friends, all of whom have rsvp'd. Shock I know! Not many parents take the time to rsvp these days and I really appreciate everyone getting back to me.

Eme has requested a three tiered strawberry flavoured cake...does that come in a packet mix? lol.

I have bought all the fixings to decorate said cake, including edible glitter dust and glittery candles that spell Emeline, but it will only be one tier high. I've only ever decorated one other cake with fondant before and I don't think I'm ready for that kind of pressure. I've been searching for inspiration online, and there are way too many pink cakes to choose from!

[images from Flickr]

I am halfway through making a balloon wreath for the front door, and I've broken two nails already. I had intended on making it completely pink, then thought better of it and made it all colourful. Thank goodness really because I won't ever be making another one. This one can be used for every birthday from here until the end of time.

I haven't sorted out the menu yet, but considering its an afternoon tea, I'm thinking something along the lines of lemonade scones with jam and cream, simple finger sandwiches, jam pinwheels, chocolate crackles, fresh fruit and maybe a red velvet cake from the markets. Eme has requested lollies and coloured popcorn as well. There'll be tea and pink soft drink too. Do you think that's enough to feed 12 girls?

As for entertainment, I have bought spring hats for all of the girls and a bunch of loose flowers, ribbons and glue, so we'll be decorating hats. I also have a pair of lace gloves, necklaces and a ring for each of the girls so they can dress up. I probably should put a pass the parcel together, and I have some colouring in sheets for them.  Maybe we'll do some dancing or something. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated here...bear in mind...its TOMORROW!! Argh!

I'm also not giving out lolly bags. I hope the girls won't be disappointed, but they'll be going home with their hats, gloves etc, and I have a photo frame for each of them which I plan on putting a photo in before they leave.

I know I am going to be very busy for the next 24 hours! Wish me luck.  I'll share some photos from the party next week.

Scrap stuff | Finding my mojo...

Well, last weekend I nervously headed off to the Scrapbooking Delights / Scrapbook Savvy annual retreat at Tahmoor. I haven't scrapbooked since mid July and I wasn't sure I'd be able to! This year's retreat was four days of fun and frivolity with fabbo friends.  I love catching up with the girls...even my local scrap buddies, who I haven't seen them all for what seems like months.  I scrapped up a storm and slept more than anyone else there. lol. I haven't had a chance to photograph all the layouts yet, so thought I'd share a layout I did a little while ago for a Jenni Bowlin challenge.

I channelled my inner Crystal, and got a bit messy with the paint...such a fun technique! Not sure I'm up to it on every layout, but its definitely good to break outside your 12x12 box occasionally.  Here's a couple of close ups...

Hopefully I'll get time to photograph all of the layouts I created soon!

Review | Table of Plenty mini rice cakes

I get offered opportunities to review products quite often, but this is my first food related one.  Table of Plenty recently sent me a few packets of their new mini rice cakes to test drive, and to be honest, I was a little scared!  I personally find rice cakes to be a bit of a dry affair, but its what you put on top that makes them tasty.  I'd never thought of rice cakes being a sweet treat...I have always added savoury toppings like tomato or peanut butter.

I needn't have worried.  Table of Plenty's "Mini Rice Cakes" are DE-LI-CIOUS!!  The kids and hubby loved them too! There are three varieties currently available...milk chocolate, dark chocolate and triple berry yoghurt flavours.

Each wholegrain mini rice cake is thinly coated in a creamy layer of chocolate or yoghurt and each rice cake is only 15 calories...great for those watching their waistlines and wanting a tasty treat. My favourite is the dark chocolate, but the other two flavours are equally as good.  I found though that the triple berry yoghurt mini rice cakes were more purple in colour than the pink ones featured on the packaging...still incredibly tasty though.

For your peace of mind, Table of Plenty's "Mini Rice Cakes" are free from artificial preservatives, colours, flavourings, as well as vegetable and palm oil.  They are also gluten free, so a good choice for those with coeliac's disease.

I will definitely be buying this product again. I can see they'd be great for lunch boxes, afternoon snacks, or taken to the movies as a substitute for salty/buttery popcorn.  Table of Plenty's "Mini Rice Cakes" retail for $3.99, and are available at Coles supermarkets.

Have you tried this product before? Let me know what you think...

Disclaimer: I received complimentary product for review purposes. No financial payment was offered nor accepted for this post. All opinions expressed are purely my own.

Review | Kleenex Cottonelle

Product talk by Nuffnang

Why is it my children go through toilet paper like they're eating lollies? I don't know how they use so much considering how little their bottoms are. lol. I have squished the roll so that its harder to get off, and they still go through it at a rate of knots. To compensate, I have been buying budget toilet paper to save a little money.

We were recently sent a pack of Kleenex Cottonelle to test drive and to say the kids have felt spoilt, is an understatement.  I definitely underestimated the impact of good quality loo paper on their lives. lol. Yesterday they both came to the shops with me to pick up a few supplies...one of which being toilet paper.  When we got to the appropriate aisle, Eme requested the "softy tushy" toilet paper, so Seth went straight to the Kleenex Cottonelle! I'd say that's definitely a thumbs up from them.

As for me...I'm not so sure. Let's get to the bottom of this (pun intended). Whether you're a scruncher or a folder, good quality toilet paper is of utmost importance. Kleenex has always been a trusted brand in this home, and its my first choice for facial tissues every time. As for their toilet paper, there are positives and negatives.

On the plus side: Being a 3-ply toilet paper, it is reasonably priced. I like the quilted pattern and the texture is nice and soft. The scent is not overpowering at all and it tears easily off the roll. It also seems to last the same length of time as other toilet papers that have more sheets per roll.  I like that the product is environmentally friendly and that its the only product of its kind to have the support and endorsement of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). I also like that they support Guide Dogs Australia...hence why they have the cutest ads featuring Labrador puppies. Way to go Kleenex!

On the downside: It left fiborous particles behind (if you get my drift). I asked two of my cousins what they thought, and the response was the same. We use a different type of Kleenex toilet paper in the office, and this never happens. Is it because the Cottonelle paper is too soft and it just can't hold it together under pressure? Whilst I like that it does the job its intended to do well, and its not rough on your tushy (as Eme puts it), the paper residue left behind is a bit gross. So, will I buy it again? The jury is still out. I would love to hear what your experience with this product is.

To erase the mental image of the above, here's some cute Kleenex puppies...enjoy!

For the record...I'm a scruncher. How about you?

Disclaimer: I received complimentary product for review purposes. No financial payment was offered nor accepted for this post. All opinions expressed are purely my own.

R U OK? Its ok if you're not...

Sometimes I'm not OK either.

Tomorrow is R U OK? Day...a national day of action which aims to prevent suicide by encouraging Australians to connect with someone they care about and help stop little problems turning into big ones.  This is one day that I fully support with all my heart.

"Staying connected with others is crucial to our general health and wellbeing. Feeling isolated or hopeless can contribute to depression and other mental illnesses, which can ultimately result in suicide. Regular, meaningful conversations can protect those we know and love.  It's so simple. In the time it takes to have a coffee, you can start a conversation that could change a life." extract from RUOK website

People that suffer from depression display many symptoms:

• Lowered self-esteem
• Change in sleep patterns
• Change in mood control
• Varying emotions throughout the day
• Change in appetite and weight
• Reduced ability to enjoy things
• Reduced ability to tolerate pain
• Reduced sex drive
• Suicidal thoughts
• Impaired concentration and memory
• Loss of motivation and drive
• Increase in fatigue
• Change in movement
• Being out of touch with reality

I can tick every.single.box. The last three months have been some of the hardest in my entire life.  Sinking into a deep depression and feeling like there was no way out.   I sleep a lot. I have trouble smiling and don't even sing along to my favourite songs in the car (very unlike me). My concentration levels are pretty much non-existent. I've had to disconnect from the world occasionally. These are just a few of the signs I'm displaying that all is not OK.  My husband saw that I wasn't myself. We talked about it and he asked me to see my doctor. I am thankful he did.  I've been prescribed a different medication (higher dose) and so far, so good. In the meantime though, I have let a lot of things slide and let down a lot of people, including myself.  I have a lot of catching up to do. Please be patient with me.  I don't know when I'll be "me" again...but I'm hoping its soon. Maybe there's a new kind of "me" to discover.

Hubby shared a story with me recently. I don't normally read the sports section of the paper, however Matt Cross' battle with bipolar moved me. Professional footballers always appear to be so tough on the exterior, but they have the same issues as everybody else. It warms my heart so deeply to read that Matt was supported by his friends and family in his time of need. What would have happened if someone didn't ask him if he was OK? I hate to think.  Matt is now giving back to the NRL by teaching young players that its OK to ask for help.

Just to repeat...it is OK to ask for help, but sometimes the conversation needs to be started by someone else.  Please, start a conversation today...

What else can you do?  There are a number of resources available on the R U OK? website for work, school, uni, sport and health. I have printed out and displayed the posters and contact numbers on the OHS notice board in my workplace. If it helps one person, it has done its job.

Do you need help? Please contact your local gp, speak to someone you trust or one of the agencies listed here.

Wordless Wednesday | Spring has sprung!

The first blossoms of the season have bloomed on my flowering peach trees. I can't wait until they're an explosion of pink in my front yard!

Linking up with Trish @ My Little Drummer Boys

Celebrating Roald Dahl Day!

Did you know, today is Roald Dahl Day?  Roald Dahl Day is celebrated every year on 13 September on the great man's birthday, and people from all over the world hold events in his honour. This year sees the 50th anniversary of the release of "James and the Giant Peach"...still such a classic.

Roald Dahl is probably my favourite children's writer of all time.  I remember pouring over his books as a child, particularly "The Twits". It was that popular with all of the students, that there was a waiting list in my school library to borrow it.  I made the most of my precious time with that book and read it as many times as I could.

Years ago when Seth was a baby, I saw a boxed set of Roald Dahl books for sale at a book fair, and I bought them hoping that one day, my own children would fall in love with his stories and characters as much as I had.  Seth is eight years old, and is now able to choose his own home readers.  We have plenty of books at home, like the "Diary of a Wimpy Kid", "Big Nate", and the "Captain Underpants" series, but its the Roald Dahl books that have grabbed his attention most.  The first book he chose to read was "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"...again, a classic.  Seth absorbed every word and after watching the two movie versions, decided that the book was better! That's my boy.

Next, he chose "The Twits"...which he read twice in quick succession. I was so happy that he loved it as much as I did. He started reading it for a third time, when I suggested perhaps he read a different one and then he could go back to it.  So, now we're onto "The Giraffe, the Pelly and Me", which he also loves.

Every afternoon, you will find Seth in this exact position...laying back on the lounge enjoying a good book.  It makes me so happy that he loves reading, and I hope his love of books continues well into the future.  There's nothing quite like escaping into a novel.

"The prime function of the children's book writer is to write a book that is so absorbing, exciting, funny, fast and beautiful that the child will fall in love with it. And that first love affair between the young child and the young book will lead hopefully to other loves for other books and when that happens the battle is probably won. The child will have found a crock of gold. He will also have gained something that will help to carry him most marvelously through the tangles of his later years." - Roald Dahl

What books do your children like to read?

Mum stuff | Family is everything

I'm a very lucky girl. I love my family. Not many people can say that.  Although we don't get together as often as we did while growing up, when we do, the day is full of conversation and laughter.  The last time we were together was for my cousin Mandy's 21st birthday in July.  My Aunty had decorated the party with photos of Mandy from birth to now, and one of the photos pictured the last time just the Wild girls were all together...six years ago!  Eme was only a few months old then.  We decided then and there, that it was time for another brunch.  With that in mind, we set up a private facebook group for all of us to chat and share family stuff.

This weekend I hosted the "Wild Girls" brunch, on what would have been my grandmother's (Elizabeth Wild) 88th birthday (purely coincidental, but apt).  Here I am surrounded by my mum, sister, aunties, cousins and second cousins in my living room.

Standing up the back...me, Beth (sister)
Seated...Vicky, Dianne, Lesley, Brooklyn, Belinda, Anne, Alex, Lorna
On the floor...Jessica, Christeen (mum), Kimberley, Georgia, Isla, Samantha, Emeline and Michelle
Missing...Mandy, Crystal and Madeline

This day came together so easily. An fb event was set up (most of my family is online), and all the girls were invited. Everyone nominated what they'd like to bring...then it was just a matter of waiting for the day to roll around.  It was a great excuse for me to tidy up too! lol.  I am the only one living in Wollongong, so the minimum travel time to my place is an hour, and I'm so impressed that everyone made the effort to come...especially my cousin Belinda who is 7 months pregnant and travelled from Dubbo!

My family has always been close. We used to holiday together, have sleepovers at each other's houses and celebrate every Christmas together. Now that we're getting older and have moved away to start our own families, get togethers like this are a treasured rarity.  These are the women I talk to about motherhood and women's issues. We cuddle each other's babies and share advice.  We laugh at just about everything.  We share food...good ol' scones and jelly lamingtons, little sandwiches and jellies, zucchini slice and brownies, greek biscuits and thai rice paper rolls (such is the diversity of our family). They make fun of me for making bad cups of tea (who knew you don't add milk to Lady Grey? lol), and wash up after themselves.

I love these women.

I love that our children (the little cousins) play so well together.

I love that my Aunty Anne has already nominated herself to host the next get together! We're ensuring the next one isn't in 6 years time. lol.

Do you have a strong connection with the women in your family?  Do you make time to catch up with the important women in your life?

Remembering 9-11

September 11, 2001.  For as long as I live, I will never forget this moment.  Ten years ago today.  I remember getting a phone call from my mother in law at the crack of dawn, and all she said was "turn on the television". Bleary eyed, Andrew switched it on to this vision...

[image source]

What the f#%k! Did that seriously just happen?  The media replayed the images of those two planes flying into the Twin Towers over and over again. Each time it hit, I winced. This can't be real. "Another plane has crashed into the Pentagon", the reporter announced..."another in a field...it appears the passengers tried to overpower the hijackers". In that very moment, every belief I had about the USA being the strongest, most impenetrable country in the world, was shattered. It made me so fearful for the future.

I cried.

I couldn't pull myself away from the television.  The explosions and resulting collapse of those two proud buildings.  People running for their lives.  Rescue workers putting their own safety ahead of others in the name of duty...many of them not making it out alive.  The same footage repeated for days on end...new angles filmed by tourists and security cameras, played ad nauseum.  Listening to the telephone calls made from the aeroplanes brought a lump to my throat.  Seeing George W. Bush's head drop as he was told the news.  Still so very unbelievable.  The image that will haunt me forever is watching people choose to jump to their deaths because they couldn't escape the Twin Towers. I can't even begin to imagine what they had to be thinking at that very point in time. Nearly 3,000 people died that day.

I cried again.

With the 10th anniversary of the attacks on 9/11, all of those emotions have been stirred up again. I have been watching the memorial footage and follow up stories of survivors and children of those who were killed.

[image source]

I don't think I'm done crying.

Things I know...random stuff on my mind

I know...my house is really disorganised at the moment and its doing my head in. There are three rooms that I just have to shut the door and ignore for a little while.

I know...I'm looking forward to seeing all of my female aunties and cousins tomorrow for the Wild girls brunch! Wild is my mum's maiden name.

I know...I've broken two finger nails already making a balloon wreath for Emeline's birthday party in three weeks.  I'm a third of the way through and it looks awesome already.

I know...Seth is really excited about going to the Spring Fair tomorrow! He's finally tall enough to go on all of the rides. Happy days.

I know...Andrew caught a huge flathead yesterday. Here's hoping he catches some more so we can have a full meal.

I know...I'm heading to a retreat next weekend and I'm not motivated or prepared at all! I think Camp Mojo back in July sucked me dry of mojo.

I know...I'm a bit addicted to Pinterest. I don't pin a heck of a lot, but I love seeing what everyone else is pinning.

I know...Marley needs a visit to the groomers, but I'm going to have to give him a quick bath and trim first. Its a bit like cleaning your house before the cleaner gets there.

I know...I just managed to publish my post before I'd finished typing it. Not quite used to the new blogger dashboard.

I know...I am playing along for the first time with Shae from Yay for Home!


What things do you know?

Mum stuff | Toilet training

Big news in the Warren household...all children are now officially toilet trained. Woohoo!  Back in May, I posted about how worried and frustrated I was getting night time toilet training Emeline. Most of the advice I've received was to stop worrying; it will happen when it happens.

For the last couple of months, Eme has been having more dry nights than wet, so when the last of the pull ups was used last week, we decided not to buy anymore. Andrew and I had a discussion with her about it, and she agreed to try...after all, she's going to be a 6 year old at the end of this month!

After the first two nights without accidents, I was getting a bit excited, and so was Eme. We gave her loads of praise and high five's, and I promised her a reward if she made it seven dry nights in a row. Yesterday morning, Eme reminded me that it had been a whole six days, and she was going to get that reward! Eme has been busting to get some Squinkies for weeks (its all she talks about), so I headed up to Big W and purchased the much coveted packet of Squinkies in readiness for this morning.

When I got out of the shower this morning, there she was, sitting in my bed with the biggest smile on her face. She did it!! Eme's had seven dry nights in a row and has declared herself a true big girl now. I made her wait until after having breakfast and getting dressed to get her reward, and the smile on her face was reward enough for me. Thumbs up for Eme indeed! I'm so proud of her.

For all the mums out there worried about toilet training their little ones...take my advice, it will happen when your child is ready, not you. I learned that lesson the hard way.