So many things to write, don't know where to start!

2012 has become a busy, busy year!

I/We have......

• Decided to become Foster Parents :) A really full on training and accreditation process has been endured but we are almost there and are so excited about being able to hopefully make a difference.
• Started my fitness/training again and really getting into it, and results are starting to show!
• Taken on a role as a consultant selling Cloth Nappies - for baby BeeHinds! so if you know anyone wanting to get started on using cloth!! refer refer refer :)
• Started to nanny for a family one day a week!
• Decided to get a bigger car - a follow on from Foster caring and nannying and extending our family ;)
• Crazily made the decision to buy a new house....... maybe keeping this one as well as an investment.. fingers crossed xx
• Begun to plan a new bubba
• Also I am now an Aunt which is super fun!

And of course in amongst all that I'm still working as a teacher part time, a wife to B, a mumma to the Little Monkey and full time house keeper!

What is keeping you busy?

xx

Our Idiot Brother

Apparently EVERYONE has one....

I'm sure that anyone who has a brother has maybe once or twice called them an idiot. I actually have two idiot brothers :)

Nuffnang is giving bloggers opportunity to score a double pass to head to the movies in gold class style to see the new movie 'Our Idiot Brother' starring Paul Rudd and Zooey Deschanel.

Ned Rochlin (played by Paul Rudd) is a somewhat gullible guy and sees the positives in all people he comes across - which sometimes lands him in tricky situations. Selling drugs to a uniformed police officer is just one of those situations!
Upon Ned's release from jail, his girlfriend kicks him out and won't allow him custody of Willie Nelson his adored pooch. Ned is forced to move in with his three resenting sisters played by Zooey Deschanel, Elizabeth Banks and Emily Mortimer. Whilst reluctant at first, his sisters come to realise that maybe Ned isn't such an idiot after all.

Watch the clip below - a light hearted comedy with a life lesson too!

DVD and Blu Ray available on March 15th.

Enjoy guys
xo

Cherish Your Cherubs - Praise

I'm joining in this week with Naomi @ Seven Cherubs.

Praise is something we have been practising more and more lately as the little man is understanding and seems to be listening to wht B and I tell him. It amazes me at times - the things he understands.

Yesterday we were watching the football and at half time I started cleaning up all the mess the little man had been making, packing his toys back into their baskets etc. As I was doing it I verbalised 'Time to pack up' 'Put your toys away' and similar things ;) and he suprised me by grabbing toys and putting them into the baskets! It was so cute actually and he was so proud of himself. I couldn't help but shower him with praise. He had the biggest smile on his face.

I'm really trying to keep things positive in our house, I try to only say 'No' when he is doing something that could be dangerous for him.

I also try and explain why I want him to do or not do different things, even though I don't know how much he understands. Like the other day when he was pulling all the MCN's (Modern Cloth Nappies) out of the basket. Even though it was frustrating to watch as they take aggggggggggggggggggges to put together, I tried to remain calm and asked him to stop and then explained why. B and I are really trying to let him explore and allow him to be naturally curious. Whenever he does something really well we give him the necessary praise and I think that this has helped especially recently with his eating and touching of finger foods.

No matter what though - This parenting thing is always a challenge no matter how cute your kid is
xx

Ouch!

I went for a run today. Yep me. I know - I shocked myself too!

As part of my 12WBT journey I have to do pre tests to gauge my level of fitness and part of that was a 1km timetrial. It's been a while since I ran anywhere to be honest. I have bad knees and use that as an excuse too! This morning I asked B to come down to the oval with me and time how long it took me to run a kilometer. I set myself a goal of being able to do it within 8 minutes and managed to do it with a time of 6m37s.

It wasn't pretty, I had to stop and walk for a bit - but nethertheless I acheived my goal and completed the fitness test! Onwards and upwards. B, Little man and I then went and did the grocery shopping using the meal plans set. I am looking forward to eating some nice and healthy meals. Looking at the menu and the amounts of meat allocated it has already made me realise that I overeat! But I guess that is the whole point! I then spent my afternoon cooking up a storm in the kitchen. Some of those meals are going to be delish :) I'm trying to pre cook as much as I can. That way I'm organised and less tempted to grab take-away.

As I'm a glutton for punishment at the moment I also went to the gym and did a 500cal workout while the little man had his afternoon nap. I am not too sure how I am going to get myself off the couch tonight though! My body is exhausted. As soon as I sat down I felt my muscles relax and now they are stiffening. I'm thinking an early night and lots of sleep will help :) Luckily for me Sundays are a rest day!

Hope your weekend is looking good!
xx

Thankful Thursday - The dreaded photos!

As I blogged about the other day - I have signed up to 12WBT this round. I've started working my way through the pre season tasks.Some of them were challenging let me tell you and they really required a deeper thinking and also admitting a few things to myself about why I make excuses :(

This morning I asked B to help me take some 'before' photos as part of task eight. Well let's just say the photos will be ALL the motivation I need! I don't think i'll be posting them but they are an eye opener for me. But I am more determined than ever to acheive results! I

Today I am thankful for my determination. I am going to work hard, I am going to succeed and I am going to lose this baby weight! I am motivated :) and looking forward to the challenge!

What are you thankful for? I'm playing along here with Kate Says Stuff
xx

Wordless Wednesday - Chubby Thighs

Playing along here and here
xx

The simple things

Today Little man and I had a few things planned. We went into the city and had lunch with Cooper's Grandad for Fathers Day (My Dad). Little man showed off to Grandads office (although just quietly Grandad was looking quite chuffed).

Afterwards we shopped for a new hat! Little man has grown a bit since summer - definitely needed a new one :) we also printed out some new photos.

Then we came home and did something unplanned. We played outside with the cats and explored the backyard. Here are a few pics from our afternoon.

Modelling my new hat

hmmm that didn't last long

Look Daddy missed some when he mowed!

intrigued by a feather :)

Malibu and Little Man

Balancing!

A fun afternoon exploring for us. What did you get upto today?
xx