The simple joys

A walk, a play at the park, digging in the sand, a jetty, a simple outdoor game, hot cross buns for breakfast, dangling feet in the water.

Oh and some funny photos.

This was our weekend on the river.

Creating Memories

If I had to name just one goal that my whole life revolved around, it would be creating memories for my kids. 

Source: google.ca via Paula on Pinterest

Good Memories by Robert Duncan

Of course, my business is super important to me, as is my whole family, my fitness, my friends; but my biggest priority is making life memorable for my kids. This also means it's creating great memories for myself and my husband.

Helping to make the lives of my kids memorable revolve around baking, traditions, books, family and time.

Baking

Whether it's helping with the baking process, licking the spoons, reading from the recipes, or just enjoying the end result at home or at school; I know the kids appreciate that their mum loves to bake with and for them!

Traditions or rituals

I think the greatest way to create memories is through traditions or rituals that are special or unique to your family.

We love pancakes for breakfast {cooked by hubby} on Christmas morning and other special occasions, movie nights at home, our Christmas Eve book swap, bed & bath time rituals, and family walks with the dogs.

Books

For me, nothing beats sitting down next to my little lad and reading him a story while he wraps his arm right around my neck :)

Reading with the kids, teaching them to care for their books, and watching them learn and develop their reading is so satisfying, especially knowing that their bedtime-story reading ritual is creating lovely memories for all of us.

Source: piccsy.com via Janine on Pinterest

Family

We are so fortunate to be in situation where our kids have both sets of grandparents living nearby, as well as aunties, uncles and cousins who they see regularly. This also means that we usually have a babysitter when in need, and the kids love their "sleepovers"!  

We have always stressed the importance of family and showed how much we love and appreciate those special people in our lives. 

Time

We all know that more than anything, kids love you to spend time with them. This is not always easy in our busy lives, but I really think that mums {and dads} do a great job! You just have to read some of the wonderful blogs out there, written by mums who manage and enjoy a full work life that they fit in around their children.

I have heard many women of my mum's generation say that we spend more time with our kids than they did. While this is obviously a generalised view, I hope it is true.

This book inspired my post today. It's on my "want to read" list on Pinterest.
It's all about creating those memories that your kids will hold on to forever.

Source: amazon.com via Lou on Pinterest

I love this one too, now 25% off in store!

Making Memories by Josie Bissett $24.95  $18.71

Go make memories.

Enjoy!

Gratitude - Two Buddies

One of my greatest joys in life is to see the relationship between my two little rugrats. 

Yes, they argue sometimes, and they certainly irritate each other sometimes; but when all is said and done, they are the best of buddies, and for this I am so grateful.

Time with the kids

I am so often asked, "mum can you build a tower with me?", "can we make a cubby with the sheets", "can you play hide and seek with us", "can you read me this book..."

I realise, with much guilt, that many of the times I am asked these things I say "I can't now, I'm cooking tea" {or "I'm hanging the washing", or "I'm working", or "it's nearly time to leave for school/kindy"}

While I recognise that this is life, and realistically I can't always play/read/join in with the kids, I always feel like I can spend more time that is just for them.

So, my aim has been to adjust my life a little, {more on this later} to ensure I am doing more of the things my kids love to do.

For the purpose of having a little reminder for myself, and perhaps some ideas for my readers, here is a list of some of the simple, and generally inexpensive things my kids enjoy.

As it is winter here in Oz and outside activities are generally not as viable, my list is based around inside activities. I have also included some super-cool ideas I have found across the web.

• Build a cubby out of sheets and blankets {perhaps have a snack inside on a teeny tiny plate}
  
  
• Bake cupcakes or cornflake crackles together
  
  
• Have a babycino at a local cafe
  
  
• Build with Lego
  
  
• Have a picnic lunch on a rug on the floor {I normally do a platter of cheese, dip, crackers & dipping veggies}

• Have a tea party




• Home made play dough - recipe here
  
  

• Watch a recorded program together {my daughter loves Better Homes & Gardens but it is normally on after her bed time}
  
  

• Read a story or two

• Movie night: Set up camp in the TV room, have dinner on a picnic rug and watch a movie or two. Sleep the night.
  
  
• Hide & seek
  
  
• Colouring in - There are many colouring-in printable sites but Kidspot has a great selection
  
  
• Play a board game {or even have a family games night}
  
  
• Crafts - Kidspot has a huge selection of printables and craft ideas
  
  
• Make a card for someone's birthday {or just to say "I love you"}
  
  
• Puzzles
  
  
• Learn online. Here are some of the websites we use for educational fun:
  Starfall
  Triple Zero Kid's Challenge
  Reading Eggs
  ABC 4 Kids
  
  

• Painting - here's one of our last holidays projects
  
  

• Balloon Ball games - satisfy their need for active games with this indoor version. We bought ours here

Image from Balloon Balls
 

• Use masking tape to create a road along the floor - the extent of this is up to you {and the size of your roll of masking tape} Here's a great example from the lovely The Mother Huddle - There is also lots of gorgeous & unique craft ideas here.
  
  
• Butchers paper floor drawing - See how Jade at Super Organiser Mum does it here
  

• Memory - See this idea from Bianca at A little Delightful 

Enjoy!

30 day photo challenge - Day 6 - From a low angle

Check out others participating in the 30 day photo challenge here 

Mother's Day

I hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day.

Mine was really a Mum's weekend.

Coffee with my beautiful Mum and sisters on Saturday afternoon at the always wonderful Tranquillo in Stirling.

Waking up on Sunday morning to homemade cards, bath salts, and of course those gorgeous printables!

Pancakes for breakfast

Morning tea with Hubby's Mum

Then, a little piece of heaven at the stunning Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens..

 

I hope you all had little piece of heaven on your special day!

Holiday fun for less..

Well that was what the ad promised anyway.

The Kmart ad that is. 

While reading Adelaide's Child I came across an ad selling kid's white canvas shoes, craft activity packs and poster paint with the promise of "keeping your little artist entertained..with everything needed to unlock their creativity"

The Egg Hunt

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter!

 

Bubbles

The utter joy of bubbles..

 

Enjoying the sun..for now

I love the little ritual my son and I have on the days he's not at kindy. After my exercise class we always have morning tea together on our balcony.. yes it probably counteracts the exercise a little, but hey life's too short!

Realising we don't have much time left before the weather turns too cold, we make the most of the sun for now.

Enjoy the sun (and your little ones) while you can.