Wednesday 26 February 2014

Wordless Wednesday - " Push off "

I never noticed for years till on holidays in January that each twin pushes off /scoots with the opposite foot. Both are right handed.

An InLinkz Link-up

What have you noticed about your child recently ?

Tuesday 25 February 2014

If I could I would

...change my yesterdays.
My favourite childhood movie ...The Wizard of OZ

I'm inspired by...people who undertake incredible physical challenges to bring awareness and fund raise for a cause *
My celeb crush is ...*Samuel Johnson

Obsessed with ...Pinterest
Listening to ...whirr of the fan
Thinking about ...Dragon Boating tonight and Icecream
Watching ...for grey clouds
Excited about ...dragon boating and prospect of rain
My fave app ...Strava
Dream getaway ...Whitsunday Islands or a Cruise (done the former -dreaming more about the latter)

#10things

Being released from my ball & chain drain yesterday, means I can resume most normal activities driving, walking etc all except running. Pity it wasn't the ironing.

I will see the surgeon for review next Tuesday in Sydney. The soft NF tumour was growing on a superficial nerve (deep in my inner thigh). So muscles/movement were not affected...mostly.

I have weird nerve pain on my lower , inner leg - above my ankle to mid calf and numbness up to my knee - different to before. The pain feels like stinging burn or sunburn when touched or brushed lightly and my lower leg feels like it is buzzing. I get random sharp shooting spasms too - It is distant from the op site in my thigh which is barely sore at all.

The two incisions on my buttocks are healing well. Still, I am not complaining, one less thing to worry about them turning malignant or growing larger.


 

Thursday 20 February 2014

All mums need support whatever their choice - The Booby Trap Project.

I was asked, by Anna Kaplan , to help bring awareness to Thee Booby Trap - an interactive documentary about breastfeeding choices and our evolving relationship with our most fundamental natural resource – human milk.

Anna asked bloggers to share their own story.

The Booby Trap is about sharing stories that inspire and empower families to make informed choices. It's also about exploring the impact our breastfeeding experiences have on our emotional health and self-esteem. And it's about shifting the focus onto the entrenched barriers that prevent so many women from meeting their own breastfeeding goals. Too many women who want to breastfeed are getting caught in The Booby Trap, and I think we are doing the next generation of mothers a disservice if we don’t share our stories – most of them are pretty extraordinary.


I wanted to say it again how thankful I was for the support I had to breastfeed my twin sons.Mostly my dear husband (and older son).


Firstly, I will never beat up any mum about her decision to breastfed or not, nor bash you with lactivist slogans.

Some of my dearest pro breastfeeding friends couldn't get it to happen with some of their babes , because things don't always happen the way we intend or desire. A multitude of reasons. One friend breastfeed singleton babies 1 & 2 for over 12 months and only got to 6wks with her 3rd daughter due to ongoing bouts of mastitis , stress and exhaustion.

I know other lovely women who just as soon didn't see breastfeeding as being for them.I didn't /don't judge.

I wanted to share my story on breastfeeding twins , as it is my wish that those who choose to breastfeed twins are well supported, able to understand the difficulties and remain hopeful for the future...especially if they have one twin or twins who won't/can't breastfeed.

(This is re-posted and editted).


My twins were born a month premature 35w4days or so , most babies under 36 weeks don't have a good sucking reflex.

Though many can start to breastfeed or bottle feed they also have nasogastric tubes (NGT) because sucking exhausts them easily.
So they space the NG tube feeds with a breast or bottle feed initially. I started hand expressing colostrum the same day - like 1-2 mls. Yes mls.

It was a few days before I my milk came in ... then I spent the next three weeks hooked up this pump 5- 6 times a day for 20-30 mins or more each session. I was so determined to breast feed.
 
S was having a bottle of expressed breast milk (EBM) about every 9 hrs and two tube EBM  feeds in between.He was very reluctant to suck the teat.

The midwives in the Nursery were not that keen for me to breastfeed, it seemed, and I had to fight to let him suck at the nipple at all while he was having a tube feed. He just wasn't interested in the teat/bottle. They kept saying he wouldn't suck. They said not to "tire him out".

J - took to the bottle with expressed breast milk very well and being so little at 2 kgs with a tiny mouth he was having problems attaching. *sigh* So we didn't try him as much but he was up to having a bottle of EBM every six hours, days before his brother, who 800gm heavier.

We were only in the nursery for them to gain weight and feed ...

Finally at 19 days old they let us go home. J - was only having EBM bottle feeds. S only got his NG tube out the day before we left. He was having breastfeeds with EBM bottle feed top up and bottle feeds overnight when I wasn't there (11pm-7am). He wasn't keen on top ups ... wasn't hungry obviously.

We left hospital with a long list of do's and don'ts. The main one was to overfeed and force top ups on S offer S extra top up feeds after a breastfeed and feed both at least every 3 -4 hrs.

S never had another bottle . Ever !

I knew my mother's intuition was he didn't want the top up and I knew he was pooping and peeing enough plus gaining weight. It wasn't that I didn't have the supply.

I was pumping milk for J round the clock. I knew that while I could I wanted to give them both breast milk.

I felt guilty I wasn't able to get J to attach to the nipple. I saw a lactation consultant but we had no luck. We tried shields - no luck. He just screamed and arched his back. He had a touch of reflux too so we added thickener Karicare .I knew it was upsetting him to push him any more. I let it go. I tried every him so often if he nuzzled me, when I was bare breasted feeding Sam.

Having a twin still breastfeeding
meant I was able to maintain a good supply for both. I know people expressing for just one baby have a lot of difficulty maintaining supply. A baby's sucking is the best method for making milk.

So for the next 4-5 months I expressed - sometimes 5-6 times a day. Sometimes with the tandem collection kit, sometimes whilst breastfeeding S on one side and sometimes while bottle feeding J . Sometimes, I did all at once. I juggled everything with the help of my dear husband. He enjoyed participating in feeding J his bottle too.

Then I mastered three times day expressing.I wish I had known about the pumping bra though ... I spilt a few precious bottles juggling my books or keyboard and holding bottles/pump kits.

One day J was screaming for his milk ...I had to warm the bottle from the fridge. I had just set up to express and thought I would try him.

He was also in a Pavlik harness for his hips (from 4-6 months) to make matters more complicated in trying to position him the right way to breastfeed.


But surprising he attached and I could feel him feeding, hungrily, properly for the first time. He did it again later that night.Over the next few days he was down to 1-2
EBM bottles at night (so I could sleep and Daddy could still help)

I continued to express one feed because he had been diagnosed also with the kidney reflux and I wanted to make sure he was getting a good drink to flush his kidneys out. Then one day at about 7 months I stopped expressing. Thankful indeed.

S & J continued to breastfeed till 4 years 3 months actually. Had I not stopped they would have happily continued.

Pretty controversial when I was feeding them even as toddlers - my brother and others disapproved - but so what , it was our journey. I am not suggesting it be someone elses.

People can support The Booby Trap Pozible campaign for as little as $10, reaping an array
of rewards ranging from a virtual bosomy hug to an Associate Producer credit, which enables
you to share your ideas over lunch with the creative team. 


Find out more about the Pozible campaign here: http://pozible.com/theboobytrapdoc
Get involved and follow the project via
Twitter: @theboobytrapdoc
Facebook: theboobytrapdoc-

I'm truly thankful that I could BF my babies, after my daughter was stillborn and nobody told me my breasts would cry leak - I knew it was something immensely important for me to be able to do ...next time.

 I'd love you to share your Breastfeeding story too, please add any old or new post about your breastfeeding experience or choices.



get the InLinkz code

Linking with  #thankfulthursday

Thankful Thursday with APL



Wednesday 19 February 2014

Wordless Wednesday ~ Taronga Wild Rhinos Art Project

Loved this Wild Rhino


This one too.

Not my favourite

(Trash covered Rhino and shrink wrapped - very ironic considering the location)
This is a Baby ~ Rhino Calf- Art project for schools

Ipad pics ~ I didn't have my DSLR camera and most snaps had to be quick because people don't care about you taking photos.I completely missed the other local ones.

Taronga Wild! Rhinos is a Wild in Art event that will bring businesses, artists and schools together to create a spectacular world-class sculpture trail from the Sydney Harbour foreshore through the Blue Mountains to Dubbo and the Central West region of NSW.

Download the app - http://taronga.org.au/wild-rhinos/app
Download the Map : I wish I done this before I left Sydney.

#notsponsored just sharing because the #WildRhinos are very creative works of art
.
 

Tuesday 18 February 2014

24 years and ways to say I love you

It was 24yrs and one week ago , our future was before us, a blank slate, waiting to be filled with shared dreams and adventures. So last Monday we quietly celebrated 24yrs as man and wife. I didn't have time to blog about it (last Monday) and then I had to get through my surgery and recovery.

Two young twenty-somethings, the world at their feet could never imagine a future filled hope and promise walking into this church in warehouse ...

(we took this 7th Feb - the buildings used to blue and cream bricks) Totally a coincidence I booked a hotel what was across the road -at the rear - and we haven't been here in over 15 yrs or more maybe.
24 years filled with graces from God.
some better and some  worse!
in sickness and health !
richer and poorer !

Staying together in the face of these trials has taken us along some rocky roads.

I'm home now -with my leg drain - and all is right with the world. Except than Nanny doesn't do it that way Mummy.

I'm just so grateful my Mum came to mind our little boys so my husband could be with me when I was feeling vulnerable, scared and knew I needed him more than the boys did.

We were able to enjoy our 24th anniversary together (before my admission).We had no great plans for a big celebration because it isn't our thing- just a quiet dinner at an Italian restaurant. Our 20 yr son visited us in our hotel room and my Hub even invited him to dinner.


Lucky Mr 20 said NO and I didn't have to.

My man has done some very romantic things, the simplest being - bringing me tea and toast in bed (like today).

A small act every day can strengthen your marriage  Sometimes you might only have a minute or two.It might not even need be very day -yet little gestures of love will become a good habit for you both. 

The spouse may be shocked - suspicious -curious surprised initially ,  sometimes they may not deserve it but making the first move can change the tone of your entire household and relationship. I know my sons watch everything their father does and I want the influence to be positive.

I think we've both done most of these things ...at least once in 24 yrs .

  1. Stuff a love note* in their wallet or tuck it under a windshield wiper or write, "I love you," in the steam on the bathroom mirror.
  2. *Maybe offer to give her a back massage at the end of the day.
  3. Leave Post-it notes around the house saying things you love about him or to thank ...thanks for emptying the bins.
  4. Or do a household chore that he usually is responsible for in the marital division of 'labour'
  5. Look up the date of the next full moon and celebrate with a midnight moonrise feast.
  6. He is more a morning person ? Sunrise Surprise - look it up and surprise him by setting the alarm and getting up to a champagne breakfast with the birds (or cows) http://sunrisesunset.com/Australia/ 
  7. Pick a flower from the garden lay it on the pillow or turn down his side of the bed and leave him chocolate (now I'm talking his language) 
  8. Make her/his favorite dinner.
  9. Give an extra long hug when they leave the house.
  10. Send a random sweet text message or send him an e-mail in the middle of the day...just not one that sets off the company spam filter and gets forwarded to everyone in the office.
  11. One weekend , let him sleep in and take the kids out for a surprise too to keep the house quiet.
  12. Write and send via snail mail an an old-fashioned love letter or verse.
  13. Pray for him.
  14. Offer a sincere compliment.
  15. Hold his hand as you're walking when out and about.
  16. Turn off the your TV, computer or laptop whatever and ask about their day.
  17. Crank up the music (don't wake the kids) and slow dance in the lounge room.
  18. Change the desktop wallpaper to a cute photo of you two on your spouse's home computer.
  19. Burn a CD or upload his ipod with tunes from your dating days and include your first dance or fave song.
  20. Despise sport, but your man is addicted? Hate musicals, but your partner can't get enough? Suck it up and buy tickets or tune in and watch with him!
  21. Forget breakfast in bed. Shake it up and eat dessert in bed (and don't worry about the crumbs)
  22. Go to bed early. No books, no iDevices, no remote. Note: that I didn't say sleep unless he really wants to (like my dear one)
  23. Go to a bookstore or music store together, then split up. Your mission: Buy something you know they'll love. Exchange later.
  24. Spend a few nights apart (like hospital) and plan to meet back at home after 48 hours...some suggest absence an aphrodisiac (haha not this time unfortunately)
 How do you say I love you ?
Never miss a post

Friday 14 February 2014

Embarrassing bodies ~ the hospital - I'm not showing you my butt edition !

I've spent the last 3 days in hospital recovering from surgery for my embarrassing body.  I had three soft tissue tumours removed related to a genetic condition I suffer from ; not related to Breast cancer.


I am not talking specifically about the TV program "Embarrassing Bodies" which aims to dispel myths surrounding medical conditions deemed to be ‘embarrassing’ - many people laugh at the very idea that people would be prepared to go on TV and yet choose not to see their regular doctors.

I do like that EB demonstrates that there’s no need to feel ashamed because actually, we’re all the same ! or are we ?

There is quite an element of shock value in the show's production , and I am sure they genuinely do help some people with visually shocking and personally mortifying conditions where they have failed to receive help elsewhere. 

It still bothers me. 
The ridicule factor.

I have a very embarrassing body. I didn't know why - for half of my life - I had strange little lumps and cafe au lait spots aka birthmarks (see the brown birthmark next to my dressing). I wrote about it - Neurofibromatosis NF - here and how I discovered the cause of my embarrassing body. I was bullied at school , ridiculed and felt the stares of strangers. 

Last May, I saw a local surgeon to have a large neurofibroma (soft tissue tumour) deep in my inner thigh , removed. He wouldn't do the surgery because it was complex and advised me to see a specialist in Sydney.

The consensus is to leave lumps alone unless they cause pressure/pain or other damage by structure /organ or nerve compression or malignancy . I waited till I saw the surgical oncologist (Breast Cancer surgeon) in January and he agreed to do it - 3 weeks later (ie last Wednesday). I was starting to get increasingly sharper pains in my lower leg and ankles, numbness plus a pulling sensation when I walked /ran or moved in any way. I am unsure how much of that will change but at least it won't get worse.

The Surgeon told me before surgery he would have to make a large incision to identify where the nerves, veins and arteries originated. The tumour was about fist sized and growing on a superficial nerve. Thankfully, there was no muscle involvement , so he could move the muscles aside and not cut them. I wasn't surprised at the length of the incision. I'm hoping it means a shorter recovery and back to running sooner.

I also decided it was time to have two other smaller tumours removed , located at the top of my right and left buttocks. I have always been embarrassed with people seeing my 'butt ugly butt'...a morbid fear of accidentally showing my 'plumber's crack'.

Haha - how many people see your bum you ask ? - Change rooms for one and well mainly health professionals and over the years when I've been in hospital I was asked about them. 
"Oh , what's that " "what are they ?"
They were slow growing but (no pun intended) getting bigger. I was also getting pinched on the bottom by the brutal hinge crack between the toilet seat and lid when I sat .

Daily , I struggle with the cosmetic side of NF because I have thousands (not an exaggeration) of small nodules/skin tumours/ ugly bumps & soft lumps and freckling (skin pigmentation). My body seems hideous to me at times; clothes cover up most of the uglyness.There are other people very significantly affected by Neurofibromatosis so I don't whinge  much !

I have small soft lumps on my face,  more noticeably and others surfacing . Click here to see a picture of elderly woman's back severe NF 'skin'. There is a huge range of severity and manifestations even within the one family and it varies from individual to individual. (They call it variable expressivity).  


Maybe , one day I will have further surgery for the facial lumps. I had the thigh tumour removed because it was causing discomfort and pain not embarrassing. It was mostly unseen though it did protrude slightly when I stood in profile. I'll have an awesome battle scar now.

In Australia - the Children's Tumour foundation is a non-profit ,charitable organisation that brings  hope , awareness and education about Neurofibromatoses. They struggle to get to the mainstream media. Sunday was the Cupid's Undie Run. (Cupid’s Undie Run is a kilometre-and-a-half (ish) run in your bedroom-best on Valentine’s weekend)

I was paddling or else I would have done the Undie run ...in my running kit mind you !

The Children's Tumour foundation aim to better connect those afflicted with helpful resources to lead more productive and satisfying lives.They give support and offer hope.

I know whatever challenges come my way I have the ability to meet them, my embarrassing body doesn't define me. On a day that beauty and love make the world go round I wanted to share that I know God loves me as myself and so I should love myself too.

I need to let that inner love and self acceptance spill over and not worry what others think of me.

Anyway, I am recovering well, my butt is the sorest bit and my leg when I move ; the Endone and Panadol takes care of most of it.

Now the hospital ! It is as good as it gets, the food is exceptional, the staff are prompt to help you and they have free wifi (limited unfortunately).

What have you got planned for Valentine's day ?


 

Thursday 13 February 2014

TLC for kids - a cause to smile

Fortunately, my sons have not had to spend much time in hospital - though we should have frequent flyer points for accident and emergency visits.

Sam in hospital with Rotavirus in 2012. The perks of blogging saw a timely surprise. He still struggled to smile because he was feeling so unwell.

Recently I attended the Blogger's BBQ -which saw Kids Business donate $10/blogger that attended to TLC. TLC for kids is distinctly different from other children’s charities in the health sector.

They provide emergency distractions to nurture the emotional well-being of kids undergoing medical treatment, within 48 hours of the request being made. They operate a national network of services and programs to over 400 hospitals across Australia from a small team based in Melbourne.

I worked previously as a registered nurse in a busy Paediatric (Children's) ward for 10yrs , so TLC is very close to my heart.

Having spent the last few days in hospital myself I know that undergoing any procedure is stressful and emotional.

When a child has been admitted to public hospital (that has an agreement with TLC) with any illness or injury, approved nurses or healthcare professionals, who feels a child could really do with something to bring back a bit of fun and normality, notifies TLC.

It could be a surprise gift, a visit from a special celebrity they admire, or a day trip out from hospital.
Just as important is something as simple as covering the cost of getting the child’s parents to the hospital to be by their side.



The Rapid TLC service adapts to the needs of the child and family, and the trust we have developed over time in our hospital referral system means the service won't be abused.

Most requests are met within 48 hours, sometimes even within the hour, so that the child and their family gets the support when it matters most. TLC sometimes refer to their service as ‘the fire brigade of children’s charities!’

I spoke the Ana from TLC and she also informed me the reason they can provide such a rapid response is thanks to the generosity of TOLL express couriers who deliver for free. Great work TOLL , it helps keeps admin costs to a minimum.

The Royal Flying Doctors also use the services of TLC for paediatric patients.

TLC also distribute and manage a network of 1700 (currently) Distraction Boxes, which take up permanent residence in over 400 Australian hospitals and medical institutions.

Distraction boxes are used by nurses and healthcare professionals to guide children through frightening and painful procedures, drastically reducing procedure time,stress and anxiety. The boxes contain a range of toys for nurses to choose something age appropriate, and toys can be sanitized and re-used.

TLC for kids CEO & Founder Tim Conolan is the Australian of the Year – Local Hero 2014





Blog : http://tlcforkids.wordpress.com/
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/tlcforkidsaustralia
Make a Donation here 

Kids Business Communications hosts the Bloggers BBQTM and Bloggers BrunchTM series of events where bloggers and brands meet and mingle. These events also raise awareness and funds for different charities. For more information www.kidsbusiness.com.au www.kidsbusiness.com.au
 

Tuesday 11 February 2014

Wordless Wednesday - Keep calm and paddle on





- Dragon Boat Races - Chinese New Year , Darling Harbour.





My first time paddling in a regatta - do you like my new paddle ?

PS I am wifi less and I've uploaded my photos to laptop. Boo. Can't access any.
These will have to do ...hubby took 1 and then my son at our final's finish.
Three races, then we made it to the finals ...3rd place.




Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Reading aloud with your child - top tips to kick start the fun.


Sponsored by Australian Scholarships Group (ASG)

Since our twins were infants we have been reading to them , my their favourite book was


Where is the Green Sheep ?

 Thankfully - a sturdy board book. Ours is falling apart well-loved and much read.

Soon my husband and I had to read to the twins separately if we wanted more than board books and some variety - because both boys wanted to tear turn the pages and rip lift the flap at the same time. It was our favourite way to settle them for bed or even if they were a bit grumpy during the day.

We loved to act this book out !
Where the wild things are ( we re -named the Wild things to people we knew ha-ha)
The Very Hungry Caterpillar  
Oh No David
Spot (series)
Dear Zoo 
any Mem Fox

...where do I stop ? or rather start ?

They always wanted more stories !
I'd be lying if I didn't admit - much as I enjoyed reading - some nights , I just wanted the bedtime routine over with - "Go the      to sleep ".
I was often guilty of skipping pages and 'reading my own script' when I could get away with it.


“We must not teach our children to read. It just happens as result of love, attachment, involvement, engagement.”
Mem Fox, author of Possum Magic, and Reading Magic (in a discussion with ASG’s KidsLife editor, Leigh Hay)
"It all begins with you." 



Reading aloud to your children helps build connections with your children. It helps contribute to a deeper bond between you and each child as you share the fun of language and stories together. It allows you to learn about their favourite things and topics. Some books for boys are positively hilarious "Poo Bum"

I love reading and I enjoy the relative stillness and quiet closeness and shared time reading books with my boys. It is a very precious time for me and it makes my heart sing when my husband reads with them.

They take turns reading to my husband and I ...*sob* they fight over whose turn it is to read to Daddy...only because I pick them up on words and pace.

Sam is an avid reader and last year went from reading at year 1 level to reading at yr 3 level. Sam reads without putting the brakes on for fullstops or commas.
Joel is not as keen to read, though he finished the year reading at his peer level. He struggles with unfamiliar words and baulks at trying them.

Sam reads signs, tickets, documents, facebook over my shoulder and graffiti ...he reads me all the TV ads to me. Just in case I missed them LOL.


Remembering that every child learns at a different rate will help your child increase their sense of achievement as they read their favourite books -over and over- even if they seem too easy and don't challenge them . I try not to compare my twins -
Joel says "I'm not a genius like Sam" when I try to coax him to read a bit more (Instead of play Ps3 games...though some require reading too)


This was a talking book - you could record your own voices.

Our School's approach to reading is RATS - children read aloud to someone 4-5 days a week ,any variety of materials. Within weeks they start to establish daily home reading practice.


It helps your child if you’re supporting his or her reading at home while continuing to read aloud with them. We read around 10-15mins a day, and research shows that even 10mins makes a difference.
This is less than half of our books.
Our bookshelves contain 100's of books - thanks to their older brother, cousins and my collections from op shops. I can't wait to read Andy Griffiths again.

  • Do begin reading to your child as soon as possible.
  • Use Mother Goose rhymes and songs to stimulate an infant’s language, and other books that include repetitions.
  • As your child grows, add books that contain story lines that they can guess at, but continue reading rhyming and song books.
  • When you begin reading picture books, choose those that have only a few words on the page, and then shift to picture books that have a few sentences. Gradually, your child will be ready for books with fewer pictures and more text, but don’t rush this.
  • When your child is old enough, get him or her to turn the pages for you. This will get and keep your child more involved.
  • From time-to-time, stop at a word so that your child can provide the word.
  • Reading together is an acquired habit, just as listening is, so give your child time to get used to it, just as you will need time to get used to reading aloud.
  • Choose books that you liked as a child when you begin reading aloud. This will help you get used to reading aloud - the more you do it, the better you get at it.
  • Read slowly when you read aloud, and if you feel comfortable doing so, try to vary the tone, volume, and kind of voices you read in to your child. He or she will love it.
  • As you get more experienced with reading aloud and with the books you and your child select, you can vary your pace at various parts of the book as you read the story.
  • Create a wall chart or list of the books that you and your child have read together, so your child can see his or her progress and mark down favourite books. This idea works well if you are using books that you’ve borrowed from the library.
  • Research has shown that it’s valuable for fathers to read to their children too, not only mothers. A father’s early involvement in his child’s reading, can show children positive male role modelling.
  • Let your child see you reading for learning and pleasure.
  • Have books and magazines around the house for all family members. It doesn’t hurt to turn off the TV occasionally too.
  • Everyone has used the television as a ‘babysitter’, but it’s really valuable to involve your child in your activities and explain what you’re doing. While this can slow you down, it will help your young child’s language and literacy skills immeasurably.
  • Allow children to settle down before you begin reading.
  • Asking them if they are ready is a good idea, don’t take on the role of authoritarian teacher at home.
  • Where possible, avoid long descriptive passages and large sections of dialogue. This kind of reading challenges both the listener and reader too much, and becomes tiring.
  • Bedtime reading is considered one of the best private investments you can make in your child’s education and it’s free!
     
(Credit - Australian Scholarships Group (ASG) -Reading aloud with your child:the kick-start to learning)


Reading selections:
There a multitude of websites to help select reading material for children.
• Mem Fox – www.memfox.net – Author Mem Fox provides lots of reading tips for children
• MyLittleBookcase.com.au – www.mylittlebookcase.com.au –
Editor Jackie Small has developed a website based on reading with children
• PlanningWithKids – www.planningwithkids.com.au – Mum to five children aged three to 13 and avid blogger, Nicole Avery provides some great tips for parents. Be sure to checkout these posts (and do a search on her site):
http://planningwithkids.com/2010/11/26/preparing-your-child-to-read/
http://planningwithkids.com/2010/06/01/reading-learning-and-education/

I also use the Premier's Reading Challenge for a guide. We have completed the last two years.


It’s never too late to start reading aloud to your child when my older son was 10-11yrs old in year 5 - their homework was parents had to read aloud to children. His teacher had the idea that children of this age were never read aloud to by parents.

Currently, we are enjoying Tashi books and Zac Power which they received for Christmas. Tashi is so clever.



Australian Scholarships Group (ASG) is a not-for-profit organisation and specialist education benefits provider.  ASG has supported over 509,000 children and their families to offset the cost of education.  But now ASG is moving towards offering more than just education funds. They’re creating an ever-expanding suite of resources, online tools and guides - like the ‘How to motivate your child to learn’ e-guide - to support parents and nurture children in their educational journey so they can reach their full potential. Visit www.asg.com.au to discover member benefits or call 1800 648 945.

More articles regarding education issues, development, family members and parenting available on www.asg.com.au/resources

“Win a week-long, luxury, family excursion” here >>> http://www.asg.com.au/excursion



What have you been reading lately ?



 

Wednesday 5 February 2014

Wordless Wednesday - Please send rain

This was one of our dams yesterday - we had to muster the cows and move them to paddock with better dams- all the dams are very low. We are hand feeding and may have to cart water from town soon.
Have you entered the $100 Stuck on you Back to School giveaway
 

Tuesday 4 February 2014

Back to school - $100 Stuck on you { Giveaway }

There has been much excitement in the air moving into Year 2 (their 3rd school yr in NSW).

Taken this morning - hard to get him to smile for camera when I ask him to.
All 4 twin sets in our school were separated this year. My twins had the same teacher for kindy and yr1 , now they have two new teachers and are in different classes, with lots of different kids - I am glad they have settled in well because I'm off to Sydney Friday for Paddling and then staying for my surgery next week.

Mum will be taking over the reins and I feel very blessed she can do this, so my husband can be with me. I am sure she will 'whip them' into shape without needing a whip ;).

'Stuck on you' understand the importance of finding quality items for children that withstand the rigorous wear our kids throw at them and help misplaced items find their way back. Our original matching pencil cases [used for home readers] are still in excellent condition after 18 months usage.

The lid is a ruler too.

This year the boys were so excited to choose the wooden pencil boxes and we got new Large pocket pencil cases in red and blue for their classroom stationery items.


Homework time is now routine and more organised with a Homework Pencil box from Stuck on You® .There are always pencils on hand and when the boys are finished , they have an awesome box to store their pencils neatly...no more fighting - HE took my pencil & I used it first yesterday &it's got my germs on it !


Last year we used high quality personalised kids backpacks from Stuck on You .

Sam has a new Stuck on you bag- with multiple pockets and 4 separate zipped up areas plus 'net' drink pocket and a side zip pocket. [Joel is using the second of new identical bags given to both boys last year because it was what he wanted- and to be different to Sam]

Over the years I've learned how valuable multiple pockets are.They can save a lot of stress and help stop kids dumping the contents of the bag on the floor searching for something.

They both wanted Superhero
My boys try to keep notes for me or notes for their teacher in the front pockets ; lunch bags in wide back section and other gear / homework book/folders etc in the middle pockets. Easier said than done un-crumpled notes are rare .

Stuck On You kids backpacks are made from durable poly canvas and are fully lined. As are the pencil cases.I love the easy to use website and that you can preview how the bag /design will look with your children !

There is a choice of three colours (Navy, Pink and Red) and lots of image choices - they suit any child's interest...except for Joel who really wanted a Green backpack.

So nothing gets left behind at school and the poor teacher knows which identical lunchboxes belong to Tom, Dick and Harry and it magically finds it's way back to your child. Stuck on you packs are very generous , so we still had plenty of labels


Stuck on you's  range has expanded incredibly over the years if you haven't checked their website lately- go do it now ...I'll wait. Personalise it all to match as well ...pencil cases,lunchboxes and school bags.

As well as labels you can order personalized clothes , puzzles , sports & library bags, rolling wheelie bags, home essentials and even personalised party items.

My favourite product ideas are
  • Backpack
  • Lunch Pack (drink bottle and/or lunchbox) 
  • Value Pack – with combo of labels and a Bag Tag
  • Stationery – Homework pencils Tools for School (Large Pencil Case, eraser, scissors, pens, pencils, markers all personalised)
When you have finished browsing come back and tell me which Stuck on you back pack , Value Pack or item you would like to purchase and why or

Stuck on you would love especially to see some Instagram pics or Facebook posts of kids heading off to school  - especially with their Stuck on You gear using the hashtags #backtoschool and #stuckonyoukids .

Upload your pictures to their webpage and let me know if you choose to enter this way.

I have two x $50 'Stuck on you' vouchers for most creative entries.

 

Terms and Conditions
1. Competition is open now and closes at 11.59pm 18/02/2014
2. Australian Residents Only.
3. The judges’ decision is final.  There are two x $50 gift cards , two winners each receive $50 .If the winner does not respond to the winning email within 7 days, a new winner will be chosen.
4. As per Stuck On You’s website, one name only can be chosen for whatever value pack or backpack or item you decide on up to $49.95. [It doesn't have to be your entry answer]
5. The Winner will be chosen for their creative and original answers - This is a game of skill.
6. Extra entries for sharing the giveaway. You must leave a valid answer to the question for extra entries.