Ups and Down

Somedays when we feel we could all use a little more
♥

Leunig

1. Guided Imagery like this
2. Journaling ... blogging
3. Sex (I didn't write this)
   
4. Laughter( Lol Cats and dogs are a good start)
   
5. Music Therapy & Listen To Music
6. Take a Walk I have been every day
   
7. Plant a Garden - I love my rose garden
8. Eat a Balanced Diet
9. Enjoy Aromatherapy ..stop and smell the roses or a dab of Lavender
10. Reduce Caffeine Intake
11. Drink in Moderation
12. Don’t Procrastinate
13. Learn Assertive Communication Skills
14. Share a funny joke about Extra Sauce or watch some Youtube funny & cute baby videos
    thanks Lily
    This has to be the cutest little boy rocking to Florence and the Machine's 'The Dog Days are Over' or
    

Just don't try it all in one day !


A few of my other favourites are

1. Pray ... talk to God it works for me !
   
2. Dance to your favourite music when doing the housework or to drown out the kids' noise.
   
3. Take to the waves for real ... sea air, salt water the sound of waves and the wind in your hair all contribute to a growing sense of calm...this is on my very soon to do list !
   

See more Thursday 13 here or here
♥ Never miss a post

Monkey see ... you do

Thursday Thirteen

Have you ever wanted to know how to ? do anything - well Monkey see probably has the answers .

They are videos so you can see if you are 'challenged' by written directions.

LOL - disclaimer I have not watched them all but one day I'll have enough time to do

just some of the How to make (s)

1. with V - day just around the corner - A romantic dinner for two ?
2. or this one Valentine's Day Dinner for two
   
3. chocolate covered strawberries
4. caramel pecan bars
5. pasta sauce & meatballs
6. Pizza , or just the dough
   
7. to pour a latte heart
8. spice up love ;)
9. * s e x on the beach (and other c0cktails - read below for a little joke *)
10. pancakes
11. how to have a romantic valentine's day for couples and even stuff for singles
12. Auntie Anne's pretzels
13. cafe frappe (cold coffee - we need it in the heat) & blueberry muffins
    

can you tell how much I like food ? I mean love food but they will also tell you how to organise your kids toys or dozens of other parenting things , home and garden but these aren't as much fun LOL.

---

Days of Grace 5/365

1. My now tidy fridge
2. Sister in law who 'sitted with J while S got his new full cast today
   
3. Coloured ,fibreglass plaster (yes, it is a little splash proof thank goodness)I could picked hot pink plaster but I just couldn't do it to the poor kid
   
4. My beautiful co-operative little champion
5. Monkey see site for showing me how it's done LOL ...

---

PS * the true joke - Two weeks ago we went out to dinner with friends (san kids) .We were running late so they ordered drinks.
My friend nominated her choice of cocktails.
She said "S e x on the beach"
The cheeky waiter replied "Yes, but what would you like to drink ?"
Lucky I wasn't there at the time or I would have been ROFL .
♥

Never miss a post

W T ? date ... I have no idea why blogger wouldn't show my post for today's date 5th Feb but published it for 3rd Feb 2010.

13 Stress Relievers

Need a little bit of Calm ...don't try it all in one day !

1. Guided Imagery like this
2. Journaling ... blogging
3. Sex (I didn't write this)
   
4. Laughter( Lol Cats and dogs are a good start)
   
5. Music Therapy & Listen To Music
6. Take a Walk I have been every day
   
7. Plant a Garden - I love my rose garden
8. Eat a Balanced Diet
9. Enjoy Aromatherapy ..stop and smell the roses or a dab of Lavender
10. Reduce Caffeine Intake
11. Drink in Moderation
12. Don’t Procrastinate
13. Learn Assertive Communication Skills
14. Sign Up For The Free Weekly Newsletter For Ongoing Stress Relief Support!.

Read more advice here

Assvice of the day

1. Pray ... talk to God it works for me !
   
2. Dance to your favourite music ...when doing the housework or to drown out the kids' noise.
   
3. Take to the waves for real ...sea air, salt water the sound of waves and the wind in your hair all contribute to a growing sense of calm.I hope this is where I am right now if things went to plan ...thank God for scheduled posting.
   

♥

Never miss a post

Thursday Thirteen and I won a prize !

Computer Shortcuts ...

1. Take you to the start of that line - Home
2. Take you to the start of the document - Ctrl (control) + Home
3. Take you to the end of that line - End
4. Take you to the end of the document - Ctrl + End
5. Create a new document - Ctrl + N
6. Insert a page break - Ctrl + Enter
7. Decrease font size - Ctrl + Shift + <
8. Increase font size - Ctrl + Shift + >
9. To change lowercase text to ALL CAPS - Ctrl + Shift + A
10. To insert a date field - Alt + Shift + D
11. Delete the word before the cursor - Ctrl + Backspace
12. Delete the word after the cursor - Ctrl + Del
13. Double-click to highlight the word the cursor is in
    

One more because I am superstitious and I like even numbers
14.Triple-click to highlight the paragraph the cursor is in

PS I stole borrowed the idea for this from  Sally Ann.She is one of the brilliant organising girls @ A Good sort ...she got the idea from Donna-Marie at Small Business Diva.

I knew a few of these but I always forget the basics.To make a line like this type hr then add these < > remove the spaces  ! 

---

I also won this set of Drawer Organisers from Sally Ann  & Tricia @A Good sort.

Though my camera refuses to let me download the pictures right now!!!
Now  ... if I just have  a few minutes to reorganise my drawers. 

Thursday Thirteen - The Big Read

In my blog hopping today / tonight I found this on Mrs Spock's site

"Apparently, the Big Read (a program of the National Endowment for the Arts) guesses that the average adult has only read six of the top 100 books on this list. I went on the Web site and tried to find this list (and the NEA's thing about the average adult only having read six)"I couldn't find it."

Well I just spent 20 mins checking and I can't either. I've read more than 13 of them. I just skimmed the list and picked these quickly because I have had a busy day and I am stuffed for what else to blog. ..yes I am honest ! I really wanted to check it is an authentic list but it is still an interesting one.


1 Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen

3 Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte
4 Harry Potter series - JK Rowling
5 To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee
6 The Bible
7 Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte
8 Nineteen Eighty Four - George Orwell

11 Little Women - Louisa M Alcott

13 Catch 22 - Joseph Heller

18 Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger

25 The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams

29 Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll
30 The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame

33 Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis

36 The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - CS Lewis

40 Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne
41 Animal Farm - George Orwell
42 The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown

46 Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery

49 Lord of the Flies - William Golding

61 Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck

71 Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens

73 The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett

81 A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens

87 Charlotte's Web - EB White

90 The Faraway Tree Collection

92 The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery

96 A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute

99 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl

I promise I will post the rest of the list when I have time to do the meme that accompanies it and I read a few more books.

I lot I read at school or a very long time ago ... don't ask questions !!

What are your favourite books ?

Please note the Comment box appears under the post Wordpress style it doesn't open in new window.
Never miss a post

Thursday's best links bonanza

13 things I found this week that inspired me,challenged me and made me giggle

1. Nicki talks about her son with Down syndrome and the Merry makers and I also found this one Heaven's very special child
   
2. Jane @Kidzarama writing on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
   
3. This inspiring story on the Shrinking the Bulte family by Craig Harper Motivational Speaker bonanza
   
4. have you ever made said the wrong word ...to your boss Xbox did
   
5. Lilly's Life -has some great finds this week ...Oh Happy Day , this inspiring one on the importance of imagination
   
6. Lizzie @Lizzie's home shared this story on human kindness -My Very Own Loaves And Fishes Miracle (Call Me Blessed)
7. It is Louise @ Journey to Eliminate Debt's blogoversary
8. It Kin's@Kin's home of slightly cracked dreams too blogoversary too
   
9. 'Babies' - Jane and the boys- a old post on her old blog but it made my hear sing -her new blog See Jane Blog
10. mmmm WARNING : don't go here whatever you do if you are on a diet-ICECREAM CUPCAKES@cupcakeproject
    
11. Want to see some great sights near where I live too (thanks Louise)
12. How about a series of delicious flowers-# A must see
13. I am sure we all want to save money easy
    
14. Thanks to Jenn@Jenn's den for giving me this idea today...it has taken me hours but they are all great links.

Welcome NCLM visitors - please read my welcome post HERE




Never miss a post

Things my Mother taught me

1.My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.
'If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning.'

2.My mother taught me RELIGION.
'You better pray that this will come out of the carpet.'

3.My mother taught me LOGIC.
' Because I said so, that's why.'

4.My mother taught me IRONY .
'Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about.'

5.My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS.
'Shut your mouth and eat your dinner.'

6.My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM.
'Look at that dirt on the back of your neck!'

7.My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY
'If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!'

8.My mother taught me about ENVY.
'There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do.'

9.My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.
'Just wait until we get home.'

10.My mother taught me about RECEIVING .
'You are going to get it when you get home!'

11.My mother taught me HUMOUR.
'When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me.'

12.My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT .
'If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up.'

13.My mother taught me about my ROOTS.
'Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a tent?'

And my favorite:

14.My mother taught me about JUSTICE
'One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you

This was circulated by internet - and edited by me!

Now if I could just measure up to her goodness - my mum is beyond measure.She is the best cook too.
Did you know that it was the 100th anniversary of Mother's day ? I didn't ! amazing.

P.s. I love the Thursday Headers ... it is so hard to chose !


Never miss a post.

Thursday Thirteen

I have to finish our business and personal 2007 Tax returns amongst other things ... washing , folding and dusting.

I've have all the receipts/ dockets /deductions and now.My least favourite part is to collate it for the accountant.It is munchies time the scrunchy, crunch time when my procrastination skills are really put to the test.

These are the things I would rather be doing do when I should be completing our tax return while the Brothers are sleeping

1. Make a cup of tea
2. Check my hotmail and other emails. Drink my tea.
   
3. Have a 5 min break walk to the fridge , stare at the mess fruit ... move a few things to look for something else more enticing
4. 
   Open the pantry ... to find something more satisfying and feel guilty grab a few rice crackers


5. Notice the bench needs wiping ...and tea needs a refill.


6. 'Spot' the new Target catalogue on the bench .I browse through all the things I don't have enough money to buy but covet need .
   


7. Walk back to desk swap chair for fit ball have bounce and roll a bit.
   
8. Check comments on my blog (respond to a few)
   
9. I hear a noise ... check on the Brothers ... go take a p ee from all that tea. Change the toilet roll - the teen does it on purpose.
   
10. Go back via the kitchen ...repeat 3 & 4
    
11. Take t- towels to laundry ... remember the load to hang out and put a fiftieth another load of washing in the machine.


12. Go back via the kitchen ... repeat 3 & 4 ... find chocolate.Eat I am feeling low.
    


13. Can't remember what's for dinner ... go to blog and check my Monday Menu plan ... go back to kitchen ... check fridge that I have everything for dinner. repeat 3 & 4


14. Return to fit ball ... see Google reader open in tab ...think 'what I have that many in my RSS reader ...I'll just browse for 30 mins 5mins' . I hear loud sounds telling me of one the Brothers are awake and he is going to wake his brother. I run quickly ... too late t w o u p ... time for a break.
    

Sigh.I just don't seem to get anything done !

Two more nappies to wash ...are you still with me ? I won't go on. I guess you can't care less are as bored as I am no doubt .

Time to play outside and of course make a snack for me the Brothers and cup of tea, maybe read the same page in my book 3 times my book while I watch them fight over the bikes,hit each with the plastic golf sticks [accidentally] and tip out the dog's water play and jump on the trampoline .

Where has my motivation gone ?

I have such a lot of things to get finished ... the alphabet cross-stitch I started in 1992, the folding, change the sheets, sort the winter clothes for the Brothers, get dinner started . It would be a relief to get my Tax return in - I am hoping for a refund but hub will have to pay ... so I can go shopping to the bank. Oops, I think I am making another list - shoot me.

♥ ps It took me 30mins to make the image above do you like it LOL.

Thursday Thirteen - Brilliant Insults 101 ...

I came across this gem the other day @ Psychoprogs -
Things you would like to say at work, but can't !

It is brilliant !!!

Some of them would be useful anywhere, anytime ... you want to get your teeth kicked in ! to get your point across to some ass hat as nicely as possible without resorting to violence.

These are my favourite thirteen but because I don't work in an office at the moment ,the Brothers won't understand and my husband ignores anything rude I say I really am a nice person I won't get to use them much ...

1. I don’t know what your problem is, but I’ll bet it’s hard to pronounce.


2. How about never? Is never good for you?


3. I’m really easy to get along with once you people learn to see it my way.


4. I’ll try being nicer if you’ll try being smarter.


5. I’m out of my mind, but feel free to leave a message.


6. It sounds like English, but I can’t understand a word you’re saying.


7. Ahhh…I see the screw-up fairy has visited us again.


8. I have plenty of talent and vision. I just don’t give a damn.


9. I’m already visualizing the duct tape over your mouth.


10. Any connection between your reality and mine is purely coincidental.


11. It’s a thankless job, but I’ve got a lot of Karma to burn off.


12. Can I trade this job for what’s behind door #1?


13. Nice perfume. Must you marinate in it?


14. Chaos, panic, and disorder — my work here is done.


15. How do I set a laser printer to stun?

oh well I just can't help myself...you'll have to check the rest out yourself -here



♥

Thursday Thirteen #13

Thirteen + 1 things I appreciate every day in no particular order

1. A good night’s sleep...when I can get it
2. My husband and children.
   
3. The weather - I would rather crisp Autumn days right now than humidity and heat.
   
4. Being able to get on the internet and Blogging .
5. That my life is great , despite what I might feel right now and even when I am feeling low.
6. A nice hot warm shower.
7. A Hot cup of tea or or five, six
8. Clean clothes flapping in the breezy sunshine any day and tumble dryers on rainy days.
   
9. When my husband comes home and my working day is over. :lol:
10. Laughing and playing with The Brothers.
11. Cereal and toast.Bacon and eggs on Sunday.
12. My reliable car and safe driving..
13. My friends - IRL and Online - who keep me sane
    
14. A nice glass of wine ...with a home cooked dinner.Eating what I want, when I want. ... especially Chocolate ....this should be NO 1
    

your turn - what do you appreciate ?

♥

Saving money ...Thursday Thirteen

Since S & J our twins were born we have pretty much gone back to a single income. It is our own business but we can hardly afford to pay me much when we have to pay other people do half the jobs I used to do.Not counting playing Solitaire before I discovered online forums.I made sure there is no internet there now

Over the past few months, I noticed that there are many blogs with money saving ideas included in daily tidbits.My new aim is to spend some time each day engaged in some sort of activity intended to cut costs.

I am fortunate we can hang clothes out on the line to dry, I use modern cloth nappies, cloth wipes, read store junk mail and so forth to find weekly specials. I haven't done a good analysis yet on the latter.

Starting next month, at the end of the month I hope to see the results of that effort when I add up my savings and see a reduction in our grocery bill...

I realise the concept of frugality is not for everyone because it can be time-consuming... to some people their time is worth more.

I believe it could take as little as 15-20 minutes a day to start seeing some serious benefits from tracking your spending and being more careful . In time they should be big enough benefits that they start making a real impact on your yearly budget.

So what can I possibly do in 15 minutes that could save me money? Here are 13 simple tasks anyone can do in 15-20 minutes. The savings add up over time. If you have suggestions of your own? Please add them ... Grocery spending is my biggest cost I can change

1. Buy in bulk, prepare a few meals in advance and keep in freezer for easy cooking, later on those nights you might be temped to buy takeaway. Planning a weekly menu (really only takes 20-30 minutes max and then less as you can have week 1,2,3 set up ) .It can really cut down on the grocery bill. Cooking in larger batches uses same energy. Freezing in smaller portions, means you only take out what you need.

Plan around the weekly specials .Knowing what you are going to make in advance makes it a lot harder to skip cooking for a night out because you "don't know what to make". Keep a record of leftovers in the fridge, My DH takes them for lunch or freeze as single portion meals - then when you have enough - the family can choose their favourite TV dinner - saves having food that never gets eaten because it was forgotten in the bottom of fridge and goes bad before you use it.

2. Write a grocery list (and stick to it when you shop) especially from the advertised weekly specials. Stock up on non perishables when they are on special and items like toothpaste/razors/toilet paper etc.

3. Go shopping in the evening (leave the kids at home- there is no temptation to buy treats to keep them quiet) and often bakery items like bread/rolls and meat are reduced. Buy them in bulk and freeze.

4. Check the air pressure in your car tyres including the spare, and maintain them appropriately. This will save you money on fuel, tyre tread and keep you safer.

5. Hang clothes up to dry on the line instead of using the tumble dryer. Use racks to air clothes first then finish I dryer when you have to.

6. Check through all the electrical devices you're not using in the house - turn them off when not in use.(the toddlers haz this one *rolls eyes*)

7. Instead of takeaway night make your own meal 'takeaway' at home - especially if your kids like this meal style - your own burgers and pizza are likely to be healthier as well. Get kids to participate in the preparation as a fun learning activity. $20 a week saved is over $1000 in a year.

8. Use 1/2 dishwasher tablet instead of a full tablet. I tried this Tuesday on a heavy duty load and it still washed up clean.

9. Use 1/2 normal washing powder scoop -Wash clothes in cold or lukewarm water. Only run the machine will full loads I have been doing this for months and it still washes all my boys nappies clean. The sun helps to bleach stains too. If you have a baby or toddler consider modern cloth nappies. (MCN) Mel @ In a Nutshell has some great information on MCN -see some of mine here. The initial setup seems expensive but in the long run I have saved a lot of money

10. Replace light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights - in NSW most energy providers are doing this for free.We did this a few months ago

11. Plant seeds/seedlings to grow a small vegetable garden. Recycle all waste for the compost. We just started our vegie patch.

12. Go through your excess stuff, sell off clutter you don't need or don't use anymore on eBay or trading post.

13. Swap soft drinks /juices instead drink lots of water or make your own iced tea/coffee, flavoured milks.

Last but not the least ... (because I hate leaving it at 13)

14. Buy a cupboard put a catch and a combination lock, to lock all the chocolates and treats away from a teen who inhales them in the blink of eye - and then leaves none for me. This is going to save a lot of yelling too. That has to be good for everyone's stress levels and save me money not having to shop to replace what the greedy pig he has unlawfully stolen devoured.

Thursday Thirteen # 11 Chocolate death and rules of chocolate

13 RULES OF CHOCOLATE ~ Death by Chocolate

1. If you’ve got melted chocolate all over your hands, you’re eating it too slowly.


2. Chocolate covered raisins, sultanas, cherries, orange slices and strawberries all count as fruit, so eat as many as you want.


3. The problem: How to get 1kg (2 pounds) of chocolate home from the store in a hot car. The solution: Eat it in the car park.


4. Diet tip: Eat a chocolate bar before each meal. It’ll take the edge off your appetite, and you’ll eat less.


5. If calories are an issue, store your chocolate on top of the fridge. Calories are afraid of heights, and they will jump out of the chocolate to protect themselves.


6. If I eat equal amounts of dark chocolate and white chocolate, is that a balanced diet? Don’t they actually counteract each other?


7. Money talks. Chocolate sings. Beautifully.


8. Chocolate has many preservatives. Preservatives make you look younger. Therefore, you need to eat more chocolate.


9. Put “eat chocolate” at the top of your list of things to do today. That way, at least you’ll get one thing done.


10. A nice box of chocolates can provide your total daily intake of calories in one place. Now, isn’t that handy?


11. If you can’t eat all your chocolate, it will keep in the freezer. But if you can’t eat all your chocolate… what’s wrong with you?


12. If not for chocolate, there would be no need for control top pantyhose. An entire garment industry would be devastated. You can’t let that happen, can you?


13. Special Rules for Men on use of chocolate ~cut and keep handy
    

~ The Hormone Hostage

The Hormone Hostage knows that there are days in the month when all a
man has to do is open his mouth and he takes his very life into his
own hands! This is a handy guide that should be as common as a
driver's license in the wallet of every husband, boyfriend, or
significant other!!

DANGEROUS: What's for dinner?
SAFER: Can I help you with dinner?
SAFEST: Where would you like to go for dinner?
ULTRASAFE: Here, have some chocolate.

DANGEROUS: Are you wearing that?
SAFER: Gee, you look good in brown.
SAFEST: WOW! Look at you!
ULTRASAFE: Here, have some chocolate.

DANGEROUS: What are you so worked up about?
SAFER: What did I do wrong?
SAFEST: Here's fifty dollars.
ULTRASAFE: Here, have some chocolate

DANGEROUS: Should you be eating that?
SAFER: You know, there are a lot of apples left.
SAFEST: Can I get you a glass of wine with that?
ULTRASAFE: Here, have some chocolate.

DANGEROUS: What did you do all day?
SAFER: I hope you didn't overdo it today.
SAFEST: I've always loved you in that robe!
ULTRASAFE: Here, have some more chocolate.

I received these rules by email and they are well circulated . Original Author(s) unknown ...

... if you are still with me

WARNING : 'Death' by Chocolates

You will never look at a chocolate the same way again

*HERE*

It is hysterical - you might have to register to peep. (free)

I haven't done a T13 for a while but go check out the new header graphics -they are awesome.

Ps - remember we are still on Top Momma ...please click as you turn out the light.

Thursday Thirteen #10

In honour of Christmas I decided it was time for some linky love ... I wanted to share a few of the fantastic twin blogs I have come across

Twin blogs

1. Amy @ Double delight
2. Meleah @ Twintastic
3. Tiff @ Three Ring Circus
4. Lori @ Lori's Light Extemporanea
5. Laura @La la girl twinifinte chaos
6. Swistle
7. Stacie @ Twinkies
8. Kellan @On the upside
9. Jen @ Jens musings
10. Sarah & Jordan
11. Side Talk
12. Better make it a double
13. Sarah & The Goon Squad
14. Trisha @ Insanity’s Oasis
15. Kate @ Picklebums
    

Okay I can't count ...1 + 1 =2 I do know .Multiply the laughter and fun - twinfinite twinsanity.

I am so sorry if I missed someone with twins please leave me a comment and I will add you too.

Your turn I encourage all the twin mums (and anyone else) to visit other twin blogs and leave them Christmas cheer.



thursday thirteen

Thursday Thirteen # 9 - Things I learned in Kindergarten

I saw this somewhere and I admit I borrowed the idea - isn't it amazing when we consider that most of the things that we do (or should do) as adults today are the things that we learned as children in kindergarten.

1. take turns and wait your turn with out grumbling (remember when others have to wait for you)
2. share everything (~ offer them the first choice or the biggest piece)
3. say sorry when you hurt somebody even if it was an accident - say it like you mean it
   
4. say sorry when you make a mistake (admit it)
   
5. keep your hands to yourself (don’t hit anyone ~hmm not sure about turning the other cheek)
6. put things back where you found them and clean up your own mess
7. don’t take things that aren’t yours and/or ask before you do
8. always play fair ~no cheating
9. flush after you go (unless it middle of the night or water restrictions)
10. warm milk and cookies are good for you (or cold milk in summer) {~ memo to Santa ask him how he likes his milk}
11. beware of strangers (as adults - maybe strangers phishing for bank or identity details)
    
12. always wash your hands before eating and after playing with the dog (or cat)
13. live a balanced life ~ love, learn, play, enjoy, sing & dance (~ like no-one is watching)
    
14. and most of all when you go out in that big wide playground of life , make sure someone’s holding your hand… or that you are holding theirs tightly !

thursday thirteen

Thursday Thirteen # 8 - Natural highs

Thirteen Natural Highs

Think about them one at a time BEFORE going on to the next one...
then write your own.

1. Laughing so hard your face hurts.

2. A hot shower & hot towels fresh out of the dryer.

3. A smile from a baby or small child.

4. Getting snail mail or a card from a friend .

5. Watching a sunset with someone you love

6. Listening to a baby giggling over nothing.

7. Getting out of bed every morning and being grateful for another beautiful day.

8. Hearing your favourite song on the radio.

9. Watching the expression on some one's face as they open a much-desired present from you.

10. Having someone brush or play with your hair.

11. Chocolate milkshake ... (or vanilla ... or strawberry!) or Hot chocolate in winter or just chocolate.

12. A bubble bath.

13. Walking on the beach

14. Finding a 20 dollar note in your pocket you didn't know was there.


thursday 13


Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

Thursday Thirteen # 7 - Unique Christmas Gifts List

Thirteen Unique Christmas Gifts


This Christmas I want to give something truly meaningful - gifts of life ... with these special gifts we can celebrate the real meaning of Christmas and help some of the world's most vulnerable people.
To help them overcome a little of their poverty , take control of their future and make a practical response to global inequity.
I know it is also tax deductible in Australia but that isn't my reason.

From TEAR Australia

1. School supplies $5
2. Mosquito Net $10
   
3. Tree seedlings $10
4. Fuel Efficient stove $15
   
5. Safe water $20
   
   From Christian Blind Mission international
6. A goat $15
   
7. Cataract operation for an adult $32
   
8. Braces Shoes and Crutches for a child $19
   
   From World Vision Smiles campaign
   
9. Immunisation in Northern Sudan $25
10. Food for children where it is needed most$45
    
    From Oxfam -unwrapped
    
11. Chickens $10
    
12. Fishing Nets $30
    
13. Soap $10
    

I believe in spreading the gifts in my basket LOL . Each organisation has so many more gifts for you to chose from.

We support two children regularly through World Vision but this it something extra that means more than another wrapped gift under my tree. I have an 'excess' amount of stuff already .



thursday thirteen

Update ... all my list has been bought ...well on credit.

Thursday Thirteen #6

Thirteen Unusual & Silly Aussie Place Names

1. Banana , Qld
2. Blackbutt, NSW & Qld
3. Cape Disappointment
4. Cockburn SA
5. Dicky Beach Qld
6. Dunedoo, New South Wales
7. Eggs & Bacon Bay, Tas
8. Fannie Bay in Darwin, NT
9. Fiddletown NSW
10. Mount Mee, Queensland
11. Poowong, Vic
12. Rooty Hill NSW
13. Watanobbi, New South Wales

thursday thirteen

Thursday Thirteen # 5 Toddler rules

THURSDAY THIRTEEN

Okay these were written by someone else ... if you know tell me . Though I am sure 1,000,000 parents know them anyway but just to sure ...

Toddler's Rules

1. If Mummy's hands are full, I must be picked up IMMEDIATELY
2. If it's paper, it must be torn.
3. If it has buttons, they must be pressed.
4. If it's a phone, I must talk into it, unless there is someone on the other end.
5. If Mummy wants me to go away, I must cling on for dear life.
6. If it's sticky, it must go in my hair.
7. If it's bath time, I must run around naked until I'm caught.
8. If it's food, it must not be tasted.(twin1).If it's food, it must be tasted now (twin2)If it's not food, we will eat it anyway.
9. If it's not trash, it must be thrown away.
10. If it's in the trash, it must be removed, inspected, and thrown on the floor (or tasted).
11. If it's closed, it must be opened.If it doesn't open, it must be screamed at.
12. If it has drawers, they must be rifled.
13. If it's a pencil, it must write on the refrigerator, computer monitor, or table.

....one more

14. If it's full, it will be more interesting emptied ... especially the tissue box !

I could write 100 more ...got anymore originals for me

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in Mr Linky. It’s easy, and fun!

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Thursday Thirteen # 4 - Things I won't ever say

Thirteen Things I won't ever say A Back massage ? no thanks Yes, you CAN have that $1590 new drum kit , son . Make it a Brazilian today, my underarms are good. I am deleting my blog and cancelling my internet subscription. Where's my g string bikini ? I am giving up chocolate. Let's go bungy jumping. No tea for me (hot cuppa tea for y'all) I really enjoyed that steak & kidney pie. Here son , take a $50. Wash my mouth out with soap please. Sell my car, I'll take the bus or walk. Of course, your mother can move back in (we had such a great time those 6 yrs she did before) okay just 1 more 14. Darling, from now on I will do all the cooking,cleaning and looking after the kids - just sit and relax ! Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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Thursday Thirteen (+1) # 3 Amazing Moments in my life

Thirteen Amazing Moments in my life I got my inspiration for today especially from Tiff & Tracey well as they say in no particular order ...except maybe a little chronological (how could I even articulate which was most important) Meeting Liss on a family holiday when we were both 16 going on 17 and then ... becoming a Christian soon after. Going to College (it was actually called a college but then became a Uni) to complete my nursing diploma to be a Registered Nurse (RN)and getting my first job ... as RN (The Assistant in Nursing job at Nursing home wasn't so amazing as the money) Moving out of home and sharing a house with Liss and another housemate. Meeting my first blind date on 15th October 1988 and wondering if he would be the one (and only !) and yes he was ! Riding 1100kms on a bicycle from Melbourne to Sydney in 1988 - with 2000 other people (including my uncle) to celebrate the Bicentenary ~ 2 weeks after our relationship changed from friends to something more (* borrowed this from ,Tiff ) The day I married him at Hillsong church [when it was still in a concrete warehouse] - I guess this rates high (Our wedding day not the venue!) Our six week caravan road trip around South Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland including Climbing Uluru (Ayers Rock) -exhilarating and frightening wondering how we would both make it to summit and then down again and paddling a canoe down the Katherine gorge. A weeks holiday in the Whitsundays @ 'Club Crocodile' Long Island ...then coming home and getting the phone call a day later that would change our lives ...into being mummy & daddy by Adopting our son D in 1994 Getting pregnant naturally after 12 years infertility in 2004 ... (a bittersweet ending) The two pink lines on the home pregnancy test on our 2nd IVF cycle and a 'high' positive blood test ... and my husband taking the call to say we were pregnant. Hearing and seeing two heartbeats at our 7 week ultrasound , then 6 months later the birth of S & J by caesarean section @35wks 4days. Hearing them cry and finally having them placed in my arms 8 hrs later. Every day waking up to my little guys cuddled up beside me and privilege of loving them and watching them grow. Not forgetting their big brothers part in my life too. I could have written 1001 amazing things now I have started thinking about the Grace of God in my life.

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things (when I learn how). Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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thursday thirteen