Tuesday, May 31, 2011

the parroting of parenting


I love, love, love my lads. Adore them even.

But just not last week.

In fact, in my five years of parenting bliss, last week was my least memorable. And I knew it was bad before my husband said, "Babe, you usually love being a mum, but you're just not enjoying it right now."

He was sooo right. He didn't even need to say it. Because I had been my own reality check.

You see, I'd been listening to the voice that was coming out of my mouth and cringing at what was being said over and over again.

"Stop that!"

"Put that down!"

"Put that back!"

"Don't touch my stuff!"

"If I have to ask you again..."

Seriously. I was The Fish Wife. And then some.

And this was the moment where I realised that I'd stopped talking with my children and started barking orders at them. Just telling them what to do all the time. Oh wait. Hang on. Is that only me?

A recent conversation with a friend reminded me that it wasn't.

She said, "There are days when I put the kids into bed and realise that I haven't had one conversation with them."

Well, that was me last week.

I blamed the crazyness of week, the long work hours, my stress levels, and the fact that I was a bit tired too. Perhaps my expectations were a little high? Perhaps there was too much on? Perhaps they were being their active little selves, but I was not my usual tolerant self?

Perhaps all of those things. But the fact was, it had to change. I couldn't not enjoy my kids.

So, that night I went to bed right after the lads did. At 7:30pm. I read for an hour and then turned out the lights. The next day, things went a bit more smoothly, but still there was a bit of barking. Less animated I must confess (I'd said to myself there would be no more ordering from me). I spent more time with them, and made sure that there was a bit of positive attention to balance out all that negative stuff.

Another early night. And the next day was even better.

By the end of the weekend (and four more early nights), I must say the parroting has just about disappeared. And I made a bit of a revelation. The kids haven't behaved any differently. In fact, they're still up to their eyebrows in curiosity and exploring.

It's me that's changed.

I've re-prioritised my day. I've planned more play during the day. I've had more sleep. More relaxing down time. There were more cuddles. I've even looked at what I'm currently doing and working out what isn't necessary.

And I'm on my way to being less of a parrot, and more of a mother.

Do you have days where your parenting is more like parroting? How do you make it better?

Saturday, May 28, 2011

fancy pants


While it's been hovering around the 13 degree mark here in Melbourne, it's been a wonderful excuse to snuggle up. I've just changed my bedroom linen to the winter doona and put on the flannel sheets. So soft and warm! I even purchased some new jammies (thanks Target!) which are also flannel.

Have you noticed how hard it is to move around in bed with flannel sheets when you're wearing flannels?

Sorry, I digress...


So, it was 30% off last weekend and I headed to the shops teamed with a wonderful shopping partner - my eldest step-daughter Kelly. And well... we did a little spending.

And I love how what could have been an expensive shop was just so much more affordable!

I have been in love with these booties since I visited Adelaide and saw my step-sister had them in both camel and black. So versatile (and did you notice a wedge there too? My favourite!). And I was even more pleased when they were on sale. (How can one say "no" to $60 shoes?)


And these pants... so warm! I tried them on a few months back and swore I had to go back and get them. And as Kelly pointed out when I made her try them on: "They really suck you in." She is soooo right.

The look this winter is a long top worn underneath this shape jumper - short at the front, long at the back. Love it! So cozy and warm. And the colours? Well, they're all my favourite variety of neutrals all mixed up together.


And my hair? It's time to grow the hair to keep my neck warm. And I'm working on those under-eye bags. More sleep needed.


So, there you have it. I'm ready for winter (and for those persimmons behind me to be ripe already)! And there's nothing I don't love about warm feet, and cozy warm clothes (and delicious persimmons).

How about you? Are you ready for the cold weather?

Why don't you linky up your Fancy Pants post below and add a link back to me in your post. You can also include the cool buttonThen pop over to visit other bloggers who are dressing up this week.

Kymmie wears: RELAXED KNIT, Witchery. LONG SLEEVED TUNIC, Witchery. PONTE PANTS, Witchery. Necklace, some forgotten named jewellery shop in Lorne. BOOTIES, Miss Shop.


a day in the life of us

 
 

Friday, May 27, 2011

this saturday i'm grateful for... time to re-group


Due to a dodgy wireless connection and a few other things, I've had a chance to prioritise in the past two weeks what are the most important things in my life. Surprisingly, my family and some well needed sleep were high on the list. But I do confess I'm glad that the DSL light is not blinking red as often as it did, because I sure did miss this blogging thing.

As a result, this week I'm especially grateful for...
  1. My birthday boys. This week my boys turned 2 and 5 respectively. Yes, only two days (and three years) apart. It's a big birthday week here at our place. Plus, it wouldn't be a surprise to hear that I can't believe how quickly the time has flown, and that these big lads have replaced my babies. Although I'm finding the two year old a challenge right now, I'm sure that with more sleep I can keep abreast with his (mis)adventures.
  2. Paying it forward. While I'm still pondering on the best sort of gift I can send via snail mail, this week I received my first PIF package. We all know how exciting it is to get a parcel at the front door, so I was doubley delighted to find two little beanies (pictured above) for my lads, and a loop scarf for me. Thank you so much Tammie @ Little Poppa for your home made love, and adorable gifts... and for Paying It Forward faster than me!
  3. Time to re-group. I'm not going to lie to you, it's been a long and hard two weeks. I've withdrawn from blogging and a whole bunch of social stuff. I've even canned producing and filming of a kids program in July which has lifted the load. Seems I'm a tired and needed to re-group and re-prioritise. It's been good for the soul. And my sanity.
What are you grateful for today?

Saturday, May 14, 2011

fancy pants


The persimmon tree is almost ripe and most of the leaves have finally fallen off all the deciduous trees. Luckily we are surround by oaks if we ever feel depressed by the constant need to rake.

Here in Melbourne it's been cold, cold, cold. Freezing in fact. And so I've been wearing coats, berets, beanies and boots. Winter is here, and it's early.

Not that I'm surprised. Melbourne really didn't have a warm summer, and so it makes sense that it just keeps on getting cooler. Perhaps it's the break in the drought that has made our seasons kind of right again. Or perhaps the rumour that global warming is bollocks is true after all.

Whatever the reason, I'm rugging up and kind of wishing for warmer weather. But then relishing in rugging up in flannel sheets and ugg boots. Because there's something lovely about that too.


As are the tweed high heeled shoes I wore today. They're grey, black with a strip of burgundy and teal. So quirky and cute, they're timeless. I've had them for a few years now, but don't think I'll ever tire of them. I would have done a close up of them for you today, but my step daughter borrowed them right after I took these quick pictures. So the above picture is from a Fancy Pants 'photo shoot' that I didn't end up using here on the blog (sans opaques).

These shoes almost didn't get an outing today. That's because I initially thought to wear a pair of plain black shoes, but after wincing in the first few seconds of putting them on, they were promptly exchanged for these lovelies. Why did I waste money on a shoe that looks good, but hurts so much? It's not often I get caught with a bad purchase, but I did buy them in a rush for my niece's wedding when I had a newborn. So you can excuse me for my rash decision, can't you?


So, how about you? Have you been caught out with a bad purchase? Did you buy shoes that make you wince the moment you put them on?

Why don't you linky up your Fancy Pants post below and add a link back to me in your post. You can also include the buttonThen pop over to visit other bloggers who are dressing up this week.

Kymmie wears: CARDIGAN, Glassons. BELT, Dotti. SKIRT, Witchery. SHOES, Betts. EARRINGS, Diva.




a day in the life of us







this saturday i'm grateful for... lovely giveaways


I'm finding that time is running away from me. I don't get a chance to stop and smell the roses.

Last night, when I sat down to think about what I was grateful for, Blogger was down. Also, it was difficult to find things to be grateful for. Because a dear friend lost his life yesterday. He was just a little bit older than my husband. Damn cancer. It's become Everyone's Disease. I don't want to sound impatient, but why isn't there a cure yet?

Perhaps it is even more important to look for the grateful on weeks such as these. And somewhere in it all, I was able to find sunshine in the form of...
  1. Lovely giveaways. There's nothing more sweet than a large package on your doorstep filled with blogger love, especially after hearing such sad news. In all my life, I've not won a thing. Yet in the past two months since entering a few of my favourite bloggers giveaways, luck has it that I've benefitted twice. And the package at my door? A beautiful hand-made cushion, made with love, from Naturally Carol as a result of her Royal Wedding Giveaway (pictured above). Thank you Carol for your incredible talent, some of which now sits on my bed.
  2. Love, confirmed. On Monday, Hubby and I flew to Sydney for a work colleague/friend's wedding. It's was such a beautiful (chilly) day! Our friends were married in a park stockyard overlooking some of the north shore. And it was so fitting seeing our friend loves his horses! The roughness of the stockyard was tamed by his classy, beautiful bride. And aren't weddings a wonderful time to remember your own wedding vows too?
  3. Modern kitchen assistant. For Mother's Day, my husband bought me the King of Kitchen Help - a thermomix. Now, if you haven't heard about one of these incredible machines, you have to see it for yourself to believe it. A blender, kitchen aid, breadmaker, ice cream maker, steamer, scales, saucepan all in one. It's literally like another person in the kitchen. And since its delivery on Thursday, it's hard to leave the kitchen, I'm that inspired.
Despite how hard the week might have been for you, what can you find to be grateful for?

Thursday, May 12, 2011

VISIT ME AT SEVEN CHERUBS.


It's not every day one is featured on the fabulous blog Seven Cherubs, which is one of my favourite blogs.

Naomi, the divine host at Seven Cherubs is one of those amazing people who was born to be a mother, who also has seven to call her very own. She shares her life, her stories, her organisational tips (and sometimes even asks for yours). I love her honesty, and how she writes. Noami inspires me to be a better mother too.

And so to be asked to feature in Mother Heart was an absolute honour.

If you haven't visit Naomi before, I highly recommend you do. It's a beautiful place to stop by and read. Because there are treasures and pearls of wisdom waiting to be discovered by you.

Visit Noami here @ Seven Cherubs.

Have you guest posted at one of your favourite blogs before? Why don't you share your first experience, or guest post here this week?

a day in the life of us

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

having a little break in transmission


So, if you think it's been a bit quiet in this part of the world, it's because I've been sitting on my couch watching TV.

No, actually singing and dancing around the room, singing those beautifully arranged, catchy songs from Glee.

Is it just me who has just realised the amazement that is this show?

It's already in its third season, and I've only just become a fan. This might just make me the biggest lagger in history. But thanks to my step-daughter's loyalty to the series (and her collection of all the DVDs to date), I'm catching up.

Four episodes a night catching up. Yes, I'm that addicted dedicated.

And it makes me so happy. Giggling away at the snappy script, and, well, just singing along to those awesome tunes. Makes me wish we had a Glee Club at school...

Have you discovered the wonderfulness that is Glee?

Sunday, May 08, 2011

fancy pants


So, it's Mother's Day. And since becoming a mother, the day has become just that bit more special too. But I know there are those who don't love it as much as me, are indifferent to it, or really hate it.

After all, it's a day set aside to celebrate being a mother, and having children. A day where husbands, partners and children recognise the hard work and endless love of a mother. Assuming we're not single mothers. We can reminisce about how wonderful our mothers were in our growing years, and even our grandmothers too. Assuming we had awesome mother role models.

During my life journey I've met many who don't have a good relationship with their mothers, who have been abused by their mothers, who don't even have a mother.

And what about those who are literal mothers, but want to be with all their heart? Those who don't actually have children to call their very own? Step mothers and adoptive mothers? How about those children who have lost their parents? And for those parents who have lost their children? My friend Rosalie pointed out a few years ago, that while a child with no parents is called an orphan, there is no name for parents who lose their children. And what about those fathers who are both a father and a mother?

Yes, I love Mother's Day. But I am aware that it's not for everyone. For some, it reminds them of what they're not, or what they don't have.

Whether it be celebrating their first Mother's Day - with a newborn or a stillborn, or one who is a mother in her heart, I want to give you recognition this day. No matter what your situation, it is your day too.


Do you celebrate Mother's Day? Do you avoid it, or is it just another day for you?

Why don't you linky up your Fancy Pants post below and add a link back to me in your post. You can also include the buttonThen pop over to visit other bloggers who are dressing up this week.


Kymmie wears: TOP/BELT, Purchased at an Op Shop. PANTS, Portmans. SINGLET (worn underneath top), Witchery. WEDGES, Nine West. RINGS, Celtic (purchased in Europe). EARRINGS, Warran Glen Gift Shop. EYE POWDER, Clarins Summer Forever. NAIL POLISH, OPI
Big Apple Red.


a day in the life of us




Friday, May 06, 2011

THIS SATURDAY I'M GRATEFUL FOR... SORE MUSCLES + ROYAL TITLES.


Is it really the weekend already? Oh my, how the week has just flown. I'm sure I missed a whole day. But perhaps that's because I'm extremely grateful for...
  1. More sleep. Although I'm getting up three to four times a night with a child who isn't wetting his bed anymore (let's celebrate!), I'm tired from the amounts of broken sleep thanks to my four year old's bladder. But a few nights at hopping into bed at 9:30pm sure has me bouncing out of the bed a bit more during the night rather than dragging my feet.
  2. Sore muscles. So, I joined the gym on Thursday. And it feels fabulous. Okay, well, I don't exactly feel fabulous. More sore. But that can only mean good things for my body, right?
  3. Royal titles. Even though it's been a whole week since The Royal Wedding, we're still hearing all about it (thanks to Pippa's bum, the honeymoon, the googlesphere...). I'm still relishing in our Royal Food Club held during the live screening of Kate & Wills exchanging vows. So, above is the amaaaazing table setting thanks to this month's host, Julie. And there were even name cards for our places. One could become use to being called Lady Kym of Croydon.
What are you grateful for today?

Thursday, May 05, 2011

LOOK WHAT THE EASTER BUNNY GAVE ME.


The Easter Bunny kicked my butt this last holidays. I ate what I liked, and then some more.

And now I am bitter.

Bitter at myself for letting my jeans get too tight (again), angry that I now have more of a muffin top than ever before, and tired of the ridiculous amounts of chocolate staring at me on the kitchen buffet whenever I go in there.

Now it's time to kick the Easter Bunny's butt. Because yesterday I joined the gym.

If I'm really honest, I can't only blame the Easter Bunny. My food quantities have gotten bigger again, and I'm wolfing down my food whilst juggling the little lads at dinner time instead of enjoying those small bites. Also, I've been baking (damn those delicious ANZAC biscuits) and we've had lots of guests. That always makes meals so much more special, not to mention social.

There's also the fact that in less than two months' time I will be filmed jumping about and singing "Play School" style, plus reliving my hosting spot for "My Story, His Story" (more about that here). And if you've heard that saying, "the camera adds ten pounds", you can be sure it is absolutely 100% true.

So, off to the gym to remember how good it feels to...
  • do something just for me
  • get my heart rate up, and release those happy hormones
  • be toned and not wiggle when I walk
  • be coordinated enough for a step, circuit or even zumba class (and have a giggle along the way)
  • have my clothes fit properly
  • be a bit leaner (especially around the middle)
  • have more energy
Because if I dont' think of these things, this membership may be a huge waste of money. So, staying focused at this end and remembering the benefits of my investment...

How about you? Are you staying focused on something in particular?

Why don't you join in? All you have to do is follow me, add your Try Something New post below and add a link back to me in your post. You can also include the lovely button (below)Then pop over to visit other bloggers who have done something new this week.

a day in the life of us