tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23202413225203550312024-03-14T14:10:23.883+09:30Diary of a SAHMEssentiallyJesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372695554793237026noreply@blogger.comBlogger170125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320241322520355031.post-84770409642684660522011-12-13T05:00:00.000+09:302011-12-13T05:00:02.674+09:30Yoo Hoo! Where are You?Are you looking for Jess?<br />
<br />
She's not here anymore!<br />
<br />
She has moved!<br />
<br />
Update your readers, and tell all your friends. Jess can be found at <a href="http://diaryofasahm.net">diaryofasahm.net</a><br />
<br />
See you there!EssentiallyJesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372695554793237026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320241322520355031.post-15582334162506429312011-12-12T05:00:00.000+09:302011-12-12T05:00:01.246+09:30Tell Me WhyIt's one thing to say, 'hey let's work on training out kids hearts,' but it's another to actually actively practice it, and yet another to know where to start.<br />
<br />
<i>(The following information is from the first session of the Growing Families course, 'Child Wise.' If you are interested in participating in a GFA course, you can <a href="http://www.gfi.org.au/">contact them via their website,</a> or alternatively, let me know, and I'll find your local representative.)</i><br />
<br />
As I've said before, heart training is about training a child's heart so that they will be able to make good decisions, based on the morals they hold dear. As parents it is our job to place those morals into their wee little hearts. Now, <a href="http://diaryofastay-at-home-mum.blogspot.com/2011/10/heart-training-101.html">I've said this before</a> as well, but as adults, our actions are dictated by what we believe, but young children develop beliefs based on their actions. So this means that not only do we need to give them morals, but those morals need to be in line with the actions that we require of them.<br />
<br />
From the time a child is about three, they are ready for you to start placing morals in their hearts; this is as simple as giving them a reason why.<br />
Children at this age are naturally inquisitive anyway, and will quite often ask you the reason for an action, so it makes sense to provide them with the theory before they ask. This also stops them from challenging your authority, and demanding 'why?!' when you have asked them to do something. <br />
<center><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3OdjKPjVd9lYIJ4bIAlSbYLd_Qlw9557OnkH9MGpsw0_k-E_OUAduRcYC86UkYQRR75nbkZNRzVH_uspp7hqm2nlgml0EfTM2p7zg-_-HDCbkRDw0JZgHBxzzgFdexjqaWsi5LMI_Xl5A/s1600/photo-785298.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3OdjKPjVd9lYIJ4bIAlSbYLd_Qlw9557OnkH9MGpsw0_k-E_OUAduRcYC86UkYQRR75nbkZNRzVH_uspp7hqm2nlgml0EfTM2p7zg-_-HDCbkRDw0JZgHBxzzgFdexjqaWsi5LMI_Xl5A/s320/photo-785298.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684839697642201522" /></a></p></center><br />
<center> <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/101682904056341754/">image credit</a> </center><br />
In practice, providing a reason why is very simple. 'Don't touch mummy's cup of tea. It's hot,' is something that most of us will naturally instruct our little ones. It's a practical reason, as to why something is inappropriate. Heart training follows on from this, by providing a <i> moral </i> reason why.<br />
'Don't hit you brother; it's important to be kind.'<br />
'Don't pick the flowers, otherwise there will be none left for everyone else to appreciate.'<br />
'Don't run in the shops. You may bump into someone and hurt them.'<br />
<br />
Easy yes?<br />
<br />
The beautiful thing about giving your kids the moral reason, is that it helps them transfer principles, and learn to think independently in situations once they get older. For example, the child that is told not to run in the shops, may obey in that situation, but will run in the bank, the post office or maybe at church, whereas the child who understands the reason why running is forbidden won't, because he knows that the concern is for others. Placing moral values next to actions helps our children learn the value of context in situations, and enables them to choose right behaviors without the need for our immediate presence.<br />
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Of course there will be times when we need to say, 'because mummy said so,' and our children need to learn that that answer is sufficient. The child who is being taught the value of respecting others, will learn that this is ok when needed; the importance of listening and trusting their parents is not a new concept to them.<br />
<i>(A word to the wise; a major part of training a child's heart, is developing a healthy level of respect for you the parent, or others in authority over them. If your child will not do what they are asked without a reason why, you first need to work on that. Providing a why is not an excuse for your child to decide if your point is valid; it is a tool to help you, as a parent, instruct them in the morals and beliefs of your family.)</i><br />
<br />
Providing the moral reason why is a process, like I said, that starts from about the age of three. Some children are more aware and will be ready for more instruction earlier, and some a little later. As a parent, you know your child's capabilities and what they are ready for. I personally, have gotten into the habit of explaining the reason why from a young age. Even though Ava is only 16 months, I often give her the extra instruction. This is in part habit from telling the older kids, but also a decision to get into the mind frame of instructing my children, and not just dictating random orders.<br />
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<center> Do you give your kids the reason why behind your instructions?<br />
Did your parents instruct you as a child?<br />
Can you think of how your decisions as a child or teen might have been different if your parents had? </center><br />
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<p><img style="border:0;" align="left" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/271/7EEE322CA6C7863212D1FA39B4D0553E.png" /> </p>EssentiallyJesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372695554793237026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320241322520355031.post-40267862187455447152011-12-08T10:18:00.001+09:302011-12-08T10:21:10.831+09:30Thankful Thursday- I'm AliveThere are moments that change you; moments that make you stop and think.<br />
<br />
This year, I know three people who have died before their time, and each of their deaths has effected me differently. However it has been the first one that has stuck with me.<br />
<br />
She was a young mother. 32 with a three and a one year old. And she had breast cancer. It was discovered whilst pregnant with the second baby, and amazingly, she carried him healthy to term, and lived the first year of his life.<br />
Sadly, a week later, she passed away suddenly in hospital, leaving a heartbroken husband, and two little boys with barely a clue.<br />
<br />
I've been thinking of her this week. I'm not sure why, but I have. And I've been feeling guilty. Because the last time I saw her, I didn't know what to say. <br />
I didn't know her well; she was a few years older than me at school, so we were never really friends. But I was pregnant with Ava at the same time that she was, and I knew of her plight. <br />
I bumped into her one day at the shops, and I may not have even noticed, except that her darling little toddler pointed out we both had the same shirts, and she joked that maternity wear in Darwin was sadly lacking. <br />
<br />
I smiled and joked back, but that was it. I never acknowledged I knew her. I never asked how she was. I was taken aback by the scarf on her head, and the boy by her side, so much like her in looks and temperament.<br />
A little boy who now no longer has a mother. <br />
<br />
Christmas is coming, and three families I know, will have their first 'without.' There will be a gap at their tables, and less presents under their tree. Holiday plans will change. Something will be missing.<br />
And I can't help but think, 'what if it was my family? What if I wasn't here?'<br />
Who would make the turkey?<br />
Who would wrap the presents?<br />
Who would <i> buy </i> the presents?<br />
<br />
And each time I think it, I am so grateful, that this is not a reality for us. We do not have to worry about this. I am healthy. My family is healthy. And barring a tragic accident, Christmas will be a crazy time of too many presents and too much food.<br />
<br />
Today, I'm so thankful for life. Even when it is hard, and mundane, and so incredibly repetitive. Even when I would like to get off for a few minutes, and just take a break. Even when I'm tired and would like to sleep forever.<br />
I'm thankful for it. <br />
<br />
But more than that, I'm thankful for my faith, and thankful for hope. Because the three people I knew, that slipped away, passed into Heaven's arms. They were beautiful, passionate Christians, and they are in a better place. Their families do not mourn like those who have know hope; this is not goodbye; it is a delayed, 'see you soon.'<br />
<br />
Life. Hope. Faith. Heaven.<br />
<br />
It doesn't get much better than that. <br />
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<center> Linking with <a href="http://katesaysstuff.com">Kate Says Stuff</a> for Thankful Thursday </center><br />
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<center><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSbn1S-Ky1uqx_EnMnllMge-AJFTJz3QnrLNqA4XfhOV2k8DgwjbjYgC-x6rQUS0DtlaUsxtETCESY3Jmlu9Dv2CHN0LCxQzNSpxPOTB6WvMESR7m8QX0v-UBklCTqKH9GPUOG5p9ouMs/s1600/photo-755640.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSbn1S-Ky1uqx_EnMnllMge-AJFTJz3QnrLNqA4XfhOV2k8DgwjbjYgC-x6rQUS0DtlaUsxtETCESY3Jmlu9Dv2CHN0LCxQzNSpxPOTB6WvMESR7m8QX0v-UBklCTqKH9GPUOG5p9ouMs/s320/photo-755640.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683551941817648706" /></a></p></center><br />
<center> <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/99219998010156590/">image credit</a> </center><br />
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<p><img style="border:0;" align="left" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/271/7EEE322CA6C7863212D1FA39B4D0553E.png" /> </p>EssentiallyJesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372695554793237026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320241322520355031.post-34428785813877518122011-12-06T05:00:00.000+09:302011-12-06T05:00:00.086+09:30The Many Styles of Jess- the Teenage Hair Edition.It's that time of the year; time when everyone is tired and busy and in need of a good laugh.<br />
<br />
So who better to laugh at than me?<br />
<br />
It's been a while, since I have shown you the many <a href="http://www.diaryofasahm.net/2011/09/many-styles-of-jess-part-2-shoe-edition.html">styles of Jess,</a> but it's not from lack of trying. More lack of inspiration.<br />
As it turned out, this was to change two weekends ago. <br />
<br />
I was in Darwin's one major shopping center on a Friday night, and the shops were full of teenage girls. One thing struck me as I watched them; their hair. <br />
<br />
It was awful.<br />
To be fair, not all of them, but a fair chunk. <br />
<br />
It seems teenagers today (and I realise that I sound ridiculously old by saying that) have the most random hair styles ever. Did you know that piling all your hair into one obscure bun on the top of one side of your head was a fashion statement?<br />
No?<br />
Well neither did I.<br />
<br />
Now I realise, that since I am long overdue for a cut and colour, I am on no way qualified to mock the hair of others; so I'm not. In fact, just the opposite. I have decided to join them. I am embracing the crazy, and pretending I'm sixteen again. <br />
<br />
Thus....<br />
<br />
Presenting the Many Styles of Jess: The Teenage Hair Edition.<br />
<br />
Now to begin, this is what my hair could look like on any given day.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5682596632789263618'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7h0PdgHUBkfyPeu4nhwEWStsR3s6C0WP9r0CTzaNSi0lQoYP3s5iAvSY89IHpq9xFGdxWFm_-OGGmslWZgehJSR0OuAl_d9gvkODyAeN9XwMG4ukxxyhJOvdS4e94zDhWFhFZO3YB-FWI/s288/15.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
It's not perfect, obviously. My fringe needs cutting, and the whole thing requires some attention, but it spends most of the time in a messy pony tail, so we make do.<br />
<br />
Now, one thing I have noticed, is that head bands are back. <br />
But not in the same way. <br />
No. Now they are worn low on the forehead, and the back goes over the hair, rather than under.<br />
Kind of like this.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5682596653289480146'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmtl3Jc-3pgfBCpEsSqmLmdDBH2bYV42aYOSrRWq_jUWP-xxZcuxK6Tr_oArmxURCj9KQxBJJf5JijW1o-8DoMA939k63QhsKtGmHdFqnzQiMwYIYRXt5zcdqN0SVfU6EZYV2caeHCOcv/s288/17.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
As if to prove this point, my fashion forward five year old decided to model this while I snapped away.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5682596675636086962'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0l2CQh_ARWPc0oZB6lB9y_R6thTRyRhhRZWDH4bFRdgvKmUZQBldQ2h-kTAMt9ELWO-dHJymM_a5bjNDAT0F_JOFni7hrk4J6w8VDhQm9EZtLi5bUCnp1VdnXep_wsqnGb0a4Z91HIG5/s288/18.jpg' border='0' width='238' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
And then inspired her brother.<br />
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<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5682596698695143202'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxSt12wdkk1hyphenhyphenlPiUPH1PCZgq4tYvp8CZMEzfGRO3TtVMjC8Cbp9xen0hLIZ1Sc8HObNkRnbkyeSiv7sCTGL9fPaRegn_yOLRLv5CfYb1g4VcEDovF9SPh6n_0OcIfx4woyFkCFI0xnJai/s288/19.jpg' border='0' width='195' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
Call me old fashioned, but I liked it the old way better.<br />
<br />
I couldn't help but try the in style; the head top bun, with fringe pulled back.<br />
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<br />
<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5682596721307509922'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKTf1Qad0DC1Np9oTcSgl1vRRondZQlvOJ7mtU8xRtvkv0-ECif0W7V8LUOs1AjBbqf2dUiSgFAuR9KrJnJAecmDskC79hqHSs1GgmDNUpCe1QSrLld1x_e7i0U-iKGQklaoWk1dHVxzJB/s288/22.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
What can I say?<br />
Pulling. This. Off.<br />
<br />
Then I need to combine the two. This is what all the young kids who know anything about style are doing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5682596737924661154'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUqqg1sJj6_s6tNKjzutClLKza0KP9dA3MgoEm8uv_-ZfHh7iAhe38s3WaoYB2BG3_DM7nujF8tfhbSM-7T9XeH3mzaxhujoVSPhmJHvcw1NAZ-BQwRPqOHTzY5ByXTbE2VlBRW4jI9NI/s288/23.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
For others, not even a head band is necessary. You can just as easily make do with a random scrap of fabric, like one of Santa's elves I saw, or, in my case, a tea towel.<br />
<br />
<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5682596762401984274'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNI9v1tJ3AZbXFveKNMJPwKjwOHOzuvNDaKsPqeYehJSt3b1HLLCusbZx_al4Zb8ncfDMn0xBbOo2dOSDsFQdgH22zbvArfVlDriTiXyayMP2l3CqwNlL-o35l7f3nzNd0CPZ4b3mYwhCY/s288/21.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
You want to try it now don't you?<br />
<br />
Then there is the classic, 'I want to be a rockstar look.' High fringe, and messy pony tail at the back.<br />
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<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5682596787687560114'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQ-9AairYkVyfXCJTnd_yWxVj9iXx3yBPMXOWOmMKuTrK9jCbRBtShDrJSlzLQHMJDpzvBeVQIDGVS0jldmQi9ME59LOPg1NjWU0vo31pRrLQUpxJpBW9SaB4mj4TyLOxqSM5nLdNWav6/s288/24.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
There is something about doing my hair like this that makes me want sing like Pink. (hmmm...there is a vlog in there somewhere.)<br />
<br />
Then I thought, why not combine all of them? A head band with a tea towel, an odd bun and a poofy fringe at front? I could totally rock that look!<br />
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<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5682596807899771810'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKf6eKi-4xd5hOKmdh7QzgPvI5qcHZhhRIshLhpEuGLXKMS1KzJ_I1N38-eu1sc2gR8oEnp4o96TA2m3sUIyaFPQ2Ds1AiDfX0UfOmHXy2d_LMwO4gVW-W5o6HcuOVe9LJ3gNhio_mklsx/s288/25.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
And I do, if I do say so myself.<br />
<br />
Now I thought this was as random as it could get.<br />
Until yesterday. <br />
Apparently, when you are young, and beautiful and can wear a dress that would be easy to imagine on the red carpet at the oscars, it doesn't matter how you do your hair. <br />
In fact, you could just randomly attach a flower somewhere, and leave the rest as messy as you like.<br />
Case in point.<br />
<br />
<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5682596831590984898'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcJZnvDQ2VXPnvBl8jaaC0BgLyfTOo0gVGkOzO5JGxPwjvIj069fTRgBFOYODBzv8DviLjb8QXNySPGtSDZkLkY6xuS7Dr4Dc_6KzsKy4WeZQiU2uxfZVqD_HsJpah8w9cyUJemKEEqzS/s288/20.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
I didn't have a flower, but a Christmas decoration provided the same effect.<br />
Plus, you know, it's getting into the season. I'm so gonna wear my hair like this for Christmas dinner. <br />
<br />
After doing all this, my hair looked a little worse for wear, so in the interest of authenticity, I thought I better show you.<br />
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<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5682596847916990962'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKb0lwH27hwPSrHlr-9pDu7WEUodiDTZlRd0QZ1EfxVdJI30hCCStGvs0DeZ0xJoMX4G8PY5waXSU0KLTR6RjH6quVnZd8HYZJ8P4uOvjvmivjGbH3S7kWbW0qX1SNsK-sQ6h7tWeKeh00/s288/26.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
Please, hold back your compliments; they will only embarrass me.<br />
<br />
Amazingly, afterwards, I walked into the bathroom to discover that my hair had randomly fixed itself into a tousled look, that I would actually wear quite proudly out and about.<br />
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<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5682596871638345602'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIku5G7arG9FDzh6sRWOBtq-m-6blb7_ZLA_XVfC84iB9vKec9AoegOIYGZfRkfKUtLnzVaNQXFZQbCCNh_vTqPHZh9pj6gPnHW49l0Q2DZuMwsPt32-pRZ5AmIBOkv260aK1lLD6mTNh_/s288/14.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
This of course is now the key to my morning routine. Put my hair in several positions, then let it out, hairspray it in place, and leave the house looking like the superstar I am.<br />
<br />
<center> So honest opinion now people. Which style is best?<br />
Do you ever look at teenagers and wonder 'what are you thinking?' </center><br />
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<p><br />
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<img style="border:0;" align="left" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/271/7EEE322CA6C7863212D1FA39B4D0553E.png" /><br />
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->EssentiallyJesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372695554793237026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320241322520355031.post-40838537241910156562011-12-05T05:00:00.002+09:302011-12-05T05:00:00.057+09:30We're Not in Kansas AnymoreThis afternoon our school had their annual thanksgiving service. I say our school because it was the same one that I went to from transition right through to graduating in year twelve. <br />
Every year since as long as I can remember, the school has celebrated the end of the year with a thanksgiving service; a chance to reflect on the year that was, and celebrate the achievements of staff and students alike. This year was no different, and I enjoyed it just as much as I did when I was a student.<br />
<br />
I probably wasn't in the best frame of mind going in (read <a href="http://www.diaryofasahm.net/2011/12/dreaming.html">Sunday's blog</a> to know why), but I didn't realise it at the time. It wasn't until the year twelves were invited to the stage to get their certificates, that the nostalgia set in big time. <br />
<br />
It's been eleven years since it was me on that stage. A young, excitable and intelligent student, who honestly believed the world was her oyster and she could do anything. Looking at those kids there today, I envied them. I wish I had their enthusiasm and excitement for the coming roads. I wished I wasn't so tired; wasn't so jaded.<br />
<br />
Eleven years it's been, and it feels like about two.<br />
And before you know it, we will be back there again and it will be Taylah graduating. Then Bridie, Bailey and Ava. One by one they will walk onto that stage in their formal wear,and accept their certificates. Some of them may get academics achievement awards. Hopefully all of them will be commended for the attitude to service, and their work ethic. They may be class clowns or class captains; they may be in the dance group or musicians. They may just be one of the quiet ones, content to let others take the stage.<br />
<br />
But like it or not, the time is coming, and it will soon be here. <br />
Which means I need to plan now.<br />
Last week I spoke about intentional parenting; about having a plan, and using the moments of our day to teach our children moral attitudes.<br />
But our plan needs to be more than just getting through the day tantrum free; it needs to be big picture parenting. We need to think about what we want for our kids, the kind of people we want them to be, when they leave school, and walk out into the world. <br />
<br />
I was speaking to my step sister a while ago, and she was saying that at her daughters kinder in Melbourne, a lot of the parents were keeping their children back, so that they would be eighteen when they finished school, and legally allowed to drink at schoolies.<br />
Now to be perfectly honest, that horrified me a little, to think that parents could look at their three and four year olds and make educational decisions based purely on making sure they could legally get drunk and probably make some very poor, and possibly life changing decisions, because of it.<br />
But I realise that I am the minority, and to each his own, but that is a great example of big picture parenting. It's looking at what you want for your young adult, and setting things in place now, to help them get there.<br />
<br />
Now to be fair, it doesn't require a great amount of preparation and training to raise a child who will drink themselves into oblivion with their mates, at every given opportunity,(which I think most of us know first hand!) but if, by chance, you want a child that doesn't, or that can say please and Thankyou or excuse me without being prompted, then that doesn't accidentally happen.<br />
<br />
The other day I bumped into one of the young guys from church at Coles. I was just about to put my shopping in the boot when I saw him, and he and his work colleague came over and unpacked my trolley, and then returned it for me. That kind of chivalry is not coincidental; that comes from parents who have taught him a genuine care and respect and servant attitude towards others.<br />
<br />
I realise that this post is different from what I said I was going to write today, but after being at the Thanksgiving Service today, this was the post that needed writing. While I watched those young people take the stage, and I looked at my own life, lamenting over my lack of direction and apparent non success, I felt quite down and miserable. That there was no room in the world for me anymore; that it belonged to these people. With their fire and their passion and their energy. There may only be eleven years difference, but I feel like an old lady; tired, beat down, and ready to give up.<br />
But if the future is those year twelve students, then the future is my own children too. And I have the responsibility of training them, and guiding them, and helping determine what the future looks like. Right now, my present, is consumed with leading them, so that who they are can change the world, even if I never do. <br />
<br />
I'm not in Kansas anymore; it's not easy and peachy and full of hope and puppies and ice-cream. But I can help the lion find his courage, the scarecrow use his brain, and the tin man act from his heart. I can give them the tools to use their strengths, so that the Emerald City becomes the place they call home.<br />
I can choose to make my parenting intentional, my picture big, and my heart hopeful instead of despondent.<br />
I can choose to make my present as important as the future. <br />
<br />
<br />
<p><img style="border:0;" align="left" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/271/7EEE322CA6C7863212D1FA39B4D0553E.png" /> </p>EssentiallyJesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372695554793237026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320241322520355031.post-35634362730178395432011-12-04T13:50:00.000+09:302011-12-04T13:50:18.232+09:30DreamingI have a dream.<br />
<br />
I dream of living somewhere cool. Somewhere were multiple applications of deodorant daily is not necessary, and I do not need to run my air conditioning on a near constant basis.<br />
I live in a house in my dream. A house with two bathrooms, two living areas and a kitchen that wasn't built for a tiny, midget sized person. I dream of a servery window to my outdoor entertaining area, where we can sit and enjoy the perfect weather.<br />
<br />
I dream of Boatman having a job he likes, with decent hours, and good holidays. I dream of an income that supports said holidays, and me sipping wine on my verandah. I dream of one day getting to try Gossip Girl wine, because I live somewhere where it doesn't cost a fortune to freight it to.<br />
<br />
I have a dream.<br />
<br />
Boatman too has a dream.<br />
<br />
He dreams if living in a house with no walls, in outer Darwin. Apparently our house will have some kind of shutter things in case it rains, and it will be easy to clean the dirt that blows in, because we will just lift up the furniture and hose off the concrete, slate floors.<br />
In Boatman's dream, our wall-less house is on a big property that backs on to a river, because we have our own business. We run a Barra safari camp.<br />
Boatman takes the willing out on the river, whilst I stay home in our wall-less house, homeschool the children, and cook food to feed the hungry fishermen once they return. <br />
<br />
In Boatman's dream I do not see room for shoe shopping, or blogging. In fact his safari camp is probably so remote, there is no Internet reception. <br />
<br />
I feel like a bad wife; an unsupportive wife, because I know that more than anything, he would love to work a job that involves fishing. I know that he thinks building a shed with no walls is feasible and exciting. He thinks the kids will love the nature, and the excitement. <br />
By nature he means snakes, spiders and possibly a crocodile or two from the river.<br />
<br />
Honestly, I can't do it. I can't move to the sticks and make three course meals for crass fishermen, and be a mum, and still have anytime or any energy for anything that makes me me. <br />
But if building a wall-less house 50 minutes out of the CBD is the only financial option available, and moving just seems to be impossible to do, what is next?<br />
At this point even a safari camp does not sound so bad, because at least it would be some direction.<br />
<br />
For the longest time we haven't had a plan. We have been in limbo; completely stuck. The cost of living is so expensive in Darwin, and it's only going to get worse with the gas plant developments set to take off.<br />
We have looked at moving interstate; we have applied for jobs and almost got them, only to have someone quit, or not pass on the right information. In short we are constantly met with closed doors. We can't move forward, and we don't want to move back, which is what we are doing, the longer we stay directionless.<br />
<br />
It feels like we are stuck between a rock and a hard place, with nowhere left to go. <br />
<br />
We used to think, 'just make a plan,' and do it, but after many failures and rejections, we don't know what to do it next. Making a plan to see it fail once again seems somewhat futile.<br />
<br />
So we are stuck. Stuck in my air conditioned house, with a small kitchen built for a tiny midget, in hot Darwin, where there is no Gossips and everything costs more. Where Boatman works in the automotive industry that he hates, and earns just enough for us to get by.<br />
We are stuck here dreaming of something better. Of cool weather or crocodiles in the back yard. <br />
<br />
Dreaming of something different.<br />
<br />
Just...<br />
<br />
Dreaming.<br />
<p> <img style="border:0;" align="left" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/271/7EEE322CA6C7863212D1FA39B4D0553E.png" /> </p>EssentiallyJesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372695554793237026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320241322520355031.post-5880021501377309762011-12-02T07:20:00.001+09:302011-12-02T07:21:47.975+09:30A Tropical Summer<div style="text-align: justify;">Well it's that time of the week again. Time to hang sanity aside, and be a little crazy.</div><br />
Seeing as December has rolled in, and with it the official start of summer, that is the theme for this weeks Crazy Vlog.<br />
and seeing as how summer is not even a real thing in the tropics, I've run with that.<br />
<br />
Presenting: A Tropical Summer<br />
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<br />
On a more serious note, unless anyone is really keen, I'm going to close the link on this, and just crazy vlog when I'm inspired. It might just be the time of year, but I am feeling the pressure a bit. Over the next few weeks, I have a few Christmas themed vlogs in mind, that I will publish on a Friay. If anyone is keen, drop a line in the comments box, and I will make sure to open it up.<br />
<br />
But until then, I wish you Summer Craziness!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Whats your favourite thing about Summer?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Are you a blogger? <a href="http://mybignutshell.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">My Big Nutshell</a> is running a summer blog link up called The Summer of... so go and join!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I'd love if you could take a minute to vote for me :)</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><center><a target="_blank" href="http://www.circleofmoms.com/top25/australian-mom-blogs-2011?trk=t25_australian-mom-blogs-2011" title="Circle of Moms Top 25 Aussie Mum Blogs - Vote for me!"><img src="http://images.circleofmoms.com/images/moms/link_badge.png" title="Circle of Moms Top 25 Aussie Mum Blogs - Vote for me!" /></a></center><br />
</div><img align="left" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/271/7EEE322CA6C7863212D1FA39B4D0553E.png" style="border: 0;" /> <br />
<br />
<script type="text/javascript">
document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src=http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=105568&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>');
</script>EssentiallyJesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372695554793237026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320241322520355031.post-31078430923424204542011-12-01T09:22:00.000+09:302011-12-01T09:22:18.694+09:30One For the RoadThere is a patch of road I hate. <br />
Except I didn't know that I hated I until yesterday.<br />
I drive down it almost every day, and it never bothers me. To be fair I don't think it is the road; just the destination.<br />
<center><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUr-MU-_9N6kpBtumCtoUZAhyphenhyphenY2LgJxhepiKatdHE5L72D6sA7jphTbxNGhyVxGaAt1ymPLH27xTqbSS46OvAoP6UkTQ_9Opxz3UlxWijmVdEhKrscDCP3sIpnLP3qFB8OIjaphwO-nnRq/s1600/photo-736754.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUr-MU-_9N6kpBtumCtoUZAhyphenhyphenY2LgJxhepiKatdHE5L72D6sA7jphTbxNGhyVxGaAt1ymPLH27xTqbSS46OvAoP6UkTQ_9Opxz3UlxWijmVdEhKrscDCP3sIpnLP3qFB8OIjaphwO-nnRq/s320/photo-736754.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680939660272255858" /></a></p></center><br />
<center> <a href="http://www.google.com.au/imgres?q=roads&hl=en&client=safari&sa=X&tbo=d&tbm=isch&tbnid=clyONjfoaVuj2M:&imgrefurl=http://www.lostateminor.com/2010/08/28/beautiful-and-bizarre-roads-of-the-world/&docid=A_lpe_J7MJupYM&imgurl=http://cdn1.lostateminor.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/beautiful-road.jpg&w=480&h=326&ei=-7_WTrv-A67RmAWs05HqCw&zoom=1&biw=1024&bih=672">image credit</a> </center><br />
<br />
Bridie's ear <a href="http://www.diaryofasahm.net/2011/10/surgery-update.html">got infected again</a>. Last week she had a fever (which is rare for her), pain and then there was discharge. The GP says the hole is still there. About the quarter the size of the ear drum instead of 2/3 so that is a small mercy; but it is still there.<br />
We see the ENT next week, and I guess we will find out were to go from there.<br />
But I don't want to see the ENT to be honest. <br />
I don't want to drive that road again.<br />
<br />
The GP order an x-ray of Bridie's adenoids. It's a long shot, but it's possible that they are pushing on the tube from the ear, so that infection can't get down, and instead goes back through the drum.<br />
There is no real indication that her adenoids are overly large. She doesn't snore, can breath with her mouth shut, and is not nasal when she speaks. But her tonsils are a little on the big side, which means the adenoids might be too. At this point, I think we are clutching at straws to be honest. Looking for anyway to make this better.<br />
<br />
The X-ray appointment was at the Darwin Private Hospital.<br />
It's the same place we see the ENT when he comes up from Adelaide.<br />
It's the same place we have appointments with Anesthetists, and take pre-admission forms.<br />
It's the same place that it seems Bridie and I, on our own, drive to far too often, so that I can watch them out my baby to sleep, and then leave her in the care of others, whilst I sit and pray for a miracle.<br />
<br />
I hate that road.<br />
<br />
The X-ray was hard. She didn't want to do it, and she cried. It took about ten minutes to calm her down. The girl who bravely faced surgery without a flinch, cried over one picture.<br />
But I got it.<br />
It wasn't the picture. It was the frustration over being here <i> again </i>.<br />
I could have cried myself.<br />
<br />
But despite all that, I am thankful. <br />
<br />
I'm thankful for my GP; she is wonderful. She is friendly and considerate and she listens. She is concerned about Bridie and my family. She will stay after hours if I need to see her, and there are no appointments available.<br />
<br />
I'm thankful for the ENT; he is fantastic. He works in the Adelaide CBD, he comes to Darwin every six weeks, and he travels through rural SA as well, but he always knows who we are. He never has to check his notes or refresh his memory. It's as if Bridie is his only patient, or at least the most important one. He has not just followed normal procedures for her; he has seen that she is exception and treated her as so.<br />
<br />
I'm thankful that Boatman can come home to watch the others when I need to do these things. So that I can focus all my attention on Bridie, and keep her her calm.<br />
<br />
I'm thankful for his work car, with less than 500kms on the clock, and it's awesome breaks. Just as we got to the hospital, someone pulled out in front of us and we missed them by centimeters. Bridie actually had a mark on her neck from the seat belt we had to stop so fast.<br />
I'm thankful for seat belts.<br />
<br />
Next week we see the ENT again, get the results of the X-ray and find out if and when another surgery is on the cards. <br />
<br />
Next week I may have to tell my little girl that it is in fact, not over yet.<br />
<br />
Next week I'll drive down that road again.<br />
<br />
But today....today I will be thankful for that road. Because that road, as much as I hate it, takes us to where we need to go, time and time again.<br />
And one day, hopefully in the not so distant future, we will not have to drive that road again.<br />
<br />
<center>Joining in with <a href="http://katesaysstuff.com">Kate Says Stuff </a>for a choosing to be Thankful Thursday.<br />
Can you find the silver lining in your day? </center><br />
<br />
<p><img style="border:0;" align="left" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/271/7EEE322CA6C7863212D1FA39B4D0553E.png" /> </p>EssentiallyJesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372695554793237026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320241322520355031.post-20659117210439281662011-11-29T05:00:00.006+09:302011-11-29T05:00:00.995+09:30Batting for Another TeamMy husband truly is the best husband ever. On Saturday night he surprised me by organising my mum to come over to babysit, and then taking me out to dinner and to see Breaking Dawn.<br />
To say I was excited was an understatement.<br />
<br />
I love love love love the Twilight Series. The books particularly, but the movies are also really great. I'm impressed with how well they keep in step with the story, and there is not a whole lot of creative license taken. <br />
<br />
If you're a fan of the series, or even just socially aware, you will realise that most people fall into one of two camps. Team Edward or Team Jacob.<br />
<br />
Team Edward are the die hard fans, who believe that Bella and Edward were made for each other, and the story goes the exact way it should.<br />
<br />
<center><div class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1soJ-xrg7cjniquhjPg4NsA1YhuhfzVEybLMFMN8wwa4CEt29B6ypUGV7NW4WxPW9wFZOgejL8COwEn6wr3oRTRE5fuA4Bb494IdWpdkTXBXQFRYMLk9vEVe13CZ84c7fF4ta0CHjpaj2/s1600/photo+1-776462.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680003955144733954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1soJ-xrg7cjniquhjPg4NsA1YhuhfzVEybLMFMN8wwa4CEt29B6ypUGV7NW4WxPW9wFZOgejL8COwEn6wr3oRTRE5fuA4Bb494IdWpdkTXBXQFRYMLk9vEVe13CZ84c7fF4ta0CHjpaj2/s320/photo+1-776462.JPG" /></a></div></center><br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/471795192/"> image credit</a> </center><br />
I am firmly entrenched in Team Edward. I think it must be the romantic in me, but I just love how much of a gentleman he is. He never pushes Bella, and is only ever concerned with her good.<br />
In the story, Edward is portrayed as beautiful. All vampires are. <br />
But the cinema doesn't quite get that part right, and the combination of pale skin and crazy hair doesn't quite inspire the eyes. <br />
They do get the sparkly bit right though.<br />
<br />
<center><div class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUC0zsm26WpYfMf9d2nvRRHidZkCMlO-2FAI1gLKa9DwG8TFKTxyFgCFvKwxmNA_UxW7PGjTpD91urypJJuYjNoZz6G32INe597F0n6_Gjnp43JTITBH9EEXNRi4FgHkifrVxZw3SD7Ky1/s1600/photo+2-777557.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680003959727358066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUC0zsm26WpYfMf9d2nvRRHidZkCMlO-2FAI1gLKa9DwG8TFKTxyFgCFvKwxmNA_UxW7PGjTpD91urypJJuYjNoZz6G32INe597F0n6_Gjnp43JTITBH9EEXNRi4FgHkifrVxZw3SD7Ky1/s320/photo+2-777557.JPG" /></a></div></center><br />
<br />
<center> <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/545124672/">image credit</a> </center><br />
Jacob on the other hand, is a piece of eye candy. I'm not the sort of person who notices men <i> like that </i>, but even I realise why it is that Team Jacob has so many fans.<br />
If you're basing it on looks alone, Jacob wins hands down.<br />
<br />
<center><div class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpbubnf8jdVEE5I_dVBG_nbnANUhcbSguphKBpJ9KiVxDMmKlrGacNMVz842yEGxt7MpUTzF6FI_Hrjn79CRRwWclZdm2Sq84FMW32I1nBOJ-qdiXu9rxQUSpZhFUutMyQBVWYRBySwGn/s1600/photo+1-709520.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680004524544220034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpbubnf8jdVEE5I_dVBG_nbnANUhcbSguphKBpJ9KiVxDMmKlrGacNMVz842yEGxt7MpUTzF6FI_Hrjn79CRRwWclZdm2Sq84FMW32I1nBOJ-qdiXu9rxQUSpZhFUutMyQBVWYRBySwGn/s320/photo+1-709520.JPG" /></a></div></center><br />
<br />
<center> <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/562489959/">image credit</a> </center><br />
The problem with Jacob, is that he is annoying. I'm all for perseverance and persistence, but seriously, back away with dignity dude! She doesn't want you! Plus if they had got together, what would have happened if he had imprinted on someone? She would have just been a sad little Leah, with no werewolf, no vampire, and nothing sparkly at all.<br />
<br />
<center><div class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsKK3mH9UO4fkryD8-9yvJ2rOOR5nletfum08n_-XbYkmckUOmYcbqzpXABkC0N-nFbNqfDmB8yRVazqySu5qOtD5zYZQgb5KoSMt6-OgUD5DfmIOMMAiN3NYYRDVqKjusXKLUCnzqYRHS/s1600/photo+2-710749.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680004529098834258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsKK3mH9UO4fkryD8-9yvJ2rOOR5nletfum08n_-XbYkmckUOmYcbqzpXABkC0N-nFbNqfDmB8yRVazqySu5qOtD5zYZQgb5KoSMt6-OgUD5DfmIOMMAiN3NYYRDVqKjusXKLUCnzqYRHS/s320/photo+2-710749.JPG" /></a></div></center><br />
<br />
<center> <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/441857564/%20">Image credit</a> </center><br />
Watching Breaking Dawn, did not change my opinion on Edward vs Jacob; but I do think there is one runner that's left out.<br />
Charlie.<br />
Bella's Dad.<br />
Now I'm not sure if it's the influence of Boatman's Mo, but seriously, that guy gives the others a run for their money!<br />
<br />
<center><div class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFzGXbOkTTV7aYPdr7-6sujSwt91mTQYYKOKRyK8JCqExu64A9kY7vn_grqJtM0Mbc2hAbAbDX6HmWaYuGHp07JqwQrIPVyBzLxiMi5Fut8Bj0tqQLBBqnBnjR1HwlZRVgkRgAm7wmhLrM/s1600/photo+3-779171.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680003965375102818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFzGXbOkTTV7aYPdr7-6sujSwt91mTQYYKOKRyK8JCqExu64A9kY7vn_grqJtM0Mbc2hAbAbDX6HmWaYuGHp07JqwQrIPVyBzLxiMi5Fut8Bj0tqQLBBqnBnjR1HwlZRVgkRgAm7wmhLrM/s320/photo+3-779171.JPG" /></a></div></center><br />
<br />
<center> <a href="http://www.google.com.au/imgres?q=charlie+from+twilight&hl=en&client=safari&sa=X&tbo=d&tbm=isch&tbnid=N44-XO5CdUCT0M:&imgrefurl=http://www.picgifs.com/twilight-graphics/charlie-swan/&docid=tVv2FvSlKaKfSM&imgurl=http://www.picgifs.com/twilight-graphics/twilight-graphics/charlie-swan/twilight-graphics-charlie-swan-636438.jpg&w=428&h=604&ei=tWfTTuOuKav2mAW2op3WDQ&zoom=1&biw=1024&bih=672">image credit</a> </center><br />
Plus, he has the whole sad bachelor, whose daughter is growing up and disappearing thing happening, which is kind of adorable.<br />
<br />
Like I said, I'm not the kind of person who lusts after movie stars, but if there is a Team Charlie, I'm in!<br />
<br />
<center><div class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMX9F6q4vurR1vqPZnxDDrF234lQ67Nty8giJtKVrXAOM0waxLZ1RkPhPvX6MNL6FnRBNvL_YLekG1EC4keQlXW1Wnqf0Uv34qVLDc6OQemrHnpoYAYVr1EmI5OC0txzhx3JH2U6JgSn6F/s1600/photo+1-788520.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680004434765180722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMX9F6q4vurR1vqPZnxDDrF234lQ67Nty8giJtKVrXAOM0waxLZ1RkPhPvX6MNL6FnRBNvL_YLekG1EC4keQlXW1Wnqf0Uv34qVLDc6OQemrHnpoYAYVr1EmI5OC0txzhx3JH2U6JgSn6F/s320/photo+1-788520.JPG" /></a></div></center><br />
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<center> <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/221496127/">image credit</a> </center><br />
Someone who is not team Charlie is the new Blogger of the Mo. In fact, I almost didn't give her the award in account of the fact that she is a werewolf groupie, but I guess we can't all be perfect. :)<br />
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What I love about this blogger, is who she is. She is honest and open, and not afraid to share even when life is not peachy keen.<br />
Plus she has a BJ, which is also my little Bailey's nickname.<br />
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So, with no further ado, blogger of the Mo is.....<br />
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<a href="http://www.saturdaymorningogremum.com/">Saturday Morning Ogre Mum!</a><br />
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If you haven't read Donna's blog, make sure you do. I know she is linking up today, cause I saw on Facebook she had her post already. Isn't she a good girl? :)<br />
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<center> So tell me, are you a Twihard too?<br />
Are you Team Edward, Jacob or Charlie?<br />
Do you think it's all kinda lame, and have decided to be Team Saturday Morning Ogre Mum instead?<br />
Have you read Donna's Blog, and seen her awesomeness?<br />
Do think I ask too many questions at the end of a post?<br />
Do you wish I would stop? <br />
Are you seriously wondering how much more randomness I can throw in at the end of a post?</center><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Just a friendly reminder to vote, that's all ;)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><center><a target="_blank" href="http://www.circleofmoms.com/top25/australian-mom-blogs-2011?trk=t25_australian-mom-blogs-2011" title="Circle of Moms Top 25 Aussie Mum Blogs - Vote for me!"><img src="http://images.circleofmoms.com/images/moms/link_badge.png" title="Circle of Moms Top 25 Aussie Mum Blogs - Vote for me!"></a></center><br />
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</div><img align="left" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/271/7EEE322CA6C7863212D1FA39B4D0553E.png" style="border: 0;" /> <br />
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<script type="text/javascript">
document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src=http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=104531&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>');
</script>EssentiallyJesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372695554793237026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320241322520355031.post-44818681206814531862011-11-28T09:08:00.000+09:302011-11-28T09:08:51.579+09:30Planning SuccessSo I've spoken a little bit about heart training, but over the next couple of weeks, I want to get into how, and why I think it's important.<br />
But all of that becomes a moot point, unless you have a plan.<br />
<center><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3AMYjUueajTigq2sAL_PCW8acuc0gEWvXhx3_WrgMa8NjxxJ6YQRBoWOcl6SLY2Y2Md88xJyTIG_yFPb2ZvyJA71JNyVmf4RM7HZM1fa4zHjUT9bYmFo_8zjqK1JVF7flcMBk-zhEeV7A/s1600/photo-748925.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3AMYjUueajTigq2sAL_PCW8acuc0gEWvXhx3_WrgMa8NjxxJ6YQRBoWOcl6SLY2Y2Md88xJyTIG_yFPb2ZvyJA71JNyVmf4RM7HZM1fa4zHjUT9bYmFo_8zjqK1JVF7flcMBk-zhEeV7A/s320/photo-748925.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679823021491890018" /></a></p></center><br />
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Parenting is not an accident. Yes sometimes little spermys crack the egg when it wasn't planned, and before mummy or daddy was ready to be a mummy or daddy, but little people are never accidental. You can call it fate, destiny, or the fingerprint of God, but I firmly believed that when 23 meets 23, it's a divine, planned, and purposeful moment.<br />
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Of course pregnancy and birth are completely ridiculous ideas. <br />
I mean seriously, how much easier would it be to put in our order, and pick up our baby from the hospital nine months later? You could even get a deal with an instruction manual, box of nappies, and, if you're lucky, a set of steak knives.<br />
Unfortunately it doesn't work like that. When most of us become parents we are presented with a slimy little bundle, who has just been squeezed out of a very tight place, has no idea what is going on, and is completely dependent on us to work out what the hell to do next. We have midwives handling our boobs, pushing them into tiny mouths, teaching us how to bath them, change them, and hold their tiny, floppy heads. Then after a couple of days, we are set free to work out the rest on our own.<br />
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Be honest, how much of your parenting is unplanned? How much is reactionary?<br />
Do you devise a plan for your day, focused on what you want to achieve with your little (or big ones), or are you still that first time mum, being sent home from the hospital, and just hoping you get through the day?<br />
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Most of us, I think, are the latter. Most of us get up in the morning, make breakfast, wash clothes, clean floors and try to entertain kids in between. We break up fights after they have started, say no to things already done, and withstand tantrums from confused kids who don't understand why what was ok yesterday, is not today.<br />
Our parenting is, for the most part, reactionary, and impulsive. (Well mine is anyway!)<br />
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Heart training is not. Heart training is intentional, and planned. It makes us direct our day, and set guidelines.<br />
It's not easy; but nothing worthwhile ever is.<br />
But it doesn't have to be complicated either.<br />
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<b>Begin as you mean to go. </b><br />
<center> It is better to prepare and prevent, instead of repair and repent. </center> <br />
Regardless of what you feel about the word repent, the sentiment is sound. We can train our kids before, or we can retrain them after, and have to re-teach new habits. Begin as you mean to go simply means don't let you children have the freedom to do something, that you are going to have to withdraw later. Stop and think about the little things; it may not seem a bad thing to let a toddler hold your phone, but what about when they start calling people, or banging it on something, or throw it in the toilet? Then you find yourself saying no, and they are upset and confused, cause they thought it was ok.<br />
Best just say no in the first place, and be done with it.<br />
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<b>Freedom VS Responsibility</b><br />
Think of a funnel. <br />
<center><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdv85lU9ehtNIPndPg2gWatRhonLx5ABZiE1hgI5JF8Bo4RhLOaI870B6kJHlkaD_AvGJgDKaatsX1KuxTUDnxHzLgQkg2myHXxqAPLqF8tyzYCVN1u7O8aar0TOkNvdfv-EezIxBFZcVa/s1600/photo+2-716276.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdv85lU9ehtNIPndPg2gWatRhonLx5ABZiE1hgI5JF8Bo4RhLOaI870B6kJHlkaD_AvGJgDKaatsX1KuxTUDnxHzLgQkg2myHXxqAPLqF8tyzYCVN1u7O8aar0TOkNvdfv-EezIxBFZcVa/s320/photo+2-716276.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679822878937552978" /></a></p></center><br />
<center> <a href="http://www.google.com.au/imgres?q=images+funnel&hl=en&client=safari&sa=X&tbo=d&tbm=isch&tbnid=wJm4SpVWYfaNcM:&imgrefurl=http://www.network-marketing-for-normal-people.com/network-marketing-opportunity.html&docid=_dzNDcUIfE2IlM&imgurl=http://www.network-marketing-for-normal-people.com/images/Funnel.jpg&w=194&h=282&ei=ysfSTorUK7GViAfRxvW9Dg&zoom=1&biw=1024&bih=672">image credit</a> </center><br />
The inside represents where our kids should be, and the funnel should be facing with the bottom down. When your child is in their funnel, the amount of freedom they have is consistent with the amount of responsibility they have. A small child has no self control, so they should have little freedom. As we teach our kids to grow in their maturity, then we an allow them to engage in more activities. By the time our kids are teenagers, we should be able to allow them a lot of freedom, because they have earned it.<br />
Where most of us get it wrong, (myself included) is that we allow our kids to do things before they are ready. (See point one.) Then we have to remove the freedom, because they are just not ready for it. What results is upside down funnels, tantrums, and often teenagers rebelling when mum and dad tighten the reigns they should have held in when they were toddlers.<br />
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<b>Train in times of non-conflict.</b><br />
I'm guilty of it; most of my training comes in the heat of battle, or as a knee jerk reaction to something my kids have done. This is not the best way, because I am frustrated, possibly angry, and my kids are confused or annoyed.<br />
When I take the time to develop relationship (particularly with my older ones), and talk about what we would do in certain situations, I'm giving them tools to succeed, and not fail and need a lecture.<br />
Use the actions of others around you to teach (just be careful you don't use them as an excuse to judge), and role play scenarios with the values you want to instill. Talk about boys before the boys start looking. That's something we will be doing today (because the boys have taken notice!)<br />
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<b>Make a Plan</b><br />
<a href="http://www.terrifictoddlers.com.au/">Mel Hayde</a> is the author of a fantastic book called Terriffic Toddlers, and also a personal friend. She believes that heart training can occur at even the mundane moments of the day. Meal time can teach patience and self control. Play time teaches kindness, and sharing (if there are siblings.) Watching a movie can be a time of learning concentration. Every moment in your child's days can be used to train moral behaviors, it's just a matter of changing focus to concentrate on what you want to teach.<br />
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I hope this was helpful. There is so much I would love to share, and sometimes I get confused as to what order to present it in. Please don't hesitate to ask me questions if I haven't explained myself properly, or if you are confused, and even think differently. I'm always open to new ideas.<br />
Next week I'm planning on talking about the word why. You may be surprised. :)<br />
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<p><img style="border:0;" align="left" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/271/7EEE322CA6C7863212D1FA39B4D0553E.png" /> </p>EssentiallyJesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372695554793237026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320241322520355031.post-2520470402822239242011-11-27T10:52:00.001+09:302011-11-27T10:58:11.955+09:30All I Want for Christmas Is...Dear Santa,<br />
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I know you're not real. Even though I saw you in the shops the other day and you waved to me and my kids, I don't believe in you.<br />
But I'm hoping for a minute that maybe you are. Cause Alyce, from <a href="http://blossomheart.com">Blossom Heart</a> blog (she is also blogger of the Mo did you know?) has tagged me to write a Christmas list, and I've got a really awesome one.<br />
So I'm kind of hoping you are real. I promise I've been good. <br />
So Santa, here is what I would really like.<br />
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A new house. Preferably one just like the Cullen's in the Twilight movies. (Have you seen the kitchen?) Also the location is pretty awesome too, with the forest and the mountains; I really like that Santa.<br />
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<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5679472764930133250'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh787XdA9WlG3U4fTRTv7cfiIhfhHa6BX6CyIyzz2to9EqTXGVvU1rSz1Dn5_QGbwRZMPxCrAWG7F-4woiIhsBg36BekTU6ibKBwFqhPvbbJWbgL7QyRETObbmL0sdFcpL83VqajkERbZLE/s288/14.jpg' border='0' width='263' height='191' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
<center> <a href="http://www.google.com.au/m/search?site=images&source=mog&hl=en&gl=au&client=safari&q=pics%20of%20the%20cullens%20house&sa=N#i=5">image credit</a> </center><br />
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<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5679472774973260802'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiruYnqAnu6wAfXhTOIjmYzu0BU6tK8343sH8cim8kp1jz0sNRS-2E34E4QqSNYmJCi-na9S2fc83PVosPW0Y703inLOPoPxUz_sgYVLBN_7KVpHXLcu3eiIR5rg8PKH8gGxFEB9eAy73QB/s288/15.jpg' border='0' width='274' height='184' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
<center> <a href="http://www.google.com.au/m/search?site=images&source=mog&hl=en&gl=au&client=safari&q=pics%20of%20the%20cullens%20house&sa=N#i=25">image credit</a> </center><br />
Maybe not so many wolves around though.<br />
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A maid. Not one that looks like this, cause that wouldn't make me feel so great. <br />
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<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5679472790164777042'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxuGl7I224jjtwHZm9p82N_DOYXEr8umwX2IDiiztCGhnIhtnLy1HtpHlajPWOUQiqGiKCMMd80O37z_0M8bhyphenhyphen1m3Bf5krWiVp_t_NahrzRJw9bLluxhlRok4Db9mtspjNquGa_MLMSUGg/s288/17.jpg' border='0' width='183' height='275' style='margin:5px'></a></center><center><a href="http://www.google.com.au/m/search?site=images&source=mog&hl=en&gl=au&client=safari&q=pics%20of%20maids&sa=N#i=12"> image credit</a> </center><br />
But a maid nevertheless. Who comes with windex- lots of it. Have you seen how many windows are in that house?<br />
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Dear Santa, I'd also really like another house. Maybe one like this? Not for an investment or a holiday home, but so I could give it to <a href="http://mybignutshell.blogspot.com">Gemma and her Nutshell</a>. She lives in a tiny fibro in the hills district of Sydney, and although I am not entirely sure what that means, because I am local Darwinite and a little bit special like that, she really needs something bigger.<br />
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<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5679472801874793346'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMANlp9YxidbK93Ru_5WkAVOPVl1GI6yyApjhilHdGunTkq1LRh9ACoezqRrfdlQOaDuGldyz93tKLz0y1Wt0V0xlIqlkVNUcfMafhCv374QexNkeC1azruzQK1wqdUt9TAVi9OAh4uJz/s288/18.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='180'style='margin:5px'></a></center><center><a href="http://www.google.com.au/m/search?site=images&source=mog&hl=en&gl=au&client=safari&q=mansions&sa=N#i=3"> image credit</a> </center><br />
No maid for her though. Maybe a nanny instead. And a <a href="http://mybignutshell.blogspot.com/2011/11/im-trying-to-water-my-grass.html">gardener to water her grass</a>, so she can start blogging again.<br />
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Santa you know how I love <a href="http://www.diaryofasahm.net/2011/11/pmt-challenge-crazyvlogfriday.html">doing crazy vlogs</a>? Well sometimes I have these fantastic ideas, but I jut can't achieve them with my iPhone and my kids as directors. So if it's not too much to ask, I'd like my own personal film crew, at my disposal whenever a little bit of crazy comes on.<br />
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<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5679472815607452914'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEfhQYwLhG-7v9DY96ZI8t9_fucPVnhdoeIHbSlvLjTbVWzZm6FSIWXyv4VeRbnBAF_1KWrHAm_frtayb11D453_Y2-rWNUaDQ5t8RzlvGedJBwLwb-wtmD4z5kc8y6pbJKeQCLjYPoiFv/s288/19.jpg' border='0' width='200' height='252' style='margin:5px'></a></center><center> <a href="http://www.google.com.au/m/search?site=images&source=mog&hl=en&gl=au&client=safari&q=film%20crew&sa=N#i=4">image credit</a> </center><br />
Also a trailer would be good, so I can take the family on location with me. Maybe something like this?<br />
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<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5679472823654880562'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisPrGZQvZFu6sQkVLAu-YrNI5D4YDlrxy_6uk1eJqoQ0TFsUcKPQ8OUyKxQrDtiY_aw2NoCoxjmUVpKTQWJfEZcen2R_bDfdjcAjc2dHFOrkaJ4ipa1PZLf93W1K4qeO9sO5CdiAFaxVrf/s288/20.jpg' border='0' width='100' height='75' style='margin:5px'></a></center><center> <a href="http://mmuk.tv/42/luxury-fifth-wheel-star-trailers">image credit</a> </center><br />
I hope this is ok Santa? I don't want to be greedy. But I just have one more request. You see I really like Ice-cream. And Chocolate. I love the stuff. Especially when it looks like this.<br />
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<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5679472864893342914'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2OBTlh-fpZOaYdBCuFrT6qqXFLzoVWSIjehTUSc6aYy2N3GIv3x8sJ-SrkgHBQUKaLLCyxAfxq0bpow87WmIcq8rZ2fkwi84I4aBbhoi8GUfCjMoa9A-QDkwcFclCC5J1m4cm6zgST-DX/s288/21.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
But if I'm going to be a famous crazy vlog star, I've got to watch the calories, so do you think you can somehow make it that all my food is good for me, not fatty, and doesn't give me pimples? I think you can do it. If a fat dude like you can get down chimneys, anythings possible. And hey, if you wanna lose a few pounds, do it for your food too!<br />
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Thanks Santa. I really appreciate the time you talk to read this. <br />
Did you want to read some more? How about <a href="http://daisyrooandtwo.com">Daisy Roo and Two's</a> List?<br />
Or <a href="http://eatplaybond.blogspot.com">Eat Play Bond</a>?<br />
<a href="http://aparentinglife.blogspot.com">A Parenting Life</a>?<br />
<a href="http://ifthesewalls.com">If These Walls</a>?<br />
<a href="http://mymummydaze.blogspot.com">My Mummy Daze?</a><br />
They all have awesome lists I'm sure Santa. I'll ask them and see of they will write to you too. <br />
Thanks again Santa. <br />
I'll leave you some milk and cookies. But it's hot, here, so I'll put them in the fridge. Wouldn't want you to get sick.<br />
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<img style="border:0;" align="left" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/271/7EEE322CA6C7863212D1FA39B4D0553E.png" /><br />
</p>EssentiallyJesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372695554793237026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320241322520355031.post-17712125595910622992011-11-26T13:51:00.000+09:302011-11-26T13:51:46.442+09:30The Review I Wasn't Going To Write<div style="text-align: justify;">This is the review I wasn't going to write.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I actually emailed the company to say I didn't feel that I couldn't ethically and honestly promote this product, and I wasn't comfortable supporting a product I wouldn't use myself. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So what changed?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">When I was sent the Bioffective gel, and Siberian Red from Bioeffecives, I was skeptical. I'll admit it. I'm not a big believer in natural, or herbal products. It's not that I don't think that they work, but rather that I don't like the hype that surrounds them, and being 'sold' the latest craze.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But I was ready to give it a go. I had nothing to lose, and possibly something to gain.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Then I received the product, and all thoughts of something to gain went out the window. I couldn't understand why anyone would want to use these products. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5679151388395770178"><img align="left" border="0" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_X93MHQ0kZoDpGoWu83P9QCDQ1pvBF_SE3xCqzqUlArJy62599bMDrHshz744ozS1w5VYW_a0G5AkKNY0JZBk_GIAxRlrDnn4mzdGSL55Kp8JoGZ53Mwq2kJncqYHO57PBuoW19O8VTXX/s288/17.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This is Bioffective Gel. It's made from the extract of Russian Connifer trees and combined with Aloe Vera, vitamin E and Olive lead extract. (So apparently for the past eighty plus years, Russian scientists have been researching Connifer Fir trees to discover why they are so resilient. They can literally thrive in temps between -40 degrees celcius to +40 degrees celcius. Of course this information is only available now because it was all top secret in the former USSR). Bioffective Gel is used to treat minor burns, scratches, abrasions, and sunburn.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The only problem is, the gel looks like this.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5679151408748768002"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3QSiFlM2bKMic7CEIV2hWQ8E6E211PivbV3uIm4jcWh-nsFNhDcR3GRIa5mExQj50wTPCamv7wZc9dMO2z_rPR4fT_3M5ZONjPt4Djl7ypdwpq9WJxiFVMseXKoURLJyBA-2fQFJWdISQ/s288/15.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Not very appealing. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">And the smell isn't that great either.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But it doesn't stop there, because Bioeffectives has also released Siberian Red, which is a natural elixir that is designed to be added to your water. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5679151425047597202"><img align="right" border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYxiyeGzJsyvhm0s7y6lrJuUi6E4MQhsEsLVKLPbE4km6PX4GeVxDLIo4Frb8uj4sI-lPZXd2aPyf9o3jH6sYFQm1Tm2zXtBfHQutwtpBpzj1gb5reAx_rQmm_ji8I-w5PA0y6uPhRuYU8/s288/14.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="113" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">According to Bioffecives, just 3ml's a day can help combat free radicals in the body and reduce oxidative stress.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Which, of course, sounds great.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Except that you're drinking red pine needles, and to be honest they don't taste that fantastic.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So the colour, the smell and the taste had put me off. I had decided against reviewing and that was that.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But something interesting happened. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Boatman decided to take the Siberian Red with him to work, to ask the opinion of people there, and in doing so, he had some more himself. Again, the taste wasn't palatable, but he said within half an hour, he actually felt better; more energetic and alert.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And Boatman is a bigger sceptic than me, so that is saying something.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Also the kids and I have had a cold. It's gone from one person in the family to the next, but Boatman has not got it, which makes me wonder if the Siberian Red had something to do with that too. (I didn't actually taste it. I'm a very fussy eater, and couldn't get past the smell.)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But it's the gel that has really impressed us.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Boatman's work is installing a new fence, and Friday was spent digging the holes to put them in. After 6 hours of battling heat, dirt and asphalt, Tim had some pretty nasty blisters on his hand.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">To make matters worse, he was also working a fishing charter that night, and needed his hands to drive the boat. So in a desperate attempt, he put the Bioeffective Gel on.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I wish I had taken a before pic, but I honestly didn't expect anything. This however, is the after.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5679151442128288674"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGUZ22UK30uuiqnughQffjNeBxSWH0hnteVw_O7X5n4z1u3z0XzSB_ZJ69UKEw3hLKYzD78oscl-bpV6fv_1hG6LsXD7wLtvqZqbrtUs-ReFP97iroM0EtKMikANDdmsFfYZ65uUxBDz5/s288/18.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm not sure if you can see, but that big red mark was a giant blister yesterday. The gel reduced the swelling, took away the pain, and has even been helpful on all the cuts Tim got while on the boat. (Which means he can't use them as an excuse to not do the dishes.)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Like I said I wasn't going to write this review, but Boatman, the biggest sceptic of all, told me too, because he believes in the product. He says the taste and the smell may not be the best, but you do get used to them, and the benefits are fantastic, and we will actually buy the gel again.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have a tube of the Gel and some Siberian Red to giveaway to one lucky (and brave), Diary of a SAHM reader.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you would like to give these miracle pine needles a go, just leave a comment telling me a time when your skepticism has been proved wrong, and fill out the RaffleCopter form below.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The necessary stuff: this was not a sponsored post. I received a tube of Bioeffective Gel and Siberian Red to trial.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This competition will run from the 26th November, until the 11th of December. Competition is open to Australian residents only. The winner will be notified by email, and I'll have 5 days to respond, or the prize will be redrawn.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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RafflecopterSettings = {
raffleID: 'ZWZlMDQwYjQ1ZjRmZDAzMjRmNDNkOTQxMTFiOGMzOjQ='
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</script></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><noscript>&lt;a href="http://rafl.es/enable-js"&gt;You need javascript enabled to see this giveaway&lt;/a&gt;.</noscript></div>EssentiallyJesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372695554793237026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320241322520355031.post-6161483403654752122011-11-25T05:00:00.001+09:302011-11-25T05:00:00.604+09:30The PMT Challenge #CrazyVlogFridayIt seems I am not alone in my craziness. (Thank God!)<br />
Last week if you visited Mums Lounge, you might have been lucky enough to stumble <a href="http://www.mumslounge.com.au/mums-blog/pmt-just-became-fun-take-the-prime-mime-time-challenge-.html">upon this post</a>. <br />
Go on, check it out, I'll wait for you. <br />
<br />
So you've seen it?<br />
<br />
Ok, well I was impressed. Beyond impressed. In excitement, I picked up my iPhone, and raced to the kitchen to film myself, and tried posting to Facebook immediately.<br />
<br />
Well apparently You Tube was having a hissy fit, because no one could see it. <br />
So I thought I would get the best of it, and post directly from my phone to Jolene's Face Book page.<br />
Great idea.<br />
Except that didn't work either.<br />
Well I thought it had, but what it actually did was post to my personal face book page, and I of course, had no idea until I had received comments from people who have never read my blog, and had no context at all in which to witness my humiliation.<br />
It almost broke me.<br />
<br />
But not quite.<br />
Because when Daisy posted her installment on Monday, I knew I had to join in, and so I dragged my sick eight year old who was home from school outside, and made her film it for me.<br />
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So without further ado...Jolene this is for you. <br />
As filmed by Taylah so ignore the shakiness.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/kBPxmYW0wAo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Have you joined Jolene's challenge? If not you should! Link up your crazy PMT vlog. When we all do it it makes more sense!</div><br />
And if you can't join in today, get ready for next week. To celebrate the beginning of December and the official start of summer, I'm making that the theme. Vlog whatever you like, but make sure it's Summer related!<br />
And enjoy your weekend!<br />
<img align="left" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/271/7EEE322CA6C7863212D1FA39B4D0553E.png" style="border: 0;" /> <br />
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<script type="text/javascript">
document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src=http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=103589&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>');
</script>EssentiallyJesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372695554793237026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320241322520355031.post-6991152023358675262011-11-23T10:43:00.000+09:302011-11-23T10:43:45.083+09:30Wordless Wednesday Vege TwistsLast week we were sent Vege Chips new range, Vege Twists to try. <br />
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<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5677787768954774498'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2Hrs1qghe5cd-pNlE-Buz9TO6qSTbeIsRFOoZIm9J0i8HOQEloyvzeCiAkk8UAhTVzfeVtlkIyeoXAIdervl2EOivqu88lffLXUXUurn8_ypzvMDbQiMGCb8VVqdp5MjFkZGRYyOiZ9h/s288/14.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
Ava enjoyed them with her favourite blanket, while watching tv. <br />
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<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5677787786311348882'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbI7q8vvlwQIJ7vgImra3cYbsk02h5D0DLLn9iDhqW0QLHgsyijxbvxCbfm-fWHi35OK8Wqvo5xHcM2mnQ5EqPYX4M3q9BUUuZCGxsAC3kiDAHF7D4isx0P6yfq2ifb3mVYD4o1AfsvbLK/s288/15.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
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<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5677787800454157298'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuNhOCjLydz_D0fB8XLYe-h90iWoad8Bw2bMHIkSxj53rMl8SXnsTIe9PseTac7G4HqjWWVtLs6tvDsF9hv0qtvk9ndLM6zdvkZp7KP9eupOAzQdr7W7xDeRxrsvNjpn1ITokPuDsYlHnw/s288/17.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
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And then she offered to share<br />
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<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5677787826924549346'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWbxWcbnhAhytCv4wg6Ki2tyideS-2t0xJndJiMWEpaaEBaTVk-LxJd1LtZYD7_kZOBxZMO8aNCzJbp3z5f6Ub7UZmslyNKHbfA-wWc_Tpjqli4J9mNJQ4G4G5hW8W_FW-rdkvRO-pRtO/s288/19.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
Bailey gobbled them down too<br />
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<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5677787848817902658'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrFxwrDmsBkzQ61kQGMs0o8n5XXtFA0TmZaPCQ1rRXwbxQvk5NfPIo9ewPbTTQ5hfjfeGGHRTcFJe7RrNCT1eHJJnlAT7gyZAuCdglxogHpn7vkqTPRdUcVlndob_v9c27b1nIH3OE2tHQ/s288/20.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
And even took a pack out fishing with dad. <br />
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<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5677787877259009442'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVvOklmR_QfVsnb9cfS27dUAFeuMV_Jfj6-I7DiDJP0NPyJYETzthHQy-YkbAcqqCwqFp1TpcazfBFa75GUvXBFAESKBiZjJxqsa4vAgjyvRjfgBPWAe94rPJusnOGoBPijUB3kOViyc5/s288/21.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
Best of all he caught something. (It's illegal to take fruit fishing, because it's bad luck. Thankfully the Veggie Twists carry no such stigma.)<br />
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<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5677787892336788338'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpi7MjPRTnhCzyXBIP99jH6Oj-XjXR2L_i7VEmLXBOuvs6wQWuL7C2zulV6Jil8flIK_-Hh00pwFB6547qLqBf6KM3NFoQDMXLj1FbeV0I__N7ZugpVxCNByHq0Ryu8LtkBAryTbFV0HxE/s288/22.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
Vege Twists are available at Coles and Woolworths in multipacks of six, and are a healthier alternative to other brands. <br />
Plus the kids loved them!<br />
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Linking with Trish from <a href="http://MyLittleDrummerBoys.blospsot.com">My Little Drummer Boys</a> for an (almost) Wordless Wednesday. <br />
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</p>EssentiallyJesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372695554793237026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320241322520355031.post-28429203601648028352011-11-22T05:00:00.001+09:302011-11-22T07:09:06.673+09:30Give Me Ten Good ReasonsI know, I know. I've heard all the hoopla and negativity surrounding The Circle of Mom's top 25 Aussie Bloggers nominations. People are over the pimping, and the competition, and it's all about bringing traffic to Circle of Mom's and it doesn't mean anything.<br />
I know all that.<br />
I've read lots of posts. I've tweavesdropped on conversations. The blogging community has gone slightly crazy with voting, and not voting and why you should and why you shouldn't and why it doesn't mean anything at all.<br />
<br />
But for a moment, can we just forget about all that?<br />
<br />
Cause guess what?<br />
<br />
I was nominated! <br />
<br />
Yay!<br />
<br />
I got a nice little email in my inbox telling me I was nominated for one of the top 25 bloggers, and if I'm in it to win a button! That's right! A pretty pink button that proves my awesomeness unless your a sceptic but remember that for the purpose of this post we are nothing but supportive and excited for Jess! Yay me!<br />
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So in the spirit of good pimping I have devised a list of ten reasons why you should vote for me. You're excited aren't you?<br />
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I can tell.<br />
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1. I'm <strike>crazy</strike> brave enough to post this anyway after all the negativity surrounding the competition. I've decided that I'm not going to let others opinions rob me of my excitement of this nomination, and I'm shouting it from the roof tops!<br />
Or blogging it from the rooftops.<br />
Or just blogging it, really.<br />
Don't worry. I'll stop harassing people on Facebook. Until maybe the last two days when it will probably reach fever pitch and I won't be able to resist.<br />
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2. IBOT.<br />
Hands up if you love IBOT! <br />
Awesome, thanks! I saw those hands! Thanks so much for volunteering to vote. ;)<br />
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<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5677395897802141570"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEUgpKIx8bgeIH5albTTDEd_501-0sp5qSVU6G_NfeyeJ90ikwSRPU-IUCpDehd5toysb7tyAuGsqmV-vk2YKRhZQgg9Ft8mikwid7IKRLS7DC08dB7UngO6fBgcKD9dva9WBoPUMta1ez/s288/14.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center><br />
3. Crazy Vlogs.<br />
You've all seen them. You know. I'm a little bit crazy. I like to vlog random pieces of craziness, and brighten up the world with my insanity.<br />
And in the spirit of crazy vlogs, I have composed a 43 second piece to inspire you to vote, based on some of the children's hits that are played in our home.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/MSxquMnhjb8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div align="center"><br />
</div>4. Prizes.<br />
Ok so while some people think the button means nothing, I happen to think wearing it would look good to pr companies, which means more reviews, more giveaways, and more presents for you! Who doesn't love a pressie?<br />
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<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5677400562485397666"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqbsscgioz4L9DnWTUcZBBSJ9Chk7JCvxmCDvfh8ximf75aPo828RuAgOSenfOUyi0O7BvYSdFme6NytH3H0Mzi1xVRwN7wildUZcv-FEuXhZjhcgwDjajK7wf4r_FnGm-5t2zsbngQGne/s288/18.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center><br />
5. Magnets.<br />
Speaking of prizes, I'm giving away some! See this funky little picture of my header? It's actually a magnet. (I'm kind of addicted to them.) I have fifteen of these babies to give away to anyone who votes! That's right, you read it here first! Vote for Jess, and I'll give you a little piece of Diary of a SAHM to wear on your fridge. <br />
(I also may be getting a complete blog makeover from Little Hero Designs, rendering these magnets completely useless, so I need to move them on! But they are pretty!)<br />
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<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5677400575687417538"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2uFkuf9XUqxKGrtDiK5dVHrLSVncJv9mxwLxwpKJIaRwKioYjbaYqiG9EDdJl3FfuH49LCTYh2YpXEad-mYXsq3W1E-Kks_am1V9VAd4vsc4JwlbfTg3d47ZwFl6502NS4zkHwlsOLR-1/s288/19.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center><br />
6. Loo Blogging<br />
I'm not really sure how this is a reason, but I thought I'd mention it, cause you know, it's a cool thing to do.<br />
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7. Blogger of the Mo. <br />
No I'm not offering blogger of the Mo as an incentive to vote, BUT just think, if you were the blogger of the Mo of a blog in the top 25...well that probably won't mean very much, but if you've got a magnet on your fridge, and a crazy vlog playing on YouTube, you're pretty much in a great place right?<br />
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8. Christmas.<br />
Christmas is coming; it's only 33 sleeps, and I'm not asking for anything from any of you. I have a list as long as my arm, but I won't post it because that would be strange. If, however, you wanted to get me something, and you don't have to, all I'm saying is this would be nice. ;)<br />
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<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5677400597620925890"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAq1xVJIqmblQ8USj2JnRjmA4LcaXgydyS9npCUHX2Bf38JVtBX_-p1jzMAPFXkXalfWPCxqUAfb0UsxuakslLPkqmKBIyopC7Pnh1WVNrGgzmpsoA0xFdyaJyg7h7hIZYJTi7rVhRb0N_/s288/20.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="183" /></a></center><br />
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<center> <a href="http://www.google.com.au/m/search?site=images&source=mog&hl=en&gl=au&client=safari&q=christmas%20images&sa=N#i=2%20%20%20">image credit</a> </center><br />
9. Hugs<br />
Ok. This is a hard one to write. If you vote for me, and I ever meet you in person, I. WILL. HUG. YOU.<br />
Yep. It's true. I keep my word. You can expect one Squeezy, sweaty cuddle from yours truly. You would be SO lucky. <a href="http://www.diaryofasahm.net/2011/10/dpcon12-hugfest-2012.html">I don't just hug anyone you know.</a><br />
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<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5677400602874410690"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3u25I1PuYUQlYTGQB35KELthuSNXWLjQGudRrq71PlpILcp431YyJ0pGnxg0Olo7LjMMwx7Rn6Vca7L_sYGfy72DuKx0fZ2W0XnmhpqDjX5NrVrn047Yv1Dw1TUPgCBeM8SesfnAG0o9V/s288/21.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="220" /></a></center><br />
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<center> <a href="http://www.google.com.au/m/search?site=images&source=mog&hl=en&gl=au&client=safari&q=hugs&sa=N#i=1%20%20%20">image credit</a> </center><br />
10. Boatman says so.<br />
Seriously, who wants to argue with a <a href="http://www.diaryofasahm.net/2011/11/my-husband-has-become-gangster-porn.html">Gangster Porn Pimp?</a><br />
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<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5677400676126034626"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9sDqySKhJ6ErnxImyudkX9gugNbMdB7IUtFWgm4qpev7HNFJQB4cd3VQ9Km3U1U0npIVyFnYlj7pnWF2f7YrnCDItIQ-9IDv-FqiNjSSFTkGMRb8MyvQZoxTtQZCKBAto4BCyjZwx7WT/s288/17.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="245" /></a></center><br />
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<center> (Boatman is doing his best Zoolander impersonation. And yes, he is holding a #cucumber) </center><br />
So there you have it! 10 reasons why you should totally click this button, and vote for my little patch of interwebz. And while you are there, vote for some others as well! It's not actually all about me, though you would be forgiven for thinking so.<br />
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In all seriousness though; yes blogging is a competitive thing. That's just life unfortunately. And really this is no big award, and might not mean much to some people, but it doesn't have to be a bad thing, or a negative thing. We can vote, and laugh about it, and rejoice for the people who get in that top 25, but like <a href="http://www.katesaysstuff.com/2011/11/australias-top-n-bloggers-virgin-vlog.html">Kate Says Stuff</a> says, we're all winners in the end.<br />
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<a href="http://www.circleofmoms.com/top25/australian-mom-blogs-2011" trk="t25_blog_vote">Circle of Moms Top 25 Aussie Mum Blogs</a> </center><br />
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<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5677400687882056338"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFTokBt8asWz8iWj0B8aWr83pVdI-X6wtmIN_cqC-Qg9MNpqLf7p2ZYYnBFtfT3EWmGXXzOGgIfxAdrYjo2hJpqli54qDFzHTyRKLH1_CwZvrjWwn5SKLKHSSZP9vhr0qd8t0XunMu-O_/s288/15.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center><br />
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<center> what are your thoughts on the whole circle of Mom's comp?<br />
Is it rude to ask for votes? <br />
Was this post totally cheeky and you kind of want to slap me now? </center><br />
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<img align="left" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/271/7EEE322CA6C7863212D1FA39B4D0553E.png" style="border: 0;" /><br />
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<script type="text/javascript">
document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src=http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=102830&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>');
</script>EssentiallyJesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372695554793237026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320241322520355031.post-29388212501279509672011-11-21T05:00:00.001+09:302011-11-21T05:00:01.419+09:30Heart Training 104 Writing From A Midget Pony<center><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOcaquCYt82RNE-T7A7q9CL2DDJ9uTDuLsNVsQ5i7zyQZdN3m2ljP_CZfk_GembTo7GLytpcmCYox8xT1IfJwUXvbDHrMr5vkm6_iOz4XLDQWd9TuM3lW2ys4yR2Ten80-r7frbjoZ5Qt/s1600/%253CUIImage%253A+0x4dac8d0%253E_4294967295-726422"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOcaquCYt82RNE-T7A7q9CL2DDJ9uTDuLsNVsQ5i7zyQZdN3m2ljP_CZfk_GembTo7GLytpcmCYox8xT1IfJwUXvbDHrMr5vkm6_iOz4XLDQWd9TuM3lW2ys4yR2Ten80-r7frbjoZ5Qt/s320/%253CUIImage%253A+0x4dac8d0%253E_4294967295-726422" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677039780782436658" /></a></p></center><br />
This isn't the post I had planned for today. I was going to write about macro and micro personalities and how knowing whist your child is, is so important for heart training. <br />
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But to be perfectly honest, I'm struggling. I don't feel like I have any business writing this series, because this past week my kids have been awful.<br />
We have had tantrums galore, lying, stealing, nastiness, rudeness and outright defiance. By 7:30 Friday morning, I was ready for a wine. <br />
Seriously. <br />
Ava hadn't been sleeping, so was tired and grumpy, and the other three were just being vile. It was awful.<br />
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For me, bad behavior hits hard. It's not just annoying or frustrating, but rather a personal failure that points to an area of my child's heart that I have failed to reach. When Bailey hurts his sisters intentionally, it shows me that I have failed to teach him the importance of treating others with as much value as he treats himself.<br />
When Bridie screams at me, and argues with me, and refuses to listen, it shows me that I haven't taught her the importance of respecting authority, and that I haven't proven my ability to lead.<br />
When Taylah lies it cuts me to my very core; it's the epitome of selfishness and disrespect, and it breaks my heart. <br />
<center><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgla_fKcYsTxofnG_EhcmA0QjTqBaMP4wQF3lo2TDFG2DC_PKOmVcFvTrTYRIi-2ZdDIqyCFpouppqL2Zy1timtcimoZOYBCRDwaDSosMdd-o2k9mhuGySjozEpYPv1EZT6C3wOrxNxcnfb/s1600/photo-705430.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgla_fKcYsTxofnG_EhcmA0QjTqBaMP4wQF3lo2TDFG2DC_PKOmVcFvTrTYRIi-2ZdDIqyCFpouppqL2Zy1timtcimoZOYBCRDwaDSosMdd-o2k9mhuGySjozEpYPv1EZT6C3wOrxNxcnfb/s320/photo-705430.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677036254137652450" /></a></p></center><br />
<center><a href="http://imgfave.com/view/1650463"> image credit</a> </center><br />
So when I write this heart series, it is not because I have the answers, because I don't.<br />
It's not because my children are perfect, because they are not.<br />
It's not because I think I can tell you how to do it better, because honestly I don't. Nothing I write comes from anything resembling a high horse, or even a midget pony. <br />
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I write it because I care. Because I believe that it's not just enough to have well behaved children, but rather to have children who make right choices from their heart, and not from fear of punishment, or desire for reward. <br />
I write because I know what it's like to have difficult children, and need help. None of my kids are quiet and laid black. None of my babies have slept. They have all challenged me as soon as verbally able. They have fought me from inside the womb.<br />
I have bred four incredibly determined, energetic, loud, and stubborn people, and somedays the only thing that gets me through is the fact that I am more determined, more energetic, more stubborn, and a lot louder. <br />
<center><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbaEsUMnvnej9gfLWRNapnO_psWX0TXJGH6GWXgDY0xK_IvbDHkneUsVQx8bLz-Inn_7tuHzn26-V9II_vJuNlL0BBISfx0g7wQynMDtLkTUQ6tIBwoFwcT-tIhyhRzW0qGxfYgG_Xz-ju/s1600/photo-725725.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbaEsUMnvnej9gfLWRNapnO_psWX0TXJGH6GWXgDY0xK_IvbDHkneUsVQx8bLz-Inn_7tuHzn26-V9II_vJuNlL0BBISfx0g7wQynMDtLkTUQ6tIBwoFwcT-tIhyhRzW0qGxfYgG_Xz-ju/s320/photo-725725.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677036343243197170" /></a></p></center><br />
<center> <a href="http://susaninpajamas.tumblr.com/page/49">image credit</a> </center><br />
I have done it hard, and most days I do it hard. I have parented in all sorts of fashions; I've been the the child centered parent, who changes my whole world to fit in with my kids. I've been the authoritarian parent, bulldozing my kids into line, and raising my voice too many times. I've been the threatening/repeating parent, declaring punishments I have no intention of carrying through on. I've been an absent, selfish parent. Absorbed by my desires and putting my family on the back burner.<br />
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And none of it has worked. None of it has achieved the desired result, or created a happy, peaceful home environment.<br />
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But heart training does. Because heart training gets to the inside, and shapes values and morals, and encourages right choices, made by the child. Heart training is about placing values in their heart; creating a system, a storage place, so that every situation can be understood and acted upon in the right way. It's not about, 'don't hit your sister,' Because that implies that it's ok to hit everyone but. Rather it is, 'don't hit your sister because it is important to treat others as you would want to be treated.'<br />
Heart training is about giving instructions, and a reason why; a heart value that can be stored and carried with them forever. <br />
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I have seen the value in this. Even on the bad days; even when my children are horrid and I think that there is possibly no way I could fail more as a parent, I have seen glimpses of changed hearts.<br />
That is why I am passionate about it, and that is why I share it. Not because I'm the expert, but rather because I'm the scientist, and my findings can literally change the world.<br />
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I'm a person who believes in good and evil. I'm a person who believes in light and dark. I believe that when you try to do good, when you move forward, that it can be hard. I believe that when you shine light in a dark place, the darkness tries to quench it.<br />
I believe heart training is the light in a dark world of children absorbed by what they want. I believe that if, as parents, we can teach our kids values and morals that are done because they believe them, then the world will be a better place. I believe that by me, shining my tiny little blogging candle once a week on a Monday, that I'm facing opposition from a dark force. I'm not surprised my kids have been like this; I expected it.<br />
<center><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kAXj9iV1uis3Xk51jwc6df9mosQ-lUipep5hiLc8Anxv4t_y71GKYO1eo3GguMMcAp8bs5y-6h2IHrsAVGDWLpPVhpMuW7XHOmBj5ODrVQtQh3NnuPC7A7ZuVopre4v_4s-X63B1n8kv/s1600/photo-742012.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kAXj9iV1uis3Xk51jwc6df9mosQ-lUipep5hiLc8Anxv4t_y71GKYO1eo3GguMMcAp8bs5y-6h2IHrsAVGDWLpPVhpMuW7XHOmBj5ODrVQtQh3NnuPC7A7ZuVopre4v_4s-X63B1n8kv/s320/photo-742012.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677036413037192370" /></a></p></center><br />
<center> <a href="http://livingbettertogether.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2009-11-11T17%3A27%3A00-08%3A00&max-results=10 ">Image credit</a> </center><br />
I am not necessarily, a 'kid' person. I'm a mum person. I believe in mums, and I want to help mums in every way I can. I believe that in writing this series, I can do that. If I can help just one person help their child, I believe the world is a better place. And so despite the fact that I don't feel able, that I don't feel equipped, and that I am certainly not qualified, I will continue to shine my little bloggy torch, and fight the darkness. <br />
Because like my stubborn, determined, and head strong offspring, I don't back down in a fight. I keep going for what is right. I follow the values in my heart, and this is a good thing I do. <br />
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<center>Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand-shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16 MSG)</center><br />
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<p><img style="border:0;" align="left" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/271/7EEE322CA6C7863212D1FA39B4D0553E.png" /> </p>EssentiallyJesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372695554793237026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320241322520355031.post-68061556672560159352011-11-20T14:33:00.000+09:302011-11-20T14:33:32.685+09:30Auto Correct FailI love my itoys. I do the majority of blogging from my iPad, and all my pics are iPhone pics. It's just so much easier to load them with an app than get on the computer, which by the way is hooked up to our TV. <br />
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I only have one major frustration with them. <br />
Auto correct. <br />
It gets me every time. <br />
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If you like me on facebook or follow me on twitter, or if you have ever received a text or blog comment from me, you will no doubt be able to bear witness to my auto correct feaux pars. Spelling errors, wrong words, double words, or words missed out; you name it I have done it. <br />
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It's got to the point that I now take screen shots of the more humorous ones, and since Sunday is a good day for it, I thought I'd share them here. <br />
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<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5676937632764390386'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnrNucGDvQWX5ivEu3J7mC-11ZH-B975dc549TG1JmJqYaNjIqnepIv6o3jmOOntlp7fQv1uS7gNaSm3_HHQTf5M06g6mPNuxaojPqsYBzNEm_YuXgvLfxi_nW0GCvRMw1MmT7UWyGdFbq/s288/14.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
Anyone else have a mousy ache? Or not?<br />
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<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5676937676546276498'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSkK4D_lOUJHtixl5Gw7U1BE9-qj9MYmlnK0txpn9D6N5gyflTJ2Z5H0COa5ZjHabk0Y8vf4Arf0tsEJrWkHz84zOUqArqhJPJy5nKgJ97yBqzvY2icHHSzrqFx3bF0F7i3dgbebe8AzXf/s288/15.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
How's wirching hour at your place?<br />
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<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5676937722867863794'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-A_T0jANPvrcXMWQtVVaWFNVawlQtVzqQd_wsB0qsw9Dc_FqWqrdZtnaLK-n88EhhS-TNWX6w1VOKhqPbJ_sL1xIojH3t9j0bK17Bhj3QnoWlVzEdWVTueL4OfLX3ipRR04-TWFLl6RC/s288/17.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
Plat station 3 anyone?<br />
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<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5676937756153662498'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibplmD17k4sb6XHgxvyE2SoycqB82W_L5aqr54Q19Wuf0hVaqXTZ1pyft0afy2GHEW-QrmawOASsH0RLdZfXKQju1SBoV9mkqlOxMLXRhi4D0xHEXD4ub7pzh43OwzBTv9W1fYhgSVpLwK/s288/18.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
For the record she wasn't feathered. <br />
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<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5676937803973871890'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Z1YindWwkmIA3toYxNJkFxxyvblRy8tsKjrKeeHa4x3adoyuoGc8LobN0vjCTtD8iFdihYPveON6Dp0rjDShTEnuVuxsWjMibq-L7SwWx-wT13v-_yzljji4iC8A_WhXTNEBkYDYekHx/s288/19.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
No Mahli Moo did not review boobs for her blog. Boatman did kindly offer to review mine afterwards, but considering I was talking about Chtistmas shopping, I declined. Didn't want anyone to think I was in the market for a new pair. <br />
Or offering mine. <br />
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Stay tuned; with all my failings in fairly certain this will be a regular segment. <br />
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<center> What's your most embarrassing autocorrect/typo fail? </center><br />
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<img style="border:0;" align="left" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/271/7EEE322CA6C7863212D1FA39B4D0553E.png" /><br />
</p>EssentiallyJesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372695554793237026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320241322520355031.post-54622403080890934352011-11-18T05:00:00.000+09:302011-11-18T05:00:01.430+09:30Dancing Moustaches- CVFIt's that time of the week again.<br />
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Time to pull out the video cameras or the iPhone and vlog something crazy!<br />
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And what better inspiration for today's theme, than the craziness that captures men throughout November, steals their shaving cream, and makes them hairy, and looking like gangsters; Movember<br />
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Those moustaches are crazy you know.<br />
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<a href="http://youtu.be/8JlfPBwRoZU">http://youtu.be/8JlfPBwRoZU</a><br />
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It has come to this: an email link to the clip. Turns out technology hates me tonight, so this is the best I can do. Oh and apparently you cant watch it from a mobile or in Germany or Japan. Like I said, technology hates me.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Does technology hate you too sometimes?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Do Moustaches make you want to dance? </div><br />
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<img align="left" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/271/7EEE322CA6C7863212D1FA39B4D0553E.png" style="border: 0pt none;" /> <br />
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<script type="text/javascript">
document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src=http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=101790&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>');
</script>EssentiallyJesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372695554793237026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320241322520355031.post-69110572118466733932011-11-17T09:13:00.002+09:302011-11-17T09:26:18.773+09:30Thankful for BettyHi ho, hi ho, some thankfulness I'll show (insert whistling here.)<br />
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Today I am thankful for my sewing machine.<br />
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<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5675742356075857266'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJXpx1VzXouwYwmChf_eCsRTC6oZeDa01tKGqQlZb96ByEZCJ8MGLM1w2su5kTZFsxY3DMp2AhpJFwmdBNyLvTGJg-Yvy7p7itunRIlKsHTOIY2g9xlZt7PI-mCiOcNNvu3pt0we89SbfA/s288/14.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
<center> (This photo was taken on the iPhone at night with bad light, because that's the only time I can actually safely play with her. She is very pretty I assure you!) </center><br />
It's only been the last couple of years that I have caught the sewing bug, and though I don't do a lot of it, it's nice to have something to make it a little easier. Prior to this awesome Christmas present from Boatman last year, I was confined to hand sewing, or my mothers trusty old Bernina, which is possible older than I am, and far more emotional.<br />
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Since having Betty (that's what I call her: a name I literally just made up), I have made this quilt for Ava. <br />
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<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5675742382550750306'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fps1C6WGdcIJT7NfA1lQq0Td-glWLLF0P-ttuapwpH7BN69982pdw04-iyEkdAIr1bjk2jgPS4xfOH5ze3FNiF_c9y62z5g8ehoR6GouWd9fzMtoUEa-JpvyHzocvE4yzt4UUoNJDvRp/s288/15.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
With help from my mother in law.<br />
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And this quilt that sits on our bed.<br />
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<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5675742405682580370'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEizJZVCRX3rNnWmAUVmxXaWHEk8xXHqkKyjMmz6VQ0xF25t_6078P-_7e5DRDvjgIBIAFGbw89tJWnNmeUQ6goZwm7QmAli0YlFrvE78YMusNlJ5yNGATWfYZq40Ih36je7s58oZQuwJ/s288/17.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
Also with help from my mother in law.<br />
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I'm also thankful for my mother in law. (Though now that I have written that, she probably won't read this. A post on <a href="http://www.diaryofasahm.net/2011/11/my-husband-has-become-gangster-porn.html">how it's easy to seduce her son</a> she comments on though!)<br />
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This quilt also came in handy last night, when dear little Ava refused to sleep in her own bed, and then refused to sleep in ours because her nappy had leaked and she was wet. I put the quilt over the wet spot, put her on top, and we all slept happily.<br />
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Betty is also helping me make the big girls quilts for Christmas. (Bailey has one that I made on the trusty old Bernina.)<br />
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Taylah's is almost finished; I just need to sew the border.<br />
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<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5675742425907780610'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1R21ataoLrutHAY_bYT8j36jkHREkKone90Jlk4Xs_UIdKci8UWHCCfIhahuKxyEzMT4PoXrUsBh9zf-iLArLFOAtNFHS2KavBg5LjkDxLiGZHvt7TXb96J3lFvQWUtfEhG9MGVl4lja/s288/19.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
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<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5675742447174055794'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGw-cZ4ghXFacYWCUaJJaZGUvhg75_DG2FKL2IpL9v_EhdLVrcJCJSzamp8dPvTYkEEaFEVNms96yA8LJLgT-1V8WF2f_oiMmhZ5bVj82gVqFDs8hAURV63rnSHLfilFYdi3-kca_isAnC/s288/20.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
Bridie's is still in pieces, but the pieces are almost ready to be joined together to make the quilt top.<br />
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<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5675742471661078770'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEdZB_67xiSktxShQkfTp_7LUl036NmOuYZ6f_IsW6maSPu8JnAZ3s-NXMZhyPHR3bp517pvROgVyyJDZBHY8KAbaeTvWJhHthaNul3h8a5E1x0yxooyIs2tujNysQArqyq6SAOtT4WnBc/s288/21.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
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<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5675742495375383442'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglNssvjszrsfWdByPZ8wpUaslP8H0fjy4OA0J2a59xDkEAR8kxacmQe3ZJ7l-zo4X2vR7ZQHcb5LVMqqAukk_wluwHnbGULcXGGi_eiioBM3RY52ZqyQv4z952pVGNq8rFImnMTsCtNerp/s288/22.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
I just need to appliqué these flowers onto them.<br />
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<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5675742515612491778'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3N0ylyM6vFnELjtufDDIIyuDpBKfTefGr_ZzqbI7_RPu2zSQt58WAIcWh1ghD1zeFnnT0drCj7ltgWn4ZkUZ3stvhFoOdF69-mJtedmvNxC2icj80ZeTjCh-BBaTpcEM0wJJqTUPVq4XF/s288/18.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='270' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
I'm really enjoying the creativity of making these for the girls, and I know that they will love them. It makes it so much easier that my sewing machine is so beautiful, and easy to use, so that even a novice like me can use it with minimal mistakes.<br />
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Thanks Betty. I love you. <br />
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<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5675742532900234754'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqvWeZViSpZyl-LOKOt40jSFHhiCjLQEzMYVo04jGOlgCyoAtIrQunnyzbyAGf1vuZAB0Qo2wUWCdyvqO_OTfU5bbUW1YqjQfqnLsMBbrR-Et0SMyzFnLVcn4xuQBmAcC9c8dJb_eh_qXh/s288/23.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
<center> Are you a sewer? Or rather do you sew? (Not asking if you are an underground tunnel for transporting human excrement; that would be gross. And weird if you said yes.) Do you have a special friend like Betty who makes it so much easier?<br />
Linking with <a href="http://katesaysstuff.com">Kate Says Stuff</a> for Thankful Thursday.<br />
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<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5675742542298008962'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4AJ8OXR09Kk32X2tZ-6LrcGNXYuJvhawpq0MAcFeMGSqq43du740dnJx39r_yjJymCFXTZi97QqvEuz_PJbcGGmE4C874L5738-Y_xFfQGfad_zD7J_r50h0F6-dGH1eBABJ-V-jb_ZCO/s288/24.jpg' border='0' width='150' height='150' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
What are you thankful for? </center><br />
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</p>EssentiallyJesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372695554793237026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320241322520355031.post-791570082275273462011-11-15T05:00:00.002+09:302011-11-15T07:30:39.651+09:30An IBOT Service Announcement: Interview StyleToday I'm combining two of my faviourite blogging activities: IBOT and vlogging.<br />
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I have some news, and a new blogger of the Mo, but you are going to have to watch to find out, so those of you who are anti-vlog, give it a go. In the famous words of DJ Lance, 'try it! You'll like it!'<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/dDwmJGOSb4k?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
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So are one of the nice bloggers who tries to comment?<br />
Do you like American interviews where the host is far too enthusiastic?<br />
More importantly, are you crazy enough to join me on Friday?<br />
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PS just feeling the need to qualify that in no way do I expect you to comment on EVERY post; that would be insane! But sharing a bit of the comment love is what IBOT is all about, and makes the bloggy world a better place. :)<br />
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->EssentiallyJesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372695554793237026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320241322520355031.post-29842858811010680492011-11-14T05:00:00.004+09:302011-11-14T07:48:58.074+09:30Heart Training 103- Temper TantrumsSo <a href="http://www.diaryofasahm.net/2011/11/heart-training-102-frustration-tantrums.htm">last week we talked a little about tantrums</a>, and I explained that when dealing with tantrums the first thing I do, is determine what kind of tantrum it is. Most tantrums fall into two categories: frustration and temper.<br />
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I spoke about self control training for frustration tantrums, but after posting I realised there are a whole bunch of other factors to consider. Simple things like how tired a child is, and their ability to communicate can drastically effect how frustrated they become. We don't parent in a vacuum. I'm a big believer in routine and consistency, but <i> in context </i>. That's where so many routine nazis get it wrong, and become misunderstood.<br />
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So it's important to assess all the factors, and take them into consideration, (loved <a href="http://psychbaresall.blogspot.com/2011/11/on-tantrums-walking-in-their-teeny.html">Anna Millie's</a> post on this), but what do you do when in the throes of a full on temper tantrum?<br />
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The truth is, not much.<br />
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Think of yourself. When you are in the middle of a rant, can you be easily calmed down? Not usually. It's similar with kids. They are expressing their displeasure, and a simple, 'please stop yelling at mummy,' or a giant whollop across the back side is not going to do a lot.<br />
The difference is, that while we adults can have a rant in a mature (hopefully dignified) way, a tantrum is the exact opposite. It is not simply a rant. It is anger at you, the world, and the very word no. It is defiance in the extreme. My kids often tell me they don't like me mid tantrum. They scream that I am a bad mummy and that I'm mean. They yell that they like daddy more. It is horrible, and can be quite demoralizing.<br />
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I believe the best thing to do in the fire of a tantrum is to isolate the child, and we practice this in our family from the time that our little ones can understand what they are doing. Don't be fooled: the eight month old in the high chair who is arching their back knows exactly what they are doing. Which means they can begin to understand a little isolation in the cot.<br />
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With my tiny ones, I will pick them up, place them in their bed/cot and tell them, 'we do not carry on like that in our family,' and then I leave the room. Usually they will protest, (wouldn't you?) but I will wait outside the door, and listen to their cries. There is a difference between the angry and sad cry of a pre-toddler. When I hear the cry change, I go straight in, pick her up, and ask her to say sorry. If she can't, I will use her little hand to sign the word sorry (more on signing another day), and tell her, 'say sorry mummy.' After a big, soothing cuddle, we will go back out, and (usually) the behaviour will change. Sometimes it won't. Those particularly stubborn little people can push the envelope, and if required, I will repeat this process. After this I remove the source of the conflict. If it was a meal time issue, I finish the meal. If it was touching something they shouldn't, I remove the object or them. It's very important to me that I don't exasperate my children, by creating an environment where it is hard for them to comply.<br />
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When it comes to an older toddler, or child, it's different. In theory, tantrums should not occur after about the age of five. By that point, most kids should be able to express themselves and accept no gracefully, and in a way that doesn't require a screaming fit. But life is not theoretical, and they still happen.<br />
With an older child my tantrum concerns are based on what's in their heart. What is their behaviour showing me about what they believe? A real challenge shows me a child who is not willing to submit to my authority; and I don't say that in a harsh way. It is in my children's best interest to learn respect and compliance to authority.<br />
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Super Nanny and others suggest time out for a set period; usually a number of minutes equivalent to a child's age. This doesn't work for me. For one, I may have a child who is repentant straight away, and doesn't need to sit for long. Or I have a child who is happy to wait their time and then come out and challenge again.<br />
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Rather I send my children to their room with the instructions, 'you can come out when you are ready to obey mummy with a happy heart.' This puts the responsibility back on them; they must decide what is the right thing to do. I practice this from about three, but it depends on your child's maturity and understanding. Some kids you can start earlier, and others later.<br />
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Usually it's easy to see a change of heart. If they willingly, without challenge or complaint do what was asked, and apologise properly, you know that they have owned their own actions, and have changed their heart attitude. If they continue to complain or cry, they have just faked it to come out, and need to resume time out until they are ready to change.<br />
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Sometimes with Taylah (who is 8), I'm not sure if she has had a real change of heart, so I will ask her to go back into her room, until I come to speak to her. If this is met with tears and frustration, I know that she is still not ready to comply, and must think things through some more. If she goes happily, I know that she is in fact ready to come out.<br />
For an older child, we don't call this time out. It's reflective sit time, and I ask my older girls to consider their actions. <br />
What have they done wrong? <br />
Who have they hurt? <br />
What do they need to do to make it right? <br />
Have you spoken to God about it? <br />
Do you need to say sorry to Him?<br />
Depending on the offense, I will go through these questions with the girls myself, and help them find the answers.<br />
This process is usually used when I notice a behaviour I'm not happy with, like nastiness, lying, refusal to listen, that kind of thing. I don't use this for more tame offenses like getting distracted by the tv, or forgetting to feed the dog, or not tidying the lounge. And honestly, with Taylah, we rarely have tantrums, or outright disobedience. Reflective sit time is used when it's matters of her heart we want to see her change.<br />
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So in a nutshell, that's how we deal with temper tantrums. There is so much more I could say, but it would be an essay, so if you have questions feel free to ask.<br />
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Also I've had a bit if interest in the idea of a heart training series; it's something that's very near and dear to me, and I'm excited to do it. If you're interested, let me know in the comments, and what sort of things you want to chat about. I don't have all the answers, but I'm learning as I go, and and happy to share.<br />
<center><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZ4-H_m73LG10s8goWahEAZa258U0C0WPrqEKk_9cZcV4i6YtzKgcq40bn2CnexkcwpDYspX5MtxG6Lg1dS0TDH6WRETdihxUdLhEdzQtcatB6QhpV7BjK1W4O1nHp3hUrBo0hBDqna4P/s1600/photo-739877.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZ4-H_m73LG10s8goWahEAZa258U0C0WPrqEKk_9cZcV4i6YtzKgcq40bn2CnexkcwpDYspX5MtxG6Lg1dS0TDH6WRETdihxUdLhEdzQtcatB6QhpV7BjK1W4O1nHp3hUrBo0hBDqna4P/s320/photo-739877.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674438810375250290" /></a></p></center><br />
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<b></b><p><img style="border:0;" align="left" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/271/7EEE322CA6C7863212D1FA39B4D0553E.png" /> </p>EssentiallyJesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372695554793237026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320241322520355031.post-37340710561629340012011-11-13T14:19:00.004+09:302011-11-13T21:18:53.762+09:30BubbaGum Bamboo Wrap Giveaway<div style="text-align: justify;">As I write this, it is hot. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Who am I kidding, this time of year in Darwin, it is ALWAYS hot! At 7:00 this morning it was 28 degrees and 87% humidity: read hot, sticky and muggy. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">The air is thick here, it's almost like blanket. When you leave the confines of air conditioning, it surrounds you like a giant sticky hug you didn't really want.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Like I said. Hot.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Some people don't mind it. Some people can play sport in this weather, or sit and watch sport. They can spend all day in a hot boat. They know it's hot but it doesn't bother them that much.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I am not one of these people. I like cool. I like air conditioning and a breeze, and to not feel as if my shirt is going see-through from sweat. Two of my girls are like me, and the other two kids are like Tim; tolerant and possibly a little crazy.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So when the girls from Style Counsel asked me to review some kids bamboo pajamas by <a href="http://ergopouch.com.au/">Ergo Pouch</a> for Ava, of course I said yes. Bamboo is supposed to keep you 2-3 degrees cooler in hot weather, and like I said, it's always hot weather here. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5674332413004467650"><img border="0" height="71" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgukXygzzkX4DEWoY3pllkIa9fVaha3QLy_j7WAshKW68peYQJZjV2mJi7uuk7k8wvClripqul00rccHtAD4Dqbx0kKNaiWjNCr-pPFtC2lOUIPFHEwJIyj51mMkC8aOzgdEjIenENro7F5/s288/19.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="251" /></a></center><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Now to be fair, I have no idea if she is cooler or not. I considered asking her but didn't want any negative comments. ;) But the bamboo feels cool to touch (not to mention deliciously soft), and it dries really quickly too. After getting dressed for bed the other night, she decided to go and sit in the wet shower recess fully dressed. The shorts we took off, but the shirt dried quick enough that she could wear it to bed.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Oh and did I mention how cute they are?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5674332430493281346"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvhHlC-0fb3x5gb1Sn0ZCwsWfjMEPZR1i-Kk6XYbcfgcmEFnlN2kq9BSdGd-0ORiolN-b2iMriR2HnXqgVEpdWUAqClZyemvIRYsbDzj4JZ8CJ2undoN1DSZROPrT9C43p5M8VNRKwdt_w/s288/15.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="400" /></a></center><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">The <a href="http://ergopouch.com.au/">ergoPouch</a> range is designed to give babies safe, comfortable sleep, and considering that sleeping babies are sometimes hard to come by, that sounds pretty good to me. The natural fibers stabilize the temperature, creating less need for restlessness and possible early waking, and not only are they cooler in warm whether, but warmer in cool weather. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5674332459771559954"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGlu2L5ptNjYWspWeCQBmmS09teLiiAsXHPC-aucgzjB0rj6Y48e9lzZDu8_CsLU6t6uvl87mwDaoI3bc3Oxvh0EO673rpJ3_VAx1RC5daCpOtd6T8iMRSMa7UBwfWTYoSA21Ut-PUmTD/s288/17.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="233" /></a></center><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://ergopouch.com.au/">ErgoPouch</a> has a number of different products available on their website. Not only are these gorgeous jammies there (in long sleeved too), but they also have wraps, sleeping bags, arm warmers, and this gorgeous t-shirt that actually turns into a comforter so that bubby can have your smell all the time. Unfortunately I'm done having babies so I don't get to try these out, but one of my lucky readers can!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://ergopouch.com.au/">ergoPouch</a> is giving away a Bubbagum! (valued at $29.95) These gorgeous bamboo wraps are perfect for swaddling, and come in gorgeous colours. They would make a great gift or keep it yourself.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5674332469807122866"><img border="0" height="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BC8nk6ALBtNrCkbKz2TaiuAmNoXeNUyYWL062o7igv-2_tjh9HNpWFfq7LY5ybXem9p15CMXYPIHDOaaUStk9Od8KK26O1Kt4llkb_HgtjJMUJw5k_jX7_WdtQGXrUrQ_pBLG032xbUH/s288/18.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">I have one to give away to a lucky reader, and it's a bit like a lucky dip cause I have no idea what colour it is! It came all wrapped beautifully like this, and I didn't want to open it. :)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5674332491535540210"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPQm57SvU3FLxtrQw52zWkQEV-OO3Gti3cRVyAuwPuvKJzpYA3-y7VwBzE_XHOx4Nk3kXqp9w4Wm8ZR054xZ6VukfrzOFJVO5cH1YnhSVvVD9bg8FqLfwkZ22k96oyRXjrgj7GGCdo5k1/s288/14.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">All you have to do to be in the draw is leave a comment telling me what you wish you had had when your babies were little, that wasn't available, or you didn't know about, and fill in the rafflecopter form.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Easy leash, lemon Squeezy!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Disclaimer: this is not a sponsored post. I received a pair of bamboo pajamas from ergoPouch. All views are my own.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This competition is open to local and international viewers, and will run from the 13th to the 27th of November. The winner will be contacted by email, so please make sure it's public, or leave it in the comments. The winner will have one week to contact me with their postage information before it is redrawn.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<img align="left" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/271/7EEE322CA6C7863212D1FA39B4D0553E.png" style="border: 0;" /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div>EssentiallyJesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372695554793237026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320241322520355031.post-68206150920077846652011-11-11T07:00:00.001+09:302011-11-11T07:00:00.846+09:30Introducing Crazy Vlog FridayI have decreed Fridays 'Crazy Vlog Fridays.' On account of me posting <a href="http://www.diaryofasahm.net/2011/11/day-comments-went-away_04.html">two last Friday</a>, and generally just posting crazy vlogs in general.<br />
<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5673331625605784482'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9YJHfww_Sd2YQckBDOP2VUko4jDgBUnke90LswW3AKyjcXRGlceQD57Psp8B9iEhmMKC4ImCDmxa8_1ifVTZVxWNCVeeC9yc1XFSs7Ktx5kAMDSYqti-mP245t64D0BE9tserC1BYePK6/s288/14.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
<br />
So the back story for this particular ramble finds itself at the coles Supermarket, a couple of months ago. I went through the checkout, and found that the young (not terribly bad looking) checkout guy was overly friendly. I walked out of the store a little taller thinking, 'yeah, I've stil got it!'<br />
<br />
Over the next few visits, checkout guys hours increased, so I saw more of him, and he was as exuberantly friendly every time. <br />
The other day, whilst there, I saw him and thought to myself, 'oh there's that young checkout guy who always flirts with me.'<br />
<br />
And then I realised what I had thought. <br />
<br />
He was young.<br />
<br />
That made me old.<br />
<br />
I am the old mum of four who gets the giggles cause the guy at Coles is friendly on occassion.<br />
<br />
I'm a cougar!<br />
<br />
So of course I did what is only natural in this situation and sent a text to Daisy and Gemma. Gemma informed me that according to her very good friend we are not cougars at our age, but pumas. <br />
Daisy said she wanted to see me vlog about it.<br />
<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5673331642497875490'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJXlu-wgnPG3FBWkRIfNaBTVm6kwZJSO2G_ofPwgcoP9kEwwTHkDkIUhR1PeXqjAzEyyCBNeEkvcIzLlSFUUooDFO_4rsosh2yh2yFq4XuoO3sFMvnTnJMznMN6XhEs5a3wRyRXACCr8T/s288/15.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
<br />
So of course I did.<br />
<br />
It turns out, the trip was a bit of a let down. Checkout guy is apparently overly friendly with everyone, and not at all interested in me.<br />
<br />
If I've got it, I've lost it, but that's life. At least it means I'm not a cougar.<br />
<br />
Anyway, with no further ado, I present to you a David Attenborough style vlog, on the adventures of the housewife.<br />
<p align='center'><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/11IV_BZSfn0" width="400" height="300"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/11IV_BZSfn0" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><!-- Fallback content --><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11IV_BZSfn0"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/11IV_BZSfn0/0.jpg" width="400" height="300" />YouTube Video</a></object></p><br />
I'm sure you have noticed that I didn't get his face. I thought it kind of inappropriate since he had no idea he was being filmed. Also, I was scared that there was the off chance he might see it.<br />
<br />
Also apparently I'm taking vlogging requests now. So if you have a Crazy Vlog Friday you'd like to see me do, drop a line. I'm not making promises but I might just be crazy enough to do it!<br />
<br />
PS. If you're wondering what that #hornyhippo comment was in reference to, <a href="http://www.diaryofasahm.net/2011/11/my-husband-has-become-gangster-porn.html">click here</a>. It'll fill you in. :)<br />
<p><br />
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<img style="border:0;" align="left" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/271/7EEE322CA6C7863212D1FA39B4D0553E.png" /><br />
</p>EssentiallyJesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372695554793237026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320241322520355031.post-87966619156369858312011-11-09T10:06:00.001+09:302011-11-09T10:08:35.406+09:30My Husband Has Become a Gangster Porn PimpI love my husband. He is smart, funny and a great dad. He helps around the house, and he let's me pick the movies on date night. He spoils me absolutely rotten on birthdays and Christmas.<br />
<br />
He is also very attractive.<br />
<br />
I mean, look at this face.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5672786211575806418'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmGtQXuwd9Kga8VtwmILFXssPCvwB0ol7zAGgp9EGS3FQ3I0MnKsVZJukmx2DJvJP-ILJF3nVE5WUIH_wH-FeGCOuIBuTFQymal9bDbhh4jh6Zp97NOpRtxt0CRbwhuFaFCA5CUbXDHaB/s288/14.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
I know it's not just me. Others think the same thing. In fact the first time I ever saw Boatman was when he was a teller at the Credit Union and we used to make up excuses to go in there. We nicknamed him Hot Tim, and it caught on. He can tell you stories of customers who would bring him coffee and ask him out. He had this kind of shaggy haircut back then, but it suited him. Obviously others agreed.<br />
<br />
When 'Hot Tim' from the bank noticed me, I couldn't believe it. Actually I still can't. On a hotness scale he is like 11 and 1/2 out of ten, and I consider myself about a 4. I'm sure he married down, but he doesn't think so, so that's ok. He thinks it's the other way around, which just goes to show that he is crazy, and thereby perfectly suited to me!<br />
<br />
So when <a href="http://billboard.mumslounge.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=90:30-day-sex-challenge-begins&catid=3:sample-3&Itemid=4">Daisy was talking about the 30 day sex challenge,</a>and encouraging me to get involved I thought, 'why not?' I love my husband and I want to get better at pleasing him in this area. And besides he's hot; it's not like it's a hard task.<br />
<br />
Of course Boatman was on board. (Why wouldn't he be?) And we were all set for November the first.<br />
<br />
But November the first, I woke up to this.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5672786232305361794'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi63TfOxpAZD1IUst3cVhmcRis6Y_guauT25gjydDcCV62J0kBqy-GulfJ_-tl0FTZfkM5f-ezTYdj95WvrEMBfsTBBpYV-T1UCNrUDAikLHlEF0Degq5-f9W93INce8CDTui2BInQ8LXu6/s288/15.jpg' border='0' width='264' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
Movember.<br />
<br />
Ugh!<br />
<br />
He had mentioned he was going to join up, and I had pleaded with him not to. With a mustache he looks a lot like his dad, and whilst I love my FIL I don't love him <i> like that </i> and we were about to embark on 30 days of sex here! <br />
His solution to avoid the comparison was instead to channel Merv Hughs.<br />
<br />
Great. <br />
<br />
Not really sure which is worse.<br />
<br />
Of course the mo is not complete without the sideburns, and he is currently growing out the lamb chops right now. His hair also needs a cut (if he will let me after <a href="http://www.diaryofasahm.net/2011/10/i-vlog-on-tuesdays-i-whip-your-hair.html">Bailey's disaster</a>), so it's led to some rather unsavoury comparisons. <br />
The guys at work have decided that he looks like a gangster porn pimp.<br />
Yep. <br />
30 days of sex with a gangster porn pimp.<br />
<br />
I am the <strike>most long suffering</strike> best wife ever!<br />
<br />
It got me thinking that there is no way that we chicks would defile our appearance for a whole month to raise money for breast cancer or PND. No we do sensible things. We dress in pink and have <a href="http://mybignutshell.blogspot.com/2011/11/im-not-scared-of-cancer-im-scared-of.html">nice morning teas</a>.<br />
<br />
Not men. No. They throw away their razors with reckless abandon and still expect their long suffering wives to put out!<br />
<br />
I've discovered, through this whole adventure, (and through going through the 30 days of sex workbook) that physical appearance is very important to me. <br />
I may not be lying when I say that for the first couple of days I required Boatman to put a pillow over his head.<br />
<br />
In all seriousness though, Movember is raising money for a great cause; research into men's cancers and depression. Let's face it, we all know what man-flu is like. Do we really want a partner facing anything worse?<br />
I think not.<br />
<br />
So I can put up with my gangster porn pimp for a month, because it's what's inside that counts. And what's inside is a man who cares about others, and wants to help if he can, (And quite possibly a Merv Hughs/slash Underbelly Star wannabe.)<br />
<br />
Now Boatman has required me to let you know that you can sponsor his appearance transformation, and in doing so, be in the running to win a brand new ute from Dmax. (I've driven one of these; they are a lot of fun.) So being the dutiful <strike>#hornyhippo</strike> wife that I am, <a href="http://au.movember.com/mospace/2107528/">I'm including a link for your benefit</a>.<br />
<br />
Also the gorgeous Alyce from Blossom Heart Blog is running a <a href="http://www.blossomheartblog.com/2011/11/movember-2011-mosista-hood.html">MoSisters Campaign</a> during Movember. She believes that we need to be just as passionate about men's health issues, as we are about women's, and is running a link up for the month. So any other MoSisters out there who are writing about Movember, link up with Alyce and wear your MoSisters button with pride. She is also offering a prize too so click on the link and check her out.<br />
<center><a href="http://www.blossomheartblog.com/2011/11/movember-2011-mosista-hood.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Blossom Heart" src="http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn200/alycejb/Blog/MoSistaHood-1-1.jpg" /></a></center><br />
<br />
And finally if all this sex talk has tickled your fancy, head over to <a href="http://billboard.mumslounge.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=90:30-day-sex-challenge-begins&catid=3:sample-3&Itemid=4">Mum's lounge</a> and check out Daisy's posts about the challenge. She is not offering a prize, but 30 days of sex is kind of a win in itself!<br />
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<p><br />
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<img style="border:0;" align="left" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/271/7EEE322CA6C7863212D1FA39B4D0553E.png" /><br />
</p>EssentiallyJesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372695554793237026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320241322520355031.post-13755106217116992712011-11-08T05:00:00.005+09:302011-11-08T12:49:51.972+09:30Review and Giveaway-an IBOT Extravaganza!I'm not a huge fan of online shopping. I like the act of shopping; the walking and the browsing and the excuse to leave my kids with Boatman for a few hours. It's relaxing and satisfying.<br />
<br />
But Darwin's not a big place, and sometimes our options are limited. So with Christmas fast approaching, I thought it was time to explore a little more thoroughly the world of web shopping, and where better place to start, than a fellow bloggers boutique.<br />
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I stumbled across Mums the Word Boutique on Facebook, and was instantly banned by Boatman. The temptation was just too great. Sarah has all sort of gorgeous stuff here like these cute stuff animals.<br />
<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5672230692775914290"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhfrJ9zSpt65-tR3RQvwHBqBMpQ-UW3cbV6arUVHifKGfqtfym7pI6gVr3e24tXWyUDWK3PbjBsO8FsTrMclj1uMRu09_OVEsnoVvvKl2jN03_U9LLcR-n9rcR-twVDP4kYeWIM1kg7mz/s288/14.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="229" /></a></center><br />
This picnic set that I just know Bridie would adore,<br />
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<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5672230702610837826"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYzg_8C0N23k4t-jKK69nK5ByjblAQfuZ3-GTxaOsDKBnDbWpNfv8uayphSYdvPaHLGJcVbuEmJ6kp8EkhJma-jqTiXVZlzlxM_to05KQX1cDp3mjlypsBOFxAawRxL9s4jarIkFAMhZGG/s288/15.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="300" /></a></center><br />
And a whole bunch of handmade Christmas goodies.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5672230708311889618"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkW7zcng0UUJpLctjwTng_AOg2bV281nZlhAQeQAi83RAs2p18KMV3HbhKi1j6ZaWA3ZkmfpWGN11LPswt0h8EoNtNLAoPMXZv4WPNxrMVoYtZ-hmsCX7mw8b1nkPvltAzLeNWlo2fVeDN/s288/17.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="131" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5672230710485140386"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMDWQDspqXJd3-E51TQUwkgNQpmI7rInZY-tXYnTd4aZLW6k8GwIMU9YEcSu9vdBht7m6ZCgmKNnG2XYhY6RJe381DU2naw9AhXD0Enw1B2mpoPyXCVRXyFS-4fipcbH2WbBDO-vFOu8q/s288/18.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="214" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5672230716646368002"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0mM8Rz4p7LMzLlZsj6gaHpkS_GVAIZyqGv3bqLDN10FOlO7CBYmoQueKOe68flKvat2qiGmzR1yesV4CfxOcBy8M_-V31QxASshnfynNwajC8ld1nqBn3x1aBtmVYMaFnR0Gr1eeKvk3K/s288/19.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="131" /></a></center><br />
I also came across this.<br />
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<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5672230725999219570"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6cNGSZxZSBArCx1EVEmUr76ElZGWMAUh12xJeK2bjZ2jfGTen7JPZ82Qyk_tRyYCII7k3yF8xgzDyL3jE-hj7auZZrYz0mqy8xB5yjBz7layj1wsMlDDFMWVNk4YCTmPO4FpGwAmV2-yd/s288/20.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center><br />
A My Choice Magnetic chart.<br />
These kinds of things really appeal to me; anything that can help the kids get some kind if visual cue as to how they are improving their behaviour is a great idea in my book.<br />
So when, literally 5 days after seeing these online I was asked to review them, I jumped at the chance.<br />
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The set comes with a magnetic board, and a sheet of magnets for your child to 'decorate' it. There is a little photo frame that you can put their pic in (which I didn't do because I am shocking when it comes to printing photos,) and included is a washable marker with eraser so it can be personalized with your child's name.<br />
The pack also comes with a booklet to help you get the most out of the chart, and suggestions for rewards.<br />
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<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5672230734045186050"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMWDx_P425PgSGhSURODohYBzUZKguRj2Bt0neYfkHFRWeEneUVwN3IbdVjL7RE_svDgSJkq5MZJtWJHfGZlsKDOqrMY3vj2ZH1vHQe_d5l4d0MkZ231C0HD3ZR_FdLitWH6KTQ2JMtNQ-/s288/21.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center><br />
The basic idea is simple. You choose a character quality that you want your child to develop, and then talk with them about it. Together you agree on a 'reward' activity, which is then written on another magnet at the bottom. When you child displays the desired behaviour, they place a star magnet on the 'night sky' section of the chart, and at the end of the set time, you count how many stars they got, congratulate their achievement, and carry out your activity.<br />
The stars come in yellow and blue, so you could easily work with two children at the same time, or with one child and two character traits. I've used it once with Bailey and we focused on patience and kindness, and when he was done, we went out for ice-cream.<br />
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<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5672230745375108194"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfhz9hFz-HOdPZoNiDqEFNvLMraYcbytjJQt9BNXYF6QEf9QqsjxTlI_GmDbWLCvQeREeXB85fkXw0zXXzZXKjIWVMNB6P0g408cKX9EIF6usdkr-LDFMd4l0zfttJoIXvLdVj4SF8uiB/s288/22.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center><br />
He did great applying kindness by sharing with his baby sister.<br />
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<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5672230754855254866"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvxCZCYhCDOYbbYNXyTbzAc8pwRAfi7poZYGLlduCxarWdsBTv1_JrJ7laUeHCqpykoiRkZg2h4Q_ffK1QyIb-JU5UDWKOw_ZV4izGDZEFebz92zD2ytJLdLsWN2PhqxgFxPWa91LeKgv/s288/23.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center><br />
I've done sticker charts a lot in the past, and what I like about this is that it's all there, in one convenient pack, and it doesn't take a lot of work from me. Also it challenged the way I did things. With the older girls I have always set a 'target' for stickers, but the work book suggested that instead of setting a goal, you set a time limit and just praise them for the good they did. I found this was very effective for Bailey's age because he could see the end. Next time I will try it with Taylah and Bridie, and I'll probably require them to achieve all their stars because of their age. <br />
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<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/117317970501335605427/DiaryOfASAHM?authkey=Gv1sRgCPek8oXqoYzA3wE#5672230768038719362"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk37j5tw1TfVEprwF-92BghMqgHdK2pGS5Wx4NbW3T1AJK96BihTVGgJHX4Ubqh6QbkF37U2W9UiolTI7YJOvWZ174LhtsdAW1hXiPNMgFLupIpuosdKgMWbtxK3jGc74WU94dWYFpb62E/s288/24.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center><br />
The other thing I really like about this is the way it encourages children to choose. The back of the chart has over a hundred suggestions for positive choice words, and encourages parents to remind their children to say I choose.<br />
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'I choose to be purposeful.'<br />
'I choose to be calm.<br />
'I choose to be hopeful.'<br />
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You get the idea.<br />
It's very proactive and encourages little ones to take responsibility which I I really love. <br />
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The best bit is, thanks to Mums the Word, you too can have your own My Choice Chart for your little ones! Sarah is graciously giving one lucky Diary of a SAHM reader a pack valued at $34.95, which is be exciting, because as you all no doubt know, I <a href="http://www.diaryofasahm.net/2011/11/heart-training-102-frustration-tantrums.html">love helping families</a> find better ways of doing things.<br />
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Oh, and if you needed any further convincing, Sarah is a fellow LooBlogger!<a href="http://www.diaryofasahm.net/2011/11/bedazzled-looblogger-wins-prize.html"> She won last weeks Facebook Competition</a>, so that makes her all kinds of cool!<br />
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For this comp I'm giving rafflecopter a whirl. It's pretty easy, and once you're done entering, you can add your link, and go read the rest of Tuesdays awesome blogs! What are you waiting for?<br />
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Disclosure: this is not a sponsored post. I received one My Choice Chart for review. All opinions are my own and I honestly just loved the product. The competition will be run from Tuesday 8th of November to Tuesday 22nd of November. The winner will be announced on Facebook and via the blog and will have one week to contact me for shipping of their prize.<br />
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