The year that was 2010...

I thought as it's getting closer to Christmas and the end of 2010 that I would share my reflections on the year that was 2010.

• I became even more addicted to watching the T.V series; True Blood and Burn Notice...
• I watched my 3mth old baby grow into a walking, babbling, throwing toddler...
• We endured months of sickness (thank you day care) and now have immune systems of steel...
• I thought about loosing weight...alot!! But have had to realise that thinking about it doesn't actually make it happen (damn it); this is on my 2011 list...
• I came up with an idea that would make parents life easier and so the decision to launch alittlebird was made even though I haven't had an unbroken nights sleep in over 12 months...phew!
• Further to sleep and lack of it; we spent a week at sleep school, controlled cried, rocked, patted, nursed and finally co-slept in order to stay sane during those broken nights....
•  I did not spend nearly enough "date nights" with my hard working husband (it's also on the list for 2011)
• I gained new friendships through my mothers group that I know will last a lifetime...
• I saw alittlebird go live in August (yay!) and have since seen our community grow and benefit from what started as an idea..
• I realise my friends can get tired of hearing "I'm working" whenever I'm asked "what are you doing tonight"
• I have learnt heaps personally and professionally and look back over the journey 2010 has taken me through with a smile on my face and am eternally grateful for the amazing supportive people in my life :)

So how was your 2010 and what are your thoughts on 2011?

I'm looking forward to 2011 bringing my family and I prosperity, good health and a few less kg's for me would be great.

The adventures of 1 Advent Calendar and 2 Kids...

(Guest Blogger)

Advent Calendars

So here we all are, counting down the days until the Fat Man visits.  I’ve noticed all the comments on facebook and like many of you, we too have an advent calendar (thanks Ma-Ma and Grandad, that was a very special visit from the postlady).  

To my mind, an advent calendar gives a visual reminder and countdown to Christmas Day.  As a child, I would be so excited to receive it in the mail from my own grandparents, and ‘negotiate’ a roster of door-opening with my siblings.  It was all fairly well executed and reminded us of the religious nature of the event, because in those days there was no chocolate inside, only parts of the Christmas story so that when all the doors were read in sequence, the full story of Mary & Joseph & baby Jesus was revealed.

Now my kids have their advent calendar and it’s a totally different affair.  We have Rudolph on the front and chocolate inside.  The only mystery to it is the shape  embossed on the chocolate.  Every morning we open a door and get the chocolate, and usually share it without too many hassles. 

The problems actually start approximately 30 seconds after the calendar is put back on the shelf, when Miss 18mths says “chocolate” (in her own special way) and tries to climb up to get more.  When I say no, she throws herself kicking and screaming onto the floor.  Then Mr 3 joins in with the “why not” and instantly it’s total chaos.  This scenario repeats a few times a day and seriously, I can’t stand the calendar!  Meanwhile the ants got stuck into it overnight so we’ve had to clean off and re-engineer the whole thing. 

Instead of bringing the joy of anticipation to our December, the chocolate has brought tantrums (theirs) and tears (mine).  Next year I’m talking to Ma-Ma and Grandad about finding some religion instead!  Does anyone know where to buy non-chocolate calendars???

Postscript…

It’s all over… Mr 3 found the stash of chocolate in the fridge this morning, where we had hidden it (badly) to protect it from ants and children.  He came to me this morning with chocolate literally spilling out of his mouth.  For this year at least, the dream is over!

Rainy Day Ideas!!!

Are your kids stuck inside for another rainy day?

alittlebird is here to help with some great Rainy Day Ideas for kids.

Rainy days don’t have to be dull and boring. Don’t forget to improvise to create craft ideas for kids. With a little preparation, your children will almost be wishing that every day is a rainy day.

Share with us your favourite Rainy Day Ideas.

§  Make a book. Kids of all ages can work on making a book. Young children may want to make picture books while older children can write out a full story. You can bind your books using either a stapler or string. Don’t forget a cover!

§  ABC scavenger hunt. Give each child a piece of paper that has the ABCs written on it. Children must go around the house looking for things that start with each letter. The first one to find an object for each letter wins.

§  Play board games. Board games are great for rainy days and getting children to play together. You should always have a couple of different choices on hand. You may want to periodically swap games with another family. This way, you can make sure that your kids never get bored with the games you have on hand.

§  Baking. Rainy days are also a great time to bake some cookies. Kids love to help out with cooking and this will give them something to do. If you make sugar cookies, they can also decorate them after they’ve been baked.

§  Crafts. Make a special “rainy day craft box”. Inside, put in various craft supplies such as paints, markers, glue, glitter, and clay. If you only allow your children to use these craft tools on rainy days, they will be excited when a rainy day comes around. Every once in awhile, get a new craft for the box so that they will be surprised.

§  Puzzles. This is a great time to bring out a 1000 pieces puzzle and have everyone in the family work together to complete it. If you have a child that is too young to do this, you can find a piece and tell them where to put it.