Tuesday 2 September 2014

That Time We Went to Mc Donald's at 4am

Monday night was a rough night....actually the whole day was. I was tired, the kids were grumpy, probably exasperated by my own grumpiness. My Mother, siblings and husband will all tell you that I am not a fun person to be around when I am sleep deprived.
Anyhow, Liliana woke up at 1am screaming, like she had a bad dream or something. I felt bad for her and brought her into bed with us. She kicked, squirmed, talked, and generally was a pain I. The but for about 90mins til I could handle it no more and put her back in bed with the iPad (yes I know, bad parenting but I don't care). A hhh silence can finally sleep.....or not. Auron woke up to the noise of the iPad, seriously this kid can fall asleep listening to his sister scream down the house but as soon as he hears Peppa Pig or whatever she was watching his was wide awake wanting a turn too.
Aarahi went in to sort it out, Lili was asleep so he took the iPad from her, BAD IDEA. She was awake again and inconsolable. Aarahi tried, I tried, nothing worked so what else do you do? Well we all got up and went to Mc Donald's in our pajamas at 4am.
Unfortunately for me I realised I was fasting for my glucose test in the morning so I watched them all eat their pancakes. We went back to bed and got up an hour later to start the day.
At the glucose test I was surprised I held that foul drink down, I spent the first half of it laying on the floor in the toilet.
Aarahi picked me up after 3 hours and we went and got lunch and churros.
Thankfully last night everyone slept much better and we are a happy family again!




Thursday 21 August 2014

Auron: "Liliana Makes Me CRAZY'

Today started with Auron rushing into my room at 630am to tell me that "Liliana is really really sick!" They had both slept in the living room on the fold out couch the night before. I rushed out of bed still not fully awake and stumbled down the hallway. I completely expected to be greeted with a vomit drenched couch when I entered the living room. I was instead greeted with a perfectly happy little girl busy watching TV. I turned to Auron and told him that Lili wasn't sick, he just shrugged his shoulders.

The next event for the day occurred over breakfast. A few days ago we ran out of Monster Grain cereal (Aurons word for Nutragrain). I didn't bother buying anymore since we had several boxes of other cereal that we needed to use up. When breakfast was served up at the table Lili got right in and was finished within 10mins. Auron on the other hand had the biggest melt down ever because there was no Nutragrain. "Liliana ate it all" and "Liliana you naughty girl!" It is true she did have the last of the cereal days ago.  You would have thought the world was coming to an end....well maybe his world was. He cried and put on a good show for about 40mins before he decided to just eat what was in front of him. I think what I found most amusing about the whole ordeal was that Lili was on the Ipad watching the song Let It Go from the Frozen movies.

We headed into the shops for lunch and to pick up a few things for the new baby. I've tried a few times to explain to Auron about the new baby coming but he just doesn't believe me. Here are a few things he told me today when we were out shopping and I tried to explain it to him:

  • Stares at me blankly and says "No Mum" 
  • You've got to be kidding me!
  • Shakes his head and waves his finger at me "No Mummy, Liliana is the baby" 
Who knows what he's going to think when he finally arrives. He was quite excited to show Daddy the new clothes for "baby Liliana" He did agree they were probably too small for her though. 

In preparation for the new baby I have been trying to get Auron to walk around the shops instead of taking it easy in the pram. Lili being quite jealous of the freedom her brother has, has managed to get out of the pram and walk too. While Auron is obedient anyone who knows Lili knows that she has a mind of her own will do whatever she wants when she wants. Auron became so exasperated with her today I really just had to laugh at the irony of it all. He would start out speaking nice and calmly to her to "come one, follow me" but it quickly escalated to him throwing his hands in the air saying "Liliana, you need to listen to me!" After we left the store he told me "Liliana makes me crazy"....me too Auron, me too.

I can't believe we are going to have another one of these little cuties in a few months. Wasn't he ridiculously adorable!

Wednesday 20 August 2014

When Kids Have "Things"

I love it when my kids love certain things. For example Auron is all about Ben10 and Superheroes...Marvel in particular (no bias at all from his father or I...). It just makes life so much easier when you know when you part with your hard earned money the toy wont be played with for a day then find its way to the bottom of the toy box never to be seen again.
Liliana hasn't really had a "thing" so to speak. She loves her baby, but I may have forced that upon her. It cost almost $100 (no I didn't buy it, only my mother was that crazy, oh and some of Lili's birthday money) so there was no way that doll was going to be left in the toy box. She was going to love that doll like nothing else...and she does. We have meltdowns when baby has to go in the washing machine. She has also come to love a Sesame Street doll in the last few weeks also, I think its Zoey? But yes, she has a few toys she loves but honestly its really hard to pick what she's going to like. However, today she we went to the store to buy her some underwear to start toilet training, all she wanted was Peppa Pig undies. Unfortunately the only Peppa Pig underwear they had was size 10-12. Seriously do 12 year old like Peppa Pig?! In the end we settled for a pack of cheap underwear and a Peppa Pig tee-shirt that was on sale. She was pretty happy with her purchase and wore the tee shirt to bed over her PJ's 
...I hope this is her thing.....

So far this t-shirt has been worn 3 days straight....on a side note look at that crazy bed hair!

Wednesday 6 August 2014

The Things Auron Says

We have waited a LONG time for Auron to talk. He was almost 3 before he really began talking but now that he is talking he is coming out with some pretty funny things. I thought I should record them for future posterity and all. Or just to pull out at his 21st or something.


  • After passing an exceptional amount of gas for a 3 year old. "wow, good fart, just like Daddy's ones"
  • When I told him I couldn't find an Iron Man at Target "hang on, wait a minute. I'll ring Nana"
  • "Wake up Mummy, it's shining outside" 
  • If you ask him what number '2' is he will tell you it's called "Channel" because channel 22 is the kids cartoons. 
  • Auron you got a hair cut! "Yes, Daddy mowed it"
  • I called out to Auron to see if he wanted to get out of the bath he replies "Yep, I've done a stinky butt in the bath" I didn't believe him (he's been toilet trained over a year) so went to look "See Mummy, green stinky butt" yep he was right a bright green poo floating around the bath. I'm still not sure why it was bright green though.
  • Me: Auron it's time to get dressed. Auron: "Yey, we're getting ready to go?" Me: No were not going anywhere. Auron: "No thank you very much then mum" The kid obviously can't remember his life pre-pregnancy when we used to get dressed on a daily basis, not just if we were leaving the house. 

Sunday 3 August 2014

Virtual Parties and Gender Reveal

Yesterday was exciting and busy. Around lunch time we arrived at the ultrasound clinic to find out the gender of our new baby. I was pretty slack and put off booking the appointment for weeks and wasn't able to get into our usual place which was actually a wonderful blessing in disguise. The lady who did the scan was lovely! (not something we are used to) and as a bonus we actually got pictures this time around! (also a new thing for us) She took her time and explained everything to us and actually seemed to really enjoy her job.

The scan took longer that expected so we quickly raced back to pick up the kids and start getting ready for our party later than night. My Nana is quite sick at the moment so we thought making a big deal out of everything to do with this baby would be something special and exciting to keep her spirits up a bit. The plan was for mum to host a family dinner back in New Zealand and we would host dinner here and we would skype to each others parties.

Everything was going fantastic and I was well ahead in my preparations for dinner BUT suddenly the power in the kitchen went out (for the 3rd time this week, long story) So with half cooked chicken and the rest of dinner we relocated the party to my Aunty and Uncles house down the road. They're pretty awesome like that, just letting us have parties at their house with no notice.

We sent my cousin Bronte around to take everyone's votes on the gender, then we cut the cake......

IT"S A BOY!



Wednesday 30 July 2014

Fathers Day

My dear husband is pretty much the hardest person I ever have to buy for. I rarely get it perfectly right ...I actually doubt that I have ever gotten it right. I usually roam the stores and internet for hours for something he will enjoy but never come up with anything astounding. I usually settle on something he needs and some cards for the card game he likes to play. Pretty boring and fairly predictable. 
This morning I saw someone post something on Facebook about Fathers Day. I suddenly started freaking out a little thinking that it was this weekend. For some reason I thought it was going to be September not August (Fathers Day is in September here). This year I had the perfect gift. Something that I knew he would love and enjoy. So I hurriedly purchased tickets for us to attend the Sol3 Mio concert. That paired with some chocolate should be a sure winner. 
Soon after I had purchased the tickets I realised I was in fact an entire month a head of myself. Aarahi laughed at my unfortunate error and felt lucky that I would now have to get another gift as well. 
If anyone has any incredible ideas for me they would be greatly appreciated. It's also his birthday, Christmas and our anniversary all within a few weeks of each other. Not to mention a new baby thrown right in the middle there. 




Tuesday 8 July 2014

Phillip Island Trip

I thought I would document our little getaway to Phillip Island. I had bug hopes for this weekend but unfortunately it didn't eventuate exactly how I had imagined. Overall it was a pretty good weekend though.
We left home once Aarahi finished work around 2pm hoping to miss the rush hour traffic out of the city. After a quick stop at McDonald's we were on our way. Poor Auron had already fallen asleep and missed out on out junky treat.
It took about 2 hours before we arrived and the weather already looked like it was packing in. Once we got inside the cabin the kids were a little too excited and we could tell that our smart idea to go super cheap was probably not such a good idea after all. We had rented a small cabin which didn't have any closed off rooms other than the toilet. The rest of the space comprised a queen size bed, dining table, kitchen, couch and set of bunk beds all in a space about the size of our living room.
We planned to go out for dinner to this lovely restaurant I had read about but by now it was pouring with rain and I was feeling pretty sick so we just ordered takeaway from the restaurant instead. It was some of the best chicken I have ever tasted!
The next day we went to a trout fishing farm. Lili was absolutely beside her self the majority of the time which made for a less than stellar experience for everyone. Still to this day I have no idea what her problem was. I'm thinking it all started because I didn't buy her the bottle of juice she saw inside the shop. Anyway she eventually fell asleep much to the joy of everyone. Auron and Aarahi both caught a fish each. Now we are not much of a fishy/seafoody kind of family, but once we caught the fish we had to do something with them. They gave you the option of having the fish you caught battered and fried and served with chips and salad, or they would prepare, marinate and wrap it in foil for you to take home. We got one cooked and one to take home.
The fish tasted....I'm not sure how to explain it. We ate it all but neither of us really enjoyed it. I think we were slightly put off by the fact we had seen it alive 20mins before hand. The second fish is still sitting in our freezer, so if anyone wants it your free to come pick it up.
We planned on going to see the penguin parade where you can watch all the little penguins come in from the day out at sea but Lili was still sulking about her bottle of juice or whatever her problem was, so we skipped that and went back to our cabin to eat pizza and watch TV in bed.
On the Sunday Liliana was finally back to her normal self and we visited a chocolate factory, that was pretty awesome. There were heaps of chocolatey treats and fun stations and exhibits. Finally we set off home. Auron had a melt down when he saw us drive in the driveway. He still wanted to go on holiday. I think he felt a bit ripped of to tell you the truth. All week he had seen the ad on TV for the Gold Coast and all the theme parks, I guess that's where he thought we were going. He also wanted to to go on the plane. That one I can understand as when ever we have gone on holiday before we have had to go by plane. To tell you the truth it was SO nice not to have to catch a plane for once!

This was Lili for the majority of the weekend.  

First Fish!

An Ice cream Appeased her for a while 

First Fish for Daddy Too



Wednesday 2 July 2014

Where Have We Been?!

So where have we been the last 4 month or so? well in the middle of morning (all day) sickness topped of with a touch of pure exhaustion.
Our newest addition is due around Christmas time. While this baby was planned we were quite caught off guard when it actually happened. We thought it would take at least 6 months like the other two. This baby was just far too excited to get here and we had a positive test after just 2 weeks.
I knew I was pregnant, despite 5 negatives. So I thought alright just one more then I'll be convinced. I splurged on one of the expensive tests, I think it was something like $12 for one test. I considered waiting until we got home from shopping to do it but as people will tell you I am not the most patient person in the world. I bought a bottle of water and drank it then visited the bathroom at the shopping centre. I stood there for about 10mins examining the stick, holding it in different lights just to see if it might make a difference. And voila! the FAINTEST little pink line was there. I mean it was so faint you had to squint to see it.
Aarahi arrived to meet us about 20mins later and couldn't understand why I couldn't wait until we got home. We all went and bought ourselves a little present and went out to dinner to celebrate.
I thought I had escaped the dreaded morning sickness as I felt pretty awesome right up until around 9 weeks. Unfortunately I got struck down. I didn't have so much as nausea as I did extreme fatigue. I have barely left the house in a few months now.
My kids have eaten far too much cereal, and watch more tv than I would care to admit in the last few months, but seriously you just do what you have to do. I'm happy they aren't very demanding and they think breakfast for lunch and dinner is just awesome.
We planned a trip away to celebrate making it though the first trimester (usually when I'm feeling much much better) but I still wasn't well. The holiday went ahead but it wasn't quite the fun exciting event I was hoping for.
Anyway, I think we are past the worst of it now and eagerly awaiting our newest arrival! Our kids don't know yet. Auron has a fantastic memory and will likely ask me 10 times a day if the baby is coming today. I can't take that haha.

So that is where we have been. Now that I'm getting back on top of things I hope I will be able to write more often.


Thursday 17 April 2014

Because of Him

100 Days of Happiness - Day 36 and 37

Day 36

A day late again...I'm slipping. Yesterday I was loving the beautiful weather. It was the perfect washing weather, perfect relaxing outside weather and the perfect temperature. Unfortunately I didn't get in any exercise yesterday unless you count walking around the shopping centre which I kind of want to count....

I'm not sure what was going on at the shops yesterday but it was crazy town there. Maybe because it's a public holiday today and everyone thinks they might starve if they don't to their shopping. Okay that's exactly why we were there too. I had a activity on at church that night and would be able to make my family dinner so we had Subway for the 3rd day in a row..... shocking I know but atleast it's not McDonalds or something like that. The people who work there know my order now, kind of embarrassing. It's a pretty cheap meal though it costs under $15 for our whole family so I'm not going to complain about that.

Day 37

Today is Good Friday. A time to reflect and ponder on the sacrifice our Saviour made for us. I think it is so easy for us to "forget the reason for the season" and get caught up in the excitement of chocolate and the Easter Bunny (which when I think about it, is really quite a funny concept haha).

So here is a wonderful video clip to help you remember what it is really about.


Wednesday 16 April 2014

Weekly Menu


Here's the menu for this week. Tomorrow we have friends coming over and they are bringing lunch. They usually stay for dinner to so we might go out to eat or something. We also purchased some meals from a friend who is doing a fundraiser. 

Last week we didn't eat too much from what was on our menu....we went out to eat a few times and went to visit friends. Our favourite meal was the jerk chicken. AMAZING!



Marinated Steak

This is a vege curry but I just put chicken in instead



Tuesday 15 April 2014

Protecting our Children

100 Days of Happiness - Day 34

I seriously hope all this exercise I have been doing this week actually does something. My legs are sore and I am exhausted. Today I mowed the lawns...we have a decent size hard it took over an hour before I was itching and sneezing everywhere. In the end I didn't actually finish, the sneezing and itchy was getting too much and the people walking down the street were looking at me like I was a crazy lady. Aarahi finished off the last little bit when he got home. The freshly mowed lawns made me pretty happy today.

While I was in town today I was sitting down having a rest. There were three young girls sitting behind me, I could hear everything they were saying. They were 12, 10 and 9. They had been sitting there maybe 5 mins and a few young boys came a long. By the looks of the boys I would say they were around 14 or so. The boys began asking the girls how much money they had and if they wanted to earn some money. To cut a long story short these boys were offering the girls $20 to do sexual favours for them. I was shocked. I really couldn't believe what I just heard. I listened a little longer to the girls standing their ground. I was proud of them. They boys still weren't backing down though. I got up and turned around, looked at them and they soon left. Maybe they didn't think I was listening or whatever. I stayed by the girls until their mum came back to them. They began telling their mum what had happened.

The whole scenario keeps playing in my mind. If I could go back I would probably act a bit differently. Is this what is happening to our young girls these days? What are we doing as adults to make sure they don't fall into these kinds of traps. Are we raising our children to be able to come to us if anything like this should happen to them?

Now more than ever we need to teach our girls virtue and value in themselves. If we don't teach them who will? Where ever you look these days there are half dressed women on billboards, TV, magazines,walking down the street even. If our children are seeing these images day in and day out we shouldn't be surprised when they want to look and act like that too. As parents we need to be stronger that all of that. We need to protect our children, we need to teach them true beauty and true value. They need to know their bodies are sacred and not for parading around for everyone to see.

We must not forget our boys. Everything they are told and led to believe is that they have no control of themselves. Pornography is not ok in any form. I do not agree with it, I never have and never will. It destroys homes and families. It does not teach our boys self control but self indulgence. We must teach our boys to honour women and respect their virtue. Girls are not something to be lusted over.

Teaching our children these kinds of things is not something reserved for once they hit puberty. We need to start from the day they are born. Promote and encourage modesty in your home. As husband and wife be good examples of how you would want your children to treat those of the opposite sex. If children don't see it in the home they are less likely to do it outside of the home. These are just a few examples but I think the most important is to make sure there is an open dialogue within the family and with parents. Be careful not to make it  too hard for them to come to you.


The Zoo and Family Reunions

100 Days of Happiness - Day 34

I didn't get a chance to post last night but, yesterday was an amazing day! We were able to visit with my cousin Cindy and her family her were visiting from Queensland. I haven't seen Cindy since I was about 11 or 12. She moved to Australia when I was young so we never really had the opportunity to get to know each other well but it was so great to be able to reconnect again as adults and meet each others kids.

We planned to visit Werribee Zoo which is on the out skirts on Melbourne. It is a different kind of zoo in that the animals are't in cages. We were a bit disappointed that we couldn't get a very good view of all the animals while we were walking around. That however was all made up for when we hopped on to the 'safari bus'. The bus took us on a 40min ride into the big open enclosure that the animals roam in. Some of the animals, like the zebra were so close that if you were allowed to put your hands out of the bus you could touch them. It was really cool to be able to see them so close.

This was the last time we saw each other









Monday 14 April 2014

Cousins are the Best!

100 Days of Happiness - Day 33

I decided I need to do more exercise. I go through phases that don't usually last very long at all. Hopefully this phase will last a while. I messaged my cousin to see what they were doing today and that we might come over and visit. They live about a 30min walk away. I thought that would be a good amount of exercise, especially pushing the kids. That pram is HEAVY!.

The walk was good, the company was good. We were going to get pizza delivered but that turned out terribly so in the end we ended up with fish n chips. I think that probably cancels out the exercise.... Oh well.

I feel so blessed to have family close by. Even though the vast majority live in another country it truly is a blessing to have even a little bit of family. My kids love their cousins and their cousins love them!

Cousin are the best because they let you eat an ENTIRE block of chocolate all by yourself!



Saturday 12 April 2014

White Chocolate and Berry Cheesecake

100 Days of Happiness - Day 32

Today it is simple. Cheesecake. Delicious berry cheesecake. Aarahi had asked me to make him cheesecake a couple of weeks ago but he kept eating the biscuits I needed to make the based. This week in the groceries I bought several packets so that I would have enough to make his cheesecake and satisfy his sweet tooth for biscuits.

Mixed Berry Cheesecake

Ingredients

Base

1 1/4 C Biscuit (cookie crumbs) I used plain biscuits
1/2 C Desiccated Coconut
80g Butter

Filling

500g Cream Cheese (softened slightly)
1/4 C White Sugar
2 1/2 Teaspoons Gelatin, dissolved in 1/4C Boiling Water
250g White Chocolate melted
1 1/2 C Thickened Cream Softly whipped
1 C Frozen Berries semi defrosted

Method

  • Combine the biscuit crumbs, coconut and butter in a small bowl. Press into the base of a 6 x 10cm spring form tin. Put into fridge to chill.
  • Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and beat well. Add gelatin and melted chocolate and beat until well combined and smooth
  • Gently fold in the whipped cream, followed by berries. 
  • Pour over the prepared biscuit base and return to fridge for 4 hours or over night. 

Notes:

I like to have a few whole berries left in the cheese cake but if you want you can defrost the berries completely and that will give you a move even texture. 

You can skip the berries all together and use chocolate only as flavour. Milk chocolate is good. 

Other varieties can include: Passion fruit and white chocolate (add pulp of 4 passion fruits) Milk chocolate cheesecake (omit berries and replace white chocolate with milk chocolate) Raspberry and White Choc (replace berries with all raspberries) 


Sorry not the best of photos but it was all my ipad could manage..





We May Not Agree But It's No Reason To Be Rude

100 Days of Happiness - Day 30

Today we started our General Conference weekend. The first session was almost a write off. The kids decided they couldn't possibly be quiet. So we watched while playing Spiderman on the floor. The second session we were able to watch peacefully since Lili was having a nap and Auron went down to our room to watch a movie but fell asleep pretty soon after.

I loved the messages that were shared. It's kind of like when you start a new year at school and you are all excited to start new and be amazing at doing all your homework etc. I feel like that after General Conference. Hopefully I can put some of the things I heard into practice.

Today's main 'theme' I guess was about how we should not be ashamed of what we believe and stand for. Just because the world is changing doesn't mean that God is changing. I liked that. While we stand strong for what we believe it is also important to do so respectfully. Just because we do not agree with certain practices or trends does not mean we have to be rude and nasty about it.


Ok well this video clip has nothing to do with what I was just talking about but I saw it a few days ago and it made me cry. I loved it.


Friday 11 April 2014

How to Start Your Food Storage

100 Days of Happiness - Day 30

Who knew I would make it to day 30? no me that's for sure. I'm not that great at things like this.

Happiness for today? Food storage. The last few months we have been working hard on our food storage. It's great to be finally see that we have made some good progress.

Why Food Storage?

It's about being prepared for the unexpected. I am sure most of you will agree that times are tough with employment and not to mention all the natural disasters that are occurring. If you were to suddenly face unemployment how much easier would it be if you had a sufficient supply of food to see you through that trial. Yes you may get money from government benefits or income insurance etc but that money will not stretch too far. 
In case of disaster and you were unable to go and buy more food, having a storage of non-perishables would be a much needed blessing for your family and no doubt those around you. 
It's all about being self sufficient.

How much do I need?

Well at the moment our family is aiming for 3 months worth of food with a long term goal of 1 years food supply. 

I can't afford that!

Yes you can.  It's not like you are going to buy it all at once. Look out for sales and buy then. Just add a few extras to your weekly shopping list. For example one week buy a 10kg of rice or a few extra bags of pasta. Aarahi wants me to mention not to forget the nice foods too like cookies, chocolate, candy etc. If you're needing to use your food storage you are probably having a hard time and a good sugary treat will be appreciated. 

What if we never need to use it?

Well lets hope and pray that there is never a reason we will have to rely on it. It's not just something you leave in a cupboard and forget about, you need to rotate it. So use food from it for your regular meals etc just keep replacing it as you go. That way things won't go out of date.

Source





Thursday 10 April 2014

Advice to an Engaged Couple

100 Days of Happiness - Day 29

Ok well this one is a day late but we were out all day yesterday and by the time I got 10mins to myself I was too tired.

Yesterday I had one of the happiest days yet! My little sister/cousin/friend (long story, too complicated to explain and you wont understand anyway) is getting married! You have no idea how excited I am! We have been doing secret wedding planning for a few months now, but were excitedly awaiting the moment when it would all become REAL! now it has! I remember being where she is now, it is an exciting, scary, and exhilarating time. Early this morning I was thinking about what kind of advice I would give to her and Alex at this special time. Here's what I came up with:

Dear Arpege and Alex,

Get ready! Get ready for the time of your life. This is wonderful season of life. Be careful not to let it pass without truly enjoying. Don't let the wedding planning become more important than the relationship.

Watch out! Satan knows your plans, and he does not like them. He will come after you with more force than ever before. Do not let him in! Guard yourselves against him. Study your scriptures together, pray together, keep your boundaries firm, do not cross them not even a little bit. Now is not the time to become complacent.

Practice! Practice selflessness. It has been said that almost all problems in marriage will stem from selfishness. How true that is. Practice now putting your other half before yourself. I promise that when you do yo will find more harmony, more love, less stress and less heartache. It is not easy we are selfish creatures.

Apologise! Even if you know you are right. Just apologise, trust me it's not worth it. Don't be too proud to admit you are wrong or let the other win the argument. It's not a competition.

Don't forget! Don't for get the reason for the season. The reason is to prepare yourselves to make covenants to each other and your Father in Heaven. Take this seriously. Prepare yourselves and do it well. I don't want you to be like me. To be so overwhelmed on the day that you don't remember it at all.

Have fun! Most of all have fun, enjoy this time together. Soon enough pregnancy and babies will come (YEY) and the whole dynamic will change. Enjoy this time when it is just the two of you, it is short. Fill it with adventure and strengthening the relationship so that it will stand strong when trials come. Make memories to last a life time.

If you think you are in love now, it is nothing like the love that is to come.

Love Candice and Aarahi

xoxo





Wednesday 9 April 2014

Weekly Menu

A few people have asked if I could continue to put up our weekly menu so here is this weeks one. This weekend we will be watching our church's General Conference at home. It was broadcast last weekend but because of the time differences we usually watch it the following weekend. 2 years ago we were blessed to be able to attend while we were on holiday in America.

As a bit of a tradition we usually have a special breakfast before we start and have lots of yummy goodies to eat a long the way. The conference is four, two hour sessions over 2 days. There are also two other session decicated for the males aged 8 and over and the girls aged 8 and over. It's such a great time to get some wonderful inspiration.

(Click the menu to see it full sized)


Here are some links to some of the recipes I will be using this week




Jamaican Jerk Pork (chicken)  Apparently this is Usain Bolts favourite dish. I saw it on TV last night it looked AMAZING.




Top 10 Books for Kids

100 Days of Happiness - Day 28

It rained almost non-stop today. Its cold and grey and I LOVE it. I love being able to just curl up inside. Lili is not feeling the best today so was just wanting to be cuddled. I think the extra cuddles is the perk about the only perk of having sick kids. I think if you didn't get those sweet cuddles you might just go insane.

Auron is on his 'Daddy buzz' at the moment. About a week ago Aarahi put a band-aid on his cut finger ever since then he is constantly telling me how Daddy fixed his finger. It really is true that Daddy is a son's first Hero. Never mind the millions of times I've fixed his bumps and bruises! I don't mind though, just happy my kids have such and amazing Dad.

This afternoon like most afternoons we spent about an hour on the couch with blankets reading books. I loved reading when I was younger. My mum used to read to be every night until I was about 12 or 13. It was one of the best memories I have from my childhood. I am thankful that my mum gave me that love for reading. I thought I would share with you some of our favourite books.

One

 Just Like My Dad This is Auron's all time favourite book. My mum bought it for Aarahi for Fathers day before Auron was born.

Two

Dinosaurs Love Underpants This book has little boys written all over it. Dinosaurs and underwear how could you go wrong?

Three

We're Going on a Bear Hunt While this is not one of my favourites both Lili and Auron always want me to read it to them. 


Four

Dear Zoo This is Lili's favourite book, no question about it. We will usually have to read it at least 3-4 times a day. 

Five

Giraffes Can't Dance I love this book because it is so easy to read. The words flow so well that it make for great reading. It also has a great message for kids about how everyone is different. 


Six

There was and Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly I have very fond memories of this book from when I was young. My kids are think it's as funny as I do. 

Seven

Good Night Moon The perfect bedtime story

Eight

Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy Another easy to ready book. It's also short enough to keep little ones attention

Nine

The Very Hungry Caterpillar This is such a classic book that I think every child should have. Auron enjoys counting all the food that the caterpillar eats. There are also many great craft projects you can do based on this book.

Ten

The Poky Little Puppy This was my husbands favourite book when he was a child. It's a new book for the kids we have only had it a few weeks but so far they are really enjoying this mischievous little puppy.





















LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...