Rain rain go away!

It started pouring last night again and has been raining ever since. 4th day in a row we have had rain. With 3 more days forcasted rain its going to be a noisy, busy house with the kids being kept inside.

 James watching his bike get soaked outside in the rain, I did tell him yesterday to get it in the shed before it rained...

 

I am such a hibernator when it rains. I love sitting in my trackies and slippers, with a hot milo while reading my book (Kindle). Although this morning as much as that idea sounded great, it didn't happen quite the way i wanted.
I ended up making a hut with the kids and having morning tea together. (Was much nicer/bonding than sitting reading my book.)

 

We've had flooding, severe winds that knocked out power for 2-3 hours at a time, and destroyed several houses in the area. This next photo is the paddock behind our house that backs on to a stream, which runs in to the river. This photo shows you the start of the flooding early this morning.

Lucky hubby got the stock out of the way in time.

 

 



Is Raising Free Range Kids Irresponsible or Brave Parenting?

Of course, there is no one right way to parent. But growing children need to learn to rely on their own instincts and independent problem solving. Instead of overprotecting them, let's get back to teaching children how to safely take risks and take care of themselves.

Let your kids make some decisions on their own. In the beginning, these can be as simple as yogurt or nuts for a snack, alloted tv time after breakfast or before dinner. It will make them feel more involved, confident and prepared to make choices as they get bigger. It’s been said before, but experience is a great teacher.

Resist taking on chores that now should fall to them. These too can start small. As much as putting their clothes in the laundry, setting the table and making their beds have been part of your job description so far, it may now be time to pass the baton.

Focus on their positive qualities. Think of reasons to support their evolving ideas as they begin to feel better about expressing themselves. And remember that another part of their training right now is to learn about the joys and responsibilities of more freedom and independence.

Practice open and honest communication. Talk out any conflicts or misunderstandings. Use the same conversational etiquette that you would with anyone else you care about and respect. Teach your kids active listening skills it's a gift that will last a lifetime.

New Zealand at it's best

Kiwis! We love sharing our spectacular country with visitors and in turn seeing it anew through foreign eyes. We never tire of being reminded of the rugged beauty of our beaches, mountains, fiords, glaciers, native forests and thermal regions. And once you experience these natural highlights, you won’t tire of reminding us.


On top of our looks, New Zealands islands’ rich Maori culture, passion for rugby, sheep outnumbering people, and exquisite sauvignon blanc create a country that defies even the most imaginative adventurers’ expectations.
But it’s not all look and don’t touch. In New Zealand, adventure sports rule. This is, after all, a nation so dedicated to doing odd things with bits of rubber and plastic that it invented bungee jumping, black-water rafting and zorbing. Whether you’re climbing the Fox glacier or skydiving over a stunning patchwork of mountains and fields, New Zealand is certain to get adrenaline coursing through your veins.

Having this on your back door step every day - Priceless

TUTU Cute

I remember when I was a little girl and always wanting to play dress ups. The changes of clothes was endless and my mother would have a fit every time I changed my clothes (which was at least 5 times) and back then we didn't have the dress ups like they do now. Good old mums purse and high heel shoes with a big rimmed hat always did the trick.

So today I spend the day essentially playing dress up with my daughter.
I have always loved pretty, girly, frilly, things, especially dresses/skirts, the poofier and more tutu-like the better! Not that I would EVER be seen in public wearing any of the above.

My Little miss Georgia loves dressing up in her tutu skirts. Teacups and shortbread was on the menu today and I must say it was gorgeous to spend the time with Georgia watching her prance around in her dresses/tutus. Must do it more often.

The country life at its best

The benefits of raising my children in a farm environment are many. Not only do they get fresh air, and lots of it, but they get to see what happens in the cycle of life, at an early age, giving them a better understanding and respect for nature. The child who lives on a farm will always have the rolling hills and colors of the seasons to look back on when they grow up, and the natural feeling of ease with life, because the calm environment instills a sense of belonging.

The countryside gives a great backdrop to a childhood, since it offers a wealth of adventure which is relatively safe. A child will play outdoors more, and enjoy and appreciate those facets nature presents, such as paddocks of grass, rivers and trees, building a life with their friends which depends heavily upon nature and making use of it for enjoyment. The stimulation of nature encourages good exercise, rather than confinement.

James in the river behind our house

 

Little people in my life

James 4 Years old and Georgia 2 Years old