Please don't mistake my lack of comment on the fires as lack of caring. I have just felt so shell-shocked about it I haven't been able to put words to it.
For those who don't know, Victoria, the state where most of my family live, is currently burning. Well over 100 people have been killed in the fires, most are saying that the fatalities will likely be 2oo or over when the final tally is in. Thousands are homeless, hundreds are injured. My family has stayed safe and as far as I know all their houses are safe too. It was touch and go for my older brother's house, he couldn't even go and defend it because he had major back surgery on Friday.
Please pray for all those affected by the fires and especially pray for my older brother who has been facing a triple whammy of a marriage break up, back surgery and having his home at risk of burning to the ground.
Donations can be made at:
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Finding Time
I have managed to find a way to get some more jobs done in my day, spend quality time with Beloved AND work in a morning nap!
Here's how:
After Anna's 5am-5:30am feed, I get up.
Now I love getting up early in the morning, the solitude, the sunrise, the crisp cool etc. You know, the only thing I like more than getting up early is STAYING IN BED! Anyone who knows me will tell you that I bring a whole new meaning to the words "NOT a morning person".
But I have made a deal with myself, get up and do just one thing and then you can go back to bed. So I do and half the time I end up doing more than one thing once I am up and rolling. Because everyone else is asleep and I have no extra "helpers" I get things done a lot faster. It also gives me quiet time to pray, meditate on scripture or just plan my day in my head.
Sometime before 7am I make Beloved a coffee and take it back to bed, climb back in beside him and give him a cuddle. A whole lot nicer to wake up to than the alarm! Sometimes we chat, other times I go straight back to sleep for an hour or so before the kids need to get up and going. I need more sleep because we very often don't get to bed until late (we're both night owls) and I am feeding Anna through the night. I also know that I need to get up early, so I've started to think outside the square.
This works for me for now, things will change over the next few months and years and I dare say I will do things differently, but this works for now. Thinking outside the square is what will work for me long term.
For more tips visit Mama Hen at
Here's how:
After Anna's 5am-5:30am feed, I get up.
Now I love getting up early in the morning, the solitude, the sunrise, the crisp cool etc. You know, the only thing I like more than getting up early is STAYING IN BED! Anyone who knows me will tell you that I bring a whole new meaning to the words "NOT a morning person".
But I have made a deal with myself, get up and do just one thing and then you can go back to bed. So I do and half the time I end up doing more than one thing once I am up and rolling. Because everyone else is asleep and I have no extra "helpers" I get things done a lot faster. It also gives me quiet time to pray, meditate on scripture or just plan my day in my head.
Sometime before 7am I make Beloved a coffee and take it back to bed, climb back in beside him and give him a cuddle. A whole lot nicer to wake up to than the alarm! Sometimes we chat, other times I go straight back to sleep for an hour or so before the kids need to get up and going. I need more sleep because we very often don't get to bed until late (we're both night owls) and I am feeding Anna through the night. I also know that I need to get up early, so I've started to think outside the square.
This works for me for now, things will change over the next few months and years and I dare say I will do things differently, but this works for now. Thinking outside the square is what will work for me long term.
For more tips visit Mama Hen at
Monday, February 09, 2009
My work out contract
Now my fourth pregnancy is finished I am feeling a little like the Saggy Baggy Elephant! I also have a few things that I'd like to do to make my next pregnancy more comfortable. The thing is, I have a severe case of "that which I know I should do, I do not do, and that which I know I should NOT do, I do".
For example:
I know I should exercise, you know I should exercise, we ALL know I should exercise. I feel better when I do it, it increases my fitness and stamina and strengthens the muscles that I need to carry these babies around (both the ones on the inside and the ones on the outside!). BUT, somehow it slips down under cleaning the toilet, reading to the kids and watching drivel on TV on the priorities list!
Another example:
Chocolate is yummy and I have no issue with the occasional treat. The word "occasional" is the key word that kind of slips. I do NOT need mugs of milk piled high with tablespoonfuls of Milo. I do NOT need snacks of chocolate and biscuits. I do NOT need to have 51 snacks a day, justifying it to myself as "oh, I'm breastfeeding" This habit is the reason why if I were cut in half, you'd be able to tell how many kids I have by counting the layers of "chubby"!
The point?
I need to be accountable to myself, and I am going to use the Blog to do it! I am setting myself some "S.M.A.R.T" goals (simple, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely) and I will report back each week. I don't diet as such when pregnant or breastfeeding (so ever really!) but I can make better choices than I do.
This week the goals are:
Ride the exercise bike for 20 minutes four times this week.
Walk to the post office four times this week (weather permitting)
Use my exercise videos three times this week
Take my iron supplement every day to build up my Iron stores.
Restrict yummy treats to Wednesday Afternoon tea and Sabbath meals
Snack only on raw fruit and vegetables
Drink at least 1.5L of water
Do Kegel Exercises twice a day
I'll let you know how I do, I'm sure you will be waiting with baited breath!
For example:
I know I should exercise, you know I should exercise, we ALL know I should exercise. I feel better when I do it, it increases my fitness and stamina and strengthens the muscles that I need to carry these babies around (both the ones on the inside and the ones on the outside!). BUT, somehow it slips down under cleaning the toilet, reading to the kids and watching drivel on TV on the priorities list!
Another example:
Chocolate is yummy and I have no issue with the occasional treat. The word "occasional" is the key word that kind of slips. I do NOT need mugs of milk piled high with tablespoonfuls of Milo. I do NOT need snacks of chocolate and biscuits. I do NOT need to have 51 snacks a day, justifying it to myself as "oh, I'm breastfeeding" This habit is the reason why if I were cut in half, you'd be able to tell how many kids I have by counting the layers of "chubby"!
The point?
I need to be accountable to myself, and I am going to use the Blog to do it! I am setting myself some "S.M.A.R.T" goals (simple, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely) and I will report back each week. I don't diet as such when pregnant or breastfeeding (so ever really!) but I can make better choices than I do.
This week the goals are:
Ride the exercise bike for 20 minutes four times this week.
Walk to the post office four times this week (weather permitting)
Use my exercise videos three times this week
Take my iron supplement every day to build up my Iron stores.
Restrict yummy treats to Wednesday Afternoon tea and Sabbath meals
Snack only on raw fruit and vegetables
Drink at least 1.5L of water
Do Kegel Exercises twice a day
I'll let you know how I do, I'm sure you will be waiting with baited breath!
Saturday, February 07, 2009
In the course of a 12 minute phone call.....
Started tea cooking
I picked up and resettled Anna who became cranky
Plucked a very wet, fully dressed Christopher out of the bath (he had decided that the bath he had earlier didn't do a good enough job and climbed into his sister's bath!)
Dried and re-dressed Christopher
Convinced a lovely (very softly spoken) church member that face washers really are a great gift for the baby - so PLEASE don't buy me any more stuff that I'm not going to use. I can't handle the guilt when I get rid of it!
All this in 12 minutes according to the display on the phone!
No wonder I feel tired at the end of the day.
I picked up and resettled Anna who became cranky
Plucked a very wet, fully dressed Christopher out of the bath (he had decided that the bath he had earlier didn't do a good enough job and climbed into his sister's bath!)
Dried and re-dressed Christopher
Convinced a lovely (very softly spoken) church member that face washers really are a great gift for the baby - so PLEASE don't buy me any more stuff that I'm not going to use. I can't handle the guilt when I get rid of it!
All this in 12 minutes according to the display on the phone!
No wonder I feel tired at the end of the day.
Friday, February 06, 2009
Billy: My special girl is just gorgeous isn't she Mummy?
Yes honey, she is :)
I had someone ask me if I am getting any tantrums etc. from the older ones now that we have a new baby in the house. I had to tell them, the worst issue we've had in that department is Billy and Christopher arguing over WHOSE special girl she really is!
Yes honey, she is :)
I had someone ask me if I am getting any tantrums etc. from the older ones now that we have a new baby in the house. I had to tell them, the worst issue we've had in that department is Billy and Christopher arguing over WHOSE special girl she really is!
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Economic stimulus package
I found this on another blog and it gave me a giggle:
This year, taxpayers will receive an Economic Stimulus
Payment. This is a very exciting new program that I will explain using the Q and A format:
Q. What is an Economic Stimulus Payment?
A. It is money that the federal government will send to taxpayers.
Q. Where will the government get this money?
A. From taxpayers.
Q. So the government is giving me back my own money?
A. Only a smidgen.
Q. What is the purpose of this payment?
A. The plan is that you will use the money to purchase a high-definition TV set, thus stimulating the economy.
Q. But isn't that stimulating the economy of China ?
A. Shut up.
As a disclaimer, I loved my Christmas Rudd bonus, it paid my midwife and is rewiring the house!
This year, taxpayers will receive an Economic Stimulus
Payment. This is a very exciting new program that I will explain using the Q and A format:
Q. What is an Economic Stimulus Payment?
A. It is money that the federal government will send to taxpayers.
Q. Where will the government get this money?
A. From taxpayers.
Q. So the government is giving me back my own money?
A. Only a smidgen.
Q. What is the purpose of this payment?
A. The plan is that you will use the money to purchase a high-definition TV set, thus stimulating the economy.
Q. But isn't that stimulating the economy of China ?
A. Shut up.
As a disclaimer, I loved my Christmas Rudd bonus, it paid my midwife and is rewiring the house!
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Knick Knacks
Over the years I had collected quite a few knick knacks. I hadn't actually BOUGHT any of them. Most of them were gifts that were kept and put on display out of respect for the giver or tokens to remember a certain time in our lives (i.e. a couple of items from our wedding that we hadn't really liked on the day anyway!). Before Christopher was born, in a bid to streamline my home making, I did something drastic (and some would say obvious). I got rid of them!
I have actual memories from those important times in our lives, I don't really feel the need for mementos. Plus, rather than feeling guilt about the build up of dust and spider webs around these things, I would rather reflect on the memories and thoughtfulness they represent while someone who had the time, energy and inclination enjoyed the actual items! I did feel a little worried that I would hurt the feelings of those who gave me the gifts, but those who noticed did seem to understand. I did keep a few items, this was my criteria for keeping something.
Something was kept if:
...Beloved wanted to keep it. It isn't nice to throw out his stuff when he's not looking!
...I loved looking at it enough to maintain it regularly. A small crystal squirrel my Grandfather bought for me in Switzerland met this criterion.
...it had a practical application. A few items that work as book ends were kept for this reason.
Even these items are packed away at the moment due to plaster dust, lack of display surfaces and the fact that we are in a very busy season of our lives.
I'm also replacing some items with easier care versions. I was given a few 'fancy' picture frames over the years. They take a fair bit of dusting, so I am replacing them with some nice, matching, plain picture frames soon which actually display the pictures to much better effect!
SO, if you don't love it, get rid of it. If you do love it but you are in a busy season (renovation, new babies etc.) pack it away to enjoy later. Don't get trapped into bondage with STUFF.
If you have enough stuff for display to warrant it, consider things like display cases which can limit the need for dusting.
Go and visit Mama Hen for more tips for growing families
I have actual memories from those important times in our lives, I don't really feel the need for mementos. Plus, rather than feeling guilt about the build up of dust and spider webs around these things, I would rather reflect on the memories and thoughtfulness they represent while someone who had the time, energy and inclination enjoyed the actual items! I did feel a little worried that I would hurt the feelings of those who gave me the gifts, but those who noticed did seem to understand. I did keep a few items, this was my criteria for keeping something.
Something was kept if:
...Beloved wanted to keep it. It isn't nice to throw out his stuff when he's not looking!
...I loved looking at it enough to maintain it regularly. A small crystal squirrel my Grandfather bought for me in Switzerland met this criterion.
...it had a practical application. A few items that work as book ends were kept for this reason.
Even these items are packed away at the moment due to plaster dust, lack of display surfaces and the fact that we are in a very busy season of our lives.
I'm also replacing some items with easier care versions. I was given a few 'fancy' picture frames over the years. They take a fair bit of dusting, so I am replacing them with some nice, matching, plain picture frames soon which actually display the pictures to much better effect!
SO, if you don't love it, get rid of it. If you do love it but you are in a busy season (renovation, new babies etc.) pack it away to enjoy later. Don't get trapped into bondage with STUFF.
If you have enough stuff for display to warrant it, consider things like display cases which can limit the need for dusting.
Go and visit Mama Hen for more tips for growing families
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
update
We survived the heat - just. Sarah-the-saint told me she measured 43 degrees C in her back yard at 4pm last Friday. There should be laws against that type of heat! We tried to escape it on Saturday afternoon by going for a drive (the car has air conditioning). As we got into Launceston the electrics in the car went haywire - no air conditioning. Long story short, we finally got home at about 10:30pm that night, exhausted, hot, overtired and looking very much forward to a shower!
Erin:
would be happy if we could go swimming every day! Unfortunately, it has been too hot to take the little ones out lately but I am hoping to take her to the pool again one day very soon. School work is very irregular at the moment while we smooth out the bumps of having 4 kids in the home, but she thoroughly enjoys it when it happens. I HAVE to change nappies on the babies etc. but because she is older it is easier to let one on one time slip where Erin is concerned. School work is one of her special times at the moment.
Billy:
is still pushing the limits on a daily basis, and still finding them! I'm not unconvinced that there is some link to him still not being 100% and I will be happy once he has regained a little weight, but in the mean time I am not going to start letting him get away with stuff. A kid who looks for the limits and doesn't find them, in my experience, is much harder to deal with than a child who frequently tests the limits!
Christopher:
continues limited forays into the world of walking, but crawling remains his main method of self-propulsion. I sometimes wonder if the move and the limited space has anything to do with him being slower to walk. He is physically capable though and climbs better than some four year olds so I am not too worried about him! He is LOUDLY playing peek-a-boo with his reflection in the lid of the lap-top at the moment.
Anna:
has gained a pound in her first fortnight of life on the outside! She is filling out, has a real belly button, almost completely stopped getting colic/reflux and is smiling. She is already growing up too quickly for my liking! She is still doted on by all.
The house:
is in need of a little TLC in the form of fridge cleaning out expeditions and one or two "hot spots" that need addressing. The laundry also slipped behind whilst it was too hot to hang out anything. BUT the bathroom, bedrooms and kitchen are still clean (except for the fridge) and order is still the main theme. I can't wait to have things more unpacked and sorted. I am strongly considering making it a rule that if something new comes in, something old HAS to go out until we have more space because I feel like I am drowning in STUFF. I got given some ornaments when I had Anna which are going to have to find a different home. I don't really DO ornaments anyway and the fact that we are going to be combating plaster dust again soon and there aren't really any display surfaces anyway means that they would have to be packed into a box somewhere and would probably not be displayed for another five years, if ever.
The Garden:
Beloved has fixed my gardening fork. When the weather gets a bit cooler, watch out weeds!
Jess
Erin:
would be happy if we could go swimming every day! Unfortunately, it has been too hot to take the little ones out lately but I am hoping to take her to the pool again one day very soon. School work is very irregular at the moment while we smooth out the bumps of having 4 kids in the home, but she thoroughly enjoys it when it happens. I HAVE to change nappies on the babies etc. but because she is older it is easier to let one on one time slip where Erin is concerned. School work is one of her special times at the moment.
Billy:
is still pushing the limits on a daily basis, and still finding them! I'm not unconvinced that there is some link to him still not being 100% and I will be happy once he has regained a little weight, but in the mean time I am not going to start letting him get away with stuff. A kid who looks for the limits and doesn't find them, in my experience, is much harder to deal with than a child who frequently tests the limits!
Christopher:
continues limited forays into the world of walking, but crawling remains his main method of self-propulsion. I sometimes wonder if the move and the limited space has anything to do with him being slower to walk. He is physically capable though and climbs better than some four year olds so I am not too worried about him! He is LOUDLY playing peek-a-boo with his reflection in the lid of the lap-top at the moment.
Anna:
has gained a pound in her first fortnight of life on the outside! She is filling out, has a real belly button, almost completely stopped getting colic/reflux and is smiling. She is already growing up too quickly for my liking! She is still doted on by all.
The house:
is in need of a little TLC in the form of fridge cleaning out expeditions and one or two "hot spots" that need addressing. The laundry also slipped behind whilst it was too hot to hang out anything. BUT the bathroom, bedrooms and kitchen are still clean (except for the fridge) and order is still the main theme. I can't wait to have things more unpacked and sorted. I am strongly considering making it a rule that if something new comes in, something old HAS to go out until we have more space because I feel like I am drowning in STUFF. I got given some ornaments when I had Anna which are going to have to find a different home. I don't really DO ornaments anyway and the fact that we are going to be combating plaster dust again soon and there aren't really any display surfaces anyway means that they would have to be packed into a box somewhere and would probably not be displayed for another five years, if ever.
The Garden:
Beloved has fixed my gardening fork. When the weather gets a bit cooler, watch out weeds!
Jess
Monday, February 02, 2009
multiple myths
To the concerned community member, well meaning family member, worried church member, stranger on the street,
Let me just bust a few myths for you, it being mythbuster Monday an' all.
I know how it happens.
My uterus is not going to fall out if I have another baby in the next 18 months.
I am (relatively) fit, healthy and young with straightforward, insanely easy, pregnancies and deliveries. If you have any ACTUAL basis for these mythological "things" that can go wrong having "so many" kids "too close", I would be interested to hear it. Otherwise, your concern, while appreciated, is completely without basis and just a little annoying.
I know the birth control options. In fact, I have thoroughly researched the various immoral, messy, inconvenient, unreliable and downright annoying options there are out there AND their side effects. The choice of what we use is none of anyone's business except my husband, mine and God's. Thank you for your interest.
No, I don't believe non-abortificant means of birth control are sin. No, I'm not judging you for having less children than I do. You'd be surprised how little attention I pay to those around me, I really am quite self-involved!
Yes, I really did mean to fall pregnant last time.
I really do like the idea of more kids.
I kinda wasn't joking when I said 14 is a really good number.
No really, think about it, it is the perfect number (seven) times TWO, isn't that cool?
Plus, it is possible that I'm a TEENY bit competitive and the idea of having the most kids of anyone we know kinda appeals to me. The same way I was stoked when Christopher was over ten pound. It is the same part of me that wants to win the "biggest pumpkin" comp at the local agricultural show.
I would be just as happy and content if Beloved decided we were done having kids now, a tiny bit disappointed for a while, but not devastated (as Beloved put it "Honey, you'd be disappointed if we had twelve and decided to stop then" - well, 14 IS a nice number! Two for each day of the week!)
Hang on, I got sidetracked, where was I? Myths.
I am not living off your taxes by having so many kids. We pay more in tax than we receive in benefits. It is likely my kid's taxes will help support your retirement. You're welcome!
No, my body isn't 'shot to pieces'. Beloved finds my stretch marks kinda sexy, given we made them together! Thank you for your elegantly put enquiries about my health and fitness, I'm not particularly interested in discussing my pelvic floor with you right now. Ever, in fact.
Being that my mother is a Psych Nurse and has worked in the mental health industry in some form or other most of my life, I have some grasp of the definition of "insane". My choices in terms of number of offspring or the spacing thereof doesn't tip the balance either way.
So there ya go,
another Mythbuster Monday bought to you by Jess!
Let me just bust a few myths for you, it being mythbuster Monday an' all.
I know how it happens.
My uterus is not going to fall out if I have another baby in the next 18 months.
I am (relatively) fit, healthy and young with straightforward, insanely easy, pregnancies and deliveries. If you have any ACTUAL basis for these mythological "things" that can go wrong having "so many" kids "too close", I would be interested to hear it. Otherwise, your concern, while appreciated, is completely without basis and just a little annoying.
I know the birth control options. In fact, I have thoroughly researched the various immoral, messy, inconvenient, unreliable and downright annoying options there are out there AND their side effects. The choice of what we use is none of anyone's business except my husband, mine and God's. Thank you for your interest.
No, I don't believe non-abortificant means of birth control are sin. No, I'm not judging you for having less children than I do. You'd be surprised how little attention I pay to those around me, I really am quite self-involved!
Yes, I really did mean to fall pregnant last time.
I really do like the idea of more kids.
I kinda wasn't joking when I said 14 is a really good number.
No really, think about it, it is the perfect number (seven) times TWO, isn't that cool?
Plus, it is possible that I'm a TEENY bit competitive and the idea of having the most kids of anyone we know kinda appeals to me. The same way I was stoked when Christopher was over ten pound. It is the same part of me that wants to win the "biggest pumpkin" comp at the local agricultural show.
I would be just as happy and content if Beloved decided we were done having kids now, a tiny bit disappointed for a while, but not devastated (as Beloved put it "Honey, you'd be disappointed if we had twelve and decided to stop then" - well, 14 IS a nice number! Two for each day of the week!)
Hang on, I got sidetracked, where was I? Myths.
I am not living off your taxes by having so many kids. We pay more in tax than we receive in benefits. It is likely my kid's taxes will help support your retirement. You're welcome!
No, my body isn't 'shot to pieces'. Beloved finds my stretch marks kinda sexy, given we made them together! Thank you for your elegantly put enquiries about my health and fitness, I'm not particularly interested in discussing my pelvic floor with you right now. Ever, in fact.
Being that my mother is a Psych Nurse and has worked in the mental health industry in some form or other most of my life, I have some grasp of the definition of "insane". My choices in terms of number of offspring or the spacing thereof doesn't tip the balance either way.
So there ya go,
another Mythbuster Monday bought to you by Jess!
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