On becoming the mother of a 10 year old

This week the Doctor turned 10. 

I can barely believe we welcomed him 10 years ago. I can't imagine life before him, and I can't imagine life without him. 

He is the best gift I have ever been given (and so is Tiny, of course).

In those early heady days of first becoming a mum, I remember through the haze, struggling to feed, and finally walking in our front door with him curled up in my arms, the tiny body of a newborn, and being struck by the gravitas that I was responsible for his survival. 

I felt ill-equipped. Totally out of my depth. 

I was happy to be responsible, but the reality of being responsible for this small being was quite overwhelming. 

And so I started to learn to become a mum. And I loved it, despite the lack of sleep, the intense learning curve, the fact that I lacked the ability to shower most days before midday, let alone eat breakfast (I remember my sisters being disgusted at my Weet Bix being a sludgy mess, they couldn't believe I would actually eat them that way!). 

I don't think I was particularly good at it, but as the Doctor grew up, so did my confidence. 

We'd go on daily walks to the park, we'd go train spotting, we'd walk to the train station and meet Matt after work - where the Doctor's legs would pump furiously and he'd be SO happy to see the trains, as were the commuters to see this bonny, chubby rosy-cheeked boy exhilarated by the engines pulling in and going off. 

Such were our days. 

The Doctor filled my days, sometimes I cried, some days were so tough, but most days we had fun. Climbing, playing with the ducks, following the shadows, eating play dough (him, not me), setting up train track after train track. My heart is heavy thinking of those days, because my goodness I do miss them. They were uncomplicated, happy and innocent. 

But I'm not here to cast my mind back to coulda, woulda, shoulda, I'm here to say, being the mum of a 10 year old is a gift. I can barely believe we're here. But I am so glad we are. 

Happy birthday my beautiful child. May we always be close. x

How to... 8 Tips on How to Write a Will (Sp)

Meet me. Reigning Queen of Procrastination. Ruler of putting boring things off. Chief Executive Delayer. 

I am organised at work, getting organised at home (hello school notes!), and this year, 2015, is the  year of Lexi getting everything else in line. Tax. Super. Holidays. And a Will. 

Sounds pretty exciting, right? I know. Sigh. Not exciting. But things that need to be checked off. And the chief reason I delay most of these tasks? I feel intimidated by them.

So today I am sharing eight tips on how to write a will, so we can cross that one off the list ASAP!

But first - why do you even need a Will? A Will will (ha, see what I did there) ensure that your assets are distributed the way you want when you die - and saves a lot of ugly family arguments in the aftermath. Because you won't be there - your will will be the document that conveys your wishes. 

It's important - if you don't have a Will, the courts will potentially decide who and where your assets are going. Plus your money and assets could go to bills and taxes, instead of your loved ones. 

This is something I have been putting off because it feels a bit morbid talking about it, and I haven't wanted to think about it, but heck. Let's do this.

1. When should I write a Will? As early as possible - life hands us turns and twists, so it's good to have something written down - which can always be updated later on.

2. Write a list: Start by writing down a list - or a few lists including:
- Any assets you have
- Gifts you want to give
- People you want to include
- Any charities you would like to include
- Who you'd like to be the executor of your estate

You might add to this list later on - so take your time, and discuss it with your partner or spouse. 

3. Which assets? Here's my big problem. I don't really have any exciting assets unless you count my vintage teacup collection - however I don't think anyone else feels the same way I do about it. But when you're thinking about your Will you should definitely include:
- Physical assets such as houses, property, jewellery, teacup collections
- Financial assets e.g. savings, shares etc
- Heirlooms or sentimental pieces - again with the vintage teacup collection

4. Be picky about your executor: Choose someone with the least to inherit, someone who can be the most objective. The executor should be someone who is going to outlive you, someone younger. 

5. Chat with your family: Find out who wants what. Who really loves my vintage teacup collection? Who loves my vintage hat collection? Er, no one? Surely some people feel an affinity with some things, so it's good to find out what they love - lack of discussion can spark feuding. Ugly. 

6. Be specific: Name people, but include date of birth, relationship to you, and address - add as much detail into your Will as possible to avoid any doubt/discrepancies. 

7. Regularly Update: You should keep your Will updated - definitely if you have a new child, get divorced, retired etc - you want it current and relevant.

8. Harness an expert: Seek legal advice to ensure your Will is solid and complies with state and territory legislation. They'll also be able to provide tips, or remind you of things you haven't included.  Avoid free Wills because they may not be compliant and your Will may be rendered invalid - and your wishes may not be carried out. It could mean it takes longer for your loved ones to be given what you wished, and legal costs will be taken out of the assets. Plus sometimes "free" wills come with hidden clauses charging fees and taking a percentage as payment for executing your will. 




This post is sponsored by Firths - The Compensation Lawyers

Life's too short not to have a Christmas tree

This year I had given up on having a Christmas tree. I felt too tired. Too sick. And it was too much to think about hauling an oversized prickly tree home, and then no one seemed to have any Christmas trees left, and I didnt have the energy to ask Matt to search for one, so I quietly forgot about it. Instead we pulled out our very small and unassuming fake tree and I thought - "that will do."

And then I woke up this morning and felt a bit better (in myself). But immensely sad. Like the biggest grey cloud was settling in above Sydney. How do you move on when others won't be able to? 

But we must. As painful as it is when you are grieving, life goes on. And there's something comforting in that fact too.

I drove past a service station - and lo and behold - a swarm of Christmas trees. I pulled over. I walked in and paid my money. The man who served me said: "Have you got someone to help you get it in your car?" I replied, no. He said: "How are you going to get it in your car?" I told him I'd wrangle it in. He laughed. I thought - clearly you don't know my mother, Chief Wrangler of Things. He told me he'd see if someone could come out and help me. I walked back out. And I wrangled that tree into the car. And before he'd even come out, I was in my car and driving off. 

Life's too short not to have a Christmas tree. 

Life with cat

It's almost a year since we first met Happy. 

We met at the Cat Protection Society. He sat next to Matt. His brother was a bit of a bully to him. And then he climbed up Matt's arm and sat on his shoulder. 

Since then I have undergone a rapid transformation back into a crazy cat lady. 

I say back because I had the love of my life, Yoko, aka Boozie for 14 beautiful years, and my goodness, you've seriously never met a better cat. When he died, I was 21. I still think about that beautiful boy. 

Happy is a crazy, slinky, minxie, moody cat. As only cats are. 

I am desperate for him to love me. So instead he snubs me.

Please. Send help.

The Long Week Of Birthdays

This was a week of cake. Of presents. Torn wrapping paper. A few balloons. Singing that memorable song. 

Two birthdays in one week and I am totally k to the nackered.

Matt's birthday kicked us off and I made Stephanie Alexander's 'Best Cheesecake'. It took longer than anticipated, and, well I have a lack of skill when it comes to reading ahead - to discover the cake had to sit overnight in the fridge. No matter, we just drew out his birthday festivities! 

I must also declare that it is indeed the best cheesecake. Ever. Like EVER. I would share a photo but there's only a thin slither left. It will be Fight Club when it comes to divvying it up. 

Matt really wanted a New York cheesecake, I couldn't find a recipe and had to appease him with this. I do believe that man was a little disgruntled. That was until he tasted the goodness of Stephanie's cake. 

Then it was my little man's birthday. I raced home from work on Monday to bake cupcakes for his class. I was so dog tired after a crazy day at the office. I knew I'd make Nigella's cupcakes - which for me are failsafe. Usually. 

I tossed the first lot into the oven, came back 15 minutes later - and instead of perky cupcakes, I pulled out a rack of deflated, inverted things that looked more like pastry shells. 

Pooh! 

I put another lot in thinking surely this can't be happening. 30 cupcakes required. 

The second lot came out. Plop. Same thing. 

I went to bed feeling a bit cross, having tossed the remaining mix in the bin - they were all unsalvageable, and I had to go to bed before I turned into a pumpkin. 

Got up the next morning - well actually was woken up by an excited birthday child - at 5:50am. Er. Thanks.

Made breakfast, and went for second shot with the cupcakes. 

SUCCESS!! 30 - actually 36 perky cupcakes. I let them cool, iced them with butter cream icing, topped each with a Malteser and boom - up to the school. 

Then made another cake for that afternoon with our little family. This time Nigella's birthday cake. Success again people. By this point I am willing to throw the towel in and become a baker. Or something. 

By the night time I was exhausted. But happy. 

All Cat and No Responsibility

We have had our Happy cat for four weeks now. 

We couldn't be happier. He has brought so much to our little household, and despite him going through some crazy psycho teenage years (didn't we all) and teething like a maniac, he is so super duper fluffy. And cute. 

This morning I had to take him to the vet for his vaccination. In my mind I had the whole family clambering to come with me.

In reality - no one wanted to come with me. 

Can you believe it?

I was pretty outraged. I packed the cat up. Got his papers. And left. 

I am like the Little Red Hen. 

No one wants to feed him. No one wants to accompany him on vet visits. They're his good time friends. Ready to play - but not there when the chips are down.

Basically the news release I'll be issuing to my family is - the cat is mine.

And I'm not good at sharing.

I'm Back:: Post Holidays PottyMouthMama

I am back after a joyous break.

How sweet it was to spend almost two weeks with my small people, and my big husband; two weeks with virtually nothing to do except think about what we'd do for the next meal, and which beach we were going to comb for the teeniest of shells. It was beautiful. It was simple. It was memorable.

If you follow me on Instagram you would have yawned every time I posted a sunrise, or a sunset, but for me, it was the perfect way to mark our days together - and what a gift those skies were!

The Doctor learnt to, and loved boogie boarding, Tiny adored fossicking in the rockpools, together like two goldpanners we'd sit and look for sea treasures. We'd walk the beach looking for those perfectly formed balls of sand that indicate a crab is nearby, we watched the waves roll in together. Matt went for his first surf in 20 years, and me? I got the time I craved so badly with my family, to do pretty well nothing, with no deadlines, nowhere to be, just time spent together. To say it was bliss would be an understatement. 

Now we're back to the grindstone. Our last day of holidays - boo hiss - and we're curled up on the couch watching movies together.

From One Mother To Another:: Please Help Little J

From one mother to another, I implore you to support this initiative in whatever way you can.

I received an email this morning - and as soon as I read it, I knew I had to share it and spread the word as much as I could. 

Please, please help if you can. If everyone donated $5 - it would make a big difference to a family that needs our help, love and support at this difficult time. 

----------------------------
Holly is  a volunteer who provides personal aid to families with terminally ill children on a regular basis - when the parents need a stand-in to keep their child company or have somebody babysit their other children so they can spend the night at the hospital, she is there for them. Holly does this in addition to working a part-time retail job and also studying for a masters in psychology.

One of Holly's charges, J (pictured with Holly in the attached image), has just in the last couple of days taken a turn for the worst. J recently had a bone marrow transplant and recovered from leukemia but due to complications with an infection was been moved to to an intensive care unit yesterday and likely does not have much time left to live.

The saddest part of the story is that J's dad is a self-employed truck driver who works in NSW, and despite knowing that his 2 year old son has very little time left, has to continue working in order to avoid losing his business and their home.

Going above and beyond, Holly has taken it upon herself to try and raise money for the family to help give J's father a few weeks off to spend what could be the last precious days with his son. I've given all I can and spread the word to all I know and implore you to do the same. Even if you can't donate, you might be able to help by sharing, tweeting, telling your friends and family.
------------------------------
If you can help, please donate to make these next few weeks a bit easier for J and his family. 
  
EDIT:: Following some concerns regarding the legitimacy of the Little J fundraising, I can confirm it is legit. The page was set up in great haste, it isn't perfect, but it is fundraising for a family in need.

And Then Everything Changes

Just like that. In one phone call - life has the power to throw you to the ground and into a state of shock that you didn't anticipate. One moment you're on the fast track to birthdays and Christmas - the very next, you're tossed - you were blindsided.

There I was, naively thinking life was turning a corner. That we were getting on with things - and that very afternoon, I'm left wondering what life is about - and why?

My beautiful, beloved, warm and funny aunty passed away very suddenly. Far too young. Far too much life left within her. And yet - gone. 

It's been 18 months since we last saw her - and I can't quite fathom that we'll only see her again in photographs and mind maps. She had a wonderful laugh. 

Sal had the knack of making you feel well at ease. I still remember her saying "Al!" and cuddling me, a huge all-encompassing embrace. She had sparkly eyes and oozed awesome-ness. 

Whip smart, and full of fun, my goodness we will miss her. I thought she was forever. That's how life isn't it? It trips you up. Throws you down. Pins you to a place that you hoped wasn't close - that grief, those terrible waves, that waking in the middle of the night - and remembering - and then the sleeplessness that ensues. 

I wish I got to spend more time with her. 

Part Two:: A Weekend Venture To The Capital:: The Human Brochure

We woke, breakfasted with Family Hugo and Elsa, and Family Pigeon Pair, and were on the bus in record time on Saturday morning. We were ready to nerd up at Questacon for a few hours.

First up the smalls checked in with the tastebud doctor who gave them some food dye to check how many taste buds they have. Funnily enough - both have few - so really there's no reason they can be fussy at dinner time - BUSTED.

If you've never been to Questacon before, it is great. I remember going there as a 12 year old, and having immensely good memories of it. Going back was ace. There are so many hands on exhibits, and it's seriously  subliminal learning (isn't that the best kind?!).

We high-fived and hugged astronauts, watched 10 volcanoes explode, I conned Matt into going down the vertical slide three times in the name of getting a good shot (which I never got), and we learnt about the invasion of Planet Fwah. It was good fun for both Matt and I, and the kids. 

After we'd exhausted ourselves at Questacon we meandered our way to The Lobby for an incredibly hearty meal. The kids played merrily outside after refuelling, ready for the next adventure. 

Then we were whisked back to the hotel to rest before our next outing. The National Zoo & Aquarium (which is btw - privately owned).

I had no idea that we were about to be offered an incredible opportunity to feed animals. The zoo itself offers a very intimate feeling - and we were about to get up close to some animals to feed them. The Doctor was busting to feed the tiger and the lion - and so he did. Tick - dream come true. Tiny opted for the giraffe (with the longest tongue I have ever seen - that quivered when it was close to the carrot Tiny held aloft) and a bear. Not just some little teeny bear, but a big bear. A really big bear. 

And then the kids held a corn snake. Ew. 

Following the zoo we headed off to Cockington Green. Have you ever been to Cockington Green? BOOM! You see what I did there?!

Cockington Green has been around since the 70s - and is - once again, family-owned. It's pretty darn rad in my book. Miniature this and miniature that. I remember being a 12 year old and thinking it was pretty swell. And being a 33 year old, well it was pretty darn swell too. 

There's even a miniature train you can ride on around the gardens. Super. Duper. Cute. 

And as if that wasn't enough rad in our day - we then went to the National Dinosaur Museum. I wish we'd been able to spend more time here. The man who showed us around was SO on the money - he really nailed it in terms of brevity and pitching it to his small audience - and yet - all the adults were completely spellbound by him too. 

This was something I noticed a lot on our trip to Canberra. The awesome people who showed us around were so passionate and into what they were talking to us about - they knew it by rote, and they just got it right. 


Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. Honesty is the best policy! Our accommodation and itinerary was covered for the weekend. We liked it. We had fun. We wanted to share our trip to Canberra. 

Part One:: A Weekend Venture To The Capital:: The Human Brochure

Just in case you missed it, last weekend we went to Canberra as part of The Human Brochure. We were in the 500 selected out of 31,000 applicants to take part in this world first online experience - pretty darn exciting.

So us four humans left Sydney as soon as Matt finished teaching on Friday, and hit the road. It was such a pretty drive. You know when you've had a long week - there's nothing that gives you perspective quite like going on a road trip - straight out of the city and into the real world. It perfectly quenched my thirst for space - those green rolling hills, that unending blue sky. It got me dreaming. 

Before I knew it - and before the smalls could be too disgruntled and start chiming in with 'how much longer?' - we were meandering our way through the green, tree-lined streets of Canberra. 

Our first stop was to meet with the rest of The Human Brochure group that were at the Australian War Memorial. Unfortunately we were late, but we managed to spot some rabbits grazing on the lawns (see that top pic where Tiny expresses her excitement), and then made our way inside. 

Firstly - I was nervous. Mainly because this is what I was wearing, and when we walked in - there were many people dressed in military uniforms from different eras, and I was afraid I was going to be mistaken for someone in costume (it wouldn't be the first time for Canberra to do that to me*).

It was such a great evening, and I learnt so much. I am always interested in hearing about war-time efforts, it's so heartbreaking, and incredible what our men and women went through during this time. 

We're absolutely going to go back to the Australian War Memorial - they're hosting an open day on 6th April 2013 that I've heard is going to be a big one. 

And you might be thinking, might be interesting for you PMM, but what about the kids? Well they were definitely catered to. There were dress-ups, puppet shows and stories - all of which were perfectly pitched to their younger audience (and I found interesting too). Plus the exhibits are really interesting - you could spend a few hours there, easily. 

If you're in Canberra on 11th November, or can travel there easily - it would be worth taking a look at the AWM's Rememberance Day services. 

We then made our way to our accommodation for the weekend - the Clifton Suites on Northbourne. The kids always love staying in hotels (who doesn't? No housecleaning!), and the rooms were so spacious the Doctor and Tiny asked if we could live there (heck, our two bedroom apartment was bigger than our house). 

Finally, we wrangled the smalls in to bed and crashed for the night - preparing for the big weekend that lay ahead. 

* When I was in Year Six, we visited Canberra. Because I was the tallest out of the year, the waitress at the restaurant asked me at dinner time if I was sitting with the teacher's table. HA! She thought I was a teacher. And I was a lanky 12 year old. 

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. Honesty is the best policy! Our accommodation and itinerary was covered for the weekend. We liked it. We had fun. We wanted to share our trip to Canberra. 

Remember When You Voted For PMM To Be PM?

Well I'm heading to the capital of Australia to take up my role today. I was voted in, remember?

Oh. You want the truth?

You can't handle the truth.

Oh. You can. Oh alright then.

I'm one of 500 humans heading to Canberra to be part of the first ever #humanbrochure . I'm pretty excited too - and for a number of reasons.

Firstly, I get to meet the uber talented Michelle of Hugo & Elsa fame and the wonderful Christie from Pigeon Pair (who I had a chance meeting with in Melbourne back in August!).

Secondly, I haven't been to Canberra since I was 12 - it's 21 years since I was last there, so really, it's like I'm celebrating my 21st birthday all over again. Right?

Thirdly, we have a mega, mega fun itinerary ahead of us, jam-packed, super busy - and it looks fabulous.

I am truly looking forward to exploring our capital city.

So buckle up your seatbelts and get ready for our weekend away. Because you're coming too. Travel with me this weekend via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, FourSquare, and this blog. We're going to have a real hoot!

Stuff Happens

Remember the other week when I wrote about what was happening for our little family? About the childcare woes, the distinct lack of village, and the big changes?

A few people commented on here and over on Facebook, imploring me to ask some mums. After all, what was the worst thing that could happen? They could say no.

I sat on it for a few days feeling really, absolutely awkward.

Then I bit the bullet and contacted a few mums that I vaguely knew from dropping the kids off to their houses. I asked them if they could look after our smalls one afternoon a week, for the next two terms. I told them they had no obligation.

And then I waited for them to respond. The three all responded saying they'd love to help, but of the three, one logistically couldn't do it. But the other two said YES! And one asked if we could look after their daughter before school. Of course we said YES!

Things have worked out well. Well, so far so good. We won't know until we're in the thick of it. But for now, I feel so much happier with this place we are at.

Thank you for empowering me to ask. Thank you. Thank you.

images - because I love them - by Spanish artist Lola Guerrera via Design for Mankind

Tides Are Changing

Last time I wrote about the juggle of life - of working, of parenting, of wife-ing, I received a comment from a helpful anonymous commenter that "you chose this and you should suck it up". Clearly that wasn't verbatim - but it might as well have been.

Needless to say, I shut up about talking about family life - and since then I've shied away from sharing family life.

But the thing is, I think that's what most people can relate to.

This term brings another new change for our little family. A new and fresh load of guilt for me to either drown in, or choose to swim to the surface, flap about and save our souls. I'm choosing the latter.

Recently Matt was announced a semi-finalist in the Moran Portrait Prize (bravo Matt!), and within the same week he scored a really, really great job. It had been a long distance between good things for us. It's been a tough year, despite all the hilarity I can muster, it's stretched us to our limits trying to make ends meet, and trying to juggle the mundane.

The flip side was this.

Tiny goes to preschool Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday.
Matt's job is going to be Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. 
I work Tuesday - Friday.
The Doctor goes to school five days a week.
Can you see the gap there? The gaping big hole in our week?

Luckily I could switch my day off. So I did. I'll be hanging with Tiny on Thursdays now, and joining the hordes battling Monday-itis.

By design we both work part-time so someone is home with the kids. That is our choice. We chose to have less of an income because family life is the priority for us. And now things are shifting, and we've got to shift with them, and move, like sands through the hourglass.

We've got Tiny going to a different preschool on Fridays - which weighs heavy on my heart. Her current preschool couldn't take her for another day, so I see this as a test. If it doesn't work - we will have to shift again. We'll change things around, switch things up. And I still need to find a solution for an afternoon school pick ups.

I wish I could ask someone at school to pick up my kids one day a week. But since I work - I haven't really struck up any relationships with other mothers to go out on a limb and ask. And it's a big ask, isn't it? To ask someone to take my children home once a week. Is it? Isn't it? I don't know. I've lost perspective now because this change feels so immense for us. I feel the distance even more acutely I think because I am at work. I leave early and don't get home 'til late. The distance and disconnection between work life and family life can be spectacularly damning.

The whole idea that it takes a village to raise a family is an awfully romantic notion. But Matt and I are playing dual-triple-quadruple roles of Mayor, Town Crier (that's me), counsellor, worker bee - we are the village people.

I wish things could have stayed as they were. They were hard, but we had our routine. The smalls had one of us. But I guess this is an evolution of our family life.

This is not a pity party. This is me grappling with what to do next. What's our next move?

the image is Tiny and her cousin P's culinary adventure in the garden this morning. They were cooking. Boy, those little girls, they love to cook.

Lest We Forget

We spent the morning at the ANZAC day march in the city. I should have taken my sunglasses because I see those men and women - I feel overwhelmed and get very wet eyes. 


We caught the train in and caught the train home with the smell of rosemary with us the whole day. 

Today I thought of my grandfather, Gramps. Of my dad's uncle who died at Gallipoli. And Frank who I sometimes walk with in the mornings, who often tells me about shipping over to Singapore as a 17 year old, and returning two weeks later to find everyone had died. 


Those young boys who fought so bravely - I can't even imagine the horror. 

this is Gramps with my grandmother, Mars. 

I spent the afternoon baking ANZAC biscuits - that I stuck together with caramel (thank you Donna Hay), and then I spent a blissful two hours in the garden. 


Lest we forget. 

Review: Toyota Camry Atara SX - A Family Trip

This is where we yelled "Oh what a feeling" - we're like that

Back in the days I learnt to drive in a Toyota Camry. And so it is that a great lineage of our family has driven a Toyota Camry. It's an expectation now, in our family, that when you get a new car, 90% of the time, it's a Toyota Camry.

Apparently we like the Toyota Camry.

The roses are on the verge of being dead-headed, the Crepe Myrtle is on the verge of blooming bright. We headed to the Hunter Valley this weekend in the brand spanking new Toyota Camry Atara SX. Aye. Aye. Aye.

We had such a wonderful family escape, we hung out like we haven't for ages, we swam, read, and escaped the city - all courtesy of Toyota. 

We drove hither and thither, vineyard to vineyard, checking out the scenery, the vines, the views. The gelato!

The drive was smooth! It was keyless! I love keyless because I don't have to rummage in my handbag for keys while wrangling small children. And the car? It was made in Melbourne, with love. 

I'd like to say I took it to 240kms just to check it could really go that fast - but I didn't. I trust Toyota.

I would however say this car has grunt - but it's smooth grunt. It handled well on bitumen, and I impressed Matt with my Stig-like navigation of a very bumpy, very potholious* gravel road without hitting one bump. GENIUS! 

The lowdown:
You'll like the Toyota Camry Atara because:
- it's a great family sized car;
- the keyless entry;
- the keyless lock;
- the moon roof;
- the superior safety features;
- the leather upholstery;
- the roomy boot;
- the super fuel efficiency (we drove around all weekend and still have half a tank);
- the customised lumbar support for the driver (HELLO TOYOTA!);
- it has two exhaust pipes which impressed the Doctor;
- it's a super smooth drive;
- it's customised metallic ultramarine blue - (Matt LOVES this) if you want it to be;
- it has lots of ace cup holders (I am a sucker for rad cup holders);
- it is psychic and can automatically change the temperature;
- it alters the headlights automatically - if someone's driving towards you, it will dim the high-beam

Why you won't like it:
- Because we had to give it back [insert sad face here];
- Because your partner will want to drive it and you can't hog the steering wheel

* I made that word up.

The Perfect Myth

The other day I inadvertently interrupted one of my colleagues speaking with some other work friends. Later, for some reason or another I asked what they had been chatting about. 

"Your perfect family."

I cringed. And I'm sure my brow furrowed. And then I cacked myself.

"My family perfect?" And then I laughed hard again thinking about how imperfect my life is. 

The perfect family? Don't think so. Far from it.


I quickly popped that bubble - because I am not one for perpetuating myths. I am not perfect. My family is not perfect. Life is not perfect.  I quickly jumped to my family's defence and went to town mythbusting.


I rattled off a whole bunch of reasons why our family is not perfect:
- we argue
- our house is a mess
- sometimes we can't pay our bills on time
- we don't really know what we're doing - we just fumble along
- we sometimes struggle to make decisions - big decisions
- I want to move out of Sydney, Matt wants to stay in Sydney
- my kids faces are covered in chocolate
- I struggle juggling family life with work life
- and sometimes we eat crumpets with butter and honey for lunch

There's so much more that makes us imperfect, and delightfully so, but I won't bore you.

But I did keep confirming to her that our family was not perfect, and that there isn't such a thing as a perfect family. With four individuals, there's bound to be conflict, tension, tears, and mess. Everyone has their challenges.


I could go on. And on. And on. But I won't bore you on the reasons why our little family is imperfect. And we're perfectly happy being imperfect.

Kids Night Out

This post is sponsored by Nuffnang.

If you’re looking for activities for the kids these holidays, check out the free outdoor cinema at Sydney Olympic Park.   We went on Saturday night, and it’s fun – we can vouch for that. We kicked back with other picnicking families and enjoyed each other’s company, on a clean, green patch of grass, under a perfect blue sky, and waited until it darkened enough to watch Cars 2.


The smalls loved the laid-back vibe, hanging out with other smalls, and the novelty of lying under the star-strewn sky and watching a movie. It was pretty special curling up with those little wiggly bodies and enjoying this first with them.

The Doctor finished the night with his: “This was my best night ever.”


Running until January 29th Kids in the Park has a whole menu of activities (more than 50!) to choose from an ace school holiday program catering to all ages (and all free or under $20). If you’re into movies, there’s lots to choose from (The Smurfs, Harry Potter etc) – you can check out the flicks here .

Kids in the Park runs every school holiday at Sydney Olympic Park.

Pencil It In

We've kept doing our pencil + drawing time in the evenings, every other night, under the guidance of our artist-in-residence, the Doctor.

He rallies the pencils and paper, and gets everyone to sit down for drawing time. It's so good for our family life.

Particularly when everyone's been feeling pretty low, and we can't seem to shake these lurgies, to stay sitting down together post-dinner, and just hang out drawing, it's fun. Good for the spirits. Good for the soul. Anything's that's good for the soul is just fine by me.

Have you been busy creating? Soul-enriching? Do tell. Spill.

I Heart Sundays

Beautiful, beautiful Sundays. How I love them. Come Monday, they are merely memories, but while you're in the thick of Sundays, rejoice! For Sundays are Sundays! And that means one thing! Family day.

We wandered the Lisgar Gardens together, looking for sneeches aka leeches - and celebrated the lack of them.

By now you should understand that I love gardens. The Hunter Valley Gardens. The Royal Botanic Gardens. Lisgar Gardens. They are my oasis in a busy city-life. I'm always blogging about gardens. And yet I am a failed gardener. An ex-composter. A wannabe green-thumb.

This is the four of us. Together in the gardens. Where the Doctor told us he didn't want to be, and then stumbled upon koi fish and was turned around. Where Tiny declared her undying love for 'flowlas'. Where Matt and I explored the layers of flowers, fauna and found a bush turkey.

Hello and goodbye Sunday. Until we meet again.