Hide and Seek

I thought this would be a great game to play with the boys.
However as you all know the boys are now 8 & 10 years old so even though they play this game well I thought they might like it if I upp'd the anti a little?
Maybe in the form of us trying to seek something that was already hidden?
Of course in this day and age of technology then there has to be some techno part to it and so that is why I decided it was time for us to get into Geocaching.

What is that I hear you cry....?
It is in simple terms a game of hide and seek that you use a GPS to find an item hidden by someone else in the town/country/world using coordinates.
There is a whole website dedicated to Geocaching and once you get started it is addictive!!

You can download an app onto your mobile phone and Bob's your uncle you are off!
You look at the map of where you are, locate a cache (item) to find and using the coordinates go off and try to find it.
It is usually a canister of some description that can range in size from a small pill box up to a 10 litre bucket!

However the whole purpose is to do it as discretely as possible so no one knows what you are doing as the cache needs to be found and then left as discovered ready for the next person to find.
You do however log on the paper inside the canister that you were there and also log it on the website so you can keep track of ones you have discovered already.

When you first look at the map on the website, it is enough to make you fall off your seat, there are hidden caches everywhere and I literally mean everywhere, all over the world to be more precise!
There are 12 that I can find that are within 2 miles walking distance of our house!
Stuck in a bush, up a tree, under a board walk even magnitised to a chair in a public place.

But it is just a fence?

Wrong! There's a geocache

The boys have already been checking out if there are any near Grandma's House, near the beach where we spend a lot of our summer time and near their school, although I have told them that they can not search for them without me as they need the coordinates and the GPS on my phone to assist them, however give it a few years and I can probably send them off for the afternoon with a phone and a list and they would happily entertain themselves around the city!

Hair Styles

I like to think I am an open mother, allowing my boys the ability to try things that they want that I may not want so much?
When they both commented on having a rats tail at the back of their hair a few years ago then I couldn't see the problem, pretty much like when Alex asked for his hair to be shaved the last time it got cut, no harm there, would look short for a while but at least he can't say I didn't let them do what they wanted.
Point to self..........never let Alex get hair shaved again, it looked horrible and even his father thought so too!

Back to their hair.....these rats tails have been there for a few years now, luckily they have never complained at how theirs never seemed to get too long, like others they had seen. This may have something to do with

1. they can't see them
2. mummy was known to cut them at night without then knowing!

People always asked why they had them and how long they were keeping them for?

Ben finally answered that he was competing in an International Judo Tournament soon and that he would finally cut his then as his opponent could grab it during a hold down and use it to his advantage!

One evening not long ago we went out to my cousin's for his birthday tea and whilst there my uncle asked when it was being cut? Ben answered 'maybe next week' and suddenly my uncle was offering him $12 if HE (my uncle) could cut it now!

Ben was a little taken back but once he understood the idea he seemed to warm up to it slightly.

However then my cousin joined in an up'd the anti to $14. This went back and forth until such time as there was $17 in the pot, however my uncle put a time limit on this auction and Ben had to make a decision in a short period of time.

He didn't!

My uncle though agreed to start the auction one final time however he added a twist and said he would offer $12 if Alex would have his done too?

My cousin then up'd it to $14 and I joined in and told my uncle I would add $5 to his $12 and he could still have the pleasure of cutting the tails off? To me paying $5 to finally have them gone seemed reasonable enough.

My uncle then auctioned off the pleasure of cutting Alex's hair and so it ended with my cousin offering to pay my uncle $5 to cut Alex's.

Ben

It got very confusing at one point as to how much was in the pot and who was doing what?

But eventually it ended with my uncle cutting Ben's hair and my cousin cutting Alex's hair and the boys both walking away with $10 (which sadly they both owed us because they currently are in debt to us!)

Alex

Unfortunately we couldn't find really great scissors, so they were cut off using some simple kitchen scissors!! Which in turn added to the excitement of the moment.

It did mean that Alex walked away with a little bald spot on the left of his head, but hey it is at the back, he can't see it and no one else seems to comment!

It will grow back after all.

Another Proud Day

This time it is the boys who had a day to be proud of.
Today they both competed in the Weetbix Try-athlon (TRY being the main part of this event)
It is not a competition, you are not racing against people or a clock, you are there to give it a go and have as much fun as possible.
It consists of a 50 or 100m swim, depending on your age.
A 1.5km bike ride and a 1.5km run/walk

This year was Alex's first ever time. For the last 2 years he has stood by and watched his big brother do the event, because he was not old enough to enter! But not this year, this year he was there, he was ready and he was primed ready to race.

My little Try-man

Waiting for the quick 50m swim

Swim over now on to transition and start that bike ride (you can just make him out in the middle of the picture!)

Dry shirt and then we will be off

pedal, pedal, almost there

Bike complete now onto the run

The finish line is in sight

Cold drink just what I need after that event



Well done: One very happy Try-man

 This year was Ben's 3rd try-athlon, he just loves doing it.
Unfortunately due to it being Alex's first event, then I got to watch all of Alex's parts but Ben's swim started whilst Alex was coming home from the bike ride and switching to the run. This will be a continuing problem from now on with them both competing, but we will deal with it each year and just alternate between who watches which child.
Alex and I were however at the finish line as Ben came home, so I did get some pictures of him.

My big Try-man

Finish line is in sight

Well done, #3 completed, roll on next year.

Well done both of you, very proud of my try-men for giving it a go. Especially as running is not Ben's strong point. Let's do it all again next year.

Christmas Eve Tradition

I managed to find several Christmas Books over the years and have started a lovely tradition in our family of reading them on this lovely night.

I have the usual great one....
"Twas the night before Christmas...."

Which we all know so well with the stockings hung by the firplace and visions of sugar plums dancing in our heads.

And then I also have the New Zealand flavoured one....
"A Kiwi Night Before Christmas"

Twas the night before Christmas, and all round the bach
Not a possum was stirring; not one could we catch
We’d left on the table a meat pie and beer,
In hopes that Santa Claus soon would be here

We children were snuggled up in our bunk beds,
While dreams of pavlova danced in our head;
And Mum in her nightie, and Dad in his shorts,
Had just settled down to watch TV sports,

When outside the bach such a hoo-ha arose,
I woke up at once from my wonderful doze.
I ran straight to the sliding door, looking about,
Jumped out on the deck, and let out a shout!

The fairy lights Dad had strung up round the door
Let me see everything, down to the shore.
And what did I see, when I took a peep?
But a miniature tractor and eight tiny sheep,

It has a true New Zealand flavour to it and compliments the traditional one so nicely.
By the way, a bach = a holiday house by the beach

So that is how we end Christmas Eve as we try to settle the boys down to sleep on a sunny light evening with the temperature still warm and the humidity still high!
Do you have a tradition that you love to follow on this day?

Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good Night!

End of Year

After nearly 15 years down under in New Zealand I still haven't got use to Christmas being in the heat.
I also, after only 4 years, haven't got use to school finishing for the year in December either.
It is all or nothing here in New Zealand!
But having said that I don't think it really matters when school finishes to receive 2 excellent school reports.
It makes any parents day/night/week/month etc when their child brings home those ultimate words written on official paper telling you how they have achieved throughout the year.

School reports came home today and despite all the struggles we may have had throughout the year there is nothing better than the tingle of pride you have when reading your child's report.

2 awesome school reports arrived in our house today and we are very proud of them both.
Some work to be done in some areas but nothing that can't be overcome throughout their schooling, I mean hey, they are only 7 & 9 years old at present, but I am also aware that the time will vanish faster than we expect.

Well done boys, Mum and Dad are very proud of you both.

Mother to Son

I am sure this has been seen many times, but I think it is awesome and so true, definitely something to work towards.

20 Things A Mother Should Tell Her Son

1. You will set the tone for the sexual relationship, so don't take something away from her that you can't give back.

2. Play a sport. It will teach you how to win honorably, lose gracefully, respect authority, work with others, manage your time and stay out of trouble. And maybe even throw or catch.

3. Use careful aim when you pee. Somebody's got to clean that up, you know.

4. Save money when you're young because you're going to need it some day.

5. Allow me to introduce you to the dishwasher, oven, washing machine, iron, vacuum, mop and broom. Now please go use them.

6. Pray and be a spiritual leader.

7. Don't ever be a bully and don't ever start a fight, but if some idiot clocks you, please defend yourself.

8. Your knowledge and education is something that nobody can take away from you.

9. Treat women kindly. Forever is a long time to live alone and it's even longer to live with somebody who hates your guts.

10. Take pride in your appearance.

11. Be strong and tender at the same time.

12. A woman can do everything that you can do. This includes her having a successful career and you changing diapers at 3 A.M. Mutual respect is the key to a good relationship.

13. "Yes ma'am" and "yes sir" still go a long way. So do "Please" & "Thank you"

14. The reason that they're called "private parts" is because they're "private". Please do not scratch them in public.

15. Peer pressure is a scary thing. Be a good leader and others will follow.

16. Bringing her flowers for no reason is always a good idea. Remember Mum too!

17. Be patriotic.

18. Potty humor isn't the only thing that's humorous.

19. Please choose your spouse wisely. My daughter-in-law will be the gatekeeper for me spending time with you and my grandchildren.

20. Remember to call your mother because I might be missing you

Great Idea

I attended a craft fair a few weekends ago and came across a gorgeous little garden attraction.

Ok before I talk about that, I know our garden looks like a rain baren desert! It is a work in progress at present, at least it is looking flat. We are in the process of leveling so hopefully we can sew grass seed in the next week or two. Will keep you posted on that progress.

Now on with the main reason for the post!

The above picture is of a bird feeder, made from a cup and saucer/bowl.

They are screwed and glued into the top of the green pole and then you place in garden and watch the birds happily eating or even bathing in the saucer part if water is placed there!

The boys are able to fill with bird seed and the cats are unable to get the birds!

The birds are loving their new treat, hopefully when we do sew the seed they will leave it alone in favor of the tasty treats in the cups? Here's hoping?

All Things Must End

The Summer 2012 Scavenger Hunt has come to an end.
There have been over 70 people, from all over the world, taking part in this fun activity. All just to find and take a picture of 21 items throughout June, July, August and September.

When you look at it that way, there really isn't much too it.
Who couldn't do that??

Some of the items however were not your everyday on the shelf items, some you just had to be there to capture, others you had to hunt a little for.
But in the end we all managed to have some fun and find some crazy stuff along the way.
I even managed to get the kids involved and they had fun looking for items and reminding me of things I may need a picture of!

In this post I will show you the final things I needed for the hunt and also my favorite picture of them all.
As of yesterday I did still require 4 items. 1 could be subsitituted by a picture of either a heart shaped stone or a 4 leaf clover. I will let you read on to discover whether I had to resort to using either item!

#3 A Border
I really wanted to go for something creative other than the border of a flower bed in the garden, however I never managed to find anything, so I ended up with the border of the flower bed in my neighbours garden. I just like the way they have used the bricks slightly differently.

Although I did take pictures of the border round the sewing on the quilt my mum made for me a few years ago. I do love the purple colour she used.

#12 A Maze, Labyrinth or Trail
Funny story with this find is that tomorrow I am going to be attempting to complete the grown maze in Rotorua with the boys. Sure it would have been perfect for the hunt, shame it would be a day too late!
However for this one I got creative...
Firstly I can give you the game my cousin lent to the boys to play

A Game called 'Labyrinth' which is a moving maze game. You set the maze as the game is played but the idea is to set it so you end up at the finish but you opponent gets stuck at dead ends on the maze!

Secondly I give you the maze book that the boys like trying to do, although they are now finding them easy to complete!

#16 A Bride
This one I knew would be shear luck if I managed it. I sadly had no weddings to go to and knew of none coming up. We have a local Cathedral, the one I took pictures of here, however I never saw much activity during the last few months, but as I have mentioned once or twice, it is winter here so not really wedding season. This is another one of those items that give me another few weeks and I would be able to find brides all over the place for you!
The funny story about all this is that I thought my luck was in 2 weeks ago.
The boys and I had just walked home from soccer and my husband called to ask where we were as he was now free to come and collect us. We were just down the road from the Cathedral and I could see cars and people starting to mingle outside.
Steve came and collected us but I told him to drive round the block and meet me on the corner as I thought there was a wedding taking place (it was about 11am on a Saturday) and that I still needed a picture of a bride for the hunt! Would you believe he rolled his eyes at me at the craziness of it all!
So he drove round the corner and I ran up to the junction, crossed the road, camera at the ready and loitered a little on the pavement. I waited and waited as people slowly came out, dressed smartly, in black! Then it hit me, there was too much black! And no ribbon on the car!
Yep I was loitering waiting to get a picture of a bride at a funeral!

So I surrender on this picture and give you a heart shaped stone instead

#21 A Picture of You with Something That Symbolizes Your Nation
I asked a few mums at school what they would have their picture taken with if it was them? I didn't want to do a flag or passport (also small problem in that my passport is British not New Zealand).
Then I decided to go with something that all New Zealander's would immediately see and know as important to NZ mainly because this item is something that they would have all grown up with. It is iconic to New Zealand and if you didn't have one as a small child then I have found out that you had something missing from your childhood.
Ladies and gentlemen.....I give you the world famous Buzzy Bee. You can check out all about it here.
It is a true New Zealand Icon, something that any NZer would see overseas and immediately think of home.

Here in fact is a picture of my son when he first got this Buzzy Bee from his Uncle and Aunty for his 1st birthday.

So that completes the Summer 2012 Scavenger Hunt. It means I managed to find all 21 items, yea. Thank you to Rinda for organising something that has kept many of us amused for a few months. I would love to do another, people are mubbling about a winter one, or though for me that would be a summer one, so if that comes about, no requests for a picture of snow! But yes I  will be there for the next, if there is one.

My Most Favorite Picture of All
Part of the closing of this hunt is to choose my favorite picture I have taken from the whole hunt.
After reading back through all the posts and checking them all out I give you my favorite.....

My boys having fun with shadows

Happy weekend to you all x x

Breakfast

This morning I woke to hear the boys making breakfast!

Our bedroom is upstairs but directly down the stairs is the kitchen so we can hear what is going on in there.
I was not concerned, I established pretty soon on that we were going to receive something on a tray, however the snippets of conversation (that had me concerned) that I heard made me laugh and I even nudge Steve to check if he was awake and knowing what was coming our way.

The conversation I heard went something like this:
Ben: "Do you know how to make coffee?"
Alex: "Yes"
Ben: "Do you know how to boil the kettle?"
Alex: "Yes, but you need to put water in it"
Ben: "Do you know how to work the coffee thingy?"
Alex: "Yes, I'll do it"
Ben: "But we can't pour the boiling water, can we?"
Alex: "Yes"

What eventuated upstairs to us was 2 trays with a bowl of cereal each and a drink each. Mine was simple, cold juice, Steve's was coffee in the plunger and a cup with milk ready to go.

He asked who made this and they both smiled and said they had, however it soon became apparent that whilst making the coffee Alex (7) had remembered how to make it, adding coffee grounds etc but had forgotten to ensure it had been washed out of yesterday's grounds, so the coffee was made with double coffee half of which had been plunged yesterday!

We happily obliged as all good parents should, to eat what was given to us and say how wonderful it was.

My Day

Today is a special day to me, it is my day to reflect on being a parent.
It is my day to look back and remember that small moment of life before we had kids.
It is my day to sit back and think about what was a head, not that we could have changed any of it.

You see our oldest is 9 tomorrow and when he was born all those years ago, I had the pleasure, sort of, of being in labour at home by myself for the whole day.
You see it was that typical 1st baby lark of not really thinking I was in labour and generally ignoring it. It was only at about 4.30pm when I finally called the midwife that we got a small gist of the fact that this might be it and things may be moving.

Steve had gone to work in the normal fashion but I hadn't bothered to tell him about the braxton hicks I had had at 2am, or the next 1 I had at 9am, I mean gezz, I was 38 weeks gone, it was part and parcel of everyday to me.
But something made me start to write down the times when I realised I was having them every hour or 2, and when they went to every half and hour after that. Yet I still didn't call him and ask him to come home to me, I just knew he would be home at the normal time of 5.

Which he was by the way, although he did know the midwife had been to visit so he did come home knowing that things may be changing.

And changing they were....

Here we are now, 9 years later and I can still remember that Thursday in 2003 like it was yesterday. I can tell you things that were on the tv that evening whilst I danced around the living room.
I can remember eating a tuna fish sandwich for lunch.
I can remember that my dad called from overseas, but try as I might there was no way I was sitting down to take the call.
I remember Steve and the midwife suggesting I get some rest as we were probably in for a long night! But there was no way I was able to sit or even lie down, not my thing in labour, I stand.

I remember that in fact the weather was pretty much how it is today....sunny in parts with the odd shower and lots of strong wind, hashing everything around.

And now here we are, 9 years later, I am at home today on my own. The boys are at school till 3, Steve is at work till 5 and I am sure if I turn the tv on at 2pm I will probably come across Oprah (just like then) or something similar, but today I am not having tuna fish for lunch, although that does sounds really nice.