Life- climbing stairs

Not far from me is a national park

 

And in that national park is a set of steps.

Its actually a tribute to the Kokoda track.

No doubt they are not as gruiling as what our grandfathers climbed in the 1940's.  But hey, it sure does work my legs!

 

All sorts of people climb these stairs.  People who need to lose weight, mothers with babies strapped to their backs, 80yo's from the local bush walking clubs, footy players, fitness enthusiasts... and us!

I have actually really enjoyed it.  The first time I did it, it took me over 20min.  And I didnt make it to the top. I got a stitch.  he next time I was more careful about when I ate, and set on up there. Now I am climbing them in about 14min. (mind you that is just the steps, not the hike to the steps)

I took my boys with me on this occasion.  They didnt even break out a sweat!  Mind you there was alot of sillyness on the way down, so took alot longer than I had hoped.

But we had fun anyway!

Life- getting active

As a mum of a few kids, I find it really hard to spend time on getting active. The time I spend sitting I could be doing crunches- but who really wants to do that?.  I do enjoy walking, but who wants to walk when you have 2 girls saying "mum im tired, im hungry, when are we going to the park".

I was inspired by a couple of friends  who have made it work for them.  They are getting out there and improving their health, one day at a time.

So I am giving it a go.

I am trying to find what works for me.

I don't want to spend money

I don't want to hurt myself either, or make myself sick (I don't cope with that).  I don't want to lack oxygen to my brain by being that puffed that i cant breathe.  But I also want to see results!

So what do I have at hand..
A skipping rope.
Wii fit
runners
tracksuits pants and shorts
water

So I have been doing the Wii fit.  Just a little each day
This is my cheer squad. They love watching me play the games. and its not a massive workout but it does get me moving on days where I cant get outside.  It also does set a good example to them too.

I have also been walking. Just a little every few days where time allows. Such as before dinner when the man is home and can watch kids and dinner.

 My downfalls are chocolate and chips. And yes I am still eating them, but only 1 piece instead of .... or 3 chips when there is not much left so I dont eat the whole packet. Lets see how we go...


 

you know one of those days

when you feel like you are cleaning up constantly yet achieving nothing

when you just feel like the word NO is the only word that you know.

when the small child tugging on your arm makes you want to burst.
dont run in the house, dont jump on the couch, leave your sister alone, can you please flush the toilet!

im hungry, im thirsty, i want lollies, just seems never ending.

Am I the only one?

20th of Blogtoberfest: thinking of Christmas

I missed yesterday, sorry to those who were hanging out waiting for my daily blog post ;)

Anyway, I have been thinking about Christmas.  It is slightly scary to think that its only 2 months away.

I was thinking of gifts for people.  Who do you give gifts to?  What sort of gifts?

I'm talking aside from the general mother, brother, kids, partners.  School teachers, aides, the lady who says hello in the car park?

And what do I give?  I really love the soaps from Fresh Cut Soaps, but how do others feel when they receive a block of soap?  I know how much they cost and how perdy they are, but wrapped up in a little bit of cellophane, do they look more meaningful than a box of Roses chocolates?  Or does it portray, you smell and need a bath?

I always thought that a pair of fancy socks were a lovely present in high school.  That's the sort of gift that was often given at a birthday- a pair of socks and a facial scrub- or something like that.  When I met my husband he was horrified!  I still think this is a nice present, he doesn't!

I'm not sure that I have the time to make everyone something from my sewing machine, otherwise I might churn out 8 note books.

Anyway, what do you think?

13th of Blogtoberfest- whats your genre?

Was having a d&m with my crafty buddy Sara about what sort of fabrics that we usually purchase.  What sort of fabric do we dive for when its on special?  What fabric do we line up in cues to get?  What fabric do we know we will like before we even lay eyes on it?

For Sara this is Euro fabrics.  She knows how to use it, how to make it work, and personally she does a really good job of it too!  She manages to put together fabrics that I would never have thought of.  And then the look is amazing!

Another blogger who sticks out is Kate.  Everything but the thread is exactly that, everything is made out of vintage sheets, table cloths etc..  When I walk into the op shop I don't see things tat go together or are suitable for clothing, yet Kate makes it work so well!  I am going to have to learn for this months challenge!

So on reflection what is my genre?  I tend to sew some Euro fabrics, quilters cotton, poly cotton, cotton knits, denims...  And after trawling through and through my blog attempting to find a theme I concluded that (next to not having a genre) that my genre is

wait for it

denim ;)

I don't even think that that is a genre LOL!

what do you think your genre is?



The pictures are of Lily learning that when you suck bubble mix through a straw the effect is not quite the same as blowing.

11th of Blogtoberfest, is there enough room for both?

Monday is my kid free day.  When I say kid free, its often filled with appointments, shopping, phone calls, swimming lessons (for the 2 boys) so I don't actually remember the last time I crafted on it.

Anyway, my point in ponder today...

I am still not up to my normal self, which has meant a lot of sitting on a chair looking around me thinking.. what a mess!

On the floor next to me is cut up bits of paper from the kids craft, the floor desperately needs attention, clothes need washing, the table needs clearing, kids beds need to be stripped and changed, as does ours.  Need I go on... I think you get the picture.

I am not about to start pushing myself to clean, as I know that it will hurt... but I have started to do a little bit.  DH is outside mowing the lawn, clipping back trees (read fire proofing) raking, fixing the roof that was removed while we gained a new roof truss, he has been out there all day flat out!  He is excellent around the house, but I am not able to gain any more practical time from him, he is stretched already!

The job to maintain a house is a full time job... but I also want to craft.  I want to bring out my scrap booking that I haven't touched in about 6 years.  I want to sew my Farbenmix Langeness, I want to make my girls some summer pretties, I want to knit myself this vest!

I also know that my kids need me to read to them, to run around the backyard with them (not today as it will hurt, I might just sit on the deck and watch) and cut and paste, and play dough... just reflecting on my own childhood, my kids wont remember what their home looked like, but they will remember what time I spent with them.

this however brings me no comfort to how my house appears.

is it possible for a mother with 4 young kids (2 who require added attention) to have it all?