Here is this weeks plan. Sport in my house is easing off. This means not quite as much rushing around in the evening and more flexibility with meal selection. Also DH is away so I have to adapt meal sizes a little or find the freezable leftovers.
Monday Left overs.
Tuesday Meatball and spaghetti
Wednesday Madras Beef from the Foodtown Magazine pg 45 Aug/Sep
Thursday Freeze meal
Friday Tuna burgers home made
Saturday Chicken kebabs and salad
Sunday Filo Samosas at WW recipe
Monday, 31 August 2009
Sunday, 30 August 2009
Trust in the Process
DS Hayden has spent the weekend in Residential Respite care. I have to say that initially when we were allocated government funded care I felt guilty because I couldn't wait for it to kick into place so that we could get a break, I could sleep through the night even consider going on holiday etc etc etc.
Now I have overcome this guilt, thank goodness, and got to the point where I can say that the women who work at the place Hayden stays at are wonderful, he loves going there, gets weekends full of fun and adventure and I can trust in the process in place and say that Hayden is getting the best care.
If I was unable to trust this process then the weekends we have without Hayden would not be a break, a time to sleep, relax, go out and do things normal families do. Our family has come to rely on these days for all sorts of things especially to bond without the ever present tension that is associated with Hayden
It is not that we don't love him but the breaks help us to stay strong while he is with us.
The view as we go across the Auckland Harbour Bridge on a fabulous winters day. Photo overlay by Emily Powells. Everytime that Hayden gets to this point in our trip across Auckland, he tells me he is going to Wilson Home and that he likes going there.
So thank you to all the wonderful people involved with Hayden's residential respite care. Without my ability to trust in you and what you do I don't think I could have let him go.
Now I have overcome this guilt, thank goodness, and got to the point where I can say that the women who work at the place Hayden stays at are wonderful, he loves going there, gets weekends full of fun and adventure and I can trust in the process in place and say that Hayden is getting the best care.
If I was unable to trust this process then the weekends we have without Hayden would not be a break, a time to sleep, relax, go out and do things normal families do. Our family has come to rely on these days for all sorts of things especially to bond without the ever present tension that is associated with Hayden
It is not that we don't love him but the breaks help us to stay strong while he is with us.
The view as we go across the Auckland Harbour Bridge on a fabulous winters day. Photo overlay by Emily Powells. Everytime that Hayden gets to this point in our trip across Auckland, he tells me he is going to Wilson Home and that he likes going there.
So thank you to all the wonderful people involved with Hayden's residential respite care. Without my ability to trust in you and what you do I don't think I could have let him go.
Saturday, 29 August 2009
I see Red
Yesterday had a feel like this.....photo taken on another day. I just had to take a photo and preserve the moment. I guess you can tell I scrapbook. Camera is always ready to hand.
The credits can be found here at Nuts4Digi
The title was inspired by this song. (Gosh admitting to knowing this when it first hit the airwaves really ages me)
Thank goodness a little sleep and the weekend have sorted that behaviour out. Long may it last.
The credits can be found here at Nuts4Digi
The title was inspired by this song. (Gosh admitting to knowing this when it first hit the airwaves really ages me)
Thank goodness a little sleep and the weekend have sorted that behaviour out. Long may it last.
Monday, 24 August 2009
A miracle moment
Today Hayden needed to have his port a cath (a little device that gives direct access to veins) accessed. This is usually a drama as he became very needle phobic when he spent his 21 days in PICU in 2006. He needs this for his monthly electrolyte count to be done and easy access when IV fluids are needed which at times can be frequently. Cystinosis is a very time consuming and demanding medical condition for anyone to have.
Today was a miracle as it was the first time that Hayden did not protest at the thought of having his port a cath accessed. Now his protests involve screaming and frighting to get free as he needs to be restrained and held still. In fact he asked to have a look. The nurses and I could not believe it. Progress has been made.
Today was a miracle as it was the first time that Hayden did not protest at the thought of having his port a cath accessed. Now his protests involve screaming and frighting to get free as he needs to be restrained and held still. In fact he asked to have a look. The nurses and I could not believe it. Progress has been made.
Monday Menu 24 August
Last week went really well. I did have leftovers so I omitted one day and we had them then as they were unfreezable.
This week should be fine as DH is home and he can help prepare things while I am at work.
Monday Mince and elbow pasta.
Tuesday French Onion Soup (See below for the photo)
Wednesday Crockpot Beef Tikka Foodtown Magazine Aug/Sept 2009 pg 40
Thursday Quick and Easy. Sport Demands a night of left overs and easy prep.
Friday Tuna Hamburgers.
Saturday bbq chicken vege and salad
Sunday Dahl with flat bread
This week should be fine as DH is home and he can help prepare things while I am at work.
Monday Mince and elbow pasta.
Tuesday French Onion Soup (See below for the photo)
Wednesday Crockpot Beef Tikka Foodtown Magazine Aug/Sept 2009 pg 40
Thursday Quick and Easy. Sport Demands a night of left overs and easy prep.
Friday Tuna Hamburgers.
Saturday bbq chicken vege and salad
Sunday Dahl with flat bread
Friday, 21 August 2009
TGIF
Yes its another friday and this week has seen much discussion in the media here in NZ about the punishment that some secondary school young me got for fighting during an important rugby game.
This go me thinking about the place of sport in my family and how we value it. So in no particular order...
1. We try and encourage our children to choose a sport that they love playing. At their age hopefully it is a team sport that will instill so values of working as a team.
2. We want our children to understand that when you commit to something, sport in this case, that they must follow it through even if half way through the season their best friend has decided that something else is better.
3. To be gracious is such an important value. To be gracious in winning and in loosing.
4. To always try their best. What more could you want from your children as long as they are doing their best.
5. To have fun. To go out and enjoy the game, the company of the others in their team and to come with a smile.
Just look at this bunch of very keen and enthusiastic hockey (field) girls that my DD plays with.
This go me thinking about the place of sport in my family and how we value it. So in no particular order...
1. We try and encourage our children to choose a sport that they love playing. At their age hopefully it is a team sport that will instill so values of working as a team.
2. We want our children to understand that when you commit to something, sport in this case, that they must follow it through even if half way through the season their best friend has decided that something else is better.
3. To be gracious is such an important value. To be gracious in winning and in loosing.
4. To always try their best. What more could you want from your children as long as they are doing their best.
5. To have fun. To go out and enjoy the game, the company of the others in their team and to come with a smile.
Just look at this bunch of very keen and enthusiastic hockey (field) girls that my DD plays with.
Tuesday, 18 August 2009
How long can it take to go to sleep?
One of the challenges in our house is the fact that DS1 has immense trouble going to sleep at night. Some nights are by far worse than others.
Now with my other children this could possibly be explained away but with DS1 having suffered serious brain atrophy (injury) it is hard to know why he is not sleep even after he has been up for 14 hours.
In our house, because of DS1 we all rise in the morning at 0615 hour. In mind this is early especially when my children are on 5, 6 and 8 years old and school does not start until 0900.
Tonight has been exhausting. He has gone to bed at the usual time but sleep...impossible. He has torn his room apart, his nappy, which is only worn at night time, off, called out for his dad consistently for nearly 2 1/2 hours and done everything except sleep in his room. It is driving me crazy and consequently I am sitting here blogging instead so I can't hear him.
I know that he is just wanting my attention, well his Dads really, but to give in to this it just seems to keep him awake and calling out for more and more attention.
We undertake the same bedtime routine with him each night, have tried calming music and cant think of anything else to solve this problem. His brain just does not work like other peoples and does not seem to unwind at times.
On nights like this I need all my coping strategies. Thank goodness for my blog.
oh this is what one terrible tired little boy looks like after 8pm.
and lets not forget the manipulative distraction....a drink and a sore finger that needs a plaster....With his medical condition a drink is a key attention grabber.
Here is a page created saying this.
credits are here at Nuts4Digi
Goodnight all.
Now with my other children this could possibly be explained away but with DS1 having suffered serious brain atrophy (injury) it is hard to know why he is not sleep even after he has been up for 14 hours.
In our house, because of DS1 we all rise in the morning at 0615 hour. In mind this is early especially when my children are on 5, 6 and 8 years old and school does not start until 0900.
Tonight has been exhausting. He has gone to bed at the usual time but sleep...impossible. He has torn his room apart, his nappy, which is only worn at night time, off, called out for his dad consistently for nearly 2 1/2 hours and done everything except sleep in his room. It is driving me crazy and consequently I am sitting here blogging instead so I can't hear him.
I know that he is just wanting my attention, well his Dads really, but to give in to this it just seems to keep him awake and calling out for more and more attention.
We undertake the same bedtime routine with him each night, have tried calming music and cant think of anything else to solve this problem. His brain just does not work like other peoples and does not seem to unwind at times.
On nights like this I need all my coping strategies. Thank goodness for my blog.
oh this is what one terrible tired little boy looks like after 8pm.
and lets not forget the manipulative distraction....a drink and a sore finger that needs a plaster....With his medical condition a drink is a key attention grabber.
Here is a page created saying this.
credits are here at Nuts4Digi
Goodnight all.
Monday, 17 August 2009
Mondays Menu 17 August
Here is this weeks plan
My week worked really well. I more left overs with DH away so I need to think about that next time he is away.
Monday Meatball and spaghetti
Tuesday Curried Pumpkin Soup, Weight Watchers.
Wednesday Madras Beef from the Foodtown Magazine pg 45 Aug/Sep
Thursday Easy Night
Friday Beef burgers home made
Saturday Chicken kebabs and salad
Sunday Filo Samosas at WW recipe
Have a great week.
My week worked really well. I more left overs with DH away so I need to think about that next time he is away.
Monday Meatball and spaghetti
Tuesday Curried Pumpkin Soup, Weight Watchers.
Wednesday Madras Beef from the Foodtown Magazine pg 45 Aug/Sep
Thursday Easy Night
Friday Beef burgers home made
Saturday Chicken kebabs and salad
Sunday Filo Samosas at WW recipe
Have a great week.
P365 week 31 and 32
Friday, 14 August 2009
TGIF
Oh yay it is Friday. I thought that being Friday and all I would try and reflect on the week that has just been and try to look back at what was.
So in brief I am grateful that I am able to work which will enable us to replace our car at Christmas time. I am grateful that people have been very understanding and have helped me look after my children before and after school and then help me get them to their sporting fixtures as required.
I am grateful that the sun has shone all week and summer feels like it is on the way.
I wonder what next week will bring.
So in brief I am grateful that I am able to work which will enable us to replace our car at Christmas time. I am grateful that people have been very understanding and have helped me look after my children before and after school and then help me get them to their sporting fixtures as required.
I am grateful that the sun has shone all week and summer feels like it is on the way.
I wonder what next week will bring.
Thursday, 13 August 2009
Keeping things simple in my house
As I am trying to work while DH is off shore working (necessity has it that I need a few extra $$$) the last 12 days has seen me refine my timetable to the simplest version it could possibly be.
So what have I done...
1. Make the children's lunches the night before and put them in the fridge.
2. Make a meal plan for the week and put it on the fridge. Shop to the plan and cook to the plan. It works a treat. I can even make the meal the night before if necessary.
3. Pack all bags the night before.
4. Put the laundry through the minute I get up in the morning so that the cycle is finished and can put it on a rack in front of the fire before I leave the house in the morning. That way I don't have to worry about the weather and my washing or even try and remember to bring it in. It cant be done the night before as DS1 bedding needs to go in the wash too.
5. Keep my diary current so I know what I am doing without thinking. Vital
6. Grab sleep when I can as I need it after fitting in work, sport sport and DS1 and all his medical issues.
So with that I am off to bed
So what have I done...
1. Make the children's lunches the night before and put them in the fridge.
2. Make a meal plan for the week and put it on the fridge. Shop to the plan and cook to the plan. It works a treat. I can even make the meal the night before if necessary.
3. Pack all bags the night before.
4. Put the laundry through the minute I get up in the morning so that the cycle is finished and can put it on a rack in front of the fire before I leave the house in the morning. That way I don't have to worry about the weather and my washing or even try and remember to bring it in. It cant be done the night before as DS1 bedding needs to go in the wash too.
5. Keep my diary current so I know what I am doing without thinking. Vital
6. Grab sleep when I can as I need it after fitting in work, sport sport and DS1 and all his medical issues.
So with that I am off to bed
Monday, 10 August 2009
P365 week 29 and 30
Sunday, 9 August 2009
Monday's Menu 10 August
I have a new 4 week plan starting this week.
Monday Mince and elbow pasta.
Tuesday French Onion Soup (See below for the photo)
Wednesday Crockpot Beef Tikka Foodtown Magazine Aug/Sept 2009 pg 40
Thursday Quick and Easy. Sport Demands a night of left overs and easy prep.
Friday Tuna Hamburgers.
Saturday bbq chicken vege and salad
Sunday Dahl with flat bread
Photo my French Onion Soup
Monday Mince and elbow pasta.
Tuesday French Onion Soup (See below for the photo)
Wednesday Crockpot Beef Tikka Foodtown Magazine Aug/Sept 2009 pg 40
Thursday Quick and Easy. Sport Demands a night of left overs and easy prep.
Friday Tuna Hamburgers.
Saturday bbq chicken vege and salad
Sunday Dahl with flat bread
Photo my French Onion Soup
Friday, 7 August 2009
Is spring really here?
It is only the beginning of August and officially the last month of winter here in New Zealand. Winter seemed to have started quite early this year as we have had our fire on since early May so trust me I am not complaining.
Today at work and felt almost over dressed for the weather. My coat actually came off, classrooms in New Zealand schools are not usually heated to the degree that I feel comfortable in, and I almost removed the candy pink cardigan I was wearing. Pink I hear you questioning me. Well not my favourite colour but where price is really important and you have a lot of black and white in your wardrobe you buy.
Now I wait in eager anticipation for the spring to arrive. The time when I can let the fire go out for the last time this year, the time when the fire dust will be finally gone from the house, when I don't need to go out of the house wearing more layers than is healthy for me, and come home carrying most of them. Of course I cant wait for the smells of spring to greet me in the mornings.
The daffodils have arrived and the first of the baby animals can be seen, the grass has finally decided to grow. Yay just need warmer nights and more heat in the sun and longer warmer days that spring and eventually bring.
But I remain cautiously optimistic because I know the last of the winters wild weather is still to arrive and that I will once again be freezing (well for me) to the bone.
Today at work and felt almost over dressed for the weather. My coat actually came off, classrooms in New Zealand schools are not usually heated to the degree that I feel comfortable in, and I almost removed the candy pink cardigan I was wearing. Pink I hear you questioning me. Well not my favourite colour but where price is really important and you have a lot of black and white in your wardrobe you buy.
Now I wait in eager anticipation for the spring to arrive. The time when I can let the fire go out for the last time this year, the time when the fire dust will be finally gone from the house, when I don't need to go out of the house wearing more layers than is healthy for me, and come home carrying most of them. Of course I cant wait for the smells of spring to greet me in the mornings.
The daffodils have arrived and the first of the baby animals can be seen, the grass has finally decided to grow. Yay just need warmer nights and more heat in the sun and longer warmer days that spring and eventually bring.
But I remain cautiously optimistic because I know the last of the winters wild weather is still to arrive and that I will once again be freezing (well for me) to the bone.
Monday, 3 August 2009
Monday's Menu 3 August
Well I had to make a couple of changes to my last weeks menu, mainly because I forgot it was my birthday on Sunday.
Here is my plan for this week.
Monday Hamburgers (homemade variety)
Tuesday Chicken and pumpkin risotto WW magazine May 2009 Pg 25
Wednesday Chicken, peaches and ginger.
Thurdsay Pot roast in the slow cooker. (left over meat to made into a pie dish and frozen
Friday Pizza
Saturday Pumpkin Soup
Sunday Left overs. My husband is away so there will be plenty.
This is the first week that I have done this forward planning menu and DH away on a long haul, 12 days. I will be interested to see how it goes.
Here is my plan for this week.
Monday Hamburgers (homemade variety)
Tuesday Chicken and pumpkin risotto WW magazine May 2009 Pg 25
Wednesday Chicken, peaches and ginger.
Thurdsay Pot roast in the slow cooker. (left over meat to made into a pie dish and frozen
Friday Pizza
Saturday Pumpkin Soup
Sunday Left overs. My husband is away so there will be plenty.
This is the first week that I have done this forward planning menu and DH away on a long haul, 12 days. I will be interested to see how it goes.
Sunday, 2 August 2009
Its my Birthday
Today it is a Happy Birthday to me. It seems the older you get the more likely you design your birthday around the little children in the house, well in my house anyway. I even made my own cake and put a ego boosting number of candles on it, 10. Oh to be that carefree again.
I thought for fun I would take a look at famous people who celebrate on this day too. So happy birthday to Peter O Toole, Alan Whicker and the 67 other name that popped up on my Google search (I only knew the above two).
In my house it is tradition to have takeaways on your birthday. So today it my choice, a kiddie friendly one is necessary.
Have fun everyone.
I thought for fun I would take a look at famous people who celebrate on this day too. So happy birthday to Peter O Toole, Alan Whicker and the 67 other name that popped up on my Google search (I only knew the above two).
In my house it is tradition to have takeaways on your birthday. So today it my choice, a kiddie friendly one is necessary.
Have fun everyone.
Saturday, 1 August 2009
P365 week 27 and 28
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