Mistaken Identity

This is my dad.

He has twinkly crinkly eyes behind glasses, a bushy mustache and a warm smile. He's getting thin on top, but we don't notice.

We love him loads and think he's the handsomest nicest daddy/grandad in the whole wide world.

This is my Uncle Max. He is dad's brother. Uncle Max lives in Canada, but came to visit us last month.

It's been years since I've seen him and he's changed a lot. They aren't twins, but I think he looks the double of my Dad. Don't you?

He has twinkly crinkly eyes behind glasses, a bushy mustache and a warm smile. (He's also thin on top, but we don't notice).

All afternoon I kept having to look twice: Is that Dad sitting there? Nope, it's Uncle Max.

Scrag was sure he knew who it was. He toddled confidently up to Uncle Max and climbed up on his knee. Uncle Max was surprised, but pleased that Scrag was warming to him so quickly.

"Danda!" Scrag said, as he grabbed Uncle Max by the hand and began to pull him towards the train set.
 

"He thinks you're Grandad!" I said, laughing. "You'd better go with him!"
 
Scrag had a lovely afternoon entertaining "Grandad". He has absolutely no idea that it was actually his Great-Uncle Max. Awwwww.


In the Picture L to R: Cousin Cheryl (Oz), Aunty Glenda (Dad's sister), Uncle Max (Canada) and me. We had a lovely afternoon with family we hadn't seen for years, including my lovely cousin Cheryl. Big hugs Cuz! See you in Melbourne!

One Small Step...

This is a very short post. A kind of a filler-in type of post just to remind you I am still here. Why have I been too busy to fulfill my blog addiction these last couple of days, you may well ask...?
Weeeeell... I have made a start on The Book.

And I am buzzing. Buzzing! I've put together a plan, an outline of sorts. A lot of the material is already written, in one form or another, between myself and Rebecca. The design is all in my head. Today I mocked up the first two pages... which is the reason I am buzzing. Bec loves it - it's exactly what she envisaged as well. So we are really and truly on the same page (pardon the pun).
I'll let you have a sneak peak just because I love you.

What do ya reckon??? It's going to be a visual book, not just words; full of ideas for having fun with your kids and family e.g. birthday parties... but not done by designers, it's ideas and photos from real life mothers, with real life kids (i.e. me and Becs, but a few others may well feature too!) And we share our journey along the way, the ups and downs behind the scenes of life. Plus a bunch of other stuff which will make it pretty unique, we think.

We're still trying to come up with a title... my working title is: "A Busy Mother's Guide to Fun", but I'm not convinced.
What do you think? Suggestions?
I'm going to go and collapse on the couch now, because I am all thunk out. And my shoulders ache. And I need some chocolate. But Yay! I've made a start.

P.S. Anyone want to pre-order a copy??? hehehe :)

These pages are (c) Copyright Simone Graham 2010

Loving... NOT Loving... March!

Loving to Paint

Here's a painting I did last week... I finally made the time to put my fabulous easel to use and I am loving painting again. I put on a random selection of my favourite calm-inducing songs while I painted, and soaked myself in creativity and inspiration to my heart's content. I even felt some God-whispers.

It's a very simple piece - just sea and sky (two of my favourite limitless things).

If you can't have a sea view out the window, paint one for the wall, I say! It took me about an hour and a half which is not bad for the size of it (which is pretty darn big). I was originally planning to put a dark and twisty pohutukawa tree in it, but somehow the simple Sea and Sky just looked right.

And I'm loving having it dominate my dining room wall.

Loving Autumn

March is the beginning of Autumn here in New Zealand. I'm loving the beginning of crispy weather; Loving the need for long sleeves and layers (yesterday I got to wear my favourite jacket and boots - love it!) I'm also loving the absence of sweat-inducing energy-sapping sticky humidity. Loving the brisk mornings and earlier sunsets. Autumn is my favourite season. I love Autumn.

Loving Writing

My dream of becoming a real live writer is coming closer to reality. I have been accepted as a regular contributor at a new webzine: Delve. So far they have published one of my articles (my journey with depression). What a lovely surprise when I opened my inbox this morning and there was an email from Dr Grant Mullen - the author of the book that really helped me on my journey!! He read my article (!!) and was writing to thank me for it!!! I was totally gobsmacked.

And the book that I'm hoping to write?? I'll be joining forces with Rebecca - we're going to co-write a book together! Rebecca's original blog has been so much of my inspiration (as a parent and a blogger).
I am loving that I get to write this book with one of my oldest most inspirational friends! (This tanned photo is of me and Becs in Fiji, circa 1993!)


Loving Little Buddies

I'm loving seeing my little guy making friends. Here he is with his little buddy Ben, who is just one day younger than him. Ben's mum has just had a new baby so I volunteered to have Ben to play this morning.

They had a blast! playing cars and trains, pushing toy prams (filled with cars and trains) and bouncing on the trampoline... Scrag just loves having other children to play. He's such a socialite.

I love watching him interact with other kids. He's so laid back; if another kid pushes him out of the way or snatches something, he just looks at them like, "What's your problem??" and then walks away. Amazing. I've never seen anything like it (my other two would have started World War III!).

There was no pushing or snatching with Ben though. They played together so nicely. Which is great because next month they will be starting pre-school together. Loving the thought of that too - so nice for him to have a ready-made friend there; and loving the thought of some more painting time.
Not loving that I accidentally deleted my best photos of them jumping :(

NOT Loving Heart Attacks

Unbelievably my 41-year-old fit & healthy brother-in-law Craig had a heart attack on Friday. It's a huge shock and a major upheaval for them. We won't know til later this week what the damage is and what treatment is required.
Thankfully my mum and dad already had a week off work planned for this week, so have been able to come straight up to Auckland and be here to support my sister. (Loving the way that worked out. Someone Up There is watching out for us I think).

If you are the praying type, we would really appreciate your prayers, both for Craig's full recovery and also for his business (which is a major source of worry for him at this time). Thanks friends.

What are you loving/not loving at the moment?

Fitness Log #2: Just Do It

Days since beginning Gym Workouts: 31 days, 2 hours, 31 mins
Number of Gym Workouts planned: 12
Number of Gym Workouts accomplished: 9
Goal weight loss: 15kg
Weight lost to date: 1kg
Still to lose: 14kg

Journal Entry: Progress has been made in spite of some setbacks - not a huge amount, but still. Progress.

The thing I am most pleased about is that in spite of a back injury (which in the past would have derailed me) I have been sticking to my fitness plan.

Even during the week when I was most severely injured, I still exercised twice. Not at gym, I grant you, but I limped up the hill to school and back for my walking bus duties (even when Ces said I didn't have to)... and I went water jogging with Mr G as well. I was more active injured than I used to be uninjured, so I am really patting myself on the back.

The good thing is I'm not riding on some surge of inspiration or fulfilling any brave new years resolutions about getting fit/losing weight... I woke up one morning and just did it... joined the gym without overthinking it, or hyping myself up (knowing that once I was paying those gym fees my hubby would be on at me to make sure I got my money's worth?!)

Each day I exercise makes it easier the next time. The weights seem lighter, the time flies by faster. In my mind I have my week mapped out:

• Monday=Gym (after school drop-offs, finish by 10am)
• Tuesday=Walking bus & housework
• Wednesday=day off
• Thursday=Gym
•  Friday=Gym

• Weekend=Days off

On Tuesdays my house gets a really good going over and I work up a sweat. It keeps my husband from getting anxious when he sees dust balls; he knows Tuesday is housework day. I work best in a burst of energy, rather than a drudge of repetition, so one hard-out day works best for me.

Since my injury I've had to change my gym programme to accommodate my dodgy disk and have been averaging twice a week at the gym rather than three times. But I'll build it back up, I promise.

I may have only lost 1kg in a month (which seems miniscule when you see it written down) but I feel so much better. I have way more energy. My clothes fit me better. Even Dash says my tummy has shrunk (high praise indeed).

In fact, last Saturday at the church Family Fun Day I even entered the mums sack race (at Dash's urging) and came second. OK OK, so I didn't jump all the way (it was more of a shuffle/run)... my pelvic floor sucks and I didn't want black eyes... but whatever the official results of the Race, in my son's eyes I did great and that's what counts. Remember when he hurt my feelings calling me fat? Well, now he thinks I rock. Because I'm making an effort, I go to the gym, I walk more places, I try new stuff. He's proud of me (I'm proud of myself)!

On the food front I'm not on any major diet or anything, but I have made a few changes to my eating habits, which over time will (I hope) pay off...

I'm not an over-eater, as such. My weakness is treats. A bowl of icecream at the end of a stressful day. Munching chocolate while watching a movie. That kind of thing.

A friend suggested substituting my unhealthy treats with better choices. So now on shopping day I stash away some treats just for me: a block of dark chocolate (72% cocoa - I'm trying to retrain my tastebuds!) and a box of FruJu mini-fruit whips (only 33 calories - woohoo).

When I feel the urge for a treat I get a few bits of my dark choc, or a Fruju. No more mocha lattes either... it's a trim flat white (no sugar) from now on. I'm getting used to it. And my pants are looser. Just keep those darn chip and dips away from me because I haven't found a way to stop my hand reaching in the bowl yet!

PS: Our 16km Walk for Haiti is next Saturday 20th March. Click here to sponsor me :)






Salads for Dinner

Mr G is on a bit of a health kick too, so about once a week I dish up one of these yummy salads for dinner(for him and I; the kids get a modified version involving way less green stuff). Very easy, very yummy.

Base Ingreds (makes two)
4-6 handfuls of Salad greens (Mesclun leaves or rocket)
Handful of Cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
1/4 Spanish red onion, sliced thinly
1/2 ripe avocado, chopped
A splash of balsamic vinaigrette

Arrange the salad greens on two dinner plates then drizzle a little of the balsamic dressing over. Add the tomatoes, onion and avocado on top.

Basil Chicken Topping:
400g chicken breast, cubed
1 Tablespoon Basil pesto
1/2 teaspoon crushed garlic
Cracked black pepper

Brown the chicken cubes in a little olive oil, add the garlic, pesto & pepper. Top the salad with the chicken when cooked. Drizzle a little yoghurt dressing over to finish and serve.
(Try browning the chicken with some tomato relish or fruit chutney as an alternative flavour)

Yoghurt Dressing:
1/4 cup low fat unsweetened plain yoghurt
1 teaspoon basil pesto
Fresh mint leaves, chopped

Seafood Salad:
As an alternative to a chicken salad try this seafood one (personally I hate seafood but hubby thinks this is fab)...

200g can of tuna (any flavour); some or all of the following... marinated mussels (shelled), surimi (crabmeat), shrimp etc

Drain the tuna and sprinkle over salad leaves. Arrange other seafood on top and then add a splash of lemon juice (or some mayo) and cracked black pepper. Your hubby will love you for it!

Family fun day photos by Amy

Wordless Wednesday: This Little Scrag

(to the tune of This Little Piggy)

This little Scrag went to beddy-byes

This little Scrag wanted out

This little Scrag threw his stuff down

This little Scrag had fun

And this little Scrag shouted "mum mum mum mum"...

...all night long!

Dear "Gym Guy"...

First of all let me say that I think it's really great that you are on the "Pep Squad" especially at your age (70? 75?) Your helpful advice about my rowing machine technique and offer of assistance with back exercises was very kind... hey you are a cool old guy.

I couldn't help overhearing your conversation with the lady on the exercycle next to mine this morning - I mean, you were talking pretty loud.

And it made me sad - a bit mad - but mostly really sad.

When you ridiculed people who believe that God actually made the world, when you called into question their intelligence in not swallowing evolution as the Gospel Truth... OK, well that made me a little mad. I have to admit I was a bit insulted; after all I am one of those people. And I think I'm a pretty intelligent person.

When you said you get cross if you hear people refer to the world as "God's Creation" - well!

But the bit that really got to me was when you said how ridiculous it is to believe in the supernatural, but that you still go to church because you like the company... that made me really sad.

Sad because the supernatural is all around you, and yet here you are in the closing chapters of your life, and you've never experienced it. Not one miracle? Not one unexplainable event? Not one whisper of the peace that passes understanding?

That's so sad! How can it be that you have been going to church all your life and never once felt God's presence? Never known that tingle that rushes over you at the wonder of God's creation... the miracle of a new baby... the glory of a majestic sunset...?

I see God's fingerprints everywhere, but you have walked through your whole long life believing that what you see is what you get.
There's so much more!

I won't argue the science with you because I know I don't know much - though I will say that whichever process God used to create this universe, He must have carefully designed it (because it is so finely balanced and intricate it must have been planned that way).

And I do know that without the supernatural whisper of God in my life, I would have been lost. I've known "the peace the passes understanding" washing over me in the midst of a crisis. I've felt the indescribable joy that comes when I've had a brush with the unexplainable.

You can't explain it away. With all your science you couldn't convince me that my God is not real, alive, amazing and infinite. Through all the ups and downs of life, I have become more and more convinced that He really is Love. All that is Good, all that is Beauty, all that is Love - those are His echoes.

I'm so sad that you can't see it. I'm sad that you sit in church week after week, listening to words you don't believe through force of habit (and because maybe you are lonely?) but you have never felt His touch, His whisper, His peace.

So I will pray for you. I'll pray that the knowledge you arm yourself with will not be able to withstand the overpowering goodness of Your Creator. I'll pray that His Love will find a chink in your armour, that His peace will flood your heart and you'll know He is real, in spite of all your well-thought-out arguments.


Love from
The Girl on the Bike Next to Yours
xx


Photos from GoogleImages

She Gets it From Me...

My daughter came home from school today and rearranged her bedroom. Again. For the third time in three days.
Arrrgghhh! I just had it looking nice, I'd cleared out a load of old toys and made space for everything; we'd swapped dressers with Scrag and everything was looking pretty with butterflies on the walls and flowers on the pinboard...

But the creative streak in my girl can't rest. She must change things. And rearrange things. (But not tidy up. Oh no.)

And then there are the mishaps. She took it into her head to swap her lamp and her stereo... CRASH!!!!
Oh-oh. A very meek little madam sidled up to me and said, "Mumma, don't be cross but, when I was tidying my room there was a little accident..."

The lamp base was cracked. Grumble mumble grouch... PVA glue... mutter mutter...

Five minutes later... SMASH!!! This time a glass jar with shards scattered for acres (and a bleeding toe).
"Mumma, I was climbing up the top shelf of the wardrobe to find all my old treasures and there was a little accident..."

I don't know who to blame for the breaking-things-gene, but the furniture-rearranging-gene? She gets that from me.

As a kid I shared a bedroom with my two younger sisters... and got easily bored with the room's configuration. I'd rearrange the beds, stack up the dressers to look like a wall unit, move the posters... and shove all the mess out of sight under the bed skirts.

I never minded shifting house because it gave me a chance to arrange things in a new way (and I shifted house a lot, so that was lucky).

It used to drive Mr G batty to come home from work and find the house turned updside down; everything in a different place. Poor guy. It must have been a shock. He tried to get me to stop rearranging things, but I just can't help myself. If I think of a better place for things, I just have to move them.

This week alone I have...

• swapped around two bookshelves
• changed around a bunch of pictures
• re-arranged my china cabinet and my kitchen shelves
• (oh and re-arranged my daughter's bedroom. Which she re-re-arranged, as I said. Did I mention it was three times???) 

Who knows what next week could bring...

So, as annoying as it is, I really can't complain when my kid keeps on changing around her bedroom. After all I know where she gets it from.

All Interior Styling in these photographs has been done By Miss Fab  (A.K.A. Princess)