As parents we provide our children with pets for many different reasons, it teaches them to care for another living creature, develops a sense of responsibility and provides companionship. In our family we've had a few attempts at pets - the Christmas present hermit crabs which on unveiling promptly bit the child, leaving her completely … [Read more...]
Resuming Normal Programming
Howdy folks. Been a little quiet on Shambolic Living the last few days but I'M BACK. Last week proved to be a tad overwhelming - dealing with the loss of a loved pet, helping to coordinate a massive work event and a quick trip to Sydney to take the kids to the Harry Potter Exhibition and then for a touch of art culture at the Picasso Exhibition at … [Read more...]
The Quest For Me Time
It's now official women get no "me time". They did a poll. Seriously just asking for "hands-up who doesn't have a minute to themselves" at the school gate would have done the trick but nevertheless 1000 women with children aged 16 and under were surveyed by Galaxy Research for Procter & Gamble. The outcome - mums average less than 40 minutes a … [Read more...]
Bago Vineyard
Spent a lazy Sunday afternoon at Bago Vineyard with friends listening to a local jazz band. Surprisingly a relatively drama free outing - well except for Princess Child losing a tooth and getting bitten twice by bull ants - but given our track record that's a pretty good day out for us. There was wine and cheese. And the company of good … [Read more...]
A Week Is A Long Time At Shambles HQ
There are households where dinner is never burnt, housework is always under control, the residents never disagree and the homework is done with a minimum of fuss ahead of it's due date. This is not one of those households. As we skate in "just in time" with all our responsibilities, argue amongst ourselves over the best approach to an assortment … [Read more...]
Happy Birthday Hippie Child
Sunday was the 15th anniversary of my becoming a mother. Hippie Child you arrived at 4.26am on a very dark and rainy night. You cried very little and spent a substantial amount of time lying in your father's arms looking up at him with big, wide eyes contemplating the world. It was the first sign of your philosophical, dreamer-like nature. Over … [Read more...]
When Your Kids Have Hobbies You Know Nothing About
It is inevitable your children will one day develop an interest in things outside your scope of experience. Now on one hand you can consider this a learning experience, expand your horizons to include areas you have never considered. On the other hand, it can be annoying. My children play musical instruments and like to sing, I think they are … [Read more...]
Eating Out With Kids or My Failure as a Food Blogger
Eating out with small children is not an enjoyable experience. There was a long period when fine dining became a distant memory for us. MacDonalds became our restaurant of choice because THEY HAD A PLAYGROUND. Anyone who has tried to keep toddlers or preschoolers confined to a seat for any longer than three minutes knows the importance of that … [Read more...]
School Days
There's nothing that marks the passing of time more than the start of the new school year. Mothers everywhere crying softly in their cars having deposited their baby for the first day at pre-school, big-school, high-school. Doing our usual mother-worrying "will they be alright", "will they find someone to play with", "will they get lost" ... and so … [Read more...]
What the bloody hell is a feminist?
As you stand surrounded by the debris of domesticity, up to your armpits in washing, cradling a sick child and wondering what's for dinner can I ask what are your thoughts on feminism? I know probably not your most pressing issue at the moment but bear with me. … [Read more...]
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