Kids say the darndest things (and I wrote some of them down - #2)

Hey there lovelies! The other day Chan shared some of the adorable and hilarious things she's heard from that funny bunch she spends her days with, and it seems you all enjoyed it! I promised to share some of my own, which is easy as I am in the habit of writing down anything that I don't want to forget my boy saying. It all goes too fast, and as much as I believe I will remember it at the time, lets face it; by bedtime I can barely remember what I ate for breakfast that day so I don't like to take my chances... a backup is a good idea...

The things that come out of that tiny little loud mouth melt my heart and crack me up, DAILY. Here are a few...

While playing with his toy police motorbike on us and the couch. 

"Shhh Daddy" and sweetly brushes his Dad's eyes closed so he "sleeps". 

Then runs bike over his face, making a loud siren noise "NEENAWNEENAW! ... AWAKE!" 

"Oh no, I got crumbles"..... Crumbs 

Him - "I love Marnie and Pa. I love you too." 

Me  - "I love you too, you're my little man."

Him - "I not a man. I a boy."

Talking about our one day veggie patch...

Me - "I think we'll grow some carrots" 

Him - "Carrots. Or some spaghetti!"

'Breastfeeding' his favourite toy...

"I feeding him because he's hungry. This (*points*) one's pasta and this one's milk!" 

"Plants" -  Pants 

"Putanas" - Sultanas (apologies to any Italians...)

"Oviler"  -  Oliver

Heading for my Aunty's place, hopefully for a swim, but he said we can't swim because "it's totally cold out there".

Not wanting to sleep in his room

"I don't like my bedroom. Take it to the bedroom shop"

Coming home from shopping 

"I've been gone ages! I've been gone FIVE minutes!!"

Trying to teach him about mistakes. "I make lots of mustaches" 

"I doing hair bands!" ... Handstands

If you have some hilarious cuteness of your own to share we'd love to hear it!
H x

Board Game Chores (a DIY with a bit of bribery)

The kids start getting older, are more capable and can understand contributing to their home... but how can we convince them to help. First thing that comes to mind is to tell them to, just make them. We all know that ends in arguments and nagging, two things I'm sure you aren't a fan of.

A little while ago I decided to test out a new 'chore chart' idea that has been floating around the world of parental tips and tricks (of course we added our own flare). It went quite well, considering these bunnies hadn't really had to do much before this exercise, mainly because I was terrible on reminding them and following through myself. This can be tricky if your children are of different ages. Be aware that you will need to customise the chores and amount given to each child so that it is fair and age appropriate. I found this way of sorting out chores to be less effort for me. I don't have to chase up anything... they just know that if they do it, they get their reward/s.  

What you will need:

Paint or coloured pens (choose the amount of colours depending on number of children)

Large paddle pop sticks

2 jars to hold the sticks

Method:

Decide on the chores you want to give your children to do. How many for each child and then do the same for the rewards.

We did the following;

13 Year old 3 chores and 2 rewards

8 Year old - 2 chores and 1 reward

3 Year old - 1 chore and 1 reward

Note: The key is to make the rewards their own, let them decide what they want for a reward and give them a little bit of say over the chores in their pot to help push them along. Also make sure you have plenty of 'free for you' rewards. Make it as fun as possible! See below for some of our 'board game' rewards we came up with;

- Get out of one chore next week

- 30 mins extra TV

- 15 mins extra xbox

- Chore swap

- Double your rewards

Paint one end of the stick in the colour relating to that child and write the chore/reward on the other end. Make sure you don't write the chore/reward too far up the stick or you will find yourself in a pickle.

Place rewards in one pot/jar and the chores in another, with the coloured end of the stick sitting up so they know which one is theirs to pull out.

Before you return the sticks from the current week have them choose the new ones so that the chores and rewards aren't the same every week.

Each week sit down together talk about the week before, then pick out your chores and reward/s. Each child is to keep them in their rooms in their own pot or place in eye's view.

I have always found that following through can be hard, this exercise took the hard work out of the chore debate in our house. They believe I will follow through on the reward and I knew they wanted it. Was almost a board game for chores! Anything that works I say!

Enjoy! And if you do create your own version or have any great ideas of your own, be sure to let us know below! (or you can always join the conversation on Instagram or Facebook!).

C x

Kids say the darndest things (and I wrote some of them down - #1)

The list of funny, honest, terrible, misunderstood, loving things that children have said in my presence over the years is endless. At the end of a 12 hour day with my little munchkins I am exhausted beyond reason - and I am completely full of love and stories to go with it. My favourite thing about working with children is their ability to shock me. The things that they come out with and learn everyday is astounding. Let's just say my days are filled with laughter, frustration, repetition and a serious amount of fun!

I know how much joy the things they say bring me, so I thought I should share a few little stories, misunderstood words and funny one-liners from those who do it best;

Misunderstood words:

Fiveteen - Fifteen

Elevo - Eleven

John Sniff - John Smith from pocohontas

Honk - Hulk

Cheese Louise - Geez Louise

Duck Duck Juice - Duck Duck Goose

Underdorm - Thunderstorm

Flavourite - Favourite

Bounce-a-line - Trampoline

Basgetthi - Spaghetti

Punkuter - Computer

One-Liners that I'll never forget:

I can't even wait

It’s going to take for a long time

I think it in my brain

I 'magiced' it away

I love you too much

You're driving me nuts

Hi Sweet cheeks

I love you to the moon and the stars and the trees and the dinosaurs

Oh don't worry

Love: 3 year old little man

C: I love you

S: I know you do!

C: Oh and you don't love me?

S: I do love you

C: You just don't want to say it?

S: I don't need to say it, you know I love you, it's in my brain.

Excuses : 4 Year old monkey

C: No eating that in on the carpet... only on the timber ok.

S: Yeah of course

........... 2 mins later

C: What is that on the carpet?

S: *shrug*

C: How did that happen?

S: It jumped out of my hand and stuck to the floor, it was so crazy.

C: Oh yeah…

S: Crazy, what the heck!

I could go on forever and I am sure before I actually manage to post this I will have many more to share. I hope you all got a little chuckle out of them... they sure keep me going each day in my crazy job.

C x

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Admit it, you've used these! (Honestly, I'm lying...)

Shh by Terence Spencer, London 1970

I had a realisation, maybe a slightly obvious one but nonetheless I still had one! And these days they are few and far between. I honestly realised something had to change as kids grew older! My question is what do we do when we have to tell them the truth?

The reality is that up until they are 5 if you don't have an answer you can honestly just make it up! Pull it from nowhere make it sound convincing and Bob's your uncle, happy child! Well not after 5 you can't ! They know! They know if you are lying, they know if you only half know the answer and they absolutely know the answer when you don't! Now this realisation came from one little boy a few weeks ago who plainly and frankly told me I was wrong. I had an answer, one I have used forever and he knew I was lying! Little bugger has out smarted me, now what do I do!? I have to fess up and actually come up with the real answer, admit my defeat and deal with this situation. 

So in the spirit of this realisation I thought I would compile a list of things I can guarantee we have all said to a child at one point or another. Let's just hope your little ones believe you for longer than mine. 

- it's time for bed (bed time is 7 and it’s 6)

- the icecream truck plays a song when it has run out of ice cream
- it's my medicine

- it's too cold for that 

- it's too hot for that

- we don't have any left

- this shop doesn't sell those

- our house doesn't have that

- we can't do that because (insert silly reason here ) 

- it's too far away

- another day

- tomorrow

- next week

- it's bad for us

- mummies/nannies/grandparents aren't aloud to do that

- it will make you sick

- the doctor said 

- I am calling .... 

Happy Monday!

C xo

...H’s weigh in...

Ah yes, the beautiful trusting naive little souls. Their gullibility during these young years is a bonus I often forget to be grateful for; it sure can come in handy ;) I really like to explain most things, but being honest, there are times I just need to avoid tantrums. Other times the real answer is a little grown up or too hard to explain right now or… I really just don’t have the time or patience because - sleep deprivation!

Some of the ones that come to mind are….

- Telling him that my drink (no matter what it really is) has coffee in it so he can't have any..

- "Uh oh - it's Broken!" (The classic)

- Sorry, Mummy can’t open that/lift that/play that game, how about you ask daddy when he gets home.

- Skim reading when you don't have time to read the whole book, (or you’ve already read it 3 times…) 

  that's when I'm glad my kids can't read yet and correct me!

- Those wonderful ridiculous stories and explanations that are complete nonsense. (Like the time my little guy asked us what that thing was attached to the back of the truck - (It was a box like thing but I can’t even tell you what it was we honestly had no idea!). The hubs said “It’s a pillow for when the truck goes to sleep!”, and apparently that was a very satisfactory answer!

A post about Autumn (before it's over already!)

Autumn; in recent years I have realised what a treasure Autumn is in this part of the country. Unlike some other parts of the world, Autumn here in sunny Queensland often only lasts for a few short weeks. Summer here lingers. It stretches into March, usually April, over enthusiastic with it’s relentless scorching heat, doggedly carrying on until we are all begging for relief; “just a smidgen of cool, please?! Winter, where is winter?!” 

my favourite view from our backyard: up

The only hint of change comes in the slightly later sunrises, and the earlier nights. But finally, rather abruptly, it arrives. One morning you’re suddenly pulling on your uggs and you realise it’s here - Autumn. Autumn; with it’s crisp mornings and evenings, but-not-giving-up-just-yet hot days. It is glorious picnic weather and sun showers, breezy days and quieter evenings. Grab it while you can, because any day now the biting winter cold will show up and Autumn will be done for the year.

Sunny backyard picnic.
See what I mean? Hard to believe it's autumn.

First in line, calling for the cooler months, is usually where you can find yours truly. Typically my favourite season, I’m usually counting down the days, itching to get out my boots and scarves…  but this year, I’m uncharacteristically… hesitant. This may be the first year that I am hesitant about winter. I think it has something to do with not being pregnant this summer and being able to enjoy it more (read: being able to be outside and not just want to spend the entire season in a freezer room…  and being able to fit into my shorts..). I’ve really loved all the outside things we’ve been doing with the kids this year too. Summer is fun with kids. And I still have so many things I’d like to do while it’s hot.

#bringoutyoursoupspoons

So I’m soaking up the sun a little longer, wearing shorts and dresses and such while I still can. But I’m slowing bringing out the cardigans. Soups have started making their way into our kitchen again and the pantry is packed with pumpkins (yes that is fun to say); the dressing gowns and scarves are coming out of storage; and I’m being slowly but surely reminded why I love this chilled, cozy, snuggly time. 

Autumn is here. But before I know it, it will be gone. Time to embrace it I suppose! The cool reminds me to slow down and enjoy warm company. To get more cuddles in. So that is what I’ll be aiming for these next few months! …. Just let me pop outside for a while more… See you next year, Summer… Autumn, bring me my slippers….

H x

38 Things I've said to myself since moving to London

We all have high expectations for our life here...In London! All I can say is... Don't! Don't have any expectations... You will figure it all out when you get here. Everyone's experience is different, we all come for different reasons and we are all different people so this experience will benefit you differently to Jo from the legal team! Be brave, live in the moment... Every person in London is fumbling through it just the same. Making mistakes, having fun and I dare say you will be a different person when you return home... If you ever do!

I said a lot of things to myself before I came but thought it would be interesting to see how that has turned out for me since arriving. Since this place does turn your life upside down and back to front within a month. Take a look at my list of things I have said either to myself or out loud since arriving;

- I want to live here for ever
- I won't fall asleep on the tube
- I don't think I can last 2 years
- I have met so many people
- Where the @&*% is everyone in this town
- I will never walk slow in a high traffic area those people are so annoying... Sees something shiny... Stops
- I will learn to drink beer, it's cheap.... Next minute, "I'll have a Gin and tonic thanks"
- I am so proud of myself
- Wake up on a Sunday... I regret everything in my life
- This is a once in a lifetime experience
- Why am I here
- I love it here
- Damn you weather, I actually brushed my hair today

- Oh yeah, I can walk there
- Where the @&*% is this place
- What a great day it is
- Woah I look a mess...
- I must invest in an umbrella
- I'm too poor to buy an umbrella
- Does everyone want a shot?... My shout
- I'm not the partying type
- No I don't sleep with snakes and swim with sharks
- I want to party every night!
- I won't end up fat
- What even is bed time!
- Who's up for pizza and beers!?

- I won't take on the accent... Those people are pathetic
- What am I doing with my life?
- The tube is so great
- You Right!? *accent included*
- It's way too hot on the tube
- Please don't steal my wallet on the tube
- I'm going to meet so many British people
- Why are there so many tourists here
- I'm a local now... Move out of my way
- Geez I've lost some brain cells
- I need to rest my body tonight
- Where are we going tonight peeps?...

There it is! It is worse than I thought... 4 days of compiling my inner thoughts and outward embarrassments and there you have it.

In case you were wondering I am loving London! I am still fresh to the whole situation but embracing it as much as I can. I have travel booked for every month until Christmas which makes the whole experience that much better. I spend my weekends eating at markets, looking for sunshine and drinking with friends at many pubs... Of course among writing for the blog and building our website. My job is going well and I will update you all shortly on my experience so far.

Speak soon

C x

Tips and tricks for those moving to London (Part 3 - For Nannies and Au Pairs)

Hello again! Happy Friday! Continuing on from our “Moving to London” series (see part one for before you leave here, and part two for when you arrive here), I’ve learnt lots of different things from finding work as a Nanny, too. If you are coming over to be a nanny, or an Au Pair, here is a few tips specific to you.

1 - Who, What and How

Applying with an agency is the best place to start. You will need to send a copy of your passport, blue card/police check, First Aid certificate, any qualifications, visa if you have it already, CV (make sure this is done right, it will be important), drivers license and a photo is a good idea also. Agencies are a very helpful resource and will guide you through the major parts of the process like contracts, interviews etc. 

2 - Specifics

Send your information to as many as you can, just google agencies in London and they will all pop up. Some agencies will say thank you but we don't take internationals, others will say they will want to meet you when you arrive and some will accept you via Skype. Agencies that are specific to your nationality will always accept you as an international who is moving over. I used KiwiOz London and they were great for me. It really depends what you are willing to do, if you can afford to come over with no job, then go for it you may have a better shot at some positions in this case, but if you want a job before you arrive that is possible too.

3 - The live in live out debate.

As I mentioned before it is hard and expensive to find a place in London but it is all part of the experience. I am in a live in position as I wanted somewhere to live before I arrived. I was very lucky and found a job that gives me my own space in the basement with my own entrance so I still have my own life here. Its nice to be comfortable while getting your bearings instead of being thrown in the deep end. Well it was for me. It can be disheartening otherwise. Live in jobs are easier to get, if you want a live out job you will be competing with people who have worked in London before, are residents or who are already in London. Again it depends if you want a job before you arrive. You will get more pay when you are a live out however you need to compare the wage to what you will spend on living.

4 - Pay

Live in positions as a nanny will get paid between 300 and 450 a week (max 60 hours) after tax which takes into account you living in and eating their food (huge benefit). You will get more benefits from the family if you live in. Live out pays about 12 pound an hour on average so your pay will depend on your hours. If you are an Au pair (younger, older and/or have no experience or qualifications) you can expect to get paid 130-180 pounds after tax a week, you will live in and have all expenses paid, but I would recommend making sure you have money behind you for travel as the money you make won't go too far.

5 - Get Insured

You will need insurance, you can get this through Morton Michel. This is super important, it is your public liability which protects you on a legal level if anything was to happen to the children while they are in your care.

6 - License

If you have an Australian license you do not need to change it as you can drive anywhere in the UK or Europe with this in any rental car (If you are under 25 it will cost you more due to insurance and some companies may not rent to those younger). However if the family you work for want you to transfer it to the UK they will pay for this.

7 - Interviews

If you are going to be doing Skype interviews make sure you are prepared. Ask the agency for tips if you want them, for any information on the family you don't have or just read up on the position have any questions ready for them. People love when you ask questions as it makes them feel you are more committed to the idea of working with them. Also just be yourself. Experience is important but they really need to know if you fit into their family so put your best foot forward. Do not lie or bend the truth. Are you a quiet person? Tell them. They need to know these things. You may loose an opportunity or gain one that isn't for you if you don't.

8 - Contracts

You will receive a contract, if you don't you need to get one. If you are going through an agency (which I recommend) they will have a contract for you, don't worry you are not signing your life away or signing yourself up for a lifetime. If you find a job from another means, you will be able to find a contract template online that you can follow. It will need to state holidays, extra pay, penalty rates, overtime, weekend and overnight pay, living arrangements, hours, expectations, probation period, notice to leave periods, length of contract etc.

9 - Hours and Holidays

It is very normal to work Monday-Friday 12 hrs a day if that is what the job spec has said. You will usually have to babysit at night two times a week if stated in the job spec also. Some families would like you to work a Saturday on occasion but they will specify. You will get 4 weeks paid holiday a year, all bank/public holidays unless otherwise asked and sometimes sick leave. If you work for a family who travel and they don't want you to go they will pay you as per normal, for the period they choose to go away, as it isn't your choice not to work, it is theirs.

C x