It is incredibly true that time flies when you are having fun! We are now half way through 2009 and almost half way through the first year of our new baby’s life (he is 5 months already!). So it is time to review what I have been doing and what I want to do. This month, I have done a quick monthly review and then will post close after my half yearly review looking at the bigger picture with our family goals for the year.

Review of Key Tasks For June

1. Review My Priorities.

I would have to say that this is still a work in progress. I still am trying to squeeze too much in to the available time I have, so need to become more self disciplined about the extra activities that I take on board.

2. Make it to the gym 3 times a week.

Achieved for June. I already had 2 set sessions that I would go to and had one floating. I found that the floating session never happened. That session is now either Tue morning or Tue evening depending on the needs of the baby.

3. Audit and restock the pantry.

Completed. (Will probably need to be restocked again after school holidays though!)

4. Visit the Art Gallery with the children.

We did finally go and see the John Brack exhibition (I wrote about it here if you are interested.)

Key Tasks For July

1. School Craft Group

I have recently become responsible for co-ordinating the school craft school for the end of the year and next year’s school fair. I am not a particularly good crafter. (My very dear friend Cath at mobblegobble is and she helps me a lot on my personal crafty stuff.) But this role is more about co-ordination and organisation, which I am pretty comfortable with !

At my children’s school there is an established group of very clever crafters, who will be leaving the school in the next year or two. My aim is to develop the skills of people like myself by co-ordinating and running some “MasterCrafter” sessions, so they can teach us their stuff! (My husband has delicately pointed out to me, that this new task is in direct opposition to trying to slow things down and keep my priorities balanced - I do struggle with this.)

2. Use the massage voucher that I have.

This was a lovely Christmas gift from my in-laws and it will expire soon if I do not use it.

3. Begin my Christmas in July preparations.

Last year in July I began doing some preliminary planning for Christmas. The key task was making homemade gifts. The end of the year is an incredibly busy time for us - two birthdays, end of school, Christmas functions etc, so it was fantastic when December rolled around last year and I had a stock pile of goodies already made. This July I intend to do the same.

4. Rest and have fun in the school holidays.

I am one of those mums that love school holidays. I love the more leisurely pace of the mornings, love that I don’t have to continually wake the baby to do school pick ups and that I don’t have to run around the suburbs 4 out of 5 afternoons for after school activities. So I am looking forward to resting a bit more and having some fun with the kids

Technorati Tags: family budget, goals, review

• Monthly Review - June
• Monthly Review May
• Monthly Review July/August
• Monthly Review September

May Review

It can be quite deflating to have worked flat out all month yet somehow only managed to achieve 2 out the 4 key tasks listed for the month .

1. Create a project plan for my other project.

Completed. I also spent considerable time on this project - to the expense of the other priorities in May.

2. Teach my 10 year old to cook a basic meal.

Completed. Thinker learnt to cook a dinner of Tacos.

3. Go out to dinner with my husband.

Still yet to do this. I won’t even bother putting it on the list for next month. Every weekend is already booked up with 40ths, hen’s nights, etc. At least we will have opportunities to go out together without the kids though.

4. Visit the Art Gallery with the children.

I really want to take the children to see the John Brack exhibition at NGV. I would prefer to take them on a Sunday when the NGV has the ArtCart for kids, but Sundays are being taken up by football from 8.15am until about 2pm at the moment. It is on until August, so hopefully I will find a Sunday before it ends.

Key Tasks For June

1. Review My Priorities.


In my post about coping with a new baby, I wrote about adjusting your standards. It is time for me to that again. Blogging which I love to do and my other project that I am working can take up most of my weekends. I need to reveiw my priorities and the time lines I have set for them.

Even if they are only self imposed time lines, I tend to get quite frustrated when I don’t achieve them. Similarly I feel guilty if I don’t incorporate enough excursions and playtime with the kids. I feel that this is out of balance at the moment, so need to re-examine where I am at.

2. Make it to the gym 3 times a week.


With a little baby and life’s busyness, this has been slipping back to twice a week. I need to make sure that I am still making time to stay fit and healthy.


3. Audit and restock the pantry.


I am starting run out of the items that I don’t use very often, but are very useful (eg cream of tartar, brown sugar, choc chips etc)

4. Visit the Art Gallery with the children.


We have long weekend in June, so this may just be our chance to get there!

Technorati Tags: goals, monthly planning

• Monthly Review April
• Monthly Review June
• Monthly Review September
• Monthly Review July/August

This review actually encompasses the last two months as at the end of March I reviewed the family budget.

Key Tasks for March/April

1. Mr I and myself to go out for dinner (belated wedding anniversary celebration).

Still uncompleted! We have a hectic calendar for June so I will have to make sure we do this in May.

2. Continue posting three times a week on Planning With Kids, keeping one week in advance.

Just managing to keep up with this one and have found some rhythm in blog posting - naturally I have a little blog time management process that I like.

3. Organise the Christening for our new son.

We held the Christening at the end of March which was beautiful. He has two beautiful Godfathers and we were lucky enough to have family and friends celebrate with us back at our house.

4. Complete another bulk menu planning session.

I am now doing monthly menu planning. It is amazing how quickly the weeks turn by, so I have found it to be a more effective use of my time to sit down once a month and bulk plan then.

5. Send out thank you cards for the birth of our son.

Completed. Kate from Lazy Cow Designs turned three photos into an amazing postcard for me. It was such a sweet design and family and friends loved them. If you need any invitations, thank you cards, Christmas Cards, etc I can highly recommend Kate!

Key Tasks for May

1. Create a project plan for my other project.
2. Teach my 10 year old to cook a basic meal.
3. Go out to dinner with my husband.
4. Visit the Art Gallery with the children.

There is literally dozen more things I would like to add to this list, but I am trying to become more realistic about what I can achieve with my time.

What is on your to do list for May?

Technorati Tags: family planning, monthly review

• Monthly Review February
• Some Planned Time For Mum
• Monthly Review - June
• Monthly Review May

Out of the ten children’s activities listed last month, we only managed to fit in one, which was rock climbing at Hard Rock. We actually took our two eldest sons and four friends for our second son’s 8th birthday. They had a fantastic time and it really was great value for money as you could stay as long as the kids could keep climbing! We all came back home for dinner and the kids had a terrific appetite after all their exercise.

Here are ten children’s activities in Melbourne for the month of May, that I think would be fun!

1. Reconciliation Week Activities

Reconciliation Week is from May 27 until June 3. Check out Reconciliation Victoria for a full list of events, but the highlight for the kids is Children’s Cheering Carpet - Saltbush (29th - 30th).

The brilliant Children’s Cheering Carpet - Saltbush combines live music, mesmerising projection and dancing to create a magical landscape. Alongside international and Indigenous Australian performers, children will explore the interactive ‘cheering carpet’ as a wonderful landscape unfolds around them.

Time: Friday, 6.30pm to 7.30pm; Saturday, 12.30pm to 1.30pm and 6.30pm to 7.30pm
Location: ArtPlay, Birrarung Marr
Contact: Art Play
Cost: $10 per person; bookings essential; families welcome

2. Be Good To Your Mama - Mother’s Day Concert

The Mudcakes stir up an organic stew of original songs, and create a new taste in kids music that is food ears young and old.

When: Sunday, May 10 - 11.00am
Where: Union Hotel, 109 Union St, Brunswick.
What: Come and celebrate Mums and family music with the Mudcakes. Doors open 10.30am. A 45 minute show in this clean and family friendly hotel with a playground and park just behind and a lovely courtyard out back. Champagne breakfast and bar available… sorry it’s not included in door price.
Cost: Mums and babes under 12m FREE! Kids $10 Adults $5. Book tickets through The Mudcakes website.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne Mothers’ Day ~ FREE entry for Mums!

Another Mother’s Day Activity for the family. See the RBG website for further details, but here are the essential details:
When: Sunday 10 May 9.00am - 5.00pm. Drop in/out: 11.00 - 12.30pm
Where: Australian Garden
Cost: Mums with at least one of their children will enter the Australian Garden FREE on Mothers’ Day only. Drop in/out: $3.20 per child per activity. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Bookings & enquiries: (03) 5990 2245 Bookings not required.

B

ring your Mum to the Australian Garden on Mothers’ Day and you’ll get Mum in for FREE! The Boonerwurrung Café will be creating delicious treats to thank Mums for all their hard work.

Kids - drop in to our activity station to create a beautiful present for Mum. Create a candle that smells of the Australian bush using bees wax, eucalypt leaves and gum nuts.

4. Art Gallery Experience

Both the National Gallery Of Victoria (NGV) International and Australia have free children’s activities on the week ends

NGV National runs Art Cart on Sundays. During May it is connected to the John Brack’s exhibition. “A great way to be introduced to John Brack’s art and his world. Create a mixed media art work inspired by his ideas and style. Venue Foyer, Level 3.

NGV International has Art Sparks running on Saturdays also from 12 - 3pm. During may the theme Dressed to Rule:
Imperial Robes of China.   Kids can make art that relates to the Dressed to Rule exhibition.

5. A Series Of Firsts - ACMI

This is definitely one for older children. I would really like to see these free documentaries running at ACMI.

Don’t miss this moving series of eight biographical documentaries, capturing the stories of some of Victoria’ most prominent women, produced by ACMI in partnership with the Office of Women’s Policy, Department of Planning and Community Development.

A Series of Firsts celebrates the groundbreaking careers of The Hon. Joan Kirner, The Hon. Gracia Baylor, Dur-e Dara, Dr Isabel Joy Bear, Voula Messimeri-Kianidis, Leckie Ord, Judy Madigan MP and Jeanette Powell MP.

Date: Sun 10 May 2009
Location: ACMI, Studio 1
Audience: General
Cost: Free
Drop in to Studio 1 anytime between 10am & 5pm. The films will be screening on a continuous loop.

6. Buddha’s Day - Artplay

On Sunday 17 May, Artplay is celebrating Buddha’s Day. There are three separate events:

• Tai Chi for the whole family
  Balance your mind, body and spirit, circulate your Chi, and learn basic movements in this special family Tai Chi session with senior instructor, Mark Mayes.
  Time: 11am to 11.30am
  Age: 5 years and above (all children must be accompanied by an adult)
  Cost: $5 per person
  Bookings essential and families welcome
• Share Tea with Me – Ch’an Tea Ceremony for Children
  A two part workshop introducing the rituals and symbolism of the Ch’an Tea Ceremony demonstrated by children from the Buddha’s Light Youth Group. Paint your own take-home tea cups and invite parents to share tea as you perform your own tea ceremony and learn about Buddhist storytelling and symbolism.
  Time: noon to 4pm, with a break from 1.30pm to 3pm
  Age: 5 years and above (all children must be accompanied by an adult)
  Cost: $20 per child (adults FREE!)
  Bookings essential and families welcome.
• Ikebana for kids
  Ikebana or “the way of flowers’ is the Japanese art of flower arrangement, originating from the tradition of offering flowers to Buddha. Learn the basics from the Ikebana International Chapter 29 Inc in this fun, original workshop.
  Time: 2pm to 2.45pm
  Age: 5 years and above
  Cost: $15 per child (adults FREE)
  Bookings essential and families welcome.

7. Sparky Stories: Digital Workshop

Held at the State Library of Victoria, this is a free session for kids aged 6 to 12

Inspired by illustrated books from the Library’s collection, each child will create a digital picture-book, complete with illustrations and their own narration.
Time: Sun 10 & 24 May, 10am–12noon
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Phone 03 8664 7099, email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au or book online for 10 May or 24 May.

8. Scienceworks

Scienceworks has a number of interesting exhibitions at the moment - Visual Illusions, Imagination Factory and Mathamazing which starts on May 2. They also have a free activity (with entry) for kids on weekends, until 14 Jun from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM.

Ball-istic Balloons - Make your own colourful balloon ball to take home and practice fun tricks, while improving your coordination and focus.

Activity takes around 10 minutes, join in any time.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Suitable for ages 5 and up.

9. Kids’ Authors Unite!

The Readings Bookstores have some fantastic in store events for children and adults. This session is at their Port Melbourne store on Sunday 24 May 2009 at 11:00am.

Children’s authors will read and entertain:

• Juliet Williams & Elizabeth Botté will talk about their picture book The Giggle Gum Tree, about sisters, Lily and Amanda, and their favourite tree, the Giggle Gum.
• Goldie Alexander & Michelle Gaudion will discuss Lame Duck Protest, a picture book that deals with issues of conservation and wildlife preservation in a touching way.
• David Reiter will talk about his novel Global Cooling, the second in a series of environmentally conscious but enjoyable novels for kids who want to learn about how to save the Earth.
• Di Bates & Marjory Gardner will discuss their non-fiction book, Aussie Kid Heroes, which tells the remarkable true stories of some of Australia’s youngest heroes, in Guinness World Records style.

Free, but please book on 9681 9255 or by email.

10. Mill And Mia Craft Sessions

Mill and Mia is a gorgeous children’s clothing store in Auburn Road, Hawthorn. However they are not just into clothing but aim “to deliver a beautiful, creative haven for children (young and old) ….to shop, create and play.”

To this end they have two different style of session at their store:

To encourage and inspire children in the areas of textile design, sewing, jewellery, puppet making and graphic design, craft sessions run by various prominent Melbourne designers, including those behind the brand, are also held on the first Saturday of every month, for children aged 5 – 10 years. For $25, from 4 – 5pm, children will be shown how to create their own artistic masterpiece, in a colourful contemporary and vibrant environment. (Bookings essential).

For pre-school children, storytime will be held each Friday morning from 9.30 – 10.15am, offering children the chance to relax and imagine with books, play in the store’s unique play tunnels, engage in a simple craft activity, and with their parents and carers, sample the delicious delights of local organic food store / café - Sprout.

Technorati Tags: Children's Activities, free, Melbourne

• 10 Children’s Activities In Melbourne For June
• 10 Children’s Activities In Melbourne For January
• 10 Children’s Activities In Melbourne For April (and School Holidays)
• Children’s Activities In Melbourne For November

With The Personal Touch

The first five posts selected are all personal posts that are beautifully written / photographed. They all come from Australian mother’s with lots of interesting things to say, so be sure to check out their blogs.

1. Getting My Groove Back

Kathy from Zucchini’s in Bikinis writes a beautiful reflection on managing life with their latest addition to their family.

2. Real Life….Not So Zen

Anyone with small children, knows this familiar sight of clothes needing attention as photographed by Kate.

3. She Melts Me

Kylie takes the most spectacular photos of her children. Along with the photos in this post, she has some lovely words appreciation those triumphs that children make, which then make a mumma so happy.

4. 4am

Veronica has a witty recollection of the adventures of a mum and new babe doing the feeding/sleeping dance over night.

5. Before I Was A Parent

Trish reflects on how parenting might just be a little bit easier if it came with a manual!

Craft And Fun For The Kids

With us Victorians on school holidays, the next five posts will give you some ideas for creative and crafty fun to amuse the kids.

6. Body Tracing

Jean combines fun with learning about the body. (Using large sheets of paper tracing around your child’s body.)

7. Playball

Catherine lists simple ideas to amuse the children of all ages with a ball.

8. Finger Labyrinths

Amber shares a peaceful activity for the kids to do using labyrinths. While on her blog, also check out her link to mandalas - some gorgeous templates for colouring.

9. Pins and Needles

Likely has a creative way to use some basic items from around the home. Should help keep the kids entertained while you are trying to complete some of your own needlework.

10. Salad On A Stick

An edible idea! The kids can have fun making their own lunch/dinner on a stick.

Technorati Tags: blogs, Children's Activities, craft, parenting

• 10 Favourite Posts For April
• 10 Top Posts For September
• March - Posts Of The Month
• 10 Top Posts For August

Time to take a look at what I achieved in February and what I would like to accomplish in March:

Key Tasks for February

1. Settle the children into Term 1 at school.
   

   Work in progress. So far everything has gone quite smoothly. Possum loves school and is generally the first ready in the morning. She is very tired by the end of the week though, so we need to manage week end time well, so she returns to school well rested.

2. Post three times a week on Planning With Kids, keeping one week in advance.
   

   Done. I wrote recently about what process I am using to achieve this on Blog Time Management Tips.

3. Spend individual time with each child, as they adjust to the new family member.
   

   Getting there. Probably not as much individual time as I would like. This month saw the end of cricket season which means until football starts mid April, we will have one less after school activity and Saturday mornings free, so this should help free up some time.

4. Gradually start exercising again.
   

   I have made it back to the gym 2 - 3 times a week, doing post natal type exercises. It always feels good to get the body going and have a good stretch.

5. Send out thank you cards for the birth of our son.
   

   Half completed. They have been designed and I am now waiting for them to come back from being printed, so this item will remain on the task list for next month.

Key Tasks for March

Like last month, I will be keeping key tasks for March to a minimum. Even though they are self set goals, I still tend to feel stressed if I am not achieving the things I have set for myself. Therefore I have found it better to be realistic and set what is achievable:

1. Mr I and myself to go out for dinner (belated wedding anniversary celebration).
2. Continue posting three times a week on Planning With Kids, keeping one week in advance.
3. Organise the Christening for our new son J5 (throughout the pregnancy we referred to the baby as Junior No.5, which has now been abbreviated to J5).
4. Complete another bulk menu planning session.
5. Send out thank you cards for the birth of our son.

What is on your to do list for March?

Technorati Tags: family organisation, goals

Similar Posts:
• Monthly Review January
• Monthly Review April
• Monthly Review - February
• Monthly Review - March

Time to take a look at what I achieved in January and what I would like to accomplish in February:

Key Tasks for January

Given that we are a third of the way through this month already, I have actually completed a number of these already:

1. Pack up Christmas decorations.
   

   Done

2. Retrieve baby items from attic and wash up baby clothes.
   

   Done

3. Ensure back to school preparations are completed by mid January.
   

   Done

4. Menu plan for the next couple of months in advance.
   

   Done

5. Have fun with the kids over the holidays, incorporating their choices of activities.
   

   Done. Posted about our activities on Summer By The Sea - Fishy Business and Fairy Fanfare

6. Pre-write and schedule posts for late January and early February.
   

   Almost made it. I had January completed and but not February. I am now working to have one week’s of posts done ahead of time.

7. See a movie before the baby is born.
   

   Done. Mr I and myself went to see the fantastic Slumdog Millioniare.

8. Have and enjoy our new baby!

Done. Our beautiful son was born on January 22. He is brining such joy to myself and the rest of the family.

Key Tasks for February

So that I can focus on the last point above - enjoying our new baby, key tasks for February will be kept to a minimum:

1. Settle the children into Term 1 at school.
2. Post three times a week on Planning With Kids, keeping one week in advance.
3. Spend individual time with each child, as they adjust to the new family member.
4. Gradually start exercising again.
5. Send out thank you cards for the birth of our son.

What is on your to do list for February?

Technorati Tags: goals, monthly review

Similar Posts:
• Planning Family Goals For The New Year
• Monthly Review February
• Monthly Review - March
• Monthly Review July/August

Towards the end of 2008 my monthly reviews stopped as the busyness of Christmas and end of school year caught up with me. I will aim (my first goal!!) to be more consistent with my monthly reviews this year.

Familys Goals for 2009

Before I go on to the goals for January, I wanted to list (in no particular order) the over all key goals I have for our family in 2009:

1. Smooth transition adding our newest family member.
2. Ensure Possum’s first school year is a positive experience.
3. Complete my “Special Project”.
4. Encourage further (age appropriate) independence in my children.
5. Maintain my health and fitness.
6. Support Mr I’s chosen sporting events, so he can maintain his health and fitness.
7. See at least one live music event a quarter.
8. Adhere to the family budget.
9. Achieve a balance of fun and learning activities for the children.
10. To grow this blog to become a greater resource for families.

Key Tasks for January

Given that we are a third of the way through this month already, I have actually completed a number of these already:

1. Pack up Christmas decorations.
2. Retrieve baby items from attic and wash up baby clothes.
3. Ensure back to school preparations are completed by mid January.
4. Menu plan for the next couple of months in advance.
5. Have fun with the kids over the holidays, incorporating their choices of activities.
6. Pre-write and schedule posts for late January and early February.
7. See a movie before the baby is born.
8. Have and enjoy our new baby!

Technorati Tags: family planning, monthly review, Planning

• Half Yearly Review - Family Goals For 2009
• Monthly Review January
• Monthly Review September
• 10 Things To Do Before Christmas

Firstly apologies if you have had trouble accessing my site. It has not been functioning properly for over 24 hours. My host company’s response has been less than satisfactory.

There is always so much great stuff to read in the blogoshpere. I haven’t been able to spend as much time commenting on other people’s blogs as I would have liked over the last six weeks, but I have still been reading.

Here are some of my favourites from November:

(1). Creative Activity for Families: Scavenger Hunts
A gorgeous and creative idea for the whole family to participate in!

(2). Proof There Really is Nothing Good on Kids’ TV
Discussion on a recent study that found only 13 percent of the programming labeled by the networks as “educational” was found to have real educational value.

(3). Stop Taking The Small Things for Granted
A personal reflection on how important it is to be aware of how much we really do have.

(4). It’s Not Savings Unless You Save It
A clever reminder on what it really means to save, in a time of many sales.

(5). Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah…
From someone who loves a chat and can go on a bit, a succinct post on how you can improve you communication by taking out all the “blahs”.

(6). Too Many Toys
Written by Prof Elkind (author of the fabulous The Hurried Child) this is a great post on how many toys today do not encourage imagination or creativity from children, but are simply of the “watch me” variety which are merely entertaining.

(7). Mommy Blogging: It’s not Just Unicorns and Roses
Why there’s nothing wrong with being a “mommy blogger”!

(8). Construct your own ‘Top 10 Must Follow’ List as it relates to your own Niche
A great resource (that you can add to if you want) to find people to follow on Twitter - if you are that way inclined!

(9). Be Heard. Speak Plainly.
Concise post on why “If it’s important at all, it deserves to be expressed clearly and plainly, so that anyone can understand it.”

(10). Cartoon: Partial Text RSS Feeds
A funny post on the frustrations that Partial Text RSS feeds cause some readers.

What did you enjoy in November?

Technorati Tags: blogs, November

• March - Posts Of The Month
• Developmental Play
• Children’s Activities In Melbourne For November
• 10 Reading Comprehension Questions For Junior Primary

This month’s collection of some of my favourite posts will start with a topic that I usually don’t talk about on the blog - politics. With the US Election almost here, I wanted to highlight some posts that I found interesting on this subject. Personally I am hoping for an Obama victory, we will know very soon either way.

(1). Obama Mamas Get Involved: A Call To Action Part 2
A post on the importance of being involved regardless of the size of the involvement, in your country’s democratic process.

(2). 9 Reasons a John McCain Presidency Would be a Disaster for the Environment
From Earth First, some sobering reasons on why the outcome of this American election will affect more than just Americans - the Global Environment.

(3). A Letter to My Two Year-Old Daughter
A mum’s letter to her daughter explaining why she wasn’t going to be around as much as during October, while she volunteered on the Obama campaign.

(4). Barack & Me
A personal account on why this election has meant (and will mean) so much to this blogger.

(5). Twitter Vote Report Will Track Election Day Shadiness (and Long Lines)
How Twitter will be used to track events on US Election Day.

The next five posts are all on current social issues in our society. They come from both Australian and International Bloggers and all of them made me think:

(6). Attitudes and Behaviours.
With all the doom and gloom around due to the financial crisis, a timely reminder about the influence our (parents) attitude and behaviour can have on our children.

(7). Raise Your Hopeful Voice: Why We Are Responsible For Third World Poverty, and How to Change It
Leo uses his incredibly popular blog to raise a hopeful voice “in defense of the voiceless, the powerless, the hungry and the dying.”

(8). Congo continues to be the 21st Century’s Secret Holocaust
It is a tragedy that such devastation of a race of people is allowed to occur.

(9). A Nation of Wimps
The dangers that can occur when parents “over parent” their children.

(10). The Belief and Faith Equation For School Change
This post reflects on how it is necessary to have belief and faith from all involved (teachers, administrators, students, parents) to create improvement and change in a school.

Read and enjoy!

Technorati Tags: blogs, parenting, politics

• 10 Top Posts For September
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• From Little Things…….