Today's Technology

I love gadgets, I love technology and I am always using it!  But as a parent there comes a time when we must take a look at what our children will be exposed to soon.  With Miss P turning 4 soon she is already on the iPad- which I don't mind as its monitored and I am the one that puts educational content on there- but soon she will be exposed to the Internet which quite frankly FREAKS ME OUT!


Just last night Mr D was telling me how he was looking on the Internet at metal tools for work (he is a roofer) and in the top search listings came a site which really disturbed him.  It was a site about how to murder people and get away with it!  Can you believe that, top listing on Google, after typing in metal tools this comes up!  Surely Google have some control over what they list and I small for making profits but where are their morals!  We wonder why our society is so ruthless, why the robberies are so violent and during daylight and why there are so many sickening deaths happening daily!  These sites that "pop" up may not make you or I go out and perform any of it (well I hope none of my readers do!) but all it takes is one sick or unstable person to see it, get an idea and then execute it! I definitely don't live with rose coloured glasses on- gee i would love to be so much better- I realise the world has these evil things in it, but to have it in your face and even when you don't deliberately search for it has really scared me.

In this household safety matters

This incident then got me thinking about the kids, it cemented in the need for parental controls on computers.  Now don't jump to think I am going to wrap them in cotton wool, but there are some things that kids don't need to be exposed to, things that don't better their life in any way. We always said that the kids would have a communal computer, in a part of the house that was visible to us (like the study) and we would make use of parental controls.  Not to restrict the children's freedom but to restrict content like my husband found or pornography sites appearing.  We want our son (and daughter) to learn about sex the right way, the dignified way not think that pornography is sex.  I had this discussion with my mother the other day, she said that she would not like to raise children in this society, I tend to agree but have no choice!  Not all of this society is bad, but this whole freedom to do whatever you like, say whatever you like and advertise whatever you like is scary and damaging to today's children- heck sometimes it damages me! I don't dislike all of today's society love way more than I don't like but simple things like classifications have gone out the window- adult TV shows on at 730pm when most children are still awake, the use of swear words on morning radio stations and to some words like s#*t and b*#ch may not be swear words but to us they are and I wouldn't want to hear those words come from my children yet how can we blame so many kids these days that are subject to these radio stations or TV shows that use them as everyday words.  It just all makes me so angry sometimes.

Recycle- we recycle our morals and values with our children who then recycle for their children

I'm sure you have heard or seen the Emily Seebohm incident- crying that she got silver and disappointed everyone- I was appalled that she was made feel this way, you can be naturally hard on yourself as most top athletes are but this display came from a lot of media pressure and expectations.  Silver, really, I would have been flat out getting to the blocks I am that slow!  Miss P saw her crying on TV and asked why so I explained, her response "but she has a nice shiny necklace (the medal)" this made me realise I must keep instilling this to them both that no matter what if you tried your hardest you should be proud. I said to Mr D last night that we cannot change the whole society but we can install morals and values into our children and they may just pass this to other children along the way.  Our children are aware of the real world (where age appropriate), they won't be hidden under a rock until they are 18, but they will not be exposed to material that does nothing but damage them.  My promise to my family is to protect them from what society isn't protecting!

Kate xxx

Deflated

You can only feel on top of the world for so long! I've talked myself through these feelings for awhile now, I've tried to be positive but tonight....I'm deflated! I feel like someone squeezed all the air from me.

Imagine this....You spend so many years being the best friend you think you can be, being there for a friend whenever they need, making them feel valued and basically just doing what a true friend does. Then POP overnight you're told you have a negative affect on them, their life is too busy for you to be in it, your friendship is too much! So for weeks, months you try to get a grip of the situation in your mind. You've tried to just move on but your heart breaks whenever you think about a memory you created with this friend. Memories you created with your kids too who are now trying to understand why they haven't seen their friends for so long.

I've been doing the above for months now and I'm now exhausted. I know it's time to just get over it but I honestly have no idea where to start, no idea what so ever! How do you get over a friendship you don't want to be over? Then I have moments where I get angry, angry because I haven't even been given the decency of a phone call or in person chat- its all via text, email or Facebook. 8 years of friendship and now there's no personal just words typed on a screen! I think I'm worth more than that, I feel I deserve better treatment.

As I type through tears, I know I'll probably never see this friend again, we will never go on holidays together, we will never share our children's milestones or share anything for that matter, I'm slowly breaking down. I knew this moment would come where I think I'm just going to cry for days but I know I need to. I know I need to cry and then wipe up the tears and continue on with life. I know there are people worse off than me, suffering more than me and my heart goes out to them but this is real for me and I'm hurting. I have an amazing husband and 2 children I adore so in the long run I'll be fine but for the moment, I'm really not. Really, really not.

Kate xxx

Guest Post: First Steps In Creating A Will

It may seem far away and be depressing to think about, but the inevitable fact of life is that none of us are going to be around forever. When it comes down to it, what you ultimately want to do is to protect your family and prepare them for the future. Sitting down and writing a will to divide your assets can be tough and confronting, but writing and storing it away will eventually bring you and your family greater peace of mind.

If you’re unsure of where to begin, here are the first steps in creating a will.

Remember the logistics

Writing a will is a complex activity and it is probably best to use a lawyer or attorney to help you. If you want to write your own will, start with the basics. Firstly, clearly identify yourself by your name, address and birthday, and state that you are of sound mental health. Also remember to make a note that this is your final will and any other wills you may have written in the past are now invalid.

Then, appoint an executor of the will – this person will carry out your instructions and divide your estate as you wished. Choose an honest friend or lawyer and make sure they are aware of their role. Empower the executor to be in charge of paying your debts, funeral costs and taxes as well as authorising them to deal with your real estate.

List your assets and divide them – remember to include a residuary clause

It is important to list as many of your assets as you can and then assign them to the family members, friends or charities you wish them to go to.  It helps to divide your monetary wealth into percentages and divide it that way. If you have been through a separation or had to deal with divorce law, make sure you keep your will up to date.

Lastly, it’s important to include a residuary clause in your will. This takes everything that was not specifically listed in your will and divides it between your "residuary beneficiaries".

Sign it and store it in a safe place

Be sure to sign your will correctly and in the presence of at least two witnesses, who must note their full name and address. Although partners and beneficiaries of the will can be witnesses, it is better if you find people independent of the will to sign it. This will reduce the risk of any legal disputes later down the track.

Store the will in a safe place such as a safe or secure filing cabinet. Tell your executor where you have stored the will and entrust them with a copy.

Making a will is one of the most important things you can do, especially if you have a family. It ensures your children will be looked after and cared for in the way you wished. Think about the making of a will as a necessity – not a morbid exercise!

** This is a guest post written by Jodie Parker, who is passionate about helping others understand the legal system.  She currently works with non-profit organisations with keeping their legalities in order.

Watts McCray is a leading provider and specialist of family law services in Australia. With Accredited Specialists in Family Law, a strong emphasis on communication, and an understanding of people, Watts McCray provides you with a caring and supportive environment to help resolve your legal issues.

My Letter To You Both

I wrote this in my head whilst feeding Master X to sleep tonight....

To my little ones,

Each night I get the privilege of putting you both to bed, watching you drift off to slumber land and hopefully dream lovely dreams.  Whilst you sleep I often lay there staring at you both and thinking how blessed I am and how fateful I am to have you both!  You are both the most beautiful children, learning each day at such a rapid rate.  I take pride in both of you when we are out, I take pride in how much you both are so loving already at such a young age.  

Let me tell you now, I will never abandon you, not now, not later in life not ever!  Sometimes I do get carried away doing tasks or cleaning but you both have that power to pull me away from these chores and enjoy what you both.  I cherish these moments we spend together, everyday we spend doing lots of things or just a few things or sometimes just being at home!

Always know that each day I love you with ALL of my heart, with you both I carry my heart on my sleeve!  You both give me strength, astronomical strength daily! There are days you both drive me crazy (a good crazy that is) and I feel like we just haven't connected but then at the end of those days we have our cuddles and I tuck you both in and realise you did drive me crazy- crazy in love with you both!

To some the way I am as a mother is weird, or too much but to both of you it is clear it is exactly what you need.  I will never push you to be ready or independent or better or stronger.  I will just support you, I will guide you and most of all I will nurture you the way a mother should.  I will protect you but not obstruct your learning, I will help you but also let you learn it yourself, your needs will always be met but you won't be spoilt just spoilt with love!  You will always know what you mean to me, you will always feel what you mean to me.  

Sleep well my little ones, I cannot wait for the sun to come up and we can enjoy another day together.  Master X I will see you several times through the night as I help you fall back asleep, you take your time I will always be right there.  Goodnight xxx

I have printed this letter and intend to keep it and show them both when older.  I love them so much.

Kate xxx

Giveaway Time

Ok I promised a giveaway so here it is....

Stylish Little Threads is an online children's boutique and is giving away a $50 voucher to spend in their online store to one lucky Tutus & Trikes reader!  You could buy a gift for someone, something for your child, anything you wish and trust me you will find lots of stylish products at Stylish Little Threads.  Some top brands in stock and some very useful products for babies and children.  

Here is how you can enter:

1. You must like Stylish Little Threads Facebook page (you can find it here)

2. You must sign up for email to the blog Tutus & Trikes

3. Like Tutus & Trikes Facebook page (you can find it here)

4. Leave your email in the comments section below and the winner will be randomly chosen

5. Start thinking about what you will buy with your voucher!

Head on over to their website and start browsing their lovely products.  Many are on sale so you will get a lot with this voucher thats for sure.  Good luck!

Kate xxx

Olympics At Home

Finally its here.....the London Olympics have begun!  I am a lover of the Olympics, I love watching the Australian athletes compete actually all the athletes compete!  It gets me motivated to exercise for possibly 2 weeks, actually probably the first few days then the only exercise I do is the usual chasing after 2 children type!  Hang on that's an event at the Olympics- the marathon!  So there you have it, I am in some way a competitor!  Ok back to the REAL Olympics, Miss P watched most of the Opening Ceremony and was fascinated by it all!  Asked so many questions, it was great to see and hear her enthusiasm to learn about it all.  Master X liked the "show" of it all but obviously being 19 months he wasn't glued to the TV.  So this afternoon, the 2 kids have their couches out, blankets on, popcorn at the ready and watching the Olympics!  I must say I am loving it- this is the first Olympics (Miss P was only newborn when Beijing was on) that the kids can watch and enjoy the Olympics with us!

Awaiting the popcorn

I am not quite sure what my favourite even is, I guess it is the Swimming and Athletics but I also enjoy a lot of the other events too!  Thinking about doing our own Olympics at home with the kids complete with medals and make up some fun events for the kids to do.  It's a bit of fun but it also explains the Olympics to them in their own way- PLAY!  So I will keep you posted and updated on our medal tally, I will put up printables I use to create the medals in case you would like to have your own Olympics at home.  I am thinking of incorporating household chores into the fun and games too as events!  

Yummy popcorn

So as Ray Warren would say... Let The Games Begin!!!!

Kate xxx

Parties & Allergies

Party planning is in full swing here and all is going really well.  Miss P is getting very excited and now that the majority of our decorations and invites are ordered and here, its now onto the food side of things.  This is where we slow up a little! You see Master X has a severe allergy to egg, anaphylactic to be precise, so everything we will be consuming on the day needs to be safe for him too.  Do you know how many things have egg in them?  EVERYTHING!  Well it seems like it anyway. So the party planning turned from decoration sites to sites that help with allergies.  I needed items that made people aware that the food was egg free.  A lot had some great products but they were a little boring plain! Then I found Allergy Riders, even the name shouts style to me!  And they had exactly what I needed for the party- so stylish!

When I pulled these products out of the box I was amazed!  They are more stylish than non allergy products!  And the colours really attract peoples attention to what is written on them- a huge plus for me!  With so many children having allergies today it is really something to consider when hosting a children's event.  They have a wide range of products, obviously we only need the egg free items, but they have gluten free, dairy free, vegan and more!  I can't wait to put cupcakes in them and know that my little man is safe to eat them and people can clearly see what is safe for him to eat. Stay tuned for a post after the party to see how they looked and how they go on the day!

Kate xxx