In the words of a 4 year old

Interview with Zaccie

This is Zaccie, He's 4 years old, Full of beans and attitude, And he loves to be cheeky.

Who is your best friend: Tina!! (That would be me!)
No finished Mummy.............................
"My friends are Ethan & Tate and I like the Mummies too (Watch out!), Erica & Vicky. I have seen Daddies too, they are tall". And Hunter, he plays with me at Dana's work (Daycare) and we have same blood (I think he means because they are related). Also Lightning McQueen & Daddy are my friends and we like to jump & play in dirt (This explains Daddy pockets spilling dirt every time I go to wash them).


My Favorite Food is:
Runny macaroni...its yummy with sauce & Salad. (I don't ever recall him asking for salad...guess what he's having for dinner!)

What food do you think is yuck:
My dinner & Poo. Poo is funny, but yucky to eat. Puppy Poo is bad and not a biscuit (So glad he can tell a biscuit and a dog turd apart!)

I'm really good at:
Painting, Jumping, playing cars, planes and dirt...I really like dirt, not in my mouth No

My favorite toy is:
Cars with wheels & red Monsters



My Favorite Book:
Huff & Puff and Bear Hunting
 

                


When I grow up I want to be: go to work & drive Mummy car & drive boats

Why does the sun shine: Because it likes the rain

Where does the sun go when it gets dark outside: it goes to bed and dreams of cars, planes and dirt because i think the sun really likes dirt like me

Who's the coolest person on the earth? Zaccie is!!!

1 person who make me laugh: Dana

One word that describes me: weird (HaHa I cant disagree!)

I am really happy when: i go home

I am really sad when: Big girls wont play with me at the park and say Zaccie has germs (Let's keep it that way for a few more decades please!)

My worst nightmare: mummy fixes my bad dreams

Things that make me mad: not eating my toast, puppies look hungry so i have to share

I like my Dad because: He is funny, he does a good monster noise & reads good

I like my mummy because: she makes yummy toast & talks to Shazzy who is my friend too

Who's in your Family? The puppies & lightning mcqueen
 (right!)


And to share a giggle....This is a conversation Zaccie had with the Man at our local Milkbar this week                                      

Zaccie: My Mummy is working now
Milk bar Man: Ohhh Where?
Zaccie: She is making money at the Man place
Milk Bar Man raises his eyebrows at me: "Well we all have to make a buck somehow"
Me: No No No.....Not how it sounds,
Zaccie: Turns to me............Yes Mummy, Daddy told me that you work at The Man Shop to make money!

Thank you Zaccie, He now thinks I'm either a stripper or worse!!!
Needless to say we wont be back for ice-creams anytime soon!
And just to clarify I have started casual work for a Hardware retailer, it involves wearing lots of clothes.

What funny things have your children said? Have you sat down and asked your child some questions and just been amazed at how much they actually do know about their world around them?

Thank you for reading,
Christina

Develop a wellness toolbox

I have signed up for an online 'happiness' course for sufferers of depression and anxiety. One of the modules suggests that I should create my own Wellness Toolbox.

Today I will be sharing with you, what I will be adding to my toolbox and over the coming weeks, I will come back and cover each Topic.

The idea is to come up with a list of things that you can do for a quick mood boost. Try to include any strategies, activities, or skills that have helped in the past. The more “tools” for coping with depression, the better. Try and implement a few of these ideas each day, even if you’re feeling good.

 Here is my tool list...

Go outside
Read a Good Book, or as much as you can while the kids are distracted
Watch a Funny movie or YouTube clip
Enjoy a warm bath
Do some craft
Sew
Pin stuff on Pinterest

Listen to music
Get a few small tasks done and out of the way
Throw the ball around for the dogs

Write a blog post or journal entry

Go for a coffee and babycino at your favorite cafe


Talk to a friend
Talk to a health care Professional
Guided imagery
Journaling--writing in a notebook
Bake something yummy
Exercise
Take medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal supplements
Attend a support group
Do something "normal" like washing your hair, or going to work


Surround yourself with people who are positive, affirming and loving
Wear something that makes you feel good
Look through old pictures, scrapbooks and photo albums
Do something that makes you laugh
Do something special for someone else
Get some little things done
Repeat positive affirmations


Practice relaxation techniques. A daily relaxation practice can help relieve symptoms of depression, reduce stress, and boost feelings of joy and well-being. Try yoga, deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or meditation.

What would your Wellness Toolbox Look Like? Have I missed anything in my list?

Thank you for reading and for your support,
Christina

My Top 10 Tips for managing your 'Bad Days'

We all know what I mean when I refer to 'bad' days.
It's those horrible days when your mind will not let go of the negative thoughts and your body just does not want to move. It's those days when you wish the ground would just open up beneath you and carry you away...and nothing, no matter how hard you try can get you out of it.

I have been asked on our Facebook page for advice on getting through the 'bad' days. Here are my top 10 tips on getting through those days

10 Tips for getting through the 'Bad' days of Depression

1.   Get out of the house (Even if you have to force yourself or wear your PJ's)

If only I had this meadow to walk in
Image source here

 2.   Don't set yourself any overwhelming chores or tasks (Make easy meals like toasted sandwiches, steamed veggies, cereal, forget about the big housework task's, stay in your PJ's all day if it makes it easier) 

3.   Have a movie day (I know it goes against all the parenting advice the professionals say, but Mums with PND don't fit into their 'box'...but dare I say it, let your kids watch a movie. If it means they will sit still for more then 5 minutes and let you sit & have a little time to yourself, then go for it. You NEED ME TIME)

                                     

OK you might not look this ecstatic, but that's how my head would feel with 5 minutes of peace!

 

4.   When the kids are in bed or having a sleep take a warm bath or shower, sometimes it can help relax your tired, tense body and mind.






5.   Listen to music that you find calming ( I find that sometimes when i sing along or listen to the words I stop concentrating on whats going on in my head)

Just not as corny :-)

6.   If your like me and also suffer from anxiety, try to keep busy. (I like to craft or sew. I find its a great distraction and takes concentration. Again anything that gets your mind away from those negative thoughts is going to help you. My crazy Big sister likes to Vacuum when she's stressed, I personally hate my vacuum, but she says that it helps her)


7.   Call a friend or go out for coffee with the kids & a friend (Try to make it a positive friend or at least someone who will listen with an open heart and provide you with some calm and comforting words of comfort).



8.   Get on YouTube and search for funny Cat's......Have a giggle!




9.   Again GET OUT OF THE HOUSE! I cant stress this one enough. Even if you just walk out the back door in your PJ's.....The fresh air and sunshine (if its there) will make a huge difference, it really does I promise.

 10.   Do some yoga. (You might not be able to do the meditation, but try the breathing while you do the stretches.....it's actually amazing the difference it makes to your body and mind. My yoga takes me 15mins a day and it makes all the difference).

Sorry I'm stuck on the cats now

And remember....Tomorrow could be a perfect day. It does pass, the thoughts disappear and life looks rosy again. So hold onto that knowledge that tomorrow could be a better day xox

What tips do you have to get through the 'Bad Days'?


Thank you for reading,
Christina

Kids Birthday Parties...Stressful or Not?

Firstly Happy 4th Birthday to my beautiful little man

Kids Birthday Parties.....Stressful, Fun or a bit of both?

This weekend I threw a Birthday party for my son who turned 4, he was surrounded by 30 odd friends and family, some who traveled to Bayside Melbourne from Sunbury and Ballarat and spoiled him with gifts and fun. It was a great day....Lots of sunshine, cake, playing, spinning, climbing and sliding and of course Toy Truck races!
We had a fantastic day, My son & his friends were all smiles.

So How many people is too much?

Do you invite one side of the family & not the other, Only friends with Kids...or invite everyone close to you and your child? My son had his little friends, his cousins, Aunties & Uncles, both sets of Grandparents, family friends and even his Great Great Uncle & Aunty. I personally feel that he is very blessed and lucky to have all these amazing people in his life who came to share such a special day.

Only thing I forgot was to take photo's!!!!

My hints for a party hostess

• Grab a plate of food & do the walk around. That way you get a chance to stop and chat to each person and the food gets eaten.
• If someone offers help or offers to bring something on the day...Accept the help!
• Do the baking the day before and leave fresh stuff like fruit & sandwiches for the morning of the party, but try to have all the things cut & ready to go.
• Don't leave your baked items on the bench where your dog is sitting waiting for the moment you get distracted and walk away....Poor Zucchini slice
• Take photo's (can't believe I forgot) or ask someone to take photo's for you.
• I like parties to be held outdoors if possible and preferably somewhere other then my house :-)
• Make simple things that can be made in bigger batches. I made scones (recipe here), Rice bubble slice (recipe here), jelly cups, fruit platter, club sandwiches, chips, dips, and don't forget fruit juice for the kids and soft drink for the adults.
• You could always make it a BYO party...I did this for my Son's 1st party as at the time being deep in Depression there was no way I would have coped.

Lastly thank you to my friends and family for coming & making his party so awesome...you are all amazing! xox




What hints and tips do you have for making Kids parties fun and less stressful? Do you prefer Big or small parties?

Thank you for reading,
Christina

'Talk About our Postnatal Depression Tuesday' - R U OK?

So what is R U OK?Day?

"On Thursday 15 September, 2011 is R U OK?Day. It’s a national day of action which aims to prevent suicide by encouraging Australians to connect with someone they care about and help stop little problems turning into big ones.

On that day we want everyone across the country, from all backgrounds and walks of life, to ask family, friends and colleagues: "Are you OK?".

Staying connected with others is crucial to our general health and well being. Feeling isolated or hopeless can contribute to depression and other mental illnesses, which can ultimately result in suicide. Regular, meaningful conversations can protect those we know and love.

It's so simple. In the time it takes to have a coffee, you can start a conversation that could change a life."

For more information on  R U OK?Day? please visit their website here or visit them here on Facebook

I know how difficult it can be to approach someone and ask them if they are OK. In truth, I'm afraid of the answer. What if they say they are not OK? What do I do then?
But we should not let our fear of an answer get in the way of caring for someone else. When you ask someone if they are OK, do you hang around to listen? Do you actually hear their answer?
Do you even know what to say?
Do you know within the last 3 years struggling with Postnatal Depression I don't think I have ever been asked the simple question R U OK? To be honest I'm not sure i would have ever been able to say anything other then I'm fine, but that simple question might just make my walls come tumbling down and save me from myself.

Here is a list of things that well-intentioned people said to me and others
(This information provided from myself and other Mums on our Support Page)

• It’s all in your head. You need to think positive.
• Why don’t you try and exercise?
• Go Shopping and you will feel better.
• Meditation and yoga are all you need.
• Get a new job.
• Are you happy in your relationship?
• You have everything you need to get better & Do you WANT to feel better?
• Everyone has problems 
• "Chin up - do you want me to come and clean the house?
• "You have a happy healthy baby, what have you got to be sad about?'
•  You just need a good nights sleep
• There are allot of other people out there who are far worse off then you
• What do you have to be depressed about
• Your just being silly, get some sleep and you'll be fine
  
  Whatever happened to the simple questions of R U OK?
  I really feel that people are just afraid of the answer and I also believe that people are afraid to answer honestly.
  
  So This Thursday the 15th of September lets ask our Friends, Kids, Colleagues and Loved ones R U OK? And be prepared for an honest answer. It's OK you don't need to know what to say, sometimes it's the simple act of showing that you care enough to ask in the first place that can make a difference to that person and possibly save a life.
  
  So I ask you, R U OK?
  And please answer Honestly
  
  
  
  
  
  You can find our support group here, Mums Helping Mums PND Support Network
  
  For help and support please find links below
  www.panda.org.au/
  www.beyondblue.org.au/
  www.gidgetfoundation.com.au/
  Lifeline 13 11 14
  
  
  
  

Wordless Wednesday ~ LoveAdmireInspire

Wordless Wednesday ~ Things from Pinterest I LoveAdmireInspire

Welcome to my first Wordless Wednesday Blog Post!
I have an obsession with Pinterest, it's the last thing I check at night and the first thing I check in the morning...I think I may have a problem! But I can't help it~ I have enjoyed seeing things that I Love, Admire and find Inspiring in Pictures. Enjoy!
You can follow me Here on Pinterest

LOVE

Can't have a section called love without The Notebook

ADMIRE

 I love Pink...I so Admire the way she fights for what she beleives in and never appears to gives up

INSPIRE

Linkin’ up over with Trish at My Little Drummer Boys  and faith hope and a whole lotta love for Wordless Wednesday.  Come over and join us !.

Christina xox

Happy Fathers Day from Mums Helping Mums PND Support Network

Happy Fathers Day to all those wonderful men out there!

Meet My Father
You can call him Mr. Hall or Keithy

I'm sure he would have picked a better picture of himself, but I love this one!

My Father is an amazing man. He has raised 5 children on his own, survived a divorce, the loss of his wife and watching all of his kids grow up.  Yes he had the help of my wonderful Grandparents and my awesome Big Sister Shazzy, but he worked hard and put food on the table and kept a roof over our heads. He loved us, and he never left us.
We lost our mother to Cancer when we were 13, 11 and 7. My Father cried for her, he grieved for her, but he was still aways there for us when we needed him to be.

My Mother

As a parent I know understand how hard it is to watch your kids cry or be sad. I cannot imagine what my Father went through watching all of us loose our Mother, yet still have to deal with his own pain on top of ours.
You Dad are an amazing, strong man. You raised us to be independent, stubborn, responsible adults and for the good part of our growing lives, you did that all on your own.
You taught us manners, you taught us to always be respectful of others, You taught us to work hard, and push on no matter what. You showed us love, you gave us strength and you never let us doubt ourselves. You believed in us, and pushed us to do our best.
You let us be whoever WE wanted to be, you let us make mistakes and you helped us learn from them.
You put us in the shower to clean the spew up with our clothes on! You let us dress our brother up like a girl! You let me us scare your girlfriends away! You let us have kittens even though you hate cats! You let us have boys over as long as they slept in the lounge room right outside your bedroom door.

Dad, I may not say it often but I love you. You are an amazing person, Father and Pa.
You worked hard all of your life and you now have an amazing partner in Lyn and can finally enjoy your life in the bush......but I think it's time you stop building sheds! You'll run out of land!

Here are some pictures to remind you what a great Father and Pa you are and how much we love and respect you xoxoxoxoxo

Happy Fathers Day to all the Dad's out there. Remember that Parenting is hard, but it's the single most rewarding job in the world. Learn from my Father......Enjoy the moments, Love your children, support them, encourage them, teach them manners, show them strength, show them weakness, and most important just do that best job you know how to do...forget what the books say, or what other men in your life might have taught you, just be yourself and do the best job that you know how to do and they will grow up to love and respect you.

Christina xox

30 Days of Happiness - Day 2. Flower Love

30 Days of Happiness
Day 2. Flower Love

I've always loved flowers. I love the way they start out as nothing but a tiny seed, and then you watch them change every day. A small green bud coming to life and transforming into something that is beautiful and colourful.

I have been very slack and have stopped growing flowers (mainly because we rent and I have a bad habit of killing plants of ANY type) and have not brought some for the house for a long time. Today's Happiness challenge had me excited to find happiness once again in something I used to love.

So I packed The worm into the pram and off we went on a Flower walk.
Except we live on the beach so apart from a few weeds and sand there really was not many flowers.

So instead we enjoyed a day in the sun, with the cool sand in our toes and yummy sushi to munch on.

But I was determined to continue my Happiness challenge, so off we strolled to the florist to buy Myself some red tulips, which I love.

What has brought you happiness today?
Was it in something as simple as a flower? Were you able to get out and enjoy the sunshine?

I am taking part in the 30 Days of Happiness Challenge created by http://www.sevencherubs.com/

Thank you for sharing with me today,
Christina xox
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