Hawaiian Ham Steaks

This is an easy, child-friendly dinner.

Just fry the ham steaks on each side until just gold.  Place a pineapple slice followed by a cheese slice on top.  Cook until cheese has melted.  Serve with vegetables and mashed potato or chips.

Hawaiian Ham Steaks Recipe Sheet (click for PDF)

This story / endearment is inspired by my sister: a brilliant FunAunty.  I’m blessed to have a beautiful sister to love my children.  When I was writing and thinking about this conversation my sister has with my daughter, I remembered my own mother; what she used to call my three sisters and I.  We all had different sausage names (maybe not so charming as pumpkin, but we loved it!)  But why did we love it?  It made us feel unique and special.  My sister is now doing the same for her children.    Now, I have to think of something for my children.  Thinking… thinking.

Munchkin Pumpkin Book 

(click the title above to read the story)

Materials required

Paddle pop sticks

New Life Egg Template (click here, New Life Egg Template, for printable template)

Sticky tape

Drawing materials

Feathers (optional)

Instructions

1. Print out the New Life Egg Template. 

2. Allow child to colour (or glue feathers) over egg and chick. 

3. Cut out top cracked egg.

4. Sticky tape two paddle pop sticks together to make a long stick.

5. Cut along dotted line. Tip: to avoid ripping, place sticky tape over line on the front and back before cutting.

6. Sticky tape the long paddle pop stick at the back of the top cracked egg. Tip: I’ve placed a dot on the template as a guide.

7. Insert the long paddle pop stick into the cut section.

8. Done!

New Life

Around Easter time, Jesus’ death and resurrection is remembered.  I love the symbol of the egg.  It represents the new life we can have through Christ.

He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Matthew 28:6

Click here for a simple lesson you can do with your own children to enrich this craft and put it into context.

I often need to put my hair up but, alas, I  haven’t a hairband.  Here is a video tutorial of how you can put your hair up with no hairband. This will only work if your hair is long.

A Mother’s Instinct

Critically ill and barely conscious; drugged and hallucinating; yet when this mother was roused, the first thing she did was frantically hold her stomach, where her unborn child should’ve been.  The attending nurse said the horror on her face sent a chill down her spine.  Even in a barely conscious state, this mother was thinking about her child. What a wonderful example of a mother’s instinct.

Meeya is one of the most beautiful people I’ve met.  Her skin is perfect (thanks to her Thai genes), her eyebrows are never out of place and she has a stunning smile. Not only is she physically beautiful, Meeya also has a sparkly effervescence to her personality that is felt by anyone who comes into contact with her.

In 2009, Meeya was looking forward to the birth of her third child.  With already two children at home under 3 years of age, she was tired, but happy about meeting her new baby in 8 weeks.  After a week of feeling unwell, a Doctor’s visit and a morning in hospital being treated for asthma, she ended up back in emergency, unable to breathe.  It was then she was finally treated properly.

An x-ray showed Meeya’s entire left lung had collapsed from pneumonia.  Her state was so severe, was placed in an induced coma so a machine could breathe for her.  A tube pierced her left lung enabling the fluid to drain. All these complications were a result of the virus Swine Flu.  The Doctors warned her husband Sam that she was ‘very, very sick’.

The Doctors tried to keep Meeya alive; however, because she was pregnant, they couldn’t give her the drugs she needed and her baby was pressing on her infected lungs. The only option the Doctors had was to take the baby – early; too early.

A little girl was ripped from her mother’s womb, small, but strong and fighting.  This little girl, named Jada, didn’t get to meet her mother; in fact, her mother didn’t even know she’d been born.  The little girl’s mother was fighting for her own life.  (Imagine giving birth while in a coma).  Sam and Meeya’s daughter was placed in a special care nursery, isolated, in case she too, was infected by the deadly virus. 

There was good news and bad news; the good news: little Jada escaped the swine flu virus; the bad news: Meeya was not stablising or responding to medication.  Sam knew that he might lose his dear wife and be left with three children under 3 years of age.

A week passed and Jada grew stronger as Meeya grew weaker.  There was still no response from her and the Doctors feared the worst.  Then, a miracle happened.  At 9am, a prayer group was established and people all over Australia prayed for this Mother; that she would live.  Many prayed she would meet her sweet new daughter; that she would have the opportunity to mother her children and be a wife to her husband; and that her sweet smile would be seen again.

Miraculously, just after 9 am, Meeya woke up, the breathing tube was removed and she was able to breathe on her own (through an oxygen mask at first).  Even though Meeya was now out of danger, the Doctors said her recovery would take 6 months to a year.  While it took a while for Meeya to regain her strength, after only a month she was well again and home with her family. 

“Praise God!” Meeya says.

What an amazing story.  What an amazing woman.

Interview

What’s your best FunMum tip?

To be laid back as much as I can and do all I can to be pro-active (read Kelly’s article here) rather than reactive.  I always have to remind myself daily that my children are not mine, they’re the Lord’s and so therefore, how does He want me parent them and interact and play with them?

What is your favourite fashion accessory?

Belts. Definitely belts.  Even if you’re having a flabby, bloated day, a loose top with a belt emphasizes (and hides) all the right places! 

What’s your most embarrassing moment as a mother?

When Levi was only 2 weeks old I went to a friend’s baby shower and took him with me.  He has been the most laid back and chilled baby I’ve ever met, so when I arrived, there was dead silence in the car… I had completely forgotten I had brought him and I walked inside without him!  I only remembered because everyone started asking about him!!  Needless to say, I’ve never forgotten anyone ever since!!!  Shame… 

Name a proud Mother-moment?

When your child calls out for ‘Mummy!’  But most recently, when Sienna was asked about the meaning of life (she’s 3 and a half!), and she says ‘Jesus’.  Ahh  

What do you love most about being a graphic designer?

It’s a profession I can work to fit around my children.  I can work from home, I can be my own boss and therefore choose when I don’t work.  

What do you hope to achieve this year?

To get my range of invitations up and running online smoothly, with orders coming in.  I’d also love to get fit again. 

How do you find the work/family balance?

I work at night, after the children are in bed at 7.30pm.  This often means jobs I like to do without the kids around (eg. folding washing) gets pushed to the wayside and I’m fishing everyone’s clothes out of the baskets everyday until they’ve all been worn and the next lot is due to be washed, and so the cycle continues haha! 

Has your life changed after your near-death experience?

I have well & truly accepted Phil 1:21, ‘for me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.’

Follow Meeya

Website: http://www.madebymeeya.com.au/ 

(Online store to be released mid-March)

Facebook: Made by Meeya– Graphic & Creative Design & Invitations

Launching new range of invitations: 1 March 2010

If you have a daughter, you will be familiar with the battles of hair brushing. My January FunMum, Wendy, gave me this wonderful tip.

Rules:

When it hurts, the child must say, ‘Now,’ instead of, ‘Ow!’

Once the child says, ‘Now,’ the adult must say, ‘Ow!’

Aim of the game:

Both players end up laughing.

A fabulous tip from a real .

Sometimes, I’ve just had enough!  When the children are hovering around my feet and I need space to breathe I say, ‘Go catch a chicken!’  My children know this means they need to go and find something to do.   It’s great to make up family sayings.  Saying, ‘Go find something to do,’ doesn’t sounds half as inspiring as, ‘Go catch a chicken.’

Do you have any family sayings?

I love browsing through gift shops, although, I’m always a little tense that my 2-year-old will pull everything, and I mean everything, down.  I’ve found out how I can have my cake AND eat it too.  This indulgence comes in the form of an outing sure to please every member of the family.

Toowoomba is a family-friendly town situated about one and a half hours from Brisbane, Queensland.   Below are three great family friendly facilities, all within 1 kilometre of eachother, equiped with play areas and gift shops; the best of both worlds.

10522 New England Hightway, Highfields QLD 4352

Phone: 07 4696 8633

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Gottabee Country

primitive and rustic treasures . cushion and soft furnishings . country furniture . old wares & treasures . painted timber-wares . birdhouses . country collections

Phone: 07 4696 8633

Website: www.gottabeecountry.com.au

Marzy’s Coffee Shop

homemade cakes . cookies . burgers . pies . coffee . ice cream

Phone: 07 4615 4600

Hollyhocks House & Crafts

buttons . fabric . braids . belts . shoes . jewellery . bags . fashionable clothing

My note: Stunning collection of unique braids and buttons.  The range of clothes and shoes were interesting, beautiful and surprisingly affordable.

Website: www.hollyhockhouseandcrafts.com.au

Simple Things Small Joys

fashion by hand

My note: This shop took my breath away with it’s stunning simplicity.  Everything was black or white with the occasional splash of red.  Check out their blog for more about their products.

Phone: 0429 934 315

Website: www.simplethingssmalljoys.blogspot.com

milk Giftware  

mens . infants . ladies . kids

My note: What a beautiful range of gifts for every member of the family!  And look at the cute bags you get with your purchase!

Phone: 07 4615 4111

Lilly Scents

oil burners . car fresheners . melts . votives

My note: Greeted by friendly staff and glorious scents.  I’ll be shopping there when my candles run out.

Phone: 07 4615 4300

Vintage Primrose

gifts . vintage . clothes . bags

My note:  My daughter and I had a beautiful time in this glorious shop.  The oooos and ahhhs coming from my four-year-old put a smile on many faces.  The products look expensive, however, the prices are extremely reasonable.  I picked up a top and expected it to be at least $100 and it was only $35.  I bought it  

Phone: 07 4638 2304

.

10476 New England Highway, Highfields  QLD  4352

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fudge ‘n’ stuff

homemade fudge . gifts . confectionery . gourmet chocolates 

Ph: 07 4698 7377

Raggedy Anne’s Country Treasures

Ph: 07 4615 4668

La Maison Lumière

unique gifts . lighting . homewares

My Note: Stunning shop, friendly staff and, the best thing of all, it has a ‘husbands seat’.

Phone: 07 4615 5777

Website: www.lamaisonlumiere.com.au

10475 New England Highway, Highfields QLD  4352

Phone: 07 4630 8729

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The Chocolate Cottage

atmosphere . gifts . food . coffee . handmade chocolate

My note: Relaxing, family-friendly atmosphere. The food was stunning.  There was no doubt it was fresh and made with the finest ingredients.  The service was quick and friendly.  The coffee was nice (a little bitter) and the chocolate: amazing!

Phone: 07 4630 8729

Herbal Harmonies

Phone: 07 4698 7755

Website: www.herbalharmonies.com.au

Highfields Framing & Gifts

photographs . needlework . oils . watercolours . prints . mirrors . memorabilia

My note: An interesting range of artwork here.  I enjoyed browsing.

Phone: 07 4698 7922

The Quilters Angel

fabrics classes . patterns . kits . giftware

My note: Unique range of material and handmade gifts.

Phone: 07 4630 8062

Website: www.quiltersangel.com.au

Scrapbook Obsessions

scrapbooking materials . gifts

My note: Extensive range of Willow Tree figurines.

Phone: 07 4698 7366

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Have a simply delightful family day out.

Getting there

I don’t have a physiology degree nor am I an expert in childhood education; however, I was blessed with a beautiful example of child raising by my parents and have been around children all my life.  This has led me to develop my own style of parenting (as we all do), encompassing my past experiences, what I’ve read and my foundation in faith.

Positive parenting is all the rage these days.  While many of the principles are helpful, I find the programs irritating. I believe in putting positives with negatives rather than focusing on one or the other.

Life is full of light and dark; you can’t  separate them. I like to call my approach to parenting, shading.

My concern with exclusive positive parenting or negative parenting, is the child either thinks everything is hunky dory or the opposite: they think they do everything wrong.  I strive to find the balance between these approaches.

Scenario 1

Young child goes down a slide head first.

Example of exclusive positive parenting

Response: Jonny, can you show me how you can go down the slide correctly?

My note: Now, while this is great, if there is a rule, it needs to be acknowledged in my opinion.

Exclusive negative parenting

Response: JONNY! Don’t slide down head first.

My note:  It’s easy to focus on what not to do rather than giving a child instruction on what TO DO.

Shading Parenting

Response: Jonny, what’s the rule?  We must sit down when we go down the slide.

My note: In my approach, the negative is acknowledged, which I believe is important; however, the negative is followed by a positive = balance.

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Here some more examples:

Scenario 2

Child has dirty hands after eating or a messy activity.

Positive: Go wash your hands.

Negative: Don’t touch anything.

Shading: Hands in prayers until you get to the bathroom.

Scenario 3

Child leaves clothes on the floor.

Positive: Put your clothes away please.

Negative: Don’t leave the clothes on the floor.

Shading: When you leave clothes on the floor it looks messy. Can you please put them away.

Scenario 4

Child does not get into the car when asked.

Positive: Come on, let’s race to the car.

Negative: You are so naughty.  I said get in the car.

Shading: I’m feeling sad because you’ve not done what I asked.  We are going to be late now.  Next time I, when I ask  you to get in the car, I expect you to do it straight away.

Scenario 5

Acknowledging behaviour. Putting shoes on the shoe rack.

It’s imperative to acknowledge positive behaviour.  I go out of my way to focus and praise my children for beautiful behaviour. In addition to this,  an invaluable asset to give a  child is to equip them to recognise their weaknesses and strengths.

Positive: Thank you for putting your shoes on the rack Jonny!

Negative: Only communication to Jonny was when he left his shoes on the ground.

Shading: I know you’ve been working on being less thoughtless and I can see so much improvement.  Thank you so much for putting your shoes back on the rack.

I need to note, this is how I aim to parent, in reality, I use all three.  I hope the shading style comes out more than the others.

Be A Fun Mum Link:

Personality: Heads and Tails

External Link:

Negative Side of Positive Psychology by Barbara S Held

Bright-sided: How the Relentless Promotion of Positive Thinking Has Undermined America by Barbara Ehrenreich

There!  I’ve said it!  I do cook with my kids anyway but I don’t enjoy it.  I tend to stress; that’s very un-FunMum-ish ins’t it?  I’m always looking for VERY easy, non-stressful recipes I can use with my children to minimise my dislike.  I usually adapt recipes so I don’t have to beat things.  This is my latest creation:

Simple Tea Cake

1 tablespoon of butter

1/2 cup of sugar

1 egg

1/2 cup milk

1 cup SR flour

Extra butter, sugar and cinnamon

Method

With a fork, mix together butter and sugar.  Add egg. Add Milk. Add Flour. Cook in a 180°C oven for about 25 min.  Test by inserting a knife in the middle of the cake.  If the knife comes out clean it’s ready.

Topping

After removing the cake from the oven, smear a little butter over the top.  Then sprinkle a few teaspoons of cinnamon sugar over the top.

And do you know what? After this activity, my nephew (pictured) went to the sandpit and did a wonderful cake creation.  So, yeah, I don’t like cooking with kids but I’m going to keep doing it.  It’s worth it.

Simple Tea Cake Recipe Sheet (click for PDF)