tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83595782024-03-14T15:06:03.165+11:00kALaNDrAkAsa SmOrGaSbOrD of tHoUgHts oN liFe, LoVe aNd tHe MysTerIes Of LiFekAlaNdRaKAshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13794157414787891099noreply@blogger.comBlogger91125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359578.post-65276788922593871162018-03-14T12:34:00.001+11:002018-03-15T19:48:19.484+11:00The Oily Solution<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A little over a month ago, a friend invited me to an introduction to essential oils workshop.</div>
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By this time, I have clocked in hundreds of 10 hour night shifts leaving my sleep patterns out of whack so I was at a point of desperation for anything that will help. I used to wing it for some years, trying to keep a decent social life with family and friends but it eventually took a toll on me to the point that on my nights off, I spent the time trying to recover from exhaustion and lack of sleep and when I have fully recovered, I have to begin my next shift for the week again.</div>
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I left the workshop with lots of helpful information and my friend giving me some roller blends to topically apply and I ordered the </div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x-BXWFkKHNs/Wqh8JbZTXcI/AAAAAAAAdsw/GbbZ9G1k2t4Lv5a0BhAvRawqodWisGn6gCHMYCw/s1600/PhotoGrid_1520987039627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x-BXWFkKHNs/Wqh8JbZTXcI/AAAAAAAAdsw/GbbZ9G1k2t4Lv5a0BhAvRawqodWisGn6gCHMYCw/s640/PhotoGrid_1520987039627.jpg" /> </a> </div>
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introductory kit with 5 mls each of lavender, peppermint and lemon essential oils. I got a diffuser and as soon as my orders came, I gave it a go.</div>
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Before that, I was getting two hours of sleep. I get home at 7:30 am, help kids get ready for school - including but not limited to reminding them to look at their morning to do list and actually get them done, ensuring that they don't eat and read at the same time or try to hide their book on their lap and read when I wasn't looking, some screaming when they don't seem to hear me after having repeated myself many times, helping with their lunchboxes and getting them off screens to finish their to do list and taking them to school at 9:00am. I would finally snooze til midday then I wake up and wait till pick up because I was too paranoid that I wouldn't hear the alarm - and for a good reason. I missed pick up 4x one year and while their teachers were so gracious, it didn't stop me from feeling embarrassed, but that's a story for another day.</div>
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When they get home at 3:30 pm, I help them with their things to do, go through their bags for notes and get it ready for the next day, afternoon tea, get them to read or have some screen time that's school work related while I sort out dinner and then I aim for another two hours (which realistically means 30 minutes to an hour of sleep) so I can go back to work for another shift.</div>
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Obviously, 4 hours of sleep is not enough, thus my desperation. So far, I have been diffusing religiously since I started using this oily solution, and my quality of sleep has been significantly better. I could get 4 hours of sleep while kids are in school, and another hour or two after pick up. Not only that, I discovered some natural solutions which I will write about when time permits.</div>
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As I used the oils, I felt that it is something I will use often so I decided to sign up as wellness advocate so I can avail of the wholesale prices. I'm not sure if I will actually do the business side of it, but it is too good not to share, or</div>
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write about.</div>
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So far, I have made a hair detangler for my daughter's kinky hair - this is a big deal! I usually plait her hair at the beginning of each term so I only have to brush it every 3 months! Now I can brush her hair everyday if I wanted to. Body oil, deodorant for the family, a general cleaner for surfaces are just some of the few things I discovered that can be made at home using ingredients we already have or can easily source out for cheap, thanks to Pinterest, google seaches and doTerra blogs. I'm sure there's so much more I can do with these essential oils and I can't wait to discover, write about it and share how it works for me and my family ♥</div>
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Disclaimer: I am writing about my own personal experience using doTerra essential oils and in no way act or speak for the company.</div>
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For information on how to avail of wholesale prices or about the products, you can visit my page on <a href="http://mydoterra.com/theoilysolution">http://mydoterra.com/theoilysolution</a></div>
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I can also add you to my friend's Facebook group for more information.</div>
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kAlaNdRaKAshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13794157414787891099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359578.post-39152581742938103312016-10-12T23:51:00.002+11:002016-10-12T23:52:46.768+11:00Cruising the Carnival Way<div dir="ltr">
And just like that our four night cruise came to an end. But you can't really complain when you wake up to this view, can you?</div>
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On the day that we checked in to our first cruise ever, a Facebook memory came up - HA! It's good to know that the kids knew then, who to talk to for our NEEDS and WANTS. <br />
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While it was short, it was sweet enough to give us an idea if cruising will work for us. We found the last minute deal through www.ozcruising.com. Having heard how family friendly carnival cruises are, we decided to go with them. I was also curious. Many years ago, I used to write about this particular cruise line for a subcontractor for a meager couple of cents per a number of words. So I was quite familiar with them in theory from all my Google searches, but it never occurred to me that I will actually see it for myself.</div>
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It was interesting that a couple of days before sailing, we received a call that instead of the time we booked for check in, we will sail much earlier than scheduled; and then again, that instead of going to Mooloolaba, we were cruising to Moreton Island. It didn't bother us as we haven't been to both places anyway. And as long as the sun was waiting for us, it was not a problem at all. So instead of the planned 3-3:30 check in, we were there at 12:30. By that time we had been munching on nuts and fruits so the kids were getting hungry for something else. We had them wait for a bit knowing that lunch will be served. </div>
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And so it was. With so many choices. And great quality meals. Over the course of the cruise, there were burgers, Mexican, barbeque, a sit down three course<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2An14-Km73w/V7vUmMM1qOI/AAAAAAAATW0/yVvSM3RDvOM1Scmun6czmHW7yNlJ7gYUwCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160817_182321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2An14-Km73w/V7vUmMM1qOI/AAAAAAAATW0/yVvSM3RDvOM1Scmun6czmHW7yNlJ7gYUwCLcB/s200/IMG_20160817_182321.jpg" width="200" /></a> meal, buffet, 24 hour pizza and ice cream, juice coffee and tea included. There were also sushi, chinese, fine dining, bubbles and drink mixes for extra fee.</div>
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<b>Activities on Board</b></div>
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<i><b>Camp Ocean.</b> </i>This is the kids club from 2 years old. Our favourites went to the 6-8 age group and had fun activities that went with it. It was a free drop off from 10- 2:45 then 6:30 - 9:45. Child minding was also available from 10-1am for a fee.<br />
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<b><i>Concerts</i>.</b> We went to two 80s concerts on different nights without the kids and loved the shows. It was both exciting, fun, full on production.</div>
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There were also movies and comedy shows. Guests can spend time at the gym or swimming. The kids braved the swimming pool construction after breakfast one morning but ended up playing around as the water was not heated and too cold for them. There was also massage spa and salon for a fee.<br />
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<b>Island Day </b></div>
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There were lots of tours that we could have booked from the ship but we opted against it. As it turned out, we made the right decision because all the kids wanted was play and swim by the beach.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">tagalooma,moreton island</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Will we go for another cruise? Absolutely! It was probably one of our best holidays as we didn't have to do much, there was a huge variety of activities and services on offer and all we had to do was show up and enjoy.</div>
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On a serious and unrelated note, I vaguely remember someone saying that the Christian life is not a cruiseship and having just been to one, I think I finally got to experientially understand what it means. At some points during the cruise, we found ourselves stuffed. There was one night that I had a drink of coffee and then tea in order to get rid of that overly full feeling even after we skipped dinner. It was not a very nice feeling.</div>
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If all we do as Christians is fill ourselves up without going out and making connections, ministering to other and praying, we will find ourselves stuffed and we could get sick. And it is the worst feeling. As a family,we are very aware as grateful as we will always be for blessings we experience, it is almost always,best shared.<br />
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What we love about the cruise -<br />
*having everything organised and all we had to do was dress up and show up<br />
*having time everyday to catch up and chat by ourselves and not having to worry about the kids<br />
*lots of friendly Filipino crews - when i answered the post cruise survey, I noticed that hospitality was a priority. i think without bias that they picked the right people for the job<br />
*kids and young families have plenty of things to do<br />
*island day was very organised<br />
*quality food served at every meal<br />
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What we learned -<br />
*bring some cash and open an account for on board expenses<br />
*booking onshore activities are great,but with young kids, we had to play by ear. Best to see how you go and not plan too many activities<br />
*shops and services have sales towards the end of the cruise so you may want to look out for those<br />
*we got asked to stop for photo ops and for the most part we were happy to oblige. It was then sold to us at a steep price.Because we did not spend much,we may have gotten a little carried away and splurge.<br />
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We did catch the "cruise bug" and have since been on the lookout for our next trip.</div>
kAlaNdRaKAshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13794157414787891099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359578.post-46522319538887806292015-04-23T14:00:00.001+10:002015-05-31T10:23:22.825+10:00A Somebody Moment..<p dir="ltr">I had a somebody moment and I didn't even realise it.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I recently listened to a podcast from church about an "everybody" to a "somebody" message, one that moves from a generic message for everyone to one that is spoken directly to you ( as our pastor so eloquently explained).</p>
<p dir="ltr">Well, it happened one Sunday during the afternoon service of missions giving. </p>
<p dir="ltr">The whole month of March was missions month and we got to hear stories from our church missionaries. Along with that came the challenge to prayerfully give towards missions. So my husband and I prayed separately, and as missions Sunday came, I asked him how much he felt we should give, to which he quoted double the amount that I felt we should. I kept quiet. I wish I can say I quietly prayed but I didn't. I was silently calculating in my head where the money will come from. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I think for as long as I can remember, when we pray about how much to give and we get different amounts, we have decided to go with whichever is higher. I don't really remember why, we just did.</p>
<p dir="ltr">That Sunday when the missions giving was about to be collected, I picked up the form and began filling it out, leaving the amount empty. I negotiated with God in my head. I did not want to verbally complain and nullify whatever "return"  that giving means but I sure complained nonetheless, I even had a scripture to back me up. I was asking God questions. In the end we did not let the bucket pass us by without putting in beyond what we could. </p>
<p dir="ltr">That evening we came back and it felt like God was personally talking to me during the whole preaching. The speaker used the scripture that I was thinking about that morning.  And when he said that the only way he and his wife gives is all in, that was exactly one of the thoughts I had, except I was asking why we always had to give " all in" even when we didn't have anything.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I felt a God moment that night, with every single reason I raised in my head gently reassured. I felt a sense of relief that we released the finances anyway even if it was not easy and completely beyond our ability.</p>
<p dir="ltr">A week later, we went away for a few days, had the best fun, and paid everything in cash. Sure our car battery died and had to make an emergency expense, but we did not break the bank.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The next week I got paid, and to my surprise, I received more, a little bit over the amount that I struggled to release that Missions Sunday. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I thought it was a reminder that God is looking after us, that every single thought we have is important to Him, even the ones that remain unspoken.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I know that I would still have received extra if we didn't give because it actually came from penalty rates for working during the holiday, but it wouldn't have meant as much as it did when we found out. And the timing of the amount we released and the extra pay is nothing short of amazing. I'm glad we obeyed anyway, even if I grumbled, albeit in silence. Good thing it did not disqualify us from experiencing the joy that came with it.</p>
<p dir="ltr">If I learned any lesson from this experience, it is that God is NOT intimidated with my questions. And even if my circumstances says I can't afford it but I clearly heard what I needed to do, I should release and obey anyway.</p>
kAlaNdRaKAshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13794157414787891099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359578.post-17995763874090662502015-01-31T10:04:00.000+11:002015-01-31T15:08:29.313+11:00Camping at Bendeela Recreational Area<div dir="ltr">
It is safe to say that after our first camping ever, we are sold out and completely love it! It was a really great experience for us and the three nights and four days that we spent at the site, we made so many amazing memories, visited new places, and learned a trick or two for our next camping trip. <a href="http://trulykalandrakas.blogspot.com.au/2015/01/our-newbie-camper-essentials.html">Here's our list of our newbie camper essentials.</a><br />
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I have to be honest and say that the way I looked at it, it was just like going away to a new place for a holiday, except we slept on a tent. The kids thought it was the best idea anyone ever came up with and we saved so much money on accommodation. If you know me well, you will realize that it is right up my alley, being the person who <a href="http://trulykalandrakas.blogspot.com.au/2014/03/economically-speaking.html">puts premium on economic reasons.</a><br />
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<b>Picking a Campsite</b><br />
Since it was our first trip, I thought we should take it easy and stay close to home so <a href="http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/Royal-National-Park/bonnie-vale/camping">Bonnie Vale Campground </a>was the obvious choice because it is powered, it has hot shower and has mobile coverage. And my darling husband being on the job most of the time, making sure a resource facility is running smoothly without hitches, it was an easy choice. But at the time I was looking, it was fully booked til close to school opening.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">taken from the website <a href="http://www.sca.nsw.gov.au/water/visit/bendeela-recreational-area">here</a></td></tr>
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I read about Bendeela Camping Grounds being highly recommended and I did know that it has basic facility, unpowered, no mobile coverage and FREE! I probably only read the last bit properly because I managed to sell the idea to my unsuspecting family who actually got excited. The other thing was we were talking about Kangaroo Valley a few years back and almost went, except our then GPS could not locate it and found Kangaroo Island in South Australia instead, but that is another story.<br />
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We arrived at the campsite at 4pm, after almost cancelling because of a little argument about storage. That did lead to lots of ideas on decluttering, forcing me to book for council clean up, which was good.<br />
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We forgot our lighter so on our first night, we had fruits, sandwiches thinking we couldn't cook. We found out the funny way that the advice to try equipment before going makes sense. Sure we knew our tent could endure some rain and we can stay dry but we ran out of time and left getting the butane gas last minute and did not care to read the instructions. Good thing we did not starve that night!!<br />
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We went out for morning walks just after breakfast, and spend some time subtly checking out other peoples' tents and caravans and talk about what we would do the next time.We did not see a lot of people jump into the lake but there were heaps on their canoes.I think the image of sea monsters kept bugging me, making the water less enticing. While we cooked breakfast and dinner, we would go to the closest attraction, have lunch and go back in the afternoon.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chasing Wombi the Wombat</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playtime</td></tr>
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<b>Fitzroy Falls</b><br />
We had brunch at the visitors cafe, after a massive breakfast at the campsite. We were probably bracing ourselves for a little trek, that even the kids enjoyed themselves!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This made us want to jump in!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jersey Lane with this two</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Cafe where I was trying to make a point about not being scared but....</td></tr>
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<b>Tallowa Dam/Lake Yarrunga</b><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S2Jjkf5zHnM/VMtrUOyek3I/AAAAAAAAG90/toXMIrB6-8Y/s1600/tallowa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S2Jjkf5zHnM/VMtrUOyek3I/AAAAAAAAG90/toXMIrB6-8Y/s1600/tallowa.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
We were ready to turn around but after driving for a bit, thought it would be silly to turn. So we kept driving til we can see the water. It was a beautiful lake, with a picnic site and kangaroo running around. There were a number of guests going for a canoe ride.The lake was a much better spot for swimming as it wasn't as muddy and the toilets were clean.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spotted at the Dam<br />
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<b>Kangaroo Valley Town</b></div>
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A small town with lots of crafts ,shops restaurants and hotels, I was surprised to see signs that all accommodations were full.There was even a powered camping site at the town centre and a public pool that made us want to jump in. We saw lots of signs saying they make the best pie and the one we tried were definitely delicious!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6XQb-ZFWlEU/VMuNMqFP0BI/AAAAAAAAHB0/1AVULdjVkEE/s1600/police.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6XQb-ZFWlEU/VMuNMqFP0BI/AAAAAAAAHB0/1AVULdjVkEE/s1600/police.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the look of the police station</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kangaroo Valley Town Hall</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BRx-m4EksOY/VMtq19bPAKI/AAAAAAAAG9Q/Cq4ZFFRTN9Q/s1600/park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BRx-m4EksOY/VMtq19bPAKI/AAAAAAAAG9Q/Cq4ZFFRTN9Q/s1600/park.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a private play area so we had to order some kids meal after lunch so we can stay</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nUTPuWgfKu0/VMtq2KNXeCI/AAAAAAAAG9M/5gwI-Nb-aPY/s1600/pieplace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nUTPuWgfKu0/VMtq2KNXeCI/AAAAAAAAG9M/5gwI-Nb-aPY/s1600/pieplace.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the pie place we went to whose name escaped us</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CRrxF88xMeA/VMtrScT_OEI/AAAAAAAAG9s/KGfQ8DAk4pI/s1600/shop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CRrxF88xMeA/VMtrScT_OEI/AAAAAAAAG9s/KGfQ8DAk4pI/s1600/shop.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">shop at the main street</td></tr>
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<b>Pioneer Museum Park</b><br />
My most vivid memory of the museum was a sign that cars parked by illegally will be towed and turned into beer cans! It has lots of history in one venue,with every cottage a story of its own.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zv895r7ZcDE/VMuN1Eq4m0I/AAAAAAAAHCE/v_6zBwQMobA/s1600/one%2Bway%2Bbridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zv895r7ZcDE/VMuN1Eq4m0I/AAAAAAAAHCE/v_6zBwQMobA/s1600/one%2Bway%2Bbridge.jpg" height="296" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One Vehicle at a time</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c76fvijZNPI/VMtqlMrLPUI/AAAAAAAAG9E/wNFEc1hMUDE/s1600/museumsign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c76fvijZNPI/VMtqlMrLPUI/AAAAAAAAG9E/wNFEc1hMUDE/s1600/museumsign.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main Office</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GdDuz-1hsgk/VMuMsJb8k4I/AAAAAAAAHBc/JPEgi1rVbmU/s1600/museum%2Btardis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GdDuz-1hsgk/VMuMsJb8k4I/AAAAAAAAHBc/JPEgi1rVbmU/s1600/museum%2Btardis.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Kids were getting bored but they lightened up when I told them there is a Tardis outside. <br />
It is a telephone booth of course</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jK2CvTtVd4w/VMtqNvKEF5I/AAAAAAAAG8s/YMvoCec0TZo/s1600/museum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jK2CvTtVd4w/VMtqNvKEF5I/AAAAAAAAG8s/YMvoCec0TZo/s1600/museum.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Telephone Switchboard</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rQaH-rk7VP8/VMtqgbKKLBI/AAAAAAAAG88/fzh54sl90lM/s1600/museum%2Bhanging%2Bbridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rQaH-rk7VP8/VMtqgbKKLBI/AAAAAAAAG88/fzh54sl90lM/s1600/museum%2Bhanging%2Bbridge.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Hanging Bridge (I'm sure it was called something but forgot)</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3CxYb7iyhZ4/VMuMnSQff8I/AAAAAAAAHBU/9z4d-OR2vu8/s1600/museum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3CxYb7iyhZ4/VMuMnSQff8I/AAAAAAAAHBU/9z4d-OR2vu8/s1600/museum.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S-EYaTNmbkc/VMtqU6nrJCI/AAAAAAAAG80/p2MnAfga7H4/s1600/museum%2Bseat%2Bwith%2Bsad%2Bsign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S-EYaTNmbkc/VMtqU6nrJCI/AAAAAAAAG80/p2MnAfga7H4/s1600/museum%2Bseat%2Bwith%2Bsad%2Bsign.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
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I found very sad a bench donated by a church that had to close after decades of ministry. It made me think of the next generation and how important it is to disciple and bring them up into the things of God. That sign was the exact same reason why it makes me sad when I hear or read well meaning individuals say that they are giving their children a choice and they can make a decision on what to believe when they are older. In my opinion, it is rather unfair to expect someone to make a choice in the future if they were not trained and taught when they were young.</div>
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Of course it is not a guarantee but we can only hope that what they learn at a young age will stay with them and when they are stuck or have to make decisions in the future, they will remember the things that they were taught when they were little.<br />
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<b>Comic Relief</b><br />
We spent some time practicing letters and numbers with the kids. Mr D was oozing with confidence while his sister, eleven months his junior skips a few things and asks us for clues. We specifically grilled her with her numbers because we noticed that she goes ....14..16...17..18.One time after repeatedly asking her, one of us went, okay - can you count 1 to 20 for me, to which she would reply - 1..2..20 :p Other times she would burst into tunes that she made up herself,one of which was a variation of a song from one of her favourite games with lyrics that says - i'm so fabulous..i'm so fabulous!!! Not to be outdone, the little mister would then pose in one of his superhero characters then scream: I AM the INCREDIBLE Daniel!<br />
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The most hilarious was probably when I gave them a bath using water from the tap - they both screamed like little girls -MUMMYYYYYYYYY it's too cold!!Mind you it was a very hot day so the water was not so bad.<br />
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<b>Kiama Stopover</b><br />
Naturally we stopped for ice cream in Kiama on our drive back! The kids also went to see the blowhole and a bit of trampoline fun.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All photos taken through Google Nexus and the really sharp and vivid ones via OnePlus One</td></tr>
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<b>Learning Curve</b><br />
Because I read that we should go early, by the time we got there,we sort of panicked and picked the first available spot we liked. The spot was fine but the ground was not flat in the middle, which was okay when kids slept on that side. It became a problem when two adults slept on it, causing back pains. So we learned that we should have driven around to see the whole area, which we did on our last day and saw lots of empty spots that would have been perfect.<br />
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We also realized that we needed to account for the proximity to toilets, tap and showers.<br />
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We clearly did a research of the area but probably not well enough to organize our movement and be more efficient and effective with our time.<br />
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I suppose in the end, for a first time, it went really well. The fact is we had great fun, the kids were gadget free and we went out and enjoyed the beauty of nature. What kept running in my head as I sat and look at our view was the magnificence of the surroundings and how surely it did not just pop out without a Creator behind it!<br />
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Our little family is truly grateful for such a beautiful experience! I think we are in for a great adventure ahead!</div>
kAlaNdRaKAshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13794157414787891099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359578.post-2255467017621270152015-01-19T09:58:00.000+11:002015-01-20T20:12:08.470+11:00Our Newbie Camper Essentials<div dir="ltr">
A few months ago, our little family decided that we are ready to camp. After years of looking into it, hearing from friends and colleagues talk about it, we thought it was time to give it a go! </div>
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What probably made us most hesitant was the huge initial investment required. And we weren't even sure if we will like it so spending too much was not an option, apart from not having the money to spend anyway. But our due diligence led us, thanks to Google, to <b><a href="http://www.gocampingaustralia.com/10-pieces-of-equipment-you-might-need.html">this website</a></b> that has relevant information about camping. I found most useful the list of 10 basic things needed by new campers:</div>
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1. Tent. Just when we were looking for a tent, Aldi, our favourite source of cheap but quality stuff has a camping kit on special, including a 4-person tent with 2 adult sleeping bags and 2 camping chairs. Naturally we checked the reviews, and was quite pleased with what we read. We tested the tent in our backyard one night and discovered that it can withstand moderate rain, wind and thunderstorm. Setting up was also easy as the concept was similar to our sunshade that it was assembled by the female adult and kids in the family (bragging aside ha ha!).</div>
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2. Table. We also got the folding table from Aldi. It was very light and came with a bag.</div>
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3. Camping Stove + cookware. Aldi also had this double burner lightweight camping stove. We left this at the last minute that we did not even realise that we did not need a lighter to make it work. So on our first night we ate fruits and sandwiches instead of cooking anything due to that misunderstanding. We also drove over 20 kilometres, via the tourist drive, thankfully, to buy a lighter, among others, only to find that it was not necessary.</div>
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The cookware included plates and cups so it was good too.</div>
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4. Beddings. Since the camping kit only came with adult sleeping bags, we needed two more for the kids. Good thing we already have one for Miss Z so we only needed one more. We found what we wanted at Kmart for a bargain. </div>
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We also got the air mattress and air pump from Aldi but on the night that we tested the tent, we slept very well with just our sleeping bags that we thought it was not important. We did not have a very good experience with air mattresses before, and we already have something that we can use alternately. So we returned the air mattress and air pump and got a refund.</div>
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Maybe next time we can get the self inflating mattress.</div>
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5. Rechargeable Lamp. Aldi had a battery operated LED lamp with fan so we got it but we felt that we needed a rechargeable lamp since we were going to an unpowered site. We went to Bunnings and got ourselves a lamp. We also got the kids their own torch that they had fun playing with at night time.</div>
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6. Esky. Also from Bunnings, we got ourselves an Esky with wheels, making it really easy to move such a heavy box that contained our food and drinks. A fridge would be nice :-)</div>
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7. Shovel. We just got ours from Kmart. We did not really use it this time.</div>
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8. First aid kit. We bought from our local chemist and just added things that we thought we might need.</div>
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9. Bucket. We just used one we already have, and as advised, it proved very useful. It's good we brought two along. </div>
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10. Sense of humour. I suppose this should be on top of the list because I imagine it takes people with lots of sense of humour to put themselves in a position to make life a bit difficult and a little inconvenient in order to make memories. But the kids love it and it kept them away from the television and gadgets the whole time. Win-win.</div>
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My selfie stick did not make it to the list although it almost ruined it for me especially that we had to take turns when taking pictures. But because we had heaps of sense of humour on our first camping trip ever, somehow I managed to get past it.</div>
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If you are like me, you would want to know the figures and this is probably on the low end as we got these things on special. We probably spent under 400, max 500 for these essentials and we will be using them again when we go next which comes out way cheaper when I think of going away for breaks and the huge amount allocated for accomodation. It totally justifies every expense and discomfort considering the priceless memories we collected as a family! x</div>
kAlaNdRaKAshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13794157414787891099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359578.post-67498275407671113872014-10-13T12:24:00.000+11:002014-10-15T09:25:18.384+11:00Let it Be<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I never thought anything could be so low as the one I have seen and heard but I must admit it just went to a whole new level. Coming from someone you used to hold with respect is a bit disconcerting.<br />
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But it did. And I shouldn't be surprised. But I am. I really only have myself to blame. I should be able to recognise these characters by now. But I like looking at the good in them that I overlook my better judgement.<br />
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Not anymore. Especially with this kind.The bullies who stir trouble and blame others in the end. The ones who throw accusations and make them sound as truth. And are they believable!!! At some point it is best to give up. And in some cases it is best to <b>let go. </b>And let things be.<br />
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For the sake of peace. <br />
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Because there are more important things in life. And being proven RIGHT is not on top of my list.<br />
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Enough said.kAlaNdRaKAshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13794157414787891099noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359578.post-21705379079102541062014-10-06T03:31:00.001+11:002014-10-07T09:47:07.184+11:00this parenting gig: raising this miss 4<div dir="ltr">
I love how she is so confident and aware of how much she is appreciated and valued. I suppose you can say that I mentally decided not to starve her with the longing to verbally tell her she is loved, even though it is a love language that I do not eloquently speak. And so I tell her how much I love her every single day, whether she is being silly or on her best behaviour. And the more I do it, it starts coming out without making an effort. And the best part is, she starts telling me that she loves me, even when she doesn't want anything. Sometimes at the most randomly appropriate times, she tells me and instead of being upset with her, she gets away with certain consequences.</div>
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My parents love me and my siblings equally and I know that without a doubt. But growing up I couldn't remember a time when I was verbally told of their love and affection. When I was old enough to understand, I never blamed them because I knew they did the best they could and were probably doing better than their own experience. But with it came the decision to deliberately make an effort when the kids come.</div>
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And so they came, and now I am scratching my head. What wrong did I do that she can be really stubborn and single minded when she has decided on something. Why does she take ages to listen and obey really simple instructions? And how did she learn to use her charm on us so she can be spared of the repercussions of her action?</div>
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We have tried having a chat and for a time it works. We gave her treats and we even remind her often how it is NOT like her and that she is upsetting people.</div>
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Just when I was beginning to think that this phase is exclusive to our darling Miss 4, our ever so gentle Mister 5 gave us exhibit A to the opposite Not sure where the reasonable little boy we have went - the one who came home with us that day was inconsolable because we wouldn't give him more time to play or eat treat foods When he calmed down, in between sobs he said, sometimes it is hard to stop crying mummy, even if I want to.</div>
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And that gives me hope that all our prayers, chats and efforts are not in vain. That they hear us, they want to obey but at times they get overwhelmed, and that's good enough for us. Amidst all the stubborn streaks and inconvenient dramas, I can see a glimmer of sunshine that as we remain steadfast and consistent, things will get through to them in the end. </div>
kAlaNdRaKAshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13794157414787891099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359578.post-82562327147401132522014-10-01T17:36:00.000+10:002014-10-03T05:19:29.454+10:00this parenting gig: when hovering has its benefitsi was once accused of helicopter parenting by a random person because i would much rather stay close to where my kids were playing. which was close to the road, the alternative being that i listen to a whinger about a relationship that's falling apart. i suppose i would much rather be accused of anything, because I would much rather hover over my kids than have someone else dump their rubbish on me.<br>
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and those times that i do hover are really amazing especially when i hear about their conversations between them or with their friends. others we are able to nip some things in the bud, before some words become part of their everyday vocabulary.<br>
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we have always spoken to them as we would with adults, even before they started talking. these are just a few of the things we/others have had a chat with them that they surprisingly took on board -<br>
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1-<b> how special they are and that God loves them very much</b>. they started hearing these ideas from one year old at a class in church via a memory verse that goes - God even knows the number of hairs on my head. I am worth more than a million birds Luke 12.7 Imagine my surprise when our little miss said something to that effect when someone else was telling her something different.<br>
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2- <b>not to be afraid. </b>sometimes they get this, other times they don't and they often use it when it is convenient such as when one of them wants company to go upstairs. an appropriate as well as convenient reply is often - that's okay, God is with you, remember?<br>
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3-<b>private parts. </b>we had to do this chat a bit early because of an incident that happened around them. i am very grateful for the mum that mentioned it to me, prompting me to pray and google what to say!! Thank God for what I uncovered after a little research. Someone mentioned that to pretend that the issue will go away is ignorant. How interesting that our now 4 and 5 year-olds make random comments related to that conversation when they were 3 and 4, including about dancers and swimmers who don't cover their bodies.<br>
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4-<b>secrets. </b>a necessary corollary to our private parts conversation is secrets. we had to stop using the word altogether because apparently it is a word often used by perpetrators. we told them we do not keep secrets from each other and that we should always tell. We can surprise each other, not keep secrets.<br>
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imagine our amazement when we slip and use the word secret and little people comes to us reminding us that we don't keep secrets. very impressive! it made us conscious at remembering what we tell them because it will come back to us.<br>
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5-<b> ugly/fat/stupid </b>and words like that. we had to tell them that there are some words they will hear that we don't use. and because they somehow understand #1, it is easier to engage them in conversation, point them back to God (like we do when they start having tantrums when we don't buy them everything they want in the shop, our #1 standard question being - did you talk to God about it?)<br><br>
i can keep going but i feel that in the end we will only be held accountable for what we do with the little lives that we are given the privilege to raise. the Bible says in Proverbs 22:6 says <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.</span><div><br></div><div>it goes without saying that we do not have everything figured out. everyday is a learning experience. some days we fall into the trap of screaming, getting annoyed and being impatient instead of being gracious and loving. most days though, we needed to be deliberate about telling them how much they are loved, how gorgeous little miss is and what a gentle champion our little mister is. we also have to learn to correct them in love. </div><div>
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needless to say, i have now kept my distance from that random person. what great observation skills - i will have to give credit to that. i just wish it is used to build and encourage. instead of tear others down - but that's another topic for another day.</div>kAlaNdRaKAshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13794157414787891099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359578.post-77488825682883408452014-06-21T13:17:00.001+10:002014-07-04T09:46:25.009+10:00Tread Carefully -<p dir="ltr">- please.. It usually takes me hours to finish a blog. Let me tell you - it gets me really excited when I have put a story  or a series of unrelated stories into one. It's like giving birth every time - the bit where you meet your newborn for the first time. And I have to admit feeling really pleased. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I am a mum to two preschool kids. I can't even count the number of times they surprise me with words like reality, idea, actually, imagination used in the right context - just a few that I can remember off the top of my head. But other times I long for adult conversation, and blogging has become that avenue for me to do a narrative ( because I can't do that with my kids - I get politely interrupted with "excuse me mummy, I have something to tell you") and a creative outlet, if I may be so audacious to use that term.</p>
<p dir="ltr">So when I found out that some people, a few of whom are very close friends of our family, were offended by one of the points I blogged about, I was deeply saddened. I was literally physically sick that I almost could not accompany my son to a birthday party!  Never mind that they have long forgiven me way before I even found out! </p>
<p dir="ltr">I thought maybe there are others who are just lurking out there and not saying anything, just waiting to explode. (we don't want that.. I can get a bit dense, unless I am told that there is an issue)</p>
<p dir="ltr">What prompted me to ask them was an incident totally unrelated, with another person then becoming historical, finding undertones on stuff that I blogged in the past. What I found very sad about the later was - this person, whom I thought knew me better, would much rather talk to others instead of confronting me about the issue. Even after I opened doors for a conversation, the "door was slammed" all because of a misunderstanding. After giving it some thought, I realised that there was more to the issue as I thought I knew or the whole thing would not be blown out of proportion. Which happens when offenses are not dealt with. But no judgement there - just wished it was dealt with differently. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I remember being confronted  as a  young person, and learning early that - people who are NOT part of the PROBLEM or SOLUTION do not need to know about an issue or it becomes gossip. And if I ever get offended, I should speak to the person involved. In cases where I do not want to, I should just let it slide. Or look at the situation from the person's point of view, hopefully it will shed some light over the differences of opinion.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Because of the abovementioned incidents, it made me rethink why I blog, what motivates me to make time to put together my thoughts, and tell stories etc. Anyone who knows me well will hopefully know that I will never  offend them ON PURPOSE!  I think of myself as transparent - the what you see is what you get sort. I do not subscribe to disposable relationships, thus I don't go about making friends while secretly scheming something on the side.  I would like to think of myself as one who aspires to builds up, not tear people down. Many times I had to bite my tongue in the name of keeping quiet when I have nothing positive/encouraging to say.  </p>
<p dir="ltr">With all those thoughts invading my mind at different times, it made me realise that maybe I needed to state the obvious and spell things out - </p>
<p dir="ltr">1. Whatever I write or have written in the past, it has my BELIEFS, BACKGROUND, SOCIO-CULTURAL ORIENTATION, EDUCATION, LIFE EXPERIENCES all over the place! Please do not read something in here and analyse it based on what you think it means. If you're not sure, ask me. I might even pay for coffee :p It is my opinion. I am not writing to criticise other people's choices or pass judgement, that is NOT my place. It is not like me. And if you thought I was being offensive, please ACCEPT my APOLOGIES. I am only expressing my opinion on a subject that I am passionate about.</p>
<p dir="ltr">A friend said that if people will choose to be offended, they will always find something to be offended about. True that - even if a line starts with no offense.</p>
<p dir="ltr">2. Let's agree to disagree - there will always be something that I will blog about that you won't be happy with. Let's leave it at that. We are all different! And that's what makes life exciting! I don't know about you but I wouldn't want a friend who will agree with me at every opportunity.</p>
<p dir="ltr">When I was feeling sick and a bit depressed over the dramas of my life, I messaged a long time friend who once told someone that if they wanted a friend who will tell the truth even if it hurts (only when asked) to go to a friend like me. I miss my friends with whom I have had long history with. The kind that knew me, without having to explain anything to them. At the same time I am grateful for the new friends that I have made who even though I haven't known them that long, feels like they have been there all along.</p>
<p dir="ltr">3. Some things are not worth losing friendships for!  </p>
<p dir="ltr">I remember being in a situation where I felt that I have every right to be angry and offended over a friend's action. However when I calmed down and thought of what my reaction would have done even if I felt that I had every legitimate reason to feel entitled to be angry, I calculated that it was not worth losing a friendship for. </p>
<p dir="ltr">A favourite speaker once said - if you overlook my imperfections, I will agree to overlook yours. </p>
<p dir="ltr">4. We all need grace - getting what we don't deserve - and if we have experienced grace from THE Creator, it makes it easier to extend grace to others.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Someone once said that one of the best test to a lasting friendship is when they get past offenses. </p>
<p dir="ltr">At the end of the day it would be nice if this was known as a  venue where anyone reading will leave encouraged, hopeful and joyful. At least to all five of you who regularly read my blog! (Haha - thanks!) And, if after reading this you feel like giving me a piece of your mind, will you sleep on it? And if you still feel the same way afterwards, maybe we are due for a catch up anyway. :-)</p>
kAlaNdRaKAshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13794157414787891099noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359578.post-50304389598699932672014-04-08T09:01:00.001+10:002014-05-08T08:08:45.205+10:00When feeling knocked over..<div dir="ltr">
All I was doing was try to catch some sleep..</div>
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I just came home from a fairly quiet night shift and a friend had just told me that she might have to drop a shift, if I was interested. So I went to sleep that morning with the thought of possibly getting an extra permanent shift - only to be rudely interrupted by a call that meant rejection.</div>
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We are currently at a state where we are getting things organised. With that meant creating new deliberate habits and making an effort to cut down on interest rates or at least cutting down on payment period. With that in mind we went to see someone, only, on this particular morning I had to get that call that they did not want our business. Fair enough! I just wish we got the call another time, because I was really tired, I wanted to sleep and had plenty of room to cry.</div>
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And cried I did, towards God - it seemed like a perfect plan, how can we NOT get it, are you hearing me at all? - and being the drama queen that I am, I actually felt better afterwards.</div>
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I was just grateful that on that weekend at church, our Pastor's message was on the timezones of grace. I am not going to rehash what he said because it is available on<a href="http://www.shirelive.com/podcast/grace-in-three-time-zones-ps-brad-bonhomme/"> podcast</a> for anyone interested. What I stood out for me though was the way he explained and illustrated Psalm 23:6 that says<b> surely goodness </b><b>and</b><b> </b><b>mercy</b><b> </b><b>will</b><b> </b><b>follow</b><b> </b><b>me</b><b> </b><b>all</b><b> </b><b>the</b><b> </b><b>days</b><b> </b><b>of</b><b> </b><b>my</b><b> </b><b>life</b><b> </b><b>and</b><b> </b><b>I</b><b> </b><b>will</b><b> </b><b>dwell</b><b> </b><b>in the</b><b> </b><b>house</b><b> </b><b>of</b><b> </b><b>the</b><b> </b><b>Lord</b><b> </b><b>forever</b><b>. </b>He then called two guys to represent goodness and mercy and made then follow him as he mentioned situations, good or challenging.</div>
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How easy is it to forget the promise of God's word? How often would I rather try and sort out things on my own? But how blessed was I that I just had a reminder that goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, be it during times of rejoicing such as when my little boy tells me he will never ever stop telling me he loves me or times like this, when I felt unfairly treated and knocked over what I thought was a great business!</div>
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While I can't do anything about other people's reaction, I sure can do something about my attitude and reaction over every situation that I face.</div>
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A few weeks later I got a call from work asking if I was interested to get more shifts..I only asked for one - I got given three more permanent shifts. And it works out really nicely because it is no longer all over the place and I got my kids an extra day at preschool, which means I can sleep for at least four straight hours without them jumping on me or wanting my attention. <b>Surely</b><b> </b><b>goodness</b><b> </b><b>and</b><b> </b><b>mercy</b><b> </b><b>follow</b><b> </b><b>me</b><b>....</b></div>
kAlaNdRaKAshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13794157414787891099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359578.post-38448953197488613172014-03-29T00:44:00.001+11:002014-04-01T19:27:54.008+11:00Economically Speaking<div dir="ltr">
I just realised that a lot of my decisions hinged on economic reasons. I know it sounds terrible, but let me explain -</div>
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A few years ago. I went to college with big plans to study law (I was reminded when I saw my highschool yearbook). However when I finished my business management degree and after I landed a job at a local bank, the "dream" was shelved, and being the eldest and having younger siblings, I probably thought I should be helping financially instead of having to keep studying - it just made more sense in my head. </div>
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When my husband and I decided that I should stay at home to look after our young babies three years ago, it was definitely because we found it more expensive if I kept working and get them to go to a childcare centre. I know a lot of friends whose kids are in childcare centre and I am glad it works for them. When we started calculating the cost - all overhead expenses related to it, and how much I was making, it seemed like I was going to work to pay for childcare because I would have been left with little. When we factored in a few other things like everyday joyful times less the frustrating bits, what stood out were the little stuff they did everyday and we couldn't even begin to assign a value to it because they are too priceless. Since then we just had to make some adjustments in the way we did family - with the help of Google search, I found out a way to make <a href="http://www.mommypotamus.com/homemade-natural-laundry-detergent-made-easy/">organic laundry powder</a>. There was also a way to make a <a href="http://www.moneysavingqueen.com/April-2013/Homemade-Fabric-Softener-with-Conditioner/">DIY laundry softener</a>. I discovered that I did not need to compromise on some little luxury by finding a way to make a <a href="http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2012/02/make-your-own-body-wash.html">body wash</a> just like my favourite brand or a <a href="http://www.maybematilda.com/2011/04/baby-shower-gift-homemade-sugar-scrub.html#.Uzlpb6K6VxA">body scrub</a> that I really liked. These are some items that eat up a bulk of our groceries budget and by making them at home, it significantly lowered our expenses. Another thing that we learned to do was doing our washing and drying (if we must use the dryer that is),during off peak. When we look at the comparison rates of our energy bill, we can't help but notice that it has plateaud. We went to the park and beaches and wherever kids entertainment is free.</div>
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I also started researching on the homeschooling option. Many years ago before I even had a husband and kids, I started thinking about this <a href="http://www.trulykalandrakas.blogspot.com.au/2004/09/i-gave-up.html">option</a>. Lately I thought the main reason I wanted to do it was because of fear of my kids getting bullied since they have exotic skin than usual. However when I started looking for schools and saw how expensive it costs, my true motive was exposed. Apart from believing in the benefits of homeschooling, I realised that it is the cost of private education that makes me want to pursue the later. I do know how to read and write and did units of competency in education so in my head I was thinking how hard can it be? My husband do not agree though. Not that he doesn't see the benefits but then is just not completely sold out. So I thought that maybe we will just send both kids to kindergarten together next year! Then we will save some money rather than paying so much for two days a week to preschool!</div>
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Not too long ago I did another career shift so I can go back to work. I thought that if I get to work nights then I won't have to make arrangements for the kids. It works really well and now I am beginning to think about where I may be headed and which direction I wanted to take. I am very grateful to be working in a dementia specific facility. The longer I have worked there the more I can say that I am really enjoying the job. I was recently challenged to go further and study. The question that comes to mind though is apart from the issue of calling and other important stuff, what will probably lead me to go into a full on study is finding out how much more I will make because already I am happy with what I am getting paid. (haha!)</div>
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I was chatting with some friends where I declared that I would probably not buy a brand new car even if I can afford it. I know how fast the value of cars depreciate and I can't justify it to myself how I would spend so much on something that I would probably only keep for a few years. In my mind, it is just not good stewardship of my finances. No offense to friends with brand new cars because a) don't mind me, I just couldn't afford it and b) the operative word on the previous sentence is MY. Unless, I get given a new one, then my chances of ever driving a new car is slim, because I centainly won't pay for it. </div>
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It is because of the same mindset on finances that we tithe. For those who do not know, it just means giving 10 per cent of my income to my local church. The reason we tithe as a family is mainly in obedience to God's Word. At the same time we did not want to be under a curse. We do it voluntarily and we are not under any compulsion and as much as possible we try to be joyful givers. Which is not all the time if I am being honest. But because it is an attitude, then we can talk ourselves to be joyful in giving even during hard times.What we find is, eventhough it is tempting to withhold our tithes and spend it on some legitimate and urgent matters like bills, when we go ahead and give anyway, we find finances coming in ways that we would never have thought of on our own. I find David's take in Psalm 37:25 very comforting - I have been young, and <i>now</i> am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.<span class="p"><br></span></div>
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I suppose this is where I need to keep a balance. While counting the cost before taking a plunge is important, I hope it will not stop me from stepping out in faith especially when I feel that God is leading me into a certain direction. If you have read my previous entries, you would know how grateful we are for the many supernatural favours that we have the privilege of experiencing. I find it both a humbling and exhilarating position, one that we do not take lightly.</div>
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Sure you can call me pragmatic. But given the right balance (read: as long as I don't allow my natural tendencies to get in the way of God working supernaturally) then I won't even feel bad or apologise for it.</div>
kAlaNdRaKAshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13794157414787891099noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359578.post-69017311207019497872014-02-17T13:07:00.002+11:002014-02-19T23:49:19.212+11:00Our Vanuatu Holiday <h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
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A few months or so ago, our little miss started telling us that we
should go on a holiday. Not sure if she understood what that meant and
considering where we were<a href="http://www.trulykalandrakas.blogspot.com.au/2014/01/grateful.html"> financially</a>,
we told her to talk to God about it, pray and find out what He thought.
After a few seconds of her usual "God, can we ...." she came back with a
very excited tone saying - "mum, God said YES!"<br>
<br>
<i><u>A Story of Answered Prayers</u></i><br>
<br>
It turned out that while our little miss was praying, somewhere in the
Pacific Islands just happened to have purchased some equipment that
needed hubby's help. Never mind that in all his years of employment, he
and his boss never travel at the same time, let alone be away for a
week! For some reason his boss sounded adamant that the whole family
travel along - it is mostly paid for anyway.<br>
<br>
<br>
A few days after everything was arranged, my shifts at work got changed
all of a sudden. Instead of missing one shift, I had to miss two. While I
had someone agree to cover for me, I was left with two shifts and no
one covering for me. After much prayer, my boss whom I emailed replied,
"enjoy! don't worry it will be sorted!" And so we went ahead, what with
a little girl's prayer getting answered, bosses who did not know they
were being answers to someone's prayers, and an awesome God who delights
to weave things together to see to it that a prayer, no matter how
random it seems, gets answered.<br>
<br>
So with our faith full to bursting, I thought we'd see how it goes and believe for an <b>upgrade</b>.
The thing that came to mind was our flights - to which my darling
husband laughed. But when I told him that the kids are on board, he
agreed, especially when I joked that the three of us will take the
business class seats and leave him in economy. By the time we arrived at
the airport, we had forgotten about our prayer of upgraded seats. While
we did not get that upgrade, to my surprise, God did not forget, even
if that prayer was on a whim!<br>
<br>
<i><u>Port Vila, Vanuatu</u></i><br>
<br>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lEzI39qMUNg/UwFhOLovp0I/AAAAAAAAAk4/NXKRWHYIIio/s1600/PhotoGrid_1392360032871.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lEzI39qMUNg/UwFhOLovp0I/AAAAAAAAAk4/NXKRWHYIIio/s1600/PhotoGrid_1392360032871.jpg" height="320" width="320"></a>I
have to be honest and admit that I did not have high expectations going
to the island. A few years ago, we went to another Pacific Island and
having seen the ads, I went with really high expectations, only to be
disappointed because not only did I find everything ridiculously
overpriced, I couldn't help but think that I have seen way better from
my beautiful home country and I did not have to pay so much - but that
is another story altogether.<br>
<br>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QrRMSuCRNM4/UwFhVBq5ysI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/CSF76MNy0Zs/s1600/PhotoGrid_1392598714189.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QrRMSuCRNM4/UwFhVBq5ysI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/CSF76MNy0Zs/s1600/PhotoGrid_1392598714189.jpg" height="320" width="320"></a>I
found Port Vila just beautiful. It is a great place to relax, unwind
and de-stress. Voted the friendliest place on earth, it certainly rubbed
off to the kids as they would say hello to just about anyone they meet.
A classic display of their friendliness was when we went to a local
church one Sunday. During the service, the guests were asked to stand up
and briefly introduce themselves while everyone else was being really
warm and welcoming. At the end of the service, the guests went out together with the pastor and waited outside as the rest queue to shake their hands!<br>
<br>
Food is great and cheap and ice cream made from local produce is just
delectable.Did I mention the massages and summer dresses being bargains?<br>
<br>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5vPNx14kSRk/UwFhIrottCI/AAAAAAAAAkg/J53DxMdkKTo/s1600/PhotoGrid_1392286238460.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5vPNx14kSRk/UwFhIrottCI/AAAAAAAAAkg/J53DxMdkKTo/s1600/PhotoGrid_1392286238460.jpg" height="320" width="320"></a><br>
I was going to say that I was a bit surprised to find a Filipino
restaurant advertised on the inflight magazine that we had to go and see
for ourselves. But being Filipino and how we take the command to go to
the ends of the earth literally, I was just happy to see the familiar
and meet some Cebuano speaking folks at that!<br>
<br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a little bit out of the way, eratap beach resort is worth the drive</td></tr>
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<br>
<u><i>Iririki Island Resort</i></u><br>
<br>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LxTa0XkU-Wc/UwFg866RDGI/AAAAAAAAAj4/S27kqhWw4nk/s1600/PhotoGrid_1392175976177%281%29.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LxTa0XkU-Wc/UwFg866RDGI/AAAAAAAAAj4/S27kqhWw4nk/s1600/PhotoGrid_1392175976177%281%29.jpg" height="320" width="320"></a>One
can't help but fall for this beautiful island resort. Refreshing is
written all over the place! We met the lovely rooms division manager who
gave us a little orientation about the island, our rooms and the
beautiful facilities. When asked why our room was not close to kids club
or the poolside, she casually replied that we have been upgraded. WHAT?
So God's idea of an upgrade was not a 3-hour flight but an 8-day ocean
view room! Sweet! Even our little miss squealed in amazement and asked
"can we live here forever?" The rest of us was quick to tell her that
we were only staying for a few days but not fast enough before it was labeled "our holiday home".<br>
<br>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y29Fdu4biOM/UwFhSw2hpdI/AAAAAAAAAlI/hjOiT1-oEaI/s1600/PhotoGrid_1392360836642.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y29Fdu4biOM/UwFhSw2hpdI/AAAAAAAAAlI/hjOiT1-oEaI/s1600/PhotoGrid_1392360836642.jpg" height="320" width="320"></a>Kids
club was a really fantastic idea especially that both little miss and
little mister are qualified to go! Open from 10am to 6pm everyday,
they beg me to take them everytime but some days the teacher is nowhere
to be found. While they get a bit disappointed, the pool or park play
or ice cream always manage to console them. Sometimes spa or some tv
time works too.<br>
<br>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5vPNx14kSRk/UwFhIrottCI/AAAAAAAAAkg/J53DxMdkKTo/s1600/PhotoGrid_1392286238460.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>
I love that the poolside is very kids friendly, even for young kids that
I can even leave them to play on their own while I stay close to the
shade. What a great place for anyone and everyone! We did not even go
anywhere, except for a daily trip to the mainland for ice cream treats
and walk at the main street. We even skipped a paid tour around Port
Vila because the kids find it more fun to hang out and feed the fish, or
play by the pool or go to the beach side.<br>
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The room has its own kitchen and laundry, that from a housekeeping point
of view, it was really perfect. I did not have to worry of having a
luggage full of dirty clothes because I washed and dry them at night
while waiting for my hardworking husband to get back.<br>
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All four of us felt overwhelmingly blessed with the whole experience
(including the one who went to work!). We thank God for the gift of
rest. Our faith has certainly grown leaps and bounds! Indeed the
scripture that says with God, nothing is impossible, is for real. <br>
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kAlaNdRaKAshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13794157414787891099noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359578.post-38271333557729187382014-01-01T07:36:00.000+11:002014-01-03T20:15:38.180+11:00GratefulI was going to write about this for a competition, however the terms and conditions stipulated a limit on the number of the object of the gratitude. I found it a very difficult task because I couldn't pick one. Having said that, this is definitely NOT to print a picture of a rosy, perfect life because ours is certainly far from that. I just really wanted to give honour where honour is due.<br />
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In the words of our new senior pastor at church when he preached one sunday on a part of Numbers 13 that we so popularly remember as the account of the twelve spies, the ten spies who came back with emphasis on the negative report, did not understand the order of FAITH. There was no problem with the analysis, it was the order. In my life for instance I can quote the things I know of God and then go on complaining about the things that are not right in my life. OR, I can focus on God, inspite of my circumstances. And when I chose the latter, I found myself abounding with praise for the many miracles that I would probably have ignored if my attitude was different. <br />
<br />
If truth be told, I must admit it was a rather massive 2013 for us. We found ourselves in situations that were unfamiliar, leaving us with no answers. At the same time we felt the consequences of some miscalculated decisions. But in the midst of the brouhaha, I am blessed with a husband whose loyalty and affection is towards God. He refused to allow our challenges to bring us down and discourage us. I love that he leads us to trust God always and to give room for a miracle from above. And did we see a number of miracles happen!<br />
<br />
It was probably in the area of finances that we found ourselves badly hit. While it is an ongoing journey for us, already we have seen God move in so many ways. We could have chosen to hold on to every single penny, but we decided to partner with God and turn it into a step of faith. One example worth mentioning was when we participated in a faith promise for the next generation payable in one year. In the natural, it does not make sense to participate, with bills and expenses that needed to be paid. But as we prayed about it, we could not resist "testing" and waiting to see the floodgates open. (Mal 3:10b) Had we not participated, we would not have seen provision (from "out of the blue") for half of the amount we promised in the first quarter, get involve in a ministry partnership opportunity, support and even pay for a course for myself. <br />
<br />
Speaking of a course, I did a 5-week study in assistant in nursing because I thought I wanted to get a job that allows shiftwork. My previous job in admin and database coordination is not a very feasible option because most of the availabilities are over an hour away one way from where I live. And I find it hard to leave my adorable three and four-year olds to work while most of whatever I make will just go towards child care fees. It was a very practical, hands on course and thank God I have small children because the over two years I spent with them at home came in very handy. When I did my two week work experience, I found myself overcame with compassion and my thoughts getting invaded by my lovely, mostly dementiac residents that I had to spend some time praying for them. My performance review came back with the deputy director of nursing at that facility giving me excellent marks. It was a great encouragement for me, especially finding myself settling well (much to my surprise!) and maybe even taking more classes in the future. A month after I finished the course, I got my driver's license (thank God!) which really helped because a few days later I got a job casually twenty minutes away from home. Less than a month into my employment, I got offered a permanent position and all I could say was - that is not NORMAL! <b>We could never say that God has forgotten or left us alone.</b> He has sorrounded us with friends who are like family - getting offers to toddlersit our kids when I was doing my training, or so I can pick up shifts available. <br />
<br />
One time not too long ago (eventhough it seemed like a lifetime away) we found ourselves in a serious bind. We had a bill that needed to be paid on a monday but did not have enough money to settle it. A few days before that, one of my favourite brothers generously agreed to help. I was not sure the money will get into our account on time so I was stirring him to send it another way. We needed the help on a monday, not any other day. However all my subtle attempts did not work so even if something was arriving, I was sure we will not get it until two to three days later. So the stress of a bill that needed to be paid was still hanging over our heads. Sunday came and close friends who lived on the other side of the city (read: over an hour or so drive on the highway) from us were in our area and asked if they can pop in. Naturally we said yes. When they arrived, for some reason we split into two groups, me with the beautiful heavily pregnant friend were sitting in the lounge with the kids while our hubbies retreated to the playroom. In the course of my conversation with her, she said and I quote, maybe not verbatim (lol) - you will let us know if you need anything! In my head I was thinking that I had to be a better friend to her because she is ready to pop and being a first time mum, it can be overwhelming. However, I caught myself crying because I really appreciated her words and it just touched me but for some reason I changed the subject. I looked out for the hubbies who were in serious conversation but I did not think they would get into the details of our need at that moment. I was wrong - they came out with sweaty eyes (my darling husband mostly), and more help getting into our bank account via bank transfer. We were<b> </b>stunned! And we sat there long after they left in disbelief at the timing. <b>We knew there has to be a POWER beyond HUMAN</b>(read: <b>the timing can only be GOD at work!</b>) orchestrating all these things. But knowing the banking system, credits do not land into the accounts
immediately -they get credited on the next banking day, even if the
online transfer was made though the same bank.And then we were back to the monday situation! All the cash getting to our account, neither getting there in time for monday. An hour or so later, our friends came back with an envelope containing more than enough to sort out our monday debacle. It turned into a monday miracle because for some reason, all the monies got there early, yes, on that monday! <br />
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Our situation may have looked impossible, but the experience made our family into one team on the same <span id="goog_2089392218"></span>side with our faith and dependence on God activated and strengthened. We love budgets now, and we endeavour to stick to it. We learned to be generous even in our lack More importantly we have greater <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_YJHoqmGnAA/UsMm3UoaqPI/AAAAAAAAAeY/tlQj3nOH2FE/s1600/PhotoGrid_1388521029275.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_YJHoqmGnAA/UsMm3UoaqPI/AAAAAAAAAeY/tlQj3nOH2FE/s320/PhotoGrid_1388521029275.jpg" width="320" /></a>capacity to make room for God to move. Which makes this new year really exciting! I love quoting 1Corinthians 2:9 in the New Living Translation version - No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. <span class="p"></span>Indeed, the best is yet to come!<br />
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<br />kAlaNdRaKAshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13794157414787891099noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359578.post-780922179677141712013-11-13T16:52:00.001+11:002013-11-13T16:52:44.829+11:00This Parenting Gig<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sURDVnmee20/UoMSAIMzrPI/AAAAAAAAAdo/PJKLBqMH_Ds/s1600/how+to+really+love+a+child.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sURDVnmee20/UoMSAIMzrPI/AAAAAAAAAdo/PJKLBqMH_Ds/s320/how+to+really+love+a+child.jpg" width="230" /></a> I have to admit to getting easily frustrated . And it has mostly to do with my toddlers. Maybe because they are with me most of the time that when they ignore me when I ask them to do something, it really gets to me. I find myself screaming and saying things I don't mean that at some point, I just zip my mouth and bite my tongue out of guilt because of the stuff I have said and done.<br /><br />
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When I go through such mixture of emotions, it makes me think that one reason why God gifted humanity with the privilege of raising the next generation is to show us what we are like in our relationship with him. I feel like in the midst of my own emotional rollercoaster that God is reminding me of how gracious he is to me, and how much he loves me no matter how I behave. And with all the love and grace showered on me, I won't be able to help it but show grace towards others, especially to my own cheeky toddlers.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NQKD5oDsalA/UoMSCkEuteI/AAAAAAAAAdw/OBMPnB6OCHE/s1600/dear+God.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NQKD5oDsalA/UoMSCkEuteI/AAAAAAAAAdw/OBMPnB6OCHE/s1600/dear+God.jpg" /></a>A mum friend aptly said it when she messaged that she honestly doesn't know how we can parent without Jesus. It is challenging enough to be parents to kids when you are relying on a power beyond your own strength. It is even worst when you live in a world where you have to try an live up to standards that's way out of this world and impossible to live up to. I can only agree with my friend, after an ongoing battle with toddlers who have minds of their own with just about everything. And while I am at it, I pray that these little people that we have been entrusted to raise will remember a grace-filled upbringing, because we received the same, God help us.
kAlaNdRaKAshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13794157414787891099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359578.post-46867813204006612582013-07-30T12:10:00.003+10:002013-07-30T23:18:04.896+10:00Our Journey with Prams<br />
As promised, here's my take of the prams we have used. I know I kind of mentioned <a href="http://www.trulykalandrakas.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/of-freebies-bumps-and-babies.html" target="_blank">product reviews</a> but I am now not that sure if I have the time to be very thorough. <br />
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We had to bid goodbye to our best pram ever of a little over two years. Our two favourite toddlers abandoned our baby jogger city select double for perhaps a year or so, in an effort to prove that they are big kids, as opposed to babies. After leaving it sitting in the garage, we thought it was time to put it up for sale on eBay.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">baby jogger city select<a href="http://www.productreview.com.au/r/baby-jogger-city-select/156959.html" target="_blank"> reviews</a></td></tr>
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We found the pram sometime in 2010 after a rather thorough search for a double pram. We made use of the Google search and found a comparative compilation of single and double prams. We also stalked forums and websites where regular mums, from their own experience, wrote about which brand worked for them. There were so many available choices and it is can get really confusing. In the end what made us pick this brand was a mum's post about having to order at a shop in America that ships overseas and how she was okay even if the warranty won't be honored here because she was so confident of its high quality. Since she posted links, we investigated and in the end did what she did.<br />
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A week or so after placing an order online, a UPS package was delivered, and thus began our love affair with this double pram, valued at half the price including postage compared to how much we would have paid if we got it locally.<br />
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So how did we find it? Best pram ever! Worth every penny! If I had known about it in 2009 when we had little Mister, it would have saved us all the money we spent on prams.<br />
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The first one we bought was a <a href="http://www.productreview.com.au/p/love-n-care-delta-2-0.html" target="_blank">love n care delta stroller</a> just before the little Mister came. It was on sale at half the price at toys r us and as a first time parent, as with most things in life, the question I asked was "what will it cost me?" Nevermind that we lived in a second level unit without a lift that time..nevermind that was very heavy to carry upstairs..I must say it was really sturdy and solid 4-wheel pram and if we lived on the ground level, I am sure it wouldn't be a problem.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silverpop <a href="http://www.productreview.com.au/r/silver-cross-pop/106498.html" target="_blank">reviews</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VcuLKq3jbig/UfcYXyGmvII/AAAAAAAAAcA/urwxr-BaY6c/s1600/IMGP2771-1.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VcuLKq3jbig/UfcYXyGmvII/AAAAAAAAAcA/urwxr-BaY6c/s200/IMGP2771-1.JPG" width="200" /></a>I began looking out on eBay for a lightweight pram and that was how I found our silvercross pop. Loved that it was light, easy to carry and really useful when we only had one small pram sitting toddler and would recommend it to anyone. My little issue was losing the small push button on one of the sides making the seat stuck upwards. It was alright for small babies but if you have toddlers that wanted their legs down, it will be a problem. The way I resolved it was by using a little tool that could take out the push button on one side and put it on the other side to adjust the seat. It requires some patience, otherwise, I would have to leave it sitting in the garage as I did not find a replacement button at any of their service centers.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ewCn8f6_-eg/UfcYLaPYVOI/AAAAAAAAAb4/Hsw29HJ_zOo/s1600/IMAG0852.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ewCn8f6_-eg/UfcYLaPYVOI/AAAAAAAAAb4/Hsw29HJ_zOo/s200/IMAG0852.jpg" width="119" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEg5XD096yc/UfcYXy_XFTI/AAAAAAAAAcE/kOX3tppB-b4/s1600/P1060429.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEg5XD096yc/UfcYXy_XFTI/AAAAAAAAAcE/kOX3tppB-b4/s200/P1060429.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">zuzu <a href="http://www.productreview.com.au/r/zuzu-zippi-upright/466045.html#reviews" target="_blank">reviews</a></td></tr>
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And then I saw a friend's umbrella stroller that she got for under $30. We had to get it; I must confess that it has been our most used pram lately, especially when we go out via public transport. And true to its name it can be folded like an umbrella.<br />
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Altogether we probably spent a little under $1000 for all of our four prams. The baby love we gave to a family, while the silver pop&nbsp; and the zuzu we still use from time to time when the wind blows towards its direction, or we needed to get somewhere faster as opposed to walking.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J4KihHOYPHU/UfcYH1pg5jI/AAAAAAAAAbw/goFxa77FiF4/s1600/IMAG3001.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J4KihHOYPHU/UfcYH1pg5jI/AAAAAAAAAbw/goFxa77FiF4/s200/IMAG3001.jpg" width="119" /></a>So back to the baby jogger - we actually managed to sell it for the same price that we bought it for. It does have a really great resell value and it was a great investment and would highly recommend it whether as a single or double pram.<br />
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kAlaNdRaKAshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13794157414787891099noreply@blogger.com0Australasia-31.653381399663971 147.3046875-55.861459399663971 105.9960935 -7.44530339966397 -171.38671850000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359578.post-42981549941883247882013-06-19T11:06:00.001+10:002013-06-20T08:35:24.577+10:00Life Lessons from a Kids Concert<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xotVrQlah2E/UcGUE12psII/AAAAAAAAAbM/Jg8jeFTqqf4/s1600/IMG_20130614_202910.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xotVrQlah2E/UcGUE12psII/AAAAAAAAAbM/Jg8jeFTqqf4/s320/IMG_20130614_202910.jpg" width="320" /></a>We were at a Yo Gabba Gabba concert at the Luna Park one chilly saturday morning having gotten three tickets during the presale some time in April. There were two shows then, at 10:30 am and 4:30 pm. We thought the afternoon show was way too late so we opted for the morning show. I looked for VIP tickets so we can go to a meet and greet with the cast but it was full so the next best thing was to go for premium tickets, or so I thought. After a few hours, it was announced that a 1:30 pm show was opened and by then I was kicking myself for settling for the next best thing. It did not help that we arrived at the venue when every one was seated, only to find out that our assigned seat was on the third row from the back.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Top brimming to capacity</td></tr>
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By the time DJ Lance started leading the gabba crew to sing and dance, my two toddlers would rather sit and watch instead of sing and dance along like they usually do at home. They sang some popular tunes, some of which have helped us explain ideas and concepts to our young minds.<br />
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Two of my favourites were the following:<br />
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<i><b>All my friends are different </b></i>- the <a href="http://www.metrolyrics.com/all-my-friends-are-different-lyrics-yo-gabba-gabba.html" target="_blank">lyrics </a>of this song very well echoed the message of a lesson our toddlers had - that we may all be different, but we are all special, and God loves us very much. I love that it is teaching children to be tolerant and accepting, even in the midst of obvious differences.<br />
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<i><b>Get your sillies out </b></i>- it was my first time to hear this song but it became an instant favourite. From the first few <a href="http://lyrics.wikia.com/Yo_Gabba_Gabba!:Get_The_Sillies_Out" target="_blank"> lyrics</a> that says " the sillies are crazy little creatures that live inside of us and need to be shaken out, we gonna have to jump shake and shimmy them out so come on let's all do it together", I couldn't help but love the song. The image that came to mind was that of a person going through a tough time, with issues from both inside and outside trying to discourage and dishearten the weary soul. In an effort to get out and get rid of the tough situation, it is very easy to isolate oneself and stay away from God, thinking that it is best to go to Him when things are sorted out or even question His relevance. The other thing is to try and do things on your own when you are supposed to "jump, shake and shimmy" them out not by yourself but with others.<br />
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The next time Yo Gabba Gabba comes down under, you can be sure that we will not settle for the next best thing. In life it is very easy to settle for the next best thing just so you get tickets into an "event". But God wants us to experience the best, not just sit and watch, but get front seat tickets and enjoy the ride with Him. The tricky bit is learning to wait on Him and hear His voice before we plunge in. The question is, are we willing to pay the price to get the full experience?<br />
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Maybe by next time our toddlers will not be shy but will dance and sing their hearts out, just like the many mums and dads who came as chaperones and ended up having the best time at the concert.<br />
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kAlaNdRaKAshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13794157414787891099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359578.post-4736770354401971642013-06-14T13:30:00.001+10:002013-06-14T14:18:12.076+10:00Easy Rainbow CakeI know that I already mentioned <a href="http://www.trulykalandrakas.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/thinking-out-loud.html" target="_blank">this</a>, but I think this rainbow cake deserves an entry of its own. A few months ago, I decided to make my beautiful daughter her <a href="http://www.trulykalandrakas.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/diy-birthday-party.html" target="_blank">birthday cak</a>e and it turned out rather well - well enough that a dear friend of mine is brave enough to trust me to make the same one for her son's birthday next month. Having gained more confidence, I thought I'd venture to make my darling son his birthday cake as well. I initially thought of making him one of those train cakes, but he saw the <a href="http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/27699/layered+rainbow+cake" target="_blank">rainbow cake</a> that I was looking at and he preferred it so that's what we both dreamt of making.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8oI5ifV7DYo/UZQNJT8SkII/AAAAAAAAAUw/0AQB7Yfi7Yc/s1600/IMAG2811.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8oI5ifV7DYo/UZQNJT8SkII/AAAAAAAAAUw/0AQB7Yfi7Yc/s320/IMAG2811.jpg" width="320" /></a>For his<a href="http://trulykalandrakas.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/he-is-four.html" target="_blank"> actual birthday</a>, we made a test cake, but instead of using white icing, I used the <a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/glossy-chocolate-frosting" target="_blank">chocolate frosting</a> recipe that I have tried, tested and loved. Instead of following the lovely rainbow cake recipe I found, I thought I would make it easy on me and use the 4 ingredients<a href="http://www.4ingredients.com.au/recipe/1-1-1-1-cake" target="_blank"> cake recipe</a> that I have used before. I made three mixes, divided it into seven portions and started colouring into my desired rainbow colour. I initially used my rectangle glass mould but it was not thick enough that even if I greased it, it still got stuck. I tried my round silicon mould and it worked better. However at that stage I already used up two portions and I wasn't very patient to make a new one so I thought because it was just a test cake, I might as well just use what is available. <br />
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We didn't really plan on him having a party but he got pumped when a dear friend promised him a birthday party and he kept raising the question since. I knew then that I had to make a better version of the test cake. <br />
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Having that bit of experience, I decided not to make the whole batter but make separate ones and colour as I bake. I thought making 1/3 of the recipe (as opposed to 1 cup of each ingredients) would be okay, but it still was not thick enough. I ended up doing 2/3 of the recipe but in hindsight, 1/2 would have been enough. <br />
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When I finished all seven layers, I searched for a white chocolate icing and found an easy one on the <a href="http://www.cadburykitchen.com.au/recipes/view/white-chocolate-ganache/2/" target="_blank">Cadbury kitchen</a> website. I was tempted with how easy it was and how few the ingredients required to make, plus I only needed the microwave. I wasn't sure if it was the right thing to do. I thought it would turn out too sweet, because I used two packs of the white chocolate melts but in the end it tasted just right. I found it really hard to ice the sides though because the ganache hardened too much, it was not easy to spread.<br />
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For next time, I am going to try this <a href="http://www.bestrecipes.com.au/recipe/white-chocolate-icing-L5208.html" target="_blank">white chocolate icing recipe</a>. <br />
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If you have a tried and tested go to cake recipe, I suggest that you give it a go and just colour the batter into your preferred rainbow consistency. Otherwise, you can try the one I used from<a href="http://www.4ingredients.com.au/recipe/1-1-1-1-cake" target="_blank"> 4 Ingredients</a>. Take note that I have adjusted the amount based on how much I will need for each colour.<br />
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Cake Recipe<br />
1/2 cup dessicated coconut<br />
1/2 cup milk<br />
1/2 cup sugar<br />
1/2 cup self rising flour<br />
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Preheat oven to 180C. Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Tint the whole mixture with purple. Grease your favourite cake mould, line with baking paper and pour mixture. Cook for 30 minutes or until cooked through. Let cake stand for 5 minutes. Repeat six times and tint with the remaining rainbow colours.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n-GMh0ypfwc/UbqNoiJtHCI/AAAAAAAAAaI/tqGe6qMEC6M/s1600/cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n-GMh0ypfwc/UbqNoiJtHCI/AAAAAAAAAaI/tqGe6qMEC6M/s320/cake.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks Irene for the photos and collage<br />
Thanks photovisi for the edit</td></tr>
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For the frosting, I am still experimenting so it is best to use what has already worked for you.<br />
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Place purple cake on board and add frosting. Top with blue
cake. Repeat with remaining frosting and aqua, green, yellow, orange and red
cakes, using frosting for each layer. Spread remaining frosting
over the top and side of cake. Sprinkle with 100s and 1000s.Serve and resist the temptation to eat everything in one go.<br />
<br />kAlaNdRaKAshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13794157414787891099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359578.post-37240744393904784752013-06-13T17:11:00.000+10:002013-06-14T10:04:52.068+10:00Thinking Out Loud..Far be it that it will be said of me that I do not care because when I go to events, I often catch myself thinking whether or not it is something we can replicate, localize and own. Having said that we found ourselves at a local school festival in another suburb, give or take 70 kilometers away from us, at the invitation of one of our favourite families in all of Sydney. We had a sleepover at their beautiful home the<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">birthday boy and his <a href="http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/27699/layered+rainbow+cake" target="_blank">rainbow cake</a></td></tr>
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night before, one our favourite boy called his birthday party that he completely ignored , having slept on our drive and didn't wake up til 2am. Good thing he eventually went back to bed and gave me some rest. We had to wake him up that morning lest he will miss his "party" altogether.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">yummy cake pops</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zEYBrx7udlg/Ubev1LphDyI/AAAAAAAAAZg/WpkuoB9wPvU/s1600/z+with+I.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zEYBrx7udlg/Ubev1LphDyI/AAAAAAAAAZg/WpkuoB9wPvU/s320/z+with+I.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dragon girl with Tita Irene</td></tr>
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When we got to the school, which is where our friends' boys attend, there was a program happening, probably showcasing local talents. I said probably because the whole time we were there, I visited the area where they held an artwork display, got a cuppa in the adjacent room where the morning tea was beautifully presented and "sold" by gold coin donation. The only other place where I spent most of my time was at the face painting area because my two favourite kids wanted a turn. The little miss wanted a dragon and she was happy to stay on the queue. The little mister wanted a spiderman but keeps moving around, thus, missing his spot.I must say I lost my patience but I wanted to believe that I was teaching him a lesson. In the end, it felt like I was the one who needed all the lessons. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eNRaPACcYHM/UbevhAQCHWI/AAAAAAAAAYI/OHs9GK-_27c/s1600/Painted+D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eNRaPACcYHM/UbevhAQCHWI/AAAAAAAAAYI/OHs9GK-_27c/s320/Painted+D.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">one happy spiderman</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dragon girl with Uncle Dada</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">free for those who wanted some</td></tr>
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Right in front of the facepainting queue, the Smith's family had a stand with lots of fruits and vegetables to give away. Let me just say that we went home that day with a bag full loot, it looked like we did our fruits and veggies shopping for the week Maybe it was just as well that I got stuck in the facepainting queue. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sausages and corn cobs, anyone?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">more play area for kids</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">how would you like your hair coloured?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">program<br />
All Photos via Irene's Iphone</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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Needless to say it was a fun day especially for the little boy who thought it was his party! We thank our amazing friends for having us and for taking us to the school open day.<br />
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It really made me wonder if it is something we can do as a community event at the upcoming alumni homecoming. I know that the usual activity is for the silver jubilarians to do a tree planting or feeding or clean up. And before the <i>haters</i>, <i>no-can-do</i>, <i>lets-see-if-they-can-pull-it-off thinkers</i> even begin toexpress their opinion, let me be the first to admit that this is NOT a one man or woman show. It has to be a collaboration of many individuals, groups, batches and maybe even the alumni association with a common goal of giving back to the community.<br />
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I wonder if this can be done in the high school grounds? Or in the town plaza? Maybe from 10 AM to 2PM on Easter Sunday? I wonder if there are inflatable slides or jumping castle rentals available? I wonder if there are those who will make donations towards sausage sizzles, sandwiches and drinks so we can give away a free light lunch? I wonder if there are those who make local delicacies and if there are those who are happy to make a donation in exchange? I wonder if we can make 500 goodie bags to give away to kids? I wonder if there will be people who can share their talents in music or dance for the program? I wonder if there are those who can bring their outdoor toys so kids who don't have can play for a few hours? I wonder if an easter egg painting competition can work? I wonder if there are people who will volunteer to man each activity? I wonder if someone else thinks this can be done in our little town of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tago,_Surigao_del_Sur" target="_blank">Tago</a> with a total population of under 30,000?<br />
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Don't mind me, I am just thinking out loud! At this stage I don't know if I will even be able to make it home in the Philippine summer of 2014 but I am happy to help where I can. In the meantime, I am getting off my soapbox.<br />
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kAlaNdRaKAshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13794157414787891099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359578.post-59056474396415046572013-06-08T12:56:00.004+10:002013-06-08T13:52:38.418+10:00Of Freebies, Bumps and Babies<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zsW0UYDb2j4/UbE39UqS26I/AAAAAAAAAV4/t_jU0RylsqI/s1600/IMAG2865.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zsW0UYDb2j4/UbE39UqS26I/AAAAAAAAAV4/t_jU0RylsqI/s320/IMAG2865.jpg" width="190" /></a>I don't know why I usually end up in such exhibits.Maybe I am a sucker for freebies and free tickets always come my way. Or it could be the goodie bags or the heavily discounted sales at the venue. Or is it the really cute baby and toddler stuff that are ridiculously expensive, even with the discount that I knew I wouldn't buy even if I had the money. Maybe it is the live programs for toddlers that they always have on. Either way, I found myself (with my family) one Saturday queueing at a full venue because the only other option was an arts and crafts market at a local school and going to the Sydney Olympic Park sounded more exciting.<br />
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As I was walking around the crowded venue, I was once again reminded of the many beautiful things available in the market and I can't help but drool over them. At the same time it made me think how there are so many products out there that is not really necessary, they are just beautiful.And expensive. So it got me thinking - why don't I make a checklist of products that worked for us and maybe review some that I have actually used. But that's a topic for another time. <br />
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I guess the biggest win for us that day was catching Elmo and Cookie Monster and having had their <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-O4_-MyAziZA/UbE3uXBXHBI/AAAAAAAAAVw/Ig5b8fLSeY8/s1600/IMAG2868.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-O4_-MyAziZA/UbE3uXBXHBI/AAAAAAAAAVw/Ig5b8fLSeY8/s320/IMAG2868.jpg" width="320" /></a>pictures taken and we had two happy toddlers. We didn't stay long because it was too full but when we<br />
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There was a fairy entertainment on the stage right next to the meet and greet and we made a quick stop and another picture taking. Our little girl wasn't as enthusiastic about having her pictures taken as she usually does - maybe the little mister has more modelling potential! (HAHA)<br />
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Not sure if I am a fan of this show. It really is no different from the baby and toddler show at the Sydney Entertainment Centre. I thought that both compete for the same market but the latter has bigger venue and more room. And while I can't say I have taken the time to compare the details but it certainly gives an impression that the latter is considerably larger than the other.<br />
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I suppose this is it for now. If you are interested in the product reviews, come back and check this out again sometime.<br />
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kAlaNdRaKAshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13794157414787891099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359578.post-345945614763372182013-05-25T11:40:00.001+10:002013-05-26T13:27:33.508+10:00Birthday MusingsI am not one to make a big deal of my own birthdays, especially when it means moving from one decade to another. I have to admit waking up to a headache from the day before, which immediately made me think it comes naturally when one gets to a certain age.<br />
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I was going to say that I didn't like the attention, but to be honest, I am missing the "bless the birthday celebrator" tradition I grew up in with my friends. I just made up the name of course because we never called it anything - where there's a birthday celebrator, friends just tend to gravitate and it always seemed natural to end up in conversations that lead to blessing the person, mostly where we thought of one or two things, depending on the number, we love and appreciate about them and we told them in the group's presence. It probably sounds corny but for some reason, whether as a birthday girl or one of the friends, we all leave encouraged and blessed. Maybe it is just me, but quality time being my top love language and words of appreciation coming close second, it really makes me feel really special and well, LOVED. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate presents, but it is probably in the bottom of the love language scales and even if I don't get one, it doesn't make me feel loved any less.<br />
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This year, friends thought of surprising me with a birthday lunch, but
because I was so "clever", I figured it out. Instead I invited them over
to my house along with a few other friends without mentioning that it was my birthday. I thought if I didn't want to make a fuzz out of it, why should they? So lunch it was, and what a good time to catch up with some friends that I hadn't seen for a while.<br />
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I woke up to a very nicely made birthday card with some carefully worded note including something to the <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ZcFnpZNh2s/UaADmC9AzEI/AAAAAAAAAVg/8fX2YVh1Y04/s1600/PhotoGrid_1369440691971%281%29.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ZcFnpZNh2s/UaADmC9AzEI/AAAAAAAAAVg/8fX2YVh1Y04/s200/PhotoGrid_1369440691971%281%29.jpg" width="200" /></a>effect of looking younger than my age. It was a stretch but hubby did volunteer to wait til 9am to drive our little mister to preschool, saving me a total of 40 minutes to an hour of walking, so I was happy to let it slide.<br />
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I am tempted to make a list of forty things I am grateful to God for, but we all know that when a girl says list, it is a list of words per item and I did want to make this short. I must <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit+flowers: Tess Colgrave<br />
Thanks, mare! Rachel Kelly for the cake </td></tr>
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say I am very thankful for the life God has blessed me. He has blessed
me with the most amazing husband and two awesome kids. I thank God for
our families. While they all live overseas, distance doesn't seem to hinder the close family ties that connects us. In the absence of our biological family, God has connected us to a great local church family where we got to meet like minded individuals and families in similar season in life like us. We are blessed that we still get to honor God and be a part in advancing His kingdom even in this season, and not be hindered by it. I thank God for the friends He placed in our lives, for the opportunity to make sisters and brothers by choice, and for the many blessings that keeps coming our way.<br />
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You know how I started my day with all sorts of body pains? Let me just say that when I started thinking and thanking God for everything I was grateful for, it all just went away - and I must say, it was a happy birthday indeed! <br />
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kAlaNdRaKAshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13794157414787891099noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359578.post-66616831555801708882013-05-16T10:14:00.000+10:002013-05-16T18:04:33.469+10:00He is FoUR!All the waiting has finally paid off. He is four by himself, not three, like his sister, in the past four weeks!<b> Four</b>. How fast time flies. It seemed just yesterday that we brought home a little over 2 kilos <a href="http://www.trulykalandrakas.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/i-wore-green-for-my-premmie.html" target="_blank">bundle of joy</a> after staying for nearly 5 weeks at the hospital.<br />
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He was fast asleep but we brought his cake to the room to wake him up so dad can leave for work. As we sang happy birthday to the top of our voice, he simply opened his eyes to acknowledge us and went back to sleep. He eventually woke <br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ULDdHeyUa7Y/UZQOT9cRgCI/AAAAAAAAAU8/8zdm-_ADZSY/s1600/IMAG2805.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ULDdHeyUa7Y/UZQOT9cRgCI/AAAAAAAAAU8/8zdm-_ADZSY/s400/IMAG2805.jpg" width="238" /></a>up because we kept on singing. As we lighted the candles on his cake, we found out that the fire starter has stopped working so we had to console him that he can blow his cake again later after going to the shop. After cutting and seeing the beauty of his cake, he looked up with grateful eyes and gave away the biggest cuddles.<br />
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As he celebrates his birthday, I can't help but think of the times that he made our family really proud. It's a bit tricky because if truth be told, he doesn't really need to do anything to make us proud - just by being himself, the special gift that he is from God - is more than enough! <br />
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If I do have to pick a few though, I can't forget that time when we were in an indoor playground and there were two girls shouting "no boys! no boys!" at the jumping castle. I was so impressed when he replied - this is for everybody - and went on playing! What a brave thing to say to two older girls at that by a then three year old! He loves playing with older kids and at times it doesn't turn out very well. One time these boys were picking on him and I was so proud of the way he pretended and played along with them that the boys had no choice but to play with him. I wasn't there when that happened so when I was told about it I asked why he didn't tell an adult. He replied, "I'm telling you now, mum!" <br />
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Every time we go to the park, he would get drawn to the disabled play area because it is locked and he wanted to go inside. One morning he was on to it again so I had to explain that it was only for special kids, thinking that it would be harder for me to explain <i>disabled</i> to him. He surprised me when he replied - "but I am special too mum!" remembering most likely the time when we had a follow up conversation about how we are all different but God made us special and he loves us very much, thanks to a Noah's Ark lesson at church! Naturally, I groped for words to explain to him in a way that he will understand and after a while he did, thank God! <br />
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Happy birthday little mister! We love you and we thank God that he choose for you to be part of our family! We are honoured and blessed that we get to share your journey!<br />
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kAlaNdRaKAshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13794157414787891099noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359578.post-63502670077308898402013-05-10T00:46:00.001+10:002013-05-12T17:26:12.405+10:00On MotherhoodWhoever said motherhood is easy is either lying or had others raise her kids for her. After only a few years into this 'job', I find that no amount of 'preparation' ever really gets you ready for your 'role'. By preparation, I don't just mean the insights I get from the books I read and the seminars I have attended. Although I must say that a course on motherhood would come in handy but as all mothers will agree, you sort of wing things as you go and do things by trial and error. It doesn't help that all kids, even twins who share a womb, are different, making it hard to create a curriculum.<br />
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I suppose I am talking about the kind that I saw as modelled by my own mama. And on that note, can I just<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9E24Fif_teo/UY5i53miF4I/AAAAAAAAAUQ/6pHcjSVfuG4/s1600/581135_2770336596604_1099846320_n.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9E24Fif_teo/UY5i53miF4I/AAAAAAAAAUQ/6pHcjSVfuG4/s200/581135_2770336596604_1099846320_n.jpg" width="150" /></a> pause and brag about her for a bit? I have to say she is one tough cookie, having given birth to six kids, losing her firstborn after a few days due to sickness, and then two years later giving birth to me and four others while holding a full time job as a school teacher in a local public school. Sure she had people around her helping her out but to juggle raising a family and keeping a job, let alone doing it full time, seems unthinkable to me. And then add to that raising me, being the stubborn child that I was, giving her enough challenges probably from the time I started talking. I thank God for her patience, wisdom and humility. She did the best she can. Not even her humble origins can stop her from getting educated, and making sure, along with Papa, that we all get our degrees so all five of our diplomas get prominently<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our youngest sister has yet to request for her diploma from school</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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displayed on the "wall of fame" at home. While she feels that us getting educated is her biggest legacy, I feel that it was her getting up early to pray, and teaching us about God that helped me make the right choices in life. I feel that the things she showed us and taught us about God made it so easy for me to have a relationship with Jesus.<br />
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My mother in law is another worthy example. While I have yet to meet her in person, her warmth, compassion and genuine love breaks all barriers including distance. I loved how she encouraged and prayed for me, along with the rest of the family, when I was back home waiting for my visa grant. One can't ask for a better one and I am blessed . I can't wait to see her and everyone in the family and I look forward to the seafoods feast she promised when we visit.<br />
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I think about mentors, friends and family who provided me with Godly example of motherhood and living life in general. From those who discipled me, believed in me before I even believed in myself, and trusted me. When I stop to think about how much they have helped me become a better person, challenging me to grow and mature in my relationship with Jesus so I can help others the way they have - it makes me thank God for the company of women (and men) that He has placed around me and the awesome privilege of being able to travel with them in this journey called life.<br />
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I feel that motherhood can be a really tough gig, especially if one is on their own. But if the saying that it takes a village to raise a child is true, then we are not really meant to raise our children by ourselves to begin with. Having all our biological families on the other side of the world makes things even harder.But we thank God for our church family - we don't feel alone and we don't feel like we have to figure things out by ourselves or get things together, we are allowed to be ourselves, we can ask for help and it was never taken against us. All the encouragement and prayers we get showered is just amazing. We have also made friends, who have become our families by choice <br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_eqr2jXTZUs/UY5ZVJ8TvdI/AAAAAAAAAT4/gCxB0RxaCvA/s1600/IMAG2764.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_eqr2jXTZUs/UY5ZVJ8TvdI/AAAAAAAAAT4/gCxB0RxaCvA/s200/IMAG2764.jpg" width="200" /></a>On a personal note, for mother's day this year, I thought I'd save my husband the trouble of figuring out what to get me by telling him exactly what I wanted. I even volunteered to pick it up myself to make sure there are no mix ups. At our little mister's preschool, they organized a mother's day afternoon tea with a fun activity for mum and kids. I was so pleased when I got there with the little miss to find him finish the sandwiches I <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SGIwR1Rw_Eo/UY5ZT7aNClI/AAAAAAAAATw/JkJhsN8Jl94/s1600/IMAG2763.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SGIwR1Rw_Eo/UY5ZT7aNClI/AAAAAAAAATw/JkJhsN8Jl94/s200/IMAG2763.jpg" width="200" /></a>made him for lunch for the first time since early this year. As we worked on the mother's day card, he wouldn't let me touch it, except for some help from his sister. While he took the activity seriously, he also got distracted a few times with all the toys and other kids to play with. I feel like after nearly two hours, it was the little miss who had fun the most. She was able to play all she liked without me rushing her like I always do everytime we drop her brother off.<br />
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The shifts life make as we enter into the season of motherhood! As the more seasoned mums will tell you, while changes take place as the children grow older, it never really ends. It is always tempting to focus them and make them the centre of our universe! But if we are wise, we will look up to a POWER bigger than ourselves, even bigger than our families and friends.<br />
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Happy mother's day to you - whether <span class="userContent">you are a mother celebrating for the
first time, desperately praying to be a mother, one that have lost their mothers, mothers who have lost a baby (or two) or <span class="text_exposed_show">are assuming the role of mothers in others' lives. Thank you for all the hard work you do. I hope</span></span> Psalms 121 of The Message version will bless you - <br />
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<span class="chapter-3"><span class="text Ps-121-1-Ps-121-2"><sup class="versenum mid-line">1-2 </sup>I look up to the mountains;</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-121-1-Ps-121-2">does my strength come from mountains?</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-121-1-Ps-121-2">No, my strength comes from <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">God</span>,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-121-1-Ps-121-2">who made heaven, and earth, and mountains.</span></span> </div>
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<span class="text Ps-121-3-Ps-121-4" id="en-MSG-6727"><sup class="versenum">3-4 </sup>He won’t let you stumble,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-121-3-Ps-121-4">your Guardian God won’t fall asleep.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-121-3-Ps-121-4">Not on your life! Israel’s</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-121-3-Ps-121-4">Guardian will never doze or sleep.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-121-5-Ps-121-6" id="en-MSG-6728"><sup class="versenum">5-6 </sup><span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">God</span>’s your Guardian,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-121-5-Ps-121-6">right at your side to protect you—</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-121-5-Ps-121-6">Shielding you from sunstroke,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-121-5-Ps-121-6">sheltering you from moonstroke.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-121-7-Ps-121-8" id="en-MSG-6729"><sup class="versenum">7-8 </sup><span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">God</span> guards you from every evil,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-121-7-Ps-121-8">he guards your very life.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-121-7-Ps-121-8">He guards you when you leave and when you return,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-121-7-Ps-121-8">he guards you now, he guards you always.</span></span></div>
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kAlaNdRaKAshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13794157414787891099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359578.post-62384265484254411882013-05-02T19:44:00.001+10:002015-07-17T17:20:05.156+10:00DiY Birthday Party!It all started when we all got talked into throwing her a birthday party. Perhaps she remembered when we said we will alternately have one party for them being born only eleven months apart and they have the same set of friends and this year, it was her turn. Maybe it did not help that we got invited to parties and she saw how fun it was. From the time we said YES, we were asked nearly every day if it was her birthday yet.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--HxDhnzgD78/UYGgJr_c9GI/AAAAAAAAARA/ylNO06taGmk/s1600/gunamatta+park.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--HxDhnzgD78/UYGgJr_c9GI/AAAAAAAAARA/ylNO06taGmk/s320/gunamatta+park.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gunnamatta Park <br />
<a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gunnamatta_Park.JPG" target="_blank">photo pinched from here</a></td></tr>
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She chose Gunnamatta in Cronulla after we went for a day to relax, she decided that she will have her party there.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xXQnWc5UAeQ/UYGkk2ORtLI/AAAAAAAAARQ/JLcYUQyzOxs/s1600/IMAG2477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xXQnWc5UAeQ/UYGkk2ORtLI/AAAAAAAAARQ/JLcYUQyzOxs/s320/IMAG2477.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view opposite the park </td></tr>
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We even made up a song to the tune of five cheeky monkeys and it goes like this:<br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">z wants a party</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">she gets it on her birthday</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">she loves it is gunnamatta bay</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">so she can play, swim and have a barbie</span></span><br />
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We did not end up having a barbie because we thought it was better to have everything ready by the time we got there, but that is going ahead of myself. Choosing the venue was easy because the birthday girl knew what she wanted and we can't help but agree. With a park and a beach in one place, we didn't have to do anything to entertain the kids. We did have a few other decisions to make -<br />
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1. <b>Pick the Date.</b> Autumn this year is a little bit tricky because some days feel like summer, while other days feel like winter. We had to consider people's schedules too but after what we thought was carefully thought and planned date, we still found ourselves in a bit of a bind, what with our chosen date being in conflict with another activity, or some friends going away. However, we had to make a choice. When we decided on the date, the forecast was a high of 20 degrees with expected showers. Our toddlers prayed every night from the time we decided on the date for a change of weather and every few weeks we checked the forecast. And what do you know, on the day itself, it was a high of 27 degrees, not windy and certainly no showers, just perfect for a park-beach sort of weather, thank you, Jesus!<br />
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2. <b>Invitation.</b> When the date was sorted, it was too close that we did not have time to make the invitations. We resorted to emails and facebook, and it all worked out fine. I have to say I did try to get all the materials but in the end it was rather late.<br />
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3. <b>The Birthday Cake. </b> The m & m and kitkat cake looked very attractive so I thought I'd give it a go. I have seen a few tutorials on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=863fEIEvNIc" target="_blank">youtube</a> that looked really doable. I made my tried and tested cake recipe base </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my test kitkat cake</td></tr>
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from 4 ingredients called the <a href="http://www.4ingredients.com.au/recipe/1-1-1-1-cake" target="_blank">1,1,1,1 cake</a> and found a delicious and easy to make <a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/glossy-chocolate-frosting" target="_blank">chocolate frosting recipe</a> from google to decorate. When we tasted out test cake, it was okay. However I thought it might be too much sugar so I decided to use marshmallows to keep up with the pink motif. Also, I decided to stretch </div>
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>myself and make it a two-tier cake - it impressed my darling husband so much he wanted to marry me again if he could. My timeline -</span></div>
<li>6 days before the party - made a triple mix to make the two tier cake. let it rest.</li>
<li>5 days before the party - wrapped the cake with cling wrap and freeze</li>
<li>2 days before the party - decorated frozen cake with a double chocolate frosting mix and marshmallows. let it sit at room temperature til the party</li>
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4. <b>Party Menu. </b>We decided on a very simple menu, but it might look massive only because our friends had different dietary requirements. Maybe I got carried away too but I was very sure that it could be done without drama. In the end I had to drop the vegetarian spring rolls that I had already began cutting and only because I thought it might be too much work having to soften the wrapper with hot water, etc. I also made big plans to make drinks for the kids but in the end had to let it slide. </div>
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Friends brought some yummy fried spring rolls as well as chips and drinks. This nut platter, inspired by a friend who posted a picture on instagram, is a mixture of ding dong from the Philippines made of cracker </div>
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nuts, beans, peanuts, corn and green peas mixed with tropical nuts and m & m was an instant hit with the kids.</div>
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5. <b>Party Favour. </b>Being<b> </b>the anti-lollies that I am, (and only because I know that my toddlers will not stop eating til they turn blue) I thought I'd make some cookies. I have seen a friend do it and it looked really beautiful. However I have to admit that my icing skills is very limited that as early as Easter week, I tried and failed at it miserably. I thought maybe cutting the cookies into beautiful moulds would make it look better but that did not work too. In the end, and at the encouragement of a friend, I opted for the tried and tested <a href="http://www.bestrecipes.com.au/recipe/crisp-coconut-biscuits-L7165.html" target="_blank">crisp coconut cookies</a> in a nice looking cd envelope inspired by <a href="http://www.hgtv.com/entertaining/10-easy-to-create-party-favor-ideas/pictures/index.html" target="_blank">this post</a>. I made two double mix of the cookies </div>
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three days before the party and wrapped everything on the cd envelope with the thank you label at two days before.</div>
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6. <b>Party Supplies. </b>I cut out some templates for the party hats from <a href="http://www.firstpalette.com/tool_box/printables/printable-crownhat.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://www.firstpalette.com/Craft_themes/Wearables/Birthday_Hat/Birthday_Hat.html" target="_blank">here</a> for the kids to decorate. I had stickers, foam letters and shapes as well as ribbons for them to use, but alas, it was not very popular as </div>
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the park and the water was beckoning them. For buntings, I had some fibre cleaning materials that looks like felt from a few months back. I picked pink, cut it into bunting flags and pasted it into a string. With pink balloons on the sides, it makes up all the birthday decorations we had. Our birthday girl choose the pink and purple plates for the little ones with bigger white plates for the adults. The same color goes for the plastic cups and cutlery. We also picked the pink and white plastic table cloth.</div>
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On the party day itself, we spent the morning cooking, packing and taking everything to the venue. We are blessed to have friends who helped us with a back up table in case we couldn't get one by the time we got there. They also came to pick up some of the things that wouldn't fit in the car. I have to admit we were running late, arriving there at 12:30 PM but thank God for one of our friends who arrived early, because of them we had one big table perfect for the occasion.</div>
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At the end of the day, we had one happy three year old. I overheard one mum say it was a highlight to the kids' school holidays. We thanked God for everyone who celebrated our little girl's birthday with us.</div>
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We left the place at 6 PM. Needless to say, she slept in the car and slept thru til 6AM the next day. She also had to wait the next morning to open the rest of her presents.</div>
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PS. for a very detailed checklist, I found <a href="http://office.microsoft.com/en-au/help/plan-a-birthday-party-with-no-crabbiness-HA001196837.aspx" target="_blank">this</a> and <a href="http://kidsparties.about.com/od/partyplanningessentials/tp/PartyTimeline.htm" target="_blank">this </a>really helpful.</div>
</span>kAlaNdRaKAshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13794157414787891099noreply@blogger.com3Sydney NSW, Australia-33.8674869 151.20699020000006-34.712017900000006 149.91609670000005 -33.0229559 152.49788370000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359578.post-40234819968205608642013-04-26T21:44:00.002+10:002013-04-26T21:49:56.246+10:00My First Clothes Swap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When I first received the 'save the date' for a clothes swap, I honestly
did not know what to expect. Because it was fundraiser for youth
projects at church, I initially thought maybe I will just pay the
registration to support the project since I couldn't think of anything
of value that I could swap with.</div>
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One
time in a meeting I discovered that I was not the only one feeling the
way I did. Good thing the organizer who has done the event successfully
before, was there to reassure us and help us understand and answer all our questions.<br />
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The
fundraising part was collecting $20 from each person which then allows
them to pick 10 items that they like. All funds collected go to the
youth project. The fun part was a relaxed time with friends, having afternoon tea together and sharing a good laugh. And then there's the
swapping. The
idea is to bring stuff that's new or mint condition ranging from
clothes, books, jewelry, shoes, bags or whatever that's been sitting somewhere, occupying space at home but not really getting used as much.
At the venue, someone will then sort the items for everyone to look at
and choose from. But even for those like me who didn't think they<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">little miss sorting the blings for me </td></tr>
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had anything to bring, it still works out because there are others who are
decluttering and bring lots.</div>
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So I invited some friends who I thought might be interested, and
thankfully three said YES. And boy, were we all in for a surprise! I
arrived early because I helped set up and already there were so many
items from friends who couldn't make it but wanted to support anyway.
When my friends arrived, it was buzzing and<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zI4-lZe6TRY/UXpm2o7D13I/AAAAAAAAAQI/eHdRVPPq_fA/s1600/13521_10151559124799329_440032680_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zI4-lZe6TRY/UXpm2o7D13I/AAAAAAAAAQI/eHdRVPPq_fA/s320/13521_10151559124799329_440032680_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZjE4EJb4fA/UXpm8aPGXfI/AAAAAAAAAQg/pPrrJBSjsqs/s1600/562304_596616057015646_2120395971_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZjE4EJb4fA/UXpm8aPGXfI/AAAAAAAAAQg/pPrrJBSjsqs/s320/562304_596616057015646_2120395971_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Photo credits to Tess and Linie</div>
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with a room full of 25
women, excluding children, you can't expect any less.</div>
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We shared a scrumptious afternoon tea, met new people and enjoyed the view. Indeed it was an afternoon </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">come and eat with us :-))<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">can you see the view?</td></tr>
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well spent. In the words of one of my gorgeous friends, she went there
wanting to support the youth projects for the community and not
expecting to get anything but she left feeling good, with a bag of loot
to boot. From the looks of it, it will not be our last clothes swap too.
On our drive home, we were already talking about the next one, and from what I have seen that afternoon, I will have heaps of clothes to bring then.</div>
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kAlaNdRaKAshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13794157414787891099noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359578.post-54083671527657685122013-04-16T11:25:00.000+10:002013-04-16T13:39:07.269+10:00she is officially ThRee!!..and she had been asking me if it was her birthday or birthday party yet (which she used interchangeably by the way haha) two or three months ago. i must admit she must have gotten the vibe from me - we wished she was three early on so she could have gone to various kids program at events that only accepted kids from three onwards. It did not help that her big brother, just by 11 months, gets to go to those programs while she has to stay with mama and get shushed at the slightest sound she makes.<br />
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Today things are different. She is officially three and gets to share the same age with her brother for a solid four weeks, to his displeasure, but much to her delight. Naturally, my thoughts drift back to three months after the<a href="http://www.trulykalandrakas.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/i-wore-green-for-my-premmie.html" target="_blank"> taxing birth</a> of our first born and finding out that we were pregnant again. To say that we were shocked would be an understatement. She must have known how we felt because she was in her best behavior from the womb. It was a very easy pregnancy, except for my history of pre eclampsia that I had to be checked more often I had a blood test almost every week on my third term and an ultrasound just as often. A few days after my 36th week, the doctors declared I was having pre eclampsia again so I was scheduled for an emergency ceasarean and at 3:30 pm on the 16th of April in 2010 a healthy baby girl<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-avqpD2N-JSI/UWyW4ItSTgI/AAAAAAAAANY/ZDqckQ-yUmE/s1600/Zoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-avqpD2N-JSI/UWyW4ItSTgI/AAAAAAAAANY/ZDqckQ-yUmE/s1600/Zoe.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Isaac Wong </td></tr>
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weighing 2.25 kilos was born into our young family and we thanked God for the opportunity and privilege to raise another beautiful child. <br />
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Although we had "almost" twins, I must say that having an easy baby like our little girl was such a blessing. She must have known because when she first came home she spent her times sleeping, unless she was hungry or needed a nappy change. She was not fussy with her food and at two and a half she decided she was over with nappies and it is time to tell mum she needed to go toilet, which she conveniently labeled "poop" for both wees and poos.<br />
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I am not saying she is perfect, like all mothers generally know, she has her stubborn streaks and we certainly endeavour to train her up in the way she should go so when she is old she will not depart from it (Prov 22:6).<br />
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But we love her dearly and we feel very blessed to be entrusted with her life and wouldn't change the timing of her birth any other way.kAlaNdRaKAshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13794157414787891099noreply@blogger.com0