Most people will say “I wait till the very last minute to bid”, or even, like my husband, will wait until 20 seconds, then put in a maximum bid and hope for the best.

Me, well I like to get in early. My theory is that if I find an item that I want and/or need, it is at a price that I am willing to pay and there are no other bids, then I will be the first bidder. Even if there is still 7 days to go I will bid. The reason behind this is you will not get it any cheaper than the starting price and if you forget to be online when it ends at some horrible hour (like 3am), or you have a life and are away from your computer, and there are no other bids you are assured of getting it.

On the other hand, if it is overpriced, never be afraid to email and make an offer. If you think it is overpriced, chances are others will also and if it does not sell, the seller has your details to contact you to take your offer. That has happened to me with a dining table that I loved but it was starting at $400. I emailed and offered $300 while the auction was still active and after it ended they contacted me and accepted my offer.

1. Location, Location, Location.

Decide on a location that works for the child. We chose a new near by park that has a pirate ship and dared our guests to come dressed up.

2. What do kids love to do? Eat and Play!

I organised our food to be served over three courses. But first came the play. When the children arrived, they all caught up with each other and went off for a PLAY. I called them in about 20-25 minutes after arrival and offered them the first course, BBQ snags, fish fingers and few other savory snacks. Then it was out to PLAY again. As we were at a fun filled park, I did not have to organise them at all. They, at this age, are able to organise themselves to a helpful degree. While the adults chatted, I threw out the disposable plates, etc, and put the next course on the table. Honey Joys, Chocolate Truffles, Jelly Cups, Fruit sticks, etc. And again all on disposable plates. Then back out to PLAY before being called back about 30 minutes later for Birthday Cake. This is a very quick course. I did organise one activity and that was a Treasure Hunt. My husband drew a map on a large piece of butchers paper and drew some land marks that the kids would recognise. The Treasure was their Lolly Bags and when we found them, it marked the end of the party.

So there you go. Location and Eat ‘n’ Play. It was that simple.

Fortunately, the weather has been nice and the children can be encouraged to play outside while inspection preparation is underway.   Good in theory, but outside play at our house, often includes making mud pies and a mess.  Four muddy kids, fifteen minutes before an inspection requires swift action but can be done.

I quite like the new tidy house we have, but am looking forward to letting the kids be kids at home and allowing them to regularly paint, get crafty  and spread their Lego out to build the biggest tower possible .

Next will be packing and moving. Another interesting experience…

Day one we got in our raincoats, gumboots and went snail snooping and jumping puddles. Yesterday was perfect, so we spent most of the day at the beach swimming. Today,  it’s raining again,  so it was  playgroup then a bike/scooter obstacle course under our long carport.

Add a few visiting friends and the children are super happy- and mum is too!

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Thanks!

I have young ones, 6 and under, and they do not yet understand the concept of ‘relax’! Before their last day today, they were organising movies, camping, sleep overs at nanny and pa’s, etc. Slowing them down is a task in itself with four energetic boys. We are all very happy to have the family back together as a whole for a short time and will enjoy this time that we have to re-bond.

No lunch boxes to fill, no school uniforms to wash. No race to beat the bell with a huge anticlimax, a busy pre 9am followed by them being swallowed by the school, not to be seen for the next 6 1/2 hours.

For those of you who enjoy the holidays, I hope they last as long as your family needs them to.

Just six months ago,  I brought home a newborn baby.  Time has flown by and suddenly she is now so much bigger. Even my five year daughter looks at her in amazement ” She’s got big really quickly, hasn’t she mum?” .

At this age, they begin to really blossom into little personalities. Impressing her siblings with her fabulous rolling skills, she’s had them scrambling for a  cushion to protect her from the tv unit.  Helping with reading at school has become a bit of a challenge-  last time she was the nosiest child in the room with all her ‘talking’. Cute but distracting! Then of course we have also started solids, fun but quite messy especially when they insist on helping with spoon  and wanting to find out what everything feels like.

This week  I move her out  the cradle and baby capsule with mixed emotions.  Sad that my baby has grown up so quickly, but also excited as I watch
her grow!

His mum asked him if he had shown me his “fat lip” as it must have really hurt him. He said “Yes”, then promptly pulled down his pants, grabbed his doodle and began to show me his “fat lip”.

Some things parents (dad’s in particular) say just catch on and come out at the best of times!

Our family love the outdoors, days at the beach, the barbeques and the longer days.  Can’t wait!

Having fun at the beach.