Hopeful Parents ~ August 2013

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Reasons to be cheerful 18.7.13

There are a number of things bothering me at the moment. Our neighbors are doing extensive alterations and every day, from sun up to sun down we are being bombarded with noise.  I am also feeling a complete lack of motivation to be proactive around the house. My weight is increasing with age (and chocolate) and I really need to do something about it. I am feeling guilty that I don't do enough with my kids, especially Nick... he really needs a lot of input in order to progress. Yes, I have also been feeling a bit miserable for my Nick, as he is missing out on all the wonderful things that life has to offer. 
In order to shake off my negative mood I thought it best to focus on the positive aspects of what is going on around me. There is nothing like linking up with Mummy from the Heart to change my mindset.
Although my son Nick is autistic, he is in fact a really happy teen. I am very grateful that he is a gentle young man, who with time has overcome his need for extremely rigid patterns and schedules. Due to his increased confidence and exposure to real life (as in, going out into the community), life has become a lot easier for him. This in turn has also opened up my world. 
I am thankful that a year ago I made the rash decision to buy a puppy; and subsequently adopt his brother. Our crazy dogs give us a lot of joy. Although, let's be real here ~ they can also be right pains! Dogs need regular exercise so they are forcing me to get off my fat backside and down to the local park. Hooray, I am also getting to burn off some calories. Sort of!
I am always grateful for Nick's school. We have a really great gang of girls working there and it goes without saying that our kids are just the bees' knees. My boy is so happy there ~ which makes me happy! 
Last but not least. It's a beautiful hot winter's day. The jackhammers will stop at 4pm. We are spending the afternoon at home just chilling. I have a couple of plans up my sleeve for Nick. Oh, I have also managed to *persuade* my first born to cook supper. Win win!

Am feeling better all ready! :-)

I won a blog makeover!

Now, in order for you to get the full story, I need to give you a little bit of background information......

First up is a photo of two lovely bloggy friends who I had the good fortune to meet up with in April this year. In case you didn't know, there was a large autism conference that was being held in Dublin, Ireland. I convinced the Hub's that it was extremely important for me to attend the two day affair, cough, splutter! Anyhow, nice man that he is, saw right through me but had the good grace to say that he would look after the kids ~ if I organised every minute of each day that I was away!

Candi, Di and Val

Ignore the teapots!

 Moving right along...

A while back (I think around a year ago), Candi sent me the link for a blog that she thought I would find interesting. AND, it wasn't an autism blog! I had never thought of looking at any other blogs besides those that focused on autism ~ very short sighted of me. Thank you, Candi, for thinking of me. xx

Ta Da........... introducing you to VegemiteVix. I love traveling and Kiwis, therefore this blog is right up my street.

Don't ask me how I managed to transfer the following information onto this page... it was a sheer fluke and I can't remember how to do it. :)

One day, not so long ago, Vix posted a link for a competition that was being run by another wonderful Kiwi. You can read about Simone right HERE and also learn more about her blog by clicking on the button below. (Yes, I am seriously chuffed that I managed to add the code in order for her blog button to be on this page!). Thank you, Vix, for sharing the information for the competition. xx

Simone was celebrating the fact that she had written 1000 posts and had decided to give away some of her time and expertise. I entered her competition and then, much to my surprise and delight, I won the makeover. I can't tell you enough how thrilled I am with my new look. It's crisp and clean. Simple yet modern. I really like that Simone kept the sea theme, although recreated it to make it more up-to-date and edgy.  Thank you, Simone for choosing my blog for a Midi-Makeover. You made my day, week and month!  ~*~  

Hopeful Parents ~ Excitement and Adventure!

It's that time again! 

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