Budgeting with Justin

Last week, Justin came and told us the best ways to make a budget and stick to it. You can download his presentation, and a sample budget here.

Presentation (206kb)
Sample Budget (37kb)

Thanks Justin - we learnt alot!

Preparing your Pre-schooler for School

Laura came and taught us the types of things to teach our kids for school, and even advised us on the things we shouldn't teach them - there are things the teachers like to teach them. So here are the documents and resources we were given.

Download them and have fun!

Laura's Notes (22kb)
Resources (8kb) You print each sheet twice - one acts as the board, and the other is cut up into squares to match to the board.

Thanks Laura!

I'm an Auntie!

For those of you know have met my sis-in-law Kat, she had her baby girl! Born at 5.55am on 11/6/08 at Middlmore - 9lb 6oz, very large baby for a small Mummy! Will update with a pic later. For updates & pics - see my personal pages. 19 June - They've named her Erika Amy. Yay! Now she don't sound like a nefarious Rapper... (Baby G) or a watch. :o)

Josh Pointon Arrives!

The wee Pointon baby has been named, Joshua David Pointon going by "Josh". He has certainly made his mark on our hearts. I was priveledged enough to witness the birth and "Wow" what a miracle. Jo delivered naturally at Papakura at 5.40am on Sunday morning. Weight 7lb 8oz, Length 49cm, Head 34cms. Jo was a star - I was/am very very proud of her! Jo and the baby are now safely back at home and enjoying settling in together.

Congratulations Mike & Jo!

Abigail Smith arrives

Yay! Abigail Katy Smith arrived at 8am Sunday morning via natural birth at Papakura Maternity Unit. Abigail is a goregous wee girlie who is feeding well and looking great! Weight was 8lb 4oz. Jana & Abby are now back at home and settling in.

Congratulations Will & Jana!

Things to do...

So how do you entertain that wee toddler?
How about a playdough session? This is really good for your little one to learn about textures, and develop some co-ordination with their hands!

Paints are really great for the same reason. Kids love playing with wet & messy things (to keep their clothes clean, you can get a "Silly-billys" bib with arms from most baby stores). Samuel also thought eating paint would be great! Thankfully they make it non-toxic!

Sam enjoys drawing with crayons also. You can tape the paper to their highchair tray or the table, and let em go for it!
Playdough – uncooked
2 cups flour
1 cup salt
1 cup water
2 tbsp oil
1 tsp food colouring
Put flour and salt in bowl. Mix water, oil and colouring and combine with dry ingredients. Knead well, extra flour may be required.

Playdough - cooked
1 cup salt
2 cups flour
4 tsp cream of tartar
2 cup water
2 tbsp cooking oil
food colouring

Mix dry ingredients together. Add water, oil and colouring. Blend until smooth. Stir over heat until mixture becomes comes away from the sides and forms a ball. Tip onto board and knead well.