I think my kids are doing well on their respective musical inclinations. Currently, they are learning a couple of instruments each. But it seems that this isn’t enough! My eldest started to pick up her dad’s guitar and takes time to learn on her own. It wouldn’t be a surprise if she continues with this and perhaps start to tinker with guitar machine heads at guitar center and other gadgets and gizmos for guitars. At the same time, I’m sure their dad wouldn’t mind the collateral (a.k.a. expenses) as long as there is live music in the house.

Our youngest kid CN introduced us to an interesting video posted somewhere in the web. It is about the beginnings of the popular toy ‘Lego’. It is interesting how this has evolved and has in fact withstood time! Despite the influx of more ‘hi-tech’ toys, it seems that this one will stay for a while more. I guess the interactive and creative nature of this ‘manual’ toy sets it apart from the others. There are more of these similar construction-type toys, some offering realising parts resembling real-life tools and parts like wrenches, pulleys or malleable iron bar knobs. I like that these give a hands-on activity for kids. In my opinion, it is much better than having to flip things and materials on a tablet and construct virtual creations.

The kids have been quite into their respective musical instruments. It is good that generally, they take initiative to do their rehearsals and on. What’s interesting is they’re after more! Good to know that there are now several options for places to get quality instruments like a fender electric bass at Musicians Friend. Perhaps soon, the challenge will be more on where to store these wonderful instruments at our home.

This is my first post for the new year. So, first of all, happy new year to all. Now the kids are on the last week of school holidays. Having them at home is definitely something to cherish. And I’m sure it is something they enjoy, too. But kids are kids and they sometimes quickly get bored. They’re just after new things to do, or eat. A snackwarehouse for flat pretzels mixed with other good foods are a must for kids on school holidays. Just a few days to go, and they’ll surely think of which food to bring to school!

I have once tried going to a group exercise class and thought it was a good idea. Armed with different exercise gadgets such as weights, towels, hydration packs (or simply water bottles), exercise mats, and yoga mat carrier, people of different size (and shape) come together for one goal: fitness. The only downside I suppose is that after some time, it tends to be too repetitive. So if you find a class or instructor offering great variance, then go for it.

Planning for a holiday has its joys and pains. Thinking of the ocean road on a way to a beach holiday is definitely something to look forward to. But once you think about all the things you need to pack will bring the other side of things. Especially for mothers in most cases. It’s almost a sure migraine houston command centre cannot easily solve. The best part of it is, once you get to the destination with your family, then all is well!

My husband and I would occasionally have moments when we would look at each other after one (or both) of our children says or does something which is a striking resemblance of one (or both) of us parents. Sometimes it gets quite surprising how some of the small things seemingly get ‘inherited’ almost purely in several instances. Seeing the similarities is almost as good as maternity or paternity testing kit. But are these character traits a product of nature or nurture. Either way, we know that they got it from either of us!

I do not know how many of us have had the pleasure of having our own mother snip our locks sometime in our childhood. I have certainly given that experience to both my kids. I am thankful that it does I have not (I think) caused them grief because of my less-than-professional skills. So are you ready to load up your tools and get some haircutting cloth and maybe some hair shears from MySalonTools.com? Well, you won’t really know if you’ve got some great snippy hands until you try.

Each kid is born with creativity. It just needs to be nurtured in the early years. Of course there could be those who are particularly gifted. But in one way or another, each one has potentials. Whether it be a skill in sketching, cutting papers, colouring or painting, know how to dye leather, sewing, or even food preparation, there’s always some room for creativity. It can be for almost anything under the sun. So remember this when you see kids do craft which seems destined for the bin. It could be the making of a sculpture which may end up in the galleries!

Fruit picking is one activity my family loves and enjoy doing. Apple picking was our first at Bilpin, NSW then we went Strawberry picking at Port Macquarie, NSW and in Benguet, Philippines. This school holiday our family and some friends headed to Laughtondale, NSW to experience Mandarin and Mushroom picking.

So what sort of gadgets did you have when you were a kid? Honestly, I don’t even know how to answer that. In contrast, it’s funny when my youngest would ask “where’s my computer?” But I guess a lot of kids may be asking the same question now. Computers, laptops, mobile phones, tablets, mp3 players. The list just goes on. The availability of buying some used notebook or the mere fact that IT component prices keep on dropping makes opportunities for kids to have these gadgets early on. So is it ok for kids to have these at an early age? Well, that’s going to be a long discussion.

It’s the season for dropping temperatures and rising electricity bills. Yes, winter is well upon Australia. Even though we do not really have snow, the wet and cold days are not exactly a favourite. Backyard activities will slow down or even come to a complete halt at some point. Perhaps a backyard fire pit can help without creating a shock when we see the quarter’s electricity bill. I’m sure the kiddos will agree this is a good idea.

Saw some friends posting news about their new born. And it’s definitely a great event to celebrate. Social Networking wasn’t quite an in thing back when we celebrated our kids. But yes we did do the ‘posting’ available to us so to speak. Perhaps the way births are celebrated are also changing. Of course most of us have heard about dads rushing for find, say cohiba cigars for sale, when their boy comes out (though a quick look at my favourite search engine says it is given for both boys or girls!). But seriously, I have yet to receive one. I guess what’s really important is that we continue to celebrate newborns as they come. They are definitely blessings.

It could just be an expression. “I know!” Kids, including mine, just have to say it every so often. One can be offended, including parents. But could it really be that… “they know”? Well, they have heaps of information available to them. This is much more than what was available to the previous generations. Or at least, it is much easier to access. Search engines, online libraries, ITIL, technical manuals, forums, videos, e-learning, and so on. There’s just too many. So next time you tell something to your kid and they say “I know”, give them the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps it is true in some cases. Now don’t raise that eyebrow. iKnow.

We are well into Autumn. While we can still get lucky at times to have a fine weather, these are on its last weeks or days before we head to the colder months ahead. So that spells a temporary goodbye to lazy late afternoon barbecues beside hammock stands. Anyway, as daylight becomes shorter and shorter, it really becomes more challenging to have backyard activities in the early evening.