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You are here: Home / Archives for CHILDREN

Being Thankful

November 14, 2014 · by munchiesandmunchkins · Leave a Comment

It’s Thanksgiving in America next week.. But tonight I watched Children In Need and realised I’m thankful now.

Thankful that I have my children here to hold. Thankful for their good health. Thankful that we live in a country that has such an amazing and FREE health service so that if anything did ever go wrong we would have treatment options and support.

This photo was taken this evening of our girls who are fast becoming best buddies. They light up every day of our lives and I’ve no idea what I would do if anything were to happen to either of them.

So this is me being thankful on this Children In Need Night.

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For lots of way to donate to Children In Need 2014 please click here I have.

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Filed Under: Uncategorized · Tagged: CHILDREN, children in need, good health, NHS

Pets At Home?

September 19, 2014 · by munchiesandmunchkins · Leave a Comment

A lot of my family members have pets such as dogs and cats. When I was growing up we had a number of them over the years.. Hamsters, fish, birds etc etc. I think it’s an important part of childhood to have something that you are (kinda) responsible for and that you can take care of.

There are lots of benefits to having pets whilst growing up, you can read about some of them on the What To Expect website.

Izzy and Chloe are still too young in my opinion but when they are older I definitely think we will look into having some sort of pet. Hamsters are great but I’m not a huge fan of the smell and the constant scratching around the cage or the squeaky hamster wheel would definitely get on my nerves. After watching my parents struggle with their new dog and spending two weeks looking after my sisters cat – who knew cats pooped so much? I’m thinking that some fish will be our easiest option! At least until they are old enough to take a dog for a walk or empty a litter tray!

I’ve been looking at some pretty amazing fish tanks and aquariums over on the All Pond Solutions website and I’m loving the look of this cabinet tank which looks stylish as well:

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I already know how much Izzy loves to gaze at the fishies from the hours she spends playing in her grandparents garden and nosing at their pond plus I think there is just something so calming about watching fish swim about. I can always do with a little bit of calm in my life.

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What kind of pets do you have? Did you have them before having children? Do you think children benefit from having pets?

*Collaborated Post.

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Filed Under: random · Tagged: CHILDREN, pets

An Amazing Summer With Amazon Prime Instant Video

July 15, 2014 · by munchiesandmunchkins · 1 Comment

Last week we were invited to a super summer event in London hosted by Amazon Prime Instant Video. It was held at a really cool cafe called Drink, Shop, Do and as well as a pretty fantastic spread of food there were activities for all of the children and premieres of new children shows throughout the day.

The day was of particular interest to me as I have an Amazon Prime account already. You pay £79 per year and you have unlimited free one day deliveries as well as being able to loan 500,000 books on your kindle and now there is also Amazon Prime Instant Video included too which is a bit of a bargain really :

Did you know Amazon is the UK’s largest online video streaming service with more than 15,000 popular movies and TV episodes – including lots of family favourite TV shows such as Peppa Pig, Classic Digimon Seasons, 64 Zoo Lane and films such as Tangled and Toy Story?


Annedroids (for children ages 4 to 7 years)

Premiering on July 25, Annedroids is about a young scientist. Created by Emmy-nominated JJ Johnson (Dino Dan) and Sinking Ship Entertainment, and aimed at children aged four through seven, Annedroids is a live-action adventure series about a young female genius, her human friends, android assistants and the amazing scientific discoveries they make while undertaking the biggest experiment of them all: growing up. Addison Holley (Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood) stars as “Anne,” Adrianna Di Liello (Stage Fright) plays her friend “Shania,” and Jadiel Dowlin plays “Nick.”

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Tumble Leaf (for preschool-aged children):

Tumble Leaf comes from Emmy Award-winning director Drew Hodges and award-winning studio Bix Pix Entertainment. The preschool aged show follows Fig the Fox and his best friend Stick as they discover adventure, friendship and love around every bend. Themes found in the show promote exploration and scientific thinking through play. The talent behind the characters includes Christopher Downs as “Fig” and “Stick,” Zak McDowell as “Hedge,” Addie Zintel as “Pine,” Brooke Wolloff as “Maple” and Alex Trugman as “Ginkgo.”

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Also available to stream now on Amazon Prime Instant Video is Creative Galaxy, from acclaimed creator Angela Santomero and Out of the Blue (Super Why!, Blue’s Clues, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood). Featuring Samantha Bee (The Daily Show), Christian Distefano, Jason Jones (The Daily Show), Cloris Leachman (Malcolm in the Middle) and Jason Priestley (Beverly Hills 90210). In this make-along, create-along, interactive art adventure series for preschoolers, characters Arty and Epiphany travel around the galaxy to solve problems with art, inspiring creative thinking through crafts, music and dance. To give kids and parents the real-life tools they need to re-create Arty’s experience, a live-action piece at the end of each animated episode will take viewers through the craft project that Arty showcased in the galaxy
.

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Myself and Chloe sat in on the Annedroids premiere and it was fun. A bit quirky and different to most kids tv in my opinion. Slightly scary for Izzy I’m parts purely as she wouldn’t understand the android elementso we won’t watch it just yet but then she isn’t yet 3 and the recommended age is 4+ so that would be why.

We had a play in the ballpit and chatted to some of the other bloggers. It was really nice to meet some bloggers which I hadn’t come across before and also to catch up with bloggers I had met previously also.

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We listened to a talk about the Amazon Prime Instant Video service and learnt about the option to download films/TV shows and watch whilst offline and I have already done this and love it! I think it will be really handy for when we are travelling to festivals this summer as I can put kids tv shows onto the Kindle for Izzy to watch.

Oh did I mention we were given a super sleek Kindle Fire HDX at the end? It was a lovely surprise and I’ve really enjoyed having a play about with it. I love the Kindle FreeTime feature which allows you to set times and limits for what your children can watch. You can also set educational goals for children, younger children have apps for counting, learning letters and shapes while older children can read.

I’ve never owned a Kindle before as I’m a ‘real’ book fan but I’m a bit in love with it already.

For more information on Amazon Prime Instant Video please click here. Not sure if it’s for you? Why not try a 30day free trial?

Thanks Amazon for a lovely day out!

*We were invited to this event and given a Kindle goody bag as a thank you for attending. All opinions are my own.

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Filed Under: Family, Parenting/baby · Tagged: amazon prime instant video, CHILDREN, film, kindle fire hdx, travelling, tv limits.

How important are Grandparents?

October 18, 2013 · by munchiesandmunchkins · 2 Comments

I almost didn’t want to write this post as I am aware that it could sound a little smug but I’m lucky. Incredibly lucky. Izzy is lucky. My other half is lucky. I’m also aware that this could change at anytime.

Yesterday myself, Izzy and my other half went out for lunch with his grandparents ( Izzys great grandparents) we do this at least once a month. They are fabulous with Izzy, still full of energy and I envy the relationship she has with them. Izzy also has another set of great grandparents who she sees regularly and loves to bits. Both sets are on her Dads side of the family.

Sharing Great Nannies lipstick:

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You see both sets of my grandparents have passed away but to be honest even before they died we didn’t have much of a relationship. My grandfathers died before I could really understand and my grandmothers just weren’t very maternal – in fact I am amazed that my parents turned out the way they did because and this is the lucky part – I have the most wonderful parents. I know a lot of people think this but I really really do. I know that I could depend on them for absolutely anything. This means Izzy has fantastic grandparents. She adores both my mum and dad and my other halfs parents who are also fabulous. Her face lights up whenever she sees any of them and if a day has gone by without her mentioning them since she started talking well I don’t remember it.

She has 1 Nanna, 1 grandma, 2 grandpas, 1 great nannie, 1 great grampy, 1 little gran (great gran) and 1 (great) grandad and you know what she never EVER gets them confused.

Having my own child has made me value my parents so much. The grandparent role is such an important one in my eyes and I don’t know how I would cope without them but equally I don’t know how they managed to bring up me and my siblings without any of the same support and in such a way that we didn’t realise we missed out on that relationship. In fact it’s only really now seeing Izzy with them and her great grandparents that I appreciate how incredibly special can be.

I hope this doesn’t sound as though I am bragging but I just wanted to acknowledge that I know we are blessed. Maybe I didn’t have it but my daughter has and hopefully the new baby too – if only for now as who knows what life has planned for us and my advice is soak up every minute. Encourage that bond. Visit them more if you can. Take lots of photos.

Appreciate it.

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Filed Under: Family, Parenting/baby · Tagged: CHILDREN, family, grandparents, great grand parents, parents

Dear Daddy

June 16, 2013 · by munchiesandmunchkins · Leave a Comment

It’s Father’s Day so we thought we would show you some photos of the last 2 years.

Can you believe I am nearly 2? Remember when I was just in Mammys tummy?

We were close even then…

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And when I was this tiny just after I was born..I think I spy a tear in your eye

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You took me to your favourite holiday destination.. Carcans Plage

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And camping at music festivals…people say we look alike but I don’t get it 🙂

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I was a pretty cool baby yeh?

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We have so much fun together ..

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Although you do keep kissing me!

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You make the biggest bubbles..

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AND you are teaching me to skate..

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Surfing next?

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You take me on the big slides..

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And carry me when I’m tired..

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BUT my absolute favourite thing about you is how you let me share your breakfast 😀

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Mammy thinks you are pretty awesome and I have to agree.. You really are the very best Daddy.

P.S Apparently when the new baby comes I have to share you.. That’s ok but I will always be Daddy’s girl.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

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Filed Under: Parenting/baby · Tagged: CHILDREN, dad, daddy, daughter, Fathers day, love

The Sun has got his hat on.. Get in the garden :-)

May 1, 2013 · by munchiesandmunchkins · Leave a Comment

I don’t remember the last time we spent time in the garden in t shirts. Today may have been the first day since last Summer when I was quite happy letting Izzy run around with no coat, hat or cardigan. She loved it. I’m trying to get her interested in the garden.. At the moment she loves pulling up grass, trying to eat stones and chasing bubbles. In the last week or so we have been planting herbs, lettuce and trying to clear clutter.

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Our aim before summer begins is to sort out our patio and make the garden a child friendly place to be.

We also planted sunflowers this week.. They are my favourite flowers and I’m eager to see how tall they grow 🙂

I found some fab sunflower tips amongst others for planting seeds with children here

My happiest memories growing up involved being outdoors and playing in the garden whether it be building dens, planting potatoes with my Dad and playing in the paddling pool. I want my children to have that – good, clean (possibly muddy) natural fun. It’s not all about the iPads, Cbeebies and interactive toys. It’s so important to get your children interested in the great outdoors while they are still young enough to have some influence.

I used to love eating fresh peas straight after picking them with my mum sitting on the back steps and visiting our friends garden and running around stealing raspberries – the freshest juiciest raspberries I can ever remember tasting. I think a lot of my happiness came from spending time having fun with my parents around me – not stopping my fun but knowing they were there.

What are your musts for a garden for young children? What plants would be fun for them to watch grow?

She’s a good little worker!

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Hey Mam, I think I deserve a snack after all that work…

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*this post contains paid content

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Filed Under: Parenting/baby · Tagged: CHILDREN, Gardening, Sunshine, vitamin D

Not All African Children Are Sad

June 11, 2012 · by munchiesandmunchkins · 7 Comments

Lately it seems that every time we turn on the tv there is another advert for a charity such as water aid and startling images of desperately starving and sad faces of African children, these adverts are intended to pull on the heart strings and they do. I do to a certain extent agree with the showing of these adverts and I know it probably creates such a lot of much needed funds but unfortunately it can also make you feel that every child in Africa has permanent tear tracks on their face.

Two years ago I was lucky enough to spend some time working with the WYCE ( wonder years centre of excellence) charity in The Gambia and it was the most fantastic experience I have ever had. It wasn’t a holiday but it was still one of the best holidays I’ve ever had if that makes any sense!

I found out about WYCE through reading an article in a workplace magazine written by a man from Swansea who had recently been to work with them and within a few weeks of reading it had booked the flights and reserved a room at the working lodge. Flights to The Gambia aren’t cheap and by the time you added in the necessary jabs,malaria tablets and food and lodge it was probably about the same price as a luxury all inclusive holiday but it was going to be a far cry from luxury.. Cold showers and no electricity were a slight worry for me! But still if I could go back and swap this trip for a 5 star hotel in Barbados I wouldn’t. I’m not going to tell you that it changed my life but it definitely changed the way I think about certain issues.

From the moment we arrived at the rickety little airport in The Gambia we felt welcomed, another volunteer and Malang our guide (and protector) for the duration of our stay greeted us literally with open arms and ice cold water. It took us around an our hour to get to the village of Madina Salaam and as we pulled into the lodge several of the local children lingered nearby shouting toubab (white man) and smiling at us.

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We were shown to our room which to my relief were basic but quaint with everything we would really need and the basic rules of the lodge were explained to us.

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The next step was for us to be taken to the centre of the village and introduced to the elders who had to accept us for us to be able to work there. Luckily for us they did, although this was an extremely surreal experience. We met what I suppose would have been the mayor of the village in a tiny one room hut ( which we would later discover was the height of luxury compared to the rest of the homes there ) where he lived with his three wives and a number of children! A girl of around 4 sat just outside slicing a mango with a huge machete which I would have been afraid to hold myself!
The villagers were very welcoming to us and were just slightly bewildered as to how myself and A had been together for two years but were not married and even more astonished that I was in my mid 20’s with no children.. Different worlds. The next day after a lovely breakfast of pancakes cooked for us by the fabulous WYCE chef Ensa we were put to work helping in the school (me) and with heavy lifting.. man stuff of course.

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We took a number of school supplies over with us ( 1 whole suitcase full) generously donated by friends/family.

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We also took a big bag of modelling balloons which went down a storm with the children even after they had burst the remains were kept in the childrens pockets until the day we left which was incredibly touching.

not all african children are sad

The children of Madina Salaam have nothing in the way of toys, TVs etc but they are the happiest most content children I have ever met. They all hold each others hands as they walk to school and share fruit with one another and just smile all day long! We were told not to give personal items or presents to individuals so as not to encourage jealousy which we abided by but it was hard as we did grow close to some.

I could probably write all day about all our different experiences there so I will try to limit it!

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Above is a coconut tree plant which we each bought to plant outside the new school building, as they grow they provide much needed shade for the children during playtime. Looking forward to going back to see it in a few years!

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Above is Andrew enjoying a traditional Gambian meal which I helped the ladies of the village prepare. Everyone sat on the floor to eat together and it was a strange, messy but fun experience.

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Me with a lovely little baba .. Everyone wanted us to hold their children! I was never going to refuse a baby cuddle. It seemed to astonish me daily seeing very small children carrying smaller siblings on their backs but it seems a way of life there .

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Painting the new school building was a longgg process as the paint was extremely watered down but fun!

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To sum up. We had a once in a lifetime experience in Madina Salaam and I would love to go back when Izzy is older to show it all to her but maybe wait a while as it got up to 50 degs Celsius whilst we were there. WYCE are doing an incredible job of increasing and improving education, skills and employment possibilities in The Gambia and anyone who is looking for a more meaningful holiday could not look for a better place. http://wyce.org.uk/

I hope you enjoy reading and understand I am not making light of the very real problems that many people in Africa are experiencing every day but to share some happy news about some very special people in a magical village called Madina Salaam.

One final pic to end.. The lovely Bindu:

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Filed Under: random · Tagged: AFRICA, CHARITY, CHILDREN, MADINA SALAAM, THE GAMBIA, VOLUNTEER, WYCE

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