A Great Loss

Last week I came home to find 6 dead chooks.. Not just any chooks- but 3 of which I had incubated and raised and as tame as my pet dogs and cats.. It was a horrendous day and not one which I wish to ever repeat. Next doors dog had dug under the fence and gone on a a killing spree. I only found 6 bodies- the remaining 20+ were no where to be seen. As the hours passed, and many many tears, chooks and chicks started appearing. They had hidden under the house, in the garden around my yard, there were some in my neighbours yards on both sides. Some took a whole night and day to come home( awaiting the call of of its mother to say it was safe to return) 

I was lost. One chook that had been so savagely attacked yet survived I had to destroy it. It's one of the hardest things I've ever done. This one was a mum. She was a lovely chook. It seemed those which were attacked and killed were the tamest of the bunch. They didnt know to fear a dog. 
We have here 3 dogs, and 2 cats which none have ever showed any interest or desire to kill the chooks. The cats often sit by the fence or even in the yard with the chooks!

Luckily I have Great neighbours and friends who came to my rescue. The offending dog is no longer in the property next door. My husband rang the owner and told him to remove it asap. I am such an animal lover but that dog is lucky I didnt kill it. I was so angry, so in shock & disbelief. Next port of call would have been the ranger to have the dog destroyed. Should I see the dog again I will not hesitate to call him.

I have to write this as a matter of fact. I am still so shaken about it all. These chickens are my calm place.Some of you would have seen the chooks as babies- the many pictures I've posted. Some of you may know how badly this has affected me. I've been a very proud mumma of all my babies!They are not just a feathered bird to me. Like all my animals they are family members and very much loved.

Last night one last chook- Elvis died. She had also been attacked but after discussion with a vet it was decided she may have made a recovery. In spite of my efforts she passed away. So, that leaves me with about 15. Amazingly 5 babies came out of hiding, my rooster, 1 incubated chook survived and 9 others.
I do feel lucky that so many survived, especially when I think that had I not come home and caught the dog in the yard they all may have died. But still, it doesn't feel like any sort of consolation. Death is not pretty and this was a massacre.
This came after also losing my pet cockatiel this past month (from a respiratory infection) so I'm feeling very vulnerable.

I now feel the need the distance myself a little from the chooks. It's so bloody hard when something like this completely out of your control happens. There's nothing I can do about it. Death is final and obviously gets one thinking about all things. But, please keep your fingers crossed for me that this is the last of death I should have to see for quite a while. I need some positivity and all things good for now :)

FREE Kids Learning Program

So I don't recall how I come across it but I am so glad I did. I've finally found an educational app that helps my son learn. I wish I could be the one to teach him and make things click but since I'm not this will do.
What I'm talking about is ABCs learning program Reading eggs.
http://readingeggs.com.au/learn/ 
They even offer a 4 week trial for FREE. I thought, hey it's free why not, and Memphis just loves it!

Here it shows the different levels to pass

I have since found out that the local Primary school uses this program too for the school kids (and here I was thinking I'd discovered something new and wonderful) Once our free trail is over were happy to pay for him to continue using it. However that said you can check out their programs for free on the app section of your smart phone or download for ipad!

                                                 Here is one of the activities- Click on ''at''


The program is suitable for kids 3-13.
It is so much fun, Memphis doesnt even know that he's doing anything educational- we havent so much as mentioned the word learning! Before the program he had difficulty recognising alot of letters. Now not only can he recognise letters but he's grasping the sounds of letters too, and now knows how to use the mouse on the computer (we don't yet allow computer time for Memphis- this is a first)

Why you and your child will love
ABC Reading Eggs

• ABC Reading Eggs is successful because it makes learning phonics and basic reading skills a truly enjoyable experience for children aged 3-13.
• 91% of parents using ABC Reading Eggs report a noticeable improvement in their child's reading skills.
• The program is built around recognised learning principles and scientific research proven to improve children's reading skills.
• Lessons are matched to your child's reading level – so activities are never "boring" or too challenging.
• Your child will earn rewards as they progress – so they'll feel proud of their achievements and excited to keep learning.
• You’ll have access to detailed assessment reports to track your child's progress.

So yep I'm sold on this program. It's educational, its fun, and its something Memphis and I are doing together and I wish I'd found it sooner. Be sure to check it out and let us know if your kids have any successes with it too!

In love with Online x

It's a little late for Valentines day Crafts, but if you still have a spare afternoon with the kids try this handy and easy craft (Courtesy of Pinterest, click the picture to get instructions on how to)

 

This would be fun & easy to make with the kids. I'd do this but make some cute little heart chocolates with my boys to put in there instead of gum.

Not only do we get to celebrate Valentines Day this week, but Thursday the 13th of February marks my 4th wedding Anniversary to my hubby. We met on the 13th.

 

I love this pic best because we are in love. I wasn't one of those brides who had to have a zillion gorgeous shots of herself (I dont mind if you did :) but the day to me was about the two of us and the Amazing people we shared it with.  I still cant believe I am lucky enough to be married to someone this Awesome.. I dont deserve him some days.

As most married couple with kids we are too busy with work commitments and such to do anything really special. But I've bought a nice card, and we'll have gifts for each other.

What are YOU doing to celebrate Valentines day?

For those of you who don't know, we met online a dating service. Match.com to be precise. It is corny, but golly it was love at first sight. We emailed back and forth for only a week, then met halfway from our hometowns (mine was Ballarat and he Swan Hill ) and we spent the entire day together by the Big lake in Bendigo. We talked about everything from life long goals, to kids (and how many we wanted) In fact so serious were we right then and there we negotiated number of kids and I promised him to name our first born son Memphis.

We dated for 6 months before I packed up and moved to Swan Hill. It was a huge leap of faith but I never doubted for one moment that it wasn't right.I highly recommend online dating!

I would love to hear about how you met your partner. 

And so fast forward to today, we're still happily married, 2 Gorgeous boys, a renovated home, lots of different jobs for us both and a business.Needless to say I love Online, online dating, online shopping, online research (hello Google) online games, online everything!

I look forward to so many more adventures,  ups and downs, and maybe even some more kiddo's with my hubby. I hope you are as happy with your partner!

Happy Valentines to you all!xo

Ready, Set and GO!

I've just signed up for the 6 week Mumpreneur Program.

I applied for a full schoalship but wasnt lucky enough to get it.However Peace offered me a great deal and I couldnt say no!

I am so set to make 2014 a Great year for my little business. I am determined to make it work.. It's so darn hard but I am realising the biz needs so much more than just stock (and golly do I love buying new stock) I could have every item possible and still not make a dollar if no one knows about me. So this year that's what I plan on doing. Getting everyone to know about Baby For Life.

The Mumpreneur program starts tomorrow which will kick me off for my coaching session with Sal on Tuesday. I am so excited. I feel like it's really going to make a difference! I don't think I can fail with a whole team of experts behind me.

All week I've been thinking about Sal and the business moving forward. I call it the Sal effect. I have this little fire burning in me telling me to go go go, I can do it, and it's all achievable.Nothing is out of reach if I put my mind to it. (of course there's things that finances may put just out of reach, but there's ways around it) I'm so excited I'm telling all my work colleagues about it. My excitement is rubbing off on them. They're smiling. I love that feeling. Being that happy bubbly Bec that explodes with happiness and help to make others happy too! I like being this person. If only I could bottle it so on a bad day I'd just take a sip and Bam Happy Bec is back :) I think everyone needs a Sal. I needed Sal a long time ago, I try not to dwell on the what if's (where would the biz be now if only I found her sooner?)

I'm making real plans. I'm talking 12 months of Business plans of Social Media, Newsletters, Marketing! It's the first time in a long time I've planned for this far forward. Partly because I was very disorganized in the past, lacked belief in myself that I could actually make things work, also lacked vision and direction (that's where Sal comes in) and also at times was very non committal about the business staying open.

I'd love you all to join me on my journey, help support me- I'd love to offer encouragement to you too if you need it? Till next time Mmwwahhh xoxo Bec