sgilli31614 | ExpatWoman.com
 

sgilli31614

sgilli31614
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Latest post on 04 November 2011 - 03:34
I make my own crumpets...mmmmmm. So delicious with lashings of hot butter and vegemite. I got the recipe from this blog ( just scroll down a little) http://ivynest.blogspot.com/search/label/food?updated-max=2011-09-22T08%3A56%3A00%2B10%3A00&max-results=20
sgilli31614
198
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Latest post on 02 November 2011 - 05:38
Any Enid Blyton books Mrs Frisby and the Rats of NIMH Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Little House on the Prairie series The Chronicles of Narnia Anne of Green Gables series The Secret Garden Heidi Little Women Charlotte's Web Stuart Little Black Beauty Caddie Woodlawn Sign of the Beaver Mathilda Box Car Children series
sgilli31614
198
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 November 2011 - 02:52
Thank you so much for your reply! Are you still hsing? How old are your children? My biggest concern is that I would be no good at it. I've seen really, really effective hsing, and I've seen kids basically go nearly uneducated, to the point that they could sort-of read by 17yo and were then set adrift. Obviously I don't aspire to that, but...I'm afraid more that I would hate it. Very afraid of messing up my kids. :o Not homeschooling, this year, but planning on doing so again in Feb, when DD (who will be 5 1/2) will be due to start school here (Prep). I home educated the older 2 for around 6 years. ( DS from grades 2-7 and DD grade prep-6) Kids are now DS 14, DD 12, DD 5 and DS 9 months. It is very normal to have doubts about our ability to homeschool, and also worry about messing up our children, lack of patience etc....the list goes on- as mums, thats what we do...worry! Overall, our experience was positive ( yes there were days when we all needed time out), but we enjoyed our time together, made some wonderful memories, had fun whilst learning and most importantly ( to us) enjoyed precious times together when DH was around. For us, an online school wasn't how we wanted to approach homeschooling, but I know it works well for other families-we still wanted freedom in choosing curricula ( we didnt follow a 'system' as such or a particular countries curricula ) Happy to chat via email if you like sgilli3 at gmail dot com <em>edited by sgilli3 on 02/11/2011</em>
sgilli31614
198
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Latest post on 01 November 2011 - 15:14
Just a short reply as I'm about to jump into bed.( been a wonderful,busy long weekend here in Melb!) What you have described is quintessentially the reason we began homeschooling in the first place. DH was more often than not, working away. Family time is extremely important time for us,so by homeschooling,we could work whilst DH was away,and whenever he returned,school work took second place to family time. It meant we weren't tied to a school schedule: we traveled when we wanted( best of all, not during crazy peak times) ,also meant that if DH was only in town for a few days during a ' normal' school week,then the kids ( and I) didn't miss out on spending time with him ( whether it be have a swim during the day or spending lazy mornings in bed reading together etc) I'm not sure a school would be happy to put together pieces for start & end of year , but perhaps an online school such as K12 would be ideal ( there is a K12 in Dubai- we didn't use it- we made up our own curricula) <em>edited by sgilli3 on 01/11/2011</em>
sgilli31614
198
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Latest post on 27 October 2011 - 03:29
Hi Sugarbeach, ((Hugs))) as i know just how hard it can be, and you are certainly not alone. Whilst living in the UAE, our daughter had a couple of bouts of constipation, and once we ended up with her in hospital because of it. The drs had conflicting ideas on how to deal with it, and we have had drs disagreeing as to whether she was indeed even suffering from constipation.(frustrating to say the least) We have been back in Oz about 15 months and for the past 8 or 9 months DD ( now 5) has been under the care of a paed and is seen regularly by the staff at the continence clinic. The nerves in her bowel have been damaged due to constant over stretching and in turn, has left her (bowel) incontinent. The nerves should heal and regenerate, but it is a loooooong, tiring, messy process. Her appetite is pretty good, and her diet has always been quite well balanced and full of fibre, but sometimes that alone ( along with water) is not enough. She is on meds at the moment, but is expected ( at some point in time), to have a normal functioning bowel again. Editing to add: DD has to sit on the loo for 10 mins, 20 mins after eating- and is NOT allowed to push. Pushing is not encouraged at all by the continence clinic. If you want to chat off line at any stage, my email address is sgilli3 at gmail dot com edited by sgilli3 on 27/10/2011 edited by sgilli3 on 27/10/2011 <em>edited by sgilli3 on 27/10/2011</em>
sgilli31614
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 07:36
DS ( 9m), went through a squealing stage at around 7 months ( as did all my kids)- BUT- he has now taken to barking like a dog at every given chance. Nice.
sgilli31614
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 07:28
I use a mix of face-washers and hand knitted cloths. I bought a stack of face-washers. I cut the tags off them, so the kids know that the tag-less ones are used in the kitchen. Then I set about knitting some more ( with cotton). At the end of each day, the cloth(s) used are popped in a wash bag to await for washing ( along with the hand towel, and tea towels used that day) Saves money on having to buy cloths, which are then thrown away. Waste of money- and just adds to landfill.
sgilli31614
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 October 2011 - 09:21
Perhaps donate them to the library,or else I'm sure they would be most welcomed at the labour camps ( for those learning to read English,something different to read or they may want to take some home with them)
sgilli31614
198
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 October 2011 - 08:50
Not joining you....but, just wanted to say "Congratulations' !
sgilli31614
198
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 October 2011 - 03:26
I bought mine in 2005 at Geant for 150dhs and it is still going strong- and as a homeschooler it was used all.the.time! Great value for money.
sgilli31614
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 October 2011 - 08:59
Free being back in Oz for just over a year,I have realized how much I miss well lit roads. Im living about 30-40 mins from next major town,and the road is a single lane,windy, heavy forested one....the near misses with roos freak me out,so you won't find me doing the groceries at night that's for sure! Best of all,this country town has full driveway service at the petrol station- bliss!
sgilli31614
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 October 2011 - 08:52
So let me see if I can recap what has been said. Whether a mum works full-time,part- time,casually,stays at home full-time,has 1 child or 10,sends their kids to school or home educates,serves the right amount of food from the food pyramid daily or opts to eat take-away each day,is single,married or in a defacto relationship,covers up,covers most of her body or walks around with her chest hanging out......who cares? That's the great thing about life- we make choices and decisions or are dealt cards that aren't what suits at times. But- in the end,we are all doing what suits our families needs and our own. Signed sgilli3- the SAHM of 14 years,with no intention of ever working outside the home,home educating,baby producing mum of 4,who is having take out for tea tonight,is married,has all flesh covered today( cool here)....-and who couldn't give a rats backside what other choices people make for THEIR family. :-)
sgilli31614
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 October 2011 - 02:23
My DS is now 8 1/2 months ( where does the time go?) He currently drinks between 600-700mls of milk each day and lots of water ( between 400- 600ml) He is also having 3 meals a day. He is an active one- so different from his siblings!! I hope you and the girls are well.xx *editing to say it should read between 200-400ml of water...oops!* <em>edited by sgilli3 on 05/10/2011</em>
sgilli31614
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 September 2011 - 13:37
sgilli3 Thank you for posting that link for me. I have been in contact with them and am hoping to join. We unfortunately can't make their meet up this month but hope to go in the future. It looks like they are a great group. You're welcome. They are a fab group, and I have no doubt that you will enjoy getting together with them, and will make some wonderful friends too.
sgilli31614
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 September 2011 - 13:22
3Boys- Read that you are homeschooling your boys and are struggling to meet others. Have you joined The Northern Emirates Homeschooling Association (NEHA?) There is a great group of homeschoolers who meet up for outings etc.It is a great group- very diverse range of ages and nationalities. http://uaehomeschool.wordpress.com/
sgilli31614
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 September 2011 - 15:18
Mine comes from my favourite holiday destination- Soneva Gili resort in the Maldives.
sgilli31614
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 September 2011 - 15:03
One of my all time favourite blogs:Pioneer Woman has a skillet cornbread recipe on it. Having trouble adding link with phone,but if you google Pioneer Woman her blog will come up,then click on recipes.The cornbread is under the bread listings. Hope it is like your hubby's favourite!
sgilli31614
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 14:15
Actually- he said The Art Shop- Jumeirah Plaza - level 1- few blocks past Mercarto ( just checked old thread)
sgilli31614
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 14:11
A couple of years ago, I sent DH out on a mission to find me some Modge Podge- and he came home with 9 tubs ( Im still using it!) Bless his heart- he wasn't sure which one I needed ( satin sheen etc), so got a few of each! He bought it from a small 2 storey mall along Jumeirah Beach Rd, just up from Mercarto Mall. He is sitting here trying to wrack his brain and remember name of store. He is thinking Town Centre Shopping Mall ( 2 blocks from Mercarto...same side) It was on 2nd level- a craft store. Perhaps try the search option on here ( though it was asked ages ago, I have a feeling I found out about where to get the glue via this forum) Hope this helps a little
sgilli31614
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 August 2011 - 09:34
1. 41 weeks + 3 days 2. 40 weeks + 1 day 3. 40 weeks 4. 38 weeks + 3 days
sgilli31614
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 August 2011 - 04:41
We have 4 children (DS 13, DD 12, DD 4 and DS 6m) We wouldn't change our family for the world. Sure, it's a (very) noisy house but we like it that way. I was weeks off 39 when #4 came along, and I wouldn't let age get in the way of having another in the future. To be honest # 3 and 4 have just slipped into our daily life without any dramas, and I actually found it hardest going from no children to 1. Never had home help, and certainly never been well off- but we love each other, support each other and live a simple life- not everyones cup of tea, but it is ours.
sgilli31614
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 July 2011 - 10:31
43,000. Et tu? ;) Sadly not as impressive as your score- but I did ok :-) * scrambles off to flick through dictionary again* Here is another site that was posted.Some interesting words. http://savethewords.org/
sgilli31614
198
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 July 2011 - 07:54
Hi WM. Someone posted this on a homeschooling forum this morning, and thought you may like it.x http://testyourvocab.com/ <em>edited by sgilli3 on 19/07/2011</em>
sgilli31614
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 July 2011 - 12:53
* i have edited this post as when I reread it this morning, I sounded like a sleep deprived, narky old cow. ( more so than usual) What I was trying to put across was the fact that just do what works for you and and your family. Thats it. <em>edited by sgilli3 on 16/07/2011</em>
sgilli31614
198
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Latest post on 15 July 2011 - 08:05
Farewell Claire!
sgilli31614
198
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Latest post on 13 July 2011 - 10:06
Perhaps Gaijind works for HOP? Just a thought, as this thread is 2 years old. ;-)
sgilli31614
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 July 2011 - 05:25
First off, Frances,a huge ((hug)) for you. Im not sure how beneficial this will be, but here is a link to one of the homeschooling forums I read. There is a sub board for special needs, and I know CAPD has been discussed on there a few times. Hopefully, there will be some really useful info there regarding tools families use to help with daily routines etc. C xx http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/index.php
sgilli31614
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 July 2011 - 15:12
Perhaps they're Seinfeld fans?? Hehehe- *love* that episode. In fact it was on here only recently- again- but it makes me giggle every time!
sgilli31614
198
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 July 2011 - 14:34
A huge congrats!
sgilli31614
198
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Latest post on 10 July 2011 - 13:11
The shipment from UAE to Melb took about 5 weeks, then it had to clear customs ( few days I think), then it had to be transported to us ( we are not in metropolitan area)- which took a week or so to get date set for delivery to our area, then delivery to us. I guess it was about 7 weeks door to door ( approx)
sgilli31614
198
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 July 2011 - 12:56
Yes they did Cazza. We used them both times we moved back to Melb. They spent 2 1/2 days packing up villa last year, and everything arrived in perfect condition. Couldnt fault them, or the local movers who delivered our goods after they cleared customs.( off top of head, I think King and Wilson delivered to us last time, and perhaps Kent the time before) DASA organised the movers in Melb for us, so all we had to do, was contact the local movers once we touched down, and they kept us updated with estimated arrival of shipment.
sgilli31614
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 July 2011 - 09:42
We used DASA to move back to Melbourne last year. We shipped a 40 ft container back which cost us about 30,000 dhs, and the quote for the 20ft was roughly 22,000 dhs. Hope that helps a little.
sgilli31614
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 July 2011 - 16:41
As the previous posters have said, it really depends on so many factors. We lived in Sharjah and Dubai for many years before returning to Oz (Vic) last year. For us: Food: about the same costs (family 6) Petrol: The actual costs of fuel are much higher, but we probably drive less. ( we can walk to shop for milk/bread etc, walk to library etc, only drive to town every 2 or so weeks for groceries) Electricity and Water: even though I think electricity costs are high, we pay less than what we did in UAE. We have gas (bottle) heating which is inexpensive. Our new home will be run on solar and wind power alone, so really looking forward to having no bills...lol Cars: cost more, but we already had one here, and I bought a decent 2nd hand car on my return. Schooling: we homeschooled for years, and now the older 2 are attending a small Christian school. Public schools are free/low cost, then there are mid range priced schools and expensive schools. Costs depend on chosen school/scholarships available etc We again, live within our means, so its all relative. We didnt eat at high end places/brunches in the UAE, nor do we here. We visited a lot of less expensive places such as the museums etc in UAE, whereas here in Vic, we wander the farmers markets or stroll through the national parks. So for us, there isnt too much difference between the 2 places on a financial level. <em>edited by sgilli3 on 07/07/2011</em>
sgilli31614
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 July 2011 - 14:58
#1 (boy)- terrible morning sickness for about 14 weeks #2 (girl) - dont recall suffering with ms- was trying to just get through days with ds ( these 2 are 15 months apart) #3 (girl)- moderate morning sickness. Also lasted about 14 weeks, but bearable. #4 (boy). Very little ms- just a lot of fatigue.
sgilli31614
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 July 2011 - 14:11
We homeschooled for years inthe UAE,and it was easier for us just to buy every book we wanted/ needed. While living in Dubai we only used the library at MOE a handful of times- just not enough of a selection for what we needed/wanted. When we moved to Sharjah,we only used the library at the handicrafts centre as an outing- as it was tiny- but kids loved going and picking through what they had.( the books were more suited for the kids free reading as opposed to necessary resources). It looked like there was a HUGE library within walking distance being built ( at the Koran/ Cultural Roundabout) , but sadly wasn't finished when we left Sharjah last year. Don't get me wrong, the libraries were lovely to visit,but not quite what we were used to, or have access to now( inter library borrowing,holds,study rooms,computers,on line catalogues etc) * edited as darn autocorrect changed a few words* edited by sgilli3 on 05/07/2011 <em>edited by sgilli3 on 05/07/2011</em>
sgilli31614
198
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Latest post on 26 June 2011 - 13:55
It's towards bottom of page 2.
sgilli31614
198
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Latest post on 24 June 2011 - 09:10
I dont find the cost between UAE and Oz much different. I guess it depends on what you buy. Our bill (now back in Oz), costs us between $250-270 a week ( family of 6), and was generally between 2500-2800dhs a month when in UAE ( we shopped at a Co-op in Sharjah or Geant when in Dubai) We found some items to more expensive in UAE, but then others are more expensive here, so I guess it all evens out in the end.
sgilli31614
198
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Latest post on 24 June 2011 - 07:33
So really, go by your instinct and do whatever feel good for you and LO. I can second the book by Dr.Marc Weissbluth, it worked so well for us. In there it has a great piece of advice: WATCH YOUR CHILD MORE THAN YOU WATCH YOUR WATCH! *LIKE!*
sgilli31614
198
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Latest post on 24 June 2011 - 03:34
My DS ( 5 months) starts the day around 8am. Im of the 'never wake a sleeping baby' school. His bed time routine starts around 7.30pm with a shower, then into pjs and a feed. I try to have him in bed by 8-830pm, which fits in well with siblings bedtimes: Ds(13), DD(12) and DD (4) have lights out at 8.30pm. The older 2 start their day at 7.15am, and DD wakes around 8am- same as the LO ( they share a room)
sgilli31614
198
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Latest post on 14 June 2011 - 14:08
We are Aussies and lived in Sharjah for a few years. We had also lived in Dubai,and whilst Dubai was Ok- we enjoyed Sharjah more( it was more the Middle- Eastern experience we were looking for) If you are keen on a move to Dubai,then Mirdif is an option as the commute to Sharjah isn't too bad( depending on how far/ where in Sharjah your hubby will be working) We certainly didn't live the high- life in Sharjah- lived in non western expat areas & shopped in small grocery stores & co- ops as opposed to the bigger supermarkets. This suited us fine,but wouldn't suit everyone- living in Sharjah was certainly an adventure!! We were members of the Coral Beach Hotel,so kids & I swam there daily, and used the tennis facilities etc. The Greenbelt Ladies Park was wonderful as was the National Park- both if which we frequented almost daily. Living in Sharjah certainly had its ups and downs,but overall we really liked it.
sgilli31614
198
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Latest post on 12 June 2011 - 02:29
As per my user name: Soneva Gili is my first choice! Loved,loved,loved it. Heading back to the Maldives in 2012 and we are having trouble deciding between heading back to our favourite,Soneva Gili,or trying the new Six Senses resort; Laamu( which I believe was due to open around April this year) Sitting here in Oz,on a lazy Sunday morning flicking through my new Maldives travel brochure( as you do!)
sgilli31614
198
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Latest post on 08 June 2011 - 10:58
Wonderful news Claire! I've always enjoyed your posts: your love of Dubai and of your family are quite evident in them. Safe travels & I look forward to your updates. Ps- we posted on a mutual friends FB status the other day& finally put a face to the name! ( that probably came across as weird!-I'm not stalking you- really!)
sgilli31614
198
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Latest post on 03 June 2011 - 11:59
Another one here who wouldn't go down the oops route. Personally, I would just enjoy your kids- you never know what the future may bring! I never knew how many kids I wanted, and DH thought 2 would suit him fine. We had 2 ( a boy and girl) and we were really happy. 8 years later,we welcomed #3 into our lives,and 4 1/2 years later again,we have just welcomed #4. Did we see this in our future? No. Are we super- duper happy? Heck yeah! Really,who knows what the next 10 years will bring you,and I have to say I really do believe in what's meant to be- is. <em>edited by sgilli3 on 03/06/2011</em>
sgilli31614
198
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Latest post on 02 June 2011 - 05:51
Have you seen Kalgoolie cops? I haven't ( don't have Foxtel etc), but will ask my sister to tape for me.Looks interesting! My BIL used to patrol an area ( the lands) in rural South Oz,which had the area size almost as large as the whole of Victoria- he had some great stories to tell- would make a great series...lol
sgilli31614
198
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Latest post on 02 June 2011 - 04:40
Yep- I used to watch Rush & every so often Sea Patrol. Good Ozzie shows. Are you going to hold it against me?
sgilli31614
198
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Latest post on 31 May 2011 - 08:19
*Waving spew soaked arm in air* DS is 41/2 months old...and just like the previous posters, he seems to love being sick all over me ( especially when wearing dark coloured clothes, down the street, with company,before a feed, after a feed,down my top, down my back, over siblings, over the floor.....you name it- it has been thrown up on!)
 
 
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