I am so freakin tired!!!

As it comes to the end of another quarter, the end of the first six months of the year, the end of school term, I have found myself to be sooooo tired!

With tiredness comes frustration, emotional eating, irritability, impatience, insomnia and the feeling of it all being too much. As a mother, we never really get to just "sit" and do nothing, there is always something going on or someone needing us.

If you are feeling the same way this week, here are some suggestions to pep you up and enjoy the rest of your week:

• Go the movies with your girlfriends and see a funny movie - Bridesmaids (current movie at the moment) will make you laugh
• Start taking B12 vitamins (mine have just run out, no wonder I am tired). This is an awesome vitamin to give you extra energy
• Drink at least 1.5 litres of water per day
• Go for a walk alone around the block in the fresh air - even 10 minutes
• Enjoy a lavender bath with a magazine (I am on my way now!)
• Have an early night
• Eat energy foods - lots of fresh fruit and veggies
• Cut down on caffeine and try the herbal teas
• Go to Hawaii on your own for 10 days and do nothing but drink cocktails and lay by the pool (sorry, I was dreaming!)
• Have more sex (I am fine thanks)
• Take ginseng supplement or tea

Well, there you have it! Let's unite and try at least on of these suggestions and see if it makes a difference....

Quality time is children's love language

It is rare to have quality time with each child, especially if you have more than one child in the family. From my experience yesterday,it may be worth finding the time, as it could be the best gift you could give.

Yesterday, Kye had a pupil free day at his new school. We had been organising the day for weeks as an incentive for help him along with his new changes. Kye asked that we go for lunch with his Nonna, go to the movies to see Kung Fu Panda 2 and to do some "shopping"! We had such a wonderful day together. I could not help but watch the excitement in his eyes throughout the whole day. He fell asleep last night filled with love. As he closed his eyes, he said "You are the best mum. Thanks for the best day of my life. Love ya".

Years ago I read an amazing book called "The Five Love Languages" by Gary Chapman. Initially the book was about relationships. It honestly changed our way of thinking and our relationship. It is one of the best books I have read for really understanding your partner. Years later, Gary realised another book along the same lines and this time it was about our children.

The book basically explains that we all have different needs to fill our love tanks. When our love tanks are filled, we will feel love, security, validated and we are then able to fill others love tanks. It all makes sense when you read it.

The point I am getting to is, our kids need quality time (one of the love languages). They don't need more stuff, more food, more activities, more entertainment. They need us! If you really think about it, try and remember the last time you had quality time with just one of your children one on one. I am just as guilty, especially with having three children.

But......from my day yesterday, it reminded me how much a child needs our individual attention and love. I was lucky to have a full day with Kye, but it could be as simply, as taking one of your kids to have a milkshake, go for a walk, play a game together. Ideally, if you have other children, it may be easy to leave the house to be able to give your full attention. It could be for an hour or two or even a car ride together.

My new goal is to schedule once a month individual time with each child. It is the time when you really can find out what is going on in their little heads with no interruptions.

Try and give it a go this month.......would love you feedback!

A touch of sanity at the end of the day

Yesterday I found myself sitting next to an amazing woman at a children's birthday party. We started with the general chit chat and then found ourselves in a deep and meaningful conversation, as you do, when you have a connection.

We were chatting about her work and how she helps women who have found themselves in a difficult circumstance. This is through a government supported program which is a free service. Through her work, she finds one common thread with women - they have let themselves become the last priority in their lives and they simply can't find a way upwards.

We talked about the three main common factors of depression - 1. Poor nutrition 2. Negative thoughts

3. No physical movement. She explained that many women are in some state of depression without even knowing.

I asked her what would be the one thing a woman could do on a daily basis that would lift her spirits and that would not cost a cent. Her reply - an evening ritual of a bath.

Ahhhh, what bliss! I have many girlfriends who have an evening ritual of sitting in the bath for hours on end at the end of a long day. Its their sanctuary.

So, tonight my dear friends, you have a job to do:

1. Once the kids are in the bed, the dinner is cleaned up, the prep is done for the next day and all the other stuff you need to do is done, go to the bathroom (does not matter what time)

2. Pour yourself a hot bath - add some drops of lavender

3. Light candles or dim the lights

4. Pour yourself a glass of wine or a make yourself a cup of tea

5. Bring in a book or magazine

6. Close the door for no interruptions

7. Pop into the bath and breathe in the beautiful relaxing lavender. Take this time to just relax. Read or just stare at the wall. Think about the day that was and the day that is coming.

8. Stay there for as long as you like.....

Try to do this a couple of times a week, if not every night, you will notice a difference in your everyday life just from this simple yet effective ritual.

Enjoy x

The "Mama Bear" in all of us

"I've never wanted to be in touch with my masculine side—I've always ignored it, as I love being a woman. But maybe it's been there the whole time and I simply haven't recognized it, perhaps the mama bear in me, the part that wants to fiercely protect my baby boy, is my masculine side rising to the surface."

— Madisyn Taylor, DailyOM

It has been a week since Kye started his new school. The decision to move him from Montessori schooling was a emotional and difficult, as the system allowed Kye to be truly who he is. However, as he grew older, we learnt that he required structure, routine and discipline to truly thrive in his schooling. We were fortunate enough to find a wonderful school in our local area and Kye was blessed to be placed in the hands of a caring, nurturing yet firm Kindergarten Teacher.

Kye's first week has been a rollercoaster. He was excited to take on the adventure, as well as nervous about the new changes. There were times both Scott and I just wanted to take him out of the new school and place him under our wing. There were times were we felt like bribing kids to play with him and be his friend. There were times where we had to smile and be brave when really we felt like shedding a tear. However, through being strong and guiding Kye, we have helped him create a fantastic result. Just after one week he is now running into school and telling us that his favourite part of his day is going to school.

This experience has reminded me of the emotional challenges we have with our kids. The Mama Bear will always come out of us when we want to protect our kids. However, through letting them find their way, allowing them make their mistakes and feel their emotions, we are creating children with confidence, resilience and happiness.

As mothers, it is hard to stand back and watch this happen, but as mothers, its our role to allow our children to walk ahead on their own, in their own way.

We can all imagine this will only become more challenging as our children reach the teenage years, so for now,let's be grateful for this age and know that what we are teaching our children now will infact help them later on life when puberty hits! Or at least we hope so!

Sanity in 72 hours

For the past 15 years, I have been going away for a weekend with my close group of girlfriends. The goal is to relax, catch up, shop, enjoy gourmet food and champagne. It is also a chance to take time out from reality, away from the kids and away from the routine of life.

In the early days, we were escaping for completely different reason compared to the reasons of the recent years.

We are all mothers now. We all need a break. We all know for sure that when we return home on Sunday night that we are rested and have a fresh approach to the household. There is nothing more refreshing than having a break.

The husbands all seem to cope in their own way. Some of us have had to let go of the worry. They always survive and I know they actually prefer their own time with the kids, in their own way. I know my husband and kids really enjoy the bonding time. They also seem to really appreciate me even more so, when I come home. When I arrived home last night there was a gift and a note from the kids reading "To a Special Mum".

This past weekend we stayed in Kangaroo Valley which is located 2 hours from south of Sydney. We had an open fire, gorgeous cheeses, red wine and great conversation. On the Friday we shopped our way down the coast, on Saturday we spent all day on a gourmet food tour, eating our way around the Valley. Sunday was time for brunch in Berry and some more shopping!

Your weekend escape does not have to be for an entire weekend. You could start from just one night in the city. Take it from me, whether it is for 24 hours or 72 hours, the after affect of sanity will help you take on the next 6 to 12 months ahead.

There are only a few "must do" before you start searching for a great deal:

1. You must go with fabulous friends who can listen to what is happening in your life
2. You must be able to listen and ask questions/support to your girlfriends on the weekend
3. Try minimal contact with your family. They will survive.
4. Take the time on the weekend to be thankful for the time out. Its not easy to get away, but when you do, take a moment to be grateful
5. Sleep, sleep and sleep where you can and catch up. Although, a late night chat with your bestie is priceless
6. No guilt at ALL. You deserve it.

Go now and find a great group of friends and enjoy!

Who is Raquel?

Not that its all about me, but seeing as I am the creator of Miracle Beginnings/Mummas Retreat. I thought it would be an idea to share a little bit about me and the vision behind the idea of Mummas Retreat.

Nearly three years ago, I published my first book - Miracle Beginnings. The book and concept was to share my story of having two premmie babies and the miracle of having a full term baby against all odds. I shared my honesty with post natal depression and the scary world of my emotions after the trauma from the births. The book also includes beautiful stories from other prem mothers who survived against all odds. It truly is a gift to be able to share with others. Since the launch of the book, I have received many emails thanking me for writing the book. Women really felt the connection, which was why I wrote the book in the first place.

Then came along the vision to open a cottage for mothers to visit for getting themselves together after pregnancy and having a baby. We need to reconnect on so many levels and taking the first step is always a little scary, especially when you don't know where to start. The cottage is my ultimate vision - stay tuned for this to evolve in the next two years.

In the meantime, my mission is to share stories on motherhood. My own experiences and others. I work daily on being the best mum I can be to my three children, but there are days when I would prefer to pull the covers over my head and sleep an entire day!

At this point, I welcome you to my blog. Hopefully you can check in on a weekly basis with a glass of wine and read about what other mothers are going through - the good, the bad and the ugly! I look forward to meeting you along the way!

Launch of Mummas Retreat Blog

We are on a new path! For some reason, the miracle beginnings blog is not accessible for blogging. After being frustrated, swearing at the computer and going crazy, I stopped and sat still. Maybe this is a sign!

So, to keep the blogging train chugging along, we have created a new blog for our special section of Miracle Beginnings called "Mummas Retreat". I am a little bit excited about this as it opens up a brand new chapter of an evolving website to offer mother support.

Welcome to my blog - I hope you enjoy the stories along the way. It is all about connection and knowing that you are not alone in this journey of motherhood.