OH BOY WHAT AN ORDEAL

I must admit, I’m not much for ‘News’ since I’ve had two successive children quickly. News for me is wow the baby did this or the toddler had a meltdown here.  Partly because I don’t have time to trawl the internet and also because so much of it is just 'click bait' and not real news at all but I was captured like everyone else by the ‘boys in the cave’ in Thailand. Everynight in bed I’d ask my husband ‘are the boys ok? What’s going on?’

The ordeal is finally over and everyone who was trapped is now safe. Although it is extremely sad to have lost one of the original search team. The coach Ekapol Chanthawong, 25 was last to come out after an ordeal that has now lasted two weeks! Chief rescuer Narongsak Osottanakorn said, “We did something no-one else thought was possible,” adding "We are not sure if this is a miracle, a science, or what. All the 13 Wild Boars are now out of the cave," 

Moral of the story, don’t go randomly walking into deep, dark caves.

KERWIN RAE IN NEWCASTLE

This video is for every parent who feels like they have made mistakes. What a child needs isn't often what we give them. Is being a great parent just about being a great role model is it it about...

Kerwin Rae is coming to Newcastle 17th of July. If you're a small business owner who wants to get ahead or a parent who thinks they could do better this guy is gold. I saw his Add on Facebook then watched a stack of his Youtube videos in the bath. I couldn't stop he's really fantastic. He's coming to Rydges Newcastle (the old Crowne Plaza) next Tuesday if you want a double pass just tag a Mumma friend you'd like to take on our Facebook. Good Luck Mummas! Let's get motivated woop woop! You can buy tickets here. 

VIP LAH LAH EXPERIENCE

The Lah Lah's are coming to Newcastle to celebrate turning 10! I love the Lah Lah's because they made my daughter love cleaning her teeth and taught her about washing her hands, even if she does wipe them on her pants. We want to give you and your kids a VIP LAH LAH experience. They'll get to meet the band as well as getting a signed CD, poster and tambourine. Children will enjoy a BEST OF concert with all of the Lah Lah's biggest hits! To enter simply like our NHMNewcastleHunterMummas Facebook Page or follow us on instagram. It's this Sunday, you can grab tickets here.

Good Luck Mummas! I'm just going off to wash my hands and wipe them on my pants.. because I haven't done the washing. 

Meet Mister Maker at his favourite Aussie Cafe Blue Door

PJ and from Blue Door Cafe and Mel Sargeant and Summer (unhappy because she wants to draw) Photo Credit Kailin Pasin One Stop Productions  

Mister Maker comes to town this Thursday! He told us in an interview that 'Blue Door Cafe' was his favourite Aussie Cafe and it made the best cup of coffee in Australia! NHM and PJ from Blue Door were bowled over by this massive compliment so we decided to celebrate Mister Maker coming to town by giving you the chance to meet him, have a free break from Blue Door, make a crafty Blue Door and get it signed by the man himself Mr Maker! To WIN tag a Mum friend you'd like to take along to meet Mister Maker with their kids. 

NHM to MC Newcastle's first Baby Collective Expo

Bec Tansey and Mel Sargeant from NHM will MC Newcastle's first Baby Collective Expo on the 9th of September. We're as excited as you to see what the Expo brings. Tegan who heads up The baby Collective Expo says it's about supporting women and families along their parenting journey by providing options and resources to help them make informed decisions best suited to their family needs. Exhibitors include; A growing Understanding Speech Pathology, Ashleigh Jane Birth Photography, Australian Breastfeeding Association, Baby Sensory Hunter Valley, Beers and Bubs Newcastle, Cruz + Co and more. Check out the full list of exhibitors and buy your tickets here.  

In addition to exhibitors there will also be Q&A sessions, demonstrations & talks from experts like Meg Nagle - The Milk Meg, IBCLC noted speaker, blogger, mother, writer, counsellor, la leche league leader. 

The moment you realise your parents are the type of people you want to be

I guess when you're a teenager, it's almost your parents job to 'make things difficult' and your job to push their buttons. But when does this stop and is there a characteristic or memory of your parents that you feel may have helped you reach that point? 

I feel pretty lucky. My dad was my hero and always the person I admired the most. My mum was and still is my best friend. I love her raw honesty and I respect her so much as a mother. I think for me I realised her true value when I became a mother myself though. 

I recently saw a Reddit post about this exact thing. In today's violence and negativity, it was a beautiful post to read through. People were writing things that their parents had done to make them proud, like helping others. Others were embracing their parents relationships and how much they hoped to find that one day. 

So, I ask you, what have your parents done to make you want to be like them? 

The Plastic Bag Ban

We live in a lucky country where one of our biggest debates lately has been about the ban of single use plastic bags in supermarkets. And while I realise that in the scheme of things it shouldn't be a major deal, I'll enter into the debate regardless. 

So in NSW, we don't even have an actual ban in place, yet Coles and Woolies have both removed single use plastic bans from stores across the country. What I struggled with straight away was that plastic bags were removed for environmental reasons yet you are able to purchase a 'tougher' bag for 15 cents. Still a plastic bag though right? So the charges started, and their profits increased too, funny that. Actually, so much so that one expert claims they stand to make a $71 million gross profit just by changing from the old grey to the 'better bag'. Queue the customer complaints. So now Coles are offering free reusable bags until Sunday.

And then there is the news from around the country about customer reactions. One store reported a customer leaving with a basket, another with a trolley in the back of their vehicle and then another angry customer attempting to physically injure an employee.

Look, I'm not that perturbed, I'll try and remember my old Aldi bags or just get the kids to snag a couple of the fruit and veg bags! 

Lunch at Grill'd

Another day of trying to entertain my older kids saw us at Charlestown to see Hotel Transylvania 3 (great movie) and then we went downstairs for lunch at Grill'd. Ok, so not the largest choice on the kids menu but they get a cool little pack with a drink, chips, burger and little wooden toy to build. Plus, I love places that offer colouring pens and paper. I was also able to pretend to be healthy by ordering the 'low carb' burger. Shhhh... I'm trying ok?!

Have you been to The Barn at Adamstown yet?

Now I swear this place was an old caravan that sold coffee not so long ago... well it's so far from that now! My older kids are on holidays (yes three weeks of entertaining to come) and we had some time to kill so I thought we would give the place a go. It is literally as the name says, A Barn, only with some touches of awesomeness! I mean how often do you go to a cafe these days and they offer dippy eggs on the kids menu? Plus KIDS size milkshakes. My kids were in heaven. After I wolfed down my smashed avo (I'm basically trying every smashed avo in Newcastle), we played a game of Guess Who because they have a large bookshelf with games and books for guests to play and read. 

Logies Fashion

Ah the Logies... I have to admit I did not tune in this year... because well yawn...But I did check out what some of the stars wore on the night and here is a bit of a selection. Who was your favourite on the night? My pick was Elyse Knowles from The Block. 

PEPPA PIG WANTS TO MEET YOUR FAMILY

Surprise! Peppa Pig, George and their friends are back in Australia in a brand new live stage show PEPPA PIG'S SURPRISE. It's a lovely day and Peppa is playing outside with her friends. Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig have got a surprise for her and her younger brother George but no matter how hard they try, they cannot guess what it is.

You know Peppa right? Your kids have made sure of that! Well she's coming to Newcastle next week with her friends. We'll have a special guest from Peppa joining us on 'I Got it From My Mumma' Radio show next week and we'd love for you to WIN a Family Pass to the show! All you need to do is TAG a friend who is yet to LIKE our public @NHMNewcastlehuntermummas Facebook or Instagram Page and you're in the draw. 

Here's a little bit about Peppa Pig's show! Surprise! Peppa Pig, George and their friends are back in Australia in a brand new live stage show PEPPA PIG’S SURPRISE.
It’s a lovely day and Peppa is playing outside with her friends. Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig have got a surprise for her and her younger brother George but no matter how hard they try, they cannot guess what it is.
In PEPPA PIG’S SURPRISE audiences will enjoy interactive fun, games and, of course, surprises. This charming, colourful new show features new songs and new life-size puppets. PEPPA PIG’S SURPRISE promises to be the perfect theatre show for all pre-schoolers.
Suitable all ages
Duration: approx. 60minsBabies under 12months are free on the knee (no seat) Over 12months/toddlers require a ticketed seat. All tickets are the same price for adults & children by section (A Reserve, B Reserve etc). Win tickets with NHM or buy your tickets here before they sell out. 

What Does it Mean to be a Dad? Dawson from Dawson's Creek

He made our hearts thump as teenagers now Dawson from Dawson's Creek oh sorry James is at it again talking about Fatherhood. 

A few things I forgot between babies four and five: Dads, when your #newborn has been fed, changed, and is still upset, swaddle them up and hold them. Check in with them. Feel their face on yours. Talk to them. Rub their back, sway gently, hum, make the “swishy” sound in their ear to replicate the sound of Mom’s heartbeat in utero. If they’re still crying and it breaks your heart... that’s fatherhood. If you move past heartbreak into exasperation... that’s fatherhood. If they start screaming and you find yourself wanting to say “Oh, C’MON!” out loud... that’s fatherhood. If you feel helpless and inadequate and like you’re staring at a final exam full of questions you couldn’t possibly have known to study for... that’s fatherhood. And if you push through that... become more present than you’ve ever been, discover instincts you never knew you had, and summon up more love and patience than you’ve maybe ever shown anybody... and they either take it, or get tired, or finally work out that fart that was bothering them and fall asleep on your chest... and you suddenly feel like you beat the system, got nominated for a Nobel Prize and got told “I love you” by the first girl you ever loved... THAT’s fatherhood. Welcome... Glad you’re here.

LISTEN BELOW

She's just been awarded her PHD as a Sexologist Vanessa Thompson tells us what to do after you've had a baby and you don't feel like sex, multiple orgasms, sex toys, what if you've never climaxed? Squirting and more.

Jessica Marais checks into mental health facility

Sending love to Jessica Marais this morning. News has broken that she's just has checked into a private mental health facility in Sydney to focus on 'a number of urgent health issues,' It's the same facility that AFL star Ben Cousins attended. It will set her back 25K a month but the care is round the clock, she has several counselling sessions a day and is allowed to leave the facility to go for a run or go to yoga. The program she's checked into is a 'detox and health' one. Earlier in the week she announced she wouldn't be attending tonight's Gold Coast Logies despite being up for a silver and a gold. She's been dating Hillsong devotee Sydney photographer Jake Holly since February.

New Information Found in Search for William Tyrrell

As mums we all must feel some connection to the case of little William who disappeared from his foster grandmother's house in Kendall back in 2014. So I've been watching closely as the search has resumed again. It was announced today that 'fresh information' has been found. 

Stay tuned, hopefully we get some answers soon. Someone has to know what happened to this little boy. 

GEMMA FOSTER MUM OF SIX TELLS YOU WHAT IT'S LIKE

We have a fostering crisis in the Hunter with children living in hotel rooms across the region. Have you ever thought about fostering. In our Podcast below Gemma tells you what it's like to be a foster parent. 

For The Little Unicorn Early Education Centres Newcastle, this week on 'I Got it From My Mumma', our third installment of keeoing kids safe we chat to Commander of Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad about keeping your kids safe online, plus are you getting married? or getting married again?

School Holidays with the NHM

They're nearly here! Have you planned them yet? My oldest son is now in year 1 and our year have organised playdates throughout the holidays. We've organised them at a lot of fun places so I thought I would share it with you.

Hunter Valley Gardens - Snow Time in the Garden: Each July holidays our family will visit the snow time exhibition and it's definitely the closest to snow that I like to go! I do believe it is worth the money but you do need to try to get your full day's worth. This year you can ice skate, ride on the toboggan, build a snowman, have fun on the 9D adventure and watch live ice sculpting plus much more. 

Ninja Warrior Parc, Darby Street: There are two sides to this place. One is the warrior side where the kids run through a set of different obstacles and the other side is the climb side where they are harnessed up and climb up various different climbing walls. Now, the climb side states it is really for 5 and up, however my 2 year had a great crack at it! 

Holy Moly Golf or Strike at Charlestown: Stay out of the cold and be entertained for hours here. Holy Moly is a really interactive putt putt golf place that the kids will love. Then when you finish up there, Strike Bowling is in the same location. 

Movies: There's a great selection of movies these school holidays. They include, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, The Incredibles 2, Hotel Transylvania 3, Avengers, Early Man. 

Hunter Wetlands Centre Dinosaur Adventure: This is on form July 7 to July 21, between 9.30am and 1.30pm. There's an exhibition, reptiles, craft activities and a Dino search. Tickets are super cheap and $8 for non members of the wetlands. 

Plus, Newcastle always has entertainment at the libraries, art galleries and museum. The reptile park, Hunter Valley Zoo are always great options. 

LEGO PLAYZONE COMES TO NEWCASTLE WITH THE SUPERCARS

How cool's this? A Logo Playzone will be coming to Newcastle with the Supercars in November! This doesn't mean Lego is just chucked in an area for your kids to play with and parents to step on (OUCH!) It's a full on activity zone with fun challenges for the kiddies and awesome interaction. There is also going to be involvement of the teams who will band together to build a Lego car! 

So exciting!

POPULAR NEWCASTLE VENUE THE EDWARDS UP IN FLAMES

Carey Harris

Really sad news this morning for Chris and the team at the much loved Newcastle Venue The Edwards. 

Firefighters worked through the night to extinguish a fire that broke out in the kitchen of popular bar The Edwards. 

Chris from Silverchair of course owns the bar and converted it from a laundromat into a food and music venue back in 2014. 

After the fire broke out in the kitchen it escalated quickly and emergency fire crews were called at midnight. 

The area was quickly closed off to any traffic or passing foot traffic and smoke was encased the bar’s surrounds. Then the roof caved in!  

Fire and Rescue NSW Inspector Peter Nies said told 9NEWS that multiple crews were called to the scene but the fire was tough to put out due to the nature of the building saying 

“It was a difficult fire to extinguish, especially because the roof has collapsed,” Adding 

“We had a fourth alarm on this fire - which is eight stations and two aerial trucks.

“There were a lot of firefighters here, but just the nature of the building 9meant it was)really difficult to extinguish.”

HELP! MUMMA MOTIVATION FOR WET DAYS

How hard is it to get motivated on wet days with the children? There are plenty more in store so here's some ideas for you! Chameleon Play Cafe in Wallsend gets a great wrap as does Kotara Playgound Area at the Shopping Centre. You can also google your closest 'Playgroup' or ask the Mummas on NHM the one that's closest to you. One Mumma recommended popping on gumboots and raincoats and jumping in puddles! That's brave. Check out your local Library's 'Storytime'. If you feel like heading into town too, the Museum has a great play area too and you can grab a coffee too. Kids of Thunder Cafe in Mayfield are getting heaps of good reviews too but we haven't checked it out yet. Other ideas Unexpected Escape Rooms and Unreal VR. Otherwise you could just stay inside all day in your PJs and don't feel bad about it either!