through my eyes

2009 Advent blog-along | day 11

2009-12-11T20:48:00.004+10:30

Sewing Stuff

Since there are a lot of crafty girls popping by here as part of the Advent blog-a-long,( and {obviously}I was struggling to come up with a post for today!) I thought I would share my little stash of sewing stuff.

My Christmas box keeps all my little bits and pieces together. I tend to throw odd things in here while I'm working on projects - its one of those boxes that has to have a regular clean out or it gets a little out of control. I made the thread holder from an old wooden bobbin many years ago. It holds some of my spools of thread. a few vintage spools, and my scissors fit neatly in the top. My needle wrap holds my little scissors, some hand sewing needles, taylors chalk pencils and usually a tangle of embroidery threads! The only essential I still need to add to my basics is a pin cushion - its one of those things Ive always meant to make and never got around too - I must add that to my ever growing list of things to make!

2009 Advent blog-a-long | day 10

2009-12-10T22:31:00.005+10:30

THE GREATEST GIFT OF ALL

We give you the greatest gift of all,
a head start that will last throughout your life

We shall do our best to teach you,
but it will be up to you to learn

We shall try to guide you in the right directions,
but it will be up to you to make the right decisions

We shall also encourage you to seek your own independence
but it will be up to you to be responsible

We shall tell you about 'drink and drugs',
but it will be up to you to say 'no'

We shall teach you about respect,
but you will choose whether to appreciate it's value

We shall encourage you to try,
but you should want to succeed for yourself

We shall teach you kindness,
but it will be up to you to be good-natured

We shall teach you to share,
but it will be up to you to be unselfish

We shall model values for you,
but you have to develop your own morals

We give you this knowledge as a gift
with all our love

These words seemd very appropriate to share today. ( they were not written by me and unfortunately I didn't note down who they actually were written by)

Today was Calebs final day at Primary School. Wow, its hard to believe that next year I will have a child at High School...where have the years gone?

Last night we attended his graduation service. It was a little surreal seeing them all up there, realising that this would be the final time they would be a part of student body of the school. As a group they have grown and matured, their teachers have guided them, and over the past eight years have grown from the shy little five year olds that we dropped at school on their first day, to lovely, confident and mature young people.

Caleb bought home a report that he was proud of. He isnt a brilliant student, and really needs to work at getting reasonable grades. He has obviously put in a little more work in the last half of this year (not sure when, as he hardly ever did any homework!!!) and overall his grades reflected this - he did the best he could, and that is really all we can ask, we were proud of him!

During the service they put photos of each of the kids up on the screen as they were introduced. Here is Calebs - his reception photo, and his year 7 photo

I just went through some old photos and found these two as well

School swimming 2004 - Yr 2

Caleb & Nathan, term 4 2005 - Yr 3

2009 Advent blog-a-long | day 9

2009-12-09T12:08:00.008+10:30

Annual Christmas Cards

Each year I like to make my own Christmas cards to send out to family and friends. Ever since the year Caleb was born they have been based around a photo (or two) of the kids. The last couple of years I have also done an e-card which I email to some of those on my list - I know that family and god parents etc keep the yearly cards, so they will always get a real life version.

This year I have three different cards to send out. These first two were made with my favourite photos of each of the kids from this year. I wanted to get in early and have them printed - I don't know why, I always end up waiting till the last minute to get them in the post!

Being the Christmas tragic that I am, I couldn't help myself taking the obligatory Christmas hat photos of each of the kids and a Christmasy themed group shot. It wouldn't seem right not to have them on a card too, and when found a template on line (at ilp) I knew with a few modifications it would be perfect for my photos.

Here are the other cards I have made over the years...

2008 20072006 20051997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, Wow look how much the kids (and the family) have grown!

2009 Advent blog-a-long | day 8

2009-12-08T20:30:00.004+10:30

Feeling Spoilt

This year I signed up for a secret Santa with the lovely ladies from the newbie quilters group on Essential Baby. Today it was opening day. I received the most gorgeous gift from the very talented Esther.

A beautiful handmade tote, lots of other crafty goodies and the essential item, some chocolate! I'm feeling very spoilt and grateful indeed. Thank You so much Esther, its all just perfect.

If you want to check out what I sent my swap partner Car, you can see it on her gorgeous blog here ( I forgot to take a photo before I wrapped and posted it) Oh and yes its not a very secret santa, we all find out who our gifts come from...its nice to know who put all that thought and effort into making something especially for you!

2009 Advent blog-a-long | day 7

2009-12-07T23:05:00.005+10:30

A day of lasts

Today was Isaccs final pre entry Kindy session. They had a little party and sung Christmas songs. I remembered at 8.30am that he needed to take a little plate of something to share. A quick trip to the shop and a few minutes work and this is what he headed off with.

Apparently he stood at the table holding one, telling anyone who would listen that he had made them - cute

Isaac took his presents and cards along for the teachers and came home with a calender for us(complete with gorgeous painted hand prints) and a special book as a gift from the kindy...they made a great choice, it was a book we didn't already have. I say that as though it is amazing, as we have an enormous collection of children's books. It started while I was studying children's literature as my major during my bachelor of teaching and has slowly but surely snowballed from there!

While Isaac was at Kindy, Jazz and I had haircuts and then popped in to visit my Nanna. This will be the final time we will get to visit her house as she will be living in an aged care facility from this Thursday. Mum was also there and I took the opportunity to snap this shot of the four of us on my phone. Four generations, spread over 85 (ish) years! It will be the end of living independent in her own home for Nanna, but over the past few years her ability to care for herself adequately has diminished. She spent some time in respite a while back and really enjoyed that, so hopefully it will be a smooth transition for her. It will certainly ease the pressure from Mum, who along with her SIL provided the majority of support and assistance for Nanna while she lived alone.

2009 Advent blog-a-long | day 6

2009-12-06T16:49:00.004+10:30

The Spirit of Giving

Ever since the kids started being cared for by some one other than me I have always given their carers/teachers etc a little Christmas gift. I think it is important (Craig has no idea why I would even think to buy the teachers a present!) Ive entrusted these people with the care and well being of my children, and I appreciate the fact that they have played a part in my children's lives. I also think it is important for my children to remember to be thankful to their teachers etc. I try not to spend too much, it is more of a token of our appreciation. I guess it probably came about while I was working in long day care and family day care...I never doubted that my relationship with the children in my care was important, but it was always lovely when that was reiterated with a few kind words in a card at Christmas. Do you know I don't even think it was the fact I was receiving the card/gift that gave me the warm fuzzies, it was more the way you could tell how the child was so thrilled and proud to be able to give something to someone they cared about - that's what its all about really!

Today Nathan & Isaac made Christmas cards for their teachers. Isaac made (I cut out the pieces and he glued them together and glittered them!) three little cards, one for each of the kindy teachers that he has had over his pre-entry sessions this term. We tied a few little chocolates with a pretty ribbon to go with them.

Nathan made these gorgeous cards.

He choose the buttons, stuck them on and did the stitching on the machine.

One is for his guitar teacher, We made this tree of chocolates for her (there were plans to make a few of these trees, but my stash of chocolates seems to have mysteriously evaporated into thin air!)

The other is for his Yr 5 teacher - That will be accompanied by a bottle of wine and block of chocolate. He wrote a lovely little Thank You and Merry Christmas message in each of them. We just have one more to go for his Karate teacher.

Caleb is not into the whole crafting thing - I will make a card for his teacher and he can just write in it (probably under sufferance) She will also get a bottle of wine and a block of chocolate.

2009 Advent blog-a-long | day 5

2009-12-05T21:22:00.004+10:30

One step closer...

...to a paper free Christmas. Both Mum and I are attempting to 'wrap' all our presents in something reusable this year. Ive decided to make fabric shopping bags (like these) and tie them with a piece of ribbon in either blue, pink or lime to match the tree! I finished the first two today. A present with in a present!

This is what happens to little boys who have very busy days, they fall asleep waiting for tea to be cooked!
Lots of outside time today, and lots of 'helping' Daddy & Grandpa (thank you again Dad!) put up an early Christmas present for him and Jacinta. After a couple of hours hard work, the cubby is nearly all up - it looks fantastic Still a few more hours work until completion, but all the structural stuff is done. This weekend was the only one before Christmas that there was time to put it up! Merry Christmas my gorgeous little ones!

2009 Advent blog-a-long | day 4

2009-12-04T12:29:00.008+10:30

Resistance is futile...

This morning I had to go and drop some paperwork off at Caleb's school for next year. It just so happens that there is a spotlight not far from there. I wasn't far from a Spotlight yesterday either, but I managed to resist the temptation. Today I justified the visit to myself with the reasoning that the 30min drive to just drop off some paperwork (that could have been posted if I was a little more organised) may as well include a little window shopping since I was practically there anyway. I should have known my will power would be weakened by all that fabric, and the fact that I had the Christmas discount voucher in my pocket (spend $100 and get $40 off!)

I came home with some gorgeous glittery sheer fabric to make up a table runner for Christmas lunch (in exactly the same colours as my tree decorations, I was very excited!!!) , 2m wool blend wadding, some thread, new blades for my rotary cutter, a 4" quilters square, pins, bent safety pins, a 12m end of bolt (@ $1/m fabric) for a quilt back & Christmas gift bags - I'm aiming for a no wrapping paper Christmas this year, this fabric will also co ordinate with the tree very nicely, and some other stash building bits and pieces. Its a great feeling knowing that once I had the basic stuff I needed (wadding, thread & table runner fabric) which was about $60 worth, the next $40 was basically free, hence lots of nice little treats for me! I dont think my two very bored children were quite so impressed by my bargain shopping -an ice cream on the way home fixed that though, and they are now BOTH fast asleep, ahhhhhhhhhhh bliss!

2009 Advent blog-a-long | day 3

2009-12-03T19:08:00.008+10:30

not once, but twice....in one day!

Today I took Isaac and Jacinta to visit Santa. We love the one at Myer TTP, they are not usually too busy, and will spend a bit of quality time with the kids. Even better they don't try and push ridiculously priced photo packages down your neck, in fact they are more than happy for you to take your own!

Jazz was a little hesitant, but did sit there for a bit, then Santa let her wander around ringing his bell, which she thought was wonderful. Each time she went over he would chat away to her as well as Isaac who was on his knee - it was lovely! The kids always get a little something from Santa as well - this year it was a hat and a whistle - the kids loved them, Mum (and the other shoppers I suspect) not so much! A little bribery with a packet of tiny teddies distracted their interest eventually!
Then we headed back up the hill to the aged care home where my Nanna lives, for their Christmas party. The kids got to see Santa...again. Jacinta must have been impressed the first time as she was very excited when he arrived. The residents LOVE seeing the little kids there, and Nanna just beams when any of her Great Grand children come to visit. She is doing pretty well for someone who will be 94 in a few months!

2009 Advent blog-a-long | day 2

2009-12-02T18:55:00.008+10:30

Spreading the handmade Christmas Cheer

Today I finally finished these sweet little babushka softies. They will soon be on their way to a lovely new home. I made them totally from scraps - strips from the dolls quilt, red corduroy that Ive had in the drawer forever, and the backs from some gorgeous linen napkins I picked up at the op shop a few weeks ago.I love how they turned out, especially considering like most of my sewing, I just made up a pattern and hoped for the best! I will be a little sad to send them off, Ive become rather attached to them sitting on my chest of drawers! But like most things, if they were actually for me they would probably end up in the UFO pile. At least this way, they are finished and I'm sure the little ones that they are going too will appreciate them! I love giving gifts, there is something special about finding a special something that will let the recipient know you have thought especially of them...I think that being able to hand make a gift for someone is even more special.

ohhhhh and I'm not the only one busily crafting for Christmas. My dad sent through some pics of the cradle he has made Jacinta for Christmas. It is a replica of the ones he made my sisters and I when we were little! I cant wait to watch her tucking her babies in for a nap! I'm sure she will treasure it for many, many years, and it will be even more special because her Grandpa made it just for her.

2009 Advent blog-along | day 1

2009-12-01T20:59:00.008+10:30

Let the countdown begin...
(if you want to check out some of the other blogs that are joining in the Advent blog-along click on the button in my side bar)

December 1st (or there abouts) is when I like to officially kick off the Christmas celebrations in our home. Today we partook in the first of many of our annual Christmas traditions - putting up and decorating the Christmas tree. In my 'ideal life' this would be a time that the whole family came together, all doing their part to decorate the tree as the Christmas music filled the air, its only competition the sound of laughter and family chatter.

In reality there is pretty much no chance of that actually happening. Craig will give me a hand with the tree lights under sufferance, and Caleb is definitely his fathers son when it comes to decorating the tree - he would rather be any where else! (he was thankful that he had two after school activities tonight and wasn't there!) Luckily for me Nathan loves to help out, Isaac likes the whole concept (and although his actual helpfulness in the whole process was negligible - he definitely made up for it in excitement and enthusiasm) and Jacinta took to her first chance to help out like she had been doing it for years.

The first important step is to set the mood and have the Christmas music playing. Growing up, it was always the same Bing Crosby ( I think?) Christmas Album that mum would put on as we decorated our tree. Ever since the boys were smaller this has been my CD of choice... (and yes it the real, original Hi 5) I know pretty daggy, but I love it and its become part of OUR Christmas traditions. Nath and I sung along as we decorated today!

I put the tree up, and did the lights before Nathan got home from school, and then Isaac, Jazz and Nathan decorated it. Isaac had been SO excited all afternoon about putting the decorations on the tree, but when the time finally arrived he decided it was much more fun to dance to our Christmas music and ride on the box from the tree, pretending it was a "sledge being pulled by goats" (no idea where this concept came from? maybe a muddled version of the sleigh and reindeer, of maybe something he read at kindy or saw on playschool - who knows...he thought it was lots of fun!!!)

Jacinta was really excited to see the box of shiny balls, and with a little guidance from Nath she was hanging them in no time - there was a small section that needed a little thinning out after she had finished!

Once the tree was decorated, Nathan got the honour of putting the final decoration on, the angel on the top. Its the first year he has been able to reach all by himself. I bough this angel the year we got engaged and she has sat atop out tree every year since...always the last thing to be added.

The kids all have a small ornament with their name engraved on it that I bought for them for their first Christmas. Caleb was more than happy to hang his when he got home tonight - that's plenty of tree decorating for him! This is our tree for 2009! Last years tree was Pink (in honour of Jacintas first Christmas)lime and silver. This year Ive kept to that and added some teal/blue baubles as well.It looks pretty bare inderneath, but my tree skirt is red and green and just doesnt go, I will have to hurry up and get some presents wrapped and under the tree to cover it up!!! Ive moved the tree to a new spot this year, and looking at these pictures, I love how the curtains and windows are framing it!

the most exciting Christmas Giveaway

2009-11-26T23:04:00.003+10:30

Ive just entered the most exciting Christmas giveaway!
A family photo session with the amazingly talented Rachel Richter. Rachel is based in Brisbane, but is doing sessions on selected dates across the country next year...and yes, she is coming to Adelaide as well! Ive been seriously thinking about having some proffesional family portraits done, and if I could choose a photographer whos style I just adore, it would definately be either Rachel or the gorgeous Katie (jumping on that plane yet Katie????) hence my excitement about this. Both these girls manage to catch such natural and beautiful portraits of children and families...the images that you know you will cherish for a lifetime.
In true Christmas spirit Im spreading the word, because if I dont win it, I would be stoked if it was someone I knew that did!!! Go and get your entries in, you know you want to!!!!

Oh and did you notice the new little blog button in the side bar? Ive joined up with Cars Advent blog along - so you will be (hopefully) seeing a post a day from me - 1st - 24th Dec - sharing all that wonderful Christmasssy stuff!!! ahhhhhhhhh I love Christmas! If you want to join up too (the more the merryer!) just click on the button and it will take you to her blog.

food for the soul

2009-11-24T20:36:00.013+10:30

As most Mums know, you really dont get much 'me time' when you have kids, especially preschoolers. The little thing that keeps me going is being able to grab a few moments to indulge in some creative pursuit. The last couple of days have had my heart singing with creativity :) Ive had a chance to indulge (all be it amoungst the chatter and chaos of the little ones) in my two current loves - sewing and photography.

Yesterday on our walk to pick up Isaac from kindy, Jazz and I popped into the local op shop. I was after a pillow case to make another little dress, but a cute polka dot skirt grabbed my attention as soon as I walked in. My mind started ticking over....surely it couldnt be too hard to turn a ladies skirt into a very cute little girls dress? With this aim in mind I found a second funky skirt and handed over my $4 (which included three more tupperware tumblers - gotta love a true op shop bargain!)

After a few hours fiddling around, designing, cutting, sewing, unpicking (LOL),
I turned this skirt...

into this pretty little dress...

complete with zip up back

and matching head band

and then I turned this skirt...

into this funky little number...

hehehehe, it reminds me of something out of an Austin Powers movie :)

Today I had the absolute pleasure of getting to take some photos of a gorgeous 38 1/2 week pregnant belly. Here are a couple of quick edits for you Nell.....

thank you so much for letting me take these for you...you really do have a beautiful pregnant glow about you, you look fantastic! I cant wait to meet your precious little one!

Four

2009-11-23T15:58:00.008+10:30

To my little man
On Thursday you turned four, it really is a new phase in your life. You started pre entry at Kindy this term, its a two hour session on Monday mornings. You are really loving it. Its nice for you to finally have something just for you, and Im really enjoying being able to spend a little girly time with Jacinta. Next year you will go for two full days a week - and as peaceful as it is, Im sure I will miss your constant chatter, and the funny little conversations we have during our day.

Three was a rather challenging age, you are very head strong,and stubborn, and like to get your own way. You are also really helpful and a good little worker. You like to be kept busy. You really have seemed to settle down since you started kindy though. You are getting time to play with kids your own age, and learn age appropriate behaviours. Your kindy teachers are wonderful and Im really looking forward to being part of the kindy community again next year.

Its lovely that you are still into the things that other kindy kids enjoy, cars, trucks, sandpits, Thomas, Dora, pretend play, singing and stories. I was concerned that you would move past these things too quickly having two much older brothers, but you seem to have found your place and are quite happy to just be four!

We celebrated your birthday with a your choice of breakfast and dinner. Pancakes with strawberries for breakfast, and home made hanburgers for tea. I was planning on making you a birthday cake, but time got away from me, so I got a yummy chocolate cake from the bakery and Nathan personalised it with brightly coloured M&Ms. We your birthday The following day we went to the play cafe with Auntie vic, Georgia & Bailey, and Aunite Jode & Riley. We all had a fun morning!

We love you so much mate - enjoy being 4!!

Mummy xxx

congratulations to....

2009-11-17T11:22:00.002+10:30

Angela :) Isaac did the lucky draw for me and you are the winner, please contact me with your postage details and I will get the dress in the mail to you.

angela said...
Oh lovely owl quilt. Is the very thing in scrapbooking papers this year. I just love the red.
The dress is so cute. You should sell them.

My little girl would look very cute in that dress too.

8:28 PM

DQS Opening Day and a Giveaway

2009-11-07T13:13:00.008+10:30

Today was official opening day for the Dolls Quilt swap. This morning as soon as soon as Jazz and I were awake, I let her open it...We had to give some guidelines of likes/dislikes etc to help our swap partner with ideas - my only request was an actual dolls quilt (could be dolls quilt or wall hanging) which was predominantly pink and pretty.
Well I think Tania has nailed it. This is the first ever quilt she has made, and she did an awesome job. Thank you so much - Jazz and I think its just perfect.
I love the fabric selections, they are very prety, and the little matching pillow is so cute!

It got the seal of approval...the 'twins' got covered up and kissed goodnight straight away.

My swap partner was Esther (& Beth) After seeing her gorgeous quilts I was SO nervous about making a quilt for her, but I was pretty happy with the way it turned out. The piecing and quilting are a bit wonky in places, but I hope they dont mind too much! After all the sneek peeks Ive shared, here is the quilt I made....
front

back

I really enjoyed being part of this swap and hopefully will join in again next year! Now I have to put the thinking cap on and start making for a couple of Secret Santas Ive signed up for, and for my PIF. Thanks to the three ladies who have joined up for my PIF - please let me know your
postal details at some stage, so I can send a little crafty goodness your way sometime in the next year!

And to finish off Ive decided to have a little give away. The other day I made a little dress for Jacinta using this tutorial. Its made from a pretty sheet I picked up from the op shop and its beautifully soft and cool. Unfortunately she was asleep and I just guessed measurements and it turned out too big! I would say its about a size 2 - 3 dress (would probably fit up to a size 4 as a top)

Instead of trying to adjust this one, I made another one that fits her. So this one needs a new home. To enter into the givaway just leave a comment on this post. You can get an extra entry by blogging about and linkng this give away on your blog - just make sure you leave an extra comment letting me know! Will only post to Australian addresses. I will draw a winner on Monday 15th November (too much happening next weekend!)

Pay it forward

2009-10-29T19:57:00.002+10:30

OK..out in blog land there has been a little PIF scheme happening for quite some time. Ive been tempted so many times to play along,tonight Ive finally succumbed and joined in the fun. Ive put my name down on Cars blog for her PIF.

If you would like to play along and pay it forward leave me a comment on this post. The first three people to comment will be choosen. The rules are simple. I will make you a hand-made gift and send it to you sometime within the next 365 days. All you have to do is pledge on your blog to Pay it forward in return - you will have to make three other people who comment on your post something within the next 365 days. And so on, so forth. It's all about sharing the love.

20 months

2009-10-24T19:10:00.012+10:30

To my sweet little Jazzie,

Another month has passed. You are growing up so quickly now, my 'baby' has gone and has been replaced with a sweet little girl. I had forgotten what a delightful age this is. You are amazed by everything, you love to play little games, sing little songs and laugh until you give yourself hiccups - just because you can! Despite looking like a sweet girly little girl, you can more often than not you can be found playng with dump trucks or cricket bats or any other of the stereotypical boys stuff that is always laying around here.The other day you woked out how to make the little wiggles car go forwards all by yourself. You were so excited. Now you can ride around and around the table with Isaac. I think its time to get you a little ride on of your own. Toni gave us this old one of tanners, but it doesnt even have a seat...not that you seem to mind!

You are still attracted to dirt and mud, thank goodness that its finally starting to warm up, and the puddles of mud have dissapeared. The other day you and Isaac were outside alone for five minutes and this was the result. Seriously I didnt know where to start, it was right through everything.

You have started to take a real interest in the couple of dolls you have as well. You try to feed them, and wrap them up and kiss them goodnight - its very cute to watch. Im still hoping Grandpa will make you a cradle (just like I had) for Christmas so you will have a special place for your 'babies' to sleep. More and more you are beginning to engage in pretend play with Isaac. You both love being dogs, crawling around on the ground chasing each other, tounges hanging out, panting like puppies. Tea parties are a regular occurance, and you were thrilled that we had some real water in the cups the other day - one of the advantages of the spring weather finally arriving. Ive done a couple of little photo shoots of you having a tea party with some of your great Nannas tea cups, it was lots of fun.

Your language skills are developing rapidly now. There are new words being mastered, and in between all of your gabbled conversations a distinguishable word will suddenly appear and take us by suprise. You say Mummy, Daddy, puppy, up, off, moolsh (milk), cup, cack (quack), hat a;; the time.

We got to catch up with Tracy, Chloe, Mia, Carina and Damon this month. Mia and Damon were born around the same time as you, and Mummy became friends with Tracy & Carina through an online parenting forum. All of our babies were due between the 15th-29th Feb 2008. There are a group of us who are still in regular contact, and these are the two that Ive had the pleasure of getting together with in real life.

On Nathans birthday and you loved helping to blow out the candles. You loved the cake even more!

Your bedroom is finally finished. I bound your quilt, and got all the finishing touches done. Its a really pretty room, and I was thrilled to have it featured on Spearmint Baby.
You really are a sweet little girl. You are quite clingy to Daddy and I at the moment though. If we go any where you spend most of the time climbing up my legs. You want to sit up in the lounge with us, but as soon as you get up there you want to hop back down again. You follow us around the house like a shadow, and like to be right in the middle of what ever we are doing. You have discovered how to open cupboards and are always getting cups and plates out, or your toothbrush out of the bathroom or putting things in the rubbish bin. If we growl you burst into tears. If someone takes something away that you want, you yell. If we try and give you something you dont want, you will either not take it, or throw it away. You love giving us kisses and cuddles, but love the power that comes with being able to shake your head and giggle cheekily if Mummy asks for a kiss and you dont want one. You frighten easily, and are not at all brave. You have woked out how to get safely up and down the stairs at Auntie Vics place, but cant manage the two steps down from Georgias cubby house. Now that daylight savings has started Ive been trying to push your dinner and bed time later so that you can eat with us. You no longer let me feed you with a spoon - either you do it yourself, or you flat out refuse to eat it. You prefer a plate of finger foods that you can pick up and eat yourself. You will usually still let me feed you your weetbix for breakfast - you still have three most mornings. You drink mostly water, although milk is your drink of choice at the moment. You love to run away naked when I have dried you after your bath, and you still kick and carry on nearly everytime I dress you. You love shoes - yours and everyone elses, we are always looking for one of our shoes that you have slipped on and left in some strange place around the house or yard. You like to push things around on the tiles - the noisier the better.

I love you so much my baby girl.

Mummy xxxx

my cake worked!

2009-10-21T20:10:00.005+10:30

Here is my Apple & Oat cake recipe from today- mainly so I dont forget it, because according to the children, it absolutley delicious....which equates to, it is pretty much all gone already! Its loosely based on a couple of different apple cake recipes I found this morning. Ive had a go at making it a little healither than the usual butter and sugar filled versions.

Im always on the look out for some yummy treats that are remotely healthy - Im happy for this as an after school snack...might even manage to fill them up for a while!

Apple & Oat Cake

2 apples, peeled and chopped finely

1 cup sugar (could probably get away with 3/4 cup)

1 cup instant rolled oats

1 1/2 cups SR flour

3/4 cup extra light olive oil

2 eggs lightly beaten

1/2 t ground cinnamon

1. Mix all ingredients with a wooden spoon until combined. This is quite a dry mix.

2. Gently press the mixture into a greased and floured round cake tin

3. Bake at 180 degrees C (fan forced) for approx 45 - 50 min or until a skewer comes out clean.

4. Remove from tin and cool on a cake rack. Can be served warm or cold.

Wednesday 21 October 2009 | 1.30pm

2009-10-21T14:41:00.009+10:30

As I walked through my house just now, this is what I could see.

I thought I would record some of the everyday life stuff - excuse the not so perfect photos, they really are just snapshots!

Apple & Oat cake, Chocolate muffins & scones that we baked this morning.

As much as I love the computer, it really is the one big distraction when Im trying to get things done.

A pile of stuff to re home after the big declutter of Isaacs room on the weekend, and a fishing rod that was being used to catch a baby sister earlier.

Thank goodness for the dishwasher!

Isaacs dump truck quarry which has kept him amused for the last week, and which I just packed up - I wonder how long before he notices?

I spend half my life sweeping up. I tend to leave the broom sitting here where I can grab it when ever I need - drives Craig crazy!

One of the joys of having little ones in the house - always toys laying around

One boy, sound asleep..and he still is!

With four males in the house, this is a sight I have had to get used to..and why is it so hard for anyone to put a new roll of toilet paper on?

and while Im wondering why?, kids dirty clothes on the floor - right next to the basket!

Another hazard of having a larger family - the amount of washing...its never ending!

One little girl, who has just woken up.

The beds are unmade, but in all, quite tidy for a change!

There is always a pile of clean washing waiting to be sorted and folded.

This end of kitchen bench tends to accumulate all sorts of things that shouldnt be there!

The coffee machine is all set and waiting for me to make my afternoon cuppa - I still havnt got back to do that!

A little man and some trains that I picked up this morning, sat on the shelf while I did something else, and still havnt put away yet.

"mummy.....Muummy..................MUUUUUUUUUUUUMYYYYYYYYY...................{I look over and smile}......BOO"

I think she is ready to get up now!

Bye!

One dolls quilt - finished

2009-10-20T20:22:00.003+10:30

Its all ready to be packed up and sent off to its new home...I hope they like it. I will put some pics up of the completed quilt after opening day...and share what we recieved as well!

A few final sneak peeks...

My big kindy boy

2009-10-19T22:59:00.003+10:30

Today was Isaacs first day of kindy - well pre entry anyway, one two hour session a week for the rest of the term. He had a great time, but as usual was less than co-operative when I wanted a 'nice' photo before we left home...

Jacintas room featured on Spearmint Baby

2009-10-16T16:50:00.004+10:30

Im so excited......

Jacintas Room has been featured on Spearmint baby today
(my favourite source of nursery inspiration)

What a buzz! After all the time Ive spent lookng at all the gorgeous things they have on there, its a thrill to have finished her room and now be featured on there myself!

boys wear skirts too!

2009-10-14T22:21:00.004+10:30

well OK - maybe only if they are three and are being bribed with a chocolate frog to put one on! I made this little skirt for Jazz today.

There is a sew along being hosted by Mel Goodsell on her blog, and there are so many gorgeous skirts being shown that I couldn't resist having a go.

The good news is, not only did I have a piece of suitable fabric, but I actually managed to do it - I didnt use a pattern, I just guessed and hoped for the best - it only took about 1/2 hour. The downside to my hoping for the best, was the guestimate of the sizing was a bit off. Its too small for Isaac (well for a little girl the same size as him), and too big for Jazz. I did think about putting a couple of straps on it and making it into a little top - might look cute with some denim cutoffs.

my diary, quilts and fishing

2009-10-13T12:51:00.011+10:30

1. My 2009 Diary/Organiser - wow Ive been a bit overwhelmed with the response to this post. Obviously there is a real lack of practical diaries out there that cater for families with more than two kids. Im still recieving requests, a month after my original post, for a template of my diary. Im working on my 2010 version right now, and hope to have it done by the end of this month. I will post here when have finished a basic template that you can customise yourself - and worked out the easiest way to share it.

2. EBDQS3 - Im making progress on my dolls quilt. I have a tiny bit of the applique to finish, and then its ready to be sandwiched and quilted. Here is another sneak peek...

3. Jacintas quilt - lots of requests from my quilting friends to share some more detailed shots of Jacints cot quilt. They should enlarge when you click on them. I wanted it to have a modern feel to it, hence the simplicity of the design...but I also wanted it to be like a 'real' quilt which is why I had it machine quilted and did the binding by hand.

4. Gone Fishing - I mentioned in my last post that Craig took the boys fishing in a friends dam on Sunday. Nathan was the only one to catch anything...his patience and perserverence paid off! Here he is with his redfin - we cooked it up and it tasted yummo.