Sewing Queen Bee

Family Food

2010-03-21T10:12:00.003+10:00

Do your family have a peculiar food fancy? Our is pancakes. Now, we all like the big fluffy cake like pancakes... especially buttermilk stacks with maple syrup & banana. But in this house, we have a dark secret. An obsession, a yen, a love...

for crispy edges...

To find this delicious treat is quite easy. I am the owner of a 'secret' family recipe. It's acutally for crepes if truth be told, but they're always called pancakes here. It's just how we roll. (Roll, get it, like you roll crepes?! Ah, I crack myself up...) It's been handed down generation to generation - well since 1963's publication of Step-by-step Cookery for the Australian Women's Weekly in it's bright orange cover. It's been converted from imperial to metric by my Mum and I am going to share it, just in case there is another family gripped by crispy-edge-itis:

1 cup plain flour

pinch salt

1 egg

1 1/4 cup milk

Just sift the flour & salt, put in the egg & whisk in milk until you get a thin batter.

Cook in a pan with butter

They're actually like little flat Yorkshire Puddings - incidentally it's my pudding recipe as well except I bake in muffin trays with 1 tsp of oil in a very hot oven for about 10 mins.

They are delicious rolled up with lemon and sugar, jam, syrup and even fruit. If my family's little secret disgusts you, I apologise - I just feel safe sharing my dirty laundry on my little blog ;0) Perhaps you could share your family's food quirks to make me feel less freaky?

Wordless Weekend

2010-03-13T13:33:00.002+10:00

Photo by Me...

My Darling Rabbit

2010-03-02T17:43:00.004+10:00

Ah, the firstborn. They're always at a disadvantage as they're the one you 'learn' on. I expected things of Anna-Jayne I never would of Poppy as my parenting style has changed and I've become much more relaxed and realisitic in my attitudes.

She is an official 'Aspergian' and with that comes many challenges and special talents.

She knows all about Echo-location, more facts about animals than you can poke a stick at, and can sit for hours playing Nintendogs on her DS or cataloging her Littlest Pet Shops into 'groups'. She also is fond of tissues, rocks, shells, sticks, leaves and all types of other natural matter and I will find 'homes' for her Littlest Pet Shops made of the above materials in every conceivable nook and cranny in her room. Organisation is not something she'll ever come to naturally I'm afraid, despite lists, picture cards and cranky Mum routines. There are so many other things about her that I will share in the coming time but they're just a couple of little Jaynie-isms....

We have had so many break throughs in the past year which seemed to culminate in a wonderful weekend. She had been invited to a schoolmates Birthday party. She had such a lovely time, as soon as we got there, she was off with her friends. There was a 'Guess the Lollies in the Jar' game. I asked her if she'd like to guess. She said "No, I'll just get it wrong anyway and not win" as a Mum, my instant reaction was "well, you've got to be in it to win it" but I let it go as I'm learning more and more when to 'let things be'.

I went to take the little ones for an icecream and when I returned to pick her up, lo and behold, she ran up to me "I WON! I CAN'T BELIEVE I'VE WON!!" Her first ever prize!! She was so very proud. I have no idea who got her to enter but I'm so glad they did. She never wins.... she's not very co-ordinated, she'd rather gallop like a pony in a running race than be competitive. But in this, she did! She'd also won 3 other 'prizes' in games (I think due to a very lovely Mum who's seen her in the past come away empty handed). She proudly went around to everyone and shared her Lolly jar (which incidentally had 109 lollies). *Bless*

She was showing me all her loot when she saw her little friend had not won anything. I mentioned to her that she didn't seem to have anything and perhaps it would be kind to see if she'd like one of Jaynie's prizes? Albiet a bit confused, Jaynie dilligently asked if she'd like her glow-in-the-dark stars (no thanks)? Her special soap (again no thanks)... but she said - oh I'll have your skipping rope. Instantly - I could see on Jaynie's face, that she wanted that BADLY. I was instantly stuck. She'd been so giving & kind to her friend and now it was kind of backfiring. I quickly jumped in and said "Oh Jaynie, what a lovely friend and a wonderful person you are, I will get you the loveliest most beautiful skipping rope this week"... and with that, situation defused.

So my beautiful girl will be the proud owner of the most beautiful skipping rope I can find on pay day... and she's reminded me about it 154 times and counting since Sunday...........

Vietnam Jobs

2010-03-01T11:52:00.002+10:00

This morning I went to the Doctor to see which vaccinations I'll need for my trip. I already have had quite a few of my shots from when I went to China so this time I'll need Typhoid, Hep A Booster, Tetanus Booster and Swine Flu.

I can't say I'm thrilled with the idea of loading my body and immune system with so many bugs but when faced with the opposing consequences ie: the full fledged diseases, I'm happy to do it. I know of so many people's varying ideas on Vaccines but for me, I feel better that I've made this decision.

I organised my passport on Friday so just waiting for that to get back and then it'll be onto getting a Visa! Although, I haven't spoken to my Mum yet so it feels strange to be organising all these things without her knowledge!

My Marvellous Three

2010-02-28T15:47:00.006+10:00

We had a Birthday party this afternoon - the invitation was in the shape of a mask - a Masquerade Party!

Yesterday afternoon, we cut, painted, glued & hot glued up a set of masks ready to party. On the way there Anna-Jayne had a nervous moment as 'everyone else will have store bought masks'...

I suppose it had to happen eventually. The realisation that home-made is 'different'. I explained to her - we're a creative, crafty family by our choice and I think - the hour or so of fun and mess produced making our masks makes them more beautiful than the most gorgeous store bought product. She kind of agreed with me and lo and behold, when we arrived, there were quite a few hand made masks anyway.

I grabbed a few photos and looking at them on the screen, it amazes me at how fast they are growing. No longer babies or toddlers, I definitely have 3 young people. Anyway, enough talking. I hope you had a lovely weekend!

You did WHAT??!!

2010-02-25T11:43:00.002+10:00

My parents are off travelling Asia again for a couple of years. They spent almost 2 years away just after Poppy was born and have just gone again in November. I had planned to go over in September to see them in Vietnam but as it turns out Steven will be away. I was pretty devastated to say the least.

He is coming in Easter to see the children so Mum suggested over Skype last night , "why not come then?" Of course I said "no way, it's too soon, I can't get everything organised, I can't afford it." But after they generously offered to pay for me to go (I know - it's like winning LOTTO) and Steven's parents wonderfully offered to have the kids for a week - I booked tickets today for TWO WEEKS away!

Oh my... *panic stations*. So I am off in 35 days, with the extra hitch of: an expired passport, no visa or up to date innoculations....... *meep*

I can't believe it really. It's just one of the most random, spontaneous & wonderful things to happen to me! So I've been away from Asia for 13 years and I am so so thrilled to be heading back. I'm already thinking of the photos, food & fun in store for me with two weeks with my Mum. To top it off (as if it needs icing) - I get two overnight stop overs in Kuala Lumpur!!! I am grinning so wide right now & feeling more blessed than I can articulate.

First stop - Births, Deaths and Marriages for a Marriage Certificate. Isn't it funny - our divorce papers are being organised & I'm off to pay $70 to prove I'm married.....

Jam Drops

2010-02-24T14:02:00.005+10:00

I used this recipe which I found through Tiny Happy's Blog...

I followed the recipe exactly and got delicious results. The biscuit is melt in your mouth with the slightest firm base to bite through, and the jam goes wonderfully sweet and slightly chewy... Mmm... I got 29 out of my batch and we ate all of them in one afternoon. The dough does feel soft and you have to work reasonably swiftly but I managed fine with two little 'helpers' and the results speak for themselves...

Next week I will endeavour to find my Lemon Loaf recipe to show for a beloved friend :D

Clean Bathroom, Bake Muffins....

2010-02-24T13:10:00.004+10:00

My to-do list today was pretty simple, with wonderful results! I'm going to revisit some of mine & other people's favourite baking recipes each week and post the recipes, photos and reviews here, sound good?

This week is my all time favourite basic muffin recipe from Stephanie Alexander's The Cook's Companion. I personally think every person who moves out of home should get one of these. Not only does it go into detail about every imaginable ingredient, how to buy them, when & how to use them, but the recipes are failproof. From old familiy recipes to modern masterpieces for your mouth! I am a pretty experienced cook but I still go back to this lovely for information on a pretty regular basis. Anyway - onto the:

Basic Muffins

Ingredients

Butter

220gm Self Raising Flour

1/2 cup Castor Sugar

3/4 cup Milk or Buttermilk

1 Egg

3/4 cup Vegetable Oil

How To

Preheat oven to 180ºC and grease muffin tins well with butter (I use patty pans/muffin cases for easier clean up).

Mix sifted flour and castor sugar and any other dry ingredients you intend to use (I used cinnamon).

Combine milk, egg and oil in a seperate bowl and any other wet ingredients (I used vanilla, two small mashed bananas and a little handful of frozen raspberries).

Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients, pour in liquid and mix lightly.

Spoon batter into muffins tins/cases until 2/3 full, then bake for 20-25 mins until brown on the top. (I also added a sprinkle of brown sugar & oats to the top & pushed in lightly)

Remove tins from the oven, cool for a minute then put onto a rack to cool completely.

Makes 12 regular sized muffins, or 6 muffins & approx 12 mini muffins - which is just enough to share :0)

If using this recipe for savoury muffins, simply omit the castor sugar.

I have NEVER had a batch of these go wrong, no matter how many additions I make. Cheese, bacon & zucchini muffins are wonderful!

So now I have a clean bathroom and something to nibble at the computer until school pick-up!

Linky List

2010-02-18T12:25:00.004+10:00

Well, after Christmas is drag financially. Even though I have a Christmas savings fund, the extra meals out, functions and unplanned events quickly add up to deplete the budget. Add that to birthdays on the 11th, 15th, 25th and 28th of December, it's easy to see how by the time school's back my poor bank balance is screaming for a rest!

I've decided 2010 is my year to find some breathing room financially & live more frugally. To do that, I figure one of my biggest expenses apart from ones you can't do without, is presents, believe it or not! With Jaynie at school, and Cameron & Poppy at Kindy, we are getting a lot of lovely (and expensive) Birthday invitations. School's been back three weeks and we've had three party invites. After deliberating - I've decided to try and scale back costs by making at least part of each present handmade. Cards alone can range from $2 to $11 - we've got lots here at home to handmake them.

My god-daughter Luci's 8th birthday was on Monday, so she was first cab off the rank for the handmade experiment. We bought $15 worth of Lip Smackers and then made:

to make it a wonderfully full gift. Amazingly I didn't take a photo of the end result but I have included links to the tutorials I used for each part. The online crafting community is so generous to share ideas and tutorials, it's a wonderful resource.

I have been looking, coveting, dreaming around the interwebs (what was I saying earlier about being frugal?! A girl can dream can't she??!!) - just look at this eye candy from new blogs I've found:

Crocheted Pillowcases from Rosehip

Delicious cupcakes from Baking Addict

Fabulous interiors from Making it Lovely

Troublesome Tuesday

2010-02-16T16:01:00.006+10:00

The wheels have well and truly fallen off this week! My eldest daughter Anna-Jayne received her 2nd and official diagnosis for Aspergers on Friday. It has brought mixed emotions to the fore.

Guilt for what I may have done wrong in my ignorance, subsequently making things more difficult for her, sadness that she's never going to 'grow out of it' and she will always struggle with certain things in life, anger that I am the only one who deals with this on a day-to-day basis and relief that I have some answers and can now get on with finding ways to help Jaynie sort through things and help her be the best person she can possibly be.

On mentioning to friends and family, I have dealt with a lot of disbelief and questioning with her being 'labelled', resulting in me personally being unsure and questioning the lady doing her assessment. She said in her professional opinion, Jaynie is very 'subtle'. She doesn't believe there is 'mild' Aspergers - Autism, yes absolutely - but not Aspergers. You either have it or you don't. She said Anna-Jayne definitely has it, but because of her being a) female, b) intelligent and c) lovely natured, she presents very 'subtly' and has learnt to 'copy' certain behaviours to help her cope and 'fit in' to a certain degree. All of this is very new to me and I am relaying the conversation as it was said to me so it is confusing?!

We have a long road ahead. But I am actually looking forward to helping Jaynie understand herself and enable her to use her wonderful positive attributes in new ways. I am going to update on here too so hopefully we can look back & see the progress we made and who knows, perhaps help and connect with other families in similar situations?

I made a wholly home-made gift on the weekend for my god-daughter but forgot to photograph it! Oops! I will come back tomorrow to share the links I used for lovely hair clips, headbands, gift basket & pencil roll.

*sorry about how difficult this is to read - blogger is being a poo & ignoring my formatting*

Fantastic Friday

2010-02-12T11:53:00.003+10:00

I have my first 'proper' photo shoot this afternoon - twins who belong to my dear friend Michelle. They're still in NICU after being born at 31 weeks but we're hoping to capture some of those delicious newborn scrumptious moments. I am so nervous - I just want to be able to re-create the images in my mind's eye for this wonderful family!

Change Your Perspective!

2010-02-11T13:01:00.002+10:00

Re-organisation

2010-02-11T10:43:00.005+10:00

Now, there is no way I am going to post before pics... I couldn't stand the shame! But I would like to share some after pics of the results of a couple of weeks' decluttering & organising that I did during the Christmas holidays.

I love going to bed in a clean & tidy room - it doesn't happen that often, my room often tends to be the dumping ground for clean washing, crafty & sewing things! I have been making an effort to make my bed each morning , open the curtains and ensure the under-bed area is swept and tidy to allow good feng shui. It's amazing those small differences can make! I don't cringe going into my room during the day & like to see at least one room is relatively organised when I go to the bathroom. Isn't that curtain ugly?! I have plans to sew some pretty binding to try and allieviate that hideous 80s peach.

Staying true - it still doesn't look like Better Homes & Gardens, spot Poppy's Dora bag, but it's a massive improvement! Hehe. The bookcase got removed from the lounge where it was constantly being 're-arranged' by the kids & now is a neat & tidy entry point to our home.

The living area is still rather bare, but it does make it easier to do a big clean up at the end of the day. I'm trying to train the children to keep their toys in their bedrooms and only bring one out at a time. The Christmas stuff is down & away now, so that helps to make it look a little less messy as well!

I hope you're enjoying your day!

Sewing Catch up...

2010-02-10T12:53:00.010+10:00

I'm back again! Today I thought I'd show you a peek at some sewing I've been doing:

Firstly I made a nursing cushion for a wonderful Mum I know who's just had twins after a long five year wait! I used Kellie from Don't Look Now's wonderful tutorial to have a hidden zip along the back for easy removal & washing.

Next I thought I'd have a try at a string quilt after seeing so many wonderful creations.

I had made a table runner as a Christmas present and had some fabric left over, so I tried it with a few fabrics to start with. I reallly like how it's turned out although, I think the brighter, multi-coloured quilts pop more. I would love to participate in a swap of string quilt scraps if anyone knows of one happening or is interested in a private swap?

I am so excited about the impending release of Hunky Dory by Chez Moi for Moda. I just LOVE this fabric & have a quilt in my mind already :D The colours are so lovely & feminine, not to mention the florals!

M.I.A....

2010-02-09T17:30:00.005+10:00

Hello? *taps computer screen* You still there? :D

I am so sorry for just disappearing there for a while! Life got hectic, and blogging hit the bottom of a mile long list of things I would love to but just ran out of time to do! I apologise to anyone who actually reads this especially my bloggy/net buddies - I have been looking at all the wonderful work you've been doing & feeling very inspired.

It's not all been lazing around on the grass & house-workly duties! Once TAFE and Christmas was out of the way, I finally got back into doing some creative things around home that I'll be sharing over the next few days.

The first thing I have to show you is a 'display' for my buffet in the lounge. As part of my Cert 4 in Visual Arts & Contemporary Craft, I had to do a drawing class. One day I did a charcoal drawing of Darcy that I just fell in love with. So I built a little frame & sign display - it's quite in time for Valentine's Day - being a XO kiss hug.

I used Heather Bailey's Freshcut rub ons for a super simple, very effective result. So now I get to display a piece of my 'art' everyday.

See you tomorrow!

Got Plans?

2009-06-19T18:16:00.002+10:00

I have TAFE journals to get up to date before assessment week, truffles to make, a cardboard chair to manufacture & find some time to do housework & play with the kids. I hope you have a lovely, safe weekend!

Drawing on the positive...

2009-06-17T16:29:00.005+10:00

Can I start by saying THANKYOU to each and every one of you in your response to my last post. You have touched my heart & uplifted me beyond belief - I have been walking on air since your lovely posts, emails & conversations. Things like this bring out the wonderful side of some people (and the nasty in others) and I am so grateful to you all.

I have managed to verbalise my feelings and felt the weight of the World lift from my shoulders. I had an Oprah-esque 'lightbulb' moment - I had given away my power to another person and that was not healthy. I may not be able to control others or situations - I can only control my own response to the things that I encounter - I had been giving much too much importance to other people's actions and directly related that to my own self-worth. How could I have let that happen? It's often the case in life - but once the realisation happens, it's up to me to stop that from happening. I have to KNOW I am worth more, worth respect, an important part of the World - a child of God, no less or more important than anyone else. And once I know that deep in my soul - then nothing and no-one else can make me feel otherwise. I think, finally, after all that has happened - I have finally learnt that lesson! :0)

Onto creative endeavours - I feel at this new high point it's about time I put myself out there a bit more - Here are two sketches I've been working on for my final assignment in drawing. The first one is Darcy & the second one is my dear friend Fiona's boy Joshua who died 3 months after Darcy from HLHS as well. I just put my ipod on and drew on the feelings I had at the time - and surprisingly despite the dodgy drawing abilities - they came out with an aura of peace & tranquility which was obviously the opposite to what I was feeling at the time?! But I suppose now, 6 years down the track - I do have more joy in my heart than pain...I can think of those days & feel the keen intense grief, but it's not the overwhelming feeling... I mainly just feel joy & lucky that I have a son like him, waiting for me, when it's my time :0)

Being true...

2009-06-14T09:06:00.005+10:00

I haven't been here for so long! For lots of reasons really, but to be honest, a lot of it is due to shame & embarrasment. I have avoided coming on here to post a cheery, upbeat post because, truth be told, I have been feeling far from it. I have not wanted to post my real thoughts & life experience as I was frightened of expressing myself in words - putting it out there for the www to see. But as I am sitting here this morning, reading all my usual blogs, gaining insight & inspiration, I feel the need to share in the blogging community, because, who knows, there maybe someone somewhere going through a similar feeling.

As I posted, my husband and I seperated in October last year, I packed up the children and moved 2000 - odd kilometers back to South Australia. The reason I did that is because I discovered he was in a relationship whilst we were married. Now, we had both done things to contribute to the demise of our marriage: I am not blameless, but when I read the phone bills - detailing multiple phone calls to her on my 30th Birthday, and whilst Poppy was in hospital being operated on, the early mornings, middle of the night messages - I just knew - I had to maintain some scrap of dignity and walk away. Despite being in love with him, I just couldn't go through it.

Now, I have been told I should have stayed, but believe me, with all the things that had transpired in the past - I thought - he has truly moved on & I should just LET IT GO. I had poured almost 12 years of my life into this relationship: borne 4 children, given up my career and moved all over Australia in support of his career, spent the majority of my parenting with an absent husband, cooked, cleaned, maintained our finances, encouraged him, pushed him to go that bit harder and attend RMC... the list goes on. And he chose a single woman he works with, who has no children, ample finances and the freedom to go & do things I won't have for a long time... I was devastated. Heartbroken. Empty.

All my dreams, hopes for the future - dashed. My immediate future is a single mother's pension - 2 weekends off in 7 months and 3 damaged children who cry for their father. He's off to Europe with her in 2 weeks for a 'holiday' - whilst I am here, trying to maintain normality & sanity for my children. I am angry. I despair at my financial situation - not having spare money to pursue my love of craft has made my mental situation so much worse. Although, thank God I live in Australia & I am able to have food in the cupboard & a warm home thanks to said pension. I appreciate that I have so much more than so many other people.

It sounds so self-pitying - and for a long time I have been, to be honest, which in itself is embarrasing as I know it could be so much worse...

He won't come to his 'senses'. He has given up his family, his responsibilty & I can't let myself be disrespected or lower my worth anymore... I am worth more - his children are worth more. Even if he has washed his hands of us, I can't. I need to heal, regain my pride & give the children as much of me as possible.

I am still at TAFE, I have been a bit slack at going in recent times, I find being around such talented young people, whilst inspiring is also kind of depressing - they have their whole lives starting out - and I am restarting mine at 30 and feel behind the eight ball!

So, there you have it. That's my life in recent times. I just try to get up every day & put one foot in front of the other. Some days I trip - other days I get into bed at night & think "today was pretty good".

Thanks for listening WWW, and I hope I haven't scared you off! Now I have got this off my chest, I am hopeful I can kickstart my happy-go-lucky vibe & get back to doing what I love - bringing pieces of sunshine into my little blog & sharing them. :0)

Week 3....

2009-03-05T17:23:00.002+10:00

I have been focusing really hard on my drawing skills - or lack thereof... I did a pencil sketch of Darcy on the weekend and really concentrated in class on Wednesday whilst we learnt new ways of manipulating charcoal to gain extra effects... The first is a 'proper' copy then the bottom one is having some fun with effects to produce a more abstract feel.

In Ceramics today I made a Tea Cup with a teaspoon for the handle, a cupcake with a flower on the top & a pea pod with all the peas with different facials! It was a really fun and creative day.

Getting there

2009-02-25T18:26:00.003+10:00

Week Two of my course sees my confidence increase ever so slightly. I had Colour Theory and 2D Design on Monday which was quite interesting: Dealing with hue, tone, intensity and texture are more my line - I just pictured every colour in a quilt!!

Then onto today and back to Drawing class. Remaining on the Still Life Fundamentals bored the pants off of most of my classmates, however to me, it is all very helpful & explanatory to someone like me who's never ventured beyond stick figures, daisies & lovehearts. We used a pencil to transfer angles with our eye (very artist-like I thought) to paper to ensure correct composition and proportion. I think my 2nd effort was an improvement, albeit slightly to my previous week! At least everything seemed reasonably similar to the actual objects - ha ha. The working lines are meant to remain to create interest and to show the teacher where my thought processes were at.

Back to Sculptural Ceramics tomorrow, we have to make 5 clay figures inspired from things in the Garden. Pity the whole of Adelaide pretty much resembles a dust bowl - I think there will be plenty of sticks & maybe a gumnut or two - there were remarks made about my desire to have a pair of Kath'n'Kim-esque Gumnut Earrings.... Some people have no taste..... ;0)

I'm an Artist....

2009-02-18T12:45:00.005+10:00

Saturday found me crying into my pillow about how my life lacks direction and I'll never get anywhere, combined with self-pitying wails and thrashing amongst pillows....(Slight exaggeration - but only just)

I got onto the interwebs on Sunday with a mission to find 'something' to do. It'd been on my mind for a while and I couldn't seperate my need to study something practical (and money generating) with my desire to see how far I can stretch this crafty part of my personality. I found a pleasing middle ground! I have enrolled in Certificate IV in Visual Arts and Contemporary Craft. It is only 18 months part time and held at TAFE. At the end of this time, the kids will all be in school or full-time Kindy and I can increase my workload. I will also know if I have what it takes to take my fledling love of art and all things crafty and make it work for my future financial security. If I don't cut the mustard, I've spent 18 months learning the fundamentals in Art History, Colour Theory, Sculptural Ceramics, Photography, Glass work and Drawing to enrich my hobbies.

As I've come to find recently - it all just unfolded, in an almost unconscious way. I rang on Monday morning to enquire about the course and next semester chances and got told there were places starting this week! So I dashed up there and 2 hours later I was enrolled for two and a half days a week, the children were found places in day care and OHSC and I was sitting like a stunned mullet with my head spinning!

I had my first class this morning (I missed the first day on Monday which was Colour Theory) and it was drawing technique. Let me start by saying - I CANNOT DRAW..... So the idea of getting busy with charcoal in hand was quite scary and laughable. But I tried and even though the result was exceedingly less than perfect - it felt wonderful. I got to interact with adults that don't know me as Leah the Mum, housekeeper and all round dogsbody and I can be another being, learning and laughing. I can't wait until tomorrow - Sculptural Ceramics!

Fat Quater Swap

2009-02-10T10:37:00.004+10:00

I received my fat quarter swap from Joanie today! A beautiful collection of oriental fabrics that are just perfect! And I smelt the parcel before I opened it, a heart filled with UK lavendar to make my day extra special. :0)

Thanks again to Katy for co-ordinating this swap - and she has a little something from us to say thankyou in the post!

Birthday Surprises

2009-02-09T18:07:00.004+10:00

My god-daughter's Birthday is on Sunday so I have been busy stitching a little something for her room. Sequins, pink & pom-poms make it a perfect Princess Pillow!

I hope she'll like it!

Thrifty Goodness

2009-02-06T16:36:00.004+10:00

I am desperately in need of new clothes, and so my best mate & I hit the oppy on Wednesday afternoon whilst the little two were at Kindy. For under $50 I managed to get 3 skirts, 4 tops and a bag. One of the tops I bought was brand new with the $34.99 price tag still attached. I was stoked! Even if I was a millionaire (oh, I wish), I think I would still go to Op shops, it's something about having lovely clothes for a fraction of the price and knowing that it will be loved just as much as it's old owner did :0).

I also managed to snaffle some china and glassware for my growing collection. Don't you just love this Pyrex Beaker Jug? It's huge! I've looked on Ebay & Pyrex Love to see if it's part of a set but I haven't seen anything even remotely like it? I thought of Ingrid as soon as I saw it as I know she hankers for Pyrex. And four little pansy bowls, perfect for nibbles or a Valentine's dessert, for the peeps and I.

I am kinda down around the mouth about this Valentine's Day. My first single V-Day for 12 years. Another adventure to go through I suppose! I have plans to make the kids some cards and a chocolate love surprise as well. I may not have a big guy in my life but my little man and 2 little misses just make my heart melt - and isn't that what V-Day is all about?! Plus I'll have a swap present to be opened as well, so not too shabby ;0)

Lap Quilt

2009-01-19T14:29:00.007+10:00

I got some scrumptious Flat Fats I've been eyeing off at Spotlight while I was there the other day and used this pattern from the very talented Amy Butler.

I wanted a 1930's feel with the bonus of it being dark enough to live on the couch and deal with any stray spills etc (you hope it doesn't happen, but with a 6,3 and 2 year old in the house, you never know!). So a few hours of cutting and stitching I went from this:

to this! Viola!

I love the simple almost monochromatic feel to it. Well, I suppose that should be duochromatic?!

I would love to stretch myself this year and branch into risk taking colour schemes. I adore Helen's work as she's never afraid of colour and it always seems to work for her. I am coming to love quilting above all sewing and hope 2009 is the year for me to learn to fly within the craft. I have been drooling over Kellie's amazing work and I am completely smitten with her applique work. I am thinking of making something with applique next up...

I have my Fat Quarter Swap FQs ready to go, I am just needing my little niceties to finish it off and it will be in the post! My EB haby swap is coming together nicely as well.

Finally!

2009-01-16T18:26:00.005+10:00

I finally got some sewing done! I made this cushion for myself and Mum requested it in black to go with her room... So I've left it 'modern' and clean, without ruffles or anything else. I so hope she likes it. Please excuse the horrid photos and unironed finished product!

e made a trip into town yesterday to go to the Hatching Dinosaurs exhibition on at the Museum. We even went into the Art Gallery! The kids but they were fascinated by the war memorial on North Terrace and I took a couple of cool shots that I really liked there.

A New Bed

2009-01-10T11:26:00.001+10:00

My old bed has served me for over 11 years and I love it. But seven moves later - the old girl had given up the ghost - slats would drop out in the middle of the night and it was being held together with half inserted wooden dowels.

After a good look around I decided to get a white bed and after a mammoth trip to Ikea yesterday, I came home with in excess of a hundred kilograms of wood & metal to be made into a new bed & TV Cabinet.

I woke up this morning in this....

And tonight I will be going to bed in this!!

It only took an hour to put together and I only swore twice, which was right at the end trying to fit the slats in. Now I am dreaming of girly quilts to make to pretty it up.

2009-01-08T10:18:00.003+10:00

We take the ocean with us.

When a woman makes a baby, she gives it water, inside her body, to grow in. The water inside her body is almost exactly the same as the water of the sea. It is salty, by just the same amount. She makes a little ocean, in her body.

And not only this. Our blood and our sweating, they are both salty, almost exactly like the water from the sea is salty. We carry oceans inside of us, in our blood and our sweat. And we are crying the oceans, in our tears.

¬ Excerpt from Shantaram, by Gregory David Roberts. An amazing work - please read it if you haven't already... I will go into more detail about my thoughts and emotions on this book soon, but I wanted to share the above excerpt as it prompted me to take this photo.

New Year's Resolutions

2009-01-07T10:28:00.003+10:00

So I don't usually go in for the hype of NY Resolutions, but this year I have made one (that I am willing to share out loud) - I am wanting to get more involved in the Blogging Crafting community, push my boundaries and skills and make an effort to 'connect' with more crafters.

So my first little step is to participate in Ginger Monkey's Swap! Something nice and simple to start with :0) It's very exciting! I've done swaps with the fabulous EB girls but this is my first foray into Blog Swaps.

Menu Plan Monday

2009-01-05T11:09:00.004+10:00

I have done my food shopping and come up with this weeks' Menu Plan

Monday - Satay Chicken with Rice
Tuesday - Moroccan Lamb Chops with Spiced Couscous
Wednesday - Chicken and Salad Tortilla Wraps
Thursday - Rissoles with Mashed Potato and Vegetables
Friday - Beef Mussaman Curry with Rice
Saturday - Ham and Cheese Quiche with Salad
Sunday - Leftovers, Toasted Sandwiches

Baking - Snickerdoodles, Pikelets, Banana Bread

Thanks to I'm an Organising Junkie for the great idea!

2008-12-23T19:56:00.003+10:00

Wishing you a Merry and Bright Christmas. May you take the time to canoodle the ones you love and think of the ones who may not be here this year. From my little nest to yours, Merry Christmas. x*

Not Perfect, but Perfectly Beautiful....

2008-12-19T09:08:00.001+10:00

Roar!

2008-12-18T17:08:00.004+10:00

Argh! There's a tiger in my house!

Oh Cameron, it's only you -thank goodness!

Give us a smile Gorgeous boy! Come on!

Hey Cameron - I love you...

Too much for a manly tiger to take huh?! But I've not finished with you yet! Oh, okay then, maybe later?

Home Day

2008-12-18T13:17:00.002+10:00

Between cups of tea and a little Bloglines, we are cooking trial runs of Christmas Cookies and a little glue & glitter action on pine cones.....

Snickerdoodles

Ingredients
250gms butter (2 sticks), softened
2 C sugar
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cream of tartar
2 large eggs
1 1/4 tsp vanilla
3 C flour

How To
1. In a medium sized bowl, beat the butter for about 30 seconds on medium speed. Add the sugar, baking soda and cream of tartar, beating until well mixed. Slowly beat in the egg and vanilla until well incorporated. Beat in the flour 1/2 C at a time.

2. When all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed, cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour in the fridge.

3. Pre-heat the oven to 190ºC.

4. In a bowl, combine the *sprinkles* cinnamon and sugar. Take enough dough to shape into 1" balls.This is my kids' favorite part, rolling the dough into balls and then covering them with *sprinkles*.

5. Roll the dough balls around in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Place on a light, un-greased baking sheet. Bake about 10 minutes.

6. The cookies will not appear done. Let cool for a minute on the cookie sheet and then move to a wire rack. This will yield a soft, delightfully chewy cookie. For a crisper cookie, cook about 12 minutes. If the cookies become golden, they will be very crisp.

*I am so sorry, I cannot find the blog that I got this recipe from to add - my apologies and thanks to the original author*

I am also cutting out a fabric nativity scene to get ready to sew & stuff for this afternoon's crafting fun.

What are you up to today?

Christmas Traditions

2008-12-17T09:22:00.006+10:00

We've been in the midst of creating some new Christmas traditions and rekindling some old ones! Every year I buy a new ornament for my Darcy. This year it was a variation on my normal star:

I am in love with the champagne decorations that are the 'in' colour this year, I am hoping to snaffle some at the after Christmas sales.

My best friend Rachael had us around for the decorating of their tree, it was a lot of fun with the kids enjoying the angel hair placement the most. It was a nice reminder of the true meaning of the season:

And then we had a rip-roaring Gingerbread decorating afternoon! Who would think so much sugar, colours and sprinkles could make 6 kids happy & silly as a wheel?! ;0) No photos, we were too busy trying to contain the icing to one small area!

What are your special traditions? I have more to share about Christmas Day itself but that will have to wait - we've got pine cones to cover in glue & glitter!

New Nest

2008-12-16T13:22:00.002+10:00

Sorry for the unintended bloggy break! I have moved home to SA and been busy setting up our new nest. Very sadly my husband and I have seperated, but it's not something I care to go into detail now. Suffice to say, I have been looking on the positive side of life and have been enjoying: re-uniting with old friends, Farmers Union Iced Coffee, Fritz, Gingerbread cookie decorating parties, putting Christmas trees up, Youth Service Mass, seeing Jaynie settle at her new school for the final 2 weeks and loving it, being able to use a hose; albeit only 3 hours a week.....

I hope to be back bursting with festive posts and high hopes for the New Year of crafting, family & friends.

Your friend and solo-flyer,
Leah
x*

For Karen of Little Owl

2008-09-28T09:49:00.003+10:00

I met the most delightful sewist at Spotlight yesterday! We were eyeing each others fabric selections and a conversation was struck up. Karen, owner of Little Owl sews beautiful (I can tell they are by the fabric she picked - that lady's got style! :) ) little girl dresses. We started talking about blogging and I promised her I would put up some of the sites we were chatting about:

http://annamariahorner.blogspot.com/

http://modkidboutique.blogspot.com/

http://www.oliverands.com/blog/index.phtml

I have to dash but I will put some more up this afternoon.
Thanks for the chat Karen and I can't wait for your site so I can see your creations! :)

I have a little news...

2008-09-15T13:58:00.004+10:00

I have been asked by a dear friend if I would like to take a spot in their markets : Designers Emporium. So Peachy Keen is born, a stall devoted to selling delicious homemade delectables. I have spent the last few weeks in a cooking frenzy, plying friends and family alike with sweeties to taste test! Do you like my logo?

I am going to sell truffles, melting moments and other lovely biscuits and of course, cupcakes!

So if you live in Brisbane, be sure to come to the Everton Park Hotel on the first Sunday in October to see the launch of Peachy Keen! If you mention you read my blog, you will get a special surprise ;)

I have also lost my internet connection and am relying on dial-up at the moment, hence the lack of posts. Apologies to the EB girls, I will get in there soon, it just takes FOREVER with the ads and things!

I have done a little sewing, which I will aim to post tomorrow - you should see how long it's taken me to get this up!

Skirty Saturday

2008-08-31T09:53:00.001+10:00

I've been busy today! I made Poppy-Mae 2 gathered skirts. They were inspired by the House on Hill Road tutorial, but I went the simple route and skipped thetop band and bottom hem and focused on prettying them up.I can't believe how quickly they came together. The strip on the bottom of the pink skirtwas leftover from the first skirt and I didn't want to waste it. I got the whole piece from the Op Shop in Bright for 50c.

I love when I can make something so pretty out of a cheapoff-cut.I have plans to use my Monday to make Jaynie a few skirts. They are so gratifying to whip upin such a small time.

Give-away!

2008-08-30T10:43:00.002+10:00

So, only 3 takers for my pouch then? I'll be drawing tomorrow morning...
I have the house to myself this morning... Steven's taken the kids to feed the ducks. I suppose I'd best tidy this house while he's out or I'll feel terribly lazy.... ;)

2008-08-26T09:46:00.003+10:00

Mt Coot-tha Botanical Gardens - Japanese Garden

We went to feed the ducks and the kids rode their bikes on Saturday afternoon. I love the Japanese Garden there, it's so peaceful. (Well, until we walk in there at least!)

I'd like to thank the Academy....

2008-08-22T16:59:00.007+10:00

Well, check it out! I got an award from the gorgeous Karin! I met her through MISS and was so excited to discover she has a blog.

Anyway, talk about make my week! I love to think I have people who read what I dribble about. To celebrate, I will be making a zippered pouch to give away filled with some vintage and new goodness to brighten up a sewing day! If you'd like to leave a comment and I'll pick a number out of the hat on Sunday.

My picks to pass this award on for this week would have to be:

Tsk Tsk - Tiel does the MOST BEAUTIFUL artwork and she is just so lovely to boot!

Cass - What can I say to Cass that hasn't been said already? She is a very generous, kind and wonderfully crafty soul.

Nikki-Shell - Her writing is uplifting and again, her craft is great.

There are so many others I could share, my Bloglines stands at 89 so far and they're all great. But that will suffice for now.

We made some Teacup biscuits for Jaynie to take to school today for her classmates. They were a huge hit and even Poppy could get in on the sticky fun. Although I couldn't buy Tic Toc biscuits or musk lifesavers - what is the World coming to when they stop making staples like those!

Have a great weekend peeps! Much love to you and yours. x*

Zippered Pouch

2008-08-20T17:05:00.004+10:00

Here's a zippered pouch to go with the bag! I love the shabby-chic flower on the outside. Even though the fabriv has a very Japanese feel to it when it is in a big piece, with the applique, it becomes almost country?!

I ironed the cut-out flower to I have 2 birthdays coming up in the next 10 days so I'll be whipping up a couple more sets. I'd love to find some d-rings and key chain rings to make them a bit more professional. Anyone have any ideas/suppliers?

We took Poppy to the ENT last night, she is booked in to have her tonsils and adenoids out and grommits put in on the 25th of September. It's so quick but we'll be glad to give her the chance to put on some weight and have longer than 5 weeks between anti-biotics.

Why I love bags - 30 minutes and you're fabulous!

2008-08-19T14:06:00.005+10:00

I have finally got around to making myself another bag. The Jordy tutorial is the best first-stop for wanna-be bag makers. Then it's just so simple to tweak it to your requirements! Mine is perfectly suited for me to carry my mobile, keys and purse, no superflous pockets or additives as it's so itty-bitty they aren't needed!

How wonderful for crafters to share their expertise and allow others to see the how-to for things. Us crafters are a sharing, caring bunch! I only wish I had a tutorial to share with others. Maybe that could be a to-do?!

Weekend Wonderful

2008-08-17T19:41:00.002+10:00

Poppy's Quilt

2008-08-14T16:03:00.001+10:00

Here are some dodgy shots of Poppy's finished quilt. As you can see by the wrinkles, it's being well loved-on already! And a shot of my 'helpers' on the sidelines yesterday! Aren't they gorgeous?

The boy and his Daddy

2008-08-13T11:39:00.002+10:00

Old Photos

2008-08-13T11:38:00.002+10:00

DH found some CDs with backed up photos on them. I found a whole stash of Cammie photos and just had to share a couple. Thanks to Leni and Rose, I can now email them instead of having to upload them.

Play dough?!

2008-08-13T11:34:00.000+10:00

I finally finished Poppy's quilt but as they are burning off the whole of the military range at the back of our house, I can't get it outside for photos because of the smoke.

Just wanted to share an easy playdough recipe I stole from my friend Cassie ;) :

3 Cups Plain Flour
3 Tbl Oil
6 tspn Cream of Tartar
3 Cups Water

Mix all the ingredients in a microwave bowl, cover and cook for 7 minutes on high, stirring half way through. Once cool, knead to smooth consistency.

It makes really soft 'playdoh' consistency playdough! It's really lovely to play with and an easy way to do it. Also having no salt, it works out even cheaper to make.

I made a Strawberry and now I wanna Eat her!

2008-08-03T17:22:00.003+10:00

Not much doing here, I did get to make Princess P some new PJs as her old ones were ankle breezers! I finished off the sleeves and legs with a rolled edge to give it a more 'long john-ish' feel, she just looks thrilled huh? It was bedtime and she was in no mood to sit and pose for the camera. It's proof that she's not always 'butter wouldn't melt in her mouth'!

It's nice to see her growing for a change, she's such a little thing, her weight is at 11kgs now which puts her fair square under the 10% centile for her age. All that should change soon - she is having her tonsils and adenoids out, and grommits in, some time after the 19th of August, so we should hopefully see some height and weight gain in the next little while after that.

The weekend was spent doing chores around the house and loving on my DH who returned home on Monday after seven weeks away in Sydney. He worked on the preparations for the Pope's visit for World Youth Day. I think having him away for a little while gives us all a newfound appreciation for when we're back together. Although he has mentioned a few times about how quiet it was down there and how he got to eat in peace for every meal! I'm sure he really did miss us.... ;)

What have you got planned for your craft week? I am hoping to spend my day off tomorrow doing some more quilting on Poppy's quilt and cutting out some more PJs and a couple of sweet dresses.

A Stitch in Time.....

2008-07-24T15:54:00.005+10:00

...Saves My Mind!!!

I went and got another piece of fabric to back Poppy's quilt after the other piece I bought was too small. To avoid my wonky sewing I went with two full length pieces in the hope that sewing along the selvedge would give me a nicer edge. It seems to have worked and as you can see by the photos, the fabric is a bit out there! I have to say, I think it really works - it takes the quilt from safe pastels/girly to a bit of fun and flight of fancy! I think so anyway.... *Quietly Prays it looks ok*....

I am just quilting in the ditch around the squares and then I was thinking of straight lines along the border? Any advice from expert quilters out there? I would love some input. I also have 2 nine patches leftover so they will make cushions. I am going to try piping around them.

I don't know why in the photo it looks so wrinkly - it's all ironed and pinned to within an inch of it's life. I hope it doesn't end up that wrinkly. The colours are a bit out too from the flash.

Anyway, time for calistenics! Later peeps!

Cutting Some Slack

2008-07-23T12:03:00.003+10:00

I've been going through a rough patch recently. The fact of Steven basically being away since May, illness and some family issues have found me on a really low emotional ebb.

I find it so hard to be honest about my feelings, ever since Darcy I have somehow shut down a part of my personality that allows me to feel freely and share those feelings with others. The lower I feel, the more I smile. It's a double edged sword, I can go on with my daily life without others suspecting my crumbling insides but it makes it hard for people to believe how bad I am feeling when I do admit it. Even my GP looked suspicious when I told him as I was not a crying mess, my children were dressed and my hair was done. It does not negate my depth of despair inside.

Anyway, in light of that confession, this morning was starting off particularly badly - Cameron had pulled every piece of clothing he owned out of his drawers and strewn them around the house, Anna-Jayne had the runs and therefore had to stay home from school and Poppy just wasn't her happy self. I made pancakes for morning tea and had lost my patience as they had all wanted to 'help' which ended in a smashed plate, sticky maple syrup floor and even more mess to clean up!

I sent Jaynie to her room to watch a DVD on the laptop and while Poppy was in there with her, I sat down with Cameron and did some drawing. I consciously made myself sit on his little stool, getting right to his level and made myself interact even though all I wanted to do was be alone. We had discussions about Transformers and Daddy being at work. While he was reaching for a texta, his hand deviated to rest on mine and give me a little rub. A cheeky little smirk later and he was back to drawing.

Then when he decided it was time for a TV break, I took Poppy into the shower with me. Again, making a conscious effort, I sat on the floor and drew shapes with her on the steamy shower screens and filled cups with water, tipping them into the next one. She looked up at me, her big blue eyes fixed on me and I just felt so loved and okay. Her little skinny arms around my neck and her little bum working its way to find a space on my lap was better and more fulfilling than I could ever imagine feeling today when I woke up.

It dawned on me that my kids don't want a 24/7 entertainer Mum, with a hundred organised craft activites and constant interaction, they only want snippets of my 100% time. Snatches of 5-10 minute blocks, a small activity together, a little laugh and quick stolen cuddle.

Suddenly I felt a huge weight release off my shoulders. I always feel as if I'm not 'good enough'. The house is not spotless, there is washing to do, the kids fight, I don't take them to the park every five minutes or make playdough everyday. But I do try. And they love me for it. I need to let it go and cut myself some slack. I hear the niggling voice inside my head say "cutting yourself some slack is an excuse for being lazy" but today I will ignore it.

Writing From My Sick Bed...

2008-07-21T11:40:00.003+10:00

Well, I am not literally in bed, I have just always wanted to say that! We have had rounds of illness going through the house, culminating in a weekend long crook-fest for the long suffering Mum. I haven't been sick in so long. I do get a lot of migraines but I normally don't count them on my sick list as they have been a regular part of my life.

Anyway, suffice to say, I am feeling rather worn thin today and plan to use my child-free day to recuperate and get the house tidy so I can spend some much needed time with the peeps for the rest of the week.

We did manage to do a Fairie Garden yesterday. This idea came from a great friend of mine, as a way to make each house we live in more like home - the thought that their Fairie friend will follow them no matter where they live is a comforting thought to our always moving children.

'Flutter' has decided to join our family, meaning Mum has spent quite a bit of time this morning sourcing Faririe glitter, stones and stickers!

I have been doing a little crafting - I have been crocheting some granny squares in the hope of one day having a lap quilt! I wanted something I could do while watching TV that didn't require much concentration but I still felt as if I was being a little crafty.

I hope you are having a peaceful day. x

Where Have I Been?

2008-07-01T17:25:00.004+10:00

Not figuring out better blog titles, that's for sure. ;)

I have my Mum here as hubby is away for seven whole weeks. We did an op shop run today and struck gold, literally! I have had a fascination with religious icons for a long time and never managed to find one I loved. I had bid for a couple on Ebay that ended up going for ridiculous prices. I found this little love and I am so happy! It's just perfect.

The kids are tired out from a long day of trekking the Op shops so I'll make this short and sweet. Catch you very soon...

I am So Lucky

2008-06-21T12:13:00.005+10:00

Argh! We look so young!

An SMS was waiting for me this morning:

My love for you has never changed,
I'm sure it never will.
Your pretty face and your smouldering eyes,
Are enough to kill.
I look into our childrens' eyes,
And all I see is you.
The way you are a Mum to them,
Is too good to be true.
I miss you so much,
And I love the pics you send.
Send me more they do me good,
I need them at this end.
I need to rub your feet for you,
And to hold you real tight.
You are the coolest girl I know,
You are more fly than a kite.

Together almost 12 years, Married for 9, and I still get poems like this! No wonder I am such a princess - I get treated like one..... Maybe he needs to go away for months on end more often?! It's inspires his poetic nature. ;)

Friday Again!

2008-06-20T11:40:00.003+10:00

I really need to find some creative titles, don't I?
I have photos to share from last weekends' jaunt to the hills just north of Brisbane. There's a lovely picnic area and down a little hill is this hidden creek. Isn't it just the thing Childhood is made for? The kids had so much fun with rocks, sticks and leaves. *Bliss* We went with some really good friends of ours who seem to be so in synch with our idea of a fun time: Good food, friends and nature. Six children totally engrossed and not an electronic gizmo or doo-dad to be seen.

I know this is meant to be a craft blog. I have NO SEW-JO. I have the want but it just seems to never eventuate. I have been so busy trying to keep the house Martha Style that I have seemed to forgone my creative endeavours. Time to remedy that I think.... Stay tuned... (I hope)!

Friday Frenzy

2008-06-13T16:02:00.004+10:00

Here's some shots from last weekend that I hadn't got around to posting. We love Mt Coot-tha Botanical Gardens. It's so peaceful and pretty. I had a cleaning/organising blitz today:

Cleaned out Cameron's toys - 2 bags for the Op-shop.
Organised Cameron's toys into seperate tubs for cars, trains, little pieces.
Tidied Anna-Jayne's rooms.
Vacummed house.
Mopped floors.
Spot cleaned carpets in Loungeroom.
Spot cleaned Loungesuite.
Two loads of washing.
Vegetable and Bacon soup cooking on the stove.

So needless to say, house is spotless, tummy is rumbling and I'm tiredly fulfilled! Have a lovely weekend Bloggy peeps!

Front Door - Back Door

2008-06-12T11:01:00.005+10:00

True View from my Front Door

A bug's view

Down the street vista - there's a teeny park down there!

My Kindred Spirit Kylie tagged me for this great meme. You have to take a photo from your Front and Back doors. It's amazing how differently you see the World through a lens with the intent of trying to make your area not look crappy to Blog-World. Be glad you can't see through my house from Front To Back, it's truly a mess at the moment! * I can't publish my back doow ones at the moment, will come back and update*

This is our newest "home": number six in six years. I don't mind it. It's not really 'me' but it's a roof over our heads and we're getting to see an awful lot of Australia. We might actually be staying put for longer than 18 months this time *shock horror* ! :)

I normally don't mind moving, I'm a bit of a gypsy at heart, but they did have to drag me kicking and screaming from Wodonga. That posting rocked, and the kitchen.... oh the kitchen...... I want the exact replica (with the exception of a proper stove) in my dream forever home.

Friday Fun

2008-06-06T15:12:00.001+10:00

Great game I saw over at Ingrid's!

1. Bratz Spring Break Leah, 2. Del's Pizza, 3. Yellow and Blue; Sunflower and Sky, 4. CHINA - The Yellow Mountain, 5. Gordon Ramsey, 6. tea and toast, 7. Fiji reflections, 8. coffee and chocolate mousse cake, 9. the pastry chef, 10. daffodil, 11. Last day in Paris, 12. my sewing machine tattoo

How to play?

Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.
Using only the first page, pick an image.
Copy and paste your chosen URLs into the mosaic maker and make a lovely mosaic to put on your blog or flickr.

The questions
1. What is your first name?
2. What is your favorite food?
3. What high school did you go to?
4. What is your favorite color?
5. Who is your celebrity crush?
6. Favorite drink?
7. Dream vacation?
8. Favorite dessert?
9. What you want to be when you grow up?
10. What do you love most in life?
11. One Word to describe you.
12. Your flickr name.

A Pretty Distraction

2008-06-05T14:04:00.005+10:00

We are still recuperating after the weekend dramas and I could no longer ignore the washing pile in favour of my sewing machine. I am having major withdrawals but I'm not going to even attempt it at the moment with Cameron and Poppy being little cling-ons!

As a reward for all my washing, hanging, folding and putting away, I finished off my little bureau corner. I've had the photos and frames ready to go ever since I brought it home so it feels lovely to finally hang them. I think for an amateur attempt, it looks cute! I do have dreams of hanging some embroideries as well and having a full gallery, but for now, it's great. The photos aren't crash hot, this wall doesn't get much light, despite it having two windows in it, but you get the drift.

Another Year Past

2008-06-04T22:30:00.004+10:00

In Time of Sorrow...
May you see God's light on the path ahead
When the road you walk is dark.
May you always hear,
Even in your hour of sorrow,
The gentle singing of the lark.
When times are hard may hardness
Never turn your heart to stone,
May you always remember
when the shadows fall—
You do not walk alone.

Our Darcy, gone to heaven five years ago at 6:10pm on the 5th of June. There are a million words I can write, a million tears I've shed and a million lessons our journey has brought me. I thank God for my son, for all the pain, joy and anguish, for teaching me that love is not a tangible thing, to love him I don't need him here with me in body, he forever entwined is in my spirit. The last slide of his montage is "an Irish Blessing" that was read at his funeral. I love the simple words. And so I will leave you with all the pictures we have of our Darcy Steven, a rejoicing of his spirit. One blessed mama, signing out....

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

I think I'll buy a Lotto Ticket

2008-06-04T13:21:00.002+10:00

I have MIA as Cameron spent 3 days in hospital. They're not 100% sure what it was but think one of his testes twisted. He started on Saturday night saying his 'bum' was sore and by 10am Sunday morning we were in at the Ipswich Hospital with him screaming in agony. They came up with every possible diagnosis you can think of: telescoping of the bowel, enteritis, virus, plain old constipation but nothing fit. The most likely opinion is the testes thing. They say it can happen once and then never again or a few times then get twisted good and proper. The doctors told me if it happens again and doesn't right itself - they've got 6 hours to get it out . Needless to say, I'm a bit worried. Seeing as we don't have a actual diagnosis, it makes me anxious it will happen again and it was horrible, he had every test known to man and was on morphine at one stage. He's home now, I just have to watch him very carefully.

To top it off, Steven's car broke down, the dishwasher's flooded our kitchen twice and it cost over $250 for three days worth of nappies and food! If it had been a skit on TV you would have to laugh! But it all pales in significance to my baby boy's health. I'm just so thankful he's okay. And to be extra kind on my exhausted body and nerves, I'm still in my PJs (albeit clean ones after my morning shower), using the dryer to get on top of the washing and the kids are pleasing themselves with all day ABC Kids!

We ended up spending Darcy's 5th Birthday on hospital, so I'll hopefully be in to update for my big boys' 5th Birthday. I have to go and do some housework as 3 odd days of nothing really builds up around here! *mwah*

Sweet Poppy's 2nd Birthday

2008-05-29T20:01:00.003+10:00

It began so prettily

Buzz opened the presents, dirty face and all

Mum didn't bake the cake (that one will be at the party)

You call that a knife?....

Playing with presents

Such a joy at two, can't wait to see what three brings. So lucky to be her Mum....

Happy Birthday Poppy Mae for tomorrow

2008-05-28T13:02:00.003+10:00

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

I thought I'd give you a sneak peek at what will be hitting inboxes of all our friends & family tomorrow morning. I can't believe she's almost 2! Where did that time go? And why do I still weigh the same as 3 days post-partum?! *Note to self: stop eating chocolate and be a size 8 for 3rd Birthday photos* :)

It's the Root of all Evil...

2008-05-26T16:39:00.003+10:00

But a necessary one. Money is harder and harder fought in today's climate. Fuel prices, interest rate rises - it all makes for a crunch that a lot of us have yet to experience in our own homes. The nineties mortgage crunch is looming in our memories. I have vague recollections of it being a "tough time" but now I am seeing it with my own adult perspective.

We've had a rough fortnight with car services and unexpected dentist bills that blew my budget out of the water. Now I am having to look at tightening our belts to get us back in the black. I've come up with some ideas to do that, and I thought I would share? Some of these I do anyway, but some are new or reintroduced ideas to save some money.

$ Check out the local produce markets. We went to the Rocklea Markets and found not only cheaper but much better quality produce than the local supermarket. There was a wholesale butcher that had bulk lots of meat for cheaper prices. I got 2 kilos of shortcut rindless bacon for $10. I normally pay $8.95 for 750gms!

$ Find factory food outlets. We all love a clothes factory outlet bargain - so why not food? At Rocklea there is a Grocery discount store. It's filled with amazing bargains. Some of it is close to its Best Before Date but if you're shopping on a fortnightly basis you could incorporate those dates. I got Bocconcini Cheese for 99c and I normally pay $4.99. It's a good way to have a few 'nice' things included in the cupboard without blowing out the food budget.

$ We have looked at the Golden Circle and Sara Lee outlets too. Beware of false economy though - if you don't normally have Chocolate Bavarian on your shopping list, there's no point buying 10 to put in the freezer just because you're saving 50% is there? But if you were having a party or having people come to stay they would be great for cheap drinks, cakes and tinned fruit.

$ Meal plan,meal plan, meal plan. I can't stress how much time, effort and money it saves me to have each meal planned. It also helps me overcome the "don't know what to cook- can't be bothered thinking-buy takeaway" trap! I try to plan in some take-away type meals: spring rolls & dumplings with fried rice for a Chinese night or curry with puppodums and chutneys for an Indian. It's sometimes the things that accompany a meal that take it out of the boring home cooked feel and make it something special. It also helps create well rounded nutritious menus.

$ If I'm making something that would make great leftovers for lunch (eg: lasagne) I make dessert on that night to make it go further. Speaking of making it go further, I have changed things like instead of using my square dish and having a 6-layer lasagne, I use a bigger, rectangular dish and spread it out to 4 layers giving me more yield. Adding more veggies and less meat cuts down on money too. Also, reusing leftovers in a productive tasty way saves money. I buy a slightly bigger roast lamb so that we can get a shepherds pie out of it as well.

$ The other great thing about meal plan is I can usually make my fortnightly plan go one or two days further as we'll have a 'soup and rolls' or 'eggs on toast' meal in there. So I can choose to carry that over to next fortnight's plans or wait off shopping a day or two. Sometimes I try to go a few days over to eat out the cupboard a bit more. It gives flexibility for when we're having a really lean fortnight.

$ Buy up on things like washing powder, toothpaste or toilet paper but keep it in the original budget. It's all about creating a buffer to smooth out the differences when we're going through a lean time. With things like Shampoos, creams and deodorants; again, be creative. Avon has roll-on deodorants for $1.49 and shampoos for $1.79 some months, and you'll never get it cheaper at the supermarkets. I also found gorgeous handmade soap at Rocklea for $2 a bar and not only will they will last longer than any store bought variety and smell glorious, we keep the money in the community.

I know I probably sound like we're on the bones of our bums - we're not at all, in fact I think seeing as I've been a SAHM for 6 years, we've done very well on a single income! But I like to think it's my job to be as economical as possible to make sure we can have some luxuries to life, and I enjoy the challenge! I will be back with my next fortnight's meal plan soon.

Seperation Anxiety

2008-05-25T13:21:00.003+10:00

Really Old Photo but oh, so cute!

What is it with my son lately? He is desperately attached to Dad. Every morning starts with "Where's Daddy?" to which I answer "at work" (again) which ends in tears. If the slightest thing goes wrong, Cammie cries for his Dad. It's reached its pinnacle today:

Cam: "Where's Daddy?"
Me: "On the toilet"
Cam: "I'll go too!"
Me: "No mate, I'm sure he wants to be alone for a minute"
Cam: "I love my Dad and his stinky Poo"

Oh. My. Gosh! I wonder if it's got something to do with him just finishing 6 weeks away. I can't bear to think what is going to happen when he goes away for a month with no coming home on weekends, in the next couple of weeks... Pretty cute though :)

We're busy sorting through the shed. I have 3 tea chests ready for the Salvation Army of nothing but children's clothes and I have been gushing over tiny outfits and lots of "remember when Jaynie/Cam/Poppy wore this?!" Better get back to it or Steven will be in here cracking the whip...

Disappointment

2008-05-21T10:37:00.003+10:00

We got really disappointing news today. My DH had taken his position up here with the likelihood (unwritten promise) of an overseas posting for us next year. We found out today that it's not happening. *sigh*. My poor husband. He's worked so hard for it not have gone in his favour. I only hope he forgoes this for an even better opportunity.

He's such a hard working man, he does everything for his family and he's our hero. It does make me nostalgic for reasonably straight forward private enterprise though! We'll be waiting tonight with open arms and something yummy for dinner. As he said, c'est la vie, we have each other and that's all that matters. He rocks.

Well, the sewing machine waits for no woman - I'd better get this floor clean before rest time so I can actually get some done!

Friends

2008-05-20T15:39:00.003+10:00

That's one of the sometimes few blessings of our nomadic, defence force life. I have reached out to the cyber World and made some of the most amazing friends you could hope for.
Thank you for all your comments. They mean the World. I have felt so bolstered and supported this week. I appreciate it. Immensely...

On the craft front, I have made a couple of pairs of PJ pants in the last couple of days and I am preparing to border the Poppy Quilt. I am not sure on the fabric though? Perhaps I will just sew-for-it and see what transpires.

I also cooked a Sour Cream and Apple Pie after a post at Inside a Black Apple, so that's cooling for dessert after a warming Lamb Roast for dinner. Yum. I hope to have a finished product pic that looks as yummy! The internet is bad for my waistline.

He's Really Gone... Never Coming Back

2008-05-14T11:31:00.003+10:00

We're into the downward gallop to Darcy's 5th Birthday and two days later, his 5th Angelday. 15 days ago it was "in a bit over a month" and now it's "less than a month". I still get the build-up. Even five years on. I start feeling anxious for "no good reason" and just have a disquiet in my soul that I can't shake.

I didn't even put it down to Darcy this last week, even though blessed days like Mothers Day being reminders that I don't have him here to give me a scribbled card and sloppy kiss. I have just felt close to tears and more 'less than whole' than usual.

I was playing with some photos to make a blown-up copy for Steven and when I did the above photo - it hit me. "He's never coming back." Of course I know this. I've always known it. From the moment we got the news I knew this was it. Forever (well, until I die). But you tend to stuff that knowledge deep in the depths and get on with it. But last night as I was staring at this photo, that, when put into Sepia took the unwell tone from his skin and highlighted all the newborny crinkles and pudginess I felt those words in my soul. I am destined to walk this life without him. Until I die. It's such a long time! And I realise that I am grieving, winding myself up to his Birthday. Almost no less intensely than his first. In the early days you count the hours since he died, then the days, then the weeks as they slowy eek out to months and before you know it - it's years. Five years. What have I done in five years? 2 more beautiful children to fill my arms. Moved 3 times, bought 2 cars, lived almost 60 months, got up 1808 mornings without him. But all that pales into significance compared to F.O.R.E.V.E.R...

I am tired. I have come so far in my grief journey, I am rebuilt to be more whole than I ever imagined possible. But I am still so raw, so pained and so grieved. I accept it, but it still hurts.

2008-05-12T06:51:00.004+10:00

I had the nicest Mothers Day! I was awoken at an ungodly hour of 5:45am with snuggles, kisses and jumps. The children had been shopping with Steven and bought me my very first china teacup and saucer and a gorgeous scented candle from Dusk. Anna-Jayne had made me a card and bookmark at school which made me cry. She’s so lovely that now she realizes what these special days mean – the true meaning. Not the “Hallmark, must buy four hundred dollar diamond earring” Mothers Day – the “you are very special and here’s a day to tell you how awesome you are and we appreciate everything you do” one.

The kids then gave my Mum (Nana) a new sewing kit as her old one was washed away by Cyclone Larry, and some chocolate and tea. It was very well received.

Then we gussied ourselves up and I took her to High Tea at High Societea in Clayfield. We had champagne, tea, nibbles and lovely conversation. It was so nice to spend the morning with my Mum, she’s been overseas for almost 4 years and has just returned home to settle North of Brisbane. So it’s the first Mother’s Day together for many years.

We finished our morning with a quick jaunt to Spotlight where I managed to snaffle a quilt cover for $20! It was not in a packet and without any pillowslips. When I asked a salesgirl if they had any more, she said she didn’t think there were any left as it was a Private Collection brand. While she went off to see if she could find any packaging , I mosied over to where all the Private Collection quilt covers were and there wasn’t a single one under $150! I just grabbed a couple of plain pillowslips and now my bed feels like a 5-star resort. Especially seeing as we had our new mattress delivered this morning! It is so luxurious – our ol’ girl had served us well for almost eleven years but it was time to move on…. It wasn’t her, it was us, honest…

I finished off the afternoon with a walk to the park and a nice home cooked meal and that’ll be Mothers day for another year. Although, between you and I: don’t tell anyone, but around here – it’s Mothers day everyday. ;)

Z Z Top so far....

2008-05-09T11:38:00.005+10:00

So here is the cut, sewn, cut, sewn, sewn, sewn top. In that order. Now I have to think about a border to make it up to single bed size, as you can see I come up slightly small. Please excuse the photos, they were taken on my mobile as my camera battery is flat and I couldn't wait! I'd love to hear from you fab quilters any ideas on bordering this. I was thinking either: a small floral print taken from the range, a strip border or charm squares? I am cautious not to make it look too busy or blended but I don't want to stuff it up! Argh.... Any ideas would be gratefully accepted.

Shepherds Pie

2008-05-08T16:14:00.004+10:00

I love using leftovers to make another completely awesome meal. There's something so satisfying about using every last scrap in a tasty way. It must appeal to the scrooge in me.

Approx 500gms left over roast lamb, diced
2 sticks celery, diced
1/2 onion, diced
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 large-ish carrot, diced
400gm tin tomatoes
Approx. 2 cups stock
Worcestershire Sauce
Salt and Pepper
1-2 Tbl Gravy Powder (or left over gravy?)
6-7 potatoes, peeled & cubed
splash of Milk
30gms butter
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 190ºC.

Cut vegetables. Put salted water onto boil. Once boiling add potatoes and boil until soft whilst making the meat part.

Heat a bit of oil in a frypan, add onion, garlic, carrot and celery. Sweat until translucent.

While that's happening, dice your lamb. Add and give it a good stir. Add tin tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, gravy powder and seasonings and then add enough stock to give a nice sauce.

Bring to the boil and simmer for a few minutes to incorporate all the flavours and thicken.

Mash potatoes with butter, milk and a little pepper until nice and fluffy.

Place meat mixture into a baking dish, top with mashed potato and finally cheese.

Bake in the oven until the cheese is all melted and bubbly (approximately 20 minutes)

I've been known to add some left over roast vegetables to the mix. My kids love it with a crispy salad and crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Getting there.....

2008-05-08T16:05:00.005+10:00

I've sewn all the nine patches. Now the tricky placement issues begin. I think it will be a picnic on the lounge room floor for dinner so I can keep it on the table and play around! I'm worried I should have left it as a plain nine patch and now it looks confused?

I have a recipe to put up tonight too. I am not good at quilt or food photos, it must take more skills than I have. I never see toes in the photos in the magazines.... ;)

2008-05-07T16:27:00.002+10:00

Because I feel that in the heavens above
The angels, whispering one to another,
Can find among their burning terms of love,
None so devotional as that of "Mother"
- Edgar Allen Poe

I found this lovely verse to put inside my mother's day cards this year, an excerpt from the poem To My Mother by Edgar Allen Poe. I just had to share in case anyone was looking for inspiration in their card writing. I like to use highly emotive little quotes and poems to cover my lack of writing finesse. ;)

Stoopid Blogger is making all my words Italic, sorry about that.

Poppy Quilt

2008-05-07T10:19:00.005+10:00

I've been slowly working on Poppy's Disappearing nine patch quilt. The nine patches are all done, now to be a houdini and disappear them! I am sticking with a pattern for the disappearing pieces as I don't trust my creative juices all that much. So hopefully I should be able to pull it off!

The little ones and I headed to the shop to finish our Mother's Day shopping. I am not a huge believer in buying to say thanks for being a great Mum, it's more the thought that goes into the 'perfect' gift.

I am taking my Mum to High Tea and she is getting a sewing kit as she moves into her new house on Poppy's Birthday.

For my awesome MIL Judie, I am sending a pamper kit: hand cream, nice tea, shortbread to have with it, some choccies and a brand spanking new tea cup and snack tray: hand picked by Master Cameron.

For my step-mum Marsha (who isn't my step-mum any more but I love her even more for it ;) ) a trip down memory lane: Father of the Bride DVD, which we have spent many nights and tears over, a new coffee mug (again chosen by Cameron), chocolate and her all time favourite Kingston biscuits.

I am hoping they will bring a smile and the knowledge that I appreciate having these fabulous "mothers" in my life. Each one of them is unique and I have learnt so much about life, love and parenting from them.

Happy Birthday My Darling Boy

2008-04-29T10:11:00.005+10:00

My Son Watching you grow has been the delight of my life. I look at you and wonder what dreams you will dream, what mountains you will climb, what joys you will have. I know there will be tears and struggles as well, but my prayer is that you will grow into the man you are meant to be.

Three already - how did that happen? You're such a funny little man. Obsessed with Transformers, anything with wheels and your favourite DVD of the moment is Shark boy & Lava Girl. You love to eat your veggies and you can be so headstrong one minute and so compliant the next. You are much more sensitive than your sisters - one word can send your bottom lip trembling but one kind word sees you throw your arms around for a huge hug. I love your spirit and admire your heart. I can't wait to see what you're fourth year has in store. Love you "boy". x

ANZAC Day March

2008-04-25T13:53:00.007+10:00

We had a great morning at the march. We saw the evidence of so many more of our returned soliders passing away and their family members carrying on the tradition. Lots of music and jeeps, not to mention an F1-11 fly over to keep the kids excited. And hey, how often do you get to sit on the kerb of a usually hectic city street and see history pass by your eyes?

I thought I'd share with you my usually well-kept secret recipe for ANZAC biscuits:

1 cup Plain Flour
1 cup Rolled Oats
1 cup Desicated Coconut
2/3 cup Brown Sugar
125gm Butter
1/4 cup Golden Syrup
1/2 tspn Bi-carb Soda
1 Tbl Boiling Water

Preheat oven to 180ºC, Sift flour into bowl and add rest of dry ingredients; mix.
Melt butter and golden syrup in saucepan on Medium heat.
When melted, add bi-carb to water and mix, add to butter mixture (It will start to froth up immediately)
Add wet ingredients to dry mix, mix with a wooden spoon.
Roll desertspoons full of mix into balls, place on lined tray, flatten slightly.
Cook for approximately 10 minutes, until just browning on edges, longer if you like a crunchy biscuit).
Cool on trays - makes approximately 26.

A bit of Sepia fun! Could of been the first ANZAC day march!

Lest We Forget

2008-04-25T06:55:00.004+10:00

They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning
We will remember them.
Lest we forget."

Today is Anzac Day.

A day we celebrate our young men and women who have served our country and still continue to do so. It's not about war and whether we should be there or not, it's celebrating the traditions and sacrifices made, mateship made and lost, and fathers, sons, brothers and mates that never came home.

I am an Army wife, I have friends serving overseas, my husbands grandfather was a Rat of Tobruk, my step-dad did two tours of Vietnam. I have heard so many stories of the ravages of war, the pride taken in a Military life and the often disdain of a wider public, but today we stand united and say we thank you to those who have sacrificed so much, including the families.

I am always inordinately proud to be an Australian, and even more so today. LEST WE FORGET.

Op Shop Gold

2008-04-17T13:13:00.004+10:00

Look what I found today. For the sum of $72, this little baby is waiting to be picked up on Saturday when I can be minus children to bring it home.

It needs a bit of work on the veneer, but all the wood underneath is in perfect condition along with the mirror inlays. Did you recognise the left hand side top part as being a lift up cocktail bar?! I can't wait to fill it with martini glasses and lots of canapes and swan around pretending to be in some vintage glamour movie. I have dreamed of finding a piece like this, my Grandpa's house was full of this type of furniture (who knows where it all is now). I will finally have room for my placemats and thrifted beauties that I could never bring home before due to lack of space.
Thanks Cass for the passed-on op shop luck! I got a jumper and a gorgeous pottery jug I will blog later.

They Obviously Gave Me The Wrong Name!

2008-04-17T12:50:00.000+10:00

What Leah Means

You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow.

You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily.

Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is.

You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.

You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.

At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection.

You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive.

You have the classic "Type A" personality.

You are truly an original person. You have amazing ideas, and the power to carry them out.

Success comes rather easily for you... especially in business and academia.

Some people find you to be selfish and a bit overbearing. You're a strong person.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

How about you?

You HAVE to try these!

2008-04-16T18:22:00.005+10:00

White Chocolate Chip, Cranberry, Oatmeal Biscuits - from Julesong at RecipeZaar

Ingredients

3/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup butter, softened - or 125gms

1 large egg

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oat (not instant)

3/4 cup dried cranberries

3/4 cup ounces white chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat oven to 190ºC.
In a large bowl using an electric mixer combine the sugar, brown sugar and butter; mix well to cream together.
Add in egg and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Add the cinnamon, baking soda, salt and flour and mix well.
Fold in the oatmeal, dried cranberries and white chocolate chips- making sure that all ingredients are uniformly distributed.
Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place 3 inches apart onto a greased cookie sheet and bake at 375° for 10-12 minutes, just until the edges are lightly golden.
Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes on the cookie sheet, then transfer cookies to cooling rack.

I took them out at 10 minutes - they looked totally underdone but upon sitting on their pretty silicon sheet covered tray for a few minutes - they are the PERFECT combination of crispy on the edges and chewy texture in the middle. Truly, promise me you will whip these up, you won't regret it! Even though I'm not the biggest cinnamon fan, I stayed true to the recipe and it is divine. Really, my bum is growing just thinking about them. I might have to try another one, just to make sure they're not poisonous....

Don't you just love the World's biggest recipe book - the www? Have you got any Net recipes that you've gleaned in your travels?

Hark to Recipes of Old

2008-04-16T10:03:00.003+10:00

Photo Courtesy of Taste

I was in the mood for comfort food last night so I decided a meal of Corned Silverside was in order. I remember it as a bland tasteless meal smothered in floury white sauce when I was a child but I have found a new recipe and tips from Judie my legendary MIL. It's no longer a meat destined for a week of use on sandwiches with pickles, it's a delicious healthy tempter.

Corned Silverside

1.5 - 2kg Silverside
1 Onion
1 Stick of Celery chopped
2 Carrots peeled and chopped
6 Cloves
2 Bay leaves
1 Tbl Vinegar
2 Tbl Brown Sugar
Water

Place silverside in pot, cover with cold water and bring to the boil. Once boiling, empty water and put meat to one side.

Cut vegetables, peel Onion, stud with cloves. Place vegetables in the pot, along with bay leaves, vinegar and brown sugar. Place silverside back into the pot and barely cover with water.

Bring to the boil then gently simmer with the lid slightly ajar for approximately 40 minutes per 500gms. When a knife inserted slides out easily, remove from water and double wrap in foil to rest for approximately half an hour. I think cooking it in the slow cooker would yield excellent results also.

Keep some of the water aside to place on to moisten the meat upon serving.

I like to serve my silverside sliced as thinly as possible, with steamed carrots, french beans, buttered chat potatoes and some cauliflower cheese if I want to make a real effort. I find an almost 2kg piece is enough for myself, DH & 3 kids' dinners and a round of sandwiches the next day.

I hope to make an actual tutorial with as you go pictures soon, but for a recipe slightly more exciting than Silverside!

Grateful

2008-04-14T17:26:00.003+10:00

Photo taken by Me in our Front Yard, Wodonga

What a weekend. Full of talks, full of past, present and future. Love, loss and hope. It's been a tiring and fulfilling time.

I wanted to escape to the beach to clear my head and let the unending wash of the waves cleanse my futile soul and refill it with a sense of something bigger but alas time was against me so I've decided to do a totally disjointed Gratitude list. I've read lots of peoples' lists (wish I could link some right now, please forgive me, I'm too tired) and thought they were a cool idea so here's my crack. Today I am grateful for:

Friends in my life. Old and new, all understanding me and loving me for me.
Not-so Friends no longer in my life - for helping me to better appreciate what I do have in my real ones. For teaching me life lessons, however painful but necessary for growth.
My children. My living children for being my daily joy and for Darcy being my strength and forever link to a Heaven I can only dream of.
My husband. Through thick and thin (thin and not so thin). Best friend, rock, support, laughter, vulnerability, nemesis.
Mocha coffees at 1am when Cameron won't sleep and my nerves won't rest.
This silly little blog - my link to some of the most amazing people I have ever not met.
Needle and thread. Fabric and Yarn. A universal language.
Charlie and Lola DVDs - my 71 minutes of peace and quiet a day. And for the hours of inspired play they create afterwards.
Borders Bookstore - for giving Jaynie and I a precious hour and a half of perfect intunement - reading, browsing, hand holding. We are now proud owners of Possum Magic, Koala Lou and there's a Hippo on our Roof Eating Cake.
Messenger - the connection to a ray of light and a dimple creating smile (Hi Kylie!).
God for putting me here and now and guiding my futile attempts at navigating the sea of life.

I think that'll do for now... I think I've covered most all and the kitchen sink. So if you're confused and random as I am right now, you might like a try?!

An Nena Lollie Nena Head??

2008-04-11T09:37:00.007+10:00

The kids and I had a trip to the museum yesterday. After a week of illness and DVDs, we all felt a little cooped up. I gave Jaynie the choice of op-shopping and park or the museum. Apparentlywe're going op-shopping today (don't like her chances, I'm exhausted)!

We toddled in around 11:30 after making lunch to take with us and getting all snazzed up. We had to park in the covention centre car park and walk but it was a nice day so no problems there. I was surprised at just how busy it was!

The kids were awesome, waiting their turn to look at things and being generally exceptional in their behaviour, with the slight deviations from the norm of course, nothing that a stern talking to or a jellybean to break the monotony of being in the pusher for Poppy couldn't fix. We finished off at the Science Centre playing with all the gadgets.

I really enjoyed seeing how the kids' different ages and conceptual understanding made each experiment a different experience for them. Anna-Jayne read each plaque and asked questions based on gravity, mirrors, weight - lots of things that I had to struggle to answer. She was most impressed with the idea that she could lift an 80kg fridge by a rope attached to a lever - and she worked out all on her own that the closer to the object she was (ie: less leverage) the harder it was to lift it! Cameron loved playing the impromptu musical instruments and tried to get different sounds: lower and higher pitch, louder and softer and Poppy just loved dancing around in the coloured shadows and bashing things to make as much noise as possible! I experimented with a new diet I've heard about - it's called the smoke and mirror effect - I think it's working for me - although it does tend to give one "bingo wings" and bloated looking midriff - and I have no idea how they got there. Oh well, back to the reality...

Upon asking the kids there favourite part of the outing, Jaynie said it was the stuffed animals, Cameron the dinosaurs and the case of vintage firearms and Poppy? It was "An Nena Lollie Nena Head" for all your punters that don't speak Popstar-nise, that translates to getting a Lollie in her head, or stuck in her hair, whichever way you choose to think of it. Next time I'll save my legs and give her a jellybean to spit on!

Macro Fun!

2008-04-07T15:23:00.008+10:00

Orange Flower came up with a great idea to learn more about photography and Bloggers' respective cameras. On a trip to the little playground down the street, I came up with some Macro shots and thought I would join the fun:

I love joining in on things like this - it makes my day to know I am sharing and connecting with the outside world, even in www land. *I love blogging* It's my break away from the endless cycle of housework, a reason to keep plugging away at being a better photographer/cook/crafter, a way to connect with like-minded souls and spare my husband another rendition of the great sewing I did (although now he hears about the great blogs I found) and it's the spark to keep creating and seeing beauty in my World. Did I say I love blogging yet?

Pumpkin and Lentil Soup

2008-04-07T13:34:00.003+10:00

The kids and I were looking for something fun to so this morning and I wasn't in the mood for sweet.

We (when I say we, I mean I) looked in the fridge and came to the conclusion that something vegetable based would be a good idea. I pored through my Jamie at Home book and used his Superb squash soup recipe with my own additions:

Oil
1 Onion, chopped
2 sticks of Celery, chopped
2 Carrots, peeled and chopped
2 cloves of Garlic, peeled and chopped
2kg (roughly) of Pumpkin (I used Kent but Butternut would be preferable)
2 Ltrs of Chicken Stock
Salt & Pepper
Slurp of Honey
1 Cup of Soup Mix

Now, if you're anything like me & decide what to cook on a spur of the moment thing, you'll end up doing the quick method of preparing the soup mix. Rinse, bung it in a saucepan, top with water and simmer for an hour and a bit, skimming the gooby bits off the top, adding water if needed.

In a warm pan, add oil, then onion, celery, carrott, garlic, any herbs you desire and salt and pepper. Cook gently for around 10 minutes or until they are softened.

Add pumpkin and chicken stock - simmer for around 45 minutes or until the pumpkin starts to break down. Give it a whizz with your stick blender, or however you puree, or if you want to be really rustic, leave it in bits and pieces.

Add honey to taste if it needs a slight sweetner (I used approximately a dessert spoon). I assume using Butternut would exclude the need for this step. Drain and rinse your soup mix then add to soup. Delish. Guaranteed to even have grumpy children slurping away.

Now, I didn't take a photo as I assume we all know what Pumpkin Soup looks like, yeah? That and I was too lazy. I have both the little ones with a virus, Poppy with tonsilitis and Cameron with a chest infection so it's happy campers at this end! I think this soup is not only tasty but a nice immune boost too.

Adrenalin Hangover...

2008-04-03T09:19:00.003+10:00

I have the worst headache this morning but I'm still smiling! I think it's a combination of tiredness, beats charging through my body for over 2 hours and left over excitement.

Maroon 5 were A-W-E-S-O-M-E... No other word for it. They were just amazing. The singing, music, showmanship, the whole package had me in a state of bliss the whole time they were on stage. I could talk on and on but let me suffice to say that if you ever get the chance to see them live, grab it with both hands. Their CDs don't do them justice, truly, and I love their CDs! It was just so great to see a real show combined with such god given talent it makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up for every song. Ok, I am dribbling now but they really were that good!

Oh, and Adam is even dreamier in real life than I imagined. Something so sexy about a man that can sing and move like that! *be still my beating ovaries* (sorry, it was begging to be said)

Tarn and I had a glorious Thai for dinner and the combination of great food, conversation and music made for a night I never want to forget. Love you T!

Apart from the girl sitting directly behind us that wouldn't have actually seen the show as she was too busy taking hundreds of photos - with the flash, from about 150mtrs away - I hope she has 100s of black photos to show for all her efforts. *evil grin*

~Argh!!!~

2008-04-02T13:00:00.003+10:00

Maroon 5! I was having a quiet moment to my self yesterday, moping about the fact that I would be husband-less for 6 weeks and all the work that will entail to make sure the Bee-hold would stay on track when I recieved a phone call from said Mr Abandon-his-husbandly-duties-to-do-work.......

He'd purchased tickets for myself and my Bestie to see Maroon 5 TONIGHT! He's taking control of the fort for the evening so we can go out and pretend to be half-sane reasonable human beings! Wow, it's going to be awesome. Just the fact that he went and organised it all so I couldn't do the guilty-mothering thing and say "No, the money would be better spent elsewhere" was so lovely.

My Bestie and I have been exchanging increasingly immature emails about co-ordinating fashion statements and what we're going to grab for dinner (yes, we have forgotten the art of sponateous eating *sigh*) and if we're going to drive or taxi. I am guilty of feeling like it was just another huge effort to get sorted but as the day goes on I am starting to feel those little butterflies of excitement - doing something out of the ordinary is such a huge thrill - and then there's Adam Levine..... ***drool*** Sing to me you handsome man.....

Tomorrow we will be back to our usual broadcast; only after I give a breakdown of how fantastic my night was - thankyou for entertaining my trashy immature ways.....

At the Risk of Sending My Dear Readers Running for the Hills....

2008-04-01T09:22:00.003+10:00

Awesome Koi Tattoo Example

I've decided to get a tattoo. Well, I decided to get one on the day I found out about Darcy having Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and having a limited chance of life, so that would be since the 6th of December 2002! I have been through many ideas for what I'd actually like to have done but I have finally picked the design.

Tell me, what do you know about Koi Fish? I've always admired them in the context of Oriental art and became curious after hearing about them being very popular in tattoos. After doing some digging, I found out the most amazing information that seems to speak of me, my history and my future:

First, koi fish tattoos depicting the animal swimming upstream may represent strength during trying times. It takes a lot to be able to go against the tide of fate if life has stacked the odds up against you. Koi fish tattoos often represent victory despite terrible adversity: courageous triumph over a struggle.

The Koi or "dragon fish" is the king of fish and holds special significance in China. The legend says: Any carp able to climb to the Dragon Gate along the Yellow River will be transformed into a dragon. As such, the koi has become symbolic of aspiration for lofty goals and dreams.

The Koi Fish symbolizes courage in the Buddhist Religion. According to Buddhists, humans 'swim' through the 'ocean of suffering' without fear, just like a fish swims through water.

The Koi is associated with the family. On Children's Day Koi flags are raised, Black Koi the father, Orange/Red mother, Blue/White for a boy, red/pink for a girl.

Another word to describe "love" is "koi". The kanji character for "kokoro (heart)" is included as part of both kanji characters. Both "ai" and "koi" can be translated as "love" in English.

My transforming year spent in China, my struggles in life, the adversity of Darcy's death and my hopes for the future seem to be put so eloquently in my desire to adorn my body with a symbol of my devotion to my family.

It may sound completely irrational but I long to go through the pain of a tattoo to release some of my heart's pain. Another part of grief. Like I said, it's complicated and not for everyone. But I know it's for me. I don't know why I've had the compulsion to share this, I am worried you'll think me weird or something but I am so excited.

Cluck Cluck

2008-03-30T16:13:00.004+10:00

Photo by Me - Day 4

My dear friend had her second child on Wednesday - a sweet, precious, adorable girl:

Little girls are precious gifts,
wrapped in love serene.
Their dresses tied with sashes
and futures tied with dreams

Just seeing her sweet face took me back to when my own precious sons and daughters came into the World. All the hopes and dreams that come to your heart for them and their future. I am so inordinately blessed to have been able to call myself Mother, not once, but four times. It's such a heady responsibility combined with immense pride, wonder and love. Ah, sweet babies.

I know of so many people who would love a child of their own to raise, either coming to their families through, birth, adoption, fostering etc. Tonight I will be lighting a candle and sincerely pray & wish that every family who wanted to be blessed with children were; without struggle, loss or heartache.

Yesterday Steven participated in a parade to officially open his new unit. I didn't take any photos as he was back in the second row but Poppy squealed in delight when she saw him march past, sword drawn. At the conclusion of the parade which included a gun salute, a C130 and F11 fighter jet went over the parade ground, not only providing a huge shock to the ears of the watchers but a great excitement as well. It was lovely to see him march past, he makes me so proud in the job that he does and it's nice to be able to go and 'support' him!

We participated in Earth Hour last night - how about you?

Poppy's Birth Story

2008-03-26T08:00:00.003+10:00

I saw the Birth-story carnival happening over at Sa rcastic Mom. How could I pass up the chance to reminisce the arrival of my lil' Popstar? I also have Jaynie, Darcy & Cammie's birth story but Poppy's is the most recent and my only drug-free Birth (apart from 2 sucks of gas).

I had epidurals for the others. Why that counts I have no idea, how a child enters this World is completely irrelevant to me. I am so thankful that modern medicine lets us bring home babies (and mothers) that would not have survived in earlier times. But I realise that view isn't held by all. Anyway, onto my 'baby's' arrival, 13 months to the day after her 'big' brother:

I lost my mucous plug at 33 weeks and had pain on and off since. By 37 weeks I had truly had enough of lugging a big 12 month old up & down stairs and being in constant pain. Everyone got sick with a gastro and a couple of days later I copped it along with more contractions. I ended up in the Birth Suite for monitoring but it seemed to be more of the same irritable uterus contractions that I had been having for weeks.

I had a Midwife appointment at 38+ 5 and she booked me in to see the Doctors to discuss induction. We went in on the Thursday expecting to be told to wait it out as the hospital have a policy not to do ‘social’ inductions under 41 weeks. Michelle looked at me & said – how’s Tuesday for you? It sounded wonderful as I had been having 3-4 hour blocks of contractions at 3 minutes apart since my gastro session 2 weeks earlier. She did an internal and said I was 2 ½ cms dialated and did a stretch and sweep hoping to get things going. Seeing as I had never gone past 38 weeks before this was a new experience and not one I was enjoying!

I had bloody show for the whole weekend and hours & hours of contractions, but never constant enough to warrant heading into the hospital.

Tuesday morning came & by 7am we were in the car on the way to the hospital to finally meet our baby. Steven and I were both laughing that she was a stubborn little thing, determined to make a grand entrance when she was ready. I was so nervous, after having gone through this 3 times before I was well aware of what I was in for and just didn’t want to go through the pain. I was scared of the pain, scared of the epidural, scared of having a baby 13 months after my last one – just SCARED!

Having gone through the Birth Centre for my pregnancy I was bummed at having to go to the delivery suite but had been reassured that if it was at all possible, I would have a Birth Centre midwife to help during my labour. I had grown quite close to the Midwives, especially Virginia who had been a constant source of positive energy & reinforcement during my very difficult pregnancy. I was absolutely thrilled when I walked into room One to find Virginia waiting for me! I turned to Steven and said “everything’s going to be fine, it’s turning out the way it was meant to”. Virginia had been on holidays for the past 3 or so weeks leading up to my labour, so it really seemed like fate!

A Dr came in & try to insert a canula. Three attempts later we were having no joy – my veins had disappeared! I sat with my hands in warm water for 10 minutes and had a cup of tea while we waited for another Dr & some local anaestethic. I had freaked out while we were attempting the canula, it was so painful and I just felt so unready for this. Virginia told me I was fine, the baby was fine & she wouldn’t let anything bad happen. She just took total control & micro-managed everything, doctors included, she was wonderful. I made a conscious decision to hand the reins over to her and put my complete trust in her. Everything calmed down for me after that.

The canula finally got put in, had some monitoring then it was time to break my waters. Virginia announced me 3-4 cms and very stretchy and proceeded to break my waters at 8:30. She started the drip at the lowest amount and after a little bit more monitoring told us to go for a walk , get Steven some breakfast and come back in an hour. What a difference from Cameron’s Birth! We had been stuck on the bed on the monitor the entire time. We felt so funny sitting in the café, knowing I had dripping waters and watching the World go about it’s business!

I had a few more contractions, enough to stop & breathe through them but nothing new compared to the last 3 weeks. We got back to the room at 9:40 after walking past the nurses’ station and having a chat to the Doctor about having to boot that drip up as I was still talking!

Virginia put the drip up one more increment & I looked at the clock - 9:50am. The student Dr Emma began asking us questions about our other Births when all of a sudden – WHAM. A huge contraction. “This is it” I said to Steven and proceeded to cry – it was so painful & I still had hours to go! Virginia set the fit ball up on the end of the bed and showed me how to lean over it and roll my hips. She got Steven to stand behind me to ensure I was doing enough as I just seemed to get stuck still, banging on the ball and moaning. I went from a do-able contraction every 4 minutes to one on top of the other, impossible pains!

Virginia ducked out & came back in to set up the gas – I was reluctant to use it as when I tried it with Jaynie I just felt sick but she told me I had to use it to slow down my breathing. I used it for 2 contractions. I can remember the noise of the machine & Steven telling me “listen to the noise, concentrate on the noise”. In the background I could hear Virginia “All’s fine, everything’s fine” in a low unhurried voice. Whenever I got a mini break between contractions she would tell Steven and I how well we were doing, we were having our baby and we were great.

All of a sudden I got so tired and needed to wee so bad. I announced “I can’t do this anymore, it’s too much, I need to wee” Virginia got me to the toilet and I started crying & told her to organize an epidural please, I couldn’t do it anymore.

As soon as my bum hit the toilet seat I was overwhelmed and started begging for an epidural & I just couldn’t wee. She grabbed me in a big hug and told me it might be too late but hop on the bed and she’d check. I got quite hysterical at this point & started arguing that it was too soon, I wasn’t dialated enough & I couldn’t bear the pain for hours more.

I clung onto Steven for dear life as they raised the head end of the bed and he helped me get on to it & untangle the drip. We seemed to be completely connected, everything I thought I needed - he’d do. I’d think “I need to be held” and an instant later his arms would wrap around me or I’d think I need pressure on my lower back & his hand would be there before I could ask – it was amazing and a little freaky!

All of a sudden I was bearing down and Virginia said, “here she comes!” I lost all inhibition and was groaning so loud, apologizing for making so much noise, then groaning again. I had one contraction, felt a clunk, felt it ease a bit, then peak again when her head was delivered and then she just came flying out at 10:22am!

I remember leaning over the end of the bed exhausted, crying then Virginia telling me to turn around & meet my baby. I told her I couldn’t as I hadn’t had her yet! Eventually she manually turned me around and I saw my little girl. I think I said “Wow” then sat there in dumb silence for more than 20 minutes! I couldn’t believe it was over and there was my baby! I actually went into shock as it was so quick.

My established labour was 32 minutes from first “this is it” contraction to her being delivered. Transition to Birth is written as 11 minutes.

After I got my voice back, we sat discussing names. She was meant to be a Hayley Mae but just didn’t look like one – she looked like a Poppy so Poppy Mae she is!

3460gms or 7 lb 6 oz and 49cms long.

I was back in the ward by 12 and had the kids in by 1pm! Such a difference to my other labours: Anna-Jayne was 24 hours, Darcy 12 hours and Cameron 4 ½ hours, all with epidurals.

Saint Theresa's Prayer

2008-03-25T14:21:00.002+10:00

Child's Touch Willow Tree Statue - Photo by me

May today there be peace within.
May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.

Meal Plan

2008-03-25T11:09:00.004+10:00

Old Homestead near Rushworth 2006, pic taken by Steven

After the excitement of the long weekend - it's back to the daily grind on the ranch.

Having just completed our first full fortnight of Meal Planning, I thought I would share with you. My plan looked like this (everything is made from scratch):

Pizza
Chicken, Noodles Stir-fry
Lamb Roast
Spinach & Ricotta Cannelloni
BBQ Ribs
"Popcorn" (store bought 100% chicken mini nuggets from Aldi) chicken wraps
Chicken Enchiladas
BBQ Salmon
Tuna and Sweet Potato Croquets
Bacon Quiche
Fried Rice with Spring Rolls and Dumplings
Lasagne
Chicken Schnitzels

All were with either veg or salad and other sides. It worked really well to do it this way as I could buy exact quantities of ingredients and vary the meat/chicken/fish quantities. It also stopped me from staring at the frozen meat and drawing a blank of what to cook.

I have so many recipes that I use that it would take me all month to write them here but I will try to blog one recipe a week maybe?

I love to cook so although my menu may look labour intensive ie: making schnitzel, shortcrust pastry, dumplings, spring rolls from scratch, it would be easy to buy ready-made. I make bulk lots of pizza dough, dumplings, spring rolls etc and stock my freezer so I have 'take away' food ready to go. I realise it may not be the healthiest, low fat meal plan in the World but I believe in having yummy home-cooked food so you don't buy it elsewhere!

I would love to see anyone else's meal plans and recipes they love, I find a lot of my meal inspiration on the Internet. The best sweet I've ever made came from here - Oh good lord, they are the BEST. I took a pan of them to my friends' one afternoon and they thought we'd bought them. I think I will abstain from making them this fortnight as I don't think my belt would stand the strain. It's under enough pressure from the Easter chocolate!

Back later with my Cleaning task sheet.....

Happy Sugary Easter!

2008-03-23T14:22:00.003+10:00

We've had a lovely quiet weekend so far... How about you?
Friday we decided to make sugar biscuits then ice & decorate them. We had a blast watching the kids drizzle icing over everything bar the biscuits! And we did some Easter craft, followed by a park outing - a real kids' day (of course as parents we had absolutely NO FUN, playing and running around like a child is too immature for us - not ;) ).

Yesterday saw us doing some shopping - Steven needs to buy a handheld MGRS Sat Nav thingy - all very technical! He still hasn't decided which one he'll get.

Then this morning was a flurry of shiny wrappers and exclamations of bliss through sticky mouths and fingers! Our Easter Egg hunt was fabulous as this is the first year all the children have been able to really hunt the eggs - they all went into a communal basket for "sharing" and this arrangement seems preferable to complaints of "He's got more than me!". It also goes with the spirit of the season.

Then my Dad came up for lunch which was so lovely. He turned 60 at the end of last month so we gave him a Willow Tree statue (he loved it), and made him BBQ ribs (his favourite). It's so cool to be able to hang out with a parent as a parent. It may sound strange that I'm saying this seeing as I've been a parent for over 6 years now, but this is the first time we've lived within 'visiting distance' of each other. I'm getting to know him in a totally different light and it's great.

So now we're off to the park again to burn off some sugar rush in the hopes of getting them into bed at a reasonable hour. Wish me luck!

Wishing you a joyous Easter.

Organisation is not intuitive

2008-03-18T12:53:00.003+10:00

At least not to me anyway. I struggle on a daily basis with the most simple of house chores. One day if you had the misfortune of popping in for coffee you would be greeted with a house that looks as if a bomb had gone off in it. On a good day you would come in and think it looks reasonable.

I have had a long history of peaks and troughs in housekeeping. I have dreams of my home looking like a Martha Stewart photoshoot but will settle for consistent mediocrity. How to achieve this? I have had many a discussion with Tania (my dear fellow long suffering Army wife friend) and we agreed to be each others' cheerleader. I love the idea of FlyLady but I get so transfixed with not missing emails, I end up on the computer even more and that is not conducive to better housekeeping - not with so many beautiful blogs to look at....

We started with a dreams list for our home. Mine looked like this:

I would love:

to have a house ANYONE could call in on any time of day & I wouldn't be embarrassed to open the door to them.
to be able to access each cupboard & see what I need and can use - no clutter.
to go into my shed and know what's there.
to get going in the morning without having to ask - where are socks, books, lunch etc
have enough of a plan that every meal is nutritious and tasty.
always have enough fresh fruit & milk in the fridge.
have enough $ budgeted that I can pay every bill the day I get it.
have time to play with the kids without - "I should be doing xyz" going through my brain.

Then we got practical. We meal planned and collated ideas and have planned a fortnightly cook-up session.

We also made an "Organisation Folder" to be the hub of our new found organised life. Mine has 5 categories:

Current To-Do - for lists, a clear pocket for post, notes etc

Finance - a clear pocket for bills to be paid, lists of upcoming bills, wants (eg:new mattress) & needs (eg: new sneakers)

Meals - a Fortnightly meal plan, clear pocket for take-away vouchers, shopping list

School/Kindy - upcoming events, clear pockets for communication to be filled & returned

Long-term To-Do - lists (eg: sort linen cupboard)

I also have a cardboard envelope containing envelopes, stamps and address labels.

It resides on my bench and have a look each evening to see where I am sitting and what's coming up. I also stuck a little whiteboard to my pantry to put on the upcoming events for the next fortnight so I don't forget.

For most of you this will seem like overkill but I find with the 3 little ones and a DH working long hours, the more I don't have to 'remember' the better it works for me. It's taken a lot of stress off me, that's for sure. I will also blog my meal plan and weekly tasks list if you like?!

Our weekend

2008-03-17T10:22:00.002+10:00

We headed to Mt Cootha Botanical Gardens on Saturday and then Sunday saw us heading to two Birthday parties! I have a lot more photos to share but seeing as they are of other people's children I won't blog them.

It was lovely to see new friends and old, to share memories and hopes for the future.

It was especially lovely to celebrate Izaac's 1st Birthday - as an ex-29 weeker he's had a rough start to life but is thriving now (with minor hiccups). His parents have struggled to get him to where he is today & of course there is still the concern that his premature arrival Earth-side may present some problems further down the track, but for yesterday we were able to revel in his babyhood and celebrate the marvellous acheivements and joy he has brought everyone that comes in contact with him.

Another Hangie

2008-03-14T13:18:00.002+10:00

More presents. Although I think these might be destined for Poppy's room. I am really pleased with how they turned out. I am trying to let go of the idea that for craft to be good/real, it must have lots of intricisy and work and just have a bit of fun and do things that are appealing to my eyes.

Lots of Catching Up To Do

2008-03-14T09:38:00.004+10:00

I have so many photos to upload and stories to share but I am going to try and eek them out a bit. I have been trying to stay organised and focused in the home and cutting down my Internet time has been crucial to that goal. That, and keeping an organiser - but more on that later.

I have promised myself that I won't get caught up in trying to produce "perfect" posts. I am going to approach it as if I am writing a journal for my own use & try not to worry about sounding like a dag at every turn.

There were some family issues that caused me to take down my blog for a while but I have been assured that there is no reason not to have it so I am back - confused some?! Lets just say alls well that ends well.

Here are some presents I have worked on this week, the mobile for a dear friends' son's 1st Birthday and the paper globe in anticipation of another dear friends' daughters' imminent arrival on the 26th of March.

So Here I am Again

2008-03-13T09:39:00.001+10:00

You'd think I'd ask around about things like privacy and the like before I take it upon myself to press the delete button! So I am starting right at the start and having to rebuild. Hopefully it turns out better than before. You know what they say: A change is as good as a holiday!