Book love

This book is the most loved book in our house right now. Some would say Stooge has become quite  obsessed with it! It comes in the car, the bed, on the toilet, to the dinner table, up to school, in for kindy news.......nowhere is left out!

It's the 'spot this' variety where it tells you in a little rhyme what you need to find in the picture on that particular page. He loves it. I love that he loves it, I just don't love that he can't read yet! Makes it a little hard to read when driving the car I tell you!





He sits for long periods just staring at a picture, slowly noticing little things hidden and announcing each one as he goes. The excitement he has for this book (again, some would say obsession!) just makes me smile.



Have you ever had a book obsession?

What's the favourite book in your house lately?



Thanks mum xx

This morning I get home from a not so fun food shop with the younger 2, feeling like I'd just run a marathon, and in need of a good strong coffee, when I see the answering machine light flashing.

It was mum!

"Hi darling, I'm just reading a thing in the paper about you.

It says, Always rememeber you are braver than you believe,

stronger than you seem,

smarter than you think

and twice as beautiful as you'd ever imagine.

Thats you darling. Love you, Mum "

Thanks mum xx

Dressed for fun!

Take one .50cent pattern found at salvo's,

One old pillow slip and some fabric remnants from another project,

And you get a fantastic dress ready for fun ,



And action!!

Hope your week is full of fun like ours! xx

What have you unearthed at the thrift store lately??

Legacy,

Today I had the honor of going to a funeral of a wonderful man.

A man who was cherished by his family, by his friends, and by so many he came in contact with over the years.

He had a hard beginning, but made it his mission to seek out the positive in his life and then the life of others. He worked hard at everything he did, but enjoyed time to adventure and explore.

His family came first and the door was always open.

He revelled in the joys of good company and a good drink.

"Things are always better with a scotch" he said

He was a larakin, a top bloke, a wonderful husband, father and grandfather.

Bless you Philip xx

As I sat in the church listening and watching, it got me thinking what people would say about me at my funeral?

Have you ever wondered what legacy your leaving??

Quick Mud pudding!

This has been a little favourite in our house for many years.

It's quick, yum and even better with ice cream!

5 Minute Chocolate Mug Cake

4tbsp SR flour

2tbsp cocoa

3tbsp milk

3tbsp choc chips

4tbsp sugar

1 egg

3tbsp oil

vanilla essence

1 large coffee mug

Mix dry ingredients in mug

Add egg and mix thoroughly

Pour in milk and oil and mix well

Add choc chips and vanilla: mix again

Place mug in microwave and cook for 3min on high

Cake will rise over the top but that's OK

Wait until it sets and cools a little then ENJOY!!

You can eat straight from mug or tip into a bowl and top with ice cream (like we do!!)

Perfect for those cold winter nights!!

PS. I take no responsibility for any addictions that may occur! 

Swimmiing For Life

Before Pip and I had even had our kids, we both agreed swimming lessons were going to be an important part of their lives.

I think swimming is so important to a child's development. I believe it gives them self discipline, fitness, strength and an understanding of a greater being other than themselves.

So from  the age of 2 1/2 (when they are allowed to start without having a parent in the pool with them) our children were put into formal swimming lessons.

.

Bib loves it and is a fantastic swimmer, because she has these wide feet that help power her along I think!

Stooge loves it because he is literally obsessed with water, (he was once found by Pip head first down the toilet just trying to get to the water!) so he is at his happiest when submerged!

And Rouge, while she isn't due to start her formal lessons till Jan, her love for the bath is giving us hope for another lover of swimming.

Australia is surrounded by sea, and with the beach playing such an important part of the Aussie summer season, it really makes sense to teach our kids the skills they need to enjoy it, and enjoy it safely.
According to Royal Life Saving Australia, 315 people drowned in waterways last year.
Pretty scary really.

Is there a skill you believe your children should learn in their childhood?
Do you do swimming lessons?

When to sit on your hands!

Have you ever put your hand up for something and thought about it later!

I have!

I put my hand up for the 100km Oxfam walk, (in August), and then the reality of what I had done sunk in!

I'm not fit, I wouldn't say I was a HUGE walker and I have a husband who's away most weeks so 3 kids with me almost every second of every day!!

How on earth am I going to prep for a 100km walk??

Well I am........

I've pulled my finger out and done away with the excuses (lucky because we just went past the '100 days left to train' moment)

I've put in place steps to get me there, people to help  me be accountable and so far it's working.

Pip being away is not an excuse not to walk, because only I will be the one who suffers.

Today, with a massive thanks to my youngest brother who came to look after my tribe of 3, Pip and I were able to head out for a SERIOUS walk. (so serious I'm really quite scared of the 100km now!)

It was great though, it really gave me a chance to see where I need to strengthen, what I need to remember and most importantly that if I put my mind to it, I can do it.

So far my self memo reads:

1. don't wear rings on walk (today I nearly lost circulation from 'fat finger' syndrome)

2. although they were $250 trail walking shoes, doesn't mean they will be good for you

3. never leave without band aids

4. remember to spray aeroguard on my shoes

5. pack a lip gloss

6. take a gatorade or something other than water

7. just take it step at a time

I have a lot  more training to go, but it will be done.

This Oxfam walk is going to happen and when it comes, I'm going to be as ready as I can be!

Have you ever put your hand up for something and thought about it later??

Have you done a massive walk and have some tips for me?

No utensils needed.........

You know those days when you seem to have everything on, well for us that's a Monday!

2 x School drop off, gym, home for nap (Rouges not mine!) change sheets, vacuum and mop,

2 x collect from school, straight to swimming, eat something in car,  drop off to girl guides,

home for bath, pj's on, collect from guides, shower, home readers, bedtime stories, lights out!!

Fewph!

Not exactly sure how it managed to get so manic, and something might have to give soon,

but until then,

I thought instead of trying to also cook a dinner in there somewhere, I'd leave that in the capable  hands of Pip every Sunday afternoon. (He did offer!) 

He came up with sushi! Genius!

(easy, quick, no utensils required and healthy!)

So now, whilst Monday is still a little manic, I now know at least I don't have to think about dinner!!

Your the best Pip x

(don't you just love the little test taster in the background he he)

Do you have a quick easy dinner for your manic days??

How does your manic day play out?



Making me smile this week.....

Day late I know, but I was just soooo busy being pampered yesterday (mothers day!)

 I didn't get a chance. Sorry!

Big kids getting creative together

Little kids having space to create themselves

Bit of school baking

Boys concocting something nasty for the girls!! (you don't want to know what was in it!)

Girls helping for 'fire pit friday'

Fresh batch of fruit leathers ready to go (apple/raspberry)

Mothers day freshness

Hope you had a wonderful week x

Any great plans for this week??



Mothers Day Joy

Mothers day tomorrow........yippee!!!

Sleep in, brunch, family walk, greater family gatherings, cake and champagne,

driven home for hugs and a dvd on the lounge.

If I go to bed now, will it come any quicker!!

Kids are so excited about what they've chosen for me, and I can't wait to see what was chosen :)

I couldn't help laugh when Bib today says, 'Mum, you'll need to be careful when you open your present. It's made of glass.'

 Stooge then follows with 'Don't worry mum, mines just plastic'

Happy Mothers Day Ladies xx

Bless xx

Oh I love my 3 little peeps!

After having a very blah and overwhelming Thursday,

my beautiful kids made my Friday.

I was woken at 6.30 and told to stay in bed till they come and get me ......easily done!

They then organised themselves to make their own breakfast, empty the dishwasher, re-pack the dishwasher, and bring me breakfast it bed!!!!

I know....... and it's not even mothers day yet!

My breakfast alone made me smile.

An oven tray covered in a cloth napkin,

a bowl with sultana bran and soy milk in it, a whole apple, and the whole 2kg tub of natural yoghurt, should I need a little on my cereal they tell me.

Bless!

My lesson this week,

just take it slow.

Know that everyday brings something different and to focus on the happy times.

Speaking of happy times,

we then topped off a fab Friday with a beautiful fire with some great friends.

Really, does a day get any better??

Have you learnt anything special this week?

Flat......

Am feeling a little shattered this week.

Hubby away too much,

feeling like I'm flying solo too often

Kids not listening,

feeling like I'm talking to myself

Kicking arse on exercise,

feeling like I could come crashing down

Trying to keep in touch with everyone,

feeling like I'm the only one with a phone

Trying to maintain house,

feeling like I'm picking up the same shit daily

Trying to be positive and encourage,

feeling like a mouse in a cage

Think I need a sleep in and a hug.....bring on mothers day!

Upcycle pants # 2!

The cold weather has really crept up on me this year.

Not too sure why, cause we never really had much of a summer, but 7 degrees! Crikey!

Needless to say all the kids clothes are being rotated.

Summer gear away, winter woolies out!

Only thing is I'm not sure where the 'girls size 2 - winter bag' has got too??

Poor thing has no warm pants, leggings, trackies to her name, and I know if I go off and buy more, the bag will pop up! (always happens to me!)

So instead I've been doing a little more UPCYCLING!!

Here's how -

Take one old ribbed woman's top (sportsgirls in thing about 5 years ago!)

Cut off the arms for pant legs, and use the roll neck as the waist band

When you stitch them together, stitch it so the seam is on the outside, then it's hidden when you roll the top down. (sorry pic wouldn't rotate?)

Here's a closer look! See below how the band folds down over!

And that's pretty much it!

Perfect little leggings.

Then with the remaining body of the top, I cut it in half so Bib could have a vest to go over her tops

and I could have a head band :)

 It's hard taking pics of yourself!!

Hope your staying warm xx

Do you upcycle?

p.s Markets were great. No Rain!!! Aprons were a hit too just quietly!

 

Making me smile this week :)

My little Rouge has just discovered the art of face pulling!

Stooge and his best mate out expelling some energy!

Bikes dumped for some adventure time :)

'The best swing in the world'...according to the boys!

Lunch, picnic style, with some lovely friends

Hugs on the couch, pj style! (There's always one not bloody smiling!)

Hope YOU have a wonderful week x

Whats made you smile recently??



Apron happy :)

This Saturday I'm holding a stall at a local handmade craft market, so have been seriously busy sewing up a storm!

Every time I do a market it rains? Hoping this weekend is different!!

Anyway, thought I'd share with you one of the creations that my Stooge has inspired.

He loves to cook (as do my girls), but when looking for an apron in stores for him, there were none?

The small aprons out there seem to either be geared toward girls, or simply for the man. (You know those ones that say something stupid like 'why am I doing the washing up, I'm the man'!)

So I made him this very boyish apron and he is one happy camper. 

 I've made up a few more to see how they do at the market.

Fingers crossed for a sunny weekend and lots of sales!!

Happy weekend all x