Michael Peck 2009

My awesome and greatly talented brother-in-law's new exhibition opens on the 13th of May at Metro 5 Gallery in Armadale. Come on down and snap yourself up a beautiful painting! Read about it here. Oooooo, I can't wait for the opening! Yay!

Brrrrr

It's only 9 (48) degrees outside. That's pretty cold for us! And seeing as it has been a pretty warm summer we are freezing our butts off! Great start to the ski season.
This morning I went shopping for supplies for Moo's birthday party. Came home and made sausage rolls to put in the freezer. Space in our fridge and freezer is currently at a premium as we had our organic meat delivery yesterday too. Thank goodness for our giant fridge/freezer combo!
It's Moo's birthday on Tuesday and I just can't believe my little poppet is turning 2 already. Although I might complain about her 'spiritedness' every now and then I am so proud of her 'spunk.' She's not shy and loves to walk up to strangers in a cafe and tell them about her stuffed toy. She'll run off when I drop her at creche yelling, 'Bye bye Mummy!!~~~~' She's an enthusiastic (if somewhat sloppy) kisser and loves a good leg cuddle. She's full of energy and love for her friends and family. She not afraid to say what she thinks or ask for what she wants. I hope she can continue to do that through her life - but she might like to learn some tact along the way.....
I'm so thankful for our 'little' surprise. She really is one in a million billion squillion.

We're all set until 2020

We spent 2.5 hours this morning going on the Montessori Primary school tour, filling out reams of paperwork and relieving ourselves of some hard earned dough. I never ever in a million years thought that we would be enrolling Moo for school so early but once I found out what kind of competition there was for the limited number of places I HAD to do it now. But it's done and dusted now - until we face the horrors of choosing a secondary school! *sheesh*

They don't put this on the Huggies commercial

This afternoon I was afraid to go into Moo's room after her nap..... I smelt a 'smell' in the hall and heard her saying, 'Poooooooo.' My mother's intuition was right and I won't go in to the sight that greeted me. Let's just say that the washing machine is on, the windows are open and baths were had...... *sigh*

Moo's sleeping

Woo hoo!

Gotta love a sleeping toddler.
I've done the ironing (inspiring stuff) while watching the Lifestyle channel - Jon and Kate Plus 8. I love that show. That woman is my hero..... I find it challenging to look after one little girl. I can't imagine raising twins AND sextuplets. The kids are super cute too!
We are getting rid of our cable TV when the contract runs out and it is about the only show I'll miss. That and Grand Designs. We got it when Moo was born because we were sick of watching infomercials when feeding/pumping during the night. (As a side note, I'm still haunted by the sight of anything Medela. I might write about my year long relationship with the breast pump one of these days.)
Nothing exciting going on here. We went to Mum's Group this morning and the weather was nice enough that we could sit outside. An incident that sums up the day is one toddler stabbing another in the head with a plastic pitchfork (no harm done). Sharing is hard......

Mummy: Annie, did you do a poo?
Moo: Nooooo
Mummy: Then what's that smell?
Moo: Rabbit poos?

Pity we don't have any rabbits. Although, I did find a dead one in our front yard a few days ago. Ewww~

Missy Moo is turning two next week. Where did that time go?
After much deliberation I've decided on a farm yard cake because Thomas is a little too ambitious for me this year. I think it will be a chocolate cake with chocolate icing around the outside and a 'path' through the middle of the top of the cake. The top icing will be green and I have bought some new 'Schleich' farm animals for the top which she can play with later. It'll be fairy bread, sausages rolls and party pies in the way of food (home made). Punch (of the non-alcoholic kind!) and paper bunting because I haven't gotten around to making the fabric bunting that I wanted to and can't envision getting it done in the next week or so.
I can't wait to see her face.

You've got to laugh! Even when you smell like petrol......

I decided that I was in need of some retail therapy so I went with my MIL and Moo to Ikea.

On the way the following happened;
- I stopped at the service station to get some fuel
- pulled up to the pump, got out of the car and noticed it was out of service
- lined myself up with another pump on the other side (tricky as I am a learner driver)
- realised I had pulled up on the wrong side for the petrol cap! D'oh!
- re-maneuvered to another pump
- tried to fill the car but the pump wouldn't start
- the attendant wasn't paying attention and didn't turn on the pump.....
- I was waving and trying to get his attention when the pump suddenly turned on, the spout wasn't quite lined up so petrol came flying out of the car and covered me : (
- Went in to pay and the attendant was listening to his MP3 and so didn't see me
- I yelled but he didn't flinch so I ended up having to throw a pack of gum to get his attention
-(perhaps I should have had a go at highway robbery....?)
- I end up having to swipe my own credit card and all that because he can't be bothered
- He asks me to sign and I have ask him for a pen when he doesn't understand the blank look on my face and lack writing implement!

*sigh* I really felt then like I shouldn't have bothered getting out of bed! I stank like petrol and was a bit worried about naked flames!

But, I had such an awesome time walking around Ikea with MIL and Moo. Moo was VERY well behaved and enjoyed the showrooms. Apparnetly Ikea beds and furniture are great to jump on! I had meatballs with boiled potatoes followed by Daim cake for lunch - lingonberry cordial and all! MIL had a fish bake which reminded me way too much of school lunches in Sweden. : )

I bought a Billy bookcase with doors for inside our front door. It's now our 'runway' with space for bags and shoes on the inside, a mirror on top so I can check my face for chocolate smudges and my shoulders for boogas (Moo's not mine!) before leaving the house, an 'unkillable' house plant (we'll see about that), and a dish for keys and mobile phones.
I'm so pleased with myself. I've wanted to do this for ages and it feels so great to strike something off my 'to do' list. YAY~

Don't you just love the modern sculpture (aka dead house alarm)? You can also see that I haven't quite finished stripping the wallpaper. Eventually the walls will be white (?) and so will the door jams. I'd like to get a larger mirror and mount it on the wall but this one I already had will have to do for now.

On reading my favorite blogs this morning.....

... I noticed that so many of them apologised for not posting in a while. I particularly liked Hoppo Bumbo's reusable post. Tee hee.

I was chatting with hubby last night about my 'pit of despair' and he asked me if I had been blogging because I enjoy it so much. I told him I hadn't. I asked him, 'Who wants to hear; today I washed the dishes, washed the clothes, fought with a dead tired child who didn't want to nap, tidied the living room, made a sandwich?'

Yes, things have been mundane. But what he said was right. I need to start blogging again. It helps me to make time for myself. It inspires me to find the beauty and it lets me release some steam by whining out into the internets......

So, I am going to keep at it. I might not blog too much about craft but I can certainly share my adventures as a stay at home mum! And oh, the adventures that we have!

Hmmmm

I've been pondering how much I should share in this kind of forum. I'm a little wary of things being 'out there' and I know hubby doesn't like me writing about our personal life. Fair enough.
But this means that I haven't posted in a long time. No crafting news. No creativity documented.
I have, however, had things on my mind. I've written about Moo the 'spirited child.' She's great fun but she's also A LOT of work. And since she hasn't been sleeping during the day like she used to there's been limited time for me to do things I can't when she's awake. During school holidays it's worse - no creche! Anyhoo....
The main thing that's been plaguing me is that we have been on the TTC roller coaster for over 6 months. Our first pregnancy was a 'surprise' so we hadn't experienced deliberately trying to have a baby. Our second pregnancy was also a 'surprise,' in that we got pregnant first try and then soon lost it. That was last October and we have been trying since. If any of you have been through this before you can understand. This really hasn't been too long when I see how long some people try (some in vain : ( and I know that we 'are lucky because we already have a child' but that doesn't change the fact that we want a brother or sister for Moo. I'm a bit of a focused person sometimes so this has been (in this case) a bad thing. Obsessive POAS from 12 DPO - and if you can understand what I just wrote it is possible that you too may be a little obsessive and we should start a club called 'POAS anonymos.' ha ha ha
Last week I was feeling a little upset and hubby suggested I go out with one of my friends. Yes, I said, my two best friends are pregnant, both my SIL are pregnant and all my Mum's group friends are pregnant or just had babies. ALL OF THEM!
I'm banning myself from using the computer for anything other than blogging and emailing so that I can't wallow in my misery with others who are on the same rollercoaster.
And whatever you do, don't leave a comment saying, 'Don't worry, it will happen', or 'Just relax.' or I will have to hunt you down.....

PS - If you happen to be a 'best friend' or SIL please understand I am totally happy for you and want to hear all about your beautiful belly! Don't tip toe around me and pretend like you don't have a giant tummy poking out in front of you - there's a complete difference between my longing for a child and my happiness at having another bundle of joy around.... : ) I love you guys!

Free spiders

Usually my organic groceries come with free ladybirds and the odd caterpillar. Today it came with free spiders in the grapes. AARRRRGGGHHH!~~~~
Have I ever told you I'm an arachnophobe?
Scared the daylights out of me - lucky I didn't wake Moo who was having an afternoon nap for once (woo hoo~)

Comings and goings

It seems a lot has been going on here lately.
* Hubby's Grandad's home was flooded. He still is unable to live in his home and it's sent his blood pressure sky high.
* Moo's Nan and Pa have visited twice from the country and stayed the weekend
* BIL and SIL are expecting surprise baby #3 made just 3 months after #2 was born. SURPRISE~ They will have to buy a new car (3 car seats won't fit in their current car) and sell a buy a new house all before the baby is due on November 1st. (Thinking of you Y!)
* Dad's sister has been diagnosed with an aggressive breast cancer. (Praying for you, D)
* Moo has visited the preschool we wish her to attend. Can't believe that we are already having to book her in for Primary school....... *sheesh* She's not even 2.
* I've been trying to continue with decluttering, de-wallpapering and painting which seems like an exercise in futility. I guess it will end at some point and will be fantastic and I will wonder what I can do next. : ) Looking on the bright side.
* Hubby's had a big work project on the go and has been working every day including weekends. Thank goodness it's finished today and life can go back to 'normal' (whatever that is...)
* Although I quit my job I am going to have to work out some way of earning some income. Going in and out of the city was not going to be practicle but now we have school fees to think about......

OH NO~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Can you hear my cry?

I just heard that Genki is closing down. I'm so sad : (

Magical March: Day 27

Well, as you may have noticed there hasn't been too much magic going on around here. No crafting either.
A certain almost 2 year old (not mentioning any names....) has decided to cut out her daytime sleep but then gets so tired that tantrums abound. Enforced quiet time results in wall kicking, rolling about on the floor turning blue and screeching like an enraged banshee.

Moo is at creche right now. This is the first time I have been alone in about 2 weeks and it sure is magical.
It seems like such a luxury to sit and drink a cup of tea in complete silence.

*sigh*

Can you hear that? It's silence and it's beautiful.

Magical March: Day 17

Warning: the following content was written by a negative Nelly.

My Mum always said, 'If you haven't got anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.'

Today was one of 'those' days but I'm not going to go into it. Let's just say that I am going to go to bed and hopefully the gremlin that plagued me today will be gone (at Granny's house!) and I can wake up on the right side of the bed.

Magical stuff today: Nothing. Nada. Absolut ingenting.

Magical March: Day 16

Well, I think it's official. I'm magic-ed out.

I did resign from my job today so that's something off my mind. I've been on maternity leave since March 07 and have been struggling with the decision to go back ever since I left work. But, finally, I sent in an official resignation and it's a weight off my shoulders. Woo hoo~ My brother says that now I am an unemployed bum I should put a couple of chairs out on the deck and order a pizza. Oh, those were the days. Young and carefree, hanging out with my bro (and unemployed and poor....). I don't think a nearly 2 year old will be happy just hangin' on the deck, eating pizzas and drinking beer though..... and maybe child services might have something to say about it too. I think those days are long behind me!

I haven't been crafting lately. Moo has decided that afternoon sleeps are not for her (which doesn't stop me from trying....) and Granny is taking her every other Wednesday instead of weekly. My 'me' time has been reduced significantly. What time I do have has been spent keeping things in order. *bah* But keeping the house clean helps to keep my mind decluttered. I'm finding a messy house stressful at the moment so I tidy when I get the chance these days.(Ie, picking up all the toys that Moo has flung about. I sometimes wonder what I did before she came along.)

My creative genius has been simmering away though and I have plenty of ideas for things I want to do when I get the chance. Yay!
And, through reading blogs I can live vicariously through other people's crafting fun. It's better than nothing - that's for sure!

Magical March: Day 15

Family love is magical.

Yesterday we had a downpour. The large storm water drain across from Grandad's was blocked and his home was flooded. He was just sitting watching TV when the water starting lapping at his feet! In the garden you can see where the water got to - about my shoulder height and inside the front of the house it was just over ankle height.

All the grandkids got together today and helped to salvage what we could. I used my insurance savvy to deal with the insurance company. We all worked together, carting and packing, sorting and shaking. We sat down together for fish and chips and tried to consol Grandad. Unfortunately some precious things were lost but he's OK and that's what counts most.

Family love and togetherness is magical. It's the special magic that glues us together.

Magical March: Day 14

This afternoon I was thinking about what I would write today on the subject of magic. It was while Moo was having her afternoon nap and I starting thinking about what life used to be like not too many months ago. Then, after reading Ellieboo's post I decided that today's magic would definitely be a good nights sleep.
As far as newborns go Moo was a great sleeper. After just a few weeks she was letting me sleep from 11-5. But then things went pear shaped. Moo was lactose intolerant (not that we knew it then) and her sleep was being disturbed. She got into bad habits and this lead to terrible multiple night wakings. We went through a period of getting up hourly and I was a mess. We tried all kinds of things to get her to sleep except for controlled crying because that was totally unacceptable in my book. (Just my personal opinion. I'm not judging anyone). Finally, we weaned when she turned one, changed to lactose free formula and went through the learning to sleep again journey with the help of Elizabeth Pantley's book, 'The No Cry Sleep Solution.' Now she sleeps from 8-8 and naps from 2-4 and I'm the happiest Mum in the world. That's no exaggeration. I can now appreciate a good uninterrupted sleep.
I know what it's like to feel so sleep deprived that you feel like you should be admitted to a mental institution and I know that there are some of you out there have felt the same - you've told me. Sometimes I think it's the 'mum's secret shame' - especially when other mothers are going on about how their little darlings sleep like angels!

So, to cut a long story short, truly, getting a good nights sleep is magical.

To all the mums (and dads and carers) out there, I hope you get a good nights sleep tonight......

PS - I think I may still have cot/crib bar indentations on my forehead from all the hours I slept sitting up with my face smushed into the side of Moo's cot. : (

Lejonkungen - The Lion King

I got the Lion King in Swedish for Moo (perhaps for me???)
She's gonna love it!
I remember I went to see it at the movies when it first came out and there are still some songs in it that I know the Swedish words better than the English ones!

I'm always surprised when I see animated movies and they have 'the same' voices in Swedish as they do in English. How do they do that?

singing *snart är det jag som är kung* la lalla la la lalla la la~~

Magical March - Day 12

It's a day of celebration and magic.

Happy Birthday to Nicole and welcome to the world Georgia.

I have just been out for a nice lunch in the park with my friend, whose birthday just happens to be today. Happy Birthday Nikkinoo.

Got home and opened my email and saw a note from one of my Mum's group pals apologising for not attending this morning because her daughter - Georgia - had just been born. 10:30 this morning while all the other Mum's were chatting and sipping tea!

Congratulations to you both!

Magical March: Day 10

I went to a funeral today. Actually a better description would be a thanksgiving of life.
It was a lovely service and as happy as it could be.
Someone there mentioned the cycle of life. How at one point of your life it seems that lots of people are getting married. Then they all have babies and more babies. Then come the 18ths. The 21sts. Somehow along the way you end up at the funeral end of things.
It's a magical thing to live a long life. To make it to the end of the cycle having met all the milestones in between.
Today I'm thankful for all the magic I've seen so far.....

Want to read about more magic? Visit pottymouthmama and see who else is playing.

Fun 'unfortunately *insert your name here*' meme

Via bugandpop via Pip at Meet me at Mikes. Rules here.

Unfortunately, Amanda's wild ways are just too much for the Headmistress.
Unfortunately Amanda's life isn't as glamorous as it used to be. (Ain't that the truth!!)
Unfortunately Amanda has been working so well for us (i.e. it never breaks) that I haven't had the opportunity to learn how to troubleshoot it.
Unfortunately Amanda's campaign took a knock when she managed to walk into a bollard and almost fell over outside the hotel. (Sounds like me.....)
Unfortunately Amanda had missed the ’sitting in a ladylike manner’ class at finishing school. (hmmmmm)

ha ha ha ha

Magical March: Day 9

You know what? It's hard to think of something magical every day. I try to be a thankful person but sometimes it's hard when you are busy living life - especially with a headstrong "spirited" child.
I believe that being magical and being happy are closely related so here are some things that I have been thankful for today;

• going for a walk to the park with the whole family. Nan and Pa included.
• the lovely weather. Warm in the sun. Cool in the shade with a nice breeze.
• aromatic fresh coffee.
• left over beouf bourguigon toasted sandwiches for lunch - yum!
• Mum watching Annie while she's sleeping so hubby and I could go out together for a few hours.
• sitting on my bed typing this post, listening to the birds twittering outside.
• public holidays. Hubby is home today instead of at work. Yay!
• having a happy family, food on my table and a roof over my head.

Remember, things don't have to be amazing to be magical. : )

I think I'm going to lie down on my comfy bed in the sunshine and be thankful for a few minutes. I might even close my eyes so I can concentrate.... maybe take a quick nap? Magic.

Eye spy.... something that makes me laugh.

Monty Python's fish slapping dance.
Anything Monty Python will make me laugh.

Thanks Anja for this weeks them and to bugandpop for hosting.

Oh dear.

How to get a concussion - also known as MHI (mild head injury).

Bend down when you drop something on the floor.
Stand up quickly because you are in a hurry.
Smack your head with full force into the corner of the towel rail.
Think, 'Gee that smarts' and something else which you've forgotten.
Loose 15 mins because you don't remember what you did after that.
Some time later, brush your hair and wonder what is wrong with your hairbrush that it feels like it's scraping your head.
Continue your day thinking how you've got a terrible headache and must have slept funny and feel a bit sick.
At about 9pm that evening, while watching TV, feel something stuck in your hair.
Wonder what the hell your toddler has put in your hair.
Realise it hurts and seems to be a large cut...... suddenly remember you hit your head and freak out because you actually forgot it totally.

Oops!

I don't recommend doing this. Not at all.

Please mind the towel rail everyone. x x x

Magical March: Day 8

My husband woke up early this morning and went off to work (in the home office in his PJs). Now I'm awake too but Moo is still sleeping. I'm all alone and snug in bed. The house is quiet. The street is quiet. All I can hear is the beautiful song of the magpie.

Photo from here.

One of the things I missed the most when I lived overseas was the morning song of the magpie. (And roast lamb, the smell of gum leaves and meat pies....) We live near a park so we hear them all the time. It's really lovely. Magical even.

Enjoy your Sunday and if you are in Victoria - enjoy your long weekend!

Magical March: Day 7

Today we had lunch at the Cuckoo. There was bell ringing fun for all. Moo danced to the accordion man's music and Mummy had dessert twice.

Taiwanese tourists took photos of Moo who was dressed in a little Bavarian Miss outfit for the occasion which weirded me out a bit.... But she did look super cute!

A magical lunch in a magical little Bavarian cottage in the hills. Yay!

Magical March : Day 6

You can't get more magical than Totoro.

I've been a huge fan of Studio Ghibli for over 10 years now. Recently I've been able to buy English language versions but my original DVDs are in Japanese.

In particular, I just LOVE となりのトトロ Totori no totoro (My Neighbor Totoro). I bought the English language version for Moo and she is sitting now watching it, totally mesmerized. It makes me so happy that we can watch it together - I don't know who likes it more......

I can't wait to introduce her to the rest of my collection.

Ranting again

I called my insurance company tonight to make a claim for a lost item. It was lost at my in law's home (small jewelry item - probably down the sink but who knows?) and I was told that I need to make a police report. I was told by the insurance company that I could do this over the phone. So, I call the police station. Nope. If the item was stolen I can but not if it was lost. I have to go there and fill out a report that says I lost an item in the home of my husband's parents (because they are criminals and maybe they stole it.......?)
I don't drive. I have a toddler. I don't live near a police station.
They want proof of ownership - even thought it was a gift and I don't want the person to know the item was lost.
A police report (which is an official document) is not enough apparently. Or the fact that you are required under the insurance policy to only tell the truth - it says so in the PDS. No, you need to do three things that would stand up in court.....
The claim is for about $70. Not a huge sum. I know this having seen about 1 million insurance policies in my time.
This is a giant pain in the butt.
Grrrrrrrrr.


At least I called late at night so I didn't have to wait on hold for 30 mins x 2......... *blah*

Did I tell you I am an employee of this insurance company?
That I'm supposed to go back to work for said insurance company in exactly 12 days and counting. That it is part of my job to listen to ranting people that are annoyed with their insurance policy. HA!~ A big fat dose of irony, my friend.

OK - I promise that my next post will be about crafting, or baking or something sweet and nice and not just me getting stuff off my chest! I know you want the pretty stuff ; )

Magical March: Day 5

It's early to be blogging - I'm actually typing this from my cozy bed drinking a nice hot cuppa. Hubby made me a cup of tea this morning before he went to work and Moo is still sleeping. Happy Birthday to me!

However much it seems that Moo still sleeping is lovely - it's only because she was up between 4 and 6 this morning. Stumbling through the dark at 6, going back to bed I stubbed my toe on the vacuum cleaner that I had stupidly left at the foot of our bed. I couldn't help but hiss, 'Happy Birthday Mummy.'

But, I'm over it now. It was just that all I wanted to do was sleep and you know how much it hurts when you stub your toe!

I've decided to stay in bed with the 'interweb' until Moo wakes up and then we're off to Mum's Group. I'll have to find the rain cover for the pram - we haven't had to use it in.... say.... about 6 months or more....... My garden is getting a birthday present too.

Have a nice day everyone!

I'm just saying...

.... because I want to rant.....

Why is there such a long wait list for child care/kindergarten?

I finally, after much deliberation (mostly about the fees), decided on Montessori schooling for Moo. Well, that's all fine and dandy but now I have to find a place! She's two at the end of April (2 days before the cut off date for schools) and I have her on a wait list for 'early starters' with the hope that she may be able to start before she turns three..... What? 14 months on a wait list? Our local council run childcare has a 2 year wait list.... and I have been told that I need to enroll Moo for kinder AS SOON as she turns 2 to even have a chance of getting her into the kinder I want. Mind you, I have to pay an application fee (non refundable) and pay for her to attend from January because her birthday isn't until April. Or I can wait for the next year and she can be the oldest in her class instead of the youngest. She's very bright and waiting a year is not going to benefit anyone. (OK, all Mum's say this I guess, but she definitely doesn't need to wait a year.)

I didn't know when Moo was born what sort of child she would be. Whether I would go back to work or not (not). What our financial situation would be. How am I supposed to make those decisions before she's born so that we can get on a wait list and hopefully get a place in a few years time? Why can't we have a system like Sweden? Why don't I just move back there? 'Cause hubby would have to learn a new language and I'd miss fresh vegetables and Vegemite...... ha ha ha

It's all out now. Rant over. : )

I just have to say it....

It's too cold, dark and rainy.
I wish it were summer again...


NOT!

Magical March: Day 4

Well, it may not be magical to you but it's magical to me..... I have a clean house! (almost....)

Today Moo is at Granny's house and I have been busy. Thanks to my mostly kept to New Year's resolution I have been able to spend my free time doing things on my 'to do' list rather than just catching up with the cleaning! Yay! Truly magical!
This morning I dusted, sanded, dusted, masked (around 8 panes of glass), bottom coated, second coated the double doors (French?) between our entrance and dining room (50's house). I steamed off some more wallpaper from the hall (grrrr) and then did the housework. And, I even have a couple of hours to sit around and bludge before Moo gets home. Or maybe I'll find something do - I'm feeling a little hyper after all my crazy running around.....

How about a little to do list for the rest of March?

• get rid of the two cots that I have lying about (homes to go to, just need to organise. Long and boring story about why we have two - no twins here!)
• remove the rest of the wallpaper in the hall
• prep skirting boards and architraves in hall for painting
• go through Moo's wardrobe and work out what she needs for winter
• sew or buy the missing items from e-bay
• do the same for my own wardrobe!
• continue decluttering

It's raining outside. The wind is cold and it's only 15 degrees. All my dreams come true!

Hope you are having a Magical March!

Magical March: Day 3

Some things I like about March/Autumn:

• birthdays. Lots of friends and family have their birthdays in March.
  
• autumn leaves. Not sweeping them up - jumping in them!
  
• cool evenings
• getting out the quilt so I can sleep with a quilt and a feather doona/duvet.
• eating casseroles again. I'm so sick of salad by the end of summer.
• going for walks without getting too hot
• playing outside without burning your bum on the slide at the park. (On nooo, I don't ride the slide..... : )
• wearing jeans again. Woolly tights with long boots. Scarves. Hats. Anything knitted or felted. Flannelet pajamas.
• rain. New growth on my plants that survived the summer somehow.....

Finally, after a yucky day today we have had a cool change accompanied by rain. I'm sitting here listening to the rain and the breeze rustling the trees. The curtains in my room are breathing - in and out, in and out.

I'm taking a deep breath and letting the summer out.........

Welcome, Autumn!

Photo by Amanda (craftedfromtheheart@flickr)

Magical March

I celebrated the coming of March with a trip to the shops for a nice new pair of cool nights jammies. I couldn't find any nice flannelet in Spotlight or Lincraft and then saw these lovely green/brown ones that I HAD to have..... Target. $17. I don't think I could buy the fabric/notions/pattern for that.... So, store bought we have... And of course, I just needed to buy matching (kind of) cable knit socks/slippers ('cause I can't knit).

A magical wish for some cooler autumnal weather and a hooray for flannelet PJs and slippers!

*edit - it's going to be 32 degrees tomorrow. : (

My band meme

I was in the school band.
I played French Horn.
I didn't think it was a cool instrument.
I always wanted to play flute like the 'cool' kids.
Now I think the French Horn is way cooler than the flute.....

Anyhoo, here is the cover of my very first fictitious album!

Band name: Harold and Sylvia Greenberg Theatre
Album title: Never better than knowledge
Artwork via here.

Meme via Pottymouthmama - make a visit if you you'ld like to join in and release your first album (and to see the rules of the 'My Band' meme)!

I spy..... something(s) that make me happy

As usual, I couldn't think of just one thing. So, I went back through the archive and chose some of my happy pics......

Pretty things, nephews and uncles, drinking tea, crafting, my family, my Moo, Op shop finds, sunny days, traveling, fun and games, baking, holidays, sewing, nature, chocolate and comfy slippers.

Thanks Iris + Lily for this weeks happy theme. To join in pop on over to bugandpop.

It's Friday

.... and I haven't posted at all this week.

I'm in a bit of a slump.... I guess I can use the excuse that I have been busy - which I have - and that Moo hasn't been sleeping well - which she hasn't - but the real truth is that I feel crappy.

Yep. With a capital C.

I'm sure I'll be over it soon. In fact I am certain. Because it appears to be a hormonal thing and in a few days I'm sure I'll be back in crazy crafting/cleaning/mothering mode.

~please~ make it true!

In happy news I am very excited about my upcoming birthday celebrations at The Cuckoo. If you're not from around here 'The Cuckoo' is a themed German restaurant with yummy food and lederhosen wearing Bavarian thigh slapping fun. Lame. I know. But lots of fun all the same - and who doesn't like German food???? Mmmmmmm Black Forest Cake. I feel better already.

Eye spy..... love

Spying doesn't just have to be for eyes does it? Spies also listen to things - right?

Moo said something wonderful yesterday. We were having before bed stories and cuddles when she stroked my hair and said, 'Love Mummy.'

It was the first time Moo has said 'love' and such a beautiful, could make Mummy cry moment.
Love if there ever was love. <3

I love you Moo! Especially when we're being silly together.....

To play 'Eye spy' or to 'spy' (pardon the pun!) on who else is playing head on over to BUGANDPOP and get yourself some fun and games (and lots of sewing goodness too). : )

I heard a strange sound....

.... like radio static....

A slow, deep shooshing.

I wondered what it could be.
I turned off the TV news to listen.

RAIN!

It seems like such a long time since I've heard real rain.
Not drizzle or spots - actual rain! Woo hoo~~

meme

"Open the 6th picture folder on your computer, open the 6th photo and blog it. Write something about it."

I have two different picture folders so here are the 6th and the 6th of both of them.

The picture above was taken during a bush walk in Taggerty. I believe this whole area is burnt out now...... ; ( sob sob

Although it was a short holiday I have many fond memories. Moo was almost 5 months old and we stayed in the caravan park with the in-laws. We had lunch at the bakery in Alexandra. Browsed the second hand book store. Went walking. Visited friends who have an amazing view of the Cathedral ranges from their outdoor toilet (that doesn't have a door so you can enjoy the scenery.....)
We took Moo for her first trip to Marysville where she enjoyed Steavenson falls. She was mesmorised as a matter of fact. She's been back there a few times and every time I love to see the look of wonderment on her little face. Although, she's getting a bit heavy to carry to the top!
We had afternoon tea at the bakery on the corner. Browsed the lolly shop with Moo asleep in the hug-a-bub and stocked up on things good and sweet. Wandered up and down the street and drank a coffee in Gallipoli park. Then we drove up to Lake Mountain and Moo saw snow for the first time - even though it was late September.
Remembering this particular holiday upsets me right now. I REALLY love going up there. Last year Hubby and I spent our anniversary at Marylands hotel and now it's gone...... The lolly shop is gone. The bush is gone. And I don't even want to think about what else is missing......
But, if you look carefully you can see that the photo is of a fern shoot. The bush behind it is brown but this little shoot is green and rising towards the sun.



The picture below is Moo looking very surprised! I find it hard to delete any photos unless they are out of focus or make me look ugly (he he he) so although it isn't frame worthy it still sits undeleted on my computer.....

More toddler fashion

If only I were brave enough to dress like this in public.....

Eye spy... my secret food shame.

I've already shared with you that I carry the terrible weight of loving a Quarter Pounder from Maccas.

So, now I'm forced to admit another sin. I believe (in my heart of hearts : ) that there is absolutely nothing shameful about cakes or chocolate - you just have to take one look at my hips to know this, so, what else could there possibly be?

My secret food shame is...........

.........eating butter instead of margarine and drinking full cream milk instead of skim.

It's all about the taste. Everything in moderation, right?

Thanks, Jade, from 'Just needs salt' for this weeks embarrassing theme ; D

Handmade help

I've never sold anything I've made before. This will be a first. All profits will go to the victims of the Victorian bushfires via Handmade help.


I'm yet to put the fasteners on. I hadn't planned on making this until tonight so I will have to go and buy some studs - I don't want to spoil the pretty fabric with velcro : )

I'm going to make a few more things before I auction - as I'll have to work out how to sell on ebay because I've never done it before! I've bought plenty of things (don't tell hubby!) but I've never been a seller.

There has been an eerie glow about the sunlight today. This afternoon's light was red/orange. It's more than a little stinky too. My eyes are stinging from all the smoke. I'm lucky that's all I have to complain about.......


Please forgive my less than elequont rantings - it's waaaay past my bedtime and I've been sewing black on black by lamplight....

Want to help people affected by the bushfires?

Head on over here to Handmade help.
Make something.
Buy something.
Volunteer.

Photo found on flickr by annie-wilson

PS This is what happens when you let toddlers dress themselves....

Pants for Moo

Is it possible that a toddler can grow out of their clothes in 2 weeks?
Apparently it is.

Before the heat wave Annie was happily wearing the same pants she had been wearing for the past 6 months. Granted the cuffs were not turned up anymore and they were a little short but now after just 2 weeks I went to dress Moo for the cooler weather we've been having and her pants looked ridiculous! Luckily I had bought some material for just his occasion and the following pants were quickly made up....

Cuffs turned up for wear now

With cuffs turned down for 'later.'

I've also left the casing open so that I can easily change the elastic as she grows. Yup, I'm thinkin' ahead. Moo is very determined to dress herself these days so an elastic waist is perfect. No zippers or buttons here.
If you're wondering why they look like PJs it's because they are. The same 1950's pattern I used for Annie's PJ bottoms. They are made up of only 2 pieces and are soooo fast to sew up. Perfect for the 'oh my goodness all your pants are too short' emergency.

Charity

I went to the supermarket today and bought up big in the 'personal needs' aisle. BIL is going to Whittlesea tomorrow with the State Emergency Service so we're sending up a couple of boxes with him. I popped in a few extras (other than hair brushes, deoderant, tampons etc) like Dolly magazine and styling wax. If I were a teenager and lost everything I would like to get a Dolly magazine to look at with my friends. And what teenager wants to look like a dag? I'd like styling wax..... I was looking at the piles and piles of donations on the TV today of clothing and essential items so I thought it would be good to give some 'nice' things.

*sigh* I just can't comprehend what it must be like. I just can't.

I don't have much to say....

We have friends and family still under threat from the bush fires. So far they are OK but as we all know any change in weather can mean disaster.

Family friends in Marysville have lost their home but are thankful to have escaped with their lives. They obviously have lost friends in this terrible tragedy. Please pray for them and everyone affected.

My BIL is in the SES and they are taking stuff up to Whittlesea on Thursday. We are collecting what we can (Moo's old clothes, towels, toilet paper etc) and sending it up with him.

Please visit Meet me at Mikes for info about all the wonderful bloggers out there who are doing what they can to help. Or, click on the 'rainbow comfort pack' button on the top left to find out how you can help the kids who have been affected.

A message from Pip at Meet me at Mikes

Apart from URGING you to donate MONEY to the Victorian Bushfire Appeals - via NAB, ANZ, Bunnings and Myer to name just a few donation points, we urge you to start making!

Mike's and The Toy Society are both keen to get you making toys, clothing, quilts, baby things and other handmade items so that we can work together to get them to people in need!

You can drop your donations off at Mike's - or mail it to us - we'll hang onto it until the appropriate time (once agencies are ready to receive such donations).

Visit Mike's or The Toy Society to register your support or to get your business involved in this community project.

xx Pip

Don't forget to DONATE (via the Salvation Army or Red Cross) and register to DONATE blood too!

Terrible

Photo from The Age.

I turned on the news this morning to see that the place where we go for holidays and to celebrate our wedding anniversary has burned to the ground. Not the one building. THE WHOLE TOWN.

There were many fires burning out of control in Victoria yesterday on the hottest day on record. Confirmed death toll is 25 35 with up to 40 unofficially. 400 homes burnt to the ground. It's terrible. Really terrible.
Even my brother was out on his roof hosing it down - in suburban Melbourne..... So scary.

Update: latest news reports 84 are dead. I'm speechless.
........ 173 now......

Mind your eyes

Cause this stuff is BRIGHT!

Bias tape and bright orange table cloth from Ivanhoe oppy. Yellow fabric from IKEA (offcut). Firefly Japanese print from Kimono House.

I want to make something for Moo. Any suggestions? What should I make with it?

Scoodie

In a weeks time my BIL is off to Oregon for a friend's wedding. It's pretty cold over there (in the minus I believe) so I made him this scoodie (= hoodie + scarf). I got the idea from here and modified it for my own use. I had a very wide and thick polar fleece scarf that never got used so I re purposed it. Because it was so thick and didn't need finishing I did the following:

• used a hoodie that fitted hubby well and used the hood as a template
  
• lined the top of the hood up with the fold so that there was no seam on the front edge
• sewed up the back, gradually reducing the amount of the seam to give a smooth finish to the hood (no pointy bit!)
• sewed the two pieces of scarf together, end to end
• sewed the hoodie to the scarf along the bottom edge
• DONE!
  

Here is BIL doing his best 'catalogue' pose. It's a bit hard to see with the dark scarf on the dark shirt but you get the picture....

BIL is also quite the creative guy. Click here for his manly craft blog.

Hooray!

Things are finally back to normal. School started back after the summer this week so Moo's creche also reopened. Granny and Grandad are back from their holidays so Moo will be having 'grandparent time' every Wednesday again. Tuesdays we spend with Nanna, Wednesday Moo spends the day with Granny, Thursday is Mum's group for a few hours and Friday she spends 3 hours at creche. All this means I will have more time to do all my projects! 1 1/2 days a week entirely to myself. *yay*
What am I going to do with this time? I don't have too many sewing plans at the moment - I'm too obsessed with painting the hall and the bathroom....... We have 'faux embroidery' wallpaper in cream, green and brown in the hall and the skirting boards are dark brown wood. It makes things feel so dark and drab so I am going to paint everything white. My favorite (albeit boring) decorating base. I've never found a colour that I think I could live with 24/7 for years. Yes, I could repaint but I'm just not that excited about repainting when I get tired of the colour. At least with white you can change your accent colours whenever you feel like it....
A little white interior and tidiness inspiration found here at chez larsson.....

Eye spy...... a small object

Actually, I don't spy a small object. All small objects are banned in this house due to a certain Missy Moo who likes to put small objects in her mouth and the ensuing paranoia felt by her parents.
You might find a lentil that has missed being sucked up by the vacuum as Moo loves to transfer lentils. We're into Montessori in this neck of the woods. I'm sure I could find a lentil that's rolled away under some furniture but to be honest I just can't be bothered getting up from the sofa.....
x x x

6 random things about me

• I really, REALLY wanted to be Princess (above) from 'Battle of the Planets,' when I was younger. Maybe I still do.....
• I once hosted a 5 min Saturday morning TV show - in Korean!
• I have a birthmark in the shape of Jesus on my left arm. OK, that's not true. But I did have one on my chin (not in the shape of Jesus) which I had removed because people used to think I had a drop of water hanging from my chin.
  
• I hate drinking beer but love traditional apple cider
• I like animals but I've never owned my own pet.
• I estimate that I ate about 20kg/44lbs of chocolate on my last European trip. You could say our trip was called, 'Chocolate and other goodies from London to Vienna.' Pity we skipped Belgium...... Lucky we walked for hours every day so I didn't put on any weight!
  

Things to do when it's REALLY hot

We've been stuck inside for the past week. The longest heat wave in a hundred years (see previous posts!). We're pretty much confined to two rooms of the house because everywhere else is waaaay too hot. Here are some of the ways we've cooled down (keep in mind I am accompanied by a toddler!)

• Get out some interesting kitchen things - strainers, slotted spoons, empty plastic sauce bottle (safety first! No dangerous objects please~) Play in the bath. For an hour twice a day : D
  
• Freeze giant ice blocks in interesting shapes. Use some food dye if you dare. Play with them. Freeze plastic toys inside - zoo animals are great!
  
• Make home made ice lollies with fruit juice and cut up pieces of fruit. Eat them.
  
• Hit your local mall. Walk around. Have an ice coffee. Loiter.
• Get a baby sitter and go and see a movie (OK, we normally wouldn't do this but it is hubby's birthday.)
• Dampen a muslin cloth or bed sheet. Wrap it around you and sit in front of a fan/breeze
• Watch Happy Feet or another movie set in a cold place. Eat ice cream and pretend your a polar bear. ( I know, bears don't eat ice cream.....)
• Bring out every trick in your arty crafty book to entertain the kidlets. We've done finger painting, collages, painting with straws, painting on an easel, colouring etc etc etc There are plenty of ideas floating around the internet thingy so get a googlin'
  

Why eat organic meat?

• grass and other feedstuffs used must be organic (no animal by products are fed to them!)
  
• livestock rearing involves strict animal welfare standards
• growth hormones are prohibited, as is the routine use of antibiotics and other veterinary drugs. Antibiotics are only given to organic animals in cases of acute illness, when the animal might otherwise suffer.
• no artifical light used to promote growth
  
• genetic modification is not permitted
• Naturally leaner and higher in protein
• Contains fewer calories
• Rich in Omega 3 fatty acids
• High in Vitamin E
• Has a higher level of muscle building and energy promoting creatine
• Much lower risk of E Coli and Campylobacter
• High in Beta Carotene
• Contains low levels of saturated fat
• High in healthy Conjugated Linoleic Acids (CLA’s)
• The satisfaction of eating meat as nature intended you to!

Or, you could try going vegetarian..... Personally, I like to eat meat. I was vegetarian for over 2 years when I went through a 'don't fancy eating meat' phase. I definitely care about the welfare of the animals that I eat. This may seem hypocritical when you think about raising an animal for slaughter but if you compare the treatment of non organic and organically raised animals you may be able to understand my logic?
Hubby and I decided some time ago that we didn't want to compromise the quality of the food that we eat. We decided to eat less meat of better quality (let's face, eating organically can be expensive) and to spend our money on fresh organic produce instead of take away or highly processed food. We've both noticed a reduction in our 'hay fever' symptoms (stuffy nose, wheezing etc) and hubby's reflux has also improved since our conversion to mostly organic foods. Moo's egg and lactose intolerance have both improved and I have less eczema. That's worth the extra money to me!

It's hot.

The toilet seat is warm.
The bed feels like it has an electric blanket turned on.
Going out the front door feels like walking into a giant oven.
43 today. 110 Fahrenheit.
It's horrid.
The weather is going to be like this for another 3 days at least. YUK!

I hate summer

Tomorrow's forcast temperature is 38. Then as the week progresses 38, 41, 40, 40, 40, 31 and 30. For all you fahrenheit people, that's 100-106 degrees for a week! It's going to be (I hope they are proven wrong) the hottest week here for over 100 years. Don't think I'll be getting any use out of the slippers I made...... Roll on winter. Please.

Bloody global warming.

Felted jumper/sweater slippers

I cut these out a few weeks ago and finally got around to sewing them up this afternoon when Moo was having her nap. It took all of 10 mins. So easy and I love them sooooo much. Reasons;

• super comfy
• loose but don't fall off (I hate tight shoes and even wear a size bigger than I need to)
  
• feels like bare feet but your feet don't get cold (not that I have to worry about that at the moment)

The pattern was found here. All you have to do is enlarge it to your required size using a photocopier. I used our printer/scanner/copier which doesn't have a manual 'enlargement percentage' button which made it a little tricky to get the exact size. But after a lot of experimentation I got the size I was after. *phewf* That was the trickiest part.


The felted jumper was another 'oops, woolens shouldn't be washed in hot water with normal detergent' accident. I'm so glad I was able to make something out of that poor shrunken mini jumper. Who would have known when I shrunk it over5 years ago that I would learn to sew and finally rescue it from a fate worse than landfill? I just threw it in the back of the wardrobe because I felt too bad about wasting a jumper that wasn't worn out. It even moved house when we did. Who knows what I thought I might be able to do with it - but there you go! Being a hoarder is not such a bad thing after all!

Well there you go.....

Moo when she was a few hours old - looking slightly sore....

I've just been looking through some boxes and I found some things that my Mum had saved - cards and paper from when I was born and my first and second birthdays. There was also the tags she and I wore in hospital and the tag off my humidicrib. It was very interesting to me (maybe not to you....) that there are huge similarities between my birth and Moo's birth. Mum and I were both admitted to hospital for an induction for being overdue (I was already 2 weeks over) and it was 2 days before our babies were born. They were both POP (persistent occiput posterior) - ie around the wrong way. I was delivered by forceps (and more which I won't share in this forum) due to fetal distress and Moo was born by C-section for the same reason. Annie and I were both slow to respond and lost over 200g (1/2 lb) before leaving the hospital. Moo was born only 1/2 a centimeter (1/5") taller than me. I weighed 3580 (7lbs 15ozs) and she 3850 (8lbs 6oz).

Moo at 6 weeks - looking more like herself - but with a funny expression on her face...... : D

I got bored...

... of my old template. I felt like I wanted to freshen it up - that brown was getting really tiring.....

Yay!

How it's going on the getting organised front.....

I have done a ton of research. I love to do that. I read anything I could get my hands on on the internet and then went to Borders and looked at some books. Realised that the information in the books was easily found on the internet and decided to save my money (and time to keep from putting the damn thing away again and again) and to go by the tips I had already gathered.

Basically, this is what I have done so far;

• worked out exactly what needs to be done at our house on a daily, weekly, monthly and seasonal basis
• wrote each thing on a piece of 3x5 inch card and filed it under the days of the week, then weeks 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the month and then each month of the year in one of those office organiser thing-a-ma-jigs
• I sat down and wrote out all the appointments I have each week, like Mother's group, Moo's creche day, etc etc and decided which days to: do the grocery shopping, do cleaning, pay bills and do the finances etc (obviously not set in stone because I'm just not that kind of person!)
  
• I place each card behind it's day or month and so it's there to tell me what to do each day/week. (Mind you I don't always stick to doing the things. Sometimes I just refile them for another day.)
  
• wrote a huge long list of all the things that have been bothering me re the house, like painting and repairs and am slowing working down this list
  
• set aside 20 mins each day to devote to decluttering. I've found that like going to the gym the starting is the hard part. I have actually been spending a lot more than 20 mins because once I start I get all inspired.... (sad, isn't it ; )
  
• placed a container in each room for all the stray bits and bobs. When the box is full all of the things go back to their homes. It means I can do a quick tidy in 5 mins and the room looks spotless again. I also got a box with hubby's name on it to put all of his things in. He can put them away himself 'cause I'm no maid...... : )
  

This may seem completely over the top but I needed to do it. The state of things was really stressing me out and cleaning had become such a chore because the longer you put things off the harder they are. A boring example: Each morning after I finish showering I take a rag (I have a box of them under the sink) and I quickly swipe around the basin and wipe any marks off the mirror. Bathroom always looks like it's just been cleaned and I've spent all of 30 secs.
I've come to the conclusion that it's all about habits and working things into your everyday routine. The cards are just there to remind me and keep me on track. Of course seasonal things are easy to forget so it's nice to have a reminder for that stuff.....
Now that I've bored the socks off you it's time to go and tidy the dinner dishes! (And you put those socks that I've bored off you into the dirty laundry basket or else!!! ha ha ha)

Eye-spy something begining with 'J'

Jumping jackrabbits it's hard to find things that start with J (that aren't jam or junk).
I had to go and make something - this jazzy jumper. OK, it's not a jumper in the sense that us Aussies use (sweater) but it says 'jumper' on the pattern (Simplicity 7366 circa 1977).

It's a size 3 which swamps our skinny Moo Moo but I figure she can wear it next winter with a long sleeved top and leggings underneath and the bonus is it will still fit next summer. And the summer after that. And let's face it, most likely until she is 4 years old. Great! (She can still wear clothes meant for 9mth old babies - the are just waaaay too short. Dresses become tops and pants become shorts. Handy use of last summers clothes really.)
I guess I should have placed my pattern more carefully so the pattern was not misaligned on the front but basically I just didn't have the patience....... How terrible is that???
Mum saw the post where I wrote about finding the bed sheet and pattern and she tells me she made me the very same jumper when I was about the same age. That's nice.

Thank you to Cindy at Bug and Pop who is hosting Eye Spy and to Lauren for the fun theme.

Feeling nostalgic

Today I got an email from my friend in Sweden. She attached some photos and in some of them E and her family were making a little camp fire on an island in the middle of a frozen lake and eating snacks. It reminded me of the day we went there. The weather was perfect - the lake was frozen but there hadn't been any snow yet (perfect for skating!). The sun was shining and it was just before Christmas so we ate lussekatter (saffron buns) and drank coffee. We too made a fire and grilled some sausages. We skated around and acted like kids. B (my friend's brother) did some 'ice dancing' (parodi) and we cut some holes in the ice in the hope of catching some fish. Fun times.
When we were in high school E and I used to write to each other at least once a week. Now we're lucky enough to manage an email every 6 months. That doesn't mean that we don't think of each other - it's just that being a grown up means you have other responsibilities. I can't sit in Math class anymore and write a letter, pretending I'm solving equations.....
But, I'm going to try and make an effort to write more to my friends who live far away. B and E and C in England, Sweden and New Zealand are the first 3 on my list.
If I can write a blog I can find time to email my friends, right?

*sigh* I miss you 'syster yster'!

If only it were true.....

I've been reading a Swedish blog called 'tjuvlyssnat', which I guess translates to eavesdropping or overheard. People send in convos that they've heard and some are very amusing..... I liked this one:

Two girls about 20 are in the dairy section buying supplies for what appears to be a taco night.
Girl 1: Hey, look at this! She picks up a small carton of sour cream from the shelf and points to the label.
Girl 2: What?
Girl 1: Look, 30% fat! That's heaps!!
Girl 2: Oh bummer....but we have to have sour cream. What'll we do?
Both are silent for a moment and look devastated when one girl sees something on the shelf that makes her smile.
Girl 1: Look! This one is a large carton!
Girl 2: Yeah, so?
Girl 1: Don't you get it? If we buy a large carton instead of a small carton, the 30% fat is diluted in a larger surface area.
Girl 2: Oh, of course!! Damn right we are good!

If only it were fact!!! Then I could get the giant chocolate bar, the giant cake, the supersize lasagne......

Overheard in New York is the English version of the tjuvlyssnat site. Go and have a laugh!