bj+boo originals

Hmmmmmmm where's the time going

2009-11-17T01:19:00.001-08:00

A random picture of the little one's curls...With straight hair myself I LOVE her curls

I looked at my last few posts and realised I haven't posted anything productive in a while! Surprised?? I'm not!!! Life seems to have gotten away from me, Christmas is creeping ever close, and soon the envitable day is going to come when I have to put up the Christmas Tree.

No! I'm not a grinch, I do love Christmas, but:
Christmas Tree + 18mth + glass decorations (yes I didn't think that one through) = disaster!

I made my first tutu for a friend of a friend...she loved it and her little girl wasn't happy when it was passed on!

The kids do need an advent calendar too, so that needs to be made, and I've promised a few skirts for a friend...and then 3rd birthday party for a little girl (more tutus)

On the Chook front. They are laying and laying well! But one of them kept getting out and destroying the vege garden. We tried everything to keep her in, and she could still jump a 1.5 metre fence! So we've rehomed her. The Man About the House is happy seeing as he only wanted two in the first place! (He seems to think if I'd only go two we never would have got the trouble making 'Black Hen') So she is now the boss of someone elses hen house!

I'm a winner!

2009-11-01T16:16:00.001-08:00

Need a bit of luck at the moment, and look what I won
A cute nappy from Bubblebubs Thanks for the chance to enter!

Bubblebubs Competition

2009-10-31T14:55:00.000-07:00

Bubblebubs Birthday Competition

Get on over and enter for some great prizes!!!

I haven't had a chance to try the famous Bubblebub Nappy yet. But I have heard great things about them. They are on my 'to get' list. I have however used their Good Night Sleep Tight nappy which was great!!!

Day 23, Dreamtime Beach

2009-10-22T22:57:00.001-07:00

Day 21 I think I might have missed a day

2009-10-21T02:34:00.001-07:00

What with everything going on with bj+boo Originals I forgot to post yesterday! Sorry. But I did manage to set up a fan page on Face Book (yeah yeah I know everyone's doing it). My goal for tomorrow is to get the shorts photographed and do a final sew up of the top I've created, oh and sew some more tops!

So come join me on Facebook, I'm having a giveaway when we reach 100 fans, so tell your friends.

bj+boo Originals Facebook Fan Page

Day 20 Introducing bj+boo ... and Houston we have a problem

2009-10-19T13:55:00.000-07:00

I have my mall spot, I have found a cool 'cartel' bj+boooriginals store to list some products on....so thought it was about time I introducted you to my new label. All my clothes/homewares that have been pictured on here are available for sale, just email me ratamuffin (at) hotmail (dot) com for now if intersted.

Its been a hard few days, I had to come up with a shorts pattern (which wasn't too hard as Boo makes a good model, and a dress/top which was hampered by the fact that I had to bribe Blake with chocolate everytime he tried it on!)

We (The Man About the House an I) also needed a logo for my new label...with a bit of input from cyber friends, he liked his, I liked mine, we came up with the one above!

and now to the problem...

The winner of the giveaway is linked in THIS POST . Congratulations Nadine from the Nut House. But due to me not putting where she was from I've caused some confusion and another Nadine who entered thought I meant her. (My fault I should have made it clearer)

But no problem really. Can both the NADINES who entered email me at ratamuffin (at) hotmail (dot) com with their addresses and I'll send a surprise out to both of you! How cool is that, two giveaways for the price of one.

Breast Cancer Fundraiser

2009-10-19T02:15:00.000-07:00

WAHM and Cloth Community Breast Cancer Fundraiser

Tehre are some wonderful products here, and ALL money (minus postage) goes to a great cause.

My contributions are
A Tee
and This funky Twirly Skirt

So get your wallets out and run over and GET BIDDING

RANDOM.ORG Integer Widget

2009-10-18T13:08:00.000-07:00

RANDOM.ORG Integer Widget: "True Random Number Generator

Min:
Max:
Result:
15
Powered by RANDOM.ORG"

Day 19,and the Winner is...

2009-10-18T13:02:00.000-07:00

Drum roll please...

I'd just like to thank everyone who entered and is now following me, and to all my existing followers for still following me. Stay tuned or some exciting new developments over here, a name change, new logo and me selling my stuff!! (I'm excited, are you) Oh and of course more giveaways...I'll have to have one when I open the store, and get to 100 posts!

....ok I know you are getting impaitent..so Mr Goolge Random Number Generator has picked a winner...and it's NADINE Thanks Nadine for following, and it couldn't have gone to a nicer follower (now to have a dig and come up with the surprise!!!) Pics will be posted here if you want to see what the Lovely Nadine is getting.

RANDOM.ORG Integer Widget: "True Random Number Generator

Min:
Max:
Result:
15
Powered by RANDOM.ORG"

Day 18 a Busy Bee am I

2009-10-17T22:11:00.000-07:00

A little tease

I've spent today creating patterns and sewing them up samples to show the 'mall' owner. Here's a little look at what I've come up with today.

So keep watching...fingers crossed I get a place and then we'll be open for business. We've come up with a name, and are working on the logo...so STAY TUNED (Same bat time, same bat channel) for updates.

Blogtober Day 17 - Don't sew when Tired

2009-10-16T23:06:00.000-07:00

As above! I sew best in the mornings, which makes life hard as I have kids. So tomorrow The Man About the House can kid wrangle (I've been doing it all week for him while he retiles and paints) and I'm going to get some sewing done. I'm hoping to get a slot on a mall for a once a month stocking but I need more products to show the mall owner...so sew sew sew here I go!!!

Day 16 - Reusable Nappy Week

2009-10-16T01:56:00.001-07:00

Yeah I know I missed a day. But I was attending a
Reusable Nappy Week get together

Did you make it to any functions? It's a great week, raising awareness in this disposable world for the new cloth nappies! I met a lot of lovely mums yesterday and a lot of cute cloth bums!

I had all good intentions of organising something for my area for Reusable Nappy Week this year, but never got around to it. So I here by promise that next year I WILL organise something! Who's keen to help/come?

Don't forget it's BLOGTOBER

Day 14 and a great cause

2009-10-14T03:06:00.000-07:00

A Breast Cancer Research Fundraiser (Remember the skirt from a few posts back...thats where it's headed)

I'll post when the store is open, please bid and help raise funds for a wonderful cause!

Day 13 Noise, noise noise

2009-10-12T20:18:00.000-07:00

Everybody say AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

Yes this child did go to sleep with a nappy on,

and yes she does have toys, but for some reason decided her nappy was nicer

(and I can't blame her, lots of minky fluffyness to cuddle)

Ear muffs and ear plugs are the order of the day in this house. The Man about the House is still busy with the jackhammer dealing to the tiles

This one (who wakes at the slighest noise) managed to go sleep and stay asleep with all the racket going on. Go figure.

Don't forget to check out my giveaway (a few posts back)

Blogtober Day 13

2009-10-12T14:04:00.000-07:00

Some finished clothes ready to find a new home. (I need to learn how to take good pictures!) But I'm happy with them. The VHC is size 2, but will fit a 3.5 year old! The top is a size 2.

And don't forget the enter My Giveaway while you're here.

Eye Spy...My Favourite Corner of The House

2009-10-11T20:20:00.000-07:00

I'm new to this! But it seems like fun (I've seen a few play along). Head over
here to play along

Anyway this is my fav corner. (Along with the new rug we got on the weekend to cover the bare concrete floor). This is where we hang out as a family. Reading, playing, watching TV, whatever!

And don't forget the enter My Giveaway while you're here.

Blogtoberfest Day 12, and a mystery giveaway

2009-10-11T17:43:00.000-07:00

Why? Just coz the sun is shining, The Man about the House is making a HORRID racket jack-hammering up tiles...and I feel like it...

What is it I hear you ask?...well it wouldn't be a surprise if I told you now would it (ok so I'm still deciding what it will be, might be wool, fabric, a vintage pattern, op shopped material, a pinchusion...who knows. But you have to be in to win right). Surprises are fun, and I promise it will be a nice one.

So how to enter...

1. Become a follower and post a comment so I know (or if you are one of my existing followers *waves to all 6 of you*, leave me a comment to know)

2. Blog about this giveaway for an addition entry, and leave a comment so I know.

I'll leave it open till Sunday (what's the date then??? 18th October) and draw a winner randomly on Monday. I'm happy to post any (bar the moon!)

Day 11 - a day late

2009-10-11T15:23:00.000-07:00

That's me (if you hadn't guessed!) And Blake
One pillow case made for a friend (My first sale!!)

I told Boo to go get some clothes to get dressed this morning,

and she got her brothers clothes out.

Thumb in the mouth...again...she was tired,

she's been keeping me awake teething

Black Hen, having a dust bath before the rain started...

still no eggs, 2 weeks down...how many to go?

Just a few random pics as I forgot yesterday. Well ok, I didn't but it was raining (on and off all day! Yay for the rain), Bathhurst was on (GO HOLDEN) and the kids were a bit grumpy, I had a headache I couldn't shake...so it was a do nothing kinda day.

Day 10

2009-10-09T18:28:00.001-07:00

Tired,
Need sleep
Teething child...
Up at 5.30 tomorrow to do a car boot sale and flog all our old tshirts. (On the up side that means I have shelf space for my fabric)

Blogtoberfest Day 9 - Boys and Their toys

2009-10-08T16:23:00.000-07:00

My 8 year old brother in law is staying (with his dad, Father in Law)...he and Blake are having a ball...although Blake has now discovered video game thingys thanks to BIL...and James is rediscovering them (not sure who's asking for one more, husband or son)...but the answer is NO you can not have one!

My Creative Space (and Blogtoberfest Day 7 or is it day 8...I'm lost)

2009-10-07T18:06:00.001-07:00

We have visitors this week (more on that later) so I'm sewing on the dining table. Its acutally not a bad space, but has it's drawbacks.

1. The additional company/"help
2. Having to lug it all out and put it all back again!

Theres a little bit of this, and a little bit of that in my creative space this week...a few dresses, and a lot of hungry caterpillar fabric!

a few pillow cases for a friend (and yesI know he's not in the centre, I have no idea what I was thinking when I was placing him!)

and a skirt made from an old dress...to be auctioned for Breast Cancer Reserach...more details on the auctions another day. But stay tuned there will be heaps of fabulous products up for auction with all money going to Breast Cancer Research!

more creative spaces over at Kristy's

Blogtoberfest Day 6 - Lookie what I won...

2009-10-06T18:22:00.000-07:00

I won this wonderful pack from Tracey at TB Cards
6 beautiful cards, an awesome knitted dishcloth (purple, and it is brilliant) and a lush, soft green bamboo knitted face washer. Thank you Tracey I love them. And will be buying more dishcloths!!

Blogtoberfest2009 - Day 5, a bit late

2009-10-05T14:03:00.000-07:00

but some Jelly fun to celebrate.

Add something probably not so good to the kids, and hey presto, jelly.

Add something else and it turns back to water (have no idea what was in it, but the kids loved it)

I'm participating in Blogtoberfest(just starting a bit late) in the hope of getting my blogging mojo back!

Black Hen, Josh and Pepe, ah its "The Good Life"

2009-09-28T13:06:00.000-07:00

We really need a place in the country...but are going to have to make do for now (sorry I can't get the pictures in order)

The house/run was made from 'found' timber that the previous owner left in the ceiling (gee thanks, but at least it saved us money). So the only costs were netting, nails and staples ($30) and the chooks.

The helpers assisting with making the house.
The number of hens is a bit of a sore point! James wanted 2 and Blake and I came home with three. The running joke now is its not only the 3 year old in this house who can't count properly. But i figured if I get 3 they might (fingers crossed) lay enough for me to sell a dozen every week or two and pay for their feed.

They are just discovering their free range area, but seem to prefer to hid in the house in the middle of the day. Tank has discovered that the chooks are actually a food source (not the chooks themselves, but I've caught him in the pen eating all their food).

So now we wait for them to start laying...

I've been on a hunt

2009-09-20T16:56:00.000-07:00

thanks to This Wonderful Blogger .

I've been tripping around blogland collecting the clues and I think the anwer is COMMUNITY.

I've enjoyed the trip, seeing places I've never seen...but man...thank goodness for the internet as I couldn't unscramble the letters! LOL..needed an online unscrambler!!!

Sew Mama Sew Pajama Party

2009-09-18T00:17:00.001-07:00

This came along at the perfect time! The kids needed new PJs for summer...so I've joined in and sewn stretch for the first time!

I'll add pics as I make them, I have one pair planned for Boo and a few for Blake.

The car fabric for these I found at an op shop/thrift store. They probably cost less than $4 to make! Still getting the hang of stretch sewing!

I know I've been MIA..but I've been busy...

2009-09-18T00:01:00.000-07:00

Wrap Skirt from Make it Perfect
I've been Dying! These were boring white sheets

And some tie dye for dolls nappies, and training pants for Ella

and a Portobello Pixie dress for my niece (Boo is trying it out for size)

Giveaway with a Cause

2009-09-17T14:21:00.000-07:00

My mum is a breast cancer survivor, so how could I not get on board with this wonderful fundraiser (and yes an amazing give away to boot)

Pop on over to Bush Baby Jag and give what you can to this great Breast Cancer fundraiser.

My Creative Space

2009-09-16T15:41:00.000-07:00

I don't usually play along with this (my creative space isn't that interesting) but this week I LOVE my creative space.

I've discovered DYEING...and have been dying anything I can lay may hands on. This latest batch is going to be more dolls nappies (1 down) and some training pants for Boo.

Skip on over to

kootoyoo for more Creative space.

Love September Favorite Skirt Pattern GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-09-16T15:26:00.000-07:00

Love September Favorite Skirt Pattern GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

I'd love to get my hands on this pattern!!

CocoaDreams Aprons Gift Card GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-09-16T15:23:00.000-07:00

CocoaDreams Aprons Gift Card GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

and check out the coco dreams store! There is some wonderful stuff there.

Gaga Bum Reversible Pinafore GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-09-16T15:21:00.000-07:00

Gaga Bum Reversible Pinafore GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Made by Rae Jackpack Backpack GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-09-10T18:40:00.000-07:00

Made by Rae Jackpack Backpack GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

I wonder...

2009-09-08T13:36:00.001-07:00

...what code he's going to play when he gets bigger...?

...who his favourite team will be (and how we can convince him it should be the Titans not the Cowboys)?

...and what position he will play

...if this is a lesson she needs to learn the hard way...?

...and if my scales are broken...? I'm sure this is the number I started with. But then I did forget to right it down and am rather tired so who knows. Least now I know.

Weightloss Challenge Week 3

2009-08-31T14:13:00.001-07:00

Crap! Gained 500g... now I knew I was pretty slack last week, but didn't think I was THAT bad...bugger....oh well better get cracking

2009-08-30T13:56:00.000-07:00

A perfect hide out where your sister can't play with your toys.
Nudey Rudey in the sunshine.
Her favourite bike.
(It's her brothers but luckily he's progressed to a bigger bike)

Hanging in the park

Catching up with friends (Gaby and Boo)

What happens when you wake up at 5am and wont
go back to sleep? You fall asleep at lunch!

Not a busy week here, but I am exhausted. Think the lack of sleep is catching up with me. I've been crashing when the kids go to sleep almost everyday. The house looks like a hurricane went through and I don't remember the last time Icleaned the bathrooms (yuck!)

Ella has a few new words "tickly" being one of them.

Blake has become an expert personal trainer. We went for a walk down by the beach, Ella in pram, Blake on his bike. He made me RUN! and do all the exercises down there! Will have to go back me thinks.

Not sure the weightloss is going to be any good this week. I've walked but not as far as last week.

On the up side! I am getting my KID FREE time this week. Sewing class on Thursday. Finally work out how to do that shirring elastic. It's a beginners class and the tutor thinks it might be a bit slow for me, but it's the only evening class around. I probably need a few pointers on technique anyway. Now where did I leave my rotarty cutter...?

Our rugby made son is getting more and more into it by the day. He go to stay up late on Friday and watch a game with his dad. I was watching something in the other room but was in fits listening to James try and explain things like a disallowed try to a 3 year old.

NExt year we'll take them to a live game.

Weightloss Challenge Week 2

2009-08-24T13:43:00.001-07:00

600gs lost this week. Making it 1.1kg down 8.9kg to go. Getting there, and like they say slowly but surely wins the race! Now I think I need to start concerntrating on the food side of things a bit more!

Well...HELLO SUMMER, you're a bit early aren't you?

2009-08-23T01:55:00.000-07:00

Blake taking his teddies on a 'Plane Trip'. He had to fill the cargo hold!

Well Ok, It's early Monday morning, but I wont tell if you wont! I had intended to do this post last night, but you know how it goes. Summer has arrived in full force here on the Gold Coast, 31 degrees yesterday (well it didn't seem that hot, but if the weather man says, then it must be so). And it's not even Spring. I think its going to be a hot dry one!

Boo is finally better, a really nasty viral infection with scray high temps. She's still snotty, but I think that's teeth. We are back try (who I am I kidding) I am back trying to night wean
again. I'd only just done it for the 2nd time and she got sick. She's a stubborn wee thing, and I thought we'd got there again, but NO last night she yelled at me for almost 3 hours on and off before I gave up and fed her!

James has a job again, nothing permanent but a few weeks work. Meant he worked all day Saturday so not much happened this weekend. We had planned another excursion, but James is leaving for work at 5am and getting home at 5pm (not that we complain work is work in this current financial climate) so he just wanted a chill day.

The dogs got washed (first time in a VERY long time), trees moved, seeds planted, kids spent the day in the paddling pool. I even have sunburnt legs. I went scouting for some fruit trees with no luck, but hope to find some this week and plant them. It was a lovely one day weekend.

How proud can you be of your little man. It appears (much to our pleasure) that we have a little rugby follower in the household! Titans and the All Blacks here! (Both won on the weekendd too!) BLake decided to wear his Titans' Top as pants....he's bit strange at times! LOL...he thought it was the biggest joke.

My little girl is growing up. She's a real character, and really comes into her own on the days her big brother is at daycare...Although she misses him when he's gone, she does enjoy not having to share. She found the potty and wanted a go. No luck, but she enjoys sitting on it. This photo is a bit scary as it makes her look ALOT older than she actually is. But I can't believe she's almost 16 months already.

I also finally turned her car seat around this week. I was getting a bit sick of heaving a 11 kg monster into a rear facing car seat. It's a bit naughty I know, she could still be rear facing for another kg, and it is safer but you know how it is. The things you learn though...we turned Blake around at 6 mths/9 kgs as that was the limit on the seat we had for him. I am SO thankful we never had a crash with him foward facing being that young. Now I know better and we had a better seat for Boo that allowed her to stay rear facing for SO much longer.

Anyway she loves it, and Blake isgetting used to it. He cant see her as easily so I think he prefere her facing the opposite way to him.

I have finally admitted defeat with my overlocker...and am going to book in for a 'learn to use your overlocker' class. It's driving me mad and I have a ton of stuff I need to do and I need the over locker for...so can't wait for that. I am also going to go do a sewing class, as I have found one that is on a Thursday evening. Yay for a bit of kid free time.

I have been wanting a nappy out of this minky floral material for a long time, and got my hands on some fabric a while back (only a nappy cut, so am trying to stretch it), but am not really in a nappy making mode. So a friend (thanks Linda) suggested a skirt. I created the pattern, and am quite happy with the result, it does have a few issues, but they aren't too noticable when its on. Of course it would have been better with an overlocker (all the raw edges are zig-zagged)
And my hat goes off to all those nappy makers who sew with Minky...man its a pain to sew with.

Well that's all for now. I'll be back tomorrow with my weight update!
xx

The Weight loss Challenge - Week 1

2009-08-17T20:00:00.000-07:00

Well! Can't say I've been super good, but I have walked almost every day and I jumped on the scales (forgot to do it this morning, Ella is sick and I've not been getting any sleep because of it, damn that girl is always sick) and I've lost 500g! Not a huge amount, but its a start!

So if you joined in, how'd you go?

Sunday...where's the weekend got to?

2009-08-16T01:24:00.000-07:00

Potatos from the garden! Not a huge crop, but yumm anyway!

And we took a trip up Currumbin Valley to Mt Cougal national park and went for a walk! Was lots of fun.

At the old disused sawmill

My little Poser

We are SO coming back here to swim in the summer (as long as Dad scares the trolls away!)

The Weight loss Challenge

2009-08-10T16:08:00.001-07:00

Feel free to join in!

I thought if I publicised this I might be less likely to stray....

I jumped on the scales this morning and I have 10kg to lose by Christmas (will work out how many weeks that give me later)

So if you want motivation (or you want to give me some, I know I'll need it)...lets get a Blog Weightloss Challenge going...weigh in once a week and lots of encouragement!

I got out for a 30min walk yesterday and I need to do that most days! So will keep you posted on how that goes!

I'm 1/2 way there (I hope!) and a dream

2009-08-09T14:37:00.000-07:00

Its amazing what you do when you need to do it (not just think you want to!) James currently doesnt have permanent work (got back from holidays and got told there was no work, Gee thanks for the notice!) He's got work this week but after that its anyones guess. Its actually really scary...and we have been having a big clear out to get any extra money we can.

My contribution to the effort to get a bit of cash flow, I have FINALLY started culling and selling all the kids' (and some of my) excess clothes. And I'm half way though (see pic)...I think, all the girls clothes done, now for the boys. I have been meaning to do this forever, we have boxes of kids stuff stacked to the ceiling in the garage...but you know how it is! Now its getting done.

I've put them up Here in an effort to sell them without ebay fees. Feel free to buy anything that catches your eye!

and A DREAM...

ok..so more of a goal...I was about to put this top up...when James walked in...he loves it, although its been a LONG time since I fit into it...so at his suggestion..this top is my goal. I also love it, and would love to get back into it...so this is my public declaration that I am going to get off my butt and lose weight...I reckon if I can get into it by Christmas I'll be happy....

I think I'll try and use my blog as a bit of motivation too!

HANDS OFF!!!

2009-08-03T02:46:00.000-07:00

I've been admiring Deb's vintage sheets since she started blogging about them...and now she's giving some scraps away...how cool is that
so rush on over to Works in Progress and enter (or not, I don't mind! LOL...I have plans if i win *insert evil laugh*)

See Kai Run Shoe Giveaway

2009-08-01T14:49:00.000-07:00

5 Little Monkeys head on over..I'd love a pair for BOO!

My latest toy

2009-07-31T15:20:00.000-07:00

Well ok it's not new and I've had it a while (got it on ebay as part of my 2nd hand overlocker purchase-also 2nd hand), but it's wonderful to sew with and I think I'm in love already. It's been sitting in the cupboard as, honestly, I've been scared it
a. might not work, or
b. it would be awful to use.

Anyway I was (ok still am) having issues trying to shir a top and my husband suggested trying my not so 'new' machine...and you know what....even though I still haven't worked out how to shir (tomorrows mission when I find a really cheap piece of fabric to keep trying on) it is beautiful to sew with!

Now to sell my new (yes got it before Christmas), sewing machine seeing as at the moment anything we don't need is being sold...so anyone want to by a sewing machine. Pfaff Smart 100s, 8mths old...make me an offer!

Sheree is having another FAB giveaway

2009-07-31T14:24:00.001-07:00

And I don't really want to share...its so special. But coz I'm lovely here you go!

Sheree's Alchemy

When is a Sewing Space not a Sewing Space?

2009-07-27T22:40:00.000-07:00

When I need to my bread to rise and it's the warmest spot in the house of couse. No sewing today, but the bread will be worth it.

A bit of Luck

2009-07-26T15:17:00.000-07:00

I've been quite lucky this year winning things! (Not sure where that good karma came from)Recently I (ok Ella) won this great tutu from Lauraine's....This is Sew My Life

Thank you Lauraine it's wonderful!

Sorry about the photos but Boo is sick and grumpy. She was happy to wear it for about 5 minutes. She does love it though. I thought Blake would like it too, as he has been known to enjoy dressing up as a fairy. But all of a sudden skirts and pink (his once favourite colour) are for girls.

I was also lucky enough to win this wonderful book of Melly and Me patterns from Karen atgirly bits

Rae Gun Ramblings: Giveaway: 3.5 inch Fabric Square Pack

2009-07-25T02:44:00.000-07:00

Rae Gun Ramblings: Giveaway: 3.5 inch Fabric Square Pack

So I'm back into the blogging world again, and found a super cool blog which fuels my latest obsession! FABRIC

Don't forget to wander over and check out her Esty store too! She has some great stuff!

Farewell Poppa

2009-07-24T20:08:00.000-07:00

On sadder note, my Poppa died just after we returned home. It was wonderful that we got to spend a lot of time with him before he went. He was an amazing man and is sorely missed in our family. I am proud to have known him, been his granddaugther, and had my children know their great grandfather.

I love you Poppa.

The Wanderers Return

2009-07-24T19:28:00.000-07:00

Well we are back, we've acutally been back a week, but a fair bit has been happening and I haven't had a chance to get on and blog. We had a wonderful time back in NZ visiting friends and family. THe kids and I spent a week up in Dargaville with my family. The kids got to play 'farm', feed the cooks and the pigs and get muck a had a ball.

The Cousins and Nana

Reading stories with Nani

"Look the chooks laid me some eggs"

Snuggles with Koro

James arrived and we heading frist to Hamilton to see his mum and my brother. Then it was off to the snow for some cold wintery fun! Blake had a blast. Ella not so much, she had difficulty walking in it and got annoyed as she just wanted to do what her brother was going. We hired a toboggan and they had fun on that...skiing lessons next year~

We did a bit more tripping around, went to a wedding (great catch up with friends we hadn't seen for a while)...and then headed home exhausted.

As nice as it is to see everyone being home is always a welcome relieft. But the end of the 2+ weeks the kids were a bit over travelling and were missing home.

Back to the warm (25degree) Gold Coast!!

Did you know there are Fairies living on the Gold Coast...?

2009-06-25T20:00:00.000-07:00

It's true I tell you! We found them!And Trolls....
And Goblins too!!

and what better morning tea after chasing Fairies, stomping on a Troll's bridge and hiding from Goblins... than PANCAKES! (Thanks Noelle)

Op Shopping

2009-06-24T18:47:00.000-07:00

Hmmmmm....a new addiction. I was working really, just waiting for where I needed to be to open. Didn't find what I was looking for (old style loaf pan for bread, fabric, patterns) but found a few books. Only $2, so I gave them $5. Blake will love them.

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

2009-06-23T19:38:00.000-07:00

Fresh baked bread. Don't know why I have only just discovered baking bread. It's super easy and YUM

Lush Giveaway

2009-06-21T22:47:00.000-07:00

It actually inspires me to quilt~

Sheree

Go have a look it's open to Australia residents too

Rainy Day Fun

2009-06-21T15:47:00.000-07:00

The weather was miserable this weekend so we did a bit of craft. Here's CROCKY. I got the idea from The Crafty Crow

James doesnt usually do crafts, but Blake wanted Dad to help him. They both had fun and Crocky turned out great. We used egg cartons for most of it, split peas for scales, and we had some cool eyes. I made some too and Blake used both types. The made ones were his nose!

All ready to get started

The finished Crocky

Blake doing some baking (the stove turned into a garage later)

Boo having a go while Blake was in bed

I'm not talking to myself!

2009-06-21T13:41:00.000-07:00

I'm loving getting comments..so I know I'm not rambling to myself!
Thanks!

Not sure if my family have discovered this yet...but if and when you do please leave comments so I know you are reading!

YUM!

2009-06-19T18:12:00.000-07:00

I wanted to make dessert last night, but was at a loss about what to make. Then when I decided I couldn't find a recipe I liked so I made it up. I was actually really happy with how it turned out (given my dodgy oven and the fact I've never made anything up before!) So I thought I'd share.

Pear and Berry Spongy Pudd

Ingredients
825 gram tin sliced pears - drained (but any fruit will work)
100 grams frozen berries
1.5cup flour
1.5 t baking powder
125g butter (rough guess I don't have scales)
1 c castor sugar
2 eggs
1/2 T castor sugar
1/2 t cinnamon
1/2 t all spice

Method

Place fruit in oven proof

Melt butter and first lot of sugar in microwave. DO NOT BOIL. Allow to cool slightly then beat in eggs one by one.

Sift flour and baking powder into butter mix and combine

Combine remaining sugar and spices, sprinkle over pudding

Bake at 180 degrees C for approx 55 minutes (my oven is dodgy so I cook everything at 200, so its a guess) until sponge is cooked.

Serve with ice cream or cream and ENJOY. Hope it works for you if you try it. Let me know I'd love feedback on my first ever recipe making attempt.

So...where did I get to?

2009-06-19T02:58:00.001-07:00

Movie World for some 1 on 1 time with Mum and Dad on Blake's birthday

So it's been a while. Mum and Dad made it, a few days late, with Dad pretty much incapacitated they entire time. The kids loved having them here, and they were a great help. They took Blake to Byron for a few days and spent a HEAP of time at the beach.

James and I took Blake to Movie World for his birthday, and left Ella with Mum and Dad. He had a ball, and really enjoyed some Mum and Dad time without little sister around.

Blowing out birthday candles Blake's Robot, made by me.

Cute pic, a bit rude though! They were sharing lunch.

Nana Dixon (Dad's mum) died while Mum and Dad was here, so that was sad and Dad had to go back and organise everything on his return. She was buried today, on Spice's (my little sister) birthday.

Jame's grandfather is here at the moment. We are at the end of our visitors for the year. It's nice to have him, but truth be told after months of visitors we are looking forward to having our house to ourselves!

Blake has finally been assessed for his speech and turns out it is really bad/delayed and NOT related to his glue ear/ear infections (which is a surprise for us). So we are in speech therapy weekly till at least he starts school. With a bit of effort hopefully it's not going to effort his reading or anything too much.

PAAAARRRRTTTYYY

2009-06-01T02:06:00.001-07:00

Ella's Humpty Dumpty Cake (Humpty had an accident before the party!)

Sand pit fun at the party
Abby the Tiger and Bek the face painter
The pirate (he just didn't want his photo taken)
Butterfly girl
Blake's Pirate cake

The 1st and 3rd birthday party is now done and dusted. And while fun was had by all, we have decided parties will be happening every 2nd year from now on. It was busy, chaotic and loud, but all the kids played really well and had a great time

We had a pin the head on a Robot game, Treasure hunt, and face painting (thanks for that Bek)

The house is back to normality (we had planned on having it at the park but the weather had other plans.

And....Nani and Koro are on their way (am about to go get them!) Koro has improved enough to make the flight...YAY!!!

Oh Doom and disaster, what abscence of mind, they just didn't notice they'd left him behind.

2009-05-29T19:46:00.001-07:00

Anyone a Hairy Maclary fan (that's a quote from Schnitzel von Krumm Forget-Me-Not, by Lynley Dodd)

Anyway there is a point, I love that quote...and my parents were due to fly out of Auckland today to be here in time for the kid's party tomorrow. It would have been the first ever party they have made it too.

But dad has done himself an injury. He thought he'd still make it though. :-) They flew up to Auckland, determined to catch the flight to Gold Coast, but he had to get off the plane in a wheel chair.

At the moment they are waiting for their bags then they are off to the hospital. No way they will make the flight today, and will miss the party and it's going to be at least a couple of days before they can get here now.

I'm a bit down about it, Blake is a bit upset. He told me he had hurt his leg too and couldn't go to his party either.

Oh well, life happens doesnt it? Least they will (fingers crossed) be here for Blake's acutal birthday on the 6th of June.

And a post just for Linda

2009-05-29T02:35:00.000-07:00

who doesn't like BlogSpam! LOL

I was completley Kid Free today for about 6 hours! Crock (BIL) and his partner Bridget took the kids to Sea World today. I was a bit worried how Boo would go, she has either been with J or me pretty much her entire life, and the longest I have been away from her is about 5 hours.

Anyway, true to form, neither of my kids missed me and they both had a ball. Blake wore them out of course. He had a great time, he loves sea world (might need to get season passes). They weren't hangin out to see me when they got home

We had a melt down at bed time, but he'd had a big day.

So thanks for that guys. Its very rare I get any time that is totally kid free. I slept for a couple of hours. Much needed sleep as Boo has been teething, and Blake has been getting up early. Didn't really do anythign else productive, the book work will wait!

Blueberry Pie Refashioned Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-05-29T01:44:00.000-07:00

Blueberry Pie Refashioned Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

How talented is she...and what an inspritation (and an oh so cool dress!)

Hands off this is MINE

2009-05-28T23:28:00.000-07:00

well not really, but I'd love to win it, it might help with our early mornings

FireflyShop.org

So pop on over, check out the shop, and enter this great giveaway

I'm in love with...

2009-05-28T18:46:00.000-07:00

Vintage buttons...check out this wonderful giveaway

Works in Progress

Ella is ONE!!!

2009-05-28T14:51:00.001-07:00

I can't believe Ella is one already! That went fast. SHe no walks more than she crawls and is everywhere! She had a great day, lots of presents and more to come (party for her and blake this weekend). The doll is by far her fave present (thanks Nan and Grandad).

No, not a real birthday cake, but she is getting one on the weekend

Blake helping her open a present from Pop and Ruth (a music player that she loves dancing too)

A super cool bag to win (or buy!!)

2009-05-27T16:09:00.001-07:00

from Simply Stylish Designs

pop on over and check out her gorgeous designs!!

and another...

2009-05-27T13:59:00.000-07:00

This one is by a local crafter...on the Gold Coast...

The Art of Indecision Giveaway

May is the Month of Giveaways...and first up

2009-05-27T13:46:00.001-07:00

Pocket Full of Buttons

What a beautiful top for a special little girl.

Friend

2009-05-21T20:15:00.001-07:00

Our good friend Valissa has been staying for a few days (not enough days :-( ). You know the type, you don't seen them in years, don't have much contact in that time, then the second you meet again it's like you just saw them yesterday.

It's been wonderful having her here, she loves the kids, and they love her back. Its a pity she lives so far away!!! WA is so so so far away. She leaves this afternoon, and the visit is over in the blink of an eye.

Will miss you honey.

Growing up too fast

2009-05-21T13:57:00.000-07:00

Blake listening to stories on the phone with Nani and Koro

Well I can't believe it. Boo is one on Wednesday. Man did that come about way too fast.

The doll I'm making for Boo for her birthday

She is walking properly now, still crawls, and does tend to get the speed wobbles a bit when walking. She is mighty quick when crawling, especially if someone is in the shower. James wasn't paying attention last night and she got into the shower fully clothed! She thought it was great. (Of course she was aided by her big brother who opened the shower door for her.)

Blake had a speech assesment this week! YAY! Well not so yay, he has serious sequencing issues, but at least we know and we can get started. We are lucky we got to the top of the list for free speech though QLD health. It's going to be a long road, but hopefully we can sort it before he gets to school
The kids are sharing a room now, but it's often easier to put them to sleep in seperate rooms. This is Blake asleep on our floor!!

Yet another great giveaway

2009-05-21T04:15:00.000-07:00

Jet Designs Giveaway

Another wonderful opportunity, good luck everyone.

Modkid Giveaway

2009-05-18T14:44:00.000-07:00

ModKid Giveaway

Check out this wonderful giveway...

PIF Progress

2009-05-18T14:39:00.000-07:00

Well I have finished my first PIF gift and it is crawling (Aus post) it's way to it's recipient.

Here is a glimpse of it, I'll put a full picture up once she has recieved it.

So, where were we?

2009-05-15T01:57:00.000-07:00

Well not much in the way of pics, the USB cable for the camera died.

Ella has started walking, well she still prefers to crawl but took about 15 steps the other night! Not even one, she is growing up too fast.

Been a hell week, Blake getting up at 5am and refusing to go back to sleep. Hopefully it's just a stage/phase. So we have all been struggling on on not that much sleep.

Blake made a 'bed' in his sand pit. Yes he is still wearing 1/2 his PJs!!

And below...one for the 21st. I put a dress on Boo and Blake said "I want wear dress like Boo". SO off we went to Boo's cupboard and found one that fitted him! His dad wasn't impressed, although he did say it suited him

And we had a lovely little get together today with Nadine and Noelle from a forum I'm on, Noelle's friend Kat and J's cousin Amy. Jimmy (Noelle's son) Tyler (Kat's son) and Ella are all about the same age and had a great time playing together. The pic is on my camera,so will get it off one day. Thanks for visiting guys I had a wonderful time/.

Sew-along Pincushions

2009-05-09T15:30:00.001-07:00

I am participating in a sew-a-long...making pincushions.

This is my first one, I am quite pleased with it, although made a few stuff ups along the way. It's huge though! Plan on making another one (different type) today if I get a chance.

Well I did get a chance and here it is. I love this one! And am making more.

Some knitted goodies

2009-05-02T22:43:00.000-07:00

Ella has been a bit spoilt...firstly my Nana (her great nana) knitted her a beautiful lightweight jumper and matching soaker (which I still need to lanolise), and then I asked James' Mum, to knit Ella a Tikki dress with some wool I had got to make one. I still have to take a photo of nana's knitting. She wont be wearing the dress till she's walking, which wont be too far off, she can take 2 steps!

I have been busy sewing, and have made the kids some cute cushions for the play room. (They are now sharing a room, which isn't going too badly). 3 zips later and I am a bit over zips though, but they turned out well. Blake loves them.

Ella standing

And we made me a sewing space on the weekend. So I can have my machine set up all the time and not on the dining room table (which James hated). Its great, nice view of our garden and great light.

The visitors and stuff

2009-04-27T14:34:00.000-07:00

Boo 'fixing' Blake's bike...think she is following in her brothers footsteps.

As always, the time around the kids birthdays sees an influx of visitors in this house (and that's not a bad thing, we love the company here). So it's started already. My sister has just been over for a week...wasn't that great...she cooked, looked after the kids and did the dishes! Cheers Spice. Blake adored having her here.

The current visitors are Nan and Nan Pat (James mum and nana). They've come for a bit of R&R, but I'm not sure they'll get it. I have heaps of knitting planned for them (insert evil chuckle) and you can never relax around Blake!

The knitting circle! Me trying to knit...James thinks its a sure sign I am old!

We went to SeaWorld on Sunday, finally got our Q150 Passes, and Blake had a ball! He loves sharks at the moment so was in heaven...although he did try and punch them all "I get them dad!"

The bathroom reno is almost finished. Thanks to a very late night on Friday it is usable. Just needs the taps/spout put on the bath and some plaster and paint. It looks good!

The new vanity...few issues with it but got it sorted in the end.

The frameless glass shower! Uber-cool

And the garden...it's doing great (well have had a few issues with some things)...lots of tomatos coming up, have just put in the next lot of lettuce and have planted a ton of tomato and lettuce seeds. I hope to make some tomato sauce this year...and even got some rhubarb seeds planted! Yummo!
My potatos, and the mint to go with them! My first attempt at potatos! Fingers crossed

A shot of one of the gardens

Check this out!

2009-04-24T18:17:00.003-07:00

A Little Bird Told Me
What a wonderful chance to win a special prize...head on over to Christina's blog for your chance to win!

Pay it Forward

2009-04-23T22:12:00.000-07:00

I came across this while stalking some Blogs and thought it might be fun for me to start trying to be creative... Beyond Pink and Blue

Here is how it works:

I will make a handmade gift for the first 3 interested people who comment on this post. I have 365 days to do it in...What it will be and when it will arrive is a total surprise!The catch is that you must participate as well: you must have a blog and before you leave your comment here, write up a pay it forward post on your blog to keep the fun going.(just cut and paste this one if you like!)Ooooo! How exciting!

The Bathroom Reno

2009-04-23T16:08:00.003-07:00

So...James has been itching to rip up the tilees in the house for a while now, and wanted to do them the other week. Well...silly old me said NO! SO he ripped out the bathroom instead. It was all good, he didn't need to have it finished until mid may...but turns out it needs to be finished by tomorrow!!

Blake washing his robot in the new shower

All nicely tiled and grouted

And the super big deep bath that will prove impossible to bath the kids in! (That's what you get when you get a man to buy the bath)

And the helper

We have to fit the shower screen vanity and tapwear tonight...and then the plastering and painting, but once the shower etc is in it's usable!

Easter

2009-04-23T15:54:00.001-07:00

We went camping at Brunswick heads over easter (about 30mins south of here). The photos are a bit deceptive, the weather was moslty miserable while we were there, couldn't even get washing dry. But the kids had a great time...

Ella standing up when she's not paying attention

Blakes 'pre easter' easter egg

Spitting image of her brother

And the set up!

Phew...What a week

2009-04-02T22:35:00.001-07:00

Well this week it seems sleep wasn't on the agenda this week. The pic above was taken at the beggining of the week before she started teething.

I decided Ella needed to cut out her night feeds, so tried 2 nights in a row (she is very stubborn and Mum gave up after 50minutes!) Then she started getting teeth and spiking temps and has generally been a misery guts who doesnt want to sleep at night! Last night was the worst with feeds/up every hour.

Blake has had a few night accidents..but otherwise good, and we have a bit of 'poo' progress!

He has had a couple of day sleeps, one yesterday without a fight, so fingers crossed it carries on that way. Blake got dressed up in James' motorx gear and had a ball riding his 'bike'!

I managed a bit of sewing..another soaker for when we are camping, but think I might put it on Blake tonight as I am a bit over changing beds in the middle of the night. I finally got the material cut out for Ella's sleeping bag so hope to sew that this weekend.

This was the only way I could get Boo to sleep this morning, but at least I got some sewing done while she was there.

Garden Update

2009-03-28T23:43:00.000-07:00

Well the garden has been in a few weeks now, and its doing amazingly well. A few things are still getting a bit much sun (had to move the capsicum, and the lettuces don't like it so much) but all in all they are doing well.

The carrot and leak seedlings have all come up. And we have quite a few sunflowers, although we are still in discussions about where to transplant the sunflowers too.

Some of the lettuce is ready to pick and the tomato plants are doing really well!

James is of course taking all the credit!

Few more nappies

2009-03-28T15:38:00.000-07:00

(forgot to put the BBB in for the pic..its pink $7)

BBH Medium PUL cover $7

Kids in cloth fitted $10

Very Baby simply night, large $10

Happy Birthday James

2009-03-27T13:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was James' Birthday. Blake helped me ice the cake (well eat the cake while I was trying to ice it) and put the candles on...

And then helped James blow out the candles!

Craft Fest

2009-03-26T19:58:00.000-07:00

Boo and I went to the craft fest today...more for quilters really but we had fun looking around.

I found this lovely HUngry Caterpillar fabric...and made an apron inspired by it (didn't win the competition I made it for, but had fun doing it)...

Was nice to get out of the house and have a wander anyway.

More nappies...

2009-03-26T13:40:00.001-07:00

Pic 3
Kids in cloth Fitted, excellent condition $10
Cute Tushie Bamboo Delight, excellent condition $10

Pic 4
3 Tots Bots PUL wraps, size 3 (never used, DS refused nappies after I got them)
$8 each or 3 for $21

Pics Still to come

BBB Pink $7 (excellent condition)

Kids in Cloth Fitted $10 (excellent condition)

Nappies for Sale

2009-03-25T20:31:00.001-07:00

Pic 1
Home made (not by me) fitteds...all really absorbant and a great fit.
1. and 3. Purple and green all have a layin booster (think bamboo velour inner) $6 EACH
2, 4, and 5 Blue ones (there are 3, all look the same) 2 with layin boosters, 1 with snap in and is super absorbant)$6 EACH
All in excellent condition and by far my fave fitted nappy.

$6 each or $25 for the lot...or $30 for the lot if I find the 3rd green and purple one.

Pic 2

1. Very Baby Fitted M/L - Eyeore Print $5
2. Whizkids fitted, musical notes, side snap $5
3. Peapod FTGH (must go with something else)
4. Itti Fitted, Large, elastic gone on one side but still works well, $4

All prices are PLUS postage

Sleep? What's that?

2009-03-25T19:51:00.000-07:00

After Blake having no day sleeps for the last couple of weeks (except the odd time I managed to get him to crash on the couch watching TV)...I've finally found the trick to getting Blake to sleep!

The last 2 days we have been on HUGE walks..and he's gone down without much fuss! Woohoo! Good for me,might acutally lose some weight, and Blake, who SO needs a day sleep...

Ella on the other hand...has decided mum doesn't need a rest...and if Blake is going to be asleep she wont be! So her mother isn't impressed, especially seeing as we (Boo and I) were up from 11-2 last night for who knows what reason.

Man this parenting thing is tiring? Can I have a day off please???

Welcome to the world BABY KYDEN

2009-03-24T20:59:00.001-07:00

Before I forget....

Just wanted to welcome Kyden to the world...congratulations Amy and Simon...we can't wait to meet him!!

I'm Blogging again

2009-03-24T20:36:00.000-07:00

After my failed attempt at blogging when Blake was a bub (mainly due to forgetting the web addy and password) I thought I had better give it another go in an effort to keep the rellies up to date with my monsters happenings...

So here we go...

Blake has decided he's a big boy now and doesn't wear nappies, even to bed! He's not doing to bad either, dry 2/3 nights and very rarely has a wee accident! His speech is coming along well, and he has started a new day care which I think helps. He's still a bit of a terror, and is going through a stage of no day sleeps...but we'll get back to those evenutally! LOL'

He is acutally having a day sleep today after his mean mum made him walk almost 2km back from the library...can you spot him???

He is getting really independent...and as his father keeps reminding me..has my personality and is easily frustrated.

Boo is 10 months on Friday...wow that has gone fast. She crawls at a millon miles an hour and has just started letting go and standing unaidied for a few seconds (until she realises what she is doing and promptly sits down).

She is crusiy and has a dogged determination..and doesn't give up...although is quick to cry if you take something off her.

She is still feeding ALOT at night, so has a very tired mummy..but we'll get there. She has finalyl decided she will eat food...although not consitently..but given the size of her thats no worry.

SEWING....

I have finally started sewing...made a bib for Boo...need to make more of them, and some cool PJ pants for Blake (which he loves!) Think I might have the bug, I really enjoyed doing them.