Meet McMoz!!

This is to introduce you to 'McMoz'. He has a very important job to do. He is to be Lachie's 'Thinking Buddy' for school. He will set up camp on Lachie's desk at school and apparently, help him to think!!!

McMoz was inspired by Melly & Me's pattern of Mozzie. Lachie and I sat down on the computer and looked at lots of images and he seemed to like Melly & Me's Mozzie the best. So we planned the fabric and everything together. He was so particular - he definitely didn't want 'fat' legs or arms (well, who does!) So this is what we came up with.

So here he is off to school to 'camp out' - I have been informed that he will be allowed home on weekends!!!

Have a great week!

Back to School

Lake Hume - North East Victoria

I can't believe that the children are now all back at school after a wonderful summer break (that is, the ones living in the southern hemisphere). I had a lovely day of sorting today and some of my house is resembling normal again.

I can't believe how much washing needs doing after a holiday - even after I did some while I was away, it still all needs doing again.

We had a wonderful holiday, very relaxing. The kids were wonderful and were outside the whole time riding their bikes and swimming, playing tennis and just being outdoors. That is one of the reasons why I love caravan parks - it forces them outside to play with all the other children.

Had a lovely surprise in the mail today from the USA, Pennsylvania to be exact. A lovely family which we holidayed with (sort of family but in an 'inlaw' sort of way) came out with their five beautiful children. They introduced my children to 'Twizzles' and they consequently fell in love with them until there was no more. So this is what we received in the post today - a huge box full of goodies. Yum Yum! I must say the 'Berger' cookies are really wicked - and the boys gave them the huge thumbs up. So thanks so much Sal and Gil!!!!

Yummy Treats from the USA

Haven't been doing much of anything creative lately - hopefully next week I can get back into it. I just have to ease myself back into the lunches, uniform and homework routine all again.

I will leave you with some photos that my Sean took while we were away of our gorgeous sunburnt country!!!

Wye River on the Great Ocean Road, Victoria Australia

Wye River on the Great Ocean Road, Victoria Australia

Operation Cubby

Sunday we saw our beloved little cubby find a new home - our family has grown out of it and now it is time to pass it on to another family.

Moving it was a problem all of its own. I will let the pictures speak for themselves.
And yes, the wagon wheels were used to help move it!!!!


It's amazing that such a simple job could take so long with so many helpers!!!!


And a few happy snaps of some things I have been working on.

I made the shirt for my 6 year old from the Finnish magazine Ottobre which you can buy from here. After you have navigated the pattern sheet and found what you are supposed to be cutting out, it is relatively easy. I am going to attempt to make some more of these - maybe in some linen.

The name's Bond - James Bond!!!!

The Holidays are Over

Just back from a wonderful break in beautiful Bright in Victoria's North East. It really is a beautiful part of the world - nestled in a valley, the little town of Bright has so much to do.

We went walking and riding, and of course lots of eating at the lovely places they have there and of course the drinking of the regions most magnificent wineries.

The only disappointing thing about Bright is that it has no 'patchwork' shop at all - so I have suffered severe withdrawals, added to that is we couldn't get access to the internet - but maybe it really was a good thing after all to have a total break.

The kids had a great time, as there is so much for all ages. We found a fantastic Toy Shop called 'Bang'. They stock the most wonderful games, toys and puzzles that you don't find many other places.

I must mention another fabulous shop there, Country Heart and Home, which is owned and run by Amanda and her husband Brett. She searches high and low for all the wonderful things in her shop - mainly xmas ornaments etc. which she sells all year. It's not everybody's cup of tea but Amanda and Brett are so friendly that I am sure you will find something you like there, as there is so much packed in there. I bought some great teacher presents and gorgeous smelling candles. Actually, now that I come to think of it, she sells some patchwork fabric!!!! And if you are lucky, you might catch some of Miss Marzie's goodies. If you can't get there, she has an online shop you can visit at any time.
















I always enjoy coming home to see my garden especially in Spring.

I picked my first ever Lilacs off my tree today- they are just so beautiful and I love having them in my house.

So not much crafting has been going on, so I am ready for action. Be prepared for the onslaught!

Time for a holiday ...

Yep, it is that time of year - more school holidays - they come around so fast these days.

We are off to a gorgeous Victorian country town called Bright. It is just beautiful in Spring, and there is so much to do. There might even be snow on the nearby mountains. Lots of bike riding and walking and eating way too much.

Lots of wine and good food. Can't wait.

I will leave you with some pics of some flowers that were delivered to my door in celebration of our 20th wedding anniversary from some very, very special friends whom I have known forever. There is something special about having flowers delivered to your door so unexpectedly, just lovely, I smiled to myself all day just thinking about it. And if you look closely, behind all the foliage is a bottle of Moet Chandon Vintage 1999 champagne (my favourite), actually, I have never had it before as I tend to stick with my old favourite Yellowglen, but I am sure it will be my favourite. Can't wait to try it - maybe on holiday?


See you all in a couple of weeks.

Happy Anniversary

Today Gordon and I celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary.

How time flies!!! It only seems like yesterday that we were married and now 20 years later and three kids we know it wasn't.

It's been a fabulous 20 years - Lots of fun and laughter. I am so lucky to have someone like Gordon who is such a great dad and husband and my best friend. We have done so much together including travelling for 12 months around the world when we were first married. It's been so good sharing all these memories together. I wouldn't trade him for anything - (can you imagine trying to train another man after all these years?) Anyway, enough soppiness. Of course, you would all believe me if I said that we have never had a cross word!!!! (yeah - right). He only forgot our anniversary once and that was our 9th - he has never ever forgotten again.

Here's a pic of our 1987 wedding. (very eighties, I know) should have seen the bridesmaids - jade green taffeta!!!! Big dresses!

I actually can't believe that I am old enough to have been married this long. Only old people have wedding anniversaries this big!!!! (that's what I used to think).

I am not sure what we are doing in the way of a celebration - I am told it will be a surprise, but I am enjoying these gorgeous red roses he gave me.

Happy Anniversary my sweet man!!

That's My Boy

Just thought I'd share a special time in my 11 year old son's life. It was school production time today - we've had the auditions, the rehearsals, the dress rehearsals. We have lived this production all term and today it was finally played to the public.

It is a really big part of the senior school and it only happens every second year. So much work goes into this production, by the children and especially the teachers. The kids have the best time, I didn't see any stage fright at all. The production was called "monkey business" - a tale of Tarzan and Jane.

We really enjoyed watching all these 10 - 12 year olds, who we have known most of their life, strut their stuff on stage - it was a musical and dance production. They were fantastic, and did us all proud. My son didn't have a main part, but that didn't worry him, he could still disco and jive with most of the other kids. A great day and night was had by all.

Having worked behind the scenes in previous years, I know that the best part of the whole stage production is the 'makeup'. The girls are okay as they are used to it, but the boys go all out there. Please mum, can you make it thicker and heavier!!! And make my hair really big.

Well, my son was no exception, just take a look at these photos. It's not fair - the eyelashes went on forever. I am sure he would have been a very pretty girl!!!


Here is a photo of before the 'makeover'

My Day

Today is my 'happy birthing day' according to one of my many 'midwife' friends. It was the day I became a mum. My eldest son, Sean, turned 14 years old today. He has grown and is still growing into a beautiful young man. He brings us a great many laughs with his wicked sense of humour, a little despair with normal issues of a teenage boy wanting to do everything now, not realising that he has his whole life ahead of him. I am so proud of you, my gorgeous boy, and I love you so much. We look forward to enjoying your 15th year with you.

Look what I found today - it is just too cute and I had to share a photo with you.

And having some more fun with zips. I think I have nearly got it. Don't you just love Heather Ross' West Hill range of fabrics. These bags are all heading off to a beautiful young lady for her birthday. Happy Birthday Sarah!!

Saturday Night

Our family have just returned from a wonderful night out at the 'theatre' in Melbourne. We were lucky enough to receive some tickets from my cousin to see The Umbilical Brothers. They were fantastic - such clever guys. I always wonder what guys like that were like as kids in school!!!! My kids absolutely loved the whole 2 hours of it - it was brilliantly entertaining. So if they are ever in a town near you - go see them - with the kids.

I'm Back

Wow, doesn't time fly when you are having so much fun.

We have had a wonderful holiday in Queensland and New South Wales. We drove all the way, stopping along the way. We spent most of the time on the Gold Coast visiting some of the theme parks.

The weather was warm and sunny and even though it was very busy, we had a wonderful time together as a family. The kids voted 'Movieworld' the best theme park for rides. I loved Dreamworld but my absolute favourite was the Australian Zoo (Steve Irwin).

I was so impressed with this park. It is so well run. The gardens and grounds are amazing. It feels like you are right in the Irwins' backyard. The landscaping features are just amazing. I will post a few pics just to show you.

The work they have done on this park is outstanding. It is so family friendly. My kids were even patting an echidna (not sure if that was a wise thing to do or not). Kangaroos are hopping all over the place, and of course there are the crocs. The staff go out of their way to make you feel at home and encourage questions. They are so knowledgable. I now know why we all need to be 'Wildlife Warriors' just like the Irwin family.

Anyway, please do visit this amazing zoo if you are ever in the neighbourhood.

We spent this last weekend in Sydney catching up with family and friends. Sydney is just a beautiful city - I can never get enough of the gorgeous harbour. Although, the driving in Sydney is alot faster than in Melbourne - which had me gripping the door a fair bit.

So we are finally home, and what a lovely welcome we received. July's coldest day in 9 years!!! and today is not much better. It really makes you appreciate the holidays up north, doesn't it.

Confession time - I have not been to one fabric or craft shop since I have been away. I also have not done any sewing or crafting of any sort. It was really hard going in the beginning, but I am so glad that I have had a break - I will be ready to start again very soon (after the washing and unpacking is done, that is).

I can't wait to start reading all my bloglines and catch up with everybody again - thanks for all the comments for a good holiday -

Back soon

Just a little break .....

We are on holiday as of tomorrow. We will be driving from Melbourne to the Gold Coast and we will be away for 2 1/2 weeks. We are stopping to visit friends and sights on the way up. The kids have stocked up on dvds which will be played in the car and I have stocked my sewing kit ready to go.

But now is the hard part, packing and trying to keep the house reasonably clean so I don't have to come home to a mess. We are planning on leaving around 7 am - so that means everything has to be done tonight. One child asleep - 2 to go. 3 bags packed 2 to go. Washing done.

It is always a relief when you can finally jump in the car and drive off for a relaxing 9 hour journey stitching or crocheting.

I can't wait!!!!

See you in a couple of weeks.
Link

the other one

Introducing Sarah ......
After she saw Mikaela's dress, she asked if I would make her one. As she is a teenager now, we needed to make one which was a little bit more grown up. So we came up with this one. It is made in a really soft stretch denim. I think she looks just gorgeous - especially with the striped sweater underneath.













































Here are the two beautiful sisters (my adopted daughters) - looking just gorgeous.
They have been to stay with us for a few nights, and I have just dropped them off at the airport as they have to go home. I will miss them so much.

Mothers' Day

This top photograph was taken on the day I became a mother. It seems like yesterday but it was 1993. How time flies. Now my gorgeous little boy is a teenager and learning what life is all about. I treasure this photograph as it was the beginning of the rest of my life.

The next photos were of my Mothers' Day with my three beautiful boys. I treasure these photos as I know how fast time flies. They grow up so quickly, so treasure your babies when they are little. Believe me, though, I certainly do not want to go back to baby days, but I look fondly back on those days. I am now a mother of three school age children and that is just as much exciting and a whole new learning curve. I love when they come home from school and tell me all about their day and what they have learnt, their friends, and triumphs and sad times. I love helping them with their homework and talking over their day at the dinner table as a family.
Although I must say, having a 6 year old and a 13 year old at the dinner table talking about their days is sometimes quite a contrast. But I do love it.

I am so lucky to have my 3 beautiful boys and my darling husband who looks after us so well.

I had a wonderful Mothers' Day with gorgeous presents from the Mothers' Day Stall - I even scored some of the meringues that I made myself for the Mothers' Day Stall. I love the excitement that the children have coming home from school with their special things hidden from 'mummy' until the big day and then the excitement of the unwrapping (usually in a supermarket shopping bag). I love the homemade cars and all the effort of making and choosing that special something.




This last photo is one of my all time favourites. It was taken a couple hours after my third baby was born. This wasn't a set up photo - it was just how it was. I can really feel the love in the photo of my three boys, and although they may fight and argue now and again (sometimes quite a lot) I know that they will be there for each other as they grow into beautiful, gorgeous men.

Disney Cars Theme Birthday Photos