Sunday Snippets

via Tinniegirl!

What did Sunday bring for me? I nice lie in with the little lads, watching silly movies in bed, eggs, bacon, avo and chorizo for breaky, plus a great big cappuccino, then...

 ...did a bit more quilting on the cot quilt I started a few months back,...

...then realized I needed to make these 8 placemats in a hurry...,

 ...had trouble choosing the binding

...was required to view the lads playing Xbox, so did a bit of hand-quilting...

...made these for Meg in the Beehive bee.

I then went to Target to get the NZ Christmas pressies. I also got a few items of the undie variety, and a most (un)attractive "foundation" undergarment. As I was called forth from the queue, I realized, to my horror, that the young man on the till was my friend Lisa's teenage son. I hope that he will remember me for the lovely cake he ate last week that I baked, not my granny undies!!

Is it any wonder that I had to buy these at the supermarket to placate myself?

A bit of Tangy Bliss is all you need sometimes!

Things for little folk.

I have a friend with a little newborn son, and have been busy trying to finish the quilt started for him 9 months or so ago!! I finished it and delivered it yesterday afternoon, but the weather was so horrid that I couldn't take a photo!

Dom's favourite toy from babyhood has been "Pigly". We bought it when we found I was pregnant - one of those lovely soft things you can't resist when the hormones are rushing about.

Charlie's favourite is "Snugs", a square of soft chenille with satin and grosgrain ribbon tags attached to the sides. I bought it when he was a baby from ELC in Chadstone and it cost around $40. 

Now, to be fair, the ribbons are all custom made and there is appliqué and they are actually called "Taggies"

I decided to have a burl at making some "Snugs" of my own

This is my first take on it. She wanted a New Zealand theme seeing the poor little bugger will be inundated with all things Ocker all his life (sorry, lovely Australian friends, we love you and your beautiful country, but there is so much green and gold)

 This one has a Rainbow Theme

They make pretty nice gifts for a baby and are dead simple and cheap to make.

A certain 5 year old.

Well, the little man has turned 5 after what seemed like months of waiting! 

The birthday celebrations went on for 2 weeks, as he had a big party with a friend 2 weeks before the actual event, for all the kinder buddies.

Check out those Cake Pops!!!

Then came the actual day...Halloween! 

There was trick or treating...

 ...at spooky looking abodes....

...well, actually, only our abode looked spooky...

and a second cake this time, one for the actual day, which was just as much fun!

Our little boy is five. But he still gives us a cuddle in bed in the mornings, and lots throughout the day too, just like his big brother. That's my favorite part of being a Mum.

Sunshiny day Blogtoberfest Day 18

I'm getting a bit slack on this blogging every day business! Oh well.
It's a gorgeous day, too nice to be inside sewing (as I sit inside at the computer, blogging...) so I thought I'd post a sunshiny pic of what i SHOULD be sewing.

 A cot quilt for the new little cousin in Vancouver. It's been started and won't take long to finish, but I've been dragging my heels. Best get it done before she gets to school age!

Poppies are my favourite flowers so I planted a slew of them this year, and they are just blooming fantastically!!

Charlie and I have had a lovely morning, taking Dom to school on the tram, having coffee with the girls, Dymocks story time, Lunch at a cafe, home on the tram via the supermarket to change the lightbulbs for a record THIRD time!

Must remember that it's time to put the sunscreen back in my bag again though. It's lovely and warm today but supposed to be 29 degrees on Thursday!

XX

Must like kids

I like kids. They make me laugh. I used to be a teacher. Most of them like kids!

I love my own kids with a fierceness that is sometimes overwhelming and I am constantly amazed by their uttering and antics. I'm so very proud of whatever little achievement they...well..achieve.

I always feel that I don't spend enough time really playing with them, though. Classic Mother's guilt.

Today, I had the pleasure of witnessing one of my friends, a new friend, playing with my five year old son for an hour or two. They built Lego - the Ninjago he got at his birthday party yesterday. Then he sat on her knee with the iPad and showed her his games. She was right into it with him, on his level. He had an absolute blast!

We were at sewing group, at Sniff's house. Well, it used to be sewing group, but we've diversified into, let's say, an activity group! There are bloggers, laminators and a good bit of sewing goes on too. It's good fun!

It was beautiful to watch. He had the best time, I think, that he's ever had there. I go there to sew and chat to the girls. I have a great time every time I go. He doesn't mind it, but I always fob off his attempts to join in the sewing. In fact, I pretty much expect him to entertain himself. We all chat to him, suggest activities. But this week he was the centre of someone's attention! And Tori bought chocolate!

I'm going to get some hessian this week, a big blunt needle, some wool and buttons. I'm going to let him sit beside us and sew too if he wants to.

Thanks, lovely Kath! You made his day, and mine too. It was so kind of you to take the time to connect with him on his level for all that time. Looking forward to the big Halloween/ birthday celebrations including aforementioned Lego, with your young Lego master. Oh, and there may be a few drinks involved too!!

Back to School/Kinder - Blogtoberfest Day 10

God, it's hard yakka on the first day back after the holidays! Kids and self to get organized and out the door, lunches to make, Charlie did the usual and slept in, so had to wake him up just after 8 and shovel food in, arguments with Dom about getting dressed before the telly goes on and taking thine own crap upstairs, not leaving it for Mummy to do later. And all while my significant other slumbers in bed! The Joy! You can imagine my mood by 8.40! Very tweezer-lipped!!

But I've been having some lovely lie-ins and some very lazy days. The boys and I had a very relaxing holiday on the whole.

But it's kind of nice to back into the old routine again. Less time to sit about and eat!

Kids are eating their dinner now and soon will be in bed. I plan to take a nice long bath and sew the binding (finally) on Charlie's new quilt.

Went into the city today to Cake Deco to get prepared for the Cake Pops I'm making for Charlie and his buddy Lou's Kew Traffic School party on Thursday.

 I'm making them fairly simple - you can get some pretty amazing results if you know how, but this is my first time. Will post numerous photos, post party.

Happy Monday ! X

Day 6 blogtoberfest

My littlest man is having his first sleepover.



I miss him.



I know these things need to be done, and he's at one of my great friend's houses with her little boy, whom he adores, and he's had an absolute blast, but it's doesn't feel right not to have him here.



On the upside, big bro has had the best time. He got to sit in the front seat with me on the way to Aikido ( bad mummy), had some of my coke ( as in cola, not powdery stuff which I would be far too scared to touch), had fish and chips in the park with me and Dad, watched Transformers (an M. - bad Daddy) till 9.30 and had Tim tams. Very happy boy!


Still miss my little one though. Can't wait to see him tomorrow.


Better get used to it though, I suppose. Doesn't mean I have to like it.

Every night in my dreams.... Day 2: Blogtoberfest

OK, OK, I know it's technically cheating but 2 posts in one day is making top for not starting yesterday!

We have a Titanic obsession going down in Chez Williams at present. We watched the movie yesterday (heavily edited by me with the remote, fast forwarding all horrible or slightly sexy bits). 

Here is what was made while mummy slumbered in bed ('til 9.30 - result!)

 The Band Aid packet is the iceberg, in case that needed explanation! I tried to encourage a slightly longer ship, but was told that the propellers were already attached therefore, impossible. They are now making a poster to adorn their walls.

And Mr Sun is trying to shine today! Happy Day!

When Irish Eyes are Smiling.

Seven years ago today at Holles Street Maternity hospital in Dublin, Ireland, we became parents for the first time.

It was love at first sight. I lay beside him that first night, gazing at him through my mild morphine haze, not quite believing how beautiful and tiny he was, texting long poetic messages to Jas about him, that he kept on his phone for ages.

He's growing up to be a kind and beautiful, bubbly and animated boy with an enthusiasm for life and a ready smile. He loves science - he got a telescope, spy gear,vehicle building and crystal growing sets this morning, plus a Pooh bear soft toy from his little brother. He loves his soft toys, does Dom. He lost Pooh a few months back and now he has another. 

So Happy 7th birthday, my little Irish Kiwi (he insists on supporting the Irish over the All Blacks in rugby, much to his father's dismay!) You make us smile and laugh every day with your never-ending questions and scenarios. You love a good cuddle. You're a fantastic reader. You're kind and generous, and love being with people.

Lá breithe sona, mo prionsa beag.

The Old Red, White and Blue

If you have been taking any notice whatsoever of my little progress bars on the side, you will have seen that one of the quilts has recently seen some action!

For the last couple of days of my in-laws stay, I've been making new curtains for Charlie's room.
Yes, we live in a rental.
Yes, it may be a waste of money to make new curtains you may never use again.
But the old ones were;
a) the shittiest faded salmon pink color you can imagine
b) come summer they may as well be open as are virtually see thorough. I need something better to con him that it's night time!
c) they were on rods and the gap had been sewn too narrow and they wouldn't slide. Tiebacks do my head in.
d) until we leave these isles and return to The Homeland, I refuse to live with any more "other people's crap" than I have to. I have been doing this for 11 long years of rental properties in 8 countries. The pink Austrian blinds in the lounge are bad enough!

Anyhoo...I have had this project on the back burner for a while and thought it the perfect time to complete one of the infamous WIP's that I have vowed to wipe out by 2012.

I'd like to say I'll get it done tomorrow but I'm dreaming.

Biggie Smalls has a 7th birthday on Friday and I have to knock out 2 dozen iced and sprinkled cupcakes (school), and ice cream party cake and party food (family, little friends party, Friday Night), Beyblade cake (Sunday, Laserstrike party) .

Plus go to the gym and Costco tomorrow.
They all have to be home made according to his lordship, as "your things taste perfect, Mum"
How can I argue with such wanton bias?!

The joys of Grandparents.

My in-laws are staying with us at the moment. They've settled into the swing of our lives, like they always do, which makes them such a joy to have here.

The kids were uber-excited to be picked up from school and kinder. So lovely to see the beaming little faces when they saw their beloved Grandma and Grandad! They've joined in the school drop off and pick ups and all the ensuing activities in between, plus all the at home ones - stories, doing the reader, bath etc. It's sooooo nice to have an extra couple of pairs of hands around the place at dinner time, when there are dishes in the sink and washing to fold. And it's really nice to have someone to talk to when the kids aren't about too, for a change!

I feel very lucky to get on with my in-laws, I know many (or is it most?) people don't. I wonder why that is. Who knows? I'm off to sit by the fire (that I didn't have to light) and chat!!
X

The weather that was...

Got lots of sewing done this weekend as have chesty cough and sound like I'm on 40 fags a day. Getting better...I'll be back at the gym tomorrow, hopefully, Tori!

Dr Seuss placemats for the lads. Have had them quilted for a few weeks now and they just needed binding.

 Little man getting a dose of Vitamin D on Friday. He wanted to stay home from his soccer lessons and look after me, bless his little heart!

Kinder Quilt finito! Praise be!! This one dragged a bit but I'm happy with the result.

Stoopid shadow!

Back (Thank you, Ikea!)

Look at our veges!!! Lots of leafy things, not much root veg action yet.

Three little boats for Annabel in The Beehive. Her little boy's "The Busy Sea at Night" Quilt is going to be very cute!

I'm back at the machine now, putting gorgeous Liberty binding on a pair of jeans. Much better than hemming!! And I know all about hemming being only 5 ' 1" !! Will post a pic later for those of you that don't have a clue what I'm banging on about.

Little boxes, little boxes...

Theme for the kinder quilt to be auctioned at the annual Trivia Night this year is Little Houses.

I have decided I have enough fabric (understatement of the year!!!) to make it without buying more, for once. Background of Kona Medium Grey (?) punctuated with a green Kaffe Fassett and Purple Echino for the border

 All the Frogs class drew themselves on white homespun from Spotlight. I added their name and a little roof to each one from a fabric in my scrap container (didn't even make a dent in the ruddy thing!)

 I then ironed the houses onto Fusible Web and cut around each one.

 Placement is not easy! I added a few little trees to the gaps that were evident. Nice Echino fabric with birds and bugs on it. There is Charlie's one by the bird, Big mop of curly blonde hair and Harry Potter glasses! Excellent!

Finally ironed each one into place, Now am ready to make backing, the quilt sandwich and raw-edge applique each house. Will be ready to display Monday, all going well!


Off the St Katherines for dinner tonight before HARRY POTTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just a little bit excited!!!!!!!

Have Mercy!

It's the first day of the school holidays here in windy Melbourne.

Normally we would don the PJ's for the day and have a stay at home bonanza, but the kids were booked in for a Lego Create and Learn session at 9, so it was much like any other school day, really, minus the lunches to make.

We started a new tradition. The kids had never eaten Coco Pops before we came home from Samoa on the plane. They ADORED them, sugary bits of chocolate love, that they are. Rather than have an issue at the supermarket we decided to make it a first and last day of the school holidays treat. So today was the day.

They are as 'high' as kites.
I'm blaming the bloody Coco Pops.
It's not as if they don't get lots of junk - they have too much, really, but always a healthy breakfast.
They are Doing. My. F**k**'. Head. In already and we are only just over half way through the day.
It's blowing it's knads off outside and I've sent them out to play. At least it's not raining!

Maybe I can tame them with Brocolli?

This afternoons great achievement...

...was not sewing...

...or knitting his Gryffindor scarf..

...or cooking dinner...

...or baking biscuits...

...or doing the housework...

...or shopping...

Nothing like a spot of boatbuilding and decorating to wile away the afternoon.

Inferno Starblast Attack!

The biggest little boy is not 100%. Big vom in bed about 11.30pm. Neaty. Just when I'd caught up with all the washing I have a vomiter and a piddler in one night.

Day home from school today as has wicked cough as well. Now ensconced on couch with little brother, enraptured in Beyblade Metal Fusion, Beyblade in hand, ready to battle when the mood takes him.

Beyblades are the bane of my life. Basically a spinning top with interchangeable parts, they are the merchandise from a Japanese Anime TV series. God knows how many they've lost, ruddy things are small and adept at hiding under the fridge and suchlike. You collect them, then swap the parts around, if you fancy, to supposedly make your bey more powerful.

My children are not quiet ones that read and colour in. They are enthusiastic and animated action men! I have to banish the beyblades outside when battle commences (they have a plastic stadium to battle in - the bey that spins the longest wins) as the noise of them declaring their intent to Inferno Starblast Attack! or Upside Down Awesomeness! is enough to make me consume an entire bottle of vodka at one sitting.

There is a character on the show called Benkei who has the most annoying voice known to man (even more annoying than Dora The Explorer, and that's saying something)

But there's something strangely compelling about them. I quite like knowing all their strange little zodiac-based names and the show is all about values and morals so it's not a bad watch for the smalls.

Better than Ben 10 (had to stop them watching it as they kept fighting each other) but not as good as Shaun the Sheep (classic viewing for all!)

I LOVE Mothers Day....

...because I have 3 beautiful boys who love me!