Hooray for Kinder

It is so lovely that kinder holidays have finished. Although I wasn't too keen to get out of bed and get going this morning - once we did it was fine.

Alexander was off to kinder again, and the twins and I had the morning at home. We were taking it quietly when a girlfriend unexpectedly arrived with her new twins (2 month old). It was a lovely break in the day and the boys were quite happy to play around and entertain themselves until it was kinder pick up time.

B & S went down for a sleep and all our energy levels were revived that we had a lovely play outside - trimming the lemon tree, weeding the vegie patch and even harvesting some dwarf carrots for dinner. The day was finished with a play on the trampoline.

Yah for kinder.

Sunday Funday

It was a family affair this Sunday with my sister in law and her husband coming to visit. They were coming for lunch so the big squirrel and Alexander got busy cooking. They made our standard fare at the moment - cheese and vegemite scrolls and pizza ones too. They did a great job.

It was lovely to see them again and we watched the Chipmonks movie together. They had brought a lovely gift for Alexander - a work shirt the same as Dad's. We had to pry it off him to get him into bed!

Out from under my rock?

I don't really know how this happened, but today I discovered Maling Road in Canterbury. I don't know how this little gem got past me (probably not really pram friendly) but it is close to home and bursting with inspiration.

I met a girlfriend for coffee - sans kids- and finally delivered the pearl necklace that I have had finished since MAY (forgot to get a photo for you) Much as I love the little acorns, gee it was lovely to be out without them and have an hour of two for me.

So, I will have to get back to Maling road and do a bit more discovering. There is a really good paper shop that needs another visit.

Oh, and a huge congrats to Miss B on your new job. What a fantastic achievement and hope it delivers all you are looking for. Well Done.

Bath Time

Bathtime for the twins has always been a struggle for us. Not only is there the logistical issue of two babies the other problem is that they just don't like it - particularly Spencer. There was a bath incident once where he went under - nothing major but bathtimes didn't improve after it. So we had tried everything - bathing alone in the bath, the baby bath, bathing together, bathing with a parent, baths in the laundry trough, showers - together, alone and with a parent. None of which has been easy or enjoyable for anyone - until now!

In the summer we used these tubs for pools and the kids sat on the deck playing in the cool water and then we tipped it on the vegie patch - really easy recycling. Having their regular baths in these for some reason didn't occur to us, but putting them in these with a fistful of toys seems to have solved the problem. No more tantrums with B or S screaming in your ear and desparately clambouring up your body to get out of the water. Now the only issue was getting them out- a lovely and welcome change. (S in red bath)

New Best Friend

My crafting juices were flowing after reading about gocco printing here and this is where I stumbled on Dear Fii, my new best friend. She doesn't know it yet - I will have to let her know but I love what she does.

What a crafty chick - and all this while looking after a tribe - where do you find the time? I went back to the beginning of her blog and read every entry (sounds a bit stalker-esque but not my intent) and I was surprised at how similar our experiences are. I too live in a sense of creative chaos where family and happiness are always prioritised over cleaning and washing!

So, I am going to try to borrow an idea from Fiona and that is to try and make all our presents - or at least as many as I can. Thanks Dear Fii - and waiting your latest update.

Ability to Change

It was all set to be one of those days today. I woke up in a bad mood and it was just getting worse. Infact I think the first thing I said to the big squirrel was "if that alarm goes off one more morning at 6 when you are not getting up, I am going to stab you with a blunt knife". Sometimes he just doesn't get the point and I need to be quite graphic. He got the point this morning and knew to stay clear.

So, I was going to spiral further into the dulldrums, when our lunchdate was confirmed. Life is always better by the time everyone is in the car. (that half hour of chasing everyone, shoes, jackets, snacks, nappies etc is to be avoided at all cost!!!) Once we were there it was lovely. It is nice to know someone else is going through the same crap as you - it makes all the difference! And all the boys played well - even a civilised game of UNO (we must get this game). So thanks Nay it made all the difference.

Once home with the twins packed off to bed, Xander and I actually headed outside. We went out to finish a this present but got sidetracked once I got into the garage. We are called 'squirrels' because both of us tend to collect things - not trinkets or a proper 'collection' but useful stuff. Things to make into - bit of wood, fabric, things that are too good to throw out, things to sell.... So the garage is full of all our little nuts!!! So much so we have never had a car in there and today hardly could even get a person in!! So this was my job- moving lumps of wood, lawnmowers, wheelie bins full of water, candleabras from our wedding which were a bargain now just hanging around... but I had such fun. The physical activity just made me feel so much better and now that things are grouped together (the virgo in me takes over sometimes) and there is a bit of space to swing a cat I feel really good. We even managed to do a load of washing, wash the dishes and do vacuuming.

So now there are two new things on my to do list - firstly prioritise seeing people - it can totally change your day, and secondly some physical activity. We will see how we go with the second one. Off to work tomorrow - yeah!

A bit of magic in Dandenong

I think we were out all day today - it was busy but great.

Our first stop was playgroup which was a better turn out this week with four original kids (usually at kinder) and they all played so well together.

From there we were off to Dandenong to see a show - Possum Magic the musical (based on the book Possum Magic by Mem Fox), playing at the Drum theatre in Dandenong. This would have to be one of the best children's shows I have seen. The theatre was good, our seats were great, it was Australian, the story and music were good- not too 'hammed' up. There were beautiful puppets and the whole show was really well presented and enjoyable. It went for an hour with no interval, but Alexander loved it - the twins slept through it so it was all good.

Now the busy boys are all in bed asleep - ahhhhhhhh.