Chalk up another one

Another birthday that is. Today we celebrated Hugo's 7th birthday in a relaxed summer style and we really had a lovely time. The kids were in swimming and having fun in the afternoon prior to having a yummy dinner.
The kids worked hard decorating around the table - colouring in the brickwork with chalk. They all worked so hard and well together - it was really lovely to watch.
There was even rainbow bread. How awesome is this. Apparently tastes just like white bread, but looks a whole lot more fun.
The cake was a witches cauldron filled with jelly and lollies. And we sat enjoying the summer breeze, gorgeous food and authentic company. Happy Birthday Hugo. I can't believe you are already 7 but thanks for a great party!

Guilt Job

Today I headed off to Darn Cheap fabric to see if I could add to my already extensive collection of bargain fabrics that are not yet made into anything and guess what - I walked out empty handed!! Yes, they were having a sale and absolutely nothing spoke to me. I didn't even wander around holding a random role and put it down. Nothing. I did b buy two pairs of leather heeled sandals (Tony Bianco) next door for $20- yes for 2 pairs! Maybe that satisfied my quest for a bargain - but I drove home determined to finish making something.

With no fabric to bring inside, together with the reminder of the unfinished

doonas HERE I pulled out all the fabric and got sewing. I finished two of these for the twins before they went to bed.

(obviously I am not one for staging. Maybe I can even tidy their room when i photograph it with cushions etc!)

I did manage another two slightly different ones for the beds in Alexander's room. His room is far to messy to even photograph, let alone post! I have some scraps left over for some pillows and cushions but I am really pleased with how they look. The nautical theme for boys has a long lifespan, and I am really pleased it isn't scribble or skulls which seems to adorn so many boys clothes and accessories.

Now I can breathe out and let go of a little bit of guilt, cross one thing off my to do list.

Another Chapter

Cushions cozied up a quiet corner on our new deck as we sat in the summer breeze together.The wind was a gentle but refreshing and the birds tweeted happily as the sun was beginning to set. The scene was idyllic - the story was not. Snakes, spiders, sword, ghosts, wizards and diaries. Alexander and I sat and finished of the second book of Harry Potter which he got for Christmas. We have watched the movie for the first book and now he is eagerly anticipating the next movie - lucky he has a birthday soon.

I have really really enjoyed reading these with him and am so glad that I waited. We have agreed that we will slow things down a bit and wait til mid year holidays before we start on the third book. So far nothing has been too dark or too scary. Harry and his friends are all ok and no-one has died - well with the exception of his parents which is just like every disney movie. Now only 6 months to wait and see what Harry is upto now!

Christmas Cards Recycled

I took down the christmas cards today - yes even those from last year still decorating the hallway, and then I am left with a big pile of cards. Guiltily I always keep the cards because they are too good to throw away and I might use them for something. Guess what - I don't. The only thing I used them for is taking up precious space. This year I thought better. I got out my paper punches- I have three different sized and with the help of my little minions, proceeded to cut holes in all the cards. Some cards made lots of circles - some only one around a bell or a bird (cant believe people still have those cards!)

My result...a much smaller pile of usable christmas circles. My plan is to put these with the christmas craft stuff and use them for gift tags, making our own cards or even creating a garland. The best bit - with the exception of some much needed storage space - is I feel totally guilt free!

(I dont cut up any photos of children nor cards my boys have made - still have to keep some things)

BIrthday Boy

The big squirrel celebrated his birthday today and all the boys got in on the act.It was a lovely family day - with some of our usual hiccups. We did manage to host a casual bbq at home which was calm and relaxing. It was really the first time we had partied outside with the new deck in situ and it worked perfectly. Happy Birthday Babe.

Dust off the machine

I bought all of this nautical fabric before christmas. It was cheap (43.95/m) so I got a range to make quilts for the twins. Once I got home and the bargain euphoria had worn off I remembered I don't make quilts - but the fabric would make excellent doona covers. So much so that Mum went back and got some more to do the covers for the beds in Xandy's room. I did start them for christmas but they are still half finished in a pile.

One of the fabrics was this wave one which reminded me of the Japanese woodcuts. It doesn't fit to the doonas but I thought it would make great boardies. So today (with the big squirrels birthday tomorrow) I set upon my task.
This is a boy and man pattern - 5581. I had enough fabric to do a pair for both the big squirrel and Xander. I changed up the pattern a bit - less pockets, shorter legs and some contrast white cotton.
I did get them finished - well I was still sewing at Midnight but they are finished! All the decoration - the binding and the white around the top and the zip are so much more hard work than whipping up a simple skirt or knit dress. This reminded my why I tend to buy the boys clothes!
He did appreciate them though - now I have to make another pair!

1-1-11

With such a cool date I had to write it at least once. Today we headed out to Glen Waverley with our bikes on the car to Jells Park. As the weather was a little cooler and showery, we stayed fairly local and took the kids for a ride around the park. We packed a picnic and met mum and dad there for lunch. A lovely and relaxing way to spend the first day of the year - and hopefully there will be many more days like this throughout the year.