Start as you wish to proceed

 New years was seen in by three of us at home. (His red eyes are from the pool not fatigue)

 We even had our own fireworks display - obviously not as grand but very comfortable from our deck!

 To bring in the new year we packed up for a picnic at Elwood Beach. There was a significant wait for the BBQs both in line and then cooking. Sausages took almost an hour! 

 Then we hit the beach. It was pretty windy and while we aimed to swim between the flags it seemed everyone was being blown to the right. 

 which was lucky because NONE of the lifeguards were even looking at the water - more concerned with fixing their tent from the wind. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Goodbye and good riddance 2012

Well - the last day of 2012. The day the Mayans didn't think we would see, and a  year I am happy to see the back of.
There have been some good things - such as all the boys at school and all having a great year. Such a relief! I have been fitter and healthier this year and started some work out of the house and one of those in a business I plan to grow in 2013.
On the flip side there has been a lot of worry:
Ongoing and unknown health problems for both my Mum and Dad. They have aged all of a sudden.
Worry about the twins being ready for school and additional help
Legal issues - for a good friend and then threats from a family member.
A search warrant at home! Seriously - thankfully resolved but required new knickers!


As a result I am trying to change my thinking an my actions. Lots of these issues could have been averted had action been taken earlier and that is what we are trying to do now and in the new year. Worry less and do more. We have started taking some action and it feels good. Some long needed jobs are happening around home. The deck has been oiled and looks great, finishing touches that were left as soon as the space became liveable and of course some financial issues which now have some action and timeframes.
With a lot of luck and hard work, 2013 will be better, or at least more enjoyable.

Wishing you all a happy but more importantly healthy new year!

in the swim

This year we got a pool. Not a big one - just 3ft deep, 12 ft round. Wasn't much including the filter but I can't tell you have fabulous it has been. The boys are at an age where all they want to do is be in the pool and I am happy to sit (in the cubby) and watch them. Hours of entertainment AND exercise.
We are not great maintenance people, so at the end of the season it will come down - to make way for the footy pitch - but this is a note to self to do it again next year. Since this snap, we have put up one of those portable 3m x 3m shades and the pool is mostly in shade all day - brilliant.

Benji the Builder

 Benji loves to do jobs and help. Whenever the big squirrel is at it, Benji is his shadow. That is why this was such a great gift. There is a range called RED and is a put together fussball table. There is a great range including billiards, air hockey and some smaller kits from Big W.

The kit came with all the bits and required a bit of sawing sanding and drilling to put it all together.

Not only did he love every minute of building it

he LOVES playing and WINNING!

tie

Not a lot of ties get worn round these parts. The big squirrel has a couple that come out for weddings and are worn under sufferance. This has probably increased their significance to the boys - Spencer in particular but also Benji. They love wearing shirts and often ask for a tie as well. So for Christmas they each got a tie. 

These boxes are often on sale - I think we picked these up for $6 each. Complete with tie, hankie and cuff links - an of course my favourite bit the box. Mum cut down the ties to make them the perfect size for the boys,

and added the all important velcro dots at the backs so they are effectively clip on ties. 

Perfect!

P & G

The somewhat elusive Mr P & Ms G are a crafty pair. Here is a little taste of their most recent creations.

 They named this bracelet the charmless bracelet with little charms they had picket up in their travels . I really like it.

But this one is the height of awesomeness!

 This is how it was packaged

 My new pin cushin - complete with a heap of extra large pins!

I love the fabric choice, the pot and most of all the flower details. 

 See - they are just so crafty! Thanks guys.

(they were also responsible for big ears)

nostalgic

 Sharing happy memories from my childhood with my own children 

Big Ears came to join Noddy at our home this Christmas

so now Noddy has his mate and my little mate and I can share boiled eggs and dippy soldiers as I used to when I was young.