On being good

One year, when Julian was very young and Emily was about 8, I put all of the Christmas presents under the tree. Emily then proceeded to pick up every present for her, squeeze it, shake it, smell it and then announce what it was. True, she didn't know the title of the book, video etc... but it still seemed a bit disappointing that she knew what she was getting.
As a result, I have not put any presents under the tree until Christmas Eve but this year the boys really wanted me to put them out, they were desperate for me to, they would do anything, they would be really, really, REALLY good.
So I relented - under strict instructions that they were not to touch any of their presents.
Which they didn't, but I did find them like this at one stage - bums up, with their heads firmly planted under the tree, not touching but searching for their presents.
I guess it's all part of the magic of Christmas.
l
x
ps - please note that the 15 year old has her head under that tree as well, highlighting that you are never too old for Christmas :)

i'm still here

my camera has been out of action. why you ask??? well because louis got a game for christmas which required two 'AA' batteries and naturally they took mine. and yes, i realise that christmas was weeks ago - but you know how it is - when you remember the batteries you're not in a shop and when you are in a shop you are thinking about chocolate, not batteries.

anyway, i'm thinking of making some changes to my blog. i want a new name but i'm having coming up with something........any ideas?

also, emily has moved from my blog (which she rarely participated in) and has started her own. visit her here and say hello :)

till next time
take care, be happy
l
x

At last, I've finally made something...

A doll's quilt for my niece.

This was so much fun to make as it was really quick and easy.

I've managed to make two Christmas t-shirts for the boys.

And I whipped up a skirt for me - thanks to a good friend who forced me to to cut the pattern out. Once I had started it, it was easy to finish. Sometimes I need a little push, or rather, a great big shove!

I found this fabric at Spotlight in the quilting section. It's so pretty and it makes me feel pretty when I wear it.

Now I'm off to do some Christmas baking.
Hope you are all enjoying the festive season.
l
x

it's early in the morning.....

julian is watching abc 3 and louis is on the computer you tubing pipe organ music - is this normal behaviour for a five year old???
move over mazda's - louis has found his new obsession :)
l
x

First Semester Over

I'm back - with my first semester of studies over and I must say I am feeling a little relieved. The study has been great, but it consumes much time and many thoughts. It's nice to have a break.
Last night I went to see this band at the Gov. They were absolutely fantastic live and The Gov is such a great space to see live bands. It's been a long time since I've been to see a concert like this and I had times when I felt a little old but it was great.



I love music that makes me feel happy - like this band does.

I'm hoping to start sewing again soon - I have to make some gifts for Christmas and I want to make a new skirt as well. Now that I'm not studying it should be easier to get behind the machine, but with the silly season starting up there's little time!!! There's a party every weekend these days.....

Hope you are all happy and well
l
x

In the holidays.....

This is Louis

When I started quilting, Louis was one of the first to put his hand up for one. And then he happily browsed through books and magazines to find the one he wanted most (of course he changed his mind at least once a week after I started cutting and sewing).

In the holidays I finally finished his quilt (it's taken about a year) and he is very, very happy with it.

It's hard to see it, especially as Louis decided to photograph it himself (Emily took the bottom photograph) but I think you can get the general gist.

I have also finished the top to Julian's quilt which I will attempt to finish in the summer holidays. And, I started quilting Emily's quilt that she started 20 months ago. So - I did get a bit of crafting done in the holidays, not as much as I would have liked, but a bit ;-)

cheers
l
x

Harvesting

I love watching moments like this - father and son in the garden, harvesting potatoes, sharing knowledge, showing quiet enthusiasm.

If you look closely, you can see the potatoes on the sleeper. We had them with our roast and it they were lovely. I don't think there is anything quite as nice as a home grown product.

This is one of my favourite views in the garden. Where I am standing is where the washing line is so when I am hanging out washing, this is what I see. The green shadecloth is covering the sandpit and I have to admit, it looks much nicer without the shadecloth on but I couldn't be bothered hauling it off just for the photo. But, as you can imagine, it's a lovely spot to sit and watch the kids playing, under the shade of two big old almond trees.

This was David's last father's day present from Louis. We are in the habit of getting him a new garden ornament each birthday/christmas/or occasion. He has quite an eclectic mix of garden art, dotted around the place - it's quite fun trying to spot things in the garden.

Spring has sprung here in Adelaide and we are enjoying the most beautiful spring weather - and I'm delighting in how fresh everything looks - but I already miss the rain!

l
x