I have been making a blanket/quilty-thing for my friend who is getting married this weekend, and I was getting worried that I bit off more than I can chew. It was meant to be simple enough for me to do, but nice enough to give as a wedding present, and then I went and changed stuff and made it more complicated than planned. Anyhoo, it's coming along now. Will it be done by Saturday, though? (Ro thinks I'll end up buying a toaster.)




The back of it


I have become a little bit lazy with the TV at night, and found myself vegging out in front of it after the kids are in bed, and wasting the rest of the night watching whatever I can find on the box. The sad thing is that often I end up complaining that nothing is on or yelling at the people on the box because I think they're ignorant/exploitative/bad actors etc... but that doesn't mean I actually turn it off! The crazy thing is that I keep it on regardless. SO... what Rohan has challenged me to do is turn it off... FOR A MONTH. So in fairness - and since he is so keen on my doing this - I challenged him to have no cigarettes for a whole month. Since he wants to quit anyway, I thought this was a good way to keep him motivated.


So there you have it... the challenge for the next month. No TV, and no ciggies. Bring it on!

I have to note that we started a couple of nights ago and the quiet that comes after the kids are in bed has been just lovely. We have read books and I have sewn, and we have been in bed a lot earlier than usual, because we are much more chilled out earlier in the night. This could be habit-forming!


Hello again. I have been missing doing the blog, so decided I had better just jump back in. Couldn't possibly fill you in on everything that's been happening since my last post, so I will just include some pics...

Enjoying the backyard, in sunshine...

and after rain...

Camping



Re-arranging the girls rooms so we have a playroom...
and a shared bedroom...
Making stuff...
Reading stuff...
Catching up with beautiful friends...


Spending some quality Laney-Mummy time before...

her first day of school!


And hanging out with the little munchkin

Enjoying the lake now that it's past full!


And a little bit of this...
Thanks Lynne for a nice photo of Ro











Ro took these lovely ones...


Christmas wishes...


I don't think so!



I know it's been a long time, and I have to admit I have been losing enthusiasm for the whole blog thing, but I thought I would keep my mum happy by posting something.

Here is a couple of pics (Ro has taken) from recent fun we've been having with the girls.


Laney's BFF Sarah came for tea

Fun at the Ballarat Show


Perfect Sunday =

Ro lets me sleep in and takes care of getting the girls brekky

Family pile in to Dottie (Kombi)

Talbot Farmers Market - fresh produce, trash and treasures

Tuki Trout Farm for Ro to pick up some fish for smoking

Captains Creek Winery - delicious wine and cheese platter by the open fireplace while the kids play

Home for cuddles on the couch with my big girl while watching Junior Masterchef

More wine and cuddles with my fella on the couch while we watch a scary movie

Bed





Fifteen years ago I spent the night of a university ball sitting at a table for most of the night talking to (flirting with) this guy who I thought was pretty hot, and funny, and interesting, and later that night found out that he was a damn good kisser. Fast forward fifteen years, and he still makes me laugh, he is my best friend and I still think he's hot. Shame I married Ro instead, huh. Just kidding. Happy anniversary, my love.


This is just outside the cottage we stayed in at Dunkeld for our anniversary. Very relaxing.


I know I haven't blogged in a million years, but I have just had so much going on that I haven't known where to begin, and it all seemed too much. I will post some more details soon. In the meantime I will leave you with a quote from Helena while we were away. As she held a long pointy cone shell to her head, "Look Mum, I'm a unicorn!"

These are from Ro's blog from Tassie.



I am having a pretty terrific week this week.  As we are all getting excited about upcoming birthdays and our trip to Tasmania on Monday, we have also spent time hanging out with great friends in the past 24 hours which has just been so much fun.  Yesterday I went to visit my sister and nephew, with my girls and my dad.  We had a great day just hanging out. Last night we went out for dinner and drinks to our local pub with friends, and I had a fantastic time, laughing a lot.  Then this morning other good friends from Melbourne who were passing through town popped in and had a quick visit which was a very welcome surprise.  I really do feel blessed to have such wonderful friends.  I think I may have actually told them all this a lot last night during my tipsy ramblings, but it really is true. They are so warm, fun, hilarious and well, good friends.  Thanks for a great night, all!

Lou and Em - Two of my gorgeous friends.
Lately Friday night has been tent night 
Just had to include this pic, because I think she looks beautiful. Taken while she was sick on the couch.
I am making plans for these babies
Just been adding pictures to the wall.
Again with the beautiful! Sleeping in the tent. New promo picture Shannon?
How awesome is this Princess Leia card Helena and I made for my sister. 
Check out the red gun, and her signature buns.
Lovely pressies I got yesterday.  I think the theme was handmade or red. So spoilt! 
Kombi badge and journal made by Steph (Doily) and bag made by my sis.