Matching Pegs

Look who I found soaking up a little bit of winter sun in my garden yesterday. Like any other cat, this one looks quite comfortable perched in an unusual place - the handle of my rotary clothes line. This little aqua cat just needs a name, any suggestions?

It was quite a busy weekend here, among other things Michaela had her first swimming lesson. She was a star, and was smiling whenever she didn’t have a concentration face on. Some of the other little people in the tiny pool with her cried and cried, which was distressing for everyone, but didn’t seem to get to Michaela. Of course I would love to share how adorable she looked in her new speedos and goggles, but apart from potentially attracting creepies, I didn’t want to take a camera along to a kids’ swimming lesson.

On Sunday, while I took Rory to a gymnastics birthday party, (what a fabulous idea, Rory loved it) Luke opened up a craft box we have had for a while, and made some soap with the girls. It is still not dry, but the lavender in it smells wonderful.

Finally, have a look at this, the first of our Magnolia buds is starting to open. In no time the tree will look spectacular.

Don’t forget to leave a comment to help me name the cat, who now has a little heart on his/her chest like the bunny rabbit.

After Wednesday’s events, we have had lots of school holiday family time - just what the doctor ordered!

On Thursday the kids were busy in the kitchen making dough creations, that we “fired” in the oven and then painted.

This weekend there was a great deal of construction going on in the back yard.

It went from this, which was built last weekend,………………. to this…………

And finally this. So far it is an elevated platform, which will have rails added around the sides, and a nice wide step and eventually half of it will have a roof. The kids are very happy with Luke’s log constructions.

Meanwhile inside I was working on a log construction of my own.

It went from this, to this below.

It is one of several cushion covers in the works that I have finally gotten around to. I just have to finish sewing on the binding. Stay tuned for more construction efforts

It is a glorious Melbourne autumn Sunday, (crisp morning, very sunny day-but not too hot) and we have been enjoying the delicious treats above.

Rory and I went to a birthday party yesterday, and have another to visit late this afternoon. While we were gone yesterday, the girls and Luke made gingerbread, but Rory was home in time to enjoy decorating them too. The ones above are the Happy Gingerbread People. Those below are the Angry ones….

We have been taking advantage of the “extra hour” today, after the clock switched from Daylight Savings Time overnight, doing lots of odd jobs around the house. I have been washing our windows after the amazing windstorm that we had during the week - Much of Melbourne was without power and some people still are, so a bit of dust is no big deal.

As the birthday parties are now here (I am sure you are not peeking Debbie, just an hour before the party) I can show you the sewing I have been doing - 2 Piratical Aprons!

It was somewhat of a struggle to get Rory to agree to model one for me, but he gave in eventually.

So, we are off to a party shortly - I had better get out of my cleaning windows gear - but I will leave you with a laugh. Here are the Sad Gingerbread People. Mr Gingerbread was devastated to discover that his wife had been attacked by an enormous “little” girl, who could not wait to try……..

Mum, can you please put a photo of my play-dough face on your website?

Sure!

Recipe for Homemade Playdough (or as Amelia called it when she was about 2 - Squish-Squish).

1 Cup Plain Flour

1 Cup Warm Water

2 Teaspoons Cream of Tartar

1 Teaspoon of Vegetable Oil

1/4 Cup Salt

Food Colouring

*Add a few drops of food colouring to the water, then mix all ingredients together in a large saucepan.

*Stir over a medium heat until the mixture changes from liquid to solid.

*Remove from the saucepan and knead until it is blended smooth

*Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Have Fun.

Dinner tonight was made by Luke and the kids, thanks to the fact that today was a public holiday. It was de-lish!

I felt like I was able to get so much done thanks to an extra day with an extra (and very wonderful) adult in the house. So Davo is almost done. All he needs before he starts kicking goals (on the school bag) is a coat of varnish. As I have none, this will require a shopping visit with 3 kids in tow (sigh). But both Rory and I are very pleased with my latest design.