Family & Community Day

 

 

I just have to say...

Tonight at 7:45pm I was outside trying to help Nicholas look at the moon through his uncle's telescope.  My mum called and mentioned what I was doing to my dad.  He immediately left home and came over to help us.  I didn't ask, he didn't offer - he just came.
A week ago I was on the downhill ride on an emotional roller coaster.  I let it out to my mum and she reassured me that I am a good mum and told me I place expectations on myself that are too high.  That's my mum and dad.  That is who they are.  I am lucky.

This weeks library book

This book is called Caterpillar Butterfly, by Vivian French.  It is part of a series of nature Storybooks.  Part of the appeal it also has a cd, which is great for the car.  It tells the story of a little girl whose grandfather grows nettles, because certain caterpillars make cocoons on them. At the end butterflies hatch.  Audrey loves butterflies.  Nicholas loves nature.  It is nice to have them remind me to notice the small things.

And look at the progress of the cubby house now - colours! 

And the most satisfying 15 minutes of sewing I have done lately - these snack sacks.  The kids love them, but I am sure it is more for what snacks are in them.  I love them just because I think they are so cool.

I have to run and vacuum for bible study tonight.  The lesson is on why we should not simply imitate Christ.  One of the questions revolves around the scenario of Jesus being transported to do your job.  What would he do.  Today I realised what my answer will be:  He overturns the tables!!  Please God, can I do that?  Just once?  And not lose my job... I need to pay the mortgage and all....

I tell you, my work is SO not the place I like to be.  Today I questioned the third highest person I work for (not saying much as I have never been one for hierarchy).  Twice.  It felt good.

a joy to read

I love, love, love the pictures in this cookbook.  And I have actually cooked from it as well!  I have mentioned it on my blog before, but his clip is lovely so I just wanted an excuse to post it here.  :)

You can't have too much fun...

A preschool visit to the farm!

And tonight, celebrating a very speacial person's birthday! :)

A holiday in 24 hours

With overseas friends in the country we decided to drive to see them.  It was, afterall, only a 2 hour drive, but the kids were so excited that we were going on a holiday.  It was, I admit, a nice way to end my week off work.  We stayed at a bed and breakfast for the night.  Nicholas was so cute, like a little old man.  He unpacked his little case and folded his pyjamas under the pillow, placing his slippers at the end of the bed.  I visited the most gorgeous garden shop that was next door.  We ate with friends, and talked with friends.  Nicholas and Audrey played in almost every park we saw. 

It felt good to see how much they enjoyed being away for the night.

They watched trains, passing by.

Last Saturday

This post was actually written a couple of days ago and saved in my drafts.  For some reason the new (and not so improved) blogspot dated it today when I hit the publish button.  gggrrr)

Yesterday was the perfect day to be inside.  It rained all day.  We lit the fire, the kids played and did some puzzles.  We cooked and I had a short amount of uninterrupted time reading magazines and started a book.  (Mel, I have your Nancy Granquist book if you're looking for it!)

I spent the morning watching a movie, even if it was in stops and starts.  I have been wanting to see Bright Star for a while.  As usual, I loved the simplicity of domesiticity.


When David and I were in Rome (I just like saying that!) we went to the house where John Keats died. 
The little sister in the movie is adorable.  I had hoped Audrey would have that colour hair!  And I want one of those butterfly nets...

days like these

Today we stayed home.  All day.  It was perfect. I have the week off work this week.  I just decided I needed some space from the office politics.
The first couple of days I found I was still a little tense, but yesterday was getting better.  And today it was like old times.  There wasn't a mound of housework to catch up on.  The kids were playing nicely together and I felt good.  We cooked, we played, we ate morning tea outside.  I will be all refreshed and on a high... and then it will be Monday again.  :)

Changes

Today is cool and cloudy.  But I feel good about the change of weather that we have begun to see.  My favourite season is usually Autumn - and Winter.  But I think with small children Winter seemed a little too long this year.  I printed a list of things to do with children at the local museums, galleries and parks.  I am looking forward to being out more.  I have even begun a little spring cleaning - I have the urge to cleanse and purge.  In the next few months Audrey will most likely move out of her cot, so I have been thinking of new ways to decorate her room once it has a "big" bed and a wardrobe.  her room is the only one without built-ins so it will be a challenging fitting everything in.
Next week I will have these prints framed.  One for each of the kids rooms.

I am also in a sewing mood.  So many things I want to make - I'll have to prioritise.  I am reading a book called Cider With Rosie.  A man's recollections of life in an English village in the 1920's.  It seems the perfect read for Spring.

We have also been busy outside.  The cubby house is all but finished.  We will order the slippery dip soon and this weekend I hope to paint it.  Our side yard fence has been moved to extend the backyard.  It looks great.

 

The backyard used to finish at the side of the steps.  We still need to sow some more grass and move the vegetable garden to where it can get more sun and then we should have the perfect place for the kids to spend long Spring days outside.... I can't wait.