Saturday

I just wanted to make sure I remember this today.  Maggie said her first sentence.  Is it because she is the last baby?  Is it because I am paying more attention to the little things?  I don't think so, but it was sweet.  Nicholas was taking Maggie to the swing and she said "mum push me".  All of a sudden she is putting words together.  Her vocabulary is growing - her favourite words lately are "mine" and "me".  When she says "me" she seems so proud, so happy.  I love it.  xxo

Sunday

The weeks seem to fly by now.  Spring is (thankfully) around the corner. 

This past week we celebrated our baby's second birthday.  Two already!  Just to prove time does fly by when you are having fun (even if you are exhausted most of the time!)

Presents in the morning....



 Cake and coffee (for mum) after taking her brother and sister to school...

 A family party on the weekend :)

Trying with all her might to blow out the candles (we did move the cake closer in the end :))

The past week has also seen us celebrate book week.  Although originally I thought Audrey might like to dress as one of the Rainbow Fairies (a series of books loves) I later imagined the number of fairy/princess costumes that would be paraded at assembly and suggested she do something different.  Audrey was sceptical at first about the Paper Bag Princess, and when I produced a pillowcase with holes cut in in for the neck and arms she did not seem convinced.  When I told her we could put charcoal from the fire on her face, she was sold.  I loved making the crown from a toilet roll...

Nicholas had wanted to wear his star wars cape and go as Anikan Skywalker... I would rather he didn't.  So, good mother that I am, I played on his passion for AFL and suggested he go as Specky Magee, an aspiring football champion.  Nicholas said: "you mean I can wear my footy gear?"  He was thrilled :) 

And to top my week off, an unexpected card from my boy after I received my assignment grades. (Love the picture of me working on my laptop.)  :)

This afternoon we had lunch at a friends place just north of Canberra.  The kids loved the freedom of the space around us.  David and I loved the mud brick home.  :D

Another reason to celebrate - David got his permanency with the ACT education department!!  Certainty for the next few years! (Here doing the honors and cutting the lamb for today's lunch)

Nicholas brought his compass...

Skimming stones in the dam... (listen to those birds)

Phew.  After that overindulgence in remembering and photos, I am off to bed.

Wednesday

Last weekend was spent at the snow.  While I initially felt it was a huge effort to pack up for two nights in the cold, and truth be told I simply couldn't be bothered, I am so glad we went.  I made the effort because I knew it would be good for the kids, and that is what is important.  It was a brilliant weekend away and of course the kids loved every minute of it!

My favourite view.  Nicholas and Audrey walking back up the hill.  All. Day. Long.

 

Yum, snow.

Saturday

I have admired Orla Kiely's collections for some time now.  Her stem design can easily be identified wherever it is seen.  I keep a folder of articles and designs that I like (including hers).  The folder includes articles about fashion, homes and things about parenting or wellbeing that have influenced or inspired me at some time or another.

I was very excited to find some Orla Kiely stationery yesterday and bought some purse sized pocket notebooks.  It inspired me to try and collect a couple of her homewares pieces...  I particularly like the canisters and would love to get the cake tins one day.

Here is a clip of her 2014/15 collection.  Tights and a library.  Gorgeous.  Something that appeals to me. 



My favourite Audrey Hepburn movie is Funny Face.  (I even bought a coat and leggings in my first year of university inspired by AH's in this movie ;)).  So similar it makes me wonder if the book store scenes inspired this collection. 

Monday

Although this post says Monday, it is actually some photographs of how we spent our afternoon yesterday - making (or watching others make) Hungarian sausages, with good company, great food and lots of room for kids to play.  :)

It would be wonderful to wake up every morning to a view like this.