Edit...this isn't the photo chosen, but it is one where he's pinched a bag of potato chips/crisps...a new food item (healthy of course arrgh...should I be pleased or not)
This was the photo we chose of Liam for his medical sheets (the one to the far left)...each year we have to fill out allergy, anaphylaxis and asthma plans for the schools he is attending...this requires chasing him arouund the house with a camera to get a nice updated photo of him and a visit to the doctors with said forms :) .
He starts school tomorrow morning, so I better get those labels on his clothes.

This is his uniform stuff.
While he was having fun at his morning holiday programme sessions, another Mum & I finished off the uniform shopping...so much nicer doing it with someone else. It was also lovely to catch up with her and a couple of other Mums.








Kris went to the tennis with Simon & Beth...it was wet and sunny with a touch of hail, but they had Hi-Sense tickets for those moments :)











This was one of those moments umbrellas everywhere :)


A giant tennis ball :)






Liam has just climbed onto my chair, so I'm perched right on the edge...I expect to be pushed any time soon :).

The lovely lad slept in to 8.30 am this morning, so I have a much more sunny disposition to day, though No I didn't get to have a nap...Simon popped over after his tennis (which was lovely) and we went out for dinner for my FIL's birthday...so it was a long day.
BTW, I do love my morning snuggles from Liam (just prefer them a tad later) and I often enjoy chatting to Kris in bed, especially in the winter, when I can "suck heat" as he says :), but I do tend to fall asleep though :)
I also did the groceries and went to weight watchers...I'm still ahead LOL...didn't put the whole lot back on...Michelle said she would be good if I was (didn't know about dinner at the time) and we shook on it. Don't know who is more worried LOL.

Meanwhile with Kris hogging the computer lately, I only seem to be able to get on it in the morning. Did he have to put his ship sim on this computer? So he has been wandering the oceans with the Titanic...should I hope he sinks it :D

Oooohh am getting pushed...be right back...

Back again...it turned out the laundry was finished...you could almost feel them drying as they were put out...its hot and windy today. Mind you this time last year, the lack of green was depressing. The sun had been so searingly hot during January, that with no rain...it was scorched brown outside.

I've also done some crafting...I found these while I was going through some of my stuff...and have been finishing off the stitchery. Well I couldn't decide whether to do the colour version or the redwork one.















I've also stitched together these swell & sweet jelly roll strips...just need to organise fabric for the applique. I have the blue and red, should have black...




I've also got out my Shabby Roses fabrics...not sure how I'm going to do the backgrounds yet as I chose variegated fabric :) and have traced the applique pieces.

I've also started the side blocks for this table-runner...aren't the fabrics just gorgeous. Adam & Naomi bought me this kit while in Canada (where they got engaged)





Anyway better go have a shower and get dressed..naughty me slothing around in my pjs :)
Will catch up with my emails as soon as I can...Kris may get to the computer again soon as he is awake (pre-midday no less LOL). In the meantime thanks for the lovely comments on my little rant.

Hugs to all,
Sharon

A little rant

Its 7.15 am, his lordship is now firmly back in orbit, having gone back to his bed after waking me up (pre-dawn...I ask you is that fair?), falling asleep in my bed after a snuggle and gradually and so gently (not) easing me out of bed as he tried to get comfy. Children like all the bed space they can get LOL. I had gazed on his sleeping form and decided to get up and sneak off to his room. This kid has mummy radar, so was up in a flash, annoyed that I had the cheek to use the bathroom before organising his milk :).
After his milk and a nappy change he took himself back off to bed...I pottered around (knowing he would be up real soon if I dared go back to bed...bit like a mozzie who dive bombs you on the verge of blessed oblivion)...so I went to the computer instead.
Oh good its still silent I can go back to bed...so off went the computer, back went his blind, when responsible thoughts had the audacity to enter my head...well perhaps you should have breakfast, go do the groceries and go to weight watchers (not sure why I am bothering, having found every cake, biscuit, the Lindt choc flakes (for hot chocs, but lovely on a spoon) and dare I say the cooking chocolate. Well so much for giving up chocolate...I lasted almost 2 weeks LOL
So breakfast is finished and instead of getting myself organised or going back to bed I've been playing spider solitaire, reading a couple of blogs and blogging.
Anyway better go and do the right thing (big martyr sigh here LOL) and get ready to go.

Oh "hello" I think I hear movement afoot.

I do wish those martians in my life would get their act together...I want some routine... (hey we all have autistic traits). I don't want to be woken up at the crack of dawn and kept up or woken at night by little men (or even my beloved sons and others who all know Kris is up late so they can ring him) or their father who plays noisy games (even flight sim is loud), listen to music or merely read pp rune or flight sim stuff next to me in bed and if I dare move enlighten me as to their latest discovery. I"M NOT INTERESTED....I want TO SLEEP...thats what night is for. Why do they think its dark. What about circadian rhythms?
YES, I heard what you said...it was...No, I wasn't falling asleep (blatant lie ;) I don't quite understand why quality chatting time has to occur after I've gone to bed to sleep. Maybe its because I'm not talking so much... :)

'Course I cannot always blame them (do I have to be fair? LOL)...I have been watching the tennis, then sometimes I get too hot/cold too sleep or my mind starts screaming off on ever incresingly obscure, irrelevant tangents that seem to think they are more important than sleep.

So her comes Liam...Kris wants to sleep as he was up until the wee hours and I have the shopping to do and before Kris has to go to work...but he hasn't slept.

OOOhhhhh...I feel a few naughty word coming on LOL

Have been discovered, climbed on (the chair alaramingly swinging back...this boy is getting heavy LOL), cuddled and gwerred at and presented with a remote control. He is now back, after standing in the doorway smiling at me. How can I resist such a cute little munchkin...better go before he gets upset.

He is sooooo adorable!

Hugs to all,
Sharon

Contrary Weather

Those of us that live in Melbourne, know of its reputation for experiencing 4 seasons in one day. Well today we had rain, hail, sun and even snow in the alps (all in the middle of January). The heater has decided to misbehave, so while we can still cool the house down, remaining warm may prove to be an unexpected problem LOL
Hard to believe we were trying to keep cool this time last week. Even with air con, our house hovered around 30 oC that day, but at least it was working and was significantly cooler than outside's 43.
I have done a little bit of sewing, though I may unsew a few strips (when I find the unpicker that is). I spent a lovely morning with a friend from Irabina, while our kids were in the holiday programme (buying shorts and socks for them :D) and having a coffee. What possessed me to pick an iced frappe...my poor teeth sent me a sustained complaint :)
Meanwhile my DH was at the tennis with our son and his fiance. Didn't envy them a bit *tee hee hee* Oh and he took the camera...so no piccies, that is unless you want to see why I've gone back to weight watchers. The swimsuit shots from our excursion to the beach would have no risk of being in a swimsuit magazine LOL. Not that I cared at the time, afterall I was having fun with my little mischief. So will I do it again. Sorry folks, you will just have to avert you eyes LOL

Aww...why when DH rebuilds the computer can I not find some things? I was going to post a couple of Liam (not me) at the beach, but they've gone somewhere?

Hugs, Sharon

Wrap up and a long overdue thanks

These are 3 little friends I brought home this year.
Tell me why is round and fat cute as long as its not human ?

Well its the 11th of January ( and very hot) and it really feels like the new year has begun with Kris being back at work and a visit to the specialist (just a check up really) and of course I have to organise the rest of Liam's school uniform and other school necessities soon.
Its going to feel funny him heading off to school. I so many ways, he is not ready for primary school as I think of it. In other ways he is more than ready to go. I don't remember being slightly anxious when my other sons went to school (though that was a long time ago :D)

Anyway I thought I'd show the other xmas things I had made, but not posted. There is the Christmas stockings I made for our neighbours (the tree with chocolate inside of course) and one I made for my friend Nora (with a cat inside the redwork santa as she adores cats...not a real one *vbg*)

Both stitcheries are by Bronwyn Hayes. They are both part of her "Girls' Christmas Party Quilt" published in Australian Homespun No.32, Vol.6.5
I have also done the tree in redwork :), which I really like, but haven't photographed.


The pattern for the stocking was in Nancy Halvorsen's book "Happy Holidays to You" ( I had made some of her designs, namely the santa and angel stockings for a previous Christmas.)

I also made these lovely hearts called by Vikki (sew useful designs). The were a free pattern on the Among the Gumtrees blog. You can get it here.
I didn't finish them in time, so I have made a start for next Christmas (though I will keep one :D) . I also intend to do more :)















A long overdue apology and thanks to Sarah Fielke (the last piece & Sewn).













She sent me these just before Christmas as second prize giveaway win. I was so surprised as I didn't know until I opened it. They are these 2 lovely patterns by Gail Pan & Leanne's House. She also included a lovely note thanking me for my support ( I can be negligent at times :-))
Things had gotten really busy around that time and with me having to clear out my craft room so people could eat there, I totally forgot. I know excuses , excuses !!!

So sorry Sarah, please forgive me and thanks for the gorgeous patterns.

Next week Liam has his holiday programme at Irabina, which I know he will love :)
Hey maybe I can find my craft stuff. I know where it is, just not what is where :)

Hugs, Sharon

Gorgeous free BOMs online

Three lovely ladies are generously sharing their talents with us again this year.

They are Vicki of Tozz's Corner, with her "Flirting with Flowers" BOM which will have at least 6 blocks. She also has a great tutorial on needle turn applique for those who are interested :) You can find it here.








Cheryl of Willowberry Designs BOM is called "Under the Sea" which has 9 different sea views. This is Block 1. Isn't Josephine cute? Cheryl also has a tutorial on doing the pencil colouring she has used to highlight her stitchery:) You can find it here.











Finally and by no means least, Jenny of Elefantz has a 6 month BOM called "Bouquet". She has even included a picture of the finished BOM on her blog here and which fabrics she used, if you want the same look :)








All 3 ladies have posted Block 1 of their respective BOMs. So get them while you can. You will not regret it.

Hope you have fun with these,
Hugs,
Sharon

The Moon

The moon shone brightly into Liam's face last night.

When the moon's in your eye like a big piece of pie...its amore. No its time to get up, jump on Mummy and play...and cuddle and eat and drink. Why does that silly woman think its sleeping time. Light means daytime, not sleeptime LOL. Its a little hard to argue with such logic *vbg*

Hopefully it will be overcast tonight

Hugs, Sharon

Christmas and a New Year

Liam & Me (late Christmas Eve

Wow, its 2010...lets hope this year goes a tad slower, then maybe I'll get gifties done by xmas and all the ones I want to do too :).

I awoke this morning to a little body snuggling into me, which would have been more adorable had it not been sooo early and had he been dry. Got me up though, well temporarily anyway LOL. After a few more jumpings on (he gets more persistent and inventive over time), I gave in and stayed up...then went out shopping. Bumped into my Canberra friends (made Erica jump :) They were just getting a few things before their 6 hour journey home...but it was lovely seeing them. They are certainly amongst my favourite people and I got extra hugs. I love hugs!
My sons had little choice but to be cuddly tee hee hee.
Once I was home and Liam had both his parents up and about he nicked off for a sleep...cheeky monkey!!! :D

The Christmas /New year period was very good. After our illness we had 3 days to do the food shopping, make desserts, clean up the house (disaster zone) and decorate it. Kris was suggesting buying a couple of buckets of KFC so people would have something to eat. Now that would have been unfortunate LOL. He was still going on about it when he picked up reinforcements from the airport about 1 am (24th). He had left worrying where they were going to sleep (silly man). The floor was strewn with wrapping paper and gifts, but one needed a break form cleaning up.
So Adam & Naomi arrive about 2 in the morning and were disturbed to find I was still awake as they were worried about my anxiety rising the following day.
I was fine, much to everyone's relief. I think I was too busy to panic...one does need time and energy to throw a decent wobbly don't you think? LOL...besides I've had worse things to worry about this year than whether a tree was up or dinner on time :D Actually it was rather good feeling calm. I recommend it LOL

Adam brought up the tree and Naomi did a lovely job decorating it and I managed to finish clearing out my craft room (without resorting to sheds or ceilings Yeah). Not sure where it all is though. Liam got a little stressed though with all this activity...

Me Kris Kringling. The evening went wonderfully well. Everyone liked their Kris Kringles...the kids were happy with their presents.

Sarah

The newbie (Matt, Sarah's boyfriend) had a lot of fun...almost the life of the party, though he did have serious challengers :).

Katie

Toby, Matt & Sarah

The turkey was cooked, the new oven worked a treat, the flaming of the pudd was repeated due to too few flames (then almost had to be put out as Richard used all the remaining brandy on it) . Liam disappeared into his room for a sleep shortly after everyone arrived (he did join us later and of course didn't want to go to bed after everyone had left)

Sarah (dark figure in hallway), Adam, Jen, Naomi & Richard

Oh and I got (well we got) a new camera for Christmas, a gorgeous copy of Adam & Naomi's wedding album (which they had designed), chocolates (of course), some divine lemon lime biscuits etc and best of all lots of hugs *vbg*.

Naomi & Liam: Christmas day

Though there was the unwanted Christmas Day sunburn, especially Simon, who without a hat and a very short haircut (skinhead...not his best look) was lucky he didn't get sunstroke! We had a BBQ and as there was a cool breeze totally forgot about the UV.

Christmas Day & Emily and Liam

We had fun while we burned LOL. Fortunately Liam was well covered, as were Naomi & Beth, so they were fine :)

"Making Spirits Bright" by Natalie Bird (The Birdhouse), which I made for the Thomas family and
a wallhanging for Beth and Naomi's families featuring the central stitchery from Liz Stanway's (Teddlywinks) "Christmastime for Teddybears"

I finally finished a couple of pressies on the 28th. The Thomas family came over for tennis and afternoon tea. Liam had another snooze.

Simon, Bree(back), Amanda, Erica, David, Clare & me.

They are such a lovely family, I wish we didn't live 6 hours away. It was a great afternoon.

Oh and My lovely niece Nikki turned 2o. Happy Birthday!

On Wednesday we had a BBQ with the boys and their partners, Adam & Naomi packed and flew home to Sydney that evening :( All good things must come to an end, but only temporarilly :)

We also caught up with Jaccoz, a friend (here for a wedding on Sunday) who lives in Korea. Saw Avatar, while the boys babysat Liam (wonderful film, must see it).

Me & Naomi in bushland behind our house

Naomi and I went for a couple of walks up the hill and through the bush. I got very red-faced (my face doesn't sweat due to an allergic reaction several years ago, so I literally glow)
Views like this as well as the feeling of getting away from it all are certainly worth it though.








Liam was happy much of the time. Lots of laughing and playing with his brothers. When Adam left he gave him such a huge cuddle, Adam said "he doesn't want to let me go". Then he let go and rushed back inside (very unlike Liam who likes to stay outside). He knew they were leaving. Its wonderful to see how the three (brothers) get along so well.

2009 had its clouds, but it certainly ended with a silver lining and a glorious thunderstorm light show :)

So now it is 2010, a year of new beginnings.
There will be weddings: good friends of ours (Vikki & Scott), our second son, Simon and Sue's (I purr-furr to craft) daughter. And 21sts: Naomi's brother & Nikki. Simon & Beth are also moving into their first home. My niece, Sarah & her boyfriend are off to Uni. Brianna Thomas will also take her next step after finishing high school and Liam starts primary school.
But before all of that we have the summer holidays :). Very important as here in Oz the only thing that doesn't end at the close of a year is the financial year...so we all feel a little worn out and in need of a summer break :). Its a great way to start a new year.

BTW I didn't see the New Year in... at 11.00pm I wondered what was a thinking, so I went to bed.

Lots of hugs and best wishes to you and yours,
Sharon