At the Snow!

A few quick comments: Matt has had fun snowboarding but now realises he is an old man because he can hardly move. I tried skiing and was pretty hopeless but gained enough ground to feel okay about trying it again some day. Kees loved the snow, everything about it: eating, building, throwing, rolling, sliding and even a ski class. Jimmy probably would've enjoyed it more if he'd kept his mittens on, and if he didn't have such a sore leg from Kees falling on him off the third bunk. Holidays with kids bring many good times and challenges! Tomorrow we begin our return journey along the coast. xx

On the Road to the Snow!

We're off! Until we notice Jimmy's seatbelt's not done up.
Everybody's happy to be out on the road, heading into the unknown of the Australian bush.

Making new friends

under the endless blue sky.

Having the time of his life on the farm!

Sneaking up on brand-new calves in the morning sun

and smelling the beautiful flowers.

Leaves!

Winter wattle warming our chilly afternoon

playing soccer

and climbing trees, of course!

A few more stops and a good omen...

and we're at the snow! Snow blog coming soon.

Sheet Pyjamas

Hooray, the next step in old-sheet-upcycling! Let's see now, there've been nappies, skirts, cushions... now pyjamas! Because you can't get much more cosy than flannelette pjs. Here they are, modelled by the lovely Sally, who will kill me for putting up this pic (above) which makes her look a bit err... masculine. (She had the pants on back to front.) Sorry Sally, but really this was the best shot of your arabesque ;0) and we know that's the most important thing, doodle or no doodle. It's the sacrifice you have to make for your art. But I digress...

I included this photo to show the lovely fabric, and I also thought Sally looked very pretty.

And here is my talented little brother. Well, he's musically talented anyway. I think he better stick to duets rather than pas de deux. Ben, Matt says it looks like even your hand thinks you're a "loserrrr".

Pencil Case and Foldaway Pocket Bag

One thing I made for Kees' birthday was this pencil case, with his own scissors, glue and sticky tape, because he is right into that stuff at the moment and you know I need only the flimsiest of excuses to sew him something. This pencil case was surprisingly tricky (for me ;0)) and I hope the next one will be a bit tidier, but I love the "Bot Camp" fabric. (And did you notice some of that gingham from the old picnic basket again? That is one hardworking piece of fabric.)
Then I got excited and made a matching foldaway pocket bag. I got the pattern from an issue of G Magazine from the Library, and I'm hooked. You take one natty little pocket (above) and it folds out into a bag!

Yep, looks like he really loves it.

Mm hmm. Here is is, cast away forlornly on the floor. You little so-and-so, why can't you get a bit more excited about your lovely Mama-made gifts??

Update: Things are looking up: Kees showed his bag (without prompting) to a friend at playgroup today! Then he filled it up with bark chips....and dropped it on the ground and forgot about it. Hmmmf. And I've made another one incorporating an old pair of jeans. Very addictive. xx

All Better and Enjoying Winter Fun

Many of you kind and caring people have been asking how Kees has recovered from his recent accident (where a marble tombstone fell on him and broke his hand and foot). I'm sorry for this photo of his scar which really doesn't show up clearly, but anyway, as you can see below, he is suffering terribly.
We're so glad to have our boy all better again! And able to get wet! (And not smelling like a stinking sweaty old sock and whacking me with his cast during the night.)

Where I Live #2

Where I live, love is all around. ;0)

(Credit to Tamara for noticing love heart first.)