Fresh Tea

the new old house!

2011-06-09T18:23:00.000-07:00

wow! has it been so long?

so we are kind of unpacked, living from room to room at the moment.

phil is in the middle of rewiring the house and insulating all the walls and ceilings.

in the mid eighties when this house was built insulation wasn't really thought necessary.

photos of his progress still to come.

i have just only unpacked the camera so pictures are limited sorry.

we have however been making more progress outside, the poor hubby has been removing trees like a man possessed.

thirty years of neglect has left them in bad condition, and very bad placement to close to the house is starting to effect the foundations.

as we live on a slope with a lake at the bottom i do not want to wake up one morning only to find we are swimming with the fishes!

these pics are from november of last year, before we moved in and the house was empty.

we snuck around for a cheeky look before we had keys so the only inside photo is taken through the window and poor quality.

drive and entrance...

as you can see the gardens are a over grown mess and need a lot of work.

nothing a chainsaw cant fix!

so more pictures to come, i will try very hard this weekend to load some more of inside the old hew house, and update what we have been doing for the last six months.

merry christmas

2010-12-21T13:45:00.000-08:00

We finally have a phone and internet line after four weeks.

Apparently it is very hard to change the address and set up a connection for customers that have been with the same company for eight years!

But anyway, we have kind of moved into the new old house.

Still trying to unpack some things and find homes for everything and everyone.

I haven't found the camera charger yet so no pictures to show I'm sorry.

But will get onto that after Christmas.

Speaking of Christmas, I hope you all have a wonderful holiday and will catch up with you again after ours.

Travel safe and be merry!

sold!

2010-11-02T21:49:00.000-07:00

So our little house sold yesterday.

And we brought a new old house all on the same day.

So things will be very busy as there is rather a lot of packing to be done.

I guess we will be a bit m.i.a for a while.

And will try for a few progress reports, but I'm not sure who will be our new internet provider at the new old house.

Have a great couple of weeks, and will see you again from the new old house!

moving on!

2010-10-26T17:59:00.000-07:00

After ten years at this address...

we have decided to sell and move on.

if you wish to have a little look or want to buy our lovely house can check out the listing and pictures here!

school boy

2010-09-26T19:34:00.000-07:00

Olivers first day of school was a great success.

He was very happy to be in the same class Ella was when she started.

And he had no trouble sorting himself out somewhere to sit.

And got stuck into some serious colouring.

Mat time and he was happy to be left on his own...

too cool for school!

"What are you still doing here crazy lady, go home!"

Our little house is going to be very quiet indeed with both munchkins at school, what is a Mummy to do?

Any thing I want!

birthday boy -o- boy!

2010-09-22T19:34:00.001-07:00

I have been in major denial that our last baby is turning five!
I couldn't even bring myself to make party invitations.
Instead we threw a really random party together a couple of days before we had it.
I didn't even book tables at the local pool, as you are supposed to.

This total lack of origination didn't seem to bother the boy, who had a fabulous time.
He was as usual surrounded by his favourite girls, all seven of them.
He number one girl's big brother gate crashed the party, which was good a little more testosterone didn't hurt.

Happy happy birthday our sweet boy.
Five already, it doesn't seem real, you got to here so very fast!

his last!

2010-09-21T22:15:00.000-07:00

What a full on week we have had!
Friday was our little lads very last day at kindergarten.

First thing in the morning we made a birthday hat and play dough cupcake, with candles.
With his best little buddy helping.

All the kindy kids sung "Happy Birthday" and "Happy School Days".
And he loved being the center of attention!

Ollie had a very lovely last day, and this time I did not sit in the corner crying!
So our darling laddie, "Happy Last Kindy Day".
Just a couple of sleeps and it is off to school for you.

strawberry

2010-09-12T14:55:00.000-07:00

Ella has been a little concerned about her teacher standing out in the cold when on traffic duty.

So she asked me to knit her a hat.
Ella picked this nice chunky strawberry yarn and the cabled pattern herself.

The hat is quite cute I think...

but not as cute as my Button!

corsage

2010-09-11T01:09:00.001-07:00

Oliver invited his girlfriend Bella (my future daughter in-law) to the kindy disco last night.
He took her a corsage that we made from stuff out of the veggie garden.

They both had a wonderful time.
Although Oliver needs lessons on how to look after his date a little better.
When we arrived he went in one direction and Bella in another.
They did meet up to have dinner together and a dance.
So the evening wasn’t a total bust.

first dance!

2010-06-28T01:14:00.000-07:00

Ella went to her very first school dance the other night.
She had the full treatment...

hair and make up...

and of course a new party dress...

so very beautiful, our little princess.

timely reminder...

2010-05-20T14:48:00.000-07:00

my little sister phoned me this morning to remind me that today is my 2nd blogiversary.
I am quite surprised that this has snuck up on me!

so in honour of all things two…

here are the two most beautiful creatures I know,at of course two!

are they not just too cute!

a little something red

2010-05-18T18:58:00.001-07:00

There are lots of new little boys around at the moment.
This wee red hoodie is for Adam.

Another project that I managed to finish while in quarantine.
You can knit one too, go here for the pattern.

kissing chickens!

2010-05-16T20:55:00.000-07:00

Oliver has been kissing chickens and caught the pox’s!
So we have been in quarantine for the last week.

But it hasn't been all bad, I have managed to finish some projects that have been sitting for a while.

This wee cardi is for one of Ollie's girl friends.
Another Ella, who has just turned three.
Her favorite colour is orange...

so this wee cardi should go down a treat!

And a very big thanks to my very beautiful model...

i heart kindy!

2010-05-05T18:20:00.000-07:00

don't you wish you were 4 again?

just so you can have your face painted at any old random time!

i know it's been a while since my last post, my brain just needed a wee rest.
i will try to be a better blogger now.

the boy....

2010-03-04T14:49:00.000-08:00

The boy thinks we need to see more of him on the net!
So not wanting to disappoint, here he is doing one of his favourite things....

go my little hoon!

one for a little boy

2010-02-28T12:57:00.001-08:00

A couple of years ago I decided to teach myself to crochet.
Mum showed me the basics and away I went.

I made a baby blanket for our friends first baby.
Now they have had baby number two, a wee boy.

So of course he needs a blanket of his own.

Something nice and colourful to snuggle into.

"now that i'm six"

2010-02-15T13:26:00.000-08:00

"I need a big girl hair cut!"

This child is growing up way too fast for me.

hello...

2010-02-01T21:24:00.000-08:00

Hello again.

We are back from our family summer holiday and a self imposed holiday away from technology.
That meant no computer, no cell, no camera, just kids, husband and dog!

So lots has been happ'n.
The house is still not finished, the dining room and laundry still need a coat of paint.
As does the entire out side of the house, time for a new colour too I think.

Our biggest and besets news is our wee Button turned six on Christmas Day.
SIX!!!!!!
I still can't get over just how fast that has happened.
Six already, I still remember bring her home from the hospital, plonking her on the dining table still in her car seat and bursting into tears because I didn't know what to do with her.

This year she got a new bike...

I think she looks tiny on it, but she handles it just fine.

And Ella also lost her first baby tooth...

She was born with her two front bottom teeth, so they have lasted well.
Her tooth was only wiggly a few days and then Oliver head-butted her in the mouth, kindly removing said wiggly tooth for her.
Such a considerate wee brother!

And a very generous Tooth Fairy made for an enjoyable first tooth loosing experience.

merry christmas everyone!

2009-12-23T22:58:00.001-08:00

so what's atop of your tree...

I brought this lovely snow flake while up in Auckland.
Phil had his work Christmas party this weekend, so while he went to work on Friday, I shopped!

I have been wanting to share the photos of the house repaint and new carpet.
But the carpet was delayed because they measured the house wrong and one run was too short.
So by the time that was sorted we were heading for Wanganui to drop off the munchkins and then onto Auckland.
And somewhere in the middle I managed to delete all the before and after photos!

So it is safe to say I need a holiday - big time!
In light of this the kids have everything set out for the big jolly fella and his crew...

and apparently he needed an explanation as to what all this is for...

So from my family to yours
"we wish you a merry Christmas and a very happy New Year".

Hopefully in the next couple of weeks I can get our lives sorted.
I know the kids are sick of having to rummage into a box to find their clothes.
So once all is well and the house in a more livable state I can get some pictures for you to see.
Until then take care and be safe!

busy, busy, busy...

2009-11-29T15:45:00.001-08:00

the new carpet is being put down next week!

so our wee family life is all about painting pretty much the entire inside of our house.

but it's ok i have help in the form of a midget painting munchkin!

holiday - part two :

2009-11-22T19:13:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the slowness in getting around to posting this, but a lot is happening here at the moment. (more of that later!)

So following the lay on the beach day and do nothing to recover from all the roller coaster rides we went to Sea World...

we took in a show...

saw some fish...

and some bigger fish...
that some crazy people were getting in and swimming with!

My favorite were the Polar Bears...

they were having such a great time swimming around and showing off for all that were checking them out.

But alas our lovely holiday was over all too fast and just as we were getting used to the time change we had to get back onto the red plane and come home.

good buy sun shine.

holiday - part one :

2009-11-08T13:16:00.000-08:00

So the holiday was awesome, and one of a few "firsts" for me...

such as my first time over seas and first time on a roller coaster!

This is the view from our apartment on the ninth floor looking over Coolangatta.

We went here...

to see the Stars...

and have our pants scared off...

We went on every ride (and there is heaps of them) except the Batman one above.
I am way to scared of heights to get shot straight up in the air like those crazy people who did!

And after all the excitement we needed sugar and these yummy things are every were in Auzzy.
Churros, deep fried donut stick covered in cinnamon sugar.

and a much deserved day of rest and sleeping here...

so there is a little taste, more to come soon.

hello .... goodbye ....

2009-10-23T14:29:00.000-07:00

see you in a little over a week, hubby and I are going here for our early tenth wedding anniversary.

Jealous much!

pink...

2009-10-19T00:10:00.000-07:00

I am a very lucky lady...

he brought me pink gerberas.

holidays

2009-09-30T15:22:00.001-07:00

It is nearly the end of the first week of school holidays and the kids have been sick!
Oliver with croup and a nasty ear infection. He has never been this sick ever.
And now poor Ella has a tummy bug and can't keep anything down.

So I thought it might be nice to look at some pretty pictures.
My Mum is into growing Orchids at the moment.
And has some lovely flowers coming on...

And wee Ella in her last week of term had a bash at some flower arranging too...

All the veg are from our garden.

And this is her hedgehog "Savage".

If you are on holiday, I hope you are having a good time.
Maybe next week will be better for my munchkins!

post!

2009-09-22T18:10:00.001-07:00

I love getting stuff in the post, who doesn't!

This is from Suse of Pea Soup.
Four delicious sea green and blue gray balls of yummyness!

We decided on our own little swap after she saw the stitch markers I had made for a friends birthday.
I love this yarn, and had first thought of using it for a gift.
But I don't think I can part with it and really should knit something for myself.

So now I have to decide what to do with it!
I keep going here to look at this lovely shawl knitted by Amanda at Jolie House.
It would be a first for me to knit something like that so I am a tad nervous so I think I will take my time with this project.
Lots and lots of cups of tea should help!

Indian Summer Shirt and Skirt GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-09-21T21:46:00.000-07:00

Another fabulous giveaway from Grosgrain.

I can so see Miss Ella in this gorgeous outfit, although I don't think her socks would stay up like that!

Indian Summer Shirt and Skirt GIVEAWAY!!!!

four!

2009-09-19T18:18:00.000-07:00

Today our baby turned Four!

Happy birthday darling lad.
We love you so very much!

randomness

2009-09-15T15:48:00.000-07:00

I'm not really sure where the last three weeks have gone, it has been rather a busy time in our little house.
But school holidays are only around the corner and we will be able to slow down a little then.
So here is a little bit or randomness that has been going on....

Suse from Pea Soup and I have our own swap happening....

I made these stitch markers (eight blue and four green) for her and in return the lovely Suse is sending me some of her beautifully hand dyed yarn.
Personally I think I'm getting the better end of this deal so I hope she likes the stitch markers.

Miss Ella is into making her own after school snacks at the moment....

and jam is at the top of her list.

We seem to be eating rather a lot of eggs, especally for breakfast....

Phil brings home these lovely coloured eggs from Kapiti.
I like their nice bright yellow yokes.

We have been eating out of the veggie garden too....

this is the last broccoli.
They have been very yummy, but I must remember to plant seedlings every few weeks because now we will have to wait a while for more.

I have been spending quite a bit of time here....

now that Oliver is at kindy two mornings a week, I can spend a little time on myself.

out of control !

2009-08-23T15:49:00.001-07:00

OK so it would seem that the crochet bug really has his teeth well and truly in!
I still have to finish Ella's blanket, but I just can't seem to focus on one project at a time at the moment.
I must have about seven things that need to be finished, but no I have to start something new!

my little lad...

2009-08-20T15:08:00.000-07:00

sleeps with wooden nuts on his eyes!

pretty in pink

2009-08-13T22:38:00.000-07:00

I have been making myself knit... (the crochet bug seems to be taking over!)

This wee hat for my Button has been in the "must finish" basket too long.

The pattern is a old Fontana one that I brought off TradeMe a while ago.

It made me laugh when I saw it, so naturally I just had to have it.

baby knits

2009-08-05T16:44:00.000-07:00

In between knitting the big sisters Razor Cami, I have been working away on this small project...

for a new lad Zack!

The sweater is a Sublime pattern called "Preppie".

The wee hat is "Aviatrix".

And "Christine's stay on booties".

What a nice warm bundle he will be!

my new distraction

2009-08-02T19:10:00.000-07:00

Way back in September of last year I was working on crocheting this ripple blanket for Ella...

I am using Zhivago and love how soft and warm it is.
However the blanket has become very very heavy and skinner at one end.
So the understanding husband and I ripped it.

And I have decided to totally copy Alicia's (Posie Gets Cozy) cloister blanket, which I just love and can't seem to get out of my head!

Now I know that coping others peoples work is really really bad.
But I figure that my coloures are different, it won't be as big, it is to keep my five year old warm at night, and it's not for sale so there is no profit to be made other than a kiss and hug from Button.
So I'm sure Alicia won't mind.

new bling!

2009-07-19T20:53:00.000-07:00

My friend (aka the "Knitting Queen") uses these lovely plastic bread bag holder thingies as stitch markers.

She is a great knitter and has consistently perfect tension.
Even if she puts her work down for a couple of days, you can never tell.

So I'm sure you will agree that beautiful knitting needs beautiful stitch markers.

Luckily for her that it happens to be her birthday.
So I made her these.

quick knits

2009-07-17T23:56:00.000-07:00

I had been working on this Razor Cami for what feels like ages.
I say ages because I kept getting interrupted by other projects.

This is a very lovely pattern to knit.
Nice and simple, but gives a great effect.
I really enjoy knitting in the round, especally because there isn't as much sewing up to deal with at the end.

This one is for my big sister's birthday.
She is very tall and a disgustingly skinny, and because she has a touch of Maori blood is perfectly tanned all year round!
So this colour will look fabulous on her.

I am loving my Mum's little veggie patch at the moment too.

I like her eclectic randomness of planting.
My garden is to orderly and square, I might get Ella to plant some things.
She is a tad random just like her Nanna.

A very nice place to sit with a hot cup of tea.

to snow or not to snow?

2009-07-15T23:58:00.001-07:00

It is school holidays here, so we shot up to Wanganui for a couple of days.

We also decided to take the kids to Mt Ruapehu.
(behind the Wanganui water tower above)

It was to be the first time they have seen snow close up.
As you can see Oliver was not sure about the whole snow thing.

That was until he lay down on it and licked it, just to make sure it wasn't ice cream!
(and no I wasn't quick enough to get a photo)

But even tough they appear to be having fun, they are townies!

They hated the coldness, the wetness, that it got into their boots and gloves (or glubs, as Oliver calls them), down their necks and up their backs.

And that after you have fun on the down hill...

you have to walk all the way back up...

We gave up after an hour and a half of tears and constant questions about "why can't we go to Nanna's beach with the beach boyfriend, or to a cafe?"

I think from now on we will stick to the replica Mt Ruapehu at Kowhai Park.

It is easier to climb!

yuck!

2009-06-28T21:33:00.000-07:00

Yuck!
Everything and every one is yuck at the moment.

The weather has packed in and it's been raining for over a week.
And it's dam cold.

This is a close as we get to snow here in the valley.

The kids are sick, and have been home from school and kindy all week.
And are starting to go a little crazy and climbing the walls.

I have managed to get some knitting done, but no pictures yet as the light is bad and it's too wet outside.
Soon maybe?

Best we stay inside drinking tea and eating cake!

Me Me Me and Me

2009-06-12T22:46:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged for a Me Meme by SweetP Knits, ta thanks.

The rules:
1. Respond and rework; answer the questions on your blog, replace one question that you dislike with a question of your invention, add one more question of your own.
2. Tag eight other people.

So here goes:

What is your current obsession?
Granny Squares.
All because of Posy Gets Cozy’s Cloister Blanket.

What is your weirdest obsession?
I love eating this crazy recipe of Amy's from Angry Chicken : Pecan + pretzel + chocolate = delicious!
You have to try it yourself, they really are very very delicious.

What are you wearing today?
Very warm clothes, and hug boots.

What's for dinner?
Roast Chicken and loads of winter veg.

What did you eat for your last meal?
Spaghetti and cheese toasty, and a feijoa muffin.

What's the last thing you bought?
A stretch and grow for my friend who is having baby number three soon.

What are you listening to right now?
Rehashing The Cure and a lot of other 80’s music.

If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?
Germany, the hubby went last year and I am still green that I didn’t get to go too.

Which language do you want to learn?
French.

What do you love most about where you currently live?
Snuggling in my big bed with the kids, hubby and dog on a wet weekend morning.
Our new little veggie patch and the new kitchen floor!

What is your favorite colour?
Duck egg blue.

What is your favorite piece of clothing in your own wardrobe?
Sad I know but my old blue jeans.

What were you doing ten years ago?
I was in my final year of Teachers Collage, so exams.
And organizing our wedding.

Describe your personal style?
Disheveled stay at home Mum!

If you had £100 now, what would you spend it on?
That’s about $300 NZ, ooh so much yarn, or maybe diamond earrings?

What are you going to do after this?
Sitting down with the family for dinner.

What are your favourite films?
Atonement and Chocolat.

What inspires you?
Without sounding pathetic: my kids, nature, colour, other cleaver people.

You’re favourite books?
My little sister brought me the “Complete Tales & Pomes” of Edgar Allan Poe and I’m loving that.

Do you collect anything?
Yarn.

What makes you follow a blog?
Great photos, food, craftiness or knitting, anything that is a good read.

What was the most enjoyable thing you did today?
This morning I went to a “Stitch and Bitch” group with my little sister and little hoon.
We all had a wonderful time.
There were three other kids there, so while the ladies sipped tea, ate feijoa muffins and knitted the kids ran wild.

What new skill would you like to learn?
How to skateboard.

Now to pass the tag on :

Casting on Trouble
Made in the Sollies
Blue Garter
Celtic Cast On
Knitter Sue
Linnea Paulina
Miss Woolly Knits
Never Not Knitting

I really really dislike choosing, so feel free to consider yourself tagged if I haven't tagged you!
And you may want to make a fresh pot of tea while working on this!

done

2009-06-10T15:45:00.000-07:00

Our little house has had a busy week.
The floor is done, yepee!

And in record time too.
Thankfully it only took two days to put down.
Which was great for us because all the white wear was in the middle of the lounge.

I love the new floor, especially how much bigger the kitchen looks.
And that it is so much easier to keep clean.
Even my little hoon can push the vac around and tidy up after himself.
Although he would much rather use the floor as a road for his cars.

Now all that's left is to replace the windows at the front of the house, and then get new carpet.
And our little house will almost be done.

Other things :
Sweet P has received her goodies from the giveaway now so I can show you too.

Tea of course, a wee tea bag tray, spoon (from Mt Maunganui), and a cup cake.
The cup cake pattern is available from here, if you would like to make one for yourself.

threes...

2009-06-01T16:35:00.000-07:00

Well they say things happen in threes...

1. I slipped off the deck and thought I had broken my ankle.
Luckily it is only very badly sprained, and the size of a small pumpkin.

2. The car broke down on the way to school.
Luckily I was rescued by one of our local Firemen.

3. Our fridge completely gave up and rattled it's last cold breath.
Luckily Phil found another here in the village for only $300.

What a week, so on to better things...

Apologies for the lateness in drawing the giveaway, but it's been rather an eventful week.
So Button drew Sweet P's name out of the bag.
Congrats, the mystery treat above will be on its way to you very soon.

Tomorrow the flooring people are coming to lay new floor in our kitchen, dining, laundry and toilet.
Yeah!
I have only been waiting for new floor for three years now!

These nasty cork tiles were every where.

But when Phil lifted them we found a even bigger disaster...

We did have a go at getting the lino up, but what a mission.
So we are going to let the flooring chaps tackle that job.

But the hubby has been very busy this weekend pulling up the old carpet and removing all the carpet tacks.

Another job well done!

it's in the bag!

2009-05-20T21:08:00.000-07:00

Today is my blogiversary.

One year all ready!
I nearly missed it, but then remembered that I have a little giveaway to celebrate.

So just because I think I'm oh so clever...

"What's in the bag?"

So all you need to do is answer this two part question :

"Where do we spend our Summer Holidays?"
and for the fun factor - "What is in the bag?"

You can e-mail me your answer (address link under 'Welcome' in my side bar), or just in the comments.
And lets say I will draw a winner in a weeks time.

Thanks to you all who take the time to drop by for a visit, I hope you enjoy sharing with our little family.

Note : sorry but the bag is a much loved one of Ella's so isn't part of the giveaway.

how does your garden grow?

2009-05-16T23:42:00.001-07:00

Ours is growing very slowly!

With the usual suspects...

beans, broccoli, brussel sprouts, carrots (all season, baby, purple haze and rainbow selection), cauliflower (white and purple), celery, garlic...

leeks, lettuce, parsley, rosemary, sage, silverbeat, spinach, spring onions and peas.

Ella likes eating the parsley picked straight off the plant.
I wonder what else she will eat straight out of the garden?

I remember eating radishes, dirt and all from Mums garden when I was only five.

I don't like radishes now, how about you, what do you like eating just picked from the garden?

Mothers Day!

2009-05-10T15:15:00.000-07:00

I hope all the Mums out there are having or had a wonderful Mothers Day.

This year our Mums were sent some lovely "Linden Leaves - Gold Shimmer Dust".

I think it is perfect to brighten you up on a cold and wet winters day.

And I was very spoiled with a beautiful new knitting book:

and a packet of seeds for the garden:

I am pretty sure the seeds were paid with my darling Buttons pocket money, so they are extra special.

And yes I have already got yarn to knit that sweater on the cover for Ella, and this vest for Oliver:

Thank you my Munchkins for a lovely day!

Picnic Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-05-05T21:56:00.000-07:00

Picnic Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

If you are dreaming of Summer already, and love a pretty dress then check this out.

Kathleen at Grosgrain is a very talented sewer, and giving this lovely dress away to some lucky lady.

left with the lads!

2009-05-02T17:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Button flew the coop with Auntie Toni and Nanna.

They have gone North for some warmer weather.
And are staying here with Miss May!

Button insisted she take something to thank Auntie May for looking after them all.

I think she did quite well selecting this nice 'Boots' Body Shimmer Compact.
I might just have to get one for myself!

So I have been left with these two:

I am gonna need loads of cups of tea to get through the week!

e & o in paint

2009-04-29T15:16:00.001-07:00

Louisa has been painting again:

This time it is Ella and Oliver.
Love, love, love, just love!

Thank you my friend.

wet

2009-04-28T16:57:00.000-07:00

The weather has turned nasty, although it is very very wet it is quite warm.
And we have a swimming pool developing in the front lawn.
Which means no getting the garden sorted, oh well how sad I will just have to knit instead!

For a wee Easter gift I knitted the little sister a Peasant Cap.
Modelled here by the ever so lovely Button!

I used the lovely Panda crepe, from this post.
And I really love the way it turned out.
This is a interesting pattern to knit up, as their are three pieces to the hat.
Which I liked as I usually find hats very boring to knit.

If you would like to make your own, get the pattern here :
Pattern : Do - It - Yourself Peasant Cap.
By : Tempest in a Teapot.

Other thing made at Easter were these :

Tee-pee climbers for Nanna.
They were her birthday present from the muchkins.
Who were supposed to help make them, but decided they had better things to do!

If the weather ever clears up I will try and get some pics of our new gardens progress.
Until then it's all tea drinking and knitting!

back

2009-04-25T16:58:00.000-07:00

We are back from our Easter and School holidays.

Which we spent mostly in Wanganui.
Catching up with family, even ones all the way from Canada.

We had a lovely relaxing time at Mums ( who also celebrated her birthday while we were there ), just veging out completely and eating heaps of chocolate.
I am all ways amazed how her house just makes me stop, slow down and sleep.

The weather was great also, so the kids spent most of their time at the beach with their cousins - "The Goofball Brothers".
They are lovely boys and Ella and Oliver really enjoy spending time with them.

I did manage to squeeze in a little knitting in between all the doing nothing and chocolate eating, pictures to follow.
Ella is looking forward to getting back to school on Monday, so I will getting back into the swing of things next week.

I did take the camera away with us, but didn't use it very often, having a wee blog holiday as well has been kinda nice.
But now I have a heap of blogs to catch up on so I’m off to see what you’ve all been up to while I’ve been away.
So with a fresh pot of tea in hand I'm off browsing!

for anzac day

2009-04-08T15:05:00.000-07:00

My very clever and ever so talented friend Louisa painted the pictures.
They are for our local Church newsletter for ANZAC Day.
(which isin't untill the 25th of April, but I can't wait that long to show these!)

I love them, the colours are fantastic and bright despite the sad content.
I especially love the mushrooms and wee Owls peeking out from behind them.
And I am always amassed at the speed in which she can turn out a painting.
I am certain the woman paints in her sleep!

Louisa is currently working on publishing a children's book.
I can't wait to she what she has done.
I will for sure be getting a copy, and will keep you posted on how to get one for yourself!

quick knits

2009-04-06T12:23:00.000-07:00

With the weekend over and another two birthdays done and dusted I can now show some more of this little tease.

The bunny now lives with Miss Moore's wee lass.
The pattern is of course from Barbara Prime.
Which you can get for yourself here.

And Ella's best friend "Miss K" turned five.
She asked for a puffy sleeved cardie just like Ella's, but it had to be yellow!

Now to get moving on some other projects that should have been finished yesterday!

for your listening pleasure

2009-04-05T14:16:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking about adding a little music to the blog for a while now.
Although I am still not set on the idea, so lets just see.

You can find the turn table right at the bottom of the blog.
There are a few tunes there, and from the looks of things I am going through a "Cure" revival.
Let me know what you think, should the tunes stay or go?

for the beach boyfriend!

2009-03-30T23:05:00.001-07:00

I have heard through the "Island Drums" that the beach boyfriend is fed up with looking at more of my knitting and not enough of "his girl"!

So not wanting to disappoint, here we go...

Ella has now received two school awards.

The first (above) is a "Good Attitude" Award.
She got this one for coming to school with a ready smile and willing to have a go.

And her second the "Star Student" Award is for being a friendly, co-operative student who works well and learning.

Very well done my Button.
I am glad you are enjoying school so much.

And I hope this pleases the "Beach Boyfriend" too!
Now I need another cup of tea (ha).

no knitting this weekend!

2009-03-28T21:28:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting a veggie patch for a long while now, ever since Miss May built her own.
So I set my long suffering husband to work out in the back garden.

The last time my Mum came to stay, I had her moving rocks (at the back there) off the garden to expose the clay dirt.
Which has been airing for a month after being covered with said stones for about seven years.

This weekend has been all business, with Phil framing up a boxed garden.
To cover up a useless bit of raised concrete.
Job well done hubby!

Then all that remained was to fill with nice new dirt, brick a path through the middle.
Drink about a thousand cups of tea, while leaning on a spade.

And wallah!
Welcome to our new garden.

Next week a much needed trip to the garden shop for plants is in order.

so very very bad!

2009-03-16T21:41:00.000-07:00

Instead of finishing the already cast on projects below...

I in a mad knitting induced state cast on yet another project!
This one is a lovely Panda plum coloured crepe, which is so very soft.

But I digress...
this madness has to stop, I am in need of a serious intervention!

peek!

2009-03-11T20:07:00.001-07:00

Just a little peek at what I'm working on at the moment.

Usually I only allow myself to cast on one project at a time...

no new ones until the first is completed...

not sure what happened here.
But now I am going to have to assign them to a priority list because they are all for birthday prezzies, and as much as I would like to knit them all at once, I can't!

again with the colour purple!

2009-03-03T20:32:00.000-08:00

I seem to have a thing for the colour purple at the moment.

I wiped up another Minisweater for Button over the weekend.

The yarn is Cleckheaton "Remo", which is beautifully soft and light.
Which is great because the weather is still very hot.

And makes Buttons eyes very blue!

quick knits

2009-02-23T21:22:00.001-08:00

This wee purple puppy is for a lovely little lass who just turned 1!

I hope you like her lots Miss E.

Happy birthday from Ella Rose and Oliver.

happy valentines day !

2009-02-13T20:47:00.000-08:00

her first!

2009-02-03T20:34:00.001-08:00

Today was our baby girls first day at school!!!

She was so very excited and happy to finally be there.

She marched straight into her classroom, calmed a chair and set to work.
All business!

And yes I was a mess, tears and not wanting to leave her there!
Much to her amusement.
I am so not ready for a school kid, where have the last five years gone!

road trip!

2009-02-01T22:16:00.001-08:00

We took a road trip up North for our Summer Holiday.
Back to where it all began!

There are a lot of photos, so I won't bore you with a lot of words...

the kids had a great time in the surf, running to and from it...

face planting the sand...

getting very confidant in the water...

and a little "cheeky" with the waves...

the beach boyfriend was in attendance again this year...

to help make sand castles...

we also swam in rock pools, collected shells and cat's eyes...

and Ella had a wee adventure of her own...

We can't wait to do it again next summer!

OH S**T!!!

2009-01-30T21:15:00.000-08:00

We are back from our family holiday, and I had intended this post to be about that.

But while I was sorting out the million photos I took while away, I realised that there was a disturbing lack of noise in the house!

So I went to investigate and found...

Ella in the bathroom giving herself a hair cut!

Apparently her hair was in the way, so she thought she would just lop it off!
"Why not just tie it up?" I asked.
"Oh, didn't think of that!" was reply.

Thankfully all the cutting was in front, so now my child has a very short, very fat fringe!
Just in time to start school.

No amount of tea will make this one right, I will have to move onto the Sherry!

kids mojito

2009-01-14T18:28:00.001-08:00

It's hot! and the kids are sick of drinking plain water.
I'm not into packet Raro ( which is nothing more than coloured sugar ) or supermarket mixes.

So we drink heaps of kids mojitos ( without the alcohol ) which are rather refreshing on a hot summers day.

Today we used our own home grown Lemonades so there wasn't a need to add honey.
Just lost of ice and mint.
You can use any citrus you like, normal lemons. limes, orange.

For special treats, like Fairy Parties, we use Blackcurrant juice and Sprite Zero.

I am certain that I'm not the first Mum to think this up and use as an alternative to other shop brought drinks.
My munchkins love the stuff, and both ask for it over anything else, they will refill their drink bottles a couple of times during the day.

And as refreshing as a fresh pot of tea is, sometimes a cold drink is called for!

hay you guys!

2009-01-12T13:17:00.000-08:00

Ella stayed here again on the weekend...

She loves staying with Auntie Toni, because Auntie Toni has the best movies...

This is without a doubt my little sisters favourite movie, and now a new favourite of my kids.

Olivers favourite character is none other than Sloth, because of course he is wearing a Superman tee...

for the last three days Ollie has been walking around the house shouting "hey you guys!"

I think I need another cup of tea, as I feel my age catching up on me!

neglect for novels and knitting

2009-01-07T11:30:00.000-08:00

I have been completely neglectful and "idle indeed" of my blog these holidays, and have let it go some what for reading Jane Austen novels and then following them up with the BBC movies!

With 'Sense and Sensibility' and 'Pride and Prejudice' read and watched, I am hungry for more!

Thanks to Miss Austen for her fantastic story telling and the BBC for their visual portrayal.

Love, love, love everything, especially the costumes and inside the buildings and outside the buildings, and the country side, the way they talked back then, oh well o.k just everything!

I would very much like a hat just like the one Marianne Dashwood is wearing.
And definitely the jacket Miss Elizabeth Bennet is wearing below...

In between reading and being glued to the t.v. I have managed to start and finish the first 2009 knitting project...

this wee puffy sleeved cardigan for Ella to wear to school.
( note how the puffy sleeves look like Miss Bennets! )

This lovely pattern is not one of mine, though I did have to modify the original to fit and to look a tad more little girlish.
You can find the pattern ( Minisweater ) for yourself in a more grown up style at Glampyre Knits, and best of all it is free!

her last!

2008-12-18T19:32:00.000-08:00

Today was our darling Buttons ( aka - Ella ) very last day at kindergarten.

So this morning we made a birthday hat and play dough cupcake, with candles.

All the kindy kids sung "Happy Birthday" and "Happy School Days".
So of course she thinks today is her birthday.

( It is so confusing having a birthday on Christmas Day!
Especially when your party is in November and very last day of kindy in December. )

She had a very lovely last day, even though I sat in a corner crying!

So my darling wee one, "Happy Last Kindy Day".
Just a short holiday and then my almost "Five year old" it will be off to school with you.
With no doubt more tears from Mum!

look what came in the post!

2008-12-16T17:52:00.001-08:00

When mail is too big to fit in our letter box the Postie leaves a note telling you to go here...

So at lunch time with I bolted down to the local Post Shop to collect a brown package.
Said package had traveled a long way and has also been throughly checked...

And I have to admit that I was a tad worried that I would find nothing inside!

So I was so very pleased to find this...

Can you see my lovely wee prize...

Isn't he the most adorable wee Reindeer ever!
Dasher was made by a very talented lady, not only is she a very clever crafter but also the best story teller ever.
Make sure to check out her wonderfully funny blog, and as always have a cup of fresh tea while you have a read.
Just make sure you swallow your drink before trying to laugh, or you too will have tea coming out your nose!

Thank you, thank you, thank you and thank you again E.
I just love him!

more sewing

2008-12-14T17:33:00.000-08:00

Here are the pictures of the Knitting Needle Roll I made for Miss Moore.

And I also painted and bejeweled a set of needles for her as well.

Now she has NO excuses for not knitting!

knitting needle rolls

2008-12-13T23:12:00.000-08:00

Last month I promised to show more of my sewing.
Now that Mum W and Miss Moore have had their birthdays and received their gifts, I can now share more of what I made.

Knitting needle rolls, of course!

This is Mum's, made from recycled jeans and a old bed spread.

Sewing straight lines for the pockets was just too hard, so I didn't even try.
I just doubled up the stitch lines and made a feature out of them.

The pattern I used is from "Midnight Knitter", you can find it here.
I modified mine slightly, and made the needle pockets higher instead of using a ribbon through the center.

True to form I took about a million photos and still have to sort out Miss Moore's.
So you will have to wait till tomorrow for hers!

Until then go and have a nice pot of fresh tea!

happy birthday

2008-12-08T17:37:00.000-08:00

happy birthday to you,
happy birthday to you,
happy birthday Miss Moore,
happy birthday to you,

A little something on it's way to you!

nine

2008-12-03T13:06:00.001-08:00

Contrary to the post date, here in New Zealand it is in fact the 4th of December.
So that means nine years ago I slipped into this...

and a smallish girl wore this...

I met this young man...

here (Wanganui Collegiate Chapel) ...

Then I followed these smallish people inside...

and the young man and I got hitched!

After a few photos...

We took of, with family and friends...

to eat cake.

There was music playing when we left the Chapel.
The same song we listen to every year...

Happy Wedding Anniversary Phil.
I still Love you more today than yesterday!

what to do when...

2008-12-01T20:58:00.001-08:00

1. The first Strawberry of the season (in your own garden!) is red and ready?

Watch your child devour it, of course!

2. When your children complain that they are bored?

Make collage faces using cuttings from old magazines!

(Ella's is the Blond, and Oliver's is the Brunette)

While enjoying a nice pot of refreshing tea!

Button Fairy's Party Day!

2008-11-30T13:01:00.000-08:00

Ella's Birthday is Christmas Day!
So we have a "Party Day" around this time of year, when the weather is good.
And when her friends are around and not on holiday.

We still have a tiny family party Christmas afternoon, but it is so much more fun with your friends!

Happy Party Day Button!

my button fairy is very helpfull!

2008-11-27T23:54:00.000-08:00

The sewing machine has been getting a serious work out just of late.
Making tiny fairy and Pixie sized bunting!

Which was then winded onto card.
The Button Fairy helped!

Small boxes were also painted.
Again the Button fairy helped!

Lables were made and attached.
Still the Button fairy helped!

And stuffed with goodies.
By... you guessed it the Button fairy!

While I downed lots of hot fresh tea.
For tomorrow will be a very big day!

how do you like them apples?

2008-11-26T18:23:00.000-08:00

The book pear was such a hit, we have made some apples.

Twelve in fact, all for a small gathering this weekend.

Although the way Button is cradling this one we may have to make some more!

I did have a small brain wave about these...

We could make one for each of Ella's kindy teachers for Christmas, and thanks for looking after me but I'm off to school now!

body butter and a pear

2008-11-24T13:29:00.000-08:00

Ella's eczema has been really bad at the moment.
The backs of her knees are the worst and because she won't stop scratching, the eczema has become a little yucky and infected.

At kindy there is a darling young lad that Ella is sweet on!
His very clever Mum makes all her own soap free washes and lovely body butters because she too suffers from eczema.

On Friday kindy pick up Mrs B arrived with this lovely gift for Ella.
Her own Jasmine and Vanilla body wash and Itch - Buster body butter.

Now this stuff is divine!
The body wash is like a moose and so soft and moisturizing.
And as for the body butter, I want to eat it!

Ella has been using the body butter for 4 days now.
Every time she fells itchy she gets the butter and puts some on herself.
Her eczema has gone from her arms and nearly from behind her knees.

So as a huge big thank you, Ella and I made Mrs B a Christmas Pear.

This was such a fun crafty project.
Ella especially enjoyed using the different coloured dyes.

We used this fantastic tutorial from Cheeky Magpies', book pumpkin and apple.
And changed the shape to a pear for Christmas.
You can make your own, just go here!
And make sure you check out the rest of Cheeky Magpies' wonderful blog.

Now because we have made our first Christmas decoration the kids want to put up the Christmas Tree!

A & P Show

2008-11-22T17:45:00.000-08:00

When we went to Wanganui last week end (for Mum W's birthday) the A & P Show (Agricultural and Pastoral Show) happened to be in town.

When I was a kid this show was huge, with hundreds of farmers, their animals and equipment (tractors, ploughs, you know that sort of stuff).
And of course all the Horsey people competing in the dressage.

My favourite part was the Home Craft section, with all the home made cakes, biscuits, jams and preserves.
And the hand crafts, knitting, crocheting, quilting etc.
All the area Schools would get involved also and select the best crafts and art work of their student to be entered.
And the Race Course Lounge would be packed full.
I entered paintings and hand made crafts a few times.
And I seem to recall that the little sister entered a hand sewn doll as well?

And then of course all the rides!
Which we would go on until we were sick.

This year the A & P Show was abysmal, below is a photo account of the total number of animals!
There were no Farmers and their equipment, and even though the Horsey people were there competing, they were on the other side of the Race Course and you had to walk miles to see them.

Even the rides seemed sad,

There was a total of two people on the Ferris Wheel!

The Super Loop was however getting good usage.
Phil wanted to stand under it and catch coins that were falling out of pockets!

The Merry-go-round will always remain my favourite...

although these black horses are a tad scary!

I thought the smallish boy would have a ride on the motorbike, seeing as blue is his favourite colour...

but he followed his heart, and went with his first love...

The Home Craft section was very disappointing and tiny, but the quality of the crafts that were there was amassing.
I very much like this Baby Singlet and rightly so it's maker won first place and a special award as well.

There was only one entrant in the Crochet section, who took out all three prize placing, of which this wee bowl was my favourite.

And the best of the lot was this darling sock monkey, made by a 9 year old.
I absolutely love it!

To cure the disappointment we went here...

then home for a much needed cup of tea!

his first...

2008-11-16T20:02:00.000-08:00

official leave me, I'm a big boy now, afternoon at knidy!

Got my bag, got my snacks, lets go...

down the street, with Ella leading the way...

across the road, watch out for cars...

up the drive...

inside to sign the roll...

put my bag and snacks in my locker...

off to play...

see you later Mum and Dad...

I'm having too much fun!

softie for baby

2008-11-13T12:57:00.000-08:00

Mum is going to a baby shower this weekend for her dear freinds first grand baby.
Ella and I might just have to invite ourselves as well!

But we won't be going empty handed, I whipped this up last night to take along.

I have made two Scotty Dogs before.
For the impending baby's cousins.
This sweet pattern comes curiosity of Jenny at Allsorts.
You can get the pattern for yourself, and while you are there check out her lovely blog.

This wee one is just stretching his legs before he gets in the car!
Have a good weekend everyone, don't forget to make time for a nice cup of tea!

he knows...

2008-11-10T22:48:00.001-08:00

exactly when I need a surprise.

And that Gerberas are my favourite!

no knitting here!

2008-11-09T20:39:00.000-08:00

The sewing machine has been getting a real work out lately.
I have finished a teepee for Oliver, although I have not had a chance to photograph it.
I will just as soon as the weather clears, they do photograph better in the garden.

I have also been working on a couple of other secret projects.
Although some people have seen these and know what they are,
so shush!

As you can see I am not the best sewer, and find straight lines very hard.
So I didn't even try with these and decided to make the wonky lines a feature.

So this is just a little taste, when they arrive to their rightful owners I will show you more.
Until then go have a nice cup of tea!

Public Service Announcement!

2008-11-04T13:14:00.000-08:00

WARNING...

Do not attempt to sew while you have a Head Cold and your Brain feels like Soup!
And your child is hounding you to fix her broken stroller, the one her cubba brother insisted sitting in and completely destroyed the hammock.

Or you too will do silly things such as sewing the strap with the D rings in the wrong position!
(notice it is not at the side but between the legs!)

And I don’t care, I damn well not going to unpick it and do it again.
If Buttons CPK doesn’t like it she can get a job and buy herself a new one!

Now I desperately need more hot Tea!

collaboration…

2008-11-03T12:47:00.000-08:00

My Mum and Little Sister have been working on a project together...

This darling wee number for a very sweet little lady!

And doesn't she model it well, I am digg'n her spotty shoes too!

I am very envious, I would quite like one for my little Button!

i heart tea cups!

2008-11-01T20:09:00.001-07:00

Just look at all these lovelies!

Makes me want to brew a fresh pot of tea.

Can you guess which one is mine?

because...

2008-10-31T23:50:00.000-07:00

today has been so very horrible, dark, wet and cold we have had to have the heater on this afternoon!

And I haven't knitted anything remotely as interesting and beautiful as this...

Make sure you have a nice hot cuppa while watching!

new favorite and a touch of summer

2008-10-29T17:29:00.000-07:00

Button has a new favorite breakfast…

Vogel's toast with marmite, cottage cheese and tomato!
It really is very delish, and that’s a good thing as wee Button is not a big breakfast kid.

Today is a beautiful day, the first in nearly a week!

The sun has teased us with a little touch of summer.
And we have nothing better to do than enjoy it, make daisy chains and drink tea!

Labour Weekend

2008-10-27T17:35:00.000-07:00

This weekend was a three day one!
Labour Weekend in NZ is traditionally just for getting into the extremely over grown garden, or a full on dream for shopaholic's due to sales all weekend.

Our weekend was very busy!
Saturday morning Phil took the kids to the swimming pool, while Miss Moore and wee Neve popped around for a visit, a spot of lunch and to take away some cuttings for their garden.

Sunday morning we went to Sarah's Baptism, and a birthday party for one of Ella's kindy friends.
Mum and the Little Sister arrived in the afternoon to stay for the night.

Toni brought this with her, not would you believe to finish, but to have me rip it!

I haven't had the heart to rip it yet.
The Little Sister has made such a beautiful job, her tension is always perfect.
But alas the pattern is very short and cropped though the body, and Toni has a lovely long back so the cardigan is too short.

Monday morning was busy for the Munchkins, mowing lawns and...

baking muffins!

Then it was off to the garden shop, for a look, a coffee and a spend.
By the time we had drop the Little Sister back to her house and driven home to ours it was time for a well deserved cup of tea and dinner!

quick knits

2008-10-24T12:09:00.000-07:00

The tweed bunny is finished.

She is a Baptism present for a wee lass.

This lovely pattern is from Barbara Prime of Fuzzy Mitten.
If you would like a bunny for yourself you can find her wonderful patterns at : Fuzzy Mitten,
I have bought quite a few.

And also thank you Julie Williams of Little Cotton Rabbits for the inspiration.
I think both of these ladies are very talented knitters!

You can check out their beautiful blogs at : Fuzzy Thoughts and Little Cotton Rabbits.
Which is what I'm going to do now, just as soon as my pot of fresh tea is brewed!

home alone!

2008-10-23T13:47:00.000-07:00

It's not very often that I find myself home alone!
The husband is at work, the kids at kindy and play center.

The house is very quiet and still,
it is very strange!

zakka candy

2008-10-21T22:38:00.000-07:00

While surfing the net today, I came across this very nice site : zakka candy.
Now I’m sure it is not new to a lot of people, but it is a new find for me!

And oh what candy it is!

There’s a large woodland theme and general all round cute feel, which I love.
Here are some of my favorite things.

I especially love these bags with their knitted bottoms.

And if you are already feeling the Christmas Spirit...

The only problem is I can’t understand any of the Japanese (My high school Japanese language teacher would be so very sad to know I can’t remember a thing of what she taught me!).
So I can’t work out how to translate the site, which means I can’t yet buy anything!

I might just have to make another cup of tea and go take another look!