...The Four Sisters...

Splish Splash He was Takin' a Bath

2012-02-11T13:30:00.001+11:00

Langlan is a super kid. He decided to have his bath fully clothed a few nights ago. He figured that it saved me doing his laundry. Thanks little man.

Just letting everyone know that I cannot blog at the moment. I can post headings so here's a long one for you all. Enjoy!

2012-02-07T12:46:00.001+11:00

Whoopdidoooo, happy 41st anniversary M&D!

2012-02-06T10:02:00.001+11:00

It's Alive!

2012-02-02T13:14:00.001+11:00

Today is the last day of school holidays in this house. Yesterday we trained into Melbourne for a meander around and a celebration dinner at the Queen Vic Night Market for the end of holidays/beginning of school.

We took the circle tram to Federation Square and stumbled across Theo Jansen's Strandbeests. I'd seen a video of these amazingly lifelike creatures before so I was totally psyched to see them (almost) in the flesh.

The big one was freed every 2 hours for a short stroll across the square whilst the small one could be pushed and pulled around at anytime. Seriously fantastic.

Whilst we were waiting for the big beast to be unleashed we found ourselves on the big screen, climbed trees and caught sparrows. We LOVE Melbourne.

Green Monster Smoothie

2012-02-02T07:08:00.003+11:00

I had this for breakfast this morning.
Being that I needed a BIG iron boost I thought 4 cups of spinach would do the trick.
It was surprisingly good...although I couldn't convince the kids. They don't think vegetables belong in smoothies. They are strictly all fruit smoothie kidlets!

Hair Do's

2012-02-01T13:56:00.002+11:00

We are working our way through this Blog

Today we tried this hair do. Connor wouldn't let me do his, but I loved doing Kenzi's.

First Day

2012-02-01T13:52:00.002+11:00

Cropping

2012-01-30T15:52:00.002+11:00

Sometimes blog posts only tell half the story. They are filled with creativity, sunshine, good food, wonderful family, great friends. They show the sunny side of the street, not the dark, murky, smelly and decidedly messy corners of life.

Well, here's one to change all that, no cropping to edit out the mess surrounding me right now.

These photos were taken 10 minutes ago and capture the frustration of my afternoon. Frustrations like Langlan being such a great banana that I couldn't buckle him into the bike trailer so had to break my back bending over and pushing his little bike to the park. A park that neither kid wanted to play at when we got there. Or the second park which had been repeatedly requested but paled into comparison with the first park which we then didn't have time to play at because we'd spent all the playing time getting to the second park.

And getting home? Just as frustrating. Tantrums all round (including me). Snarls in all directions. Refusals to do a.n.y.t.h.i.n.g. Food and drink all over the floor. Grunts. Pyramids (Langlan's new take on throwing a wobbly). And now a little bit of peace.

The house has gone back to one child. A child who stole my ice block and absconded to the lounge to munch it. I've put a load of washing on, cleaned up the spilt milk without crying and put my feet up. The rest of the mess will still be there after I've taken a few moments to regain my sanity.

Thank you DHS, juice ice blocks and blogger for giving me this moment. It is very much appreciated.

Where have I been?

2012-01-29T20:33:00.002+11:00

Check out the promo video I did for our Sunday Kids Program...all by myself....with a little help from MAC (not Dad, but the computer!)

Take a Little Look

2012-01-28T08:00:00.001+11:00

Andrew's writing has always tugged at my heart strings. I wrote about Labuan Square below, now read it from Andrew's beautiful perspective.

Dear Aunty Sarah and Uncle Dave

2012-01-26T20:39:00.001+11:00

Mummy tried to email you some pictures but she could only send one at a time. We're putting them up here instead.

Here I am in my uh-uh-uh (translated this means dot-dot-dot) pyjamas that you gave me.

When mummy dressed me I started rolling on the ground doing my best model poses.

I love my pyjamas, anything with uh's on it is a winner in my book.

I love you so much! Langlan xxx

hello from nz!!!

2012-01-26T19:15:00.003+11:00

sorry...just a quick one...mum and I are far too busy with our heads in boxes to have time for much blogging these days :-)

just wanted to give you something awesome to look at..sorry, not photos or anything from me! But a like-minded crafty person with some awesome ideas!

Check her out on facebook - the penny drops...

Might try making a few things myself...with a few changes of course to avoid any copyright infringements!!!

Will try to get on more now that we have a computer...but like I said...busy moving house and getting a certain 5 year old ready for school!

Love you all lots,
Linny & Vonny xoxox

Urban Awesome

2012-01-24T14:56:00.001+11:00

Andrew found out about Urban Bean and 2&5 through work.

He took me there today.

And they're both awesome.

Urban Bean is a cafe that seeks to engage the community and provide great coffee at reasonable prices (check out the manifesto on the website).

It's funky outside and in and does awesome salad sandwiches.

2&5 is a fruit and veg shop opened to provide accessible, high quality produce to the surrounding community.

They're aiming to revitalise Labuan Square and I think they're off to an incredible start.

Norlane is often referred to as a ghetto so it's amazing to see initiatives like these in this area.

We are definitely going back.

Mainly because this is the effect it has on Langlan.

EMMMMMMI ;-)

2012-01-21T10:02:00.006+11:00

EMILY
i THINK YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS SHOULD PULL FACES LIKE THIS AND GET BIRTHDAY PHOTOS!!!
HAPPY BRIGHT AND FAIRY BIRTHDAY,

EMILY BEMILY BIRTHDAY GIRL!!

LOVE LOADS AUNTY KATI

XXX

holiday fun

2012-01-19T16:24:00.003+11:00

Hazy, Lazy Summer Days

2012-01-17T20:08:00.001+11:00

We've developed a bit of a routine since the J-girl got back from camp.

Wake up slowly (a little earlier for Langlan and I), breakfast slowly and then shower and dress to take on the day.

We do bits and pieces around the house, Langlan has a nap, J goes for a bike ride.

We throw lunch in there somewhere, a bit of sensorial play (thank you Sew Liberated for the mirror idea and Tiny & Little for the edible finger paint), and then a trip to the pool.

We dinner in the park beside the pool with Andrew and then we come home and the kids collapse into bed whilst the parents wish they could collapse into bed.

We're making the most of the beautiful weather (we had the heater on last week, ridiculous) and we're hoping it lasts.

We love summer, and everything it brings, around here.

Hours of Entertainment

2012-01-16T09:52:00.001+11:00

A few drops of food colouring, a bag of corn flour, a dash of water and a sunny day.

A box of chalk, a blank canvas of bricks and an empty morning.

The delights of childhood (and mummyness!).

Whose legs are these?

2012-01-13T16:59:00.002+11:00

So the guessing competition.....Langlan won!
But for all those that entered.....look out for the mail in the next week or so.
It's always super to get things in the mail.
Thanks for playing.
I'm off to hide my shoes from people who have better legs than me!

holiday fun

2012-01-13T06:25:00.001+11:00

1 sock teddy
many peg clone troopers
happy holiday crafting day

Maybe They'll Cotton On that This is NOT Cool

2012-01-12T11:19:00.002+11:00

Dear Sisters,

I am a girl. You are all girls. Two of you have daughters. We are all daughters. We have a mother. We have beautiful girlfriends. Girls are precious, precious beings who should be shown to the world as the beautiful creatures we are.

Typo (just pointing out that it is one of my fave stores but it's gone too far) is selling stationery with covers depicting a naked lady with 'Dirty' written over it. Some naked ladies can be art, this one isn't. I shop at Typo and so do a lot of beautiful girls, girls who should be reading messages about their worth in this world. Messages that encourage them to shine, to achieve, to stand up and be proud of being a girl.

Typo is a Cotton On company, a company started and run in Geelong. Langlan and I go to playgroup just across the road from the head office. They kindly let us use their carpark for the overflow from the playcentre's carpark. They sponsored the recent run that we did. They're a pretty decent company, that's why I think that if we let them know that this kind of product is not cool they'll probably do something about it. So, here's what you can do:

Send them an email: customerenquiries@cottonon.com.au

Write on their facebook page

Or sign this petition

Thanks awesome girls, I want this world (including stationery shops) to be a place where girls are honored. I'm glad that we have a blog that does that, and maybe we can make our world a place that does as well.

Cxx

EDIT: Cotton On speedily replied to my email including this in their message - "Please be advised that we are withdrawing the “porn is our saviour” and various other products from our stores. As an organisation, the Cotton On Group respects family, social and moral values." Thanks Cotton On, that rocks.

The Tin Man

2012-01-10T16:28:00.001+11:00

Langlan rocking his new hat (aka the new bin for the spare bedroom).

Mary, Mary

2012-01-10T11:11:00.001+11:00

Vege gardening in these parts has been a bit hit and miss this season.

We've been away when plants should have been planted, away when seeds need watering, away on blistering days when plants need a little more TLC.

Despite this, what we have planted is putting out flowers, and fruit, and veges.

I'm so excited!

Sunday afternoon by the bay

2012-01-08T17:50:00.001+11:00

A beautiful way to spend a beautiful afternoon.

It's not Scotts Head but it's not bad either.

No fish caught (we bought some on the way home!) but Langlan didn't have his line set up, just a small impediment to catching a fish.

(And yes, I am wearing hot pink leggings. Andrew said I looked like a lollipop.)

Sunday morning on the hill

2012-01-08T08:54:00.001+11:00

Mr Handsome.

Fresh eggs.

Fresh coffee (for those so inclined).

Frothy drinks all round.

Mmmmmm...

An ungiven Birthday gift

2012-01-07T10:17:00.003+11:00

Earrings and hair clip for 16yr old (thanks cal & Trin for inspiration/help!)
She didnt really stick round for her dinner & was cheeky/rude to family
so I never gave her the gift! It felt good?!

The ungiven card-luckily I never wrote her name just a message so I will "re-give it"

to some one much sweeter if not 16!

A day at work!!!

2012-01-07T10:03:00.003+11:00

YEYYYY!!!

Precious

2012-01-05T19:33:00.001+11:00

I took this photo a few weeks ago when I was feeding Langlan. Just looking at his chubby hands makes me go gooey inside. I love this kid.

And gosh he makes me laugh!

who's legs are these

2012-01-05T17:17:00.002+11:00

If you guess whose legs these are in the next week you will get a small surprise in the mail.

Todays Holiday Fun

2012-01-05T17:10:00.002+11:00

Today we made this cake. It is massive and Oh so good.
Butterscotch Almond Cake
375g butter, chopped and softened
33/4 cups sr flour
2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
6 eggs
1/3 cup honey
11/2 cups of milk
11/2 cups almond meal

Mix it all up and wack it in a tin (I used a laminington tin that wasn't big enough and mixture got all over my oven when it overflowed! Cook at 160 degrees for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. You can dust with icing sugar and serve with whipped cream but ours was eaten right from the pan. A definite lunchbox treat.

This is my life

2012-01-04T15:32:00.001+11:00

School holidays haven't figured in my life for a long time. But now they're back, and in full swing. I loved school holidays, the release from routines, the swimming, exploring, visiting, so many things.

I want school holidays to be the same in our house. We've caught the train into Melbourne to take the tram and explore. We've been to a gazillion parks more than a gazzilion times. We've been swimming, shopping, cycling, cooking, hanging out, watching movies. And I'm exhausted. Thankfully the schoolie in our house is going on camp next week so everyone else can have a break!

Auld Lang Syne

2011-12-31T22:50:00.002+11:00

It's amazing to look back over the last few New Years and see where we were.

2010: Scotts Head with my lover boy and a little blonde headed boy for the first time and no fireworks

2009: flying from Amsterdam to Oz with husberando and baby bump, we flew over India at 11.59 and then it was 12.30, we missed the tick-over and again no fireworks

2008: Scotts Head with husberando and FIREWORKS

2007: in Amsterdam with my shiny new husband, a bunch of friends and an even bigger bunch of fireworks (think war zone kind of big)

2006: Scotts Head, no husband but a bulging wedding folder and fireworks!

And 2011? Swimming at Eastern Beach, grilling on our little gas cooker, wandering through the crowds, driving home, dancing with sparklers on the front verandah, and watching fireworks from the water tank. Perfect.

Overheard NYE conversation whilst watching fireworks and contending with mozzies:
Little house guest: My dog died of this.
Andrew: What, your dog died from mosquitos?
Little house guest: No, my dog died from fireworks.
Andrew: Your dog died from fireworks?
Little house guest: Yeah, my dog died from fireworks.

See, said it was perfect (except for all the other beautiful people we would love to have around).

Today's Holiday Fun!

2011-12-31T16:43:00.002+11:00

Oh School holidays, how I love you.

sock wars

2011-12-30T14:36:00.002+11:00

Today's Holiday Fun!

2011-12-30T13:17:00.003+11:00

Girls V Boys....Kenzi has gathered up 23 socks.

Cookie Monster

2011-12-30T13:03:00.002+11:00

Around Australia in 80 Seconds

2011-12-28T19:43:00.001+11:00

Yesterday Trinny and I walked around Australia. Actually, it was more a stroll.

DEVASTATING NEWS.....

2011-12-28T14:28:00.000+11:00

Bulk waste collection- NEWCASTLE
We are changing the way household waste is collected. In 2011 we introduced the 3-bin system and in 2012 we are improving how we collect household bulk waste.
A new system will start from March 2012 but in the lead up, there will be no kerbside bulk waste collections in January and February.
If you were due to have your biannual collection during this time, don’t worry you can still get rid of your stuff. Households can contact the waste services team for a FREE tipping voucher to dispose of their bulk waste at Summerhill Waste Management Centre.
Residents can call 4974 6066 to request the one-off voucher be mailed out to them.
If you can't take your items yourself, don't stress! From March we will have booked kerb side pick ups and will be happy to dispose of your items at that time. More details about the new system will be available in February.
BOO HOO HOO- STINKY COUNCIL: BAH HUMBUG

The Rest of the Fun

2011-12-26T06:44:00.001+11:00

The food, mmmmmm, the food:

The beautifully set table:

The enjoying:

The dessert:

And then the games. A few were played but the hit was the Christmas cookie game. Step 1: place Christmas cookie on forehead. Step 2: use whatever means possible (other than limbs) to get the cookie in your mouth. See the following:

And the concerned and grubby onlooker:

We had a beautiful day. It would have been lovely to have all our family there but maybe next year!

Christmas morning

2011-12-25T19:35:00.001+11:00

Here's a few happy snaps of our morning. It started at 6.00 with the annual visit of the toilet paper Santa.

Presents were given, received, and loved.

Then the Dutch babies were consumed, one plain, one apple, with toppings of banana, yogurt, honey, cinnamon, sugar, lemon, icing sugar, homemade strawberry jam...but not all at once.

Then it was shower time, visit the old lady down the road to drop a gift and then walk to church. At church we ended up with the worlds largest ham. They asked if anyone wanted ham for Christmas lunch and our little girl shot her hand up, so we added ham to the menu!

Next post: the lunch, the dessert, the cookies on foreheads...

Come on Ring Those Bells

2011-12-24T15:12:00.001+11:00

Christmas Eve, how did you get here so quickly? There's still things on my list to prepare for tomorrow but things aren't too hectic considering our usual household of 1 kid, 2 adults and 3 chooks has blossomed into 4 kids, 4 adults and 3 chooks, a bunch of prawns and a leg of lamb.

The menu for tomorrow is...
BREAKFAST:Dutch babies

LUNCH: nibbles
Lamb
Prawns
Fresh rolls
Fresh corn and avocado salsa
Cranberry and spinach salad
Marinated tomato salad with bocconcini

And to round things off: mini meringue nests, petite mince pies, a ginormous fruit platter and this fruit dip.

If anyone needs a place for Christmas lunch I can guarantee there'll be plenty to go around at our house!

DINNER: see lunch.

Jesus, I'm so glad you were born tomorrow!

Mr Mo

2011-12-20T18:57:00.001+11:00

This is a powerpoint that the kids put together and Brenton was able to convert into video.

Christmas traditions I found and loved!

2011-12-20T15:55:00.002+11:00

I know we have loads of awesome traditions but thought these were cool:

When I became a Mom I decided that I wanted to create meaningful Christmas traditions for Peyton. My husband and I sat down and brainstormed ideas and he wasn’t really a lot of help (bless his heart). So instead I turned to my experiences, girlfriends and other resources. When I was waiting for Peyton to come home my girlfriend Brandi and I had a lot of free time on our hands. We spent countless hours on the phone talking and it is funny that planning our kids Christmas traditions is what helped get us through the adoption process. I think because we couldn’t control our process we looked to what we could control in the future and that was the traditions we would create.
So I have many traditions that I created. Not 1 was good enough
One that I wanted to share with you is the tradition with our Christmas books. I collected 25 Christmas books and I wrap them each year. Every night Peyton opens 1 of the books and we read it together before bed. Then the book is placed into a basket and it can be read as often as he wants throughout the holidays. We start our Tradition on November 30th and end on December 24th (with ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas). It is a tradition that he loves and looks forward too! On December 31st after he goes to bed the books are removed and placed away for safe keeping until the next year. This is what keeps them special. They are only out for the month of December. As he grows I have replaced some of the titles and will continue to do so but for the most part the investment is a one time investment. I picked most up after Christmas at 50-90% off or at consignment stores.
In addition, we purchase 1 Christmas ornament for Peyton every year that is something that he is “into”. We date the box or bottom of the ornament if it is not dated and when is ready to move (snif, snif) into his own home we will give those to him.
Two additional traditions that we do are that we make a Frugal Gingerbread House together as a family every year. It is so much fun and something we all look foward too! We also make Reindeer Food and put it out on Christmas Eve.

Chirp-Chirp

2011-12-15T08:39:00.000+11:00

You may have already seen these, but I think they're too awesome to not share with the world!

Kim did an awesome job on all the photobooth pics, and our fabulous family photos. Thanks for arranging it Trin, and thanks Kim for making us look great!

Morning Treats

2011-12-14T12:13:00.001+11:00

Mum and Dad, we've found another great cafe to take you to in Geelong.

I have no idea of the name but it's in a converted shipping container in the corner of a carpark which equals pure awesomeness in my books.

Edit: it's called Box Office and Langlan declares that it's good.

Growing TOOOOOOO fast

2011-12-02T15:49:00.002+11:00

This booster is the one we bought for Connor when he grew out of his car seat. He used it for a few years and then Kenzi has just grown out of it. We gave it away to a family who we are trying to shower with love and care at the moment. I was sad to see it go. It was a stark reminder of how much my babies have grown...how much they are not babies any more.
It was good to be able to share part of our family with another family as well. We are hoping that over the next few years not only material things will be shared, but we can share with them Jesus and acceptance and care and concern and love.
My kidlets are growing too fast, but it they are growing and learning and loving. All good things that are a blessing to be a part of.

Tonight's the Night

2011-11-27T19:00:00.002+11:00

I won't be watching It's a Knockout tonight. I've been counting down the days and the day that it's finally here I'm sick. This would usually not be a problem, when you're sick you lay on the lounge and watch tv. The problem is that we don't have a tv. This is officially the first time in our history of no tv-ness that I'm questioning our sanity. Oh well, at least I can find pictures of our resident celebrity blogger and put them up.

She's the one in the funny hat.

And possibly the one with the big book.

But here's the corker, Kt Mac has somehow managed to down two of her opposing team mates and pose for a picture all whilst dressed as a rat.

Kt Mac, you rock my world.

Location:Tonight's the Night!

Hugely Grateful

2011-11-23T19:14:00.003+11:00

I know everyone in the world knows how great Mum and Dad are, but I just wanted to do a little more shouting it from the roof tops.
To be honest I think we nearly killed them on Saturday. All the cooking, cleaning, dragging, mowing, wheelbarrowing, making, sorting, decorating and so much more that they did was super human and amazing.
They were a massive huge part of the memories that were made for 28 of Connor's friends.
The farm and its occupants will go down in the history books as totally rockin'.
Thank you so much Mumma and Grandpa for ALL that you do to make super memories.
We will give you a bit of a break before the next party! You have totally earned it!

More Knockouts!

2011-11-22T12:30:00.000+11:00

She's a Mousey Knockout

2011-11-22T12:24:00.000+11:00

New ad! We think she's the mouse in the ball! Go Kt Mac, GOOOOOOOOOOO!

Moustache in a Bottle

2011-11-21T12:48:00.003+11:00

Thought you might like to know this little pretty thing is up for grabs for the highest donation this week to Pobj.
Support our Mo men and get a great necklace in the process....oh and a little sympathy for the Mo wives who have o prickly kiss their ruggedly hairy men this month!
http://mobro.co/brenton
Highest Individual Donation Overall Extravaganza!
To the person who donates the largest amount over November they will receive two rewards:
A Portraiture Session + 8 x 12” enlargement courtesy of Kim Mengell Photography valued at $300.00 PLUS your donation equates to hours I have to keep the Mo in to December i.e. 1 hour for every $1.00 donated by an individual. E.g. $100 = 100 hours!

Second Highest Donation Overall – 4 free boot camp sessions with Arubah Health and Fitness

Highest Donation Week 2: Highest donator receives Touch Of Grace Therapy Massage Voucher

Highest Donation Week 3: Highest donator decides what colour(s) I dye the mo for the final week

Highest Donation Week 4: Unofficial Movember merchandise in the shape of a moustache in a bottle.

Run Geelong

2011-11-20T09:35:00.001+11:00

This face just ran 6km. Well, half walked half ran.

After 3 training runs and 2 weeks of hacking up my lungs I'm so happy I made it, along with my awesome support team, co-runners and cheerleaders at the start line.

Next year we're gonna try for best costume!

Curly Temple

2011-11-17T13:46:00.000+11:00

I found a tutorial on the internet of how to get curls without heat. The 'wideo' takes a little while to watch but the actual doing of it doesn't take long at all.

I decided to give it a bash this morning and it was awesome. I then put it up because I didn't have time (actually, Langlan didn't have time) to do the whole 'brushing it around your hand' thing to make it look good.

Fun, fun, fun and awesome for those of us who never really do their hair (I'm fairly sure there's a few of you reading this)!

Sneak Peak-It's a Knockout

2011-11-16T19:23:00.003+11:00

I think Kt Mac is the one in the funny suit flying overhead!

AAAAAAH, I'm SO excited!

Poor Gnomeo...

2011-11-13T15:44:00.001+11:00

Not a Juliet in sight.

A Sea Change

2011-11-12T15:04:00.001+11:00

It's a beautiful day so we've headed to beautiful Barwon Heads.

I saw a guy on a bike that may or may not have been Cadel Evans. I'm gonna pretend it was.

Strawberry Fields Forever

2011-11-11T15:31:00.000+11:00

This is what $2 worth of strawberries looks like. Actually, this is what $1.50 worth of strawberries looks like.

Langy G and I are just back from our local fruit shop (oh Fruit Shack, how I love you) which has a specials rack out the back. I noticed it had a box of punnets of strawberries for $2. They were the double sized punnets so I figured they were $2 a punnet. However, (big however) the strawberries inside the shop were only $1.79 for the same size. I asked the girl at the check out if it was $2 for the whole box and it was. I ran, not walked, but ran outside and grabbed the box.

The lady in front of me at the check out came over to me because she had heard me asking the check out girl about the strawberries. After much conversing she ended up buying one of the punnets off me for 50 cents. I actually didn't own the strawberries yet so I'm not sure how legal our sale was but she was happy and so was I because my strawberries now cost me $1.50. And just in case you're wondering, I did offer for her to just take a punnet but she wouldn't (maybe because I didn't own them yet?!) and I offered her more but she only wanted the one. I'm not that much of a hard sell!

So, it's strawberry heaven in this house now.

And this is what Langy G looks like after a strawberry, banana and yogurt milkshake. Satisfied.

Little note: Blogger is spastic and won't put my photos where I want them. Poopy-head blogger.

This Moment

2011-11-09T20:06:00.002+11:00

I love celebrating small moments...remembering them...enjoying them, 'cause one day this kid will be BIG and old and not around so much.

I couldn't find him the other day and it was time for school. After I had called his name 5 gazillion times I heard a faint "Mummmmmmmmmmmmmmmyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy"
I headed towards the sound and this is what I saw.

Just what he was doing was a mystery until he said "I was looking for my hat and I got stuck." Of course that is what you were doing!

After a quick photo shoot I rescued him.
Small moments with my long legged kid!

AS time goes by...

2011-11-09T20:00:00.003+11:00

This is what I want Pobj and I to be like when we get old. I want to still think he has a great butt even when we are 75!

Family

2011-11-09T19:58:00.002+11:00

I just wanted to say that I have an AMAZING family. You guys all bless us in so many different ways. Thank you ALL for being you and loving me.

We've Been Doing Laps of the House

2011-11-08T19:05:00.001+11:00

Check him out!

Kenzi's New Glasses...Guest Post

2011-11-08T07:30:00.002+11:00

I have glasses. Yep! And a great magical case to put them in. I am very excited. I think I look a little bit like Aunti Calli, and that is all good.
Mummy says that the blog is playing up on her and so all these photo's have to be together and not with little captions underneath like I wanted.
Thank you for reading my post and for letting me be a guest on your blog.

Sunday, Sunday

2011-11-07T20:11:00.001+11:00

Here's a closer look at how the market went down on Sunday...

7B was the place to be!

Setting up and a little glimpse of the beautiful view over the bay that we had. Dani, do you recognise the sled on the right?!

The hairy-bellied bunnies and bears which were much oohed and aahed over but ended up all coming home. That's ok though because Langlan NEEDS 12 more stuffed toys.

10% of all sales headed Movember way. Andrew got half and Brenton the other half, as long as Vonny remembers to hand over the dosh.

These little gnomies and natural play blocks were a hit. They sold out and we have orders for more. They were a combined effort, Vonny made the bags, I made the gnomes (with a little more Vonny help) and Andrew made the blocks. Now we just have to find more branches to steal to fill our orders!

The pretty hair accessories stand.

My handsome assistant who totally helped to make this all possible.

My other handsome assistant who made more mischief than help but also made up for it by his total cuteness and his awesome Mumma who was a total star and helped out in every way possible.

Thank you to everyone who helped out, to everyone who popped by to say hello and to everyone who bought something.

We'll be back the same time but not the same place next month. Cadel Evans is coming to town so the markets have been shifted across the road to Transvaal Gardens. I presume they'll still be called Steampacket Markets but the view won't be as good. We'll probably be looking at the tax office, hmph.

Time flies when you are having a blast!

2011-11-06T12:55:00.003+11:00

This day, 12 years ago I married my love.
And everyday I am so grateful.

Here We Are!

2011-11-06T09:29:00.001+11:00

Little Surprises

2011-11-05T19:12:00.001+11:00

I love surprises, as long as I don't know that it's coming because then I just get impatient!

Andrew created this little surprise for me in the studio out of blocks we'll be selling tomorrow at Steampacket Markets. I don't get to keep it but it was nice while it lasted!

And Then Vonny Asked...

2011-11-04T20:44:00.001+11:00

"Is it still alive?"

Definitely dead but exquisitely fresh Sushi at Sakuratei on Shannon Ave. So, so good.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CONNOR!!!!!

2011-11-03T18:40:00.002+11:00

Dearest Connor,

Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday to you!!

We hope you have a wonderful day :-)

This little picture is from Emily and Madison...they baked you a Birthday cake and here they are giving you a piece of cake for your Birthday! (If we tried to send it in the mail we think it would be a little stale by the time it gets to you!!!)

Love you lots & lots Connor.

*********HAPPY BIRTHDAY ********
Lots of love,

Emily, Madi, Harrison, Uncle Andy & Aunty Linli xoxox

xoxox

xoxo

xox

Knock 'Em Dead Kt Mac!

2011-11-02T18:19:00.001+11:00

Give me a K!

Give me an A!

Give me a T!

Give me an I!

Whatta ya got?

KATI, go Kati, go, GO!

You're our knockout!

KNOCK 'EM OUT

2011-11-02T06:19:00.001+11:00

JUST KNOCK 'EM GENTLY KT!

KNOCK 'EM OUT KT MAC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-11-01T10:00:00.003+11:00

This is how you are going to have to come back in to the country...
Wearing a hat and dark sunglasses...hiding from your fame...hiding from those journalists and photographers tracking you down...running thorugh the airport...screaming your name!
"There's the winner of IT'S A KNOCKOUT"!!!!
Yeh baby!!! Bring the gold home Kt Mac!!! The girls are very impressed that Charli from High 5 is on the show!

Personally I will miss Fiona MacDonald and Billy J Smith!!! But I will give these 3 a chance and see how they do!!!

"IN THE DISTANCE YOU CAN HEAR

THE SOUND OF THE CHEER...

& THE LAUGH & THE ROAR FROM THE CROWD...

& YOU CAN HEAR THE EXPECTATION...

& THE WILD JUBILATION...

AS THEY'RE SHOUTING THE WINNER'S NAME ALOUD... (KATI MACDONALD!!!)

'CAUSE IT'S THE GREATEST GAME IN TOWN...

& IT'S THE CRAZIEST FUN AROUND!!!

IT'S A KNOCKOUT

THAT'S THE GAME

IT'S KNOCKOUT

THAT'S THE NAME

IT'S A KNOCKOUT

THAT'S THE NAME OF THE GAME.............!!!!!!!!!!!"

http://www.2dayfm.com.au/entertainment/the_dirt/blog/confirmed-its-a-knockout-returning-to-aussie-tv-screens/20111017-er24.html#ooid=U5MWd3Mjo73Ck9E5Nr0-Kcs1CDWjJSFg

See above link to sit and sing along!

Love you loads Kt Mac...

Bring it home baby...bring it on home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

L xoxox

oh blogger!!!!

2011-10-30T17:18:00.002+11:00

Finally taking a minute to blog and I have no camera cord.
Darn it!
So instead- Cal great crafted stuff for the market. So excited for you cant wait to hear how it goes. Maybe you should get picts with some of your buyers for the blog ... Would be fun to c what kinda people buy your creations.
Trin: There will always be a little bit more of you in Kenz as she is uncoordinated and doesn't like climbing trees?! I so want a go on that slide thing. Looks awesome!
R we getting more holiday picts from Worthings and podges?
Lin: See you soon and give you some head rubs!
4 days till I fly. Excited ++++
There is no democracy and psuado choice/input, they asked us for captains and charity choices then told us what they had decided (minus our input!!) Television hey!
Bulah is still beautiful but heating up. Should lose about 25kgs of sweat in my cute as pie neat as a pin (pen for kiwis!) caravan over summer. Met local copper she's nice and hoping to go out for Melbourne cup night and have a boogie-yEY!!! 1st time in too long.
Dad is slaving over boolaroo and Kurri is taking another siesta! Bit crazy and exciting and KL trip throws more spanners into it all but 'once in a ife' opportunity.
Oh oh we got sent to Tun curry today (bring back teenage memories with Julieanne lin!?) And we saw mother and calf whales JUMPING. Think they were on speed, or ADHD so awesome.
Must off for nap had call outs all wk so far. TIRED and my time/sleep is not my own!
as Mum says
love (!!!!)
Love what love you, love me, love everyone, love doggie doos?????

Pretties for necks

2011-10-30T08:28:00.001+11:00

I'm laying in bed listening to Langlan squawking in the lounge room. We had more foster care training yesterday and then a bunch of people over for a noodle bar and a few games of Werewolf. It was a big day and a late night so when Langlan woke up this morning Andrew took him out so I could keep sleeping, serious bliss. Anyways, here's a few more necklaces that will be up for grabs next Sunday at Srrampacket:

And just because, here's a little present Langlan and I made for Andrew the other day (sideways):

Happy Sunday!

A few more markety things

2011-10-28T21:17:00.002+11:00

I've just finished a bundle of little pouchy things for Steampacket.

They're stamped and stitched on the front and are lined with lovely fabric goodness.

Andrew said the fabric was too nice to be on the inside but I figure if you open it up to get some money out and there's none left at least you'll have something nice to look at.

Ps sorry about the green tinge, not sure what's going on there, it's definitely not there in real life.

Not all Fool's Rush In....

2011-10-28T18:11:00.003+11:00

So, you all know that Kenzi is a lot like her Aunti KT. Terrified of nothing, game for anything, uninhibited and of great courage. Heights however, seem to be her cryptonite. She hung at the top of this slide for a good 10 seconds before she was hauled back and climbed down to disrobe and exclaim, "Mummy, it was just too jolly high up there." And you know I kind of like that she knows her limits and isn't afraid to back down....she's not all Kt Mac, there is a little bit of Trin in her as well!

Slave Labour

2011-10-25T20:15:00.001+11:00

I was laid low today with a stonking headache but after medication, a long sleep and the most wonderful husband in the world looking after me I'm back on my feet. Well, at least for the next 10 minutes before I hit the sack again.

I'm just taking a few minutes to package up these little beauties that arrived in the post today. Trinny's sweet hairclips will be selling alongside my goodies at the Steampacket Markets. It's in a week and a half so I need to get hussling.

These girls will be there beside Trin's as well as a few others still in progress.

I've also been figuring out display stuff. Unfortunately I no longer have Rebecca around to work her magic, I'm going to start a 'Move the Langevelds to Australia' fund in order to get her back!

Aldi Love

2011-10-25T13:12:00.003+11:00

There are many reasons to love Aldi...the reason I love Aldi is that sometime in the future they will have a laser cutter and Dad will definitely have to buy it and then he can make me this.

Right here, right now

2011-10-23T15:02:00.001+11:00

Yesterday was a day of fullness. Foster care training, Steiner open day and fair, watching The Pink Panther. Today is full of goodness of a different kind.

A bit of tidying, a bit of crafting,

a bit of running (Run Geelong is 4 weeks today and this was my first run, oh dear), some great eating (all thanks to Andrew),

and a whole lot of relaxing in the garden.

The last day of holidays, and a totally beautiful one.

Our Family

2011-10-23T12:16:00.003+11:00

Found here, but definitely my next crafty project when I have a spare moment!

Where's Kenzi!

2011-10-23T12:01:00.004+11:00

We played hard in Canberra...hide and seek was my favourite because there were just so many whimsical and fun things to hide behind.
And just so you know, according to Kenzi, Parliment house is where the Emperor lives. We set her straight and told her what it was really for...the president right?

6 WEEKS TODAY!!!

2011-10-23T04:51:00.000+11:00

6 WEEKS TODAY!!!
6 WEEKS TODAY!!!
WATCH OUT AUSTRALIA...HERE WE COME!!!
XOX

Our Beginning

2011-10-17T09:29:00.001+11:00

Time for the Worthing family holiday.

We started ours at Fuel.

This is the start

2011-10-15T12:11:00.003+11:00

It is going to take a while to let you know about the GREAT family holiday we just had. I just wanted to put 2 photo's up to start with. It was the start of our amazing time together and it was made possible because a fabulous man has a BIG heart and a great house and he let us stay, even when he was not even there!
So these are our thank you faces....just inside your door Mr Mark (or as Kenzi called you Ron!)
Thank you so much for letting us base ourselves at yours and enjoy Canberra. More photo's to follow I promise.

Who is this babe?

2011-10-13T20:08:00.001+11:00

And the winner is...

2011-10-12T08:37:00.002+11:00

ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oops...I mean Dad!! Here is the parcel I picked up from the Sun...filled with Father's Day Tools from the competition I entered...and WON!

Unfortunately dad had left the country by the time the prize arrived! So I will just have to keep it safe until he returns and has room in his bags for them!!!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY DAD!!

LOVING YOUR PRIZES :-)

XOXOX

Ha ha even better!!!!!

2011-10-12T08:25:00.002+11:00

Love this one!! Two bums and their beautiful sister in the middle!!!

Probably the only shot with all our feet off the ground!! (just!!)

These ones are before we realised Vonny had not zoomed out with the camera!!!

ha ha ha!!!

Due to the zoom out factor it has put me in the spotlight!!

Nice one!! Nice starjumps from the unfittest of the sisters who struggled to jump higher than about 2cms off the ground!!!

LADIES OF LEISURE!!

2011-10-12T07:44:00.001+11:00

Some of our best!!!

2011-10-12T06:53:00.002+11:00

or not so best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

More of our best!!!!!

2011-10-12T06:44:00.004+11:00

lots of laughs!!!

lots of love,

linny xxx

ps. get ready for the four sister photo booth shots at christmas time! xx

Present shopping...fun fun fun!

2011-10-06T11:46:00.000+11:00

Anybody a size 7 shoe???
Or have i got that horribly wrong?
I have in my head that trin is 8, kt & ferry 6's???
And mum 6 too???
Really can't remember...but let me know so that I only
pack these AMAZING finds of mine if they are going to
actually fit anybody!
Just been at the primary school op shop trying to get
organised for Christmas! xxx

PRECIOUS PINENUTS!!!!!

2011-10-05T16:57:00.002+11:00

Hello all...sorry I have been absent for so long...
Blame it on the visitors!! He, he, he..
& the actual truth that I rarely get a moment to sit down
at the computer and actually try to string two sentences
together!

I haven't downloaded any photos lately either...but i promise to
put something more interesting up than this asap!

But here is my little story for today...

How much do you all pay for pinenuts in Oz???

I have made a new recipe tonight...it's a pumpkin, baby spinach
& pinenut salad... I will tell you how it tasted once we have eaten it!
(Andy still currently putting the girls in to bed!)

I bought some pinenuts in New World...they price them there in 100g lots...
so it wasn't until I went through the checkout that I saw the actual price
per kilo...

$126 per kilo! Yep that's right - $126!!!

I didn't even get the whole amount needed as I thought they would be a ridiculous price!
So i got this tiny handful that cost me over $4 and man am I going
to savour every mouthful!!

Love to you all,
Linny & her precious pinenuts!!! xoxox xoxo xox xo x

They won!

2011-10-01T21:23:00.001+10:00

Whoooooooot!

The Cats

2011-10-01T14:42:00.001+10:00

Langlan's first AFL grand final. Actually, all of our first AFL grand final. We're watching it at Steampacket gardens in our blue and white. Go Geelong!

Seriously Mixed Up

2011-09-30T21:07:00.001+10:00

Today I told Andrew that we have a chook that thinks it's a human and a child that thinks it's a chook. Langlan had motored over the new fence I'd put up around our garden to keep Keith in and was exploring the chook enclosure. Keith had joined me in the studio as I worked on some market stall stuff. And now Keith is asleep in a box on our back porchy-area thing.

She's been camping out there the last few nights so Andrew decided to make her comfy tonight, and to provide a poop catcher. All I'm hoping is that Langlan is still in his bed and not out roosting in the chook pen.

of birds and butterflies

2011-09-30T08:07:00.003+10:00

we made a butterfly feeder yesterday to hang in our garden. we hope it will be an invite to some beautiful butterflies to flutter around and dance with us.
Can you see it was even exciting enough to pull the jack-a-napes away from cricket!
Oh, and the bird wings....they haven't been taken off yet!

thumb wars and all things birthday

2011-09-30T07:57:00.003+10:00

these are the front of connors invites. inspired by these. we only had to make 40...whew! the bonus is that every time he looks at them he smiles and gives me a great big hug. hopefully his 18th invites will excite that response as well.

anyone?

2011-09-28T19:30:00.002+10:00

Hours

2011-09-28T19:10:00.005+10:00

Sometimes a project takes hours....and it is so worth it. My beautiful girl who so desires to be able to fly has not taken these wings off. Battles, which is what Connor and Kenzi play most has become 'Will Treaty (Connor) and Eagle girl (Kenzi) battling to keep the back yard at Bourke Street safe from unsavoury critters and characters.
Happy to say that the hours spent sewing these was also for a prototype for some christmasy fun for all the special little chickadees in our lives....fun fun fun.

Is this blog playing naughties for you all.....or is it just my ineptness at computers? Photo's are supposed to be spread throughout.

Inspiration for these wings came from somewhere on the www. but I cannot for the life of me find where it was. Thank you for the inspiration whoever you are...sorry I cannot give you the appropriate credit you deserve.

Safe in Canberra

2011-09-25T09:17:00.001+10:00

I think we're safe. Although looking at the road markings here we may not be.

Celebrate the BOY

2011-09-21T15:11:00.004+10:00

Now that my 2 married sisters have joined me in the ranks of having a boy they will be sympathetic to my plight. It seems that beautiful girly celebrations are all over the internet.....and even baby boy celebrations. Not so older boy celebrations and I am left to wonder why? Perhaps boys being boys either don't like celebrating or they die before they turn 11 because they make explosions and eat slime and ride bikes with reckless abandonment!
Any way all that to say, very soon I will have an 11 year old and we are having a celebration. The invites are nearly done. I now need a plan to entertain 30 kids for the best part of a day.
We will be having homemade paintball aka. 10 Things I hate about you.
(insert embedded video that so did not work!)
...and other things that I will reveal as time goes on...but go on. Get in on the action and tell me how you would organise an 11 year old boys CRAZY FUN MADCAP PAintball and partygames do.

Just Sayin'

2011-09-21T11:04:00.002+10:00

I love this make your own paris doll kit.