It's finished!!

The Handsome Pastor hard at work...

I've always wanted my own picket fence!!

Gate not hung yet - but you get the idea!

Delicious yumminess!

Of course, when one has one's own picket fence, it must be appropriately dressed!

Just 'borrowed' from the shed...

The finished product. I cannot tell you how excited I am about my dear little kitchen garden. 

I have the best husband in the world...... thank you honey!!! xx

(sorry the photos are dull again! I should have taken them yesterday....)

Toot toot toot (blowing my own trumpet)

A cuddle quilt for my nephews 3rd birthday. 

I'm really pleased with the way it turned out.

Happy birthday (next month) TePaea!! x

(it's another grey and dull day here, hence the dull photos.)

Thinking out loud...

It's our school spring break here - yeah! 2 whole weeks of holiday-ness. *sigh* Yes even homeschoolers love the holidays.... it's a chance to take a deep breath, to reflect, plan and organise.

During the term my house is acceptable - it's tidy and clean (mostly!!)... but by the end of term the 'art work' is taking over, toys and books have found themselves in random spaces and the pile of mis-matched socks is disheartening. To top it off our school area is looking horrendous.
Did I say horrendous? I meant HORRENDOUS!!!!!!

Groan.... but look closer... it gets worse. Much worse.

But wait... there's more....

Oh how I wish I could splash a coat of white paint over that bookshelf.

"Honey? Would that be ok? No? Oh - we don't paint over Rimu wood? Oh - well I need to talk to you about the coffee table then....."

hehe

 Anyway, I have spent the last half hour looking on line for some ideas and inspiration. Not only did I find the coolest school room but some great ideas for keeping everything in it's place. *sigh*...
Have I mentioned before that I. LOVE. ORDER. ?

Here is one cool and totally unachievable idea for the kids room.

LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!

Seen here

You need to go have a look at Augustfields - this lovely family have had the opportunity to build a house that most of us couldn't. It's beautiful - and she has the best school room. A whole room for school.... wow!

On my speedy school room's tour I saw.... old school lockers for individual kids stuff (drool), black and white checked flooring - easy wash and perfect for art time (ooooh yeah!), ladders turned into desks (fun!!), a drinking fountain INSIDE THE HOUSE! (no comment!), and a toddler that was happy to stay in his play pen while the quiet reading was happening (uh - yeah right!).

So, now I am inspired. Once I have organised my schoolroom (which in reality will be nothing like any of the above) I will share a photo or two. But maybe you homeschool and wanna share a photo with me of your work area? I'd love to see!

Love is in the Air

There is a some lovely news to be shared at church tomorrow.... 

So... to celebrate I made cup cakes. Lots and lots of cup cakes. 

Are you feeling the love yet?

There's a storm a brewing....

and apparently the aforesaid storm is the size of Australia, bringing with it gale force winds, snow and chill. 

umm.... don't get me wrong.... but isn't it spring??

So this weekend I will be tucked up inside with the fire glowing in the background, sipping tea and chatting with a dear friend who is flying up for the weekend 

(rather you than me in this gale my friend... but I will be there to pick you up shortly!)

And while we sit and relax I will be working on a new project.... this time for my nephew's 3rd birthday.... a quilt with a hunting/fishing theme. Cute heh!

Work Ethic 101

He who works his land will have abundant food,

but he who chases fantasies lacks judgement.

Proverbs 12:11

High Tea ... the princess way

Lucy loved her luncheon with her friends. It turned into something bigger than I had intended it to be - but it was fun and most importantly she had a lovely lovely time. We hope to have something with family soon too. 

I had a really fun time making the table all pretty - in case you are wondering what all the stuff on the wall is.... this is our school table! 

All ready for the little princesses to arrive

Sweet little friends - such fun!

The classic Lucy look of excitement

This time five years ago, I was in labour. Waiting and waiting for this little girl to make her appearance. 

42 long and painful hours.... but oh so worth it. She arrived 10:27pm Sunday night. 

Tomorrow is her actual birthday and the excitment is building. We have a fun time planned.... and big sister is bursting with the anticipation of showering her bestest bud with gifts she bought herself (from the $2 shop) and cards and pictures and letters she has made. I love being a part of this cool little family!! 

Thank you Lord. I so don't deserve this expression of your grace and love.

Sneak Peek...

This weekend (9/11) marks my sweet Lucy's 5th birthday. Tomorrow she is having a wee lunch for a few little friends. You may have a wee sneak peek at the party treats so far... but sshhh! don't tell my girl - it's a surprise!

Thanks CHD for this idea!!

My mum always used to make these for our birthdays and now I make them for my kids. I love these kind of traditions!

I am not a cake decorator. In fact it is a major stress for me. 

But I showed my feeble attempt to Miss 6 who gave the perfect response

"Ooooh Mama! It's perfect!"

*sigh* 

I love being a mama!

The spaniel and the cow

My view this morning during breakfast

Peaceful and serene....

And then came The Dog....

Oh the Big Brave Dog!

Wouldn't you feel safe with a big brave dog like that around? I mean, those ears would scare anyone!

Wonderful merciful Saviour

We sang this song yesterday in Church and it always focuses my heart in thankfulness - check it out....Selah

xx

Grandpa and Grandma...

Favourite things

Oh Slatkin and Co... you are loved! Cinnamon stick - welcome to my home. 

Thank you Steph!! Such a wonderful package that was delivered this morning! x

And just one more of my favourite things... 

So tonight is Friday and after dinner was a game. The Chocolate Game to be precise. Except 'someone' thought he would grab the hat and run for it. Styling.... all his own!

I wish that I had taken photos during the game, of the girls in the hat and scarf trying to get chocolate buttons on the plastic spoon - it was adorable... but the sad truth is that my competitive side kicked in and I was tossing that dice wildly willing and possibly even yelling for number 6.... all in the name of fun. Right? hehe

(NB: I was whipped by a 4 year old. She has the same chocolate drive as her mother. Poor child)

Happy weekend to you! :)

PS - don't forget Fathers Day this Sunday. What are you going to be doing to honour the daddy in your life/home?

Step 1a

Compost dug in - CHECK! (thanks honey!)

measuring my $1 trade me picket fence to make sure it fits-  CHECK!

Loving the bargain - CHECK!

And now the view from my dining table this evening - breath taking!

Then sings my soul, my Saviour God to thee

How great Thou art, how great Thou art!