1 x 2

How did this year go by so fast? This time last year we were travelling to Hamberg from Berlin, almost on the last leg of our big trip. We also received this text a year ago to say these darling little ones had arrived into the world!

 And now they are 1! 

(sorry Luke hope you don't mind me nabbing your photo!)

Unfortunately we don't live in the same state so we haven't had a lot of physical contact with these cuties, we have met a couple of times and we have received plenty of photos and hear you in the background when we we are talking to your mummy and daddy! We wish we could have been there today to see you, give you a tickle and a kiss and share a cupcake with you, your big sister and the rest of the gang. Hopefully as you get older there will be opportunity to do that.

Happy Birthday Ava Joy and Sophie Christina

xxxx

Love Uncle Tim and Aunty Lauren 

What are you doing New years EvE?

This is so lovely!

Happy New Years Eve!

Happy Christmas!

We had a fantastic day yesterday! We went to church then headed over to Mum and Dad's place for lunch...which turned into afternoon tea and then dinner too!

some seriously silly people... :)

   Nana really had the moves for Bocce! Bocce was a present for Jek from her secret santa...who was me! There were a lot of laughs!

 It was insane how many times Jek got ridiculously close to the jack! I think she's been practicing!

 see what I mean! FREAK!

 A very cute little brroch for me from my secret santa...who was Jek!

I was very spoilt! A subscription for Peppermint magazine, a beautiful cookbook...AND beautiful book that I have been eying off for ages from a very generous friend! And plenty of pocket money!

I have now officially finished at my job! The last couple of weeks were great and bitter sweet. The young people organised a surprise party for me Friday week ago which was fantastic! It also made me cry! I had a lovely send off at the Christmas Eve service, and was given a very generous gift from the congregation. So now I am officially on holidays for a whole MONTH! I am so very happy about that! Perhaps my blogging mojo will return!

AND today the sisters and brother in law are coming over to watch cricket (boys will be doing that) and board games!

Hope you had a wonderful day yesterday with your family and friends celebrating and relaxing and perhaps reflecting on the true joy and miracle of the day

xx

christmas craft

When I sew I usually stick to the things I know, I make things up and usually follow VERY SIMPLE patterns. I always need pictures to show me what it is supposed to look like so I know I am on the right track!

 I started making this table runner the other night...I bought the fabric, washed it and then it sat there for a few days....I had the pattern but no picture, my mum had the original pattern so I got it off her...I needed to be stealthy because the table runner is indeed for her for Christmas!

 once I got started I was on a real roll!

It's a bit wonky at the edges, but it is made with a tonne of love and I know she will really love it which is the main thing! :) There are a couple of things I would change like using less of the dark plain blue...but one end has made a T with that fabric...and her name is Trudy! So it works out!

I think I'm going to make a non christmasy one for our table for all year round! And perhaps it'll be a feature for some other presents too!

What Christmas things have you made this year?

bit of encouragement

We have this calendar that was given to us for our wedding...or engagement...

I've been more diligent lately in flipping it over each day...

except for this week when I flipped this over a couple of days late

And it was exactly the encouragement I needed to hear that day...

It's sort of serendipitous like that

xx

grateful for the light at the end of the tunnel

image credit

I'm about to finish up the job I have been doing for the past 6 years. There's a tinge of sadness and some excitement about what will be next. But the last few weeks have been a little crazy, what with end of year school wrapping up, Christmas dinners, carols nights, end of year youth break ups, advent evenings, secret santa presents etc etc etc. Tonight I can honestly see the light at the end of the tunnel. Most of the BIG things I was to do before finishing my job are done, the next couple of weeks as I wrap up should be a little less crazy. I hope they are enjoyable and that I can savour the last couple of weeks of the job I have really enjoyed these past 6 years. So this week I am grateful to see the light at the end of the tunnel...to not feel like I am JUST keeping my head above water but that I can go at a perhaps slightly slower pace and enjoy the journey.

Wanna read about some more gratefuls, head over to Maxabella's...for the last time this year!

the past week or so...

I have...
walked a labyrinth...several times
organised a really cute children's address about sheep
talked to teenagers, one on one, in groups...and in front of the whole school
TRIED to go Christmas shopping
written some Christmas cards
seen an old friend
applied for many jobs
went to the doctor
tried to blog...
cooked many cookies and cupcakes for a bake sale
went to a baby shower
went to a job interview
went to Ronald McDonald house to watch some superstar year 9 drama students
celebrated with special ladies
was given a present...a couple in fact!
spoke on the phone
ate a lot of chocolate
ate a BBQ tea with some special ladies...again and their kids and vicar husbands
went to a swimming carnival
witnessed 7 men be ordained into public ministry
partied with their family and friends
didn't sleep in
succeeded in Christmas shopping
made some bunting
played games
started reading this book...but then had to return it to the library before I was finished
had some hot chocolate dates
celebrated brithdays
cooked a meal for a friend
sang Christmas carols
put the Christmas tree up
welcomed friends home who had been travelling
sang in a band
had hard conversations
booked flights for a summer holiday
....and slept, ate. farted etc etc...
it's been a crazy, full on week or so...

the last of the bunts

I've been meaning to post this for yonks...but with my blog hangover and leaving my camera in several places I never got around to it! My final bunts have arrived...one went waylaid but I got 19 in the end and I love them all. These final ones are from the lovely Yaga, Christina, Cyndy, and Julie. Thank you all!

It was a great swap to be involved in! It's definitely made me think about giving bunting to everyone! I made some for a friend who is expecting a baby. And my sister in law asked me to make some for some cutie pies. It's so easy and fun to make!

19

it's these little ladies birthday today! 19...obviously this photo is a little old...circa 1993...or so

we missed their 18th last year because we flew overseas the day before...

see them when they were 17 here

it has been a real joy to see them grow from these cute (and at the time I sometimes thought annoying) bubbas to the beautiful ladies they are today.

Rebecca Maree is a thoughtful and sensitive lass who is a loyal friend. She can also hold her own, she knows when things aren't quite right, in a justice sense and in a "are you ok" sense. She also can not decide which colour her hair should be...it changes quite regularly! But I like that, it keeps you guessing! She also really likes the on-line store Lucy in the sky...and that is where a lot of her pocket money is spent. She's also a bit of a metal fan.

Courtney Rachel is a motivated and organised little lady. She has a stress streak in her and so get's her assignments for uni done well in advanced. She also has a fiery and fiesty streak in her too. (which I love!) She also knows something about justice- when something isn't fair. (perhaps that has something to do with having siblings you learn that!? or you learn when injustice occurs!). She can spot an op shop bargain from a  mile away and has interesting tastes in shoes and table conversations!

These two are a couple of the best. At times they have seriously peeved me but as we get older and know each other (and don't live in the same house) we have fun together.

Happy birthday beautiful girls!

grateful for surprises

image

but unlike the picture suggests, they were good surprises! Some of which I outlined on Tuesday!

We had a visit from some special friends passing through back to WA, they popped in one night and then we got have breakfast with them and their little bub. It was lovely.

A lovely friend is pregnant. It's very ace news! That takes it up to about 8 ladies I know who are for shiz up the spout and don't just have a food baby...like some of us ;)

I think I am particularly grateful for these happy surprises at this time when life is a bit hectic and chaotic.

For more grateful love head of here 

hung over?

...I think I have a bit of a hang over from Blogtoberfest...and Frocktoberfest...and perhaps life
I can't seem to get on the bloggy band wagon again,. Over the weekend I went to blog but couldn't find my camera...but I remembered that I had had it in my office earlier that day, so though oh well I'll just do that post another time. When I went to work this morning...my camera wasn't where I thought I left it. I thought it might have been stolen, but then I went and checked my work bag again...it had been there all the time. I must have gone blind over the weekend or something?
In the last few weeks life has thrown some curve balls (one such curve ball being a parent from school dying)
but some good balls too (engagements, news of new babies, surprise visits from friends)
I resigned from my job...which is a good thing! It's time for a change and I am very excited about the change and people have been very supportive and excited for me and Tim.
But now a lot of spare time is being used for job applications! :)

I'm going to try for the simple life the next few weeks...we'll see how we go!

E for Ethel

There is a super cute cafe in our suburb, just opened 8 weeks ago! I went and visited yesterday and bought a birthday present for my sissys. It is a lovely space with gifts and coffee. And the owner is super lovely! Like the kind of lady and cafe you want to be first name basis with! :) So if you are in the Adelaide area...go and visit E for Ethel on Melbourne Street. 

frocktober round up...

 Thursday 27th- this is one of my favourite skirts...I can wear it with the blue at the front...or the brown at the front! Bit fun! Bought from Irving baby

 Friday 28th- I have had this dress for so long I forget when I got it...but it's definitely from the Op shop!

 Saturday 29th- I got this dress from a clothes swap...I felt a bit overdressed at the camp I was at to begin with....

 Sunday 30th- This is one of my favourites! It's a maiocchi dress...I love it! Clare got me on to them...I've been googling Adelaide stockist! Luckily there are a few!

Monday 31st October! LAST day of frocktober! I bought this baby out again! it was a little chilly so went for the dress jeans combo! It's been fun wearing my frocks...and I am determined to bring them out more often from now on!

big time fail!

...stumbling at the last hurdle again with this blogtoberfest caper!
First the internet decided to stop working
Then I was at a camp with no net access
Then it was the internet still being stoooopid when I got home!
So today marks the end of a VERY busy month with blogging AND frocking it up!
I'll be back to share my last installment of frocktober and other such tales when I have recovered! :)

frocktober week 4...part one

Week 4 I'm in fine form! :) this little purple, pink and white number got another feature! (Saturday 22nd)

Sunday 23rd October- I love this dress, a very dear friend found it for me at a Childers op shop a number of years ago...for like $2 or something crazy like that! It's lovely! 

Monday 24th October... I can't actually remember when and where I got this dress...probably in Bundy sometime! I am almost 100% it's handmade! It's so well made, the fabric is in such great condition! unfortunately you can't see in the picture but it has floral bits on it! very sweet!

Tuesday 25th- I must confess I wore a pair of jeans to work this day...BUT only because I knew I was going to a dinner where I could wear a dress...is that cheating? This dress my little sisters got me for my birthday this year!

Wednesday 26th- A pretty skirt...I made! when I was on one of my social work pracs! ha so comfy, so fun!

...NOT LONG TO GO NOW!!!!

received bunts

 It has been so lovely over the last few weeks to go to the letter box and find something fun to open...you know something OTHER than a BILL!

 Rachel over at squiggly rainbow organised the bunting swap! And it was so enjoyable to be apart of! Thanks Rachel!

, 

I have received bunts from (in no particular order): Rachel, Kirsty, Bronwyn, Faith, Sam, Lionesslady, Nicole, Lea, Leah, Sophie, Amy, Beberouge and Ruth. They are all very talented ladies! Thank you lovelies for being involved. I love each and every one of my bunts so far and I am really looking forward to putting them all together!

So 14 down...6 to go! I can't wait to receive the rest!

farewell class of 2011

photo taken a few days ago...today was infact their last day! before exams!

how did this year go by so quick?

It doesn't feel like very long ago since I farewelled the class of 2010!

I've known some of these students since they started school in 2006...as little year 7's. I once was taller than them...now...well they have left me for dead. I've come to know many ace young men and woman. Some are talented at sport, some at music, some at public speaking, some at speaking German, some at writing, some at being a good listener, some that are resilient, some who are passionate about justice. The list could go on and on. 

It has been indeed a joy (and sometimes it has been challenging too!) to see these young men and woman grow and develope and change into the young adults that they are today. There is a special valadictory dinner tonight to celebrate before it's time to knuckle down for exams.

Thanks for the good times class of 2011, may you have clarity for your exams and we'll see you on the other end!

new in the shop

 My sister is a little bit clever, sometimes annoyingly so! :) Just kidding! She's very clever with the crochet hook. After the weekend and the market, I had a few little brooches left over...I have been a bit slack with the Lozalicious etsy shop. So thought I would get into gear and put some new treats in the shop!

 Perhaps you'd like to do some early Christmas shopping? Or perhaps you have some pocket money that's burning a hole in your pocket! :)

Head over to my etsy shop to have a lookseey!

show us your pin cushion!

Vic at Punky and me has bought back the delightful my place or yours! This week we're sharing our pincushions! I received this lovely pin cushion in a swap...a little while ago perhaps as long as 18 months ago from the talented Myrtle and Eunice! You can actually get the pattern off her blog...and get the tattoo done! I'm seriously considering it!

more pincushions over...here

to market to market

It was a beautiful day for a market. I'm glad Fiona bought an umbrella otherwise we would have got very hot!

Tonight I put my feet up!

xx

frocktoberfest-the 3rd week!

Far out how quickly is October going!? I'm in the full swing of these frocks/skirts! although there have been more skirts than frocks this week!

 Saturday 15th October- this beautiful green and black patterned skirt I got from the OP shop while visiting Bundy in September. I found it in the costume area...it had a big chunky gold thing on the front which I took off. It is super comfy and flowy and pretty...shame the picture is a bit crummy!

 Sunday 16th- I got this dress from a market in Freo...I really like it. I wore it to Tim's sisters wedding. It's a bit low in the front but I wore a little skivvy underneath which has a v neck too...went well and it was a little cooler this day so worked well!

 Monday 17th- dress from the salvos...it's a tad tighter than when I bought it...but doesn't look too bad! It has cute buttons on the bodice!

 Tuesday 18th- My sister made this skirt! It's super cute apples...This photo has taught me I need to get Tim to photograph me the rest of the month!

 Wednesday 19th- A work mate told me I looked cute today...so I was able to tell all about frocktober!

Thursday 20th- back to a lovely skirt. I got this for a birthday a few years ago. It's reversable and you can style it into 20 different styles...but I lost the instruction leaflet...apparently you can even wear it as a dress/frock!

Friday 21st October- the plain jane black skirt I'd had for years...comfy with tights!

check out the rest of my frocktober journey here and here!

my creative space

 my creative space this week is a bit of a mess!

it's also taken the kitchen table hostage! 

It;s all because this weekend a lovely friend and I are having a stall at this market! I had one there last year and it was so much fun! A great place to do your first market! My mumma will be coming along too to help out and drink cups of tea with us! So I've been busy finishing badges, magnets, brooches and cute little pear pin cushions!

Check out more creative spaces over here!