A Boys Mumma

Happy Valentines Day..

2012-02-14T13:19:00.003+10:00

Anyone can catch your eye, but it takes a special someone to catch your heart.

Happy Valentines Day to all xxx

Upping the anti..

2012-02-13T12:38:00.007+10:00

I've just wasted a good hour trying to figure out my study schedule for the rest of my course and crazily decided to enrol in 3 subjects for each semester this year, totalling 9 for the year ( Studying via correspondence means I get a semester over Christmas).

Doing this will bring me 3 subjects short of what I would have accomplished going to Uni full time and almost to the end of my second year, which is pretty good considering I am doing it at home.

I always said I was going to step it up a notch this year with Byron at School and Harper now in daycare 2 days, so here goes nothing..

I might even finish my course in 4 years, instead of the 8 I initially planned for. Which thinking positively would mean I am qualified the year Harper starts school. Perfect timing really.

In reality with only being able to do certain subjects in certain semesters it might take a little bit longer, but I am trying my best to avoid these clashes..

Now to prepare for semester 1, and figure out where on earth I will get the money for all those textbooks!

Wish me luck!

DIY: Everyday bead necklace

2012-02-11T12:37:00.000+10:00

Here's a really easy way to give those boring chains you have in the draw a new lease on life.

All you need is some wooden beads. Which can be found at spotlight for around $2.50 for a bag of 4, depending on the size.

Some oil based paint, or if like me you don't have that readily available use some nail polish.

First of all, find yourself something that fits in the end of the bead for easy painting. I used a pencil.

Then give the bead a couple of coats of your favorite colour, and leave to dry.

Thread onto your chain and there you have it!

One fun everyday necklace for next to nothing!

Invitation love..

2012-02-10T11:37:00.000+10:00

Im a tad crazy about paper goods.. I like to collect cards with unique pictures on them, hoping one day to put them in cute frames and hang them on the wall somewhere..

My little sister is turning 21 in August and has asked me to design her birthday invites. I do love a little design project so of course said yes!

I've always loved looking at invites and anything birthday party related. There's just something about it. I even have a file on my computers full of lovely things that may one day may inspire a party or two of my own.

Here's a few that I love...

You can find these ones here:

1. here

2. here

3. here

4. here

Do you have a love for paper goods too?

Wish I was there...

2012-02-09T20:14:00.001+10:00

My Nanna is moving into a nursing home tomorrow. I wish I could be there. I know my Mum and my aunties will be hurting to see her upset about it.

A part of me wants to help in some way, but I'm stuck here feeling useless.

She has Dementia which has come on pretty quickly. Over the last 5 years she's slowly started forgetting things, mixing people up and losing her independence. She didn't really know who I was at Christmas nor that my boys were in fact her grand children. It hurt and at times I found myself holding back tears.

Good luck Mum, Aunty Gaye & Aunty Jan. Will be thinking of you. Xxx

Give her a hug from me..

Sickness returns to the toddler of the house...

2012-02-09T10:26:00.005+10:00

It seems I have a sick toddler on my hands again.

After being sent home from daycare yesterday shakey and with temps well above normal I dosed him up with panadol, dealt with sick toddler tantrums for as long as I could and put him to bed hoping all would be better in the morning.

Come midnight he was burning up again and after getting up to cries every half hour I staggered back to my bed with him in my arms.

He eventually stopped sobbing and fell asleep smothering my face. I didn't want to risk waking him so left him willing to deal with the consequences (hopefully not sufocation). Surly enough I woke this morning covered in his sweat and suffering from one very stiff neck.

He just climbed into bed which is unheard of, so I am really hoping he comes good and we don't get a week of this like last month.

Sewing again...

2012-02-08T19:03:00.001+10:00

I got my sewing machine out of the cupboard for the first time since moving Byron into his own room (which was the sewing room) today. I haven't really had the sewing bug lately and getting it out and setting it up in the dining area just seemed like more of a hassle than what it was worth.

But today it was looking at me begging to get out of its box, so I raided my material box and got working on a little project that will make outings with a toilet training toddler that much easier.

What I had in mind was a water proof pad for the car seat.

I've seen them in boutique baby shops before and the thought of not having to wash the whole car seat cover and foam after little accidents was enough for me to give it ago.

I remember washing car seat covers every second day when Byron started wearing undies. An absolute nightmare if you ask me and something I would really like to be without second time around.

I measured my spare car seat. Drew up a pattern and got cutting. I've put padding in for extra comfort and 2 water proof layers to stop wee's going through to the car seat.

Now to test it out :)

I'll come back and let you know if it was a success and give you some pointers on making one for your own little toilet trainer. Fingers crossed.

Toilet training.. What I have learnt...

2012-02-06T11:40:00.004+10:00

There has been alot of toilet training talk going on on twitter over the last few weeks, so I thought I'd share some tip's of my own.

Byron was anything but interested in toilet training, but after listening to to many people who apparently knew everything I pushed him and have honestly had issues ever since.

He wasn't ready, so there were tantrums and accidents galore which as a first time Mum eventually got to me and I snapped. I yelled at him one day for pooing on the floor, and that same day I put a stop to toilet training and didn't say a word about it again.

A few months later after he turned 3, he asked if he could sit on the toilet and from there trained himself. As I said at almost 5 we still have accidents because he doesn't listen to his body and waits until the last minute and still wets at night. I don't know whether this is normal because we don't really hang out with other 5 year olds, but some days concerns me a little.

So second time around I knew what not to do, and that was push and obviously yell.

So when Harper started pulling his clothes off a few months back to try and wee in the garden like Byron I took that as a sign that he was ready to learn some more.

We talked about where 1's and 2's go, went without nappies and let him be.

He's since gotten 2's down pat and I hardly ever change a dirty nappy anymore. He's more often than not dry after a nap, and does 90% of his wee's either on the toilet or in the garden. The rest seem to go somewhere in my bedroom (thanks kid).

I've since learnt that:

Allowing them to be naked makes things a lot easier.

Skipping the potty is a god send. No re training involved, and no toddlers trying to help carry the wee's and poo's to the toilet for you.

Spending every second weekend away doesn't help at all.

High fives and cuddles work just as well as treats and stickers.

There is no need to yell.

Teaching toddlers that everywhere you go there is probably a toilet close by helps. Although they will probably want to sit on every single one they see, just because.

And that saying goodbye to your poo's as they swirl around the toilet is pretty damn exciting when you are two!

I don't think mornings get any worse than this..

2012-02-06T10:54:00.000+10:00

Byron: 'Mum there's white stuff all over the ground'

Me (half asleep): 'Hail?'

B: 'Ah, no not that.. Come see'

So I get out of bed and wander into the kitchen only to see what looks like a bag of spilt rice covering the entire floor. Only it was moving..

Yep, apparently a fly had decided to give birth the a million maggots over night in my rubbish bin and they had escaped and where searching the kitchen (and the hall, and the bedrooms, and the lounge room) for something to lay there fangs (not sure if they actually have fangs) into..

I stood there horrified, trying to think of the best method to get rid of them all.

The vacuum seemed like the best option so we grabbed that and sucked the little buggers up.

Job done. Or so it seemed.

Every time I turned my back another million had appeared from there hidey holes around the kitchen. I spent a good half hour doing this, with Byron pointing them out, and Harper yelling from his cot to get out and see what the commotion was about.

By this time it was 7.45 and we had 15 minutes to get ready for school if we were going to walk.

I opened Harper's door, only to be greeted by another hundred maggots.

I grabbed Harper and I cried. We sat outside and re assessed the situation. Re assured myself that they were only maggots and went inside to make lunches while Harper sucked up the ones that were coming close to me (so much braver than me!).

This was far to much to handle first thing in the morning.

8am came around and I went searching for the jogger pram. Only to find it had a nice coating of mould on it from all the rain we have had.

I cried again. Swore a little. Made myself a cup of tea. Got dressed and drove Byron to School.

Tonight I am going to spray the bin with so much fly spray that nothing will stand a chance.

Walking silently..

2012-02-05T18:19:00.010+10:00

Now that the suns back I've gotten back into the outdoors exercise, and yesterday morning for the first time in a while I took along the iPod for some pick me up music to spur me on. I never really got into using it while exercising and probably couldn't have told you why.

But now I remember. I have small ears and for the life of me can't get those things to stay in. I have tried all shapes and sizes with no luck. It's completely beyond me.

So there I was yesterday on my walk/jog to the beach dreading my last minute decision, ready to throw my iPod in the next bin that had been left out. It bewilders me how people run, let alone sit with them in their ears without having to shove them back in place every two seconds. It's one of those things that has always annoyed me, back in the day on the school bus trying to share headphones with the bestie and now almost 10 years on.

Tell me, do you have this problem and if so... How on earth do you get them to stay in? I really would love to know!

Hooray the sun is shining...

2012-01-31T11:59:00.004+10:00

The sun's back and I couldn't be happier.

I've helped 24 prep's learn to swim.

Mowed the lawns.

Washed curtains.

Scrubbed the kitchen.

Made beds.

Visited the opp shop.

And now to cross my fingers and hope that the next week of rain forecast stays away (at least long enough to cure our cabin fever).

First week, done and dusted...

2012-01-28T07:35:00.003+10:00

Byron's first week of school is over and I'm glad to say he had a blast. It was all smiles and excitement to go back everyday which made for a much easier transition.

Although he still has no solid school buddies, the teacher ensures me he's very friendly and will pair up with someone in no time. Just not the girls because apparently they are only letting in boys that like ballerinas, and Byron told them straight that he only liked cars which I must admit made me laugh!

So here's to 100 more noodle necklaces and 1000 more paintings that will find there way home over the year :)

School days begin..

2012-01-24T11:21:00.001+10:00

Just 4 and a half years in this world and he's off to school. It seems crazy. He seem's to small to go to school yet, but the Queensland cut off says differently, so off he went with a back pack that was bigger than him, ready to fill that sponge of a mind with useful facts about the world.

After running around at the last minute buying books and covering them in Ben10, Yesterday was his first day and we were up before 6 getting ready.

After a quick Skype with Nanna in Victoria we had breaky and he put his full uniform on for the first time.

He looked unbelievably adorable, and oh so proud.

After some photo's we headed on down to school, did a few puzzles and met some other kids before the bell rang.

I kissed him goodbye and toddled off home tear free, feeling pretty happy that I managed to turn this little boy into a big school kid practically all on my own.

Best of all he loved it and was excited to be going back today.

Our last week of 2 kids at home...

2012-01-20T14:47:00.002+10:00

Byron starts prep next week. He's pretty level headed about it. Me, I don't know how I feel. I could jump up and down with delight that the house is going to be quiet between 8.30-2.30 Monday to Friday, and I could also cry because he's growing up and soon will probably be filling me in on facts about the world that I don't already know..

So this week we have been hanging out together getting ready for school and spending our day's trying not to get grumpy at each other.

We have new lunch boxes and back packs. His uniforms are washed and labeled. New shoes have been purchased, he's even got new socks and jocks (going for a complete fresh start!!).

All I have to do is pop into office works this weekend while they are at their Dad's and get everything on his book list + an art smock. I am sure I have one of these hiding in my house somewhere but as always, the moment I need it, it goes missing.

So here's to my last weekend of a full time mother of two boys. I could say we are going to make the most of it and spend it as a family, but they won't be home so I will spend it resting and getting ready to deal with the tantrums that being over tired from school will bring..

Let's let the next page in our story begin :)

New toys...

2012-01-16T13:57:00.004+10:00

After heading out to the city with some awesome friends on Saturday night and wishing I had a little point and shoot camera to take along because by iphone 3 disagrees with night time, I finally bit the bullet and re-contracted to get myself an iphone4s..

It will be here on Thursday and I am super excited. I got the iphone3 2 years ago, when everyone else was upgrading to the iphone4, so finally I am up with the latest technology (and yes I am ok that in a few months the 5 will come out).. The 4, is more than enough technology for me, and the camera on it is about 400x better then mine now.

So after I told my twitter friends about my upgrade Amy so kindly reminded me of casetagram. I wasn't going to buy one, but I visited the site, got creating and quite frankly just had to buy it once it was there on my screen with my kids all over it. It should be here within a week also.

So Excited. I love new toys, and I feel like I have saved a few hundred by not needing to go and buy a camera now.. That's a big win in my book :D

Lake Eildon...

2012-01-13T07:52:00.001+10:00

I grew up spending most long weekends and school holidays at my holiday house on one of the arms of Lake Eildon in Victoria. It was only a 2 hour drive from home so relatively easy to get to for mum with 3 kids. We had a speed boat so most of our day's were spent whizzing around on skis or tubing, having a blast.

It's like a different world when you arrive there. It's almost calming. Our house backs onto the water so you can just stroll down for a dip, or hang out in the house and chat to the neighbours as they pop by.

For years it's been in drought there, so I was happy to see when we rolled up this time it was full to the brim and looking like it did when I was a kid.

My kid's loved it there. Byron loved the space to ride bikes and throw rocks and Harp although not very well whilst there loved the water (as I knew he would).

It's just a pitty I live so far away now..

Nanna and Harper..

2012-01-12T10:16:00.003+10:00

Everytime we go down to Melbourne I seem to come home with photo's of my boys sitting on the same bench seat in the corner of nanna's garden. It's got a really nice feel to it and I've even had people in for portrait sessions.

This trip I came back with photo's of Harper and Nanna on that seat. I'm not to sure where Byron was. Quite possibly dying from the flu inside the house.

Anyways, here's a couple of my favourites. Including Harper with his 'no humidity' hair. Looking super grown up if you ask me.

Do you have a favourite spot you always seem to photograph around?

2012...

2012-01-03T14:27:00.001+10:00

Happy 2012 to my followers, and all that pop by and read my blog from time to time.

We brought in the new years at our holiday house near Mansfield in Victoria on the shore of Lake Eildon. I haven't been there in years so was excited to see the drought has broken and the water is back up in front of the house. A change from my last visit when it was a good 20 minute drive to the water.

It was just like old day's being there with family, only there's new kids to keep everyone on their toes.

My boys loved being close to the water and getting to go for a ride in a friends speed boat. They definitely got to stretch their legs and lungs.

Besides being exhausted after a week of sick kids and struggling to make midnight, it was really nice. Although it would have been better if I got a real new years kiss from Ben who's enjoying the piece and quiet in Qld while we are down here. Luckily there's always next year!

Melbourne..

2011-12-29T14:48:00.003+10:00

We made it safely to Melbourne on boxing day after just making checkin for our flight. The boy's were really well behaved and soaked up all that was going on around them.

Nanna picked us up from the airport and later that day we made our way to Bendigo for my Dad's sides family Christmas. The boys got to see santa and met 100's of relies before Byron passed out on the couch and Harper partied on with all of his second cousins.

Since then we have had Harper with fevers and what I thought was tonsilitis breath, and now Byron with croup and high temps.. The last thing we need whilst on holidays..

I took both boys to a friends for dinner last night and I had to leave early because Byron was fading fast. I put him in bed and he is still there now at 4pm. This never happens. So hopefully he's better tomorrow morning or it's off to the doctors rather than our holiday house on Lake Eildon.

Fingers crossed..

Christmas Morning...

2011-12-25T12:53:00.002+10:00

Byron rose at 6.15ish this morning and before coming to tell me he was awake made his way to the lounge to check out all the presents then came in excited about the giant one.

I could hear him telling Harper all about santa, so I got up and released Harp from his cot.

After a cup of tea we got to the present opening, starting with the biggest first. They were pretty excited about everything. Especially the McQueen and Mater RC cars Ben bought them.

After breakfast here the boys headed off with their Dad for Lunch so I have been enjoying the quiet time at home eating egg's on toast and napping. { Don't be tooo jealous! }

Merry Christmas to all my readers and I hope you have a very lovely festive season!

See you in the new year xx

Christmas Eve...

2011-12-25T12:41:00.002+10:00

Last week while emptying Byron's daycare pocket I came across some reindeer food that had been stuffed in there amongst all of the bills.. I thought it was a really cute idea and popped it away for Christmas eve.

Last night after I picked the boys up, they got ready for bed and went out to the backyard to sprinkle this so called reindeer food on the grass.

Both boys thought it was a pretty awesome activity & Harp was pretty happy with the left over glitter on his hands.

Want to try this next year with your kids? Here's what you will need:

Sandwich bag

Oats

Glitter

Label explaining what it is

Just pop the glitter and oats together and viola! Reindeer food.

I love what I do...

2011-12-22T19:26:00.003+10:00

Last weekend I headed up towards Bribie Island to Photograph Rachel, who I met around a year ago at a playgroup, and funnily enough after chatting for a while realised we went to the same high school half way across Australia. Such a small world.

So when she wanted photo's of her family together she contacted me, we booked a date and on Sunday we met on a dirt road between showers..

It was so nice to be able to chat to someone that comes from the same place and has been through alot of the same thing's that I have in the past year. So refreshing to laugh at bad decisions and smile upon good ones that have come from them.

Her family was super cute, and a touch cheeky.. I love the photo's and I hope she does too.

Here's a couple, but if you want more head on over and see them here!

Bad behaviour bedroom swap...

2011-12-21T09:41:00.000+10:00

Twas the week before Christmas, when all through the house. Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse..

Unless you live in my house that is.. The lead up to Christmas here has been somewhat chaotic. The boys have been running at a different level, and are somewhat sick of each other (bring on School I say!).

They yell, and fight and wrestle and run. ALL DAY LONG. So in order to bring some piece to the holiday season and hopefully everyday life my foot has been put down.

Today we did a bedroom shuffle and what was my study/ sewing come junk room is now Byron's room, and now my bedroom is home to my computer desk and sewing/ crafting goods. I have a big bedroom so it actually works quite well. Plus it forced me to donate alot of boxed toys and baby good I had been holding onto for a possible 3rd child, which is now far from my mind.

So now the boys are split due to bad behaviour and Byron's spending a fair bit of time in his toy-less room thinking about his behaviour and how he is teaching Harper more wrong's then rights.

It's only been a day but I think it's already sinking in. The running has turned into more of an awkward fast walk and manners are definitely being used more frequently.

It seem's mean to separate him from his toy's and brother but really I was at my whits end. He was walking allover me.

Finger's crossed it pay's off and I get a more mature child, that make's better decisions in the end.

So tell me, What have you done to veer bad behaviour towards something better?

Bow Tie Tutorial

2011-12-15T15:11:00.000+10:00

After I posted a super spunky picture of Byron wearing a Bow Tie to his Pre School grad I got a few emails and Tweets asking for a tutorial, so here goes to the best of my ability.

You will need a little bit of fabric to your choice. Scraps work fine, and a small amount of iron on interfacing to make it a little stiffer. Corresponding thread and a sewing machine.

*Interfacing is usually near the counter at spotlight etc for $4 ish a metre.

Now, What to do:

1. Start by cutting two rectangles, approx 12cm X 9cm. You can make them bigger or smaller depending on how big you want your end product to be. Then cut another rectangle approx 5cm wide X 7.5cm long for the middle part of the Bow tie.

You will also need a rectangle of interfacing slightly smaller than the large rectangle.

You should have these pieces:

2. Iron the interfacing onto the back side of one of the larger rectangles.

3. Put large rectangles right side together (as pictured) and pin.

4. Sew a seam around the edge, making sure you leave a small opening to turn in the other way.

5. Turn the right way out, and square off the corners with something pointy. I had scissors close by so they did the job.

Iron flat and if you want make a few stitches to close the hole.

The main part of the Bow Tie is now finished.

6. Grab the smaller rectangle and fold it in half length wise, with right sides facing in.

Sew a seam along the raw edge.

7. Fold right way out and iron flat with the seam in the middle.

8. Fold in half, with the seam towards the outside and sew together , as pictured.

9. Fold the excess flat and give it a good iron and fold it in the right way.

10. Fold the large rectangle you made accordion style and thread it through the middle piece you just completed. Depending on how small your loop ended up this can be a little tricky. It does look better in the end if it's nice and tight through.

And Viola! You have yourself a pretty cute Bow Tie.

To finish it off I just added a small safety pin to attach it to Byron's shirt. Neck tie kits are available at spotlight if you want to do it that way as well.

Good luck!

HPM's Fashion Challenge - Week 9 - Xmas Party

2011-12-15T07:20:00.000+10:00

Hot Park Mum's is a fun new fashion challenge set out to push the boundaries of the every day "mummy wardrobe" and give three best friends Zoe, Hayley and Danielle a reason to spice up our every day fashion choices by diving into our wardrobes, {or the shops} and finding a few hidden gems along the way.

Each week we will be given a theme and will return to our blogs every Thursday to show you what we have put together during the week.

This weeks Theme is Xmas Party...

I have a Christmas Party to go to this weekend, and I have no idea what to wear. I was actually going to go to the shops yesterday and look while both boys were at daycare, but Harper refused to stay and his tears broke my weak mummy heart so I took him home and put him straight to bed, where he stayed for a good few hours.

I may still make it to the shops before Saturday, but I raided my cupboard today and this is one option I have. My bargain black dress from Kmart. Today teamed with giraffe print flats.

It's hard to chose when it's not your own work party and friends..

Go over and check out what Dani and Hayley are wearing this week.

Riding the train with St Nick himself.....

2011-12-13T13:19:00.004+10:00

Hayley emailed me last week saying she had read about a train that you could go on and see santa. Straight up I was in, because quite frankly my children aren't big on sitting on santas knee, so taking them for a $30 photo would be a bit of a waste this year.

We checked the time table, I packed the kids up and headed to Hayleys this morning and trekked over the hill to Hayley's local station and boarded the Santa express...

{Byron waiting for the train}

{Here comes the train!}

{Our pic with Santa}

We found ourselves a spot to park two strollers and made our way towards Santa, gave our gold coin donation and snuggled up for a photo.

The boys handed over xmas cards which they had done at Hayley's and had a good old chat to Santa (although Santa did most of the talking!).. Grabbed some candy cane and we headed back to our seats to figure out where on earth we were!

{chomping on some candy cane from santa}

{Byron and Cooper}

We jumped off the train at Morayfield, waited a few minutes for a train going back towards the city and headed back home, with 3 hyperactive little show offs who did there best to entertain the ladies sitting close by!

Was a fun morning out, doing something a little different! Definitely adding that to the Christmas traditions!

Plus I love that we got an instant photo to add to the fridge! Totally made my day!

Point and Shoot...

2011-12-12T10:23:00.005+10:00

It was my weekend off here, so Saturday was spent going through Ben's house, scrubbing walls to get rid of the traces of the rats that ran through and had a party down stairs. I have honestly never seen so much rat poo in my life. Or had that much rat poo stuck in my thongs for that matter. Unbelievably disgusting. My hands hurt and my nails had to be cut off, but on the upside the house is looking very organised and rat free.

Saturday afternoon we wandered around the shops, filled up on sushi and did some Christmas shopping. I think I am all done now, which is fantastic because any spare money I have now has to go towards replacing my windscreen which somehow cracked over the weekend while it was parked in the carport. I wasn't a happy camper when I saw that baby this morning. It's my first and touch wood, I don't have to replace it again.

On Sunday the sun was shining so we headed into the city on the bike for the HelloBlogger events Brisbane bloggers Christmas meet held at Amici's Pizza restaurant in southbank, which weirdly enough is one of the only restaurants I have actually eaten at before!

There were lots of familiar faces and a few new bloggers that I quickly got introduced to, lots of pizza and a bucket load of rain and thunder going on around us. I would have said the rain was lovely if I didn't have to get back on the bike and ride home in it!

Lucky enough we made it home just in time before the next storm hit. Thanks to all the lovely ladies who offered to drive me home and leave Ben to ride home in the rain by himself! And to Lisa who offered me a life jacket! haha so thoughtful!

What did you get up to this weekend?

A - Z of me...

2011-12-10T21:05:00.003+10:00

A = age: 24

B = bed size: queen
C = chore you dislike: cooking
D = dogs: no dogs at my house, but Ben has two at his.
E = essential start to your day: Cup of tea and a few quiet moments to wake up.
F = favourite colour: blues
G = gold or silver: silver or white gold :)
H = height: 157 cm
I = instruments you play: I played clarinet and flute. Wasn't very good at either.
J = job title: photographer, education student
K = kids: 2 Boys - Byron and Harper + Ben's daughter.
L = lives: Brisbanes north side, originally from The Macedon Ranges of Victoria.
M = mum's name: Linda
N = nicknames: Zo, and my aunty calls be blowie.
O = overnight hospital stays: tonsils + Byron's birth. Harper's birth I wasn't there long enough to sleep.
P = pet peeves: People who stand in front of you when your obviously looking at something.
Q = quote from a movie: no idea
R = right or left handed: right
S = siblings: a sister & a brother
T = time you wake up: around 7am if I'm lucky.
U = underwear: bonds undies + any cute bra that comes small enough!
V = vegetable you don't like: brussle sprout
W = what makes you late: The kids habit of losing their shoes.
X = x-rays you've had: teeth, knee, wrist
Y = yummy food you make: I'm a pretty awesome quiche maker
Z = zoo animal favourites: I love the elephants!

Credit to Mamajots for this lovely idea.

Hello Friday....

2011-12-09T09:19:00.003+10:00

After a week of pretty crappy weather I am very glad to say it's Friday, the suns back out, I have shorts on again, Harper's napping, the kids can stop destroying my house and it's only hours away from the start of my child free weekend. Hooray for that. I can already hear the spa bubbling away with me in it, bliss..

So what do you have planned for the weekend?

Other then soaking in the spa I've got a bit of study to do and then on Sunday we are heading into the City for the Brisbane HelloEvents blog meet at Amici's Italian restaurant.. Should be good to catch up with everyone, including Dani who is down from the bush for a few days.

Now just to find something to keep the kids entertained until 2 (that doesn't include my couch as a playground)..

Enjoy your weekend where ever you are!

HPM's Fashion Challenge - Week 8 - Date Night

2011-12-08T06:55:00.000+10:00

Each week we will be given a theme and will return to our blogs every Thursday to show you what we have put together during the week.

This weeks Theme is Date Night...

Date night around here usually consists of a local Tavern or Hoggs Breath. Nothing super fancy. Just Ben and I enjoying not cooking, and not having children eating off our plates.. So super comfortable is a must.

Today it's freezing and pouring rain so you get to see one of my winter Date night outfits! Leggings, loose fit extra long T and a cardi. Lots of room for a big meal. I would usually wear shoes too, but I didn't want to wake sleeping beauty who is making the most of his day off..

Make sure you pop on over to Dani and Hayleys blogs to check out what they wear on date night..

Helicopter flight over Port Doulas and the Low Isles..

2011-12-07T11:59:00.000+10:00

One of the cooler things we did whilst Holidaying was take a joy ride in a helicopter. There was un unbelievable number of destinations and attractions to see ranging way up into the thousands. With our modest budgets in mind we stuck to the lower end of the scale and took a 30 minute ride over some water falls and over the Low Isles which is where we had been snorkelling a few days earlier.

I had never been in one before so I was pretty stoked, and very shutter happy. It is amazing how different everything looks from the air. Including clouds, which look amazing when you are along side them.

We snorkelled in the coral in the above photo. It was high tide when we went so it wasn't all sticking out the water like this. Such an amazing spot though, really pretty from both a boat and the sky. It freaked me out a little though when we were told it was the spot that Steve Irwin lost his life.

It all seemed so peaceful down there.

Port Douglas on Film...

2011-12-06T13:44:00.000+10:00

Before we left Brisbane I grabbed a cheap underwater camera from woolies and threw it in my bag just incase..

We took it snorkelling with us not really knowing if it was working at all, but wound and clicked none the less. Paige finished the film off on the beach the day before we left and when I got back I popped it in to be processed. Something I haven't done in ages!

After remembering that film processing is not instant and that you have to come back another day I did just that and sat in the car looking at my photos laughing.

They are perfect happy snaps from our trip.. I may just have to start using film a bit more now, I had forgotten how I loved the way they turn out..

{This photo cracks me up!}

{Low Isles coral}

{This fish was massive and kept circling me! - Unbelievably cool!}

{My sister and I}

{Me just floating about}

{Paige and I striking a pose!}

{Love my sister for this sneaky pic}

{Paige is a little obsessed with tree photos}

Do you still use film every now and then?

I heart Polaroids...

2011-12-06T08:46:00.003+10:00

It's no secret that I love an instant photo.. I have an old school polaroid camera that I picked up from the opp shop a few years back although I am out of film at the moment and waiting for the new impossible project film to be tested and released with insurance that my photos wont fade (which they currently can't promise).

I usually use the Polaroid brand but the packs of film floating around the internet at the moment are going for around $80 a pack of 10.. Crazy yes.

So I have been pondering buying one of the modern models, which you can actually buy film for without robbing a bank. I love the wide angle one, which I was going to buy myself for xmas off ebay but I seem to have run out of time and money.. And then there is the Polaroid 300, or Instax which my sister brought along to port douglas to play with.

I'm even more hooked now and am looking forward to growing my polaroid wall. Now just to decide on which model... Decisions, decisions...

Are you a fan of instant film?

Pre School graduation + boys Bow tie = 1 cute kid!

2011-12-05T10:32:00.003+10:00

Byron had his pre school graduation last week, and in true me style I had no idea what to dress him in so I whipped him up a cute little bow tie out of scrap material to go with a little shirt I pulled out of the too small box under his bed.

It was one of the easiest things I have made lately and completed his little outfit to a tee. There were even high fives all round from his teachers once we arrived for looking so spunky!

The actual graduations was just as cute. They all had little grad capes and hats on, balloons were released from the ceiling and they even sung a song (although Byron didn't seem to know any of the words!).

They pigged out on cake and we made our way home in the pouring rain to bed.

The next morning after he had possibly been thinking about it all night he asked me why the other kids weren't wearing bow ties. I replied:

'The other kids just don't have an awesome Mum like you!'.. He smiled and wandered off a little confused...

All in all a successful sewing project I would say!

Don't go in the water....(try and break open a coconut instead)

2011-12-04T08:57:00.000+10:00

I've never really been higher than Brisbane, so I didn't really know about stinger season. But sure enough when we arrived we were told not to swim in the Beach (Unless you go in the netted area)..

There were a few locals risking it, but stingers sounded pretty nasty to me, so ankle depth was as far in as I went.. I didn't want metre long tentacles wrapped around my body stinging me.. No thank you..

So instead of swimming in the Beach we walked up and down it, chatted to locals, watched locals fishing, sunbaked and tried our very hardest to get into a coconut.. Not an easy task I can assure you!

In the end we left without succeeding.. Those things are hard.. So hard we couldn't even get through the first layer.. We ended up throwing it back into the scrub feeling a little defeated. Next time I want some coconut I'll go to Coles..!

Cairns...

2011-12-02T06:59:00.001+10:00

On the day we flew into Cairns airport we hired a car and headed straight to our resort to check in so we didn't get to see much of the city. Paige and I had never been to Cairns so during the week we headed back there to check it out, with intention of staying a few hours and checking out the night markets..

{Paige and I at a look out point along the way}

We walked around the streets for a while, listening to the local aboriginals abusing people for looking at them from their cars, found some food, took a photo at the only land mark we could find that signified Cairns and got the hell out of there..

{Paige and I in Cairns}

Long story short, I'm not in any sort of rush to back there.. And I'm pretty glad I didn't have the kids with me.. Really not the nicest place at all.

Have you been to Cairns? Did I just catch it on a bad day or is it always kind of displeasing?

HPM's Fashion Challenge - Week 7 - $20 limit at the opp shop

2011-12-01T07:00:00.000+10:00

Each week we will be given a theme and will return to our blogs every Thursday to show you what we have put together during the week.

This weeks Theme is $20 at the Opp shop...

I have lots of opp shop clothes.. I'm a it of an opp shop junky at heart, so for this challenge I wasn't even going to step foot inside an opp shop but the urge was to strong and I had to see what was on offer.

Lucky I did because I walked out of there with 2 super cute dresses. The one above which is a mink pink dress that cost me $7.50 and also the one below which is a Cooper st dress at just $8.00.. Pretty chuffed about that!

Both way shorted than I would usually wear, but hey your only young once!

Pop on over to Dani and Hayleys blogs to see what they picked up at the Opp shop for less than $20-.

-Both dresses were purchased from the asthma foundation Opp shop, Brighton Rd, Sandgate.

Snorkelling the low Isles...

2011-11-29T07:54:00.001+10:00

When I booked the trip I new I wanted to go snorkelling and had looked into heaps of companies that do full day tours. We were a little turned off about being on a boat all day and luckily came across a different flyer once we arrived. We found a half day tour on a jet boat that got you to the low isles in just 15 minutes rather than over an hour.

So Tuesday morning we headed on over to the marina, stowed our cameras in spots that they wouldn't fly out into the water and were at our designated section of the reef before we knew it. We suited up and were jumping in the water without thinking twice about what just might be lurking below! The water looks to inviting to think of it containing anything nasty.

(Looking super sexy in my stinger suit!)

(Paige all ready to go)

I think there was 17 of us on the jet boat, and about half of them were non swimmers just along for the ride so we had plenty of room to swim around without bumping heads.. Although I did do just that a few times! It's not easy to see people with your head facing the sea floor.

We saw a bit of everything down there. Sharks included, one of them I probably could have touched if I put my arms out. Paige and I even adopted one of the shark cleaning fish that was quite happy to attach it's self to us and come for a ride.. It was pretty funny. Pretty sure Paige swallowed allot of sea water laughing.

It was such a great experience. One that I am glad I did, and will definitely do again.. It's so peaceful swimming around watching all the fish go about their lives.

Next time though I'd like to go all the way out and check out the Great Barrier reef.

Have you ever snorkelled? If you haven't make sure you put it on the list!

My child free Holiday...

2011-11-28T11:34:00.002+10:00

Last Sunday I dropped the boys off with their Aunty who had taken a week off work to mind them, waved goodbye and headed home to pack my bags for my first ever child free holiday..

Monday morning bright and early Ben and I boarded the plane, and set off to Cairns airport to meet my sister who'd just flown in from Melbourne.

We hired a cute little i30 and made our way to the resort in Port Douglas, the rendezvous resort, which is really nice by the way!. Child friendly too for those who chose to take there little monsters!

(Our villa)

(One of the Villa bedrooms)

(Paige checking out the resort)

Day one, we spent checking out the town and laying low by the pool. Eating my first EVER kebab which was pretty good (Although by belly hurt for days) and pretty much doing as little as possible.

(Port Douglas kebab shop)

(Port Douglas from a look out)

(4 mile beach)

Port Douglas was beautiful. And the drive out there from Cairns even more so..

I'm back to regular life now, and would like to say refreshed, but Brisbane is far to hot to feel anything but sweaty at the moment.. Perhaps just refreshed on the inside, and a little browner on the outside!

Stay tuned for more posts on what we got up to while we were there! It includes me in a skin tight lycra body suit!! Totally sexy!

HPM's Fashion Challenge - Week 6 - Wedding

2011-11-25T16:00:00.000+10:00

Each week we will be given a theme and will return to our blogs every Thursday to show you what we have put together during the week.

This weeks Theme is Wedding...

I have only been to 3 weddings before and 2 of those I was just there to photograph so I'm not completely up to speed with wedding guest attire, nor do I have anything that I have previously worn..

My cupboard is slowly growing though and inside are a few gem's I've picked up on the bargain racks and just had to take home incase oneday I needed something to wear. This dress in particular I picked up for $10 on a damaged items rack while I was shopping in Melbourne. It was missing a few buttons which Mum ever so nicely sewed back on for me.

You can find Dani HERE and Hayley HERE.

Previous Challenges:

Week 1- Spring
Week 2- White Tshirt
Week 3- Skirt
Week 4- Stripes

Week 5- Summer

Why not join in and pop your link in below :)

1 long week..

2011-11-20T14:31:00.004+10:00

On Monday I took Harp to the Doctors after a day of high temps.. We got there and he was sitting on 38.5 and went like a rag doll... She diagnosed him with a double ear infection and sent me home to dose him up with panadol and antibiotics..

I spent the next couple of hours watching him and taking his temp with my phone very close.. .5 of a degree more and I was to call an ambulance.

Luckily he woke up feeling alot better and the next day at the doctors she said his temps had gone.

So this week we've been laying low and dealing with a pretty grumpy toddler..

It's been a long week, and I'll be glad to hand both kids over to their Dad this afternoon and spend a week relaxing pool side. It will be my first Holiday since Byron came into this world and is very much needed...

There's nothing like a little dancing to cheer you up...

2011-11-18T17:06:00.003+10:00

Yesterday was one of those days around here. The kiddies were functioning on a different level, with a lot of tantys thrown in.. I used every muscle in my body to move the portable air conditioner inside to only have it flash warning signs at me and not blow cold air, parent information days were moved to days I can't attend, maggots tried to attack me when taking out the rubbish and Harper decided that sleep was over rated and preferred to play while I was trying to get some shut eye..

So what did we do to clear the mood? We danced like crazy people of course!

(Excuse the excess stuff I have taking over the spare room!)

What do you do to start a fresh day on a happy note in your house?

HPM's Fashion Challenge - Week 5 - Beach

2011-11-17T07:08:00.002+10:00

Each week we will be given a theme and will return to our blogs every Thursday to show you what we have put together during the week.

This weeks Theme is Beach..

Perfect reason for me to go through my wardrobe and see what fits for my holiday to Port Douglas next week. Did I mention I am going to be relaxing in a resort on 4 mile beach without children? It's Ok to be jealous. I would be too! Promise I'll come back and fill you in.

This is my typical beach get up.. Something easy to take off and a pair of bikinis.. Harp even joined in in his Beach outfit this week.

You can find Dani HERE and Hayley HERE.

Previous Challenges:

Week 1- Spring
Week 2- White Tshirt
Week 3- Skirt

Week 4- Stripes

Why not join in and pop your link in below :)

C25K week 3 is a killer..

2011-11-14T12:24:00.001+10:00

I took a little break from the couch to 5k app while my Mum was visiting for Harp's birthday.. Probably a bad idea, but after she left I finally worked out how to run on the tread mill without falling off and finished off week 2 pretty easily.

(Post treadmill workout, looking rather sweaty!)

The boys were at their Grandparents this weekend so Sunday morning I got up and headed out the door to try week 3. It started off fine, much like the other weeks and then out of know where it wanted me to run for 3 minutes straight.. Not such an easy task.. I'm happy to say I almost made the 3 minute mark (running from swooping magpies did help a little!), but had to stop and breath before I passed out.

Other than that I finished off day 1 of week 3, and was pretty happy with myself. I even took the scenic route.

Although every single muscle in my body aches today..

Back to the books...

2011-11-14T09:09:00.004+10:00

Uni semester 3 starts today for online students like myself so it's back to the books I go..

I don't get my results for semester 2 for a few more weeks but fingers crossed I passed. I never want to repeat that subject ever again. It was one of those philosophical ones that has your mind unbelievably confused..

This semester, being that it goes right through xmas and finishes up in Feb I have chosen an easier subject, all about my life and how I was shaped into the person I am today (so that hopefully I can shape my students into lovely adults I assume).

Send your motivation vibes my way, I might need them comsidering assignment 1 is due on Xmas day.. Joy!

HPM's Fashion Challenge - Week 4 - Stripes

2011-11-10T07:31:00.001+10:00

Each week we will be given a theme and will return to our blogs every Thursday to show you what we have put together during the week.

This weeks Theme is Stripes..

This week was pretty easy for me.. My cupboard has lots of stripes. This skirt in particular has been hiding in there for a few years. It's a tad to loose around the top and I have been meaning to fix it for ages but never got around to it.. I still haven't. But it did the job today for the HPM's fashion challenge.

You can find Dani HERE and Hayley HERE.

Previous Challenges:

Week 1- Spring
Week 2- White Tshirt
Week 3- Skirt

Why not join in and pop your link in below :)

Spicing up bath time...

2011-11-09T08:25:00.002+10:00

Last night after reading a million kids entertainment blogs I treated the boys to a blue bath..

I was a little worried I'd end up with blue children but thankfully 1 drop of blue food colouring into a whole bath tub of water was enough to dilute it.

They had a blast, and it kept Harper amused for ages.

Now to stock up on some different colours and try out a some water bomb explosions (Promise I'll blog about the results of that one too).

A trip to the lagoon..

2011-11-08T13:15:00.001+10:00

After Harper's first day at day care last week we headed over to Redcliffe lagoon for a swim while Nanna was visiting. I had only been there once before and I knew it was hidden away so we just took a chance and headed to the foreshore.. After a little detour thanks to footpath works we found a carpark and wandered down.

The kid's were pretty excited and jumped in the water straight away. It was a lot cooler there by the water than at home where we were melting, which is nice to know for those summer days that are fast approaching.

I think I will be finding myself there quite a bit over the coming months.. :)

Is there somewhere you love to go when the weather warms up?

I packed their bags & kicked them out...

2011-11-07T13:04:00.002+10:00

Into box houses of course.. {Although on occasion I have pondered boarding School! }

The kids love a little box play, and after de cluttering my office a little more last week I found a few boxes that weren't worth saving so little houses they became (that slightly resemble outback toilets, no?)

We got about 2 days play out of them before they slowly got ripped apart, and have now found a new home in the clam shell which is apparently a car complete with baby seats..

It will never cease to amaze me what they come up with..

Hidden World Playground...

2011-11-04T09:38:00.000+10:00

My kids love this park. I use it as a good behaviour reward, and on Monday I did just that.. That morning we had been over to the Hold Spirit North Side to get Byron's hearing checked. First of many tests to get him ready for School next year. He sat still for once and proved that he is infact just arrogant and not hearing impaired. Something I already knew..

So on the way home we stopped off for a play.

The high platforms used to freak me out a little with Harper but he seems to have gotten the 'stay away from the edges' warning I have repeated many a times to him. That didn't stop him running at high speeds along them though!

It's one of the best parks I have come across on the North side. So cool that even Nanna couldn't resist letting her inner child out!

And because I'm lovely here's a map so you can find your way to this awesome park. Just make sure you pack the sunscreen because there's not a whole lot of shade..

Day care take 2..

2011-11-03T10:24:00.001+10:00

Harp had his (2nd) first day at day care yesterday.. Our last attempt at him starting day care a few months back was a total disaster... The centre didn't have a nice feeling and he was to old for the other kids in his room. There was lots of tears and nasty comments about me taking him home and not letting him just 'get used to it'... but I wasn't leaving the house to study so he never had to go to daycare, I just thought he might enjoy it and give me some proper computer time. But it didn't go well and I wasn't going to push it if he wasn't ready (much to the centres disgust), so I pulled both boys out and then we moved away..

After we moved I popped Byron straight back in.. Purely because having a hyperactive 4 year old with the attention span of a fish home everyday is hard work.. It took a few weeks to get him enthusiastic about going, but once he was happy Harper thought day care was pretty tops too and never wanted to come home..

The staff are lovely at this new centre and Harper was quite comfortable with them from Byron's drop off & pick ups so I booked him in.. He is with kids older than him. Plus he gets to play with Byron in the playground.. Which was a total godsend at drop off time. They both just ran off to play together. I signed the books, waved goodbye and left.

When I went to pick them up after lunch Harper was fast asleep on his little mat with all the other kids and Byron was a little peeved that I was early.. Harps teacher said he cried a few times and Byron said he kept asking for me. But thats normal, he always has to know where I am..

Now for the second week blues...

HPM's Fashion Challenge - Week 3 - Skirt

2011-11-03T07:00:00.003+10:00

Each week we will be given a theme and will return to our blogs every Thursday to show you what we have put together during the week.

This weeks Theme is Skirt..

Before I moved to Qld I wasn't much of a skirt wearer. More a tom boy at heart who got around in knee length shorts and a tshirt, but not anymore. I have added plenty of skirts to my wardrobe of late and am loving it. Perhaps I'll love them more when I add a tan to my victorian legs!... Those who know me will probably be laughing at that! But hey a girl can dream!

You can find Dani HERE and Hayley HERE.

Previous Challenges:

Week 1- Spring

Week 2- White Tshirt

Why not join in and pop your link in below :)

My baby is 2!

2011-10-31T17:21:00.003+10:00

2 years ago I became I mother the second time around.

2 years ago, I would have been at home on the couch cuddling a newborn through one of Melbourne's crazy heat waves.

2 years ago I had no idea how crazy life would be with two boys.

And two years ago I didn't know how much of a sweety little Harper would be. Such a caring little soul (when he's not climbing everything in sight!).

For his Birthday we had a little family party in the backyard, where we ate yummy food, unwrapped presents and then the boys went a little crazy with all the sugar in their systems. Luckily for me I went out for dinner and Nanna got to do the bedtime shift!

Let the terrible two's begin! Thank goodness Byron will be at School next year!

HPM's Fashion Challenge - Week 2 - White T-shirt

2011-10-27T07:00:00.001+10:00

Each week we will be given a theme and will return to our blogs every Thursday to show you what we have put together during the week.

This weeks Theme is White T-Shirt!

White clothes and I don't really go well together. Or should I say white clothes and my children who are constantly dirty don't go together. Either way, I don't own a lot of white clothes.

So this week I ran down to cotton on and grabbed a nice fresh white T for a hefty $5- & at that price I don't mind it it gets a few muddy hand prints on it..!

This outfit is pretty much my everyday outfit. Comfy enough to study in, and modest enough to chase and pick up speedy toddlers in. (Although there was a little oop's moment at day care this morning where harper revealed my bra to the world. Sorry kiddies..)

Being a blank canvas it was pretty easy to slightly jazz up todays look before we left the house with beads- opp shop for $2 and a head band - Fabric scrap $0, Which is great for those morning's where you just can't be bothered or are racing out the door.

Make sure you pop on over and see how the others rock a white Tshirt!

You can find Dani HERE and Hayley HERE.

Previous Challenges:

Week 1- Spring

Why not join in and pop your link in below :)

My photo booth was hijacked!

2011-10-25T10:03:00.003+10:00

It seems Byron has worked out how to use photo booth on my Mac. I opened it up the other day and found the evidence. I couldn't help but laugh.

Kids and Rats...

2011-10-22T16:41:00.003+10:00

Since moving into my house in August I have been hearing some suspicious noises in the roof and alot of rustling in the bushes outside. I had no idea what it was and was pretty happy not knowing.. Then it showed it's face.

A rat, eating our passion fruits..

We went out and bought a rat trap, set it up and on our first night caught one very big angry rat... After a quick, 'ah, what do we do with it know?' moment, Ben took it for a drive and let it go (hoping it was far enough away that it wouldn't come back).

The rustling stopped and we thought we had won.

That was until I heard a lot of 'it's so cute's coming from outside this morning. I went to investigate and we had caught another one.

The kids were happily sitting around it watching it do tricks.

Pretty sure they were keen to keep it as a pet.

HPM's Fashion Challenge - Week 1 - Spring

2011-10-20T06:35:00.000+10:00

Each week we will be given a theme and will return to our blogs every Thursday to show you what we have put together during the week.

This weeks Theme is Spring!

I must admit spring is one of my favourite seasons. Not to cold, and not to hot. I get to wear a little from every section of my wardrobe.

On a typical spring day I am usually pretty casual. You'll see me sporting an over sized T and short shorts, running around after my kids. But lately I've tried to snazz things up and have added a few dresses to my everyday clothes which I am now loving.

{Hat from Dotti, Dress from Cotton on, Leggings from Supre, Shoes from Rubi shoes}

{Dress from the opp shop, Shoes from Rubi Shoes}

Make sure you pop on over and check out what the other girls came up with this week.

You can find Hayley HERE and Dani HERE..

Why not join in too?

Pop your pictures on you blog and join in the blog hop to see what everyone else is wearing this spring.

Yes, I am fitter than a 4 year old...

2011-10-18T15:42:00.002+10:00

Over the last couple of months I have gained a few kg's.. Not much, but I've noticed. Probably a combination of moving, new pills, being lazy, the new man in my life and eating out, far to much.

So this week I've cut the junk food and started the Couch to 5k training app which I down loaded months ago but never actually started.

It takes a bit of motivation to actually get out the door for the first time, but I left Byron watching cartoons last week in the safe hands of Dani who was still fast asleep thanks to her children who don't rise with the sun like mine, and set off with Harper in the jogger and hit the local lagoon track.

I was a little sore the day later and got to spend a few days recovering due to crappy weather, but I woke up to a fine day today and geared both boys up for day 2. After a bumpy start with Byron complaining his legs hurt as soon as we left the house (I live right down the bottom of a pretty big hill), we had a good old time listening for the iphone to tell us when to run and when to walk. We even managed to add a few extra k's to the work out getting back to the park for his reward, which kind of made up for the couple of times we had to pause so he could have a rest.

So far so good. Byron and I will be running fun runs together in no time!

Hot Park Mums - fashion challenge

2011-10-14T09:09:00.001+10:00

Each week we will be given a theme and will go off and perform our very own Hot Park Mum's photo shoot returning to our blogs every Thursday to show you what we have put together during the week.

To kick off the challenge the first week's theme will be: Spring.

Make sure you come back next Thursday to check it out because we all love attention.

Get out of your trackies and play along too. The more the merrier.

Baby sitting duty..

2011-10-12T12:01:00.003+10:00

Today I am baby sitting the HelloOwl girls so Dani can sort out more of her house before she moves away. So far so good. Girls are a hole new ball game for me. They are soo much quieter than my boys.. Less running and jumping, more sitting and playing.. It's actually quite peaceful.

I even pulled out the pram and managed to get Violet into the land of nod.

Excuse us while we go and bake some pink cup cakes!

Good friends help you move house...

2011-10-11T13:35:00.001+10:00

Hayley has been living in a practically empty house all week and yesterday her furniture was finally on it's way so after dropping Byron at day care, Harper and I headed over to help.

Hayley assured all of us that she didn't have much furniture and the house was going to look empty. She had obviously forgotten about half of her furniture while it had been in storage because by the time the truck was half unloaded there wasn't many places left to put the rest!

Good luck unpacking Hayley :) I'll leave that part up to you!

A little trip the the ED...

2011-10-11T10:04:00.004+10:00

Byron's croup hit a new level on Thursday night and after an hour of using every bit of air just to cough I took him into the hospital.

He coughed most of the way there, but as we walked through the magic door's he some what came good. Which I am assured by others happens all the time. He still had a good cough for the triage nurse, so at least she knew I wasn't completely mad..

We made our selves comfortable and waited for our turn to see the doctor. Byron couldn't quite cope with how boring waiting rooms are and fell asleep. Lucky for him.

I felt like picking him up and just taking him home, but we waited it out and saw the doctor {who by the way had his neck pierced! ouch!..}, who said he was fine and just keep checking for respiratory distress during the night. We trotted off home, ate some dinner and jumped into bed.

Right on que the next day I woke up with a shocking head cold and cough which had me wanting to hide away. By Saturday the constant whining, medicine routine and pouring rain had me in tears and I was calling for help. I dropped the boys off at their grandmas and headed home to rest.

Come Tuesday things are looking up. Harper's less fussy about his food and is back on his milk. Byron's medicines are all finished and he is on the road to easy breathing again. And me, well I am feeling pretty good this week after a good melt down and some rest. Hopefully this is the tail end of our sickness.

Wordless Wednesday {My little artists}

2011-10-05T15:35:00.002+10:00

Play along over at My little drummer boys & Faith Hope and a whole lotta Love.

The sick get sicker...

2011-10-04T19:17:00.004+10:00

Yesterdays suspected case of croup was confirmed with a trip to the doctors today. He barked all night and this morning was pretty exhausted. And to top off the mornings festivities Harper woke at 6am and climbed into my bed where he passed out in a feverish mess and stayed there until 8 when he moved to the couch and hardly lifted a muscle for a good two hours.

After a call around to find a local doctor that took new patients we were in and out, feeling a little poorer with a bag full of medicines that should hopefully make them both better.

Verdict: Byron has severe croup which the doctor wants me to keep a close eye on tonight because the severity of it means he could end up with very restricted breathing and require a trip in an ambulance. Not only that he has an ear infection and is on the verge of tonsillitis. Hoping the steroid gets us through the night without the need for flashing lights.

As for Harper, he lucked out and has a very nasty case of tonsillitis.

Send all of your get well vibes in our direction and fingers crossed they recover quickly.

Monday..

2011-10-03T14:47:00.003+10:00

{The boys soaking up the morning sun}

Byron started day care again last week 2 days a week to get him ready for 'big school'. His first day was easy. I dropped him off and he ran off without looking back. The second day however he had the 2nd day blues which they say is quite common and cried for a good hour before I walked out teary eyed and sat in the car waiting it out to see if he would settle. He did and I went off feeling a little mean, but knowing it's for the best.

Today would have been his third day of day care but he picked up a cough, which sounds very croupy and has been barking for 24 hours now. I should have known he was coming down with something because on Saturday he actually put himself to bed at 4.30pm and didn't rise until 8 the next day. Something that never happens..

So today we made a quick dash to the supermarket for lunch supplies, trying to get as few dirty looks for having a sick child coughing his way around the isles as possible and headed home to wait for my brother and his partner to drop by whilst they are up from Sydney..

The boys loved the extra male attention and completely wore themselves out. Days like today make me wish my family all lived in one state. Preferably Brisbane :D

Spur of the moment is always best..

2011-09-30T08:59:00.001+10:00

Whilst out driving around on Tuesday we spied this wall and thought a spur of the moment photo shoot would be fun.

We grabbed the camera gear and wandered through a paddock to get to it and started snapping away.

The kids were less than interested but we still managed to get a few keepers to remember Aunty Paige's visit. Byron's face pretty much sum's up his enthusiasm for my family photo shoots. You think he would be used to it by now!!

Here's a few of my faves!

Do you make your kid's get out of the car for spur of the moment photo shoots?

Getting with the times..

2011-09-29T09:17:00.000+10:00

It seems I am a little behind the times and everyone has business cards these days. I have had something simple for my photography for a while but never have I had something to give to people to send them in the direction of my blog or my Owls, until now..

I jumped on the internet the other day and ordered myself come boysmumma business cards from Vista Print who do a pretty good job for a very little charge. Just sign up to their emails and most of the time you will just pay postage, which on 250 of these babies was only $6- Loose change really..

I think they came out really well for my test run although next time I will fork out a little extra and get some double sided ones. :)

*Business cards are pictured in one of my handmade business card holders. If you are interested in one please just email me at littleharp@live.com.au and I can custom make one to suit your needs :)

A vintage picnic in mind..

2011-09-28T18:55:00.005+10:00

Yesterday after naps were done with we hopped in the car and went out to Brendale to one of my favourite opp shops. Most of the time I come home with something when I visit and yesterday was no exception.

Harper's 2nd Birthday is fast approaching and I have in mind a cute little vintage inspired backyard picnic up my sleeve for him so when I spied this beauty for $6- I couldn't resist.

It will be perfect for our little day.. :D

Have you purchased any goodies at the Opp shop lately?

This week we...

2011-09-27T10:45:00.004+10:00

Met up with Hayley and Dani in Sandgate to take some photos for an up and coming segment on our blogs. Keep your eye's peeled. We'll reveal it soon :D

Went to visit our very lovely bank lady with kids in tow, after a very long sleepless night. Sounds terrible, but in actual fact they were probably the best behaved they had been all week. Saying that, I did spend most of the meeting sitting on the floor playing duplo..

Lazed in the sun watching the kids play at the park and at the beach on a picnic rug. Perfect way to escape the crazies of having 3 children in my house over the weekend.

Trimmed Harper's fringe. And a smidgen off the back. Anymore and I will cry.

Ate sushi at the shops with Harper while Byron spent his first day at a new daycare. He loved it, and I had piece and quiet. Win.

Went out for dinner with Aunty Paige who is up from Melbourne for a few days. Harper slept through the whole thing and Byron practically fell asleep in his food. Was quite enjoyable!

What did you get up to this week?

Hello Events Brisbane Blog meet - Garuva Bar Fortitude Valley

2011-09-22T11:46:00.003+10:00

Last Saturday Night during my child free weekend I attended a fantastic Hello Blogger Events blog meet in the valley at Garuva Bar , a hidden gem that I will most definitely be going back to.

I met the girls at Dani's house and we walked to the train station. Half hour later we were in the Valley and on our way to the hidden venue.

We made our way inside were we were escorted straight to the cocktail bar for happy hour and then to our table.

Garuva bar isn't your regular restaurant. The room is divided by sheer curtains for privacy and the tables are about 30cm above the floor. Just enough room to squeeze down under. Shoes were kicked off and the laughter filled our little booth.

I am so glad I went along to this event. It's probably not somewhere I would have gone if it weren't for Dani of Hello blogger Events. The food and drinks were great, and the company even better.

After our booth time was up we made our way outside and farewelled a few bloggers and headed up the road. Hayley, Dani and I met up with Dani's cousin and went to cloudland (which by the way is kind of like something out of tinkerbell) for a drink before rounding up the rest of the train commuters and running for the train.

Thanks for another great event Dan, and thanks to everyone that made the night a success.. I had a blast :)

A little update on life..

2011-09-13T14:22:00.004+10:00

*Life is scooting along at a phenomenal rate at the moment. Byron and I went along to his future school open day last week and were pleasantly surprised with all that's offered there. Spots are limited there so I filled the paperwork out over the weekend and on Monday we dropped past after a visit to the park with Dani and Talia and in true Byron style nature called as soon as we walked into the admin building so he ran outside and relieved himself in a pot plant, as you could imagine I quickly ushered him to the car red faced without looking back to see just how many people were watching. Fingers crossed they see the lighter side of it.

*After a handful of phone calls to Telstra after the move the internet was back up and running, leaving me only a little bit behind on Uni assignments. So far so good. High Distinction on my last assignment and I'm hoping the next 3, all due at the end of this month will follow suit. It's a terrible subject and I will be glad to see the end of it. Looking forward to giving my brain a little break before I start the next one over the xmas holidays.

*My Owls are still flying out the door. This week 6 Owls will head out to another shop in Victoria where I used to live. If all goes well with these little guys allot more will be going there to stock up for the Xmas rush! Yipee!

*The boy's will be with their Dad Thursday through Saturday. Can't wait. Definitely needing some quiet time to unwind, get my haircut and finish off my assignments so I can kick off the uni holidays in style at this weekends Brisbane blog meet in the city..! Can't wait :D

Our first walk into town..

2011-09-08T14:34:00.004+10:00

I am trying to get back into exercising after being lazy for far to long and summer just around the corner so today I popped Harper in the pram and off we went for our first walk into town from our new house.

It's not really very far, we just live at the bottom of quite a big hill and town just happens to be on the other side of that hill.

So with summer bodies in mind we battled the hill and made it all the way to town, a little bit sore but content with our success.

After a quick stroll of the shops and a few purchases from the opp shop we were on our way home again. The sun was hot and Byron's legs were sore so we stopped at the skate park for a play.

These two love anything boy-ey and the skate park is no exception. Byron's been asking for a skate board for a few years now.. Not sure I am ready for that yet though..

HelloEvents Yum Cha blog meet...

2011-09-05T08:53:00.000+10:00

On Saturday I dropped the kids off at Grandmas for a sleep over and raced on over to the Hello Events yum cha meet that was going on in stafford.

I'm not silly, I know that these meets are too much fun to pass up and this one was no exception. Great people, great food (completely addicted to pork buns now!!), and some of the funniest conversations I have heard in a very long time..

I left with a smile on my face, sore cheeks from laughing so much and a very full belly. Thanks ladies I had a blast..

Family photos..

2011-09-02T12:53:00.004+10:00

After the big move we headed out to check out my local town and to show Mum one of my new favourite spots. I love it by the sea and always feel so calm there.

We went out with the threat of a storm on our backs but luckily it held off and the camera made an appearance. I'm glad it did because I am loving some of these pictures of the boys.

Life's been a little stressful of late and I must admit most of the time dealing with two boys mostly on my own I get a little stressed but these moments in life make up for it and having the photos to look back on remind you that life is actually pretty good.

You can see more of the photos here on my photography blog.

If you would like me to captured a moment like this of your family I have spots available on the 15th, 16th and 17th of September. Email me at littleharp@live.com.au for details..

New house, new start..

2011-09-01T14:37:00.003+10:00

After the big rush around with the real estate, boxes were packed, walls were scrubbed and before I knew it Mum was flying up and moving day had arrived. We hired a budget truck for the day which was a massive help and moved a majority of my things by ourselves.. We definitely don't mind getting out hands dirty around here! After all this is the 10th time I have moved since I moved out of home, with Mum helping on most of those occasions! Thanks Mum. I did enjoy giggling at you driving that truck!

After picking up the boys from thier grandmas the following day we headed back to the old place to do some cleaning and then took the boys home to explore their new house. They were both pretty excited, especially because they are both in the same room now (which is a story for another day!) and they now have a backyard with real trees! Hello shade!

Moving definitely took it's tole and we were walking around holding various parts of our bodies that were aching although a few bottles of wine were consumed to help.

After a day of rest while the skies opened we went out and explored my new 'very cute' little town. We took family photos on the jetty, scouted out the best coffee shops, wandered through all of the gift shops, chatted to locals about schools and had a picnic lunch by the lagoon.

So here's to a fresh start.

I can see myself being very happy here.. :)

Point & Shoot - Street play

2011-08-22T19:07:00.002+10:00

In the afternoons you'll quiet often find us out on the street playing. We don't have much of a backyard so it allows the boys to stretch their legs and burn some excess energy. Saturday was no different. The boys spent some time riding their bikes up and down the street as I looked on whilst catching up on the current catalogue sales.

Byron's been riding a balance bike for a year now, with the occasional stint on his regular bike. He never seemed to love it like he does the balance bike so whilst playing outside I took his training wheels off to make it more like the other bike and see how he would go. He wasn't as optamistic as me and chose to sit in the gutter refusing to try for a good 10 minutes. Eventually he gave it a go and after 1 loop of the court with me running next to him supporting the bike he was on his own. Riding like a champ and yelling at the top of his lounges just incase the neighbours wanted to know that he no longer needed training wheels.. Such a proud mummy moment.

And of course I went and grabbed the camera to record the moment.. Check him out! Proud as punch..

And who could forget this little munchkin, checkout his hair!.

22 months and a full head of curls (which I am assured will be with him for many years to come), such a little ladies man..!

8 days until I move!

2011-08-18T19:42:00.003+10:00

{Little purchase for the new house}

Well it's official. I am moving next Friday. The process was stressful and at time's had me pulling my hair out but I am really excited.

I headed down there today to give a deposit to secure the place and afterwards popped into my new house, had a stroll around the neighbourhood and had a chat to the bank lady who so very nicely put me in the system for a welcome to the area phone call in a couple of weeks.

I even met the ladies at the post office who will probably be seeing my face quiet a lot.

Thing's are good. Now to finish packing and clean the rest of the house. 8 days and counting!

New Owls for sale..

2011-08-18T08:15:00.003+10:00

I am still so overwhelmed with the interest in my Owls. The email orders just keep coming through for custom colours to match a lucky little child's bedroom somewhere in Australia. On top of those orders I am now supplying 1 shop in Melbourne* with another stockist in works.

On top of those orders I am still making a few extra's which are ready to ship and can be found on my facebook page. Owl's are still only $10 each plus postage.. Why not order one now as a stocking filler?

Here's a few that you will find there now eagerly awaiting their new homes:

* Melbourne stockist: Vanilla Room, 66 Poath Rd, Hughesdale Vic.

Thing's I know..

2011-08-16T18:36:00.001+10:00

- Children are attracted to the boxes labelled 'picture frames' & 'breakable'..

- Kids only want to play outside when it's raining..

- Cock roaches like to jump out at you from all sorts of places and cause you to scream..

- Dealing with real estates is stressful..

- It's impossible to keep the house looking tidy whilst you are packing..

- Public holidays always fall on days that you need things to be open (Like said real-estate agent who was was needed for references)..

- Moving is a great excuse to clean out all the unwanted baby items you have stored and give them to a neighbour in need..

- Terrible 2's are worse with the second child..

- I am no good at washing windows..

- Or kitchens..

- Tea without sugar just isn't the same..

- 2 years of carrying Harper around has given me some pretty decent arm muscles..

- As soon as you mop the floor the children will bring in the dirtiest toy..

- My 4 year old has more attitude then me as a teenager..

Good timing..

2011-08-11T22:56:00.002+10:00

Things have been pretty good around here of late. Happy Mum and happy kids (with the occasional emotional toddler moment thrown in).

Rental wise things weren't looking great. For my price range the places around were very average, but it seems a little luck has come my way. Just as I was ready to give up hope a friend contacted me who was about to break her lease and needed someone to take over.

I said I'd have a look and dropped in one afternoon after viewing a few more properties.

As soon as I walked into her place I felt at home and new we would be happy there. With a quick call to her real estate things started moving and we got the thumbs up (pending my succesful application), so all we had to do was find her a new place. I knew that there wasn't much around so was a little lazy with the packing but before I knew it she had found and applied for a house. She hears back tomorrow, so if both our applications get the green light I'm moving in 2 weeks.

I'm so excited I could jump around. I've contacted schools, and the area we will be in already feels like home. Fait is definately working it's magic.

Cross your fingers for me! Mine are too busy packing!

Team leader..

2011-08-07T11:00:00.000+10:00

Thursday morning I dropped the kids off and headed off for a couple of days of freedom. Time which was spent doing thing's because I wanted to and not because it was needed, but it seem's while I spent a few days soaking up life without kids in tow my online Uni group had a bit of a break down. Apparently I am the glue in the group that keeps everyone together and heading in the right track. How did I become this person? I spent many hours last night fixing problems and putting group assignments together. Hopefully I've done it well and we get a good mark, and perhaps a little credit for being the Mum of the group.

Here's a little snippet of what I was doing while I obviously wasn't studying..

Latest creation...

2011-08-02T13:15:00.004+10:00

Before the weekend I was packing some things for the big move and came across a stash of wooden beads I bought many moons ago to make some necklaces. Being easily distracted I pulled out some fabric and whipped one up with the perfect recipient in mind.

She completely adored it and it hardly left her neck all weekend. So this week to use up my stash I have made a few more. Cute right!?

What little girl wouldn't want one of these to add a splash of colour to her outfit!

If you are interested in purchasing any of my creations you can now do so via my Made it shop. New items will be added as they are made!

Rental Hunt..

2011-07-28T20:43:00.004+10:00

A few weeks back I got a letter from my real estate saying that my rent was going up $20 a week and I was to either sign on for another year at the higher rate or get out.. I'm pretty comfortable here and the last thing I wanted to do was change another part of the boys lives, but the extra $20 is just not going to happen. Especially when I know that there are houses in the next street that are cheaper then what I am paying now. So the search began..

First up I started looking around the area I am in hoping I would find a place just around the corner. A few things have changed over the past month though which has completely changed these plans and has made me feel quite trapped here.

So yesterday I emailed what felt like a million real estates and organised to look through 4 houses closer to the city. Closer to my friends, closer to better Schools for my big munchkin who will start prep next year.

The first inspection today was at 10am, with the next not being until 3pm. Not exactly perfect, but sometimes there nothing much you can do.

So armed with half a day of free time and 2 kids, we headed to Hanaichi for lunch, hidden world playground for 2 hours and eventually a play on the beach before we viewed the rest of the houses.

Unfortunately the houses weren't really what I was looking for but it was nice being out of the house with the boys. And we even managed to keep Harper out of the water :) Win, win.

I have another couple of houses to look at next week, so fingers crossed one of them is perfect for me.. Wish me luck!

Swimming Lessons..

2011-07-26T13:11:00.003+10:00

Remember this little guy, who didn't like water not so long ago and was as stiff as a brick in his swimming lessons. Well he's swimming. ALL BY HIMSELF. Very proud.

Maybe a little less proud of the toddler who likes to throw all the pool equipment in the pool and who took it a little further today and ran into the pool fully clothed.

Yep. Things are definitely interesting when we go out.

Happy Friday..

2011-07-22T12:31:00.000+10:00

All I can say is that I am glad that this week has come to an end. Firstly because the first week of semester is crazy, trying to get my head around what is needed of me and secondly and most important because this weekend Grandma has the boys and I am free to unwind in what ever way I see fit. Plus I have lunch organised with some pretty awesome people on Sunday at Wagamama which I am told I will love..

What are you plans for the weekend?

First day at day care...

2011-07-18T17:16:00.001+10:00

I wandered into a local day care centre last week to Enrol Byron into their kindy room and before I knew it I was enroling Harper aswell.

Fast forward a week and today we were dropping Byron off and making our way to harpers room. I was a little nervous that tears would be shed, but it was quite the opposite. We arrived at morning tea time so he dived straight into that and went off for a play.

My first attemp at leaving left me with a child attached to my leg, so I tried again a few minutes later and he waved goodbye and went on his way.

Completely different to my experince with Byrons first day, or first 6 months for that matter.

I'm so glad it was easy. Less mummy guilt and I can get on with my day without little people hanging off me. I must admit I am feeling a little bit nakid without them though. I'm sure I'll get used to it pretty quickly!

At pick up Byron couldn't have cared less that I was there, but Harper put on the tears. There was even a sob or two (from him, not me).

Because I am such a softie, I took them home and we sat in the sun and ate a tim tam or two, to cheer him up. Which of course worked a treat.

I could get used to these child free days very quickly I am sure!

2 Subjects down, 30 more to go...

2011-07-17T18:29:00.003+10:00

Just like that semester 1 is over. My first semester as an Education student and I am happy to say I passed both of my subjects. Pretty stoked actually. I had a few doubts with all that was going on, but I stuck with it and did all that I needed and it paid off.

So after a lovely 5 week break which was very much filled with Owl making and hanging out with friends, I am back into the books as of tomorrow..

It feel's good. Knowing that I am on the right track to support these kiddos of mine. The kids that might be sick of me by the end of the semester because I am doing physical education as one of my subjects and I have 2 big books of activities to keep youngsters active. :)

Stay tuned. I may share a few along the way!

My week.. {in photos}

2011-07-13T11:23:00.004+10:00

Yes, I am still alive. Thanks for your concerns!

I am actually just soaking up my last week of uni Holidays before I have to add another item to the daily juggle..

This week there has been many plays at the park with new friends,

a dip in the ocean at sunset (the boys, not me. Unlike them I am not completely crazy),

lots of sewing & orders being sent across Australia,

emotions being thrown about,

the start of another term of swimming,

and even a sick baby to really liven up the equation.

That said, life is pretty good right now. Stay tuned. I'll be back to my regular routine before you know it!

Self portrait {with a very bright stool}..

2011-07-06T23:28:00.003+10:00

After setting myself that little task to get out and get in a picture, Dani offered to help out. So Monday morning I headed to her house, let the kids join in on the famous fence drawing that goes on over there and then we set off to the opp shop nearby that I LOVE. It's where my love for vintage suitcases began. Unfortunatly some young price savvy managers have taken over and it's not as cheap as it was but I did grab this stool for $8-..

It was actually the first thing I saw when I walked in. (Probably because of it's glare!). But it's definitely me and will be perfect once I find the right colour for it.

After the opp shop we headed to the park and took some photos on a nice secluded little oval. There was some real keepers although mostly not because I forgot to show Dani how to focus. Yep, I'm not a very good teacher..

Upside: We get to do it all over again :)

Wordless Wednesday - I'd kill for his lashes

2011-07-06T14:49:00.001+10:00

Playing along with Faith, Hope and a whole lotta love.

Gardening with kids..

2011-07-05T22:40:00.001+10:00

Since I pulled Byron out of kindy he's been a little bored at home. We try and get out for a walk most days, but some days that just isn't enough. Today was one of those days. He was up at 7 and by 7.30 was already bored and emotional.

I was up most of the night with Harper so I wasn't really interested in the woes of a 4 year old, but of course that only makes the whine's louder..

We got through the first few hours of the morning, put Harper to bed and decided to do some gardening.. I thought ahead to this moment last week and purchased a packet of seedlings. Mothers intuition must have known I would need an activity that involved dirt to cheer a certain some body up..

I couldn't find the pots I had stashed so an egg carton was on hand to save the day. I armed Byron with a spoon and pointed him in the direction of the garden in search of some dirt.

A few squeals on my behalf at the roaches that were emerging and a quick self portrait later we were ready for the seeds.. I popped them in a little cup thinking it would make it easier, but the cup was damp so they all got stuck to the sides.. {Ooops!}

We eventually got them in there, gave them a drink and left them in a nice sunny spot. Now all we have to do it wait a couple of weeks and remember to water them daily and we should have some shoots :) Hopefully it doesn't take too long for something to happen or I might be regretting this whole activity!

I'll update you in a few weeks.. Cross your fingers!! If we master this than we might even move onto veggies :D

Tomorrow's task - Take snazzy photo of self

2011-07-03T21:35:00.003+10:00

It dawned on me today that we are now in the new financial year. July. The month I was going to register my business and start advertising.

I haven't made it that far yet. But I have started thinking about websites and scouting down designers for such job. Luckily I have met lots of talented people over the past few months that can help me out with these sorts of things..

I don't have a massive budget at the moment, so until I get things flowing I am going about jazzing up my photography blog by myself. I have a certain look in mind and I am trying to achieve this although I have hit a little wall. I want my website to display my face when you visit it. To get that instant connection which I think you need when looking for a photographer who is going to be around your children..

So now my only problem is that I am hardly ever in the photos, and never actually looking good. I'm usually just there. Being a Mum. Cleaning faces and such.

So tomorrow high on my to do list {Ok, I don't have one of these, but thinking of investing to motivate me!}, is "Take a self portrait, with or without Kids" for website.

Feel free to hassle me until I have achieved this..

Harper's first haircut..

2011-06-30T18:41:00.002+10:00

I popped into the hairdressers today to get Byron's hair cut as it was getting a little crazy and my trims just weren't cutting it anymore.. Byron is a bit of a pro at this now, seem's he's had as much hair as me since he could walk so he hopped up in the chair and sat stiller and quieter than I have ever seen. I joked to Mel the hair dresser that I we might have to come weekly to get some piece and quiet. Before I knew it Byron was looking super snazzy and I mentioned to Mel that I was considering booking Harper in for his first hair cut. She got a little excited and offered to do it right then and there and before I knew it Harper was up in the chair, lolly pop in mouth getting a trim.

In my planned version of his first haircut I had my camera to take a million photos, but today the swifty iphone camera had to do..

He was such a good little boy. Sat all by himself in the chair and watched on while the end of his hair went flying.

Mel did such a good job. It is that little bit shorter, which makes it look more boy-ish, plus the curls are even tighter now! Yay! Such a little cutey..

Party at the park...

2011-06-27T19:23:00.004+10:00

The weather was a little bleak here this morning when we woke up so I was running around like a mad woman cleaning the house just incase Byron's Birthday party needed an indoor venue. Luckily the skies cleared a little and we made our way down to the park. BIG sigh of relief because I am a little bit of a neat freak and 15 little people in my house kinda freaks me out! {ok alot!}..

The food itself was a big success, even my first attempt at cake pops got eaten! I must admit they did taste pretty good, they just looked a little ugly! Byron had a ball with his friends, got covered in dirt, mastered the hill with boogie board and even got a visit from Dani and her girls..

We got Mum safely to the airport tonight after our massive weekend & I haven't heard from her as yet so I am assuming this flight wasn't cancelled. Now for sleep before my sister arrives tomorrow.. :D

Owl softies...

2011-06-27T08:48:00.000+10:00

You might remember a little while ago I posted about making some Owl softies. Well I got into a crafty mood last week and popped up a pic on instagram of a half made owl and asked if anyone was interested. And people were.. From that one picture, I had an order for 6, and that 6 soon turned to more.. Things are going a little crazy. Good crazy, because I love making them and they are so darn cute..

{This little Owl is destined for Dani's desk}

Want to get your hands on one of my owls? Head on over to my Facebook page and check out the available stock. Make sure you click 'like' to stay up to date as I will be adding them as I make them.

Happy B'day little man..

2011-06-26T18:40:00.005+10:00

My big baby is 4 tomorrow. I'm sad that he's not little anymore, but excited that he's growing up into a cool little guy, with a fun little personality (most days)..

In honour of this milestone Nanna flew up from Melbourne on Friday morning to celebrate. We picked her up from the station and headed straight to the shops in search of an astro boy cake topper. And do you think we could find one? Nope, didn't sight a single thing to do with him, except the scary evil looking astroboy mask from Spotlight (which we bought anyway!).

Saturday morning we got up bright and early and headed to the markets where the boys talked me into pinwheels, then repeatedly hit each other with them. Luckily they were strong and lasted until our date with the Park later that day with the rest of the family thats local.

Cake was eaten, presents were opened, and there was allot of this going on too!

{Yep that's me with my legs in the air!}

Nanna was supposed to fly home today but Tiger so nicely called to tell her that they had cancelled her flight and wouldn't be able to put her on another until tomorrow at 6pm. Good one tiger. At least I get to keep my extra set of hands for a little longer.

Today we went and had coffee and Ice-cream and she even took Byron to his first movie! Cars 3D! Check him out!!

He came home so excited, jabbering on and on about how fast the cars were going!

Such a big weekend, but the fun doesn't stop there for him. Tomorrow we are off to the park again for another Birthday party, this time with his little friends. I know he will have a ball.

Happy B'day Byron. Here's to the next year xox

The lucky BeanieDesigns voucher winner is...

2011-06-25T19:53:00.000+10:00

Comment number 17, from 'The Knapps', who is expecting her first baby later in the year.. Congrats, Beanie Designs will be in contact shortly.

Part 2...

2011-06-21T23:10:00.002+10:00

Fancy a squizzy at Part 2 of the Wedding? You can see it here :)

Boysmumma does the opp shop hop..

2011-06-21T16:26:00.000+10:00

The boys missed me over the weekend and are showing it by hanging off me all day long. Yesterday we headed to the park in the morning to tier them out and today I knew I had to go and buy some more disks so we headed to the $2 shop. I don't often take them there because there are far to many things for them to grab at.. As expected they grabbed and tugged at everything shiney. Harper even pulled a whole rack of balls down, which I had to chase whilst making sure he wasn't running out of the store. I must admit I did stop to have a laugh at the craziness of it all..

After a swift exit we decided to park the car by the beach and do some opp shopping. There's a few in close proximity to the jetty so I figured the boys could have $2 each and we would also be getting some exercise. The first 2 opp shops we stopped at we didn't find any goodies, but the 3rd one, which is the biggest on Bribie Island always has a bargain.

We walked away $7.70 out of pocket, Harper holding a new ball at the massive price of $.20 cents and a pair of shorts for $1.00, Byron with a Monster Truck for $2.00, shorts for $1.00 and shoes for $2.50, me with a pair of brand new Nike 3/4 leggings for $2.00.

{Byron showing off his new shorts & shoes before they were washed}

Pretty successful little outing I have to say. Although no good furniture was found, which is what I am on the look out for at the moment to jazz the house up and give it more of a Zoe lives here feel..

Hello Events Gold Coast Tappanyaki meet...

2011-06-21T11:55:00.000+10:00

The girls from Hello Blogger Events stepped it up a level this past weekend, hosting a blog meet at Hanazozo Teppanyaki on the Goldcoast.

It felt like the event took forever to come around, but when the weekend finally arrived I was beyond excited.. On the Friday I sat my last exam and at 10pm I sat my last test so that I wouldn't have to think about Uni at all over the weekend. I sleepily packed our bags and on Saturday morning dropped the kids at Grandmas and headed towards Dani's house to start the road trip with my blogging besties.

I'm pretty sure all of our jaws dropped when we walked into the Q1 apartment we had rented for the weekend. This place was amazing, much like the million dollar houses I often dream of from my house magazines. We chose bedrooms, sat around chatting and headed out for a spot of shopping before running back to quickly get ready for dinner.

The atmosphere at Hanazono was amazing and the actual cooking and show they put on is something I will never forget. I even managed to catch some egg in my mouth! Total pro!

Sunday morning I woke to Hayley boiling the kettle at 7am and Becky rustling around the room so got up and joined them after only 4ish hours sleep. The sun was shining so we layed around soaking it up before heading to Pancakes in Paradise at 8am for the most delicious breakfast!. Really can't go past pancakes the morning after a big night.

After breaky we waddled back to the apartment, checked out the grounds, posed on the sun beds, grabbed our bathers and jumped in the spa for a quick relaxation session before checkout.

After racing upstairs wrapped in our towels we got dressed did a quick once over of the apartment, grabbed our bags and headed for the airport to drop Bec and Dani off then proceeded onto the Mummy Tree Markets and then home to pick up the kiddies..

All I can say is that it was an absolutely amazing weekend. Great company, great food and a whole lot of fun.. Definitely doing it again VERY soon! Really missing the view!

Want to take part in a Hello Blogger Event? Click here for upcoming events.
Photography by myself & Dani from Danimezza.com.. You can see all the photos from the night here.