My creative space...

I have decided to join in with Kirsty's creative spaces for once. I am working on my crocheting project still, and really excited that it's now half done.  I hope the bub who I am making it for enjoys snuggling in it, just as much as I am enjoying making it. My basket with yarn and hooks are taken everywhere with me at the moment. Out in the back yard so I can crochet in the sun, on trips to Melbourne and Daylesford - can't let a chance to crochet go to waste.

I got excited as I realised I was nearly half done. The little one...

became a full granny square...

then joined three others...

and had a little border added...

and then joined the rest of them.

So I have half a blanket now, and I can't wait to block it, and get the shape right. It looks a little wonky at the moment. 

I do love the colours, though.  They make me smile.

Thaw crazies

Thaw is driving me a little batty at the moment, but I am determined to make it through the next 24 hours with my sanity intact. We go to print today. I am so tired! But sometimes a girl just has to grin and bear it.  I feel a bit like Laney looks in this photo. x

Fun and games

What you been up to lately, you ask? Well here is an idea for you....

Thaw is on it's way to print next week, and Ro and I are trying to remain calm, and survive the next seven days ;-) In the meantime here are some photo's that show what we have been up to in the past couple of weeks, since I have been a bit slack with posts.

Hanging out in the back yard with friends on the hot nights...

Helping Ro out at the bridal expo in Ballarat...

...where our girls fancied themselves models.

Getting worn out with the heat.

Shearing our poor old Peggy who now looks rather rat-like

Hanging out and eating great food with new friends...

and causing a ruckus with old (as in "we've known since birth", but not "old") friends...

Enjoying friend's dog's beds...

and the lovely rain.

Our tomatoes fancy the rain too.

And when we all get a bit delirious from the heat, we dress up our big girl in my earrings, bangles, necklaces and make-up and she pretends she is in one of Dad's fashion shoots.

Cuddles Day

Tuesday and Wednesday are my work days.  Usually my wonderful Dad has the girls for those days, and I get to have uninterrupted time in the office. It's very productive, and it means that when I have the girls to myself on Thursday I notice just how many cuddles and kisses I get because they are happy to have me to themselves again.  We have had fun playing on the floor - "let's attack Mum" games, drawn pictures, done housework, watched some TV, been grocery shopping, and even given the dog a haircut.  But best of all - I have had a million cuddles. And I have just officially renamed Thursday "Cuddles Day".

Oh what fun, to be pushed around the house in Dad's office chair.

Looking out the door

Because I have small children, sometimes I will look out of the room I am in, just to check what's going on in the next room.  

Sometimes, I just love what I see.

From the office I sometimes catch Helena twirling to the music

From bed it might just be our hallway

From the living room it might be Tia, who wants out!

Camping

It was lots of fun camping last weekend.  Although the weather was ordinary, and we had to stay undercover of the Kombi's annex for a lot of the time, it was fun hanging out with friends and family for three days.  

This is our little campsite, with Kombi, car, annex and two tents set up. Little squishy.

All the kids loved the hidey places in the Kombi.

Sarah and Laney played Barbies inside, while it rained.

We "grown-ups" enjoyed talking and ...

sensible activities like putting nappies on our dogs.  Oh Fraggle, you patient dog!

Oops, forgot Ro

OK, so a friend of mine pointed out yesterday that she thought it was funny that Rohan didn't make it to the list of things that excite me.  Clearly she hasn't been married for 11 years, and doesn't realise that the excitement has gone.  No!  Just kidding.  (Goodness me, wouldn't want to give the wrong impression.) 

In all honesty he is definitely one of the things in my life that brings a smile to my face every day. (He makes me laugh more than anyone.) And there is no need to worry, because we say "I love you" to each other every day, so I'm sure he realises that he has that affect on me.

Just in case - Love you, sweetie. 

 My special man, having cuddles with Tia

Excitable me

This year has been pretty awesome so far.  Ok, Ok, so it's only been a 12 days, but it's a good sign.  I have already started a new work schedule, and am not allowing myself to work when the kids are with me, so that I am "with them" properly.  The kids are happier. And this makes me happy.  

Since I am happier, I am noticing lately that there are lots of things around me that get me excited when I just look at them, so I thought I would share them with you.  They just make me smile.

My lovely new case with my lovely new camera in it.

When my girls spontaneously start dancing in the living room.

My newly bought, but old, basket with my new project in it.

Our kombi who's just waiting to be taken to the beach this weekend.

Our new travel journal from Lark, which I can't wait to write in.

OK, so this shouldn't really excite me probably, but in this heat, it does!

My My Sister Pat bathers.  Yet to be christened.

Home again, home again

I haven't posted any house pics for a while, so thought it was time...

I had to share these beauties with you.  They are enormous!

And these are just pretty...

  I think we might have to work on the shape of the heart, but you get the idea.  I got quite emotional looking over the photos. Aah... memories.

Laney and I made these lanterns this morning.

Christmas and New Years over

Well I know I have fallen back into my bad blogging habits, but I have excuses.. really.  I have been busy getting myself into some new good habits.  Over the festive season, I, like many others, have been reflecting on the past year, and realised that I really wanted and needed to make some changes in my life.  

The past year has been a rollercoaster of a year.  And although it was really tough at times, it was also kinda special at others.  We bought this home of ours, which was a definitely a highlight.  We celebrated our baby's first birthday, and watched her walk for the first time.  Our big girl started kinder, and ballet - which she has really enjoyed.  Our magazine has grown and changed, and helped me learn so much - about people, running a business, and myself. We also bought our sweet little Kombi, and took it for fun trips. On the other hand, this year has brought some tough times.  With the magazine putting a lot of stress in our lives, the renovations being tough on Ro's body, moving house (which Laney really didn't enjoy) and Ro and I generally feeling overworked, and underappreciated a lot of the time.  BUT wait, this year is going to be different!  And I am already organised and ready to face the year with enthusiasm.

I have written a list, of all the things that I want to achieve this year.  I have already cleaned up my desk, and started a new work routine that will allow me to prioritise my time better.  There are going to be more trips away - with nothing but R & R on the schedule.  There will be more playtime with the girls.  There will be work days that are planned and productive.  And there will be a healthier lifestyle with plenty of walking and water. And there will also be time for just Ro and I to have adult conversations that don't involve children, thaw or house stuff. Oh, and lots of dinners with friends and family.

I hope you are having a wonderful start to the year, with many positive thoughts about the future.  I know I am.

Cheers,

Kim

Some Christmas snaps (with my lovely new camera)

We dined alfresco on Christmas day, with family

This was the biggest hit on the day - Tia's new car

Tia has a new favourite nook

We recently spent the afternoon at Kate's farm.  (Thanks Steph for suggesting it!)  She crocheted up a storm while I watched in awe.

Tia loved the chooks

Laney ran around with the other kids while we just chilled here.