School holiday

They are actually over!

Can you believe it?!

I am being such a lazy blogger- or worst still- been so busy I haven't had a chance to sit and tell you all what I have been up to.

My husband went to PNG on a missions trip. Building a school for 2 weeks.  So 2 weeks of building in the rain and heat, no air con.  But the stories are fantastic!  The working ethic of the men from PNG is to be envied!  Really brought to light how they helped our Aussie grandfathers who walked the Kokoda track.

PNG style spa bath? Hubby is the one with the bunny ears fingers.

There was also berry picking.  Came home with 4kg of fresh strawberries and 2kg black berries. Kids had a ball- its like a treasure hunt. Not to mention that it was perfectly clear weather, and thus working up a descent sweat!

   

First days of school have now happened.  Me as the mum learning to get out o bed and make lunches- slightly relieved that my husband has made the lunches the the past few days- bless his cotton socks!

I am trying to get fit (and healthy).  I do night shift- which does not lend itself to health!  So if I can change other parts of my life it should really counteract some of the lack of heath that shift work lends itself to.

Anyway- hope to be getting more crafty now that routine has returned.

First baby?

Do you remember the first time you bought them home?

The first toys you picked out?

The first things they destroyed?

This is our first baby.

He is a Samoyed.

He is now 11yo.

He is gentle, soft, fun, frustrating and he doe the woo woo woo- as many spitz breeds do.  He bolts the minute that he gets the opportunity, but loves to be around us.  If he gets too bothered, he just goes and finds a quiet spot all on his own. 

We bought him home when he was a wee puppy, he now stands at 32" at the shoulder- weighs around the 32kg mark.  He is all fluff!

His favourite food when he was a puppy was socks and stockings.  I was forever fishing socks out of his mouth- something I had never thought id do as a fur parent!

The first time I had visited a dog show I was washing my hands after patting the fluffy friends, then a month later was fishing things out of my puppies own mouth!

He will never be replaced or forgotten, although he has been demoted by 4 other human babies... but that is what happens unfortunately.

Hes off for a groom later this month, so will post some pics after that.

Making tea cup s and teddies in cars

 

 dont worry the next ones will have matching wheels.

 

 

 FYI they were selling these for $2.50 each at our local cafe.

 

Did November actually happen?

I seemed to have missed November...  I know that I did a blog post in there, but in my life November just has seemed to skip past me.

its been busy here in this wonderful household.

Doing what- I actually dont know.  I have done very little sewing (shock!)

I have spent some time at the dentist... I  know that!  My bank account knows that too!

Some time knitting- Acacia- very quick and easy knit.  In Bendigo Woolen Mills Spring Cotton.

taking kids to sport... cricket, swimming and karate

My biggest boy should be going up another grade soon- so proud of his efforts!

And now its December, and we are meant to be putting up the Christmas tree! 

Life- climbing stairs

Not far from me is a national park

 

And in that national park is a set of steps.

Its actually a tribute to the Kokoda track.

No doubt they are not as gruiling as what our grandfathers climbed in the 1940's.  But hey, it sure does work my legs!

 

All sorts of people climb these stairs.  People who need to lose weight, mothers with babies strapped to their backs, 80yo's from the local bush walking clubs, footy players, fitness enthusiasts... and us!

I have actually really enjoyed it.  The first time I did it, it took me over 20min.  And I didnt make it to the top. I got a stitch.  he next time I was more careful about when I ate, and set on up there. Now I am climbing them in about 14min. (mind you that is just the steps, not the hike to the steps)

I took my boys with me on this occasion.  They didnt even break out a sweat!  Mind you there was alot of sillyness on the way down, so took alot longer than I had hoped.

But we had fun anyway!

Life- getting active

As a mum of a few kids, I find it really hard to spend time on getting active. The time I spend sitting I could be doing crunches- but who really wants to do that?.  I do enjoy walking, but who wants to walk when you have 2 girls saying "mum im tired, im hungry, when are we going to the park".

I was inspired by a couple of friends  who have made it work for them.  They are getting out there and improving their health, one day at a time.

So I am giving it a go.

I am trying to find what works for me.

I don't want to spend money

I don't want to hurt myself either, or make myself sick (I don't cope with that).  I don't want to lack oxygen to my brain by being that puffed that i cant breathe.  But I also want to see results!

So what do I have at hand..
A skipping rope.
Wii fit
runners
tracksuits pants and shorts
water

So I have been doing the Wii fit.  Just a little each day
This is my cheer squad. They love watching me play the games. and its not a massive workout but it does get me moving on days where I cant get outside.  It also does set a good example to them too.

I have also been walking. Just a little every few days where time allows. Such as before dinner when the man is home and can watch kids and dinner.

 My downfalls are chocolate and chips. And yes I am still eating them, but only 1 piece instead of .... or 3 chips when there is not much left so I dont eat the whole packet. Lets see how we go...


 

So what do you do when you lose your sew-jo?

I knit!

 

 This is another Tikki design: Jane. Seamless, top down knit. Very easy to knit too!

   

 8ply by Cleckeaton Country, stitcks by Knit Picks 22" chest, 7yo length for my wee tall baby girl. 

 .

Ive called it my lollie Jane, as its so bright! Its the perfect little cardie for spring weather, on its own, over a dress, over a long sleeved top.

 

The only thing I would suggest that if you want to make one, if you have a pair of 30cm circular needles, use them, or gain a pair. I used magic loop on the sleeves and my tension was tight because of this, making it quite firm around my daughters arms. But really, that is a problem I can live with!