Monday, December 31, 2012

Ending 2012 on a High Note

Anyone who reads (or used to) my blog will know things have been REALLY quiet around here over the past few months.  I have just been so busy and that means that my craft and leisure time has suffered.


I decided I did not want to end the year in a slump.  Next year I plan to do things a little differently and I wanted to see the year in as I mean to continue.  So yesterday I pulled out a pattern, one I have made before so already had traced it off in my size.  Then I made a start while chatting to some friends on Facebook in what became a virtual sew-along.


I made the Anna Maria Socialite Dress.  I have made this before a couple of times; the first attempt was too small even thought I did measure and the second attempt fit well but the fabric was a bit heavy and it did not sit well on me.


This time I am really happy with it.  This is a size medium and once again I left out the pockets, I prefer the line of the dress without the pockets.  I made a belt too as I tend to look like I am wearing a sack if I don't wear one.

I think 2013 is looking up!


For awhile I thought the only thing I would have to show off as a finished WIP was the children's library bags.  Possum starts school next year and needed one; naturally this meant Blue needed to have one as well.


I appliqued some circles from feature fabrics they each picked, on the other side using one of the fabrics shown I put their initials.  I am really happy with these, so are the children.  Bonus!


Happy New Year :)

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Christmas Wrap Up

As we head rapidly towards 2013 I thought I had better wrap up Christmas!  I was so busy in the lead up to Christmas that I started to worry I would not have time to head to town and get a Santa photo, I was so glad  when I got there.  I am not in this years photo, I am a little bit sad about it but happy that the children felt comfortable enough to go themselves.


Santa photos of old can be seen here.  It is worth a look if you want a laugh.



We drove South and arrived in time to help Pa hunt down a suitable Christmas Tree.  The children had so much fun on this adventure but perhaps not as much as the Mr. who had fond memories of doing this as a child.  We then decorated the tree and waited for more family to arrive.


Another rare photo with my two children together!


Four cousins all woke up very excited to see that Santa had paid us a visit :)


We went to church in the morning and ate a great roast lunch.  It was a really big day, but lovely.  

We made it home but the house still looks a little like a bomb hit it.  I am working on that but I still feel very much in holiday mode so am not working too hard.



Saturday, December 29, 2012

Sodastream

This Christmas I may have mentioned (when prompted) that I have always* wanted a Sodastream.  Imagine my surprise when my husband got given one instead of me.  No matter, I won't let that hold me back from introducing 'my' new Sodastream!



This is the Dynamo model in the metallic colourway.  I do like it a lot!

So far I can give a BIG thumbs up to the sugar free cranberry-raspberry flavour and lemon-lime. Cola (the regular one) is also good.  I am slowly working my way through the sample packs that came with the machine and I did buy some extra bibs and bobs on a trip to town yesterday so I am good to go and planning mixers and fun for the rest of summer.

*I remember my babysitter had one when I used to go there and I thought she was wonderful so Sodastream became synonymous with 'awesome' as far as I was concerned.  Current ad campaigns seem to agree with my first impression.  

Edit: Flavour updates!
Cranberry Raspberry sugar free - great
Lemon-Lime is great
Orange is also great
Cola regular - good
Grapefruit and Pomegranate is just ok.
Ginger Ale is AWESOME
Apple is great.
Lemonade is great
Cola sugar free - yuck

Thursday, December 27, 2012

{Promise}


Laugh more
Cry less
Read
Sew
Exercise
Play
Balance


I am aiming for more of some things, and less of others in 2013.  My formula this year was wrong, next year I will do better I hope.

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Step Away from the Eggnog Santa


Santa may have had one too many when he turned up to the pre-school graduation with his beard on backwards...

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Party


Possum recently had her 5th birthday party.  She had not had a party before so she was REALLY looking forward to this day.  10 other children helped her celebrate; it was SO hot, but they did not let that stop them from playing and enjoying themselves.


The Mr's climbing wall got a good workout. 


Between the wall, the orchard and cubby and the trampoline the children all kept busy.  We played pass the parcel and ate.  Everyone had fun; especially Possum.

It was a great day.  I have a couple of years before Blue turns 5 and I have to do it again.