Wednesday Words of Wisdom

I love this quote. It's one that I have framed on my hall stand and one that I refer to often. The other day, Patrick pointed out to me that he hoped a 'robber' didn't read the quote because he didn't want them to be  'good' at that. I never thought of it that way. It's funny how we all interpret quotes and thoughts differently. I think Lincoln meant that whatever we are - student, musician, soccer player, mother, teacher, doctor we should strive to do our best and be just and right in what we do.

What do you think Lincoln meant?

The Rhythm of Reading

We have a little night time rhythm at our house.  It has evolved into something incredibly special and precious and a time that we all gain something unique from.  After dinner and bedtime wind down we select a book to read together.  Sometimes it's a chapter book but other times we select a stand alone book - pertinent to our day.

It takes place either on the couch but mostly in Martin and my bed.  I love that we're snuggled up together side-by-side and so we begin the process of reading, reading together.  I am grateful for the familiar grounding presence as we travel through the pages.  Sometimes the reader changes from month to month or even night to night, but there is always a reader nonetheless.  It remains the loveliest way to drift into the land of nod.

Almost every night they beg for one more page, one more chapter, one more snuggle.  A wonderful and special time.  One that I will never tire of.

Some Tips on Reading Aloud to Your Children

• Let the children pick the book.  Even if it means reading the same book over and over and over again!
• Try and visit the library to get new books.  Nothing like letting the kids go wild for books.
• Build your own home library.  Visit book stores together, garage sales or book sales.
• Try and read in the same place each night.  Make it a comfy place.  Children are creatures of habit and routine is comforting to them.
• Make reading time routine.  If you cannot read at the same time each day make sure you put aside some time to read to them.  
• Make reading aloud a priority.
• Turn the television off - make the book a focus.

Australia's famous author, Mem Fox has 10 Read Aloud Commandments - here

~Right Now~

Right now, I am...

~enjoying every outdoor activity that we can before the cool of autumn/winter hits us.  We've been on loads of walks, runs, picnics, parks and enjoying meals outside.

~excited about getting my SLR back at the end of the week.  It has been a LONG time relying on phone pictures alone.

~feeling the excitement as we prepare for our overseas trips.  We're reading so many books on New York, D.C and looking at pictures from when Martin and I lived in New Jersey.  

~wanting to spend more time creating on my sewing machine.  I've got so many new ideas and products that I hope to share with you when we return from overseas...yippee!

~riding the high from planning and preparing for our trip and feeding off of the kids excitement about Disney

~enjoying homemade jam on my morning toast.

~holding off on putting the air conditioner on all the time.  I love fresh air but between cold mornings followed by boiling hot days, it feel like I push the 'on' button more than I should.

~grateful for "family" - both those we are born and marry into, and all the special friends we have in our life.  We're very blessed

~itching to complete my 'Flowers in the Snow" crochet blanket.  I'm hoping to have it ready before we head overseas (fingers crossed)

~wishing Martin didn't have to travel so much for work or spend so many hours there.  I love when we're together as a family of four.  The kids and I miss him so much when he's away

~smiling as I listen to the funny conversations that Paddy and Gracie share.  

~wondering why the kids couldn't get out of bed this morning and I had to remind them 3 times to get moving.

~loving the sounds from Patrick's oboe and hearing Gracie sing as she plays the keyboard.

~Wishing you a lovely and happy Tuesday~

Our Idiot Brother

The lovely people at Nuffnang are currently offering a double pass to see Our Idiot Brother.

Yes, I have a brother and I know I have called him an idiot once (or maybe twice...shh!) but he is nothing like Ned Rochlin (Paul Rudd) in this movie.  Ned always looks for the good in others and find the positive in most situation but this attitude to life lands him in hot water - namely jail.  However, when he is released from jail his girlfriend leaves him and takes their beloved dog, Willie Nelson with her.  Ned has no choice but to move back with his begrudging family.  His sisters (Emily Mortimer, Zooey Deschanel and Elizabeth banks  ) end up coming to his rescue.  In the process, his family comes to realise that in believing and trusting the people around him .  Ned isn't such an idiot after all.

Check out the trailer below. 


I hope you enjoy it.

 Starring Paul Rudd, Elizabeth Banks, Zooey Deschanel & Emily Mortimer. 

Due for release on DVD & Blu-ray (March 15, 2012)

Hmmm, what would it be like, if...?

On Friday night I went out for dinner with a group of my friends.  We had such a great time chatting, chatting and more chatting and then we got onto the topic of parenting.  It's amazing (and comforting) to know that we're all going through exactly the same things and have similar issues.  When I got home I thought some more and started to wander what it would be like to parent without outside pressures or influences?  What if there were no parenting books, magazines, parenting experts or friends or family members telling us what we "should" be doing?  What if we just followed our heart and did what we felt was right for our children, for our own family?  What if we trusted our children to do things in their own time rather than on a timeline that other children do?  What if...?

Lately I have been challenging myself to try and parent this way.  To follow my heart and block out the external pressures and do what I believe is right for my children.  My aim is not to focus on the 'act' of parenting but to focus on the 'heart' of it.   Actions without heart are useless.  It's hard to let go of the influences and the pressures.  It's hard to make decisions solely on what Martin and I think is 'right' and not on everything we have read, heard and seen. 

Parenting is not easy.  In fact, it's one of the most challenging 'jobs' I've ever had.  No, I'm not referring to the physical side of it (the drop offs, the pick-ups, the sleepless nights), I am referring to the responsibility of it.  The influence that we, as their parent's have on their lives is immeasurable.  I am their role model and I want to be a good one - one that they're proud to call 'Mum', one that they can confide in, seek comfort in and one that they can have fun with.  Man, it's hard, but I am doing my best and enjoying it as I go along on this road.

Try it, block out all that you see, hear and read and do what your heart tells you is right.  Especially when you're having a day that's a bit rougher to get through.

Do You Speed Scrabble?

Do you Speed Scrabble?  

It's a huge hit in our house.  I love it because it focuses on spelling, reading and grammar but is disguised as a fast paced game.  The kids love it because it's fun, quick and competitive - after all, they're competitive little souls.  I used it all the time when I was teaching and even had whole class competition going on...fun!

I know everyone has their own rules for Speed Scrabble but this is how we play.  It is similar to the rules of Bananagrams

Set Up

• Speed Scrabble uses the standard letter tiles used in Scrabble
• The game does not use a Scrabble Board but you do need a flat surface to play on
• Each player needs a Scrabble rack
• A pencil and a piece of paper is needed to keep score 
• A 60 second timer or stop watch 

How to Play

1. Each player draws a tile out of the letter pile.  The person with the highest number goes first.
2. Each player picks seven tiles from the pile of tiles and places it in their letter rack
3. The game starts when the timer begins for 60 second.  The player makes the best word they can out of the seven letters they have within the 60 seconds and places it on the flat surface. 
4. The word is scored by adding up the numbers on the letter tile
5. The next persons word must link with the word already on the playing area.
6. The game proceeds in a clockwise direction until there are no tiles left.
7. The game ends when a player has used up all of their tiles and there are no tiles remaining in the set
8. The winner is the one with the highest score.

Here are the kids in action today.  Look at the concentration.

Grace was a bit sad today because she came second.  She was not a happy camper at all.  Look at that sad little face.  Poor baby!  

Bananagrams

A Weekend Thought

During the week I had my favourite poem from Mother Teresa, but here is one of my favourite quotes from her.

Enjoy your weekend!

Source: Uploaded by user via Jane on Pinterest

Why Blog?

A few people have asked why I decided to start a blog.  I guess the main reason is as a motivator. I have so many goals, daily goals and life goals, that if I put some of them on here I feel like I am more accountable at attempting to reach them . I am very good at starting projects but sometimes they don't get finished.  Yes, it happens often - you should see my stash of half finished knitting projects. 


I also want to let people know what is going on in our life down here in Melbourne.  I have been incredibly slack at keeping in touch with my dear friends (sorry!), so if I put updates on here you can see and read that all is going well.   I will do my best to capture words and stories of our family and share them with you.


I love to write, be crafty and take photos and I guess, if I blog, I can combine all three.  I get so much inspiration from other blogs and maybe my little blog might inspire you to start one too and document your families story.

InstaFriday

Yes, it's Friday again!  I'm linking up with Jeanett.

Homework!  Paddy gets so much these days.  He spends a lot of time either at the dining room table or our family desk.  This week he had to complete a research task on the history of his house colour.  Funny thing is, he has not complained about the amount of homework once.  I'm really proud of him.

Last Sunday we went for a walk in the Tan and then headed to Albert Park for a late lunch.  The shop window at Empire Vintage caught my eye immediately.  So much fun stuff and I loved the way it was displayed and such a gorgeous store.

A bit of down time at the cafe where we had lunch together and time to read the paper.  The headlines about the craziness of Australian politics as of late - pathetic!  No more said about that.

My little star, Grace received an award at the whole school assembly.  It's hard to see her but she is the shorty standing in the front line (4th from the right of the photo).  She is a complete introvert so she hates standing out the front but I did see her give me a little wink for being proud of her award.  I'm proud of my little, quiet, shy munchkin, too.

At school this term, Grace's class are focusing on relationships.  Everyone made a pet rock.  This is Grace's - affectionately named "Tulip". 

Tulip's new home.  

Have a wonderful weekend, friends. x

Simple

Do you ever wish for a more simplistic lifestyle?  Some days I feel myself rushing here, there, everywhere and getting stressed at the kids and myself because we were meant to be some place 15 minutes ago...aghh!

I know that life in the past was difficult and I know people worked harder physically, but to me there is something so beautiful about living a lifestyle of years gone by - growing vegetables, making clothes,  knitting or crocheting, cooking delicious wholesome meals, spending time together as a whole family.  I know that all of this involves hard work but what is it that makes it so personally appealing?  What is it that ignites my fire?

I sometimes wonder if I have this romantic image of it because of my grandparents?  All of my grandparents were born in country NSW (I was too - Mudgee, to be exact).  My mother's parents lived in the country for many years and we visited them regularly.  I loved visiting them and hearing stories of their life on the farm and in the town and of the card games they played and how their neighbours visited them regularly and how they had little get togethers and ate scones and jam.  It sounds so romantic, almost blissful.  Sometimes I catch myself dreaming of living that life - a life of sitting by the fire reading a book or sewing by hand or knitting and crocheting.


Unfortunately, my life will never duplicate that lifestyle.  I can only dream about it.  However, I do feel the need to desire less 'stuff' and focus on the little things, the important things.  I want my children to appreciate and love the simple things in life.

A final thought...

Source: etsy.com via Jane on Pinterest

A Must Read

Today I want to share with you one of my favourite poems.  I have always taught in Catholic schools and part of that involves some special time for reflection, prayer and meditation.  Even before staff meetings, we had time to share a prayer, a thought or time just to be.  The poem below is one that was shared during a staff meeting and one that resonates with me.  I love its message.  It's one that I try to instill in my kids - to enjoy the simple things in life and filter out the 'static' that surrounds us as we strive to live each day to the full.  

DO IT ANYWAY

by Mother Theresa

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered;

Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;

Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; 

Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere, people may cheat you;

Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating, someone could destroy overnight;

Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous;

Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, will often be forgotten;

Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it will never be enough;

Give the world the best you've got anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God;

It was never between you and them anyway.

Shrove Tuesday

Today is Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day as it's also known, the day preceding Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.

My kids love pancakes.  Who needs an excuse to eat pancakes?  No one here, that's for sure!  We love them with maple syrup, lemon and sugar and even with just a spread of butter and jam...yum!  When I was teaching I always made a batch of pancakes with my class.  It was a real treat to cook and eat something delicious together as a whole class.

With all the talk of pancakes.   Today we started the day with a delicious serve using our favourite pancake recipe from www.chow.com.  Are pancakes on your menu today?


INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon fine salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/4 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup plus 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 

INSTRUCTIONS

• Whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl until evenly combined; set aside.
• Whisk together milk, 1/2 cup of the oil, eggs, sugar, and vanilla (if using) in a separate large bowl until eggs are foamy and sugar is dissolved.
• Add flour mixture to liquid mixture and stir until just mixed and moistened (the batter will be lumpy), about 50 strokes. Set batter aside to rest while the griddle heats or cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours. If the batter has been refrigerated, stir before using.
• Heat a large, seasoned cast iron skillet, frying pan, or griddle over medium heat. Test to see if the pan is hot enough by sprinkling a couple of drops of cold water in it: If the water bounces and sputters, the pan is ready to use; if it evaporates instantly, the pan is too hot. Once the pan is ready, use a paper towel to rub it with the remaining 1 teaspoon oil.
• Ladle pancake batter into the pan: 1/2 cup for large (6-inch) pancakes or 1/4 cup for smaller (4-inch) pancakes. Cook until bubbles completely cover the top, about 3 to 4 minutes. Flip and cook the other side until the bottoms are golden brown, about 2 minutes. Serve immediately with fresh fruit, butter, and maple syrup.

Words to Live By

Source: hallelujahsbyholly.blogspot.com via Jane on Pinterest

A Little Basket

Over the weekend I worked on this little basket.  It is only small, but enough to hold some wool/cotton, a crochet hook and needles.  When I am working on a project, I like to have what I need next to me and what better way, than with something pretty like this.

The basket was incredibly easy and quick to make.  I used heavy cotton and made lots and lots and lots of single crochet stitches.  I started with the base and increased the stitches as I went around until the base was a desired size.  Then I made a row of single crochet (sc) stitches into the front loop of the previous row and went round and round until it was at a desired height.  I added the white border for a contrast. 

The 'Flowers in The Snow' blanket continues to grow.  I have stitched together many squares but I need to add a lot more so it can fit on our guest bed.  I'd like to complete it before we go to the US (in one months time...yikes) because we have two different families coming to stay while we're away.   I better get my hook into action.  Now that the weather is a bit cooler I am enjoying working with the wool a lot more.

Gracie thinks the blanket belongs to her.  She tells me that it's perfect the size it is now - perfect for her that is!  See her relaxing over the weekend with the blanket on her lap.  

Have a great week. x

InstaFriday

Yes, it's that time of the week again and boy does it come around fast.
 I do love Friday's but the weeks seem to be whizzing by lately.  

Having a great time with our friends who have moved from Sydney to Melbourne.

My wonderful friend, Susie with her kids and Patrick and Grace.  We LOVE having them here in Melbourne with us.

Finding the time to read..aghh! 

This week I bought 3 books from The Book Depository to take on our holiday.  My aim is to read the whole three while we're away (wishful thinking..maybe?).  It is a LONG flight from Melbourne to New York so I'm hoping to get into them then. 

I made the kids a quick batch of cupcakes and sprinkled them with love.  

The kids devoured them very quickly.

This week I enjoyed a very rare lunch with Martin at one of our favourite cafes.  

Oboe practise.  Look at the concentration.

The kids LOVE daddy's carved apples.  

They eat the little bits as he carves and then enjoy the apple. 

I'm happy if it means they eat them and not waste them.

Valentine Waffles!

Grace loves to colour in.  She enters lots of colouring competitions.  She's won a few too.

Lavender is Gracie's favourite flowers.  I put together this little bunch for her.

A Delicious Way to Start the Day

I have made this recipe for years now and it has become a breakfast staple at our house.  It comes from the wonderful book Feeding the Whole Family: Cooking with Whole Foods  by Cynthia Lair.  I bought this book years ago when the kids were little and I still use many of the recipes in it. The recipes are so easy to follow and have such simple but delicious ingredients.  

Nut & Seed Granola 

Note - This can be made nut-free and it is still delicious.  

Just leave out almonds and be sure the other ingredients are from a nut-free processing company.

3 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup sesame seeds
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup almonds, chopped
1 cup plain flour
1/2 tsp cinnamon
pinch sea salt
1/3 cup cold-pressed vegetable oil
1/3 cup brown rice syrup or maple syrup
1/4 cup apple or orange juice
1 tsp vanilla

• Preheat oven to 150degrees C. 
• In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, seeds, almonds, flour, cinnamon and salt; mix well.
• In a separate bowl, combine oil, syrup, juice and extracts. Slowly pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients, using a spatula to fold and evenly coat the dry mixture with the wet. 
• Spread on a cookie sheet or in a shallow pan and bake. 
• Turn granola every 15 or 20 minutes so that it toasts evenly. 
• Bake until granola is dry and golden (45-60 minutes). 
• Store in an air tight jar. (A mason jar is my favourite)

My favourite way to eat this is with yoghurt but the kids (and Martin) enjoy it with milk.

This granola would make a lovely gift, too.  Especially for busy families who are mindful of their children's sugar intake.  It looks gorgeous in a mason jar waiting to be eaten.  

Thursday Thought

The first time I heard this quote I was in Year Ten.  I distinctly remember sitting in class and the teacher listing the ways we can let our light shine for all to see - through our talents, our gifts, our attitudes, our beliefs, our faith and so on.  It is one lesson and quote that has always stuck with me and one that I reflect on often - especially when I hear myself say "I can't do it!"   So, who am I not to be brilliant, talented or fabulous?  


A few people have asked if I will sell some of the things that I sew, create and make and I have always been too shy, reserved or left the question unanswered but I am starting to think - yes, I will.  I will let this little talent/gift I have be used for good purposes.  I will let that light 'shine'.  Stay tuned for more on this!

So, how will you let your light shine today?

Lovely!

Well yesterday I was made to eat my words about Martin and I not getting anything for each other for Valentine's because  I got a little surprise...hooray!  While he was in the US, San Francisco to be exact, he visited this museum...

and bought me these divine books.  

Handmade Living

and 

Handmade Nation - The Rise of DIY, Art, Craft and Design 

He knows me well!!

Handmade Living 

Is written by Lotta Jansdotter a Scandinavian born lady who now resides in one of my favourite parts of the world, Brooklyn, NY.  She is a self taught designer who launched her own company from a small studio in San Francisco (where she lived at the time) and now sells her products and designs online- stationery, cushions, handbags, beautiful linens and ceramics.   So simple, practical but divine.  Check them out here!

I love how this book gives glimpses of Lotta's home life.  It shows the distinctive, ordered and classic Scandinavian style.  It also has loads of decorating tips, family recipes, practical lifestyle advice and some bonus recipe cards and stencils.  

I just need some time to sit down and read it rather than just gasping over the sublime photographs.

Handmade Nation 

Focuses on a number of contemporary crafters and designers and how they use various media to create beautiful pieces.   I love how the photos show the artists/crafters work environment, their work and the processes they use when creating.  So much inspiration.

Thanks, Martin.  I LOVE them and use chose well.   

Sharing the Love

Happy Valentine's Day!

I think that I posted a few weeks back that Valentine's Day is not huge here in Australia.  Most people don't do a thing.  Martin and I don't do anything romantic either, but now that we have kids, we make it special by celebrating our little family.  I have made a gum ball necklace for my girl, a game of Tic-Tac-Toe for my boy and I have also made a game of Valentine's Bingo that we'll play together after our family dinner.

 I did put up a few decorations around the house to mark the occasion.  I couldn't be a total Valentine's Aussie grinch.

The kids and I put together this little tray for the coffee table in our family room.  

The idea for the mason jars is from here and I cannot remember where I got the LOVE printable...sorry!.

The kids and I made the monogrammed "B" over the weekend.  The 'B' is covered in buttons and looks great on the side board to match all the red and pink splashes of colour.  We also made the little stringed garland.  It was total team work.  Grace stencilled the heart, I cut them out, Paddy did the hole punching at the top of each heart and then we strung them up together.  Simple, simple, simple.

In other great news...Martin is now home safe and well.  

He has been in the US for work.  

I love being together as a family of four!   

Hooray!

My Painting

Totally inspired by The Pleated Poppy's canvas.  Here is some art that I have thoroughly enjoyed  working on over the past few days.  I love the randomness of the colours and the geometric features. I'm really happy with the end result.  What do you think?

Years ago I spent many hours painting but I haven't painted in some time.  I find painting very therapeutic and it all flowed back to me when I started working with the different brushes and paints.  Once I start, I can't stop.  I think that the kids enjoyed it, too.  They'd pop over to the spot where I was painting and add suggestion of colours.  They even offered to wash the brushes for me - go kiddies!  Grace asked me to draw a pattern so she could paint with me.  I loved having a little painting buddy to chat with while we worked together.

Hugo (the Movie)

The kids and I have just got home from seeing Hugo in 3D.  Check out the funky glasses below.  Don't they look great. No?

I have not read The Invention of Hugo Cabret but after seeing the movie, Hugo, I want to get the book and re-visit this magical story with the kids.  There are so many beautiful themes that wind through the story line - romance, friendship, determination, survival and it also has historical relevance with one of the main characters being George Melies the real film maker.

The story is set in the 1930's and focuses on a 12 year old boy named Hugo Cabret who, after the death of his father, lives in the walls of a Paris train station with his alcoholic uncle who is the time keeper for the bustling station.  Hugo survives by stealing food from the station vendors but his driving force is machinery and clockwork and most importantly to repair an automaton machine that his father was restoring before his untimely death.  In order to find the parts to complete the machine, Hugo steals from the owner of the stations toy booth (Ben Kingsley).  The crux of the story lies within the relationship of the main characters - Hugo, the toy shop owner - George Melies and the automation that Hugo is repairing.  

The acting is superb and deserves all the Academy Award Nominations - best director, best picture, best adapted screenplay, best score, best editing and best cinematographer.   

I also love how the film is disguised as a children's film.  Yes, I took my children and they enjoy it, (mind you, I never imagined taking them to see a Martin Scorsese film) but I think that I enjoyed it even more than them.  The filmography is breathtaking and I love how we experienced the origin and beauty of film making while taking in beautiful scenes of Paris from the stations clocks and windows.

Hugo is absolutely wonderful and I recommend it for children and adults alike. 

Psst - I am not paid for this review, I just hope that this post encourages you to go and see this magical film....go!

This Weekend I WILL Find Time

Source: thebeeskneesbaby.tumblr.com via Bretta on Pinterest

Time To Read - I visited the library yesterday and  borrowed The Paris Wife

Time to Smell the Roses - Last night I attended a meeting at Patrick's school and a dear friend watched the kids for me (Thank you Anita).  While they were there Gracie picked some lavender and my friend wrapped them in raffia and leaves.  I have the pretty bouquet sitting on my kitchen bench and I can smell the glorious lavender whenever I enter the room.  It brings a smile to my face.

To Paint Your Dreams - This artwork is not my 'dreams' but it is something that I am working on right now.

To Have A Coffee with a Friend - Some very special friends have recently moved from Sydney to Melbourne and we are catching up with them this afternoon in the park.  I LOVE having their beautiful family here with us in Melbourne - even if it's only for 5 months.  Our kids get on really well and I know Patrick and Grace are looking forward to a fun filled play time today.

To Learn A New Craft - I saw this the other day on Pinterest and as soon as I finish my crochet blanket, I will start working on the ripple effect. 

To Write A Letter - Yesterday a friend gave me a beautiful pair of earrings for my 40th.  It was so thoughtful of her and very unexpected.  I intend to write a little note to let her know how much her kindness and thoughtfulness mean to me.

To Bake A Cake - I try to do some baking on Sundays so the kids have something special for their school lunch boxes.  Sometimes we go through cook books together and other times I just surprise them with something I think they'll enjoy that is nutritious.

To Go Somewhere Special - We're going to see Hugo together.  It was something we had on our Summer Holiday List but we never got to do it.  Afterwards we'll go somewhere special for a late lunch or early dinner.

To REALLY Be With The Person You Love - It's the weekend.  I'm with my babies...yay!  

or even do nothing for a while... 

(I'm sure I can find time for that!)

A Weekend Thought...

Source: Uploaded by user via Jane on Pinterest