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How to take little ones to church

May 28, 2012 By corrie 28 Comments

Recently I received a lovely email from a reader who had just completed her RCIA through the church and become a catholic! I always think it’s such a lovely thing to do as it’s a big commitment to make as an adult and something that cradle to grave catholics can often take for granted. And she wondered did I have any secrets for taking my lot to church every sunday. And I’d be lying if I said it’s always a pleasant experience that I look forward to………….and let’s not even talk about taking them on my own. Let’s not go there.

I love that the day I decided to write this post I had 3 of the craziest children at mass and had to struggle with elodie and a full nappy bag and hot foot it out of there after communion as she was crying and wriggling out of my arms and I was left with a big seat full of toys and stuff with just keira as my helper. Then as we left as a family – 3 of them were crying over different things and we marched them straight to the car. Timely then I write about how we do things. But here we go………….

1. pack entertainment
We pack rice crackers, colouring pencils, paper, books, toys and tend to keep most of those things in the same bag that they can just pull out for church. Sometimes it lives in the car until next sunday but I never leave the house without entertainment.

2. children’s liturgy/sunday school is your best friend

I love that at our new church we have children’s liturgy almost every sunday. I send the 3 big kids off with their daddy (to keep an eye on the twins) and they have a ball. They do the same gospel as we do in church but at a level that little people can understand. Here is a sample of Tillie’s work that I had to keep – because didn’t you know that spiders are filled with the holy spirit too? Finn was smart enough to draw a picture of his Daddy…..since he was sitting next to him.

3. remember that you have every right to be there and your priest wants you to be there

Sometimes it can be easy to think that your kids are disturbing the peace of the church. I still think older people are staring at us because someone is acting up but I’ve never received a bad comment in all the years I’ve been taking the kids to church. I get plenty of nice comments and am reminded by priests that they want families to be there. You’re doing a good thing so don’t worry about what people think.

4. be prepared early

I always lay clothes out the night before for everyone – sometimes myself included – and get up early. Not always easy to do on a sunday morning and we are loving the extra hour we get at our new church. When I took these pictures we even had time to play outside before we left home. Sometimes we are getting in the car 5 minutes before mass starts…………..

5. Keep smiling

I sometimes forget this one but you’ve got to keep smiling. Plus my fake smile hides what I’m really thinking as I glare at one of my little ones who might be misbehaving!!!

6. Try to sit in the same spot each week

We sit near the back or near an exit. Very important for a quick exit when necessary (and it usually is necessary).Retro daddy is usually the one who has to take the twins out if they need a break or are acting up and that generally means a little run around outside. If your little ones are older than mine you might prefer to sit closer to the front (my mum always marched up the front for church each week) so they can pay attention.

7. Find the right service for you

We always attend church that is closest to home and also where keira goes to school. She loves to see her little friends there each sunday. And we always do sunday morning mass but if you think your kids would be better on saturday night then try it. Retro daddy would love us to go to saturday night mass so he could have a sleep in but I know my lot and there is no way they would be better behaved on saturday night! But if your church isn’t really right for you then see what else is around.

And that is how I take all the family to church – if you have anything to add just let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear from you because I know some of you are old hands at this!

Filed Under: catholic, church, mummy, top posts

party preparations

May 25, 2012 By corrie 32 Comments

Well we are in the thick of party preparations here as tomorrow our gorgeous keira turns 6 and I have quite the party planned for her. It sounded like such a good idea to have a home party for her but as it draws closer and I have so many jobs to do I’m having second doubts!

Retro daddy reigned in a few things. Like when I wanted 16 fold up chairs from ikea and he was not ok with that. He wanted me to use all the dining chairs and benches we had in the house and couldn’t understand why I wanted everything white to go with the pink theme of the party. We compromised on 8 fold up chairs and our 8 white dining chairs and had to agree to disagree. And then this week I realised we’d have a total of 23 kids so turns out I’ll be using all the odd chairs I can find in the house!

topped off with a couple of party mix lollies

Retro daddy will be on games, we have a face painting lady as a special treat for keira and we have a craft table with beads where everyone can make some jewellery.

I still can’t believe Keira is turning 6. Sometimes I think she is much older (and tend to give her a lot of responsibility in the house) and sometimes she reminds me that she is still a little girl. She’s an amazing reader and is reading James and the Giant Peach at the moment with the tiniest writing for a little girl. She still hates maths and doing homework but is glad we stopped kumon. Anytime she doesn’t want to do her homework I tell her that we can go back to kumon if she likes – that always gets her back on track.

aged 2

almost 6!

She has a pretty full life with ballet, swimming and spanish after school (which she loves), her new teacher lets them dance to a current song just before the bell goes if they’ve been good and lie on the floor to read books so she is loving that. She’s settled into her new school pretty quickly and is an all round good girl. Let’s hope we can keep it up.

So in the meantime I’m going to get back to the kitchen because I have coconut ice, rocky road and a pink rainbow cake to make as well as make the house sparkle! But my little friend is giving me attitude today so this should be fun……….

I’ll report back tomorrow with a full debrief for you all……………..from the couch which is where you’ll find me at 3.01pm!

Filed Under: birthdays, parties

who needs plain tees and onesies?

May 24, 2012 By corrie 7 Comments

A very lovely blogger and crafter recently let me know that she was selling her tees and onesies and would I like a few. Of course I would! At the moment the only sewing I can get done is quick and easy. And nothing is quicker or easier than a little appliqued onesie or t-shirt. If you haven’t made any before then it’s a great way to use your sewing machine (or a needle and thread) and get crafty. There are loads of tutorials on youtube and here is a no sew one and then I do blanket stitch around the edges.

Tillie was totally in love with this little outfit I made for her one afternoon this week while Finn and Elodie were napping. Nothing like taking some fabric, hemming it and adding a quick waistband and making a quick applique tee to complete the look. She then asked me to take some photos of her on the stairs – obviously she’s learnt the drill from keira! Although I’ve deleted the photo where she crossed her feet over and fell down a stair – no one was hurt!

The quality of these tees and onesies is just gorgeous. They are lovely, soft and warm and well made. You’ll find them both individually and in bulk here. I’ve earmarked the rest of my little bundle for pj’s now that the weather is getting really cold.

Be quick, I don’t think these will last for long!

Filed Under: onesie, sewing

easiest muesli bar slice

May 21, 2012 By corrie 22 Comments

Sometimes a recipe is sooooo easy that I just have to make it………….because it’s easy! And as soon as I read this one (from this book) I knew I had to make it. I’ve had to adapt it because nuts don’t belong in anything that is going to preschool or school but you have to stop what you’re doing and make it…………because it’s good. Oh and it has a can of sweetened condensed milk in it too. And if you’re a lover of the stuff like me then you’re going to love making these – because someone has to scrape a spoon around the can and finish off the last bits, don’t they?

what you’ll need
2 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 cup rice bubbles
1/2 cup shredded/desiccated coconut
1 can sweetened condensed milk
good splosh of maple syrup or honey or golden syrup

mmmmmmmm the good stuff!

Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl, mix well and flatten into a lined square or rectangle baking tin. Bake for about 40 minutes in a 160 degrees C or 300 degrees F oven until it’s lightly brown all over. This is so easy that the kids can make it too – just be careful of the sharp edges on the can!

My oven is now in F so you’ll find me giving both temperatures from now on. Leave to cool in the pan (if you can, I couldn’t) then slice and enjoy. Next time I might add some dried fruit to give it a bit of colour but like me it’s sweet enough as it is!

Filed Under: baking, recipe

I hope I get a 90th!

May 19, 2012 By corrie 21 Comments

I really hope I inherit grandma betty’s genes and get to celebrate my 90th birthday! She has no major health problems, doesn’t take any medication and thinks it’s due to her diet full of porridge, fruit and vegetables. Whatever it is, I hope I’m heading that way because today we celebrated her 90th with family and friends

all dressed up and ready to go

my kids don’t need much to have a good time! lemonade and chips always makes a party in their eyes. I had to laugh at the end of the party when keira said ‘grandma betty where are the lolly bags’….they know the drill.

black forest cake

Sadly when you live to 90 you do outlive a lot of your loved ones and friends but it was so great to see so many people come together today to celebrate……………and yes we all know want the secret to her good health! So happy birthday Grandma Betty and here’s to many more happy birthdays to come………….

Filed Under: everything else

another baby kina for elodie

May 17, 2012 By corrie 28 Comments

The thing I love about craft is that it serves more than one purpose for me. Not only do I have hobbies that are my own and that keep me busy and happy but I’m also making sweet things for my little ones and get so much satisfaction from seeing them being worn. No sooner had I finished sewing the buttons on than I whipped this on Elodie and took her outside for a few photos.

It’s another baby kina (only my 5th) but this time I knit it in 8 ply for a bit of extra warmth. It’s not too tricky just knit a size smaller but knit in 8 ply with 4mm needles. So I knit the 12 month size but followed the length of the next size up when it came to measuring my work to ensure it turned out larger than I wanted. And it was 2 weeks on the needles. Yet another reason to love this project.

I used Bendigo’s Allegro which I’m just so sad to see you can’t buy off the website anymore. It has a lovely twist to it so there are actually 4 shades of purple in the yarn which makes it look gorgeous up close. I used wild berry and so glad I have a few other shades in the stash as it was lovely to work with.

and is miss elodie a natural model or what? I think I have another Keira on my hands!

and although we’re trying to get her walking she can’t resist a bit of bottom shuffling – the other way she gets around!

Ravelry details for this project are here and you can buy the pattern online here. Don’t forget there are also patterns for doll, child and mummy sizes. So no one misses out. I’ll probably knit another kina before the year is out!

Filed Under: bendigo woollen mills, kina, knitting, ravelry

quick change trouser addict

May 15, 2012 By corrie 26 Comments

Hi my name is Corrie and I am a Quick Change Trouser addict. This afternoon after a very productive morning cleaning and keeping my little ones entertained and well fed, I hit my sewing room. And whipped up 2 pairs of Quick Change Trousers.

If you don’t know the pattern then you need to. It comes from Anna Maria Horner’s lovely baby book, Handmade Beginnings here. I would buy the book again just for this pattern as it makes the perfect pair of pants for a baby/toddler. They are reversible and have a real patchwork-y look to them plus being reversible means they are warm and feel great too.

You might remember I made a few pairs for Elodie and here are 2 pairs for the new baby. And since I’m running out of time until his arrival – 8 weeks till my c/section date- I might need to whip up another pair or two slightly bigger.

Plus I had no intention of making a festive pair and as I was threading the elastic through I thought to myself how festive these look in green, red and white. Oh well, these will look great in December! And oh if I just had a cute baby to wear them now………………….so here is Elodie in some of the pants I’ve made her.

Yes I love pink!!!

A few tips if you’re going to make some

– use 100% quilting cotton fabric if you can as they feel more substantial and will last better than a cheaper poly/cotton. I’d love to try a light weight denim for a pair

– cut out 2 pairs of pants each time you make them up. Because they are so quick and easy to make and sew it saves a lot of time doing all the cutting ahead of time.

– don’t sew up the hems until the very last step as you need to thread your elastic up through the legs

– you don’t need your overlocker as these are reversible and all edges are enclosed BUT there are quite a few places where you need to trim seam allowances so doing it on the overlocker can save a bit of time.

– play around with your fabric choices as you use 3 different fabrics to make these and the more colourful your fabrics the more fun the pants are

– use a non roll elastic and I buy a few packets at once so I have plenty on hand. The elastic won’t twist once you’ve made your waistband and that makes them more comfortable for little people.

Now if only I had my own pair, they would make perfect winter jammies!

Filed Under: fabric, quick change trousers, sewing

holy fashion

May 14, 2012 By corrie 8 Comments

I love when my little ones accessorise…………..today tillie was head to toe pink so she decided to wear pink rosary beads around her neck all day! To the physio, to the shops, school pick up……..they stayed on all day!

my aunty who was a nun would be very proud!

Filed Under: everything else

here’s one I made earlier

May 12, 2012 By corrie 16 Comments

Doesn’t that make it sound easy? Actually this project took longer than I expected because I kept falling asleep after a few rows. And I just need to do a little blocking to get that pesky bottom edge to stay down. But it’s turned out beautifully and I wish I wasn’t giving it away. It’s so sweet and would look absolutely adorable on my elodie but retro daddy is keeping me honest and gave me the address to post it to another little Elodie.

just needs a little blocking to keep the edges flat

The pattern is the Louise cardigan from Vintage Baby Knits. It took about 3 1/2 balls of Debbie Bliss baby cashmerino (from Suzy Hausfrau and her very extensive stock of baby cashmerino) and is oh so lovely and soft. I really do love knitting with the baby cashmerino to give away as presents. It doesn’t pill so is a really great knit that lasts- but I always write or give some advice on care instructions when I give away knits. I’d hate to think of it being felted in the washing machine. And the cute little buttons are Beutron from Big W.

My favourite bit of this little knit would have to be the very cute picot edge. You actually create it by creating a lacy sort of pattern, folding over and sewing the top of the neckline down. Voila you have a picot edge.

I knit the 9-12 months size but it fits Elodie who is 19 months so it’s going to last a while at it’s new home. Always better to give something bigger than is needed. But how I wish it was staying here. This really is a great little girly pattern and was easy too. Ravelry details on this little one can be found here.

Filed Under: debbie bliss, knitting, ravelry, vintage

finding our routine

May 7, 2012 By corrie 23 Comments

Moving house, changing school and all of keira’s activities means that we are trying to fall into our new routine. Add to that a house that is too big for one person to clean and I’ve decided to divide up the cleaning over a few days just to get through it. And after baby is here get a cleaner in to help out for a while. This morning I put elodie into her high chair so I could vac and mop the floors around her. I might be missing my old kitchen but I do love that we can fit a nice big dining table in the kitchen – and there is no tv- so we sit and eat together (minus retro daddy) each night which I’m loving.

I then vacced all of downstairs, cleaned all of the big glass windows that were covered in little people’s fingermarks (well mostly Elodie), put toys and things away and put all of the clean clothes away. A load of washing on and I’m exhausted. Pooped. Can’t move. I had grand plans to vac the house top to bottom but just doing downstairs is like doing the floors of our entire old house. Even retro daddy has suggested we might need to upgrade the vacuum to a larger model. And I still haven’t finished unpacking a few rooms.

But it’s definitely starting to feel like home and I know we’ll be all unpacked and sorted in no time. On Saturday I even baked 3 different things in the oven to and am happy to report that they all turned out great (ok, except for one tray of cookies which I burnt the bottoms of).

But so far so good…………

Filed Under: the new house

30 weeks today

May 6, 2012 By corrie 34 Comments

I’m not a big fan of photos of myself on my blog. My little ones are oh so much cuter but this pregnancy is flying by and I don’t think I’ve shared any belly shots. And it’s a big belly. So in case you were wondering how it was going, well here it is. This is what being pregnant with baby 5 looks like….. like I’m ready to have a baby any day now.

The reality is that I still have 9 weeks to go to the big day! The reality that we’re going to be a family of 7, well that hasn’t sunk in yet. I’m sure that will come when we bring our latest addition home with us or take all 5 out with us on our first outing. Just getting 4 out the door is a challenge some mornings…………….this morning a sweet friend I hadn’t seen in ages asked how I get them out the door looking so nice. I had to reassure her that this was their sunday best……

and if you look closely we couldn’t find socks for finn or tillie’s winter shoes so she did the stocking/sandal look – something you can get away with when you’re 3 – and the packaging of the new washing machine (9.5kgs ladies, it has changed my life) is in the background. Standards might be slipping a little so be prepared for that.

Filed Under: babies, everything else, pregnancy

you can take the girl out of her suburb…..

May 4, 2012 By corrie 18 Comments

Well you can take the girl out of her suburb but you can’t keep her away from her old local shops. I tried, I really did. I tried to like my new shopping centre but not being able to park underground because the VW is too high and missing my lovely shops meant I was back there today. It’s only been 2 weeks in the new house but I was really missing my old haunts. And I can never find anything in my new Coles. All over the place. And I’m walking back and forth – retro daddy knows it better than I do.

So today I indulged in a little retail therapy…….for the kids at Okaidi (each got a new outfit for church) and it does wonderful things for the spirit. Shhhhh don’t tell retro daddy….I like to sneak them in and then suddenly they are wearing new clothes and I wait for the compliments from him. Works for me too. No one gets hurt. I mean would you look at elodie’s little outfit. Matching stripey tights. So frenchy. Hopefully she starts walking so I can buy her some mary janes to complete the look.

And a little less expensive were some treats for myself. The latest Family Circle which some great knits including Debbie Bliss and Paton’s including some for baby boys which I almost bought the pattern book for this week. A block of the latest Cadbury’s chocolate I hadn’t seen before which is full of jelly crunchie bits. Say no more. I’m pregnant. I deserve it. And a number 1 mum cookie just because……I’m obviously the number 1 mum in this house!

I also ran into 3 mum’s I knew which I loved because I never run into anyone I know at our new shops. I’ll try, I’ll keep trying to like my local shops…………..but don’t make me stay away from my old shops forever.

Filed Under: shopping

and you thought I’d stopped selling fabric

May 3, 2012 By corrie 17 Comments

Well my to do list is looking pretty scary these days – top of the list is drawing winners of the last 2 giveaways I ran. Tonight, I promise. If I don’t fall asleep getting Elodie to sleep which is my usual habit. Anyway, today some fabric arrived on my doorstep and it means I have to get it up online this weekend along with the tubs of charm squares, bolts of fabrics and things I want to clear now that I’ve stopped markets and selling online. Retro daddy is on my case to clear it out and it will actually help me see what is actually my stash and what is to be sold.

I totally forgot that I’d ordered these fabrics but they are just gorgeous. The charm square packs are by Lily Ashbury who designed Summer House and I know they will go quickly. The fruit and polka dots fabrics are part of the Sassy range and I thought would make amazing aprons and homewares. But I can’t go past the sweet sweet flanelette by Chloe’s closet that is begging to be made into cute pj’s for my elodie. This is not like the usual flanelette you would pick up at Spotlight. It’s gorgeously soft and thick. I like thick. And it’s just sooooo cute.

So bear with me and I’ll get these up, probably on eBay along with bundles to clear out quickly. You know, in my spare time. Because I have lots of it. And I’ll share links on my facebook page and announce it here. It will take me a few weeks to clear out but I’m motivated and it’s win win.

Filed Under: fabric, moda, retro mummy store

my knitting and sewing plans

May 1, 2012 By corrie 22 Comments

Once the craft room is cough cough unpacked and sorted, I have grand plans to do a bit of sewing and knitting this winter. I always have grand plans at the start of a new season but since I’ve just unpacked and put away clothes for 4 little people I know what they need this winter. First up are some little dresses for church. I find it really hard to find nice dresses for winter, we have a lot of denim dresses and a couple of country road ones but I love this little dress from girly style wardrobe

If you’re after a great winter dress pattern I really love this simple one that I made for keira a couple of years ago. It’s now in Tillie’s wardrobe and very simple and pretty. The pattern is Simplicity 3510 and it’s a great pattern to have in your stash.

I really love the little detailing on it.

I’m also rather taken with this little jacket and skirt. I don’t know if I have time to squeeze the jacket in but it’s definitely something I’d love to make down the track.

Also for my big girls I’d love to whip up this little tunic for them from Jennifer Paganelli’s Girl’s World, a gorgeous book if you have girly girls like I do. The yellow is a bit too much for me and I’d probably do something a little more classic in red, navy or aqua but this would be great to get through winter and it’s an easy pattern too. I love that.

I’m working my through another baby kina for Elodie (it will be her 3rd) and the 5th I’ve made so far. I do get a little obsessed by a good pattern when I find one and the Kina never disappoints. Knit all in one piece it’s perfect in summer or winter and I can’t wait to finish it off. Um, I’m only up to row 11 but I’ll get there. The pattern page on ravelry is here. You won’t be disappointed AND it’s great for beginners. I don’t lie.

for the new little man who is coming into our life in July I’d love some little stripey knits. These are from Millamia’s Wonderland, their latest book so kindly given to me by Suzy Hausfrau. It’s a gorgeous book and these little tops and pants would be adorable. I’ll aim for a top. In the smallest size. Keep it simple and small.

And if I had the time I’d love to do a big hoodie for Elodie too. I love Debbie Bliss patterns and this one has been on my wish list for years. I love that’s a cardigan hoodie and being knit up in an aran means it would be fairly quick on the needles. This is from Debbie Bliss Simply Baby, one of my favourites.

And that’s about it. Let’s see how much I can achieve but it’s good to dream big!

Filed Under: craft, knitting, ravelry, sewing

what you don’t see on a blog

May 1, 2012 By corrie 114 Comments

recently I was a little startled to receive a comment that my kitchen post offended someone because I go on about being an average family and the cost was not average. And so the criticism went on. The more I thought about it the more I realised that when you read a blog you don’t see everything. You see a little glimpse of that person’s life. A couple of photos and a snippet of daily life.

looks like paris but a patisserie in Albert Park, Melbourne – as close as I’ll get to Paris anytime soon

I make no apologies for the life I lead and how I portray myself. Just like I’m not ashamed of one very hard working and ambitious man I call my husband. I married a rather frugal and funny man who grew up as one of 7 children. He doesn’t like to spend money on himself and I have to throw out his boxers and t-shirts on the sly and just this weekend keira asked him why he had a hole in his jeans. I rolled my eyes and was prepared for the answer – because I spend all my money on you kids. Of course he laughed afterwards. He does have good jeans, btw. But that’s him. He regularly tells me that I’m doing such a good job with the kids or how gorgeous they look and so on. He is incredibly proud of our little family.

But you won’t see pictures of him walking in the door exhausted after a day at work or getting up at 4am to fly interstate for the week. He works so hard for this family just like so many families are working hard these days. And you don’t see pictures of me on my hands and knees washing bathroom floors or taking out the rubbish or hanging out laundry or doing the school run with a big pregnant belly and a baby on the hip and a little tribe following me. In some ways I am very average doing the regular stay at home mum thing and all the same jobs you do – day in and day out. Just like all families we have bills to pay, financial worries and priorities. Don’t judge me by a fancy kitchen renovation. I’m much more than that.

I’m so amazingly proud of the family I’m raising and also this space I call my blog. We’re all on a journey and we’ve all started somewhere. For retro daddy and myself it was in a little flat we called our own with dreams of having 4 children, a bigger house and a little blonde mummy who stayed home to raise the family. I love that in many ways we are living that dream. But it’s meant sacrifices along the way. You never saw the pictures of me in my old Kia carnival that we drove as our only car for years until it died on me in an underground carpark last year.

The great thing about a blog is that I can make it all look easy and pretty but behind every blog post there is a load of washing (or 4) waiting to be put away, a floor that needs to be cleaned, a list of errands, a nappy to be changed and 4 little people all wanting me.

So don’t compare yourself to a blog because there is so much more going on behind the scenes and it’s a lot more like your life than you realise.

Filed Under: mummy blogger