and now I’m 40!

March 1, 2016 By 17 Comments

Last week I turned 40! The day didn’t go according to plan but having a birthday on a weekday was always going to be tricky and involve some regular jobs! But I have to say a big thank you for all your beautiful messages. They definitely made my day. You see I didn’t plan my day to include someone throwing up in the garden or a visit to a special dentist.  I actually thought I’d planned out my day perfectly with hubby home, we were going to have a nice breakfast after preschool drop off, I had a hair appointment booked in, a bit of shopping for myself while kids were at school and preschool. Then wrapping up the day with a nice dinner with the family. But someone had to work in the office, the school swim carnival was on, a last minute dentist appointment with a specialist came up that I’d been wanting and I had to cancel the hair and then I had a little guy throwing up the night before (that gastro just wasn’t done with us).

But you know what…………I had a great day! Even despite the record heat levels where it got up to 45 degrees at one point. It’s definitely all about the attitude and after I stopped my pity party, got myself into my favourite dress and decided to squeeze in a few treats into the day then I perked up and enjoyed the day. I picked my own cake from my favourite cake shop and picked up a little treat for morning tea…can you believe this photo above is of a  lemon meringue tart? A little voice was saying ‘carcake please mummy peeeeeeese’ so I did have to go halves in this but it was delicious. For my birthday cake we had this red velvet cake which had a beautiful berry glaze all over and was so beautiful.

We had a little rest at home and sips on lemonade before the dentist, we got a great plan of what they’re going to do and a date to put her under and do all the work (x-rays, clean, treatment) and I might have had a cheeseburger for my birthday lunch on the way home. We picked up all the kids from school and had a wonderful dinner at my favourite restaurant. And as an added bonus everyone was on their best behaviour. A present in itself. I also got a bottle of my favourite perfume at dinner and I think it’s been about 5 or so years since I’ve had a bottle so that was a great treat. And these lovely flowers came from my agency and I must have timed it perfectly as they weren’t going to survive on my doorstep in the extreme heat so the driver came about 10 minutes after I got home.

And just in case you’ve missed my present….his name is Chester. He’ll be with us in 2 weeks and we are so excited! He’s a labradoodle and I have his bed, bowl and some puppy toys all ready for his arrival. I was a bit sad that he couldn’t be with us on the actual day but it gives me time to read up on puppies and puppy proof the house. If you have advice on puppies hit me with it. I’m nervously excited!

 

Filed Under: birthdays

a sick house and self check outs at Spotlight

February 24, 2016 By 6 Comments

When you have children at school you get used to the bugs that come home with them. The runny noses, the tummy bugs, the coughs, the nits. Last year it was whooping cough that went through most of the kids. This year we’ve had the flu and missed a few days of school. Then the school newsletter said that gastro had been going through the school but seemed to have finished, my thoughts were ‘oh no that’s terrible, but it looks like we escaped it’. When actually I should have been thinking, ‘oh no that’s terrible, I wonder when we’ll get it’. Because we did. Starting on Saturday night and ending this morning…well I hope it has ended today. It’s my birthday this week and all I kept thinking when I was really sick was please let us get to enjoy my birthday dinner!

Everyone was dropping like flies with this 24 hour bug. We had lemonade and salty crackers when you were ready to have a little something and hot chips for dinner last night and somehow that fat/salt combination worked for some of us and we are feeling much better today. Mind you with some of the kids you would never know they were sick and were excited by the fact we had lemonade, ice blocks and hot chips for dinner! Kids! It did remind me of the days when I had 3 or 4 little ones all at home and a tummy bug was just a nightmare with no sleep. Now the kids (well most of them) can run to the bathroom and are happy to sip lemonade and camp out on the lounge in front of apple tv (with a book, I make them at least have a book next to them!). And maybe that 9.5kgs washing machine helps me get through the loads of towels and sheets much faster.  Here is how a sick patient looked nearly 6 years ago in this house. So cute.

Anyway after 2 days cooped up I took the little kids who were all recovered to Spotlight to get a present for a weekend party (school party circuit is back on) and a few supplies for some easter crafting. The checkouts were closing just as I got to them and I was directed to the self check out. Tiny bags, one little boy who ran away from me out of view and tried to escape out the automatic entrance doors, another bigger boy who swiped the same item 3 times just for fun. Then it didn’t like my card. The lady behind me had $5 stuck in the machine when she tried to put money in and the whole machine had to be opened up. It wasn’t a great introduction to self service. Anyway, what can you do, everything is moving towards self service. I love my local store but just not the self check out with lots of little ones and a pram full of goodies. Might be a good excuse to go on my own from now on.

At least I came home with this gorgeous ball of wool which is just about the nicest colour I’ve seen for autumn/winter. I’m thinking a little milo vest or a little hat for a little boy. It was less than $4 and such a great colour and find.

Filed Under: everything else

lil red panel all made up

February 19, 2016 By 8 Comments

Sometimes I get a little bit of a crazy idea. Like make the birthday present for a kids birthday a day or two before the actual party. And this week has been crazy with 2 parent nights at different schools, babysitters, quick dinners that go from the freezer to the oven and me just hanging out for a quiet night in. So last night I should have taken myself to bed but instead decided to do some sewing. Until after 1am. Knowing I had to get up at 6 the next morning. But we did it. There were some chocolate easter eggs with my morning tea just to be sure I stayed awake all day.

This panel was just too cute not to use. Ok the whole bolt was too cute not to order. You can read more about the Lil Red range here and I had to have a bit of it as it is something different from the usual fabric releases I see.

Now when it comes time to sew I have to tell you that it’s a little fiddly, I’m going to admit that and you need the end of a knitting needle (not the sharp end) or a pencil end to stuff those arms and legs.  As my little fat fingers weren’t getting anywhere. And now that I’ve photographed her, I probably could have stuffed dolly’s face a little more but didn’t want to overstuff. But I’m happy with the result. Next time I won’t top stitch the cape. But after all of that waffling for a first attempt at it I did ok. I’m not a softie maker and you might actually prefer to hand stitch it all or cut out all the pieces for girls to sew (say 9 and up). All the directions said a 1/4 inch seam but I went 1/2 inch on everything in case and it all worked out nicely and gives you a bit more space to work while sewing some of the curves and fiddly bits.

But it’s a very sweet end product as you get a doll, her skirt, a cape, a wolf, a pillow and a quilt and because I was wide awake and in the mood and it was after midnight…..I also made a drawstring bag out of the same fabric range. Next time I think I’ll free motion and bind the quilt but this was a super easy way to construct it with right sides together and batting, sew most of the way around, turn right side out and then close over the opening. Very quick and easy.

I have a few panels for sale and am going to make up a big bundle of this range, batting and toy filling and do a charity auction for my sweet girl’s school so watch this space. I just need the weekend to get it all photographed and ready.

Filed Under: everything else

mums, don’t worry about taking your little ones to Church

February 17, 2016 By 10 Comments

family

I have to share a very sweet story that happened this morning. During Lent I like to go to one midweek mass each week. It’s not easy with a busy school run and drops off here and there but I always feel better for it. Today my lenten group was afterwards and I hadn’t been to mass during the week at this particular church but I knew that the church was big and we could sneak in the back. What I didn’t realise was that mass is actually said in the tiny chapel off to the side of the church. And I mean tiny. Let’s call it a tiny room with rows of 2 seats on either side. I peeked in and saw that all the back was taken and just 2 seats were left on the side. Near the front. Right near the front.

So me and my 2 little guys snuck in there. We tried our best being quiet and sitting still…considering they are 1 and 3 and usually like to run around and talk in loud voices. After communion they didn’t want to sit back down or on my lap so I sat back in the church for the final prayers and waited for my group to start. A little italian nonna came out and told me how good they were (ha! I didn’t think so) and asked were they allowed chocolate. Out came 2 little chocolates and she gave them one each and kissed them on the head. The next little lady came out and patted each on the head and told me how much she loves little boys. And before I knew it every lady who walked out of the room commented on them and told me how much they loved little children being there, their little voices or how good they were.

Now in my mind I could only remember my little guy asking me in a loud voice for his lego or the baby crying and how I didn’t last all of mass but each of these ladies were so kind and nice and made me feel so welcome. I know that it doesn’t always go this way and Sunday church can be busy, noisy, crowded or we feel that our children are the noisiest but honestly it’s worth it. Whenever I don’t have little ones with me I’m not bothered at all by other children at church.

Anyway, I just had to share that little story with you. I’m not sure if every Italian nonna carries chocolate around in her handbag but it just made our day and we definitely felt welcome and look forward to mass again next wednesday but hopefully I can sit in the back row of the teeny chapel and not right down the front. Oh and lenten group. Well there was some crawling under seats, running around outside, lego and coins tipped everywhere and one big smelly nappy that I had to take him out to change………..but I did get something out of it.

Filed Under: catholic, everything else, large families

little rabbit gets a dress

February 15, 2016 By 5 Comments

I think it took me a week just to start and finish this little dress. Not because it was a particularly hard pattern or required too much knitting but it was just a busy week.

This is my first successful intarsia knit (after a few failed attempts with other projects) and I’m really happy. The polka dots really make the dress look cute and this is one well loved rabbit. It comes everywhere with us and even sits outside the bath while she has a bath.

And now I can do the teacher rabbits! Ravelry details with all the pattern details, yarn etc can be found here.

Filed Under: knitting

easter sewing

February 14, 2016 By Leave a Comment

Today I managed some sewing. It seems like such a long time between sewing sessions. There are just so many other things to do that when I finally get a minute to myself I just want to collapse on the couch with my knitting or to read a book. I’m reading the most wonderful book at the moment, The Life Giving Home by Sally Clarkson and I’m stuck between stretching it out so I can really enjoy it and also really wanting to just sit and read it cover to cover. It’s just such a lovely read and I promise to do a full review when I’m done.

But today I had a bit of sewing to create a project on my sewing machine for Brother. Fabrics and batting from the stash (always a surprise how many lovely fabrics you’ll find in there) and ribbons from Spotlight. Still not sure taking all 6 little people to Spotlight was a wise move since my big girls have discovered the kids craft section but they were told nothing over $5 and managed to pick something each. Also my tear away stabiliser for machine embroidery was 40% off and such a huge discount. If you machine embroider then you’ll know that the supplies don’t come cheap so I grabbed a whole roll which should keep me going.

Anyway I look forward to sharing this project later in the week and it was a great excuse to cut into some Heather Bailey. One of my first fabric loves.

 

 

Filed Under: brother, Brother Dreamweaver, sewing, sewing machine

someone claimed the rabbit

February 11, 2016 By 12 Comments

All of the kids made a fuss about the little rabbit when they came in after school. Except for one little person who went straight for her afternoon tea, a little rest and some tv. After dinner I heard ‘awwwwww…..I lub it, thank you mummy oh thank you’.

Yep she’s claimed it as her own. Thought it was for her and what can you say…………..she loves it! So I’m still working on its little dress and cardy but I’ll get there. And now I’ll start making the ones to giveaway……………

Filed Under: knitting

my first little cotton rabbit

February 10, 2016 By 5 Comments

If you’ve been on Instagram or FB you’ll have seen that I’ve been knitting a little rabbit. A little cotton rabbit to be exact. I was talking to a lovely lady running sunday school and it turned out she used to run the church craft stall and I said I’d be donating some things this year. We started talking about knitting and making things for people and then she reminded me of little cotton rabbits. That then gave me the idea to knit them for my little girl’s teacher and assistants who are truly the most amazing teachers and helpers I’ve met. What a sweet easter present instead of chocolate.

So I started. Now the knitting is all very easy. It’s the putting all the pieces together and making it look cute that can get a bit tricky. And it brought back memories of doing the steiner/waldorf doll making class where I wasn’t the best student and you had to get just the right amount of filling in the head. And then I had a few whoopsies like making two right shoes instead of one left and one right. And I’m not sure if the arms are right but overall this is one super cute project.

A week or maybe even less on the needles. A great opportunity to get stuck into the stash. I used Bendigo Rustic 8 ply in a fleck for the rabbit. Patons Baby 4ply for the soft pink. Patons 4 ply cotton for the hot pink and Moda Vera 4 ply cotton for the green. She still needs an outfit but I knew I’d put off all the seaming and putting the rabbit together if I raced ahead and made the outfit first. And I had to use 2.25mm needles for the 4 ply work because I couldn’t find a 2.5mm set of needles. But it wasn’t a problem. Ravelry details are here.

The pattern instructions are unbelievably straightforward with loads of photos of each step. And I think if you can knit then you can make one of these……so go for it!

 

Filed Under: knitting

the most delicious choc chip cookies in the thermomix

February 7, 2016 By 4 Comments

Well GAPS lasted almost 4 weeks here. And then Friday night at home after my first week of getting all the kids to 3 different places and preschool. I was exhausted. There was ravioli, a glass of wine and chocolate involved and the couch. I haven’t been that tired in a very long time. I’m still going to try to get back on track or find a middle ground. Anyway my girls love to bake and love to pull out different cookbooks. I hadn’t had a chance to make anything from Margaret Fulton’s Baking Classics when it arrived but the girls picked out Tollhouse Cookies and made them with the babysitter while I was out at gymnastics and hubby was at a meeting. Yum.

These are so good. They remind me of the ones we would make growing up and are so delicious. And easy. You don’t need a thermomix but I’ve adapted this recipe to the Thermomix. You could easily double the quantity because they won’t last long. You can also use a gluten free flour that is a cup for cup substitute like white wings or Macro and then you’ll need to check your choc chips to be gluten free. Oh and don’t leave the dough out too long………I made the mistake of doing something and came back to see that little people had eaten the dough when I could have got another few cookies out of the bowl. Cheeky!


the most delicious choc chip cookies in the thermomix
 
Print
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Recipe type: Baking
Serves: 24
What you'll need
  • ½ cup (110g) raw sugar
  • ¼ cup (55g) brown sugar
  • 125g butter, room temperature
  • 1 egg
  • dash vanilla extract/essence
  • 1¼ cups (185g) plain flour
  • pinch of salt
  • ¼ - ½ tsp bicarb
  • a few generous handfuls of choc chips
Instructions
  1. Place raw sugar in TM bowl and process 10 seconds, speed 9.
  2. Add in brown sugar and butter and cream on speed 4 for 20 seconds
  3. Add in vanilla and egg and process speed 4 for another 20 seconds.
  4. Tip in flour, salt and bicarb and mix on speed 3 for 20 seconds. Scrape down bowl
  5. Add in choc chips (be generous) and mix on speed 2 for 10 -15 seconds.
  6. **Using a teaspoon place a spoonful of mixture on a lined baking sheet, leaving enough room for the cookies to spread and bake in a 180C oven for about 10-12 minutes until lightly golden. They will still look soft and this is fine as they will firm up while cooling.
  7. I leave them for a minute or two on the hot baking tray then lift off the baking paper taking the cookies with me to a cooling rack to cool.
  8. Delicious warm with a nice hot drink. They won't last long
  9. If you don't have a thermomix then cream your butter and brown and caster sugar (instead of raw sugar), add in the egg and vanilla and mix well. Tip in the flour, salt and bicarb and gently fold in until it's all mixed through. Add in the choc chips and mix until evenly distributed and then follow from **
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Filed Under: everything else, thermomix

4 at school, 2 at home

February 3, 2016 By 5 Comments

We are getting used to our new routine this year and I’m getting used to lots of driving and a quiet house. My favourite time of the day is pick up and especially when I pick up my little miss from school. With a few rows of knitting beforehand because as any mum will tell you sometimes you’ve got to get there early just to get a park! She is so talkative and happy to see me. Yesterday I strapped her in and started driving and I heard a little voice ‘ I want eat, mmmmm I’m hungry’ and she was signing the same as she said it. This is after 4 days of school. We are so happy to have more words, that she’s learning signs that we tried to teach at home and having a ball. She has a speech therapist in the room twice a week, same for OT, swimming will be on fridays, art, drama, music. And her teachers. Oh my goodness. Every single teacher at the school is a gift from God. The most beautiful, dedicated, happy and enthusiastic teachers I’ve ever met. It blows me away. I receive an email and photos each day telling me what the class did and get to see what they’ve been up to which is wonderful. Anyway, as you can tell we’re happy but I miss her so much.

Everyone else is happy with their teachers, homework hasn’t really started, they woke up at 6am on their first morning of school bright and bubbly but are struggling by day 3. I should be getting to bed at 8.30 (!) myself each nigh to get enough sleep but find myself falling into bed at 11 by the time I’ve finished everything, ironed shirts, laid out things for the next day, had my peppermint tea and done any emails/ blog things from the day. Hopefully once we’re settled into routine I will get into bed earlier. Thank goodness for coffee. Mind you yesterday I was in a big rush out the door and decided my thermos cup didn’t need its lid. Wrong. White t-shirt and coffee don’t mix well together. There was a bit of baking on the weekend when I made a gluten free sponge (the kids picked the recipe) with the works for their last dinner before school went back. It was very popular. Just a good old CWA sponge recipe with white wings GF flour.

I really enjoy the time I’m spending with my littlest two and I’m sure I’ll blink and they will be at school. Until then we’re enjoying time at home, at the park, grabbing a muffin and doing our shopping and playing together.

I hope everyone else is adjusting to their new life, that there weren’t too many tears (sad or happy) with everyone going back and that you’re finding your new routine and going with it. My house just needs a big top to bottom clean because I’m in and out of the house all day and not getting much time to tidy and clean up!

Filed Under: back to school, family

long lost photos

January 31, 2016 By 6 Comments

Before iPhones, Flickr, Facebook, Instagram and my digital cameras with lenses we had a tiny digital camera and we had our photos saved on a computer. That then died. We rescued the hard drive and moved it around with us over the years knowing that it had precious photos on it and hoping that one day we could recover them. I just forgot about it but thankfully hubby insisted we find it, take it to the computer shop and recover those photos. And on Saturday we got to see what was finally stored away. It was like stepping back in time and oh the hairstyles I had over the years as we went back to when we first met and started travelling to when we had our first sweet baby.

And some of the favourite places that we visited that I had no photos of were found. I was so happy. Copenhagen. Such a pretty city to walk around and we only had a weekend there but it’s always been a trip that I remember. I would also love to visit places like Iceland and Norway. Hubby said why? Oh the knitting. Not so sure the rest of my family shares the love. And we didn’t even have the greatest weather but it was still something different and a lovely place to visit. Nothing like how we live in Australia.

Another place you can never forget is The Alhambra Palace. A very magical place in the middle of a very hot city. It really was one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been and I thought I’d never be able to find the photos of our trip.

We spent 2 weeks there and have some funny memories like when we had planned a trip to a beachside town for 5 days and the bus dropped us off in the middle of nowhere. Just a lonely petrol station on a road that had a diner attached. It was like off a scary movie where the couple are the only ones off the bus and wondering where everything is! And we were supposed to wait around for another bus.

And Paris. Lots of special memories of Paris and I have to confess that when you spend too much time there you kind of get used to it but look at that skyline and those buildings.

We also got engaged in Paris on a surprise weekend away and the next day went to Notre Dame to light a candle each. I had totally forgotten until we saw the photos.

Oh and it was good to see that some things hadn’t changed with photos of cakes and brownies I’d made, my knitting, loads of baby photos and this was a funny one. When my knitting stash fitted into 1 tub. I can’t remember the last time it did but here is proof. 1 tub and my entire knitting stash.

And when I looked at the photos again I noticed other things like wow our couches looked so wonderful back then when they were new/before children. And wow my skin looked so much younger. And as all mums know, there are photos of every single thing your first baby does. Every outfit they wear, every little expression, funny things and just normal things. It was photo overload for the first born and I love this one with the handknitted cardigan from nana.

Now my big job is to go through the photos, get them printed off and put them into albums! One of those jobs I really need to make time for. I usually get so stuck looking at all the photos and don’t actually do what I’m supposed to do. Where are your photos? Are you better than me? All neatly in albums or framed………..

 

Filed Under: family

when I grow up – one emotional day

January 28, 2016 By 13 Comments

Today I sent my baby girl off to big school for the first time. It rates right up there as one of the most emotional days I’ve had in a long time. We weren’t even 5 minutes from home and I was already fighting back the tears listening to the radio. I’m still emotional now. It’s official. She’s at school. I have 4 at school, 1 at preschool and everyone is growing up on me.

We chose her school based on warm fuzzy feelings, caring staff and reputation and that’s about it. We knew it was the best place for her and today cemented that for us as we met warm friendly staff, her wonderful teacher and assistant. She’s in a small class of 9 and yay to have 3 girls in the class (in the world of special needs classrooms there is a big imbalance between boys and girls). It’s a big worry when you send any child off to school but when you send a little one with extra needs you worry and stay up late at night and worry some more. And last week I thought I’d made a big mistake and should have given her another year. I told hubby I’d changed my mind and was keeping her home for another year. But today she was so ready. Put her bag in her spot, went on in there and played happily. She had the best day. Smiles and cuddles confirmed it. I peeked in after morning tea and they were learning the signs to a song and it just reassured me that she’s going to learn just at her level and have fun at the same time.

We were singing this song in the car waiting for her to come out (she loves the Matilda CD) and I think the reality of the day sunk in. Out of the house 5 days a week. My baby girl now off to learn more and become more independent. And growing up. But it’s a happy day because I get to be there every day. A day I’m so glad to be her mum and raise my family. Life is so short and our greatest work as mums is within the walls of our home and the family we are raising. Don’t be fooled or pulled otherwise in today’s modern world. Nothing is more rewarding than raising a family or helping others. Nothing. We all have to make money and a living but don’t put your children and family below work. And the more my family grows and the older they all get (and me, I’m getting old) the more I realise how lucky I’ve been to raise them and nothing will come in the way of that. You can tell it’s been an emotional day. It just hit me like a tonne of bricks today.

When you’re a mum you catch yourself saying you can’t wait until they start school (I’m guilty of saying that especially when I had newborn twins) and then when the day comes you kind of wish you had that extra time back. But it’s life and they are growing up.

I hope all the new mums out there had a great start. I was totally a new mum at the tea & tissues morning tea and then wandering around the shops and park with the other kids waiting for her to finish her half day and worrying about her.

This year my charity of choice through this blog is my daughter’s special school to help fundraise for all the wonderful work they do that relies on donations.

 

 

Filed Under: back to school, large families, special needs

one seriously cute baby cardigan

January 26, 2016 By 6 Comments

I adore this cardigan. It is just so cute and sweet and I can’t stop admiring it. BUT and it’s a big but, I’ve spent most of today doing the seaming, rib bands and ruffles. And I thought I might poke someone with a knitting needle out of frustration while doing it. I have fallen in love with top down knits. You start at the top, do the sleeves and keep going to the bottom. Weave in the ends and you are done.

This cardigan was fiddly with each little piece knitted and then put together. But as you can see it….totally worth it. One of the cutest baby knits I’ve done.

The pattern is Design 1323 Girl’s Frill Front Cardies from The Baby Bamboo Book of Trendy Little Knits from Sirdar. I chose the short sleeved version and this size is 0-6 months which is great since the baby was only born 2 weeks ago. Room to grow.

The yarn is Bendigo’s Harmony from the back room. Read more about the back room here. If you are ever in Victoria then it’s worth taking a trip to Bendigo. In fact it has been known that whenever hubby suggests we visit Melbourne that my eyes light up that we can go to Bendigo Woollen Mill’s and the back room. Yes. I love it. This used less than 3 balls and the Harmony is a nice cotton blend so it’s springy and thicker than Bendigo’s 8 ply cotton.

I haven’t blocked it and might give it a light blocking just to get the neckband to sit straight but other than that it turned out nicely. With 50 million ends weaved in. Buttons from the stash when a local quilting store was closing down.

All in all a beautiful finished project, only for the patient knitter. You don’t need any expert knitting skills as it’s all knit and purl with some yarn forwards in there. I love it. I just need a break before I cast it on again and will give myself a few days to do the finishing off.

Ravelry details are here. And this is one of the first quilts I made so it was nice to get it out into the sun for the photos too

Filed Under: babies, baby, bendigo, bendigo woollen mills, knitting

tips for being a new school mum

January 24, 2016 By 7 Comments

This year I become a  new school mum. Twice actually because I have a boy going off to a new school and my baby girl starting school for the first time. I have no nerves or worries about my big boy but oh have I been kept up late at night worrying about my little miss. What will she do before the bell goes? How will she tell me about her day? What if someone hurts her? And I hardly know anyone at the school and no other new families going into kindy. That can make me nervous too. Thing is it’s exactly how I felt sending my first daughter off to school when I was convinced she might run away during morning tea.

And I should be an old pro but I do have some tips and advice if you are a new school mum this year and sometimes it means going out of your comfort zone or doing things that you usually wouldn’t do.

Firstly you are going to go to the events. The morning teas, the class nights, the birthday parties, the assemblies (when you can, I struggle with assemblies because of preschool times but rest assured when you do go to assembly your child won’t get an award and when you don’t go they will get an award. It has become the story of my life so far).

Secondly you are going to volunteer. Not for everything but pick one thing or two. Read the newsletter, sign up for something that takes your fancy (or not) but the best way to meet other mums and feel settled into school is to volunteer and get involved. Canteen, P&F, Mother’s Day Stall, covering books in the library, working bees, helping with reading, teaching a new skill, setting up and so on. You’ll make lovely friends, know exactly what is happening at school and be able to contribute. This year I’ll try not to overcommit as we are at 3 schools and 1 preschool but look forward to helping out and getting involved. So step up. And if you work there are always opportunities to do things from home like covering books, sending emails, running spreadsheets and so on. Life is busy but it’s important to show our children that we care about where they go to school and want to help out.

Thirdly you’re going to smile and say hi. If you think people aren’t being friendly it might be that they are nervous too so there is no harm in always smiling and starting up a conversation if you see another new mum. I do this and sure small talk isn’t for everyone but I bet you’ve got the same worries and things going on. As children get older I tend to use carline but walking your child in every day is a great way to strike up conversations and meet other parents.

You are also going to put everything in your diary. Library day, sports day, special events, P&F etc. You might think you won’t forget but sometimes life gets in the way. Notes get signed and returned the next morning. Library bags and books in the same spot. Hats and shoes near the front door for the next morning. And just so you know, every family has someone who will lose everything. Just keep it in mind. We have our one.

And you’re also going to organise a playdate /coffee morning if your child has made a friend. In the first year of school as hard as it might sound it’s really worthwhile inviting the whole class to your child’s birthday party. It’s a great way for your child to make friends and also for you to make friends with other families and especially when they get invited to birthday parties and you don’t know the family. We don’t do sleepovers as a rule in our family but getting to know the families when you start school makes decisions about playdates, staying over etc much easier when you know the family.

Lastly you are going to try not to stress or worry that it’s taking time. The best friendships don’t happen overnight. Put mums numbers in your phone, remember their names, be friendly and keep it light and happy.

What to do when you think you have no friends at school? Some schools do it better than others. Some schools are more friendly and welcoming than others. There are more introductory events, caring class parents and a real focus on building community. I’ve found small schools to be really amazing. When my big girl started kindy I made some beautiful friends that I’m still in touch with now. It was a small community and very caring. Our current schools go out of their way to have morning teas, class parents who plan events each term including the dads and lots of functions. Some big schools are so big and you might feel that people already have a clique or everyone has someone to talk to or they are not very friendly. It’s easy to make negative talk in our head and think that we have no friends. This is when taking a deep breath and getting involved in the school and going to the events is even more important. There is always someone who feels like you so stay positive, stay close to the school and be involved and just keep that smile on your face.

And now I’ll just tell myself that advice as I send 5 of my little ones off to school and preschool next week.

What’s your best advice?

Filed Under: back to school

quick change trousers are still my favourite

January 19, 2016 By 12 Comments

School holidays are almost over and I’m trying to squeeze in a bit of sewing time when I can. When I get off Instagram. I think I’ve been a bit late to the Instagram party but am loving it. So many great people to follow and so much more interesting than facebook.

Anway, quick change trousers would have to be one of my favourite items to sew for little ones. They are great for girls or boys and are fully lined, reversible and super easy. I probably spent more time trying to find the book than I did tracing and cutting the pattern out. You need at least 3 fabrics to make these but they don’t use a lot of fabric. They come in a few sizes between 0 -24 months and these are the 18-24 months size with an 18 month length on my very delicate 17 month old. Perfect sizing in the end with room to grow.

And trying to get a little guy to stand still for a photo. Almost impossible. He never stops. Go go go. I actually can’t remember any of the other kids being this active. Or maybe my memory is playing up.

These pants are great in summer or winter and best of all, nice and comfy, a very easy pattern that beginners could follow and are just so cute! I stuck to all blues because truth be told I don’t have a huge amount of boys fabrics in my stash because I’m always drawn to the pink and girly. But I did well to find a few in there. You can use any fabric and I’m thinking some chambray or a soft denim would be great for winter and I like quilting cottons as they last longer than poly/cotton fabrics and just feel a better quality

You can find the pattern here in this wonderful book, Handmade Beginnings by Anna Maria Horner and  it’s a great book if you love sewing for babies and other people having babies.

And sorry I can’t help myself, I have to share a few pictures of my sweet little girl when I made them for her a few years ago.

pants all in a row

rolling

What have you been sewing? Do you love the quick change trousers as much as I do?

Filed Under: babies, quick change trousers, sewing, sewing machine
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