Jodz stuff

The year so far.....

2011-06-12T19:38:00.003+12:00

My year started out with my oldest daughter being hospitalised because of mental health issues.

She has a diagnoses of Aspergers and ADHD. Poor Button. She has had to deal with so much in her short life.

Then my Granddad died. He was my last grandparent left. Now I'm the second oldest generation. Scary stuff.

A group of friends got together to form 'The Divine Divas' and we participated in Shave for a Cure. We shaved our hair off to raise money for the Leukaemia and Blood Foundation.

BEFORE.......

Erin, Me, Shara, Tamar

AFTER!

Erin, Tamar, Me, Shara.

My daughter Boodles also did Shave for a Cure. Isn't she just so cutey, cutey.

I have been homeschooling her for a couple of terms now. I am missing "my time".

Then about 6 weeks ago I had a terrible gall bladder attack and ended up in hospital. After some great drugs and a few days wait I had the little blighter out.

Then about 3 weeks ago I had a car accident. I wrote my car off. It was scary. Hit a bank and rolled it over and over. But God was with me and all I ended up with was some bruising.

So that's my last 6 months. I have done some crafting but not a lot. I'm hoping for a few quiet months now. hehe yeah right!

Christchurch earthquake

2011-02-23T12:30:00.002+13:00

My heart goes out to all our fellow NZer's who are caught up in the horror of this earthquake.

I can't believe this has happened in our country. Everyone in New Zealand knows someone who lives in Christchurch so it is touching the whole country.

If you believe in the power of prayer, please join with us and pray for the those still trapped, that they may be rescued soon.

http://www.news.com.au/world/christchurch-cathedral-before-and-after/story-e6frfl00-1226010081646

5th birthday bash

2011-01-22T19:02:00.004+13:00

We had a beautiful girls 5th birthday party today.

It was a Princess Dora party (yep! she couldn't make up her mind)

We had it at the school so we got to use the pool.

Here is Lulu's photo board.

Lulu's cake. The bottom layer is chocolate, the middle is orange and the top was a gluten free sponge. I made it and iced it myself.

My beautiful princess.

I love this dress. It was her present from Grandma.

Happy birthday my darling.

Lulu turns 5

2011-01-10T20:16:00.005+13:00

My beautiful island princess turned 5 today. We adorned her in lei's to celebrate her cultural origins.

Here are Lulu and Boodles with their birthday gifts. Their birthdays are only 4 days apart, but Boodles is 3 years older and got her present early.

Lulu holding up 5 fingers. She keeps asking "What did I turn today?"

What a crack up.

One of our traditions is the kids choose what they want for dinner.

Lulu chose Nacho's and cheesecake.

When I went to dish up all she wanted was the corn chips, cheese and sour cream.

No nacho mix. lol.

Happy birthday Lulu. I am so glad you are part of our lives.

New mokopuna

2011-01-08T11:10:00.005+13:00

Our new little granddaughter Ella-Marie entered the world on January 3rd.

Now, I know what your thinking. I'm far to young to have grandkids (please tell me that's what your thinking)lol

My official title is Jojo.

Well....technically Ella and Dante are my step daughters kid-lets but since I'm married to their father, I have honorary grand parent rights.

Mr Divine is called Koro (which is the maori word for grandfather)

Here's the sweet baby girl in all her perfectness.

My daughter Boodles and her nephew (our grandson) Dante.

They look as if they could be brother and sister.

I just want to grab those sweet cheeks.

My boy peanut and Ella-Marie.

Lulu with baby girl.

Welcome to the world Ella-Marie

Holiday Boredom Busters

2011-01-04T21:07:00.004+13:00

In New Zealand we are at the start of the summer school holidays (6 weeks long).

So, sitting on my counter I have 3 jars.

1 is for fun stuff (free to do stuff)

2 is for chores (hehe)

3 is for outings (stuff that costs)

Each day one of the kidlets chooses one out of jar no. 1 and jar no.2. Then once a week/fortnight they can choose out of jar 3.

We went to the school playground.

Our outing last week was the Franklin Zoo.

On this day it was dinner by the river. We even splashed out and got McDonalds.

Then the kids had a blast swimming in the river.

Such a fun time had by all.

We have also played board games, done arts and crafts and played with the toy kitchen.

Christmas day

2010-12-30T21:27:00.002+13:00

This year it was Mr Divines brother and his wife's turn to host xmas day.

Oh what fun was had (my photos are in backwards order)

To finish the night my sis-in-law had sparklers which Boodles and her grandma played with.

There was fun in the pool.

Here's us girls. Katrina, Toni, me and Jacqui.

My gorgeous kids in their xmas outfits. Yep! Kind of corny I know, but I just had to make them matching outfits.

My two beauties in their outfits. One was a top and shorts and the other a dress. You know, the same but different.

I hope you had a blessed Christmas.

Steel Mill Christmas Party

2010-12-05T19:33:00.004+13:00

My hubby use to work for the Steel Mill. Even though he's left, we still belong

to the Christmas Club. Every year they put on an amazing party for the kiddies.

I am loving this Christmas photo. It's so hard to get 3 kids looking in the same direction.

Who cares that it wasn't in MY direction. hehe

Our new kid

2010-10-22T18:13:00.003+13:00

Mr Divine wanted to get a new lawn mower.......

and he did.

Meet Clara-belle.

31/2 weeks of kid cuteness.

But the thing that excites me the most is.......

I now know I will not be that crazy cat lady later on in life (like I thought I would). I will now the the goat governess.

Sick,sick,sick

2010-10-20T11:54:00.002+13:00

I haven't been posting as everyone has been sick.

First Boodles got Viral Bronchitis. Which in plain english is a bad cough which meant time off school before the school holidays.

Then Peanut caught Chicken Pox. So we spent all the school holidays at home.

Then Peanut came right and Lulu had the Pox. She had them really bad.

So there goes another 10 days of my life I can't get back.

Today is the first day in about a month that all the kids are back at school or creche.

Then guess what.........? Yep! I'm sick with a tummy bug.

I really hope Im better by tomorrow as we are having a powhiri at school to welcome the new kapa haka teacher.

2010-10-17T21:58:00.001+13:00

Pop over to Dees blog if you are a New Zealander and join in the fun.

Mika- Big Girl (You Are Beautiful)

2010-10-08T08:45:00.000+13:00

Its my birthday today so I thought it deserved a theme song. This goes out to all us ladies out there with curves. Enjoy.

I'm flying Jack, Im flying

2010-10-07T16:59:00.004+13:00

Need I say more. Think Titanic.

Boy! Does this man crack me up.

We took the kids to play on the pirate playground at Kaiaua.

Even though it was a rainy day, I didn't think I could cope with the bedlam inside. So I thought...take them outside so everyone could hear them. hehe

Kaiaua serves up the best fish and chips known to man.

This is how the locals collect drift wood. With tractors.

During a quick break in the weather we set the kids free on the beach.

The little kids slept on the way home and I think I could do the same.

2 year celebration

2010-09-24T19:12:00.003+12:00

Two years ago today Peanut and Lulu came to live with us.

You can read about the first meeting here.

So our tradition is to go to dinner each year to celebrate.

Our daughter Boodles took this photo of us.

Here's our gorgeous Lulu (now 4yrs).

3 of our beauties.

Boodles (7), Peanut (3) and Lulu (4)

Dad's girls.

Father and son.

My gorgeous family. We all look so normal. hehe. You would never know that just before this photo Peanut did a huge burp and we said "say pardon" and he said "more" and let out another one. Yep that's my boy.

And later on Lulu was crawling around on the floor looking for her lost chicken nugget.

Happy 2 year anniversary family.

Storm Damage

2010-09-18T17:23:00.002+12:00

New Zealand was hit by a huge storm last night. We got off quite light.

Our shade sail tore so Phil had to deal to it (see that stripped thing to the right? Its our peg bag that's tied to a line. As you can see its nearly flying).

A tree came down in the back paddock and took out a fence.

And this tree in the front fell over.

And here's Phil picking up the washing that has been strewn around the property. My neighbour 3 houses up the road tells me my knickers on her roof. lol.

Our posties fibre glass boat came through his ranch slider last night which would have been handy if their property flooded and friends nearly lost their roof. They had to re-fix it on this morning.

Flooding

2010-09-18T17:10:00.003+12:00

We have had some bad flooding around our area.

Here are some daffodils.

The Waikato (pronounced Why-cut-oar) river spilling over the road.

See that post behind me? That's where the boats normally launch from.

This photo is just down the road from me. The flax bush is usually part of the garden and the white line to the left is the car park.

This house is going to need a boat to get to it.

Can you see the fence line in this paddock? NO, neither could we but it is there.

Our new arrival

2010-09-11T17:29:00.000+12:00

Our new baby chick is part of a modern family consisting of two mums.

Actually the chook with its back to us (Aretha) is mum to the other black chook (Cher)
and for some reason they have taken on the role of co-parenting.

Filing cabinet makeover

2010-09-11T17:16:00.001+12:00

This is one UGLY filing cabinet. It has a grey veneer that was kind of chipped and that helped add to the ugliness.

I looked up filing cabinet makeovers and found this one that I found inspiring.

I had a sample of Vision wallpaper that has a lovely textured suede feel and cost $7.00 (available in NZ at Resene). I turned it into this......

Oh so pretty. I am loving my new, old cabinet.

Boys at work

2010-09-11T17:10:00.002+12:00

Peanut loves helping his dad doing all the farm chores.

Today it was wood chopping.

What a pair of cuties.

Fathers Day

2010-09-05T21:49:00.003+12:00

This is my Dad (and me). I only get to see him once every few years as he lives overseas.

He came over last year though and stayed for a couple of weeks.

Unfortunately, he is not well and I worry about him being so far away.

This is my husband and the father to our babies. I think he deserves a big hi-5 for putting up with me for the last 11 years. I would hate to be a parent without him as he keeps me sane (and that's not an easy job).

HAPPY FATHERS DAY DAD'S

Go Diego Go!

2010-09-04T20:05:00.004+12:00

It was my little boys 3rd birthday on Wednesday. Today (Sat) we had his party at

McDonalds with his birth family, our family and friends.

This is the first cake I have decorated by myself and I have to say I am pretty darn pleased with myself.

The two blondies are Phil's grown up girls and the little boy is our grandson sitting on his Aunties knee.

Boodles with her nephew (our grand baby)

My absolutely favourite photo of the birthday boy with Dad (Phil)

Here is Peanut and Lulu's birth mum with Lulu.

A great day had by all.

Bloggie friends

2010-08-27T08:02:00.002+12:00

My name is Jodz and I am a blog reading addict.

Knowing this you can understand why Dee from sew-funky and I were soooo excited to meet Viv from Highway Cottage Weblog.

Viv makes the most amazing quilts like this kiwiana one below.

We met for morning tea and had a wonder around the shops. Viv's boy Cam was a dream and oh so cute. I wish my kids were so well behaved.

Thanks Viv for taking time out of your busy holiday schedule to meet up with us. We had a blast.

Blogland giveaway

2010-08-09T22:45:00.002+12:00

There is a really cool giveaway (or should I say 8 give-aways) happening

over at Highway Cottage Weblog.

So go and check it out and good luck.

Pre schooling-happy week

2010-08-07T19:03:00.002+12:00

This is my happy face (as said by Tommy Lee Jones).

Mon: Craft Cut happy people out of magazines

Tues: Read The Happy Hugglewug

Wed: Eat rice cake faces (as above)

Thurs: Science/maths sing' if your happy and you know it'......

Fri: Find it/wear it what makes you happy (eg a hug)

Medicine cupboard

2010-08-07T19:01:00.003+12:00

I am still de cluttering. I think its a never ending process.

Here is my meds cabinet before

And ta-da. The after.

This is an inexpensive way to clean up. I just used ice cream containers. All you need to do is eat your way through 2 litres of ice cream then recycle the container. I wish chocolate came in 2 litre tubs.

Winter theme

2010-08-07T18:59:00.004+12:00

I have been so inspired by the amazing seasonal themes that bloggers create like this one from Funky Junk Interiors .

S0 I have made a very small version using what I have around the house.

(please excuse the blurry pics)

Winter theme complete. Only one more month till Spring.

Busy, busy, busy

2010-08-01T19:52:00.003+12:00

I have been MIA for the last couple of days as I'm sorting out my craft room.

YES! You heard me right. C.R.A.F.T. R.O.O.M.

Now I know your picturing something like this.

I wish. Its more like this.

Ok, ok. Not quite, but it is a tiny room. About 2.5 mtrs long and 1.5 mtrs wide.

But it is all MINE! I have been clearing out all the boxes and crap we had stored in it so I can move in. Yep. I'll probably never leave. So that's my goal for the coming week. Make it liveable.

Pre-schooling - red week

2010-07-28T18:27:00.005+12:00

RED

Mon: Craft Red Apple Collage (see below)

Tues: Read Count the red apples

Wed: Eat cheerios and tomato sauce (see above)

Thurs: Science/maths make a red volcano

Fri: Find it/wear it something red

Piggies

2010-07-26T20:17:00.005+12:00

I am selling my piggies. Its a sad, sad day.

You see, we have had a severe drought and now severe downpours.

This means we have no grass and lots of mud. Whilst pigs love mud they also love food and the breed of pigs we have eat mainly grass.

So I'm being very adult about this and hoping and praying they go to a good home and NOT the freezer.

My gorgeous Dudley and Delilah.

Back to front day

2010-07-24T19:58:00.003+12:00

Today we had an upside down, back to front day.

We started with pudding for breakfast, yep chocolate cake.

(I have to admit that I had toast instead)

Then for lunch we had dinner.

And for dinner I made porridge crumpets (breakfast).

All you need is left over cold porridge then you add enough flour to make a dough.

Roll it out to about 2.5cm thick (1/2 inch) and fry in a little butter.

When cooked you can split ( I leave whole) and pour over golden syrup.

Serve hot.

Cool blogs I have found

2010-07-22T16:24:00.003+12:00

I am loving right now Centsational girl

and Fabulous on a Teachers Salary.

Granny suare cushion

2010-07-21T19:26:00.002+12:00

In the evenings I have been crocheting a cushion cover for my girls room.

I thought I was doing a great job until........

I saw it in daylight. Can you see it? Some of my borders are white and some are cream.

Hehe. Major bummer. I have had to redo it.

I will post photos of the finished cover soon.

Pre schooling-circle week

2010-07-19T19:23:00.004+12:00

I was inspired by Delicious Ambiguity's tot school.

So this week for me is circles.

Mon: Craft Circle (see above)

Tues: Read The very hungry caterpillar (he eats circle shaped holes)

Wed: Eat decorate round biscuits with icing and sprinkles (see below)

Thurs: Science/Maths Line up coins biggest to smallest. Do coin rubbings

Fri: Find something in the house that's a circle

Button turns 14

2010-07-19T18:45:00.001+12:00

When our children have a birthday, they get to decide what flavour cake they want me to bake and what they
would like me to cook for their birthday dinner.

This year we had swagman roll (kind of like a big mince pastie/sausage roll), garlic bread and coleslaw.

Button chose a coffee cake. I have to say it was a pretty good cake considering I dont like coffee.

Happy birthday my darling.

Fun in the snow

2010-07-15T20:09:00.003+12:00

It was a perfect Winters day for some snow fights, snow men and snow angels.

This post is for you dad. Look at what you missed :)

Bathroom storage

2010-07-15T19:43:00.000+12:00

I have a teeny tiny bathroom. The only storage is the 2 door vanity.
The door opens up onto the only bit of wall where you could put shelves.
I wish I could say I came up with this idea, but I didn't. It is fantastic though. You can use a hanging shoe holder or a baby organiser like this one. I store extra deodorant, soap, toothbrushes and the all important hair straightener.
A great fix for a tiny space.

Extracting the urine

2010-07-01T19:06:00.003+12:00

A little while ago my friend was telling me that she knew someone who had a face cream that contained horse urine. This is not unusual if you have dry, sensitive skin.

Now we get to the funny bit. I have really dry skin on my hands. The doctor prescribed a hand cream that contained urea. Now, I knew this was urine but tried not to think where it came from. I can say though that a horse never crossed my mind. Part of me is extra grossed out but the other part of me is pleased it isn't human.

I am still wondering how they extract it?

Piggy love

2010-06-30T19:50:00.001+12:00

Love is...........

Dudley and Delilah.

Our winter veg.

2010-06-29T21:13:00.002+12:00

I have my veg under cover so they don't get cold.

My broad beans are growing but very slowly. First they were in drought and now they are being rained out.

I think this is beetroot or is that peas.

And I have no idea looking at the photo what kind of veg these are.

I do know however, that I am growing these all from seed. Yep! No ready made seedlings for me.

Rain, rain go away!

2010-06-26T12:35:00.002+12:00

As you can see the drought is well and truly over.

I can't believe only a couple of months ago the field looked like this, and the maize was harvested early due to lack of rain.

Luckily, the farmer moved his stock yesterday otherwise they would be brushing up on their swimming skills.

I wonder if these water views have increased our house price. Riparian rights anyone?

Bulk buy episode

2010-06-23T20:05:00.003+12:00

I sent my husband on a bulk buying expedition.

(Please note, this is not an official binn inn store).

I thought this would be a great way to minimise packaging.

They don't provide paper bags instead of plastic bags and I don't have big enough containers for bulk buying. Those really large margarine containers (5kg?) would be perfect as I only shop once a month.

The main problem is we didn't like the taste of what we brought. I think we have about 5kgs of milk powder. It said it was skim milk but tastes like whole milk powder YUK! We also brought heaps of oats as I have been making porridge for breakfast. The kids hate them and I can't blame them. They weren't very nice. So I think the pigs and chooks will be getting porridge made with milk for breakfast.

What does your entry say?

2010-06-18T19:22:00.005+12:00

My Your Home and Garden arrived and one article stood out.

If you were seeing your entry/front of house for the first time what would you think?

Hhhhhmmmmm. Pretty gross if you ask me.

As you can see it is muddy and cluttered.

Can't do much about the ugly front door (we are going to get a new, scratch resistant,

black one.... someday).

So I scrubbed and cleaned and sorted out the shoe graveyard

I added a cute puppy for good measure and 'voilà' a clean and tidy front entrance.

Now to keep it this way.

Retreating

2010-06-17T08:53:00.002+12:00

Oh! How I love retreat.

Doesn't it look like so much fun.

Most of these photos are of Dee from sew-funky (she has the photos of me on her camera).

We had a ball. Shopping and movies on Friday. Markets and op shopping on Saturday. La Tropezienne (french cafe) and more markets on Sunday.

Thank you Dee for a fab weekend away. Your da bomb.

First filling

2010-06-16T21:08:00.002+12:00

Boodles (7) got her first filling today. The dental nurse said her tooth came through with a defect and hence the hole.

To say my girl didn't cope well is an understatement. I wouldn't be at all suprised if the dental nurse is considering a career change over a very stiff drink or two.

Retreat

2010-06-08T21:09:00.003+12:00

The countdown to retreat is on. 3 more sleeps.

I can't wait to go to the markets and have my meals cooked for me.

I also get to hang out with the talented Dee from sew-funky and she has promised to show me how to crochet granny squares.

The only bummer is my broken camera. I hate missing the moments.

Books, books and more books

2010-06-04T09:12:00.006+12:00

I think Emily from Inside a Black Apple sums up how I feel about books perfectly (picture above).

Oh, how I love books. But...... I am trying to simplify my life. My aim is to reduce our books to one bookcase and to use the library more.

I managed to get rid of one box of adults books and one box of kids.

No new clothes

2010-06-01T21:22:00.005+12:00

I decided at the start of Autumn I was NOT going to purchase any new clothes this season

(free clothes are OK).

And I didn't, cause I really do have enough clothes and I can only afford clothes that are made in less than ethical ways.

I did get some fab items free though at a couple of clothes swaps.

I have to admit that I am suffering withdrawal. There are a couple of items I would really like and officially it is a new season (winter).

So what to do? Such a dilemma.

Rubbish challenge

2010-05-31T18:48:00.004+12:00

Theoretically I shouldn't be empting my rubbish bin till tomorrow night but it's full.

We were trying really hard too.

I haven't started shopping at Binn Inn yet. Binn inn is a shop where you can buy all you baking needs unpackaged (therefore saving all those plastic non-reusable bags). I have been told, that the one I will be going to, supply brown paper bags or you can take in your own containers.

Here's my list so far:

coconut

brown sugar

icing sugar

caster sugar

cocoa powder

baking powder

baking soda

corn flour

chocolate chips

cream of tartar

sultanas

oats

cereals

dog biscuis

salt

The pain of sprain

2010-05-30T17:09:00.002+12:00

This is me at the moment. I tripped off the kerb last night and sprained my ankle. Yep! All those torn ligaments really hurt, not to mention the swelling or bruising.

But I didn't break my arms so I can still fold washing, make lunches and cuppas.

Necessity is the mother of invention

2010-05-28T11:28:00.004+12:00

In my reading today was a quote by a Roman poet written just before the birth of Christ (yes, along time ago).

'Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents which in prosperous circumstances would have lain dormant'

This is so true for me. I have learnt to budget, sew, paint, cook, wallpaper, knit, recycle, grow vege, bake, organise, parent, make jam/pickle, bottle fruit etc.

What skills have you learnt because of necessity?

New look blog

2010-05-27T22:06:00.003+12:00

I followed this awesomely easy tutoria l by Clover Lane on how to make a header for your blog.

So please check it out as I'm so excited that I did it myself.

Thank you Dee for the inspiration to update the look.

1 week rubbish bag challenge

2010-05-26T12:48:00.004+12:00

YEP! Our challenge started today. We are hopefully going to take one whole week to fill this bin (not our usual one or two days).

So far it has one biscuit packet, 2 wipes and 5 oxo wrappers.

I have to say that my one week rubbish challenge doesn't work very well with trying to minimalise the house. I went through my sons room today and came up with this bag of non-recyclable, broken toys.

Now..... if I was to put this in the bin it would fill it up in one day, so.... I'm going to cheat!

I am going to put all this broken stuff in a separate bag and use my bin for all the everyday normal rubbish.

I also filled a box with crappy plastic McDonald type toys that I will donate, so they can fill up someone else's home.

Minimalism

2010-05-23T18:56:00.006+12:00

I have been inspired by a blog called Becoming Minamilist.

I am not much of a hoarder, but I do have more stuff than I need, and very little storage.

So I'm paring it down. Today I gave away a box of plastic kitchen stuff

and tomorrow I'm going to a clothes swap. I wonder how much I will come home with though?

Hopefully I won't fill back up these 3 bags.

The past few weeks I have been going through our clothes and have already given away loads.

I think this might be the last of it. I also went through our sheets and towels. I've kept 2-3 sets of winter sheets per bed. I figure that's 1 set on the bed, 1 set being washed and 1 set spare for the accidental wets that sometimes happen (kids beds not mine). lol

Homemade doggy food

2010-05-23T18:55:00.005+12:00

Don't be fooled by this yummy looking meal in my crockpot (slow cooker).

Its the dogs food. Every time I cook it Mr. Divine says "Something smells good.

What you cooking?" My reply "Taste it and see."

Here's the recipe

1kg pet mince

1 cup pasta

1 cup rice

*2 (or more) cups vegetables, frozen or fresh*

garlic

water to cover

Put it all in your crockpot and cook on low over night (or all day)

*Usually I keep all my peelings and off cuts of my veges in a bag in the freezer and then when it comes to making the pet food I put those in the crockpot instead of mixed vegetables.

P.S. Cats can eat this too, just not husbands or children. hehe

Eco fruit and vege bags

2010-05-23T18:54:00.006+12:00

I was wanting some light weight, reusable bags to put my fruit and veg in when I shop at the markets and found these mesh wash bags at a $2 kinda store.

They are washable, available in different sizes and best of all, no nasty plastic bags filling up my rubbish bin.

Soap Nuts

2010-05-23T15:24:00.005+12:00

Washberry soap nuts are the dried fruit of the Sapindus Mukorossi tree.

You can use them in your washing machine, dishwasher and to make your own detergent.

These are what they look like. Little, sappy looking berry nuts.

They are natural so you aren't putting harmful chemicals down the drain.

Also, if you want to re-use your grey water you know you won't be putting poisons onto your gardens.

A change of direction

2010-05-22T18:39:00.006+12:00

I have found it hard to continue blogging as my crafting as taken a back seat to being a mum, recyclist (is that even a word), fair trader, local market supporter, ethical buyer, self sufficient, low carbon footprint woman.

Soooooo, my blog will be changing (it's OK, change doesn't have to be scary). I will be sharing how I am changing my lifestyle to be more who I believe I should be.

I already recycle and cook most meals from scratch. I still am crafting, but it is crafting with a purpose and mainly for my family. I am trying to grow a vege garden from seed and have chooks for eggs but I still manage to produce at least one shopping bag full of rubbish per day.

Having been inspired by these people who managed just one small, tiny rubbish bag for a year.

I am going for one a week.

Great giveaway

2010-05-20T21:34:00.002+12:00

Amy over at New Nostalgia is hosting a fab giveaway.

Go and visit HERE if you want a chance to win an ebook called 'Simplify' by Joshua Becker.

So please go and check out Amy's blog New Nostalgia.

Dry Nights

2010-05-20T08:44:00.003+12:00

Miss Lulu (4) is out of night time nappies.

I have to admit that it happened by accident. Mr. Divine put Lulu to bed and forgot to put her pull-up on. In the morning she got up, went to the bathroom and a big proud voice said "I wore knickers all night and I'm dry."

So, we made a big fuss of her and pretended that we had planned it that way.

She went on a daddy date to the local cafe and has been in knickers for the past 5 nights.

Only one more little one in nappies now.

Autumn = Knitting

2010-05-16T20:11:00.002+12:00

Some hats and fingerless gloves for my two girls.

Really the gloves are like sleeves with thumb holes. They are super cute and easy for little hands to put on.

Happy mothers day

2010-05-10T20:47:00.003+12:00

I had a fab mothers day.

I recieved flowers and homemade cards and I spent the morning

mooching around the markets.

We went out to dinner at our local restaurant and even the kids behaved.

I had a pumpkin and feta filo pastry followed by strudel and icecream,

washed down with a bottle of Asti.

I wish it was mothers day more often.

Happy mothers day :)

The zoo (again)

2010-05-10T20:19:00.002+12:00

When you have a year pass, you try to make the most of it.

Our highlight this time was feeding the deer. It was so gentle.

Lulu took a fancy to the goat.

Button's face tells the story. hehe

My 3 beautiful girls.

My new BFF

2010-05-05T22:03:00.002+12:00

I hung out with my new BFF this morning.

She helped me with the housework for 3 hours and all she wanted was some water.

I'd like to introduce you to the steam mop (hehe).

My old BFF lent me her steam mop. I don't know how she parted with it.

It was slow going, but my kitchen floor is soooooo clean.

Tomorrow I'm going to hang with my new BFF and clean our bathroom and foyer.

Mr. Divines new baby

2010-04-16T20:26:00.003+12:00

Poor Mr Divine has had a few sad weeks.

1st: the new rescue dog we got for him, ended up being a mental case and after attacking our rabbit we had to re home it (then it attacked a sheep and they had to re home it).

2nd: His beloved Maine coon cat went missing 3 weeks ago. We have done a flyer drop and posted ads but to no avail.

So today we took a 3 hour drive to get him this beautiful baby boy.

Meet CASSIUS. We called him that because he is part boxer. (Get it)!

Cassius was from a no kill shelter and I think he will fit into our family nicely.

Ruth in the field

2010-04-13T19:21:00.003+12:00

Seasons are a changing.

This was our outlook this morning.

Our neighbours maize fields.

My mid morning the harvest was well underway

And by dinner time our view was well.......

So, I decided to be like Ruth (out of the bible) and go and gather up the left overs

for our chickens and pigs.

There were so many ears of corn that we only gathered from a couple of rows before dark.

This is the reward of a evenings hunting and gathering. Can't wait to get out there again tomorrow.

Delilah

2010-04-10T19:46:00.002+12:00

My husband said to me "Either find Dudley a girlfriend or it's time to eat him".

Basically, mate or plate him.

So....... I found him a girlfriend.

Drum roll please.

Here's Delilah (aka Houdini)

We only brought her yesterday and so far she has escaped twice. She is fiesty sow when she wants to be and has put up a huge fight both times we have tried to bring her back home.

If she escapes again I will be tempted to eat her!

Zoo trip

2010-04-08T16:12:00.006+12:00

Today we took a family trip to the Franklin Zoo.

Its a little zoo, but great for pre-schoolers. As you might know, I try to support local business and this is our local zoo and best of all you can feed some of the animals :)

Boodles on the dog. Each time we go I get a photo of my babies on the dog.

Mr Divine feeding the birds.

Lulu feeding the zebra.

Peanut on the dog (which he tries to drive like a car).

Here's me sitting on the stone dog.

My oldest Button feeding the birds.

Winter Garden

2010-04-07T19:32:00.005+12:00

We ordered in some good organic mix to grow our winter veges in. Our summer crops were abysmal (not helped by one pig eating his way through the summer crops that did grow).

Don't you just love having two willing helpers?

Still a big pile of lovely, steaming planting mix to fill the other garden beds tomorrow.

Im even going to try to grow my veges from seed this season. It will be an interesting adventure.

Crafting for craft show

2009-11-05T20:44:00.002+13:00

Funky button hair clips and fake liquorish allsort hair ties.

They all look good enough to eat.

Lets hope they're a hit.

My first craft show

2009-11-01T20:49:00.002+13:00

Dee of sew-funky (see below) and myself shared a table at the local craft market.

Dee was really organised and had a great range of cards, dishcloths, softies, xmas decorations and so much more.

Me, not quite so. I did make some owl softies and...

some shaker style beaded felt decorations.

I also made peg angels and elves but the photos weren't so great.

It was such fun and even though I didn't sell much it was enough for a few cups of tea and some morning tea goodies.

Favourite thing Friday

2009-09-17T16:03:00.002+12:00

I love going to the FRANKLIN ZOO. Its a little privately owned zoo that you can get around in an hour, making it is an excellent size for preschoolers. It was a lovely morning with our 2 youngest and Lulu loved feeding the Zebra. My husband was naughty and petted the little monkies. He got caught by the keeper and told off (heh).

Happy birthday to you.

2009-09-01T17:44:00.004+12:00

Peanut turned 2 today.

I tried to make him a Plex cake that would look like this.
My husband said that it was ambitious, but I said "I have made a rainbow fish cake, a tinky winky etc etc, and this one looks easy."

Well, sometimes the simplest things end up being the hardest.

My husband came home from work and said "I guess it was harder than you thought it would be." Cheeky bugger.

Miss Boodles (6) said " It would be a good try for someone of my age."

Even the children didn't know what it was meant to be. How sad.

Peanut opening up his Sesame Street garage.

Peanut enjoying his Plex. This is what the cake modelled on.

Happy birthday my beautiful boy. xxx

Favourite thing Friday (on Saturday)

2009-08-29T19:34:00.003+12:00

I got piggies today.

Pigs are my favourite animal and I have always wanted a pet one since reading Charlotte's Web as a young girl.

The big pig is Maude and she is going in our freezer.

Think chops, roasts and bacon.

But little Dudley Pigglesworth Snortimer is my not to be eaten pet.

He is just 8 weeks old and oh so cute.

Thanks Shirley and Graham for raising such cute pigs.

Death in the family

2009-08-29T19:26:00.002+12:00

Last Sunday at midnight, Delilah the rabbit passed away.

We only had her a day and we're not to sure what happened. But I will say it wasn't nice and my husband went beyond the call of duty and gave Delilah mouth to nose to try to save her. Alas, it was not successful and Miss Boodles (6yrs) was devastated.

R.I.P Delilah.

Pesky Wabbits

2009-08-22T19:23:00.004+12:00

Home, home on the range. Where the ducks, chickens and rabbits play.

Today we got two Giant Flemish rabbits that are free ranging it with the birds.

Introducing Mrs. Wilby (will be). Apparently, when the other owner got this rabbit they told her it *will be* about this big. Which being a Giant rabbit is quite big. So that's how she got her name.

As you can see Mrs Wilby has a bent ear. Maybe another animal tried to Tyson her. lol
This is Mrs Wilby's daughter which Miss Boodles has named Delilah.

She is so playful and one of our cats has taken to chasing after her bobbing white tail.

Welcome to the mad house.

Favourite thing Friday

2009-08-21T14:24:00.002+12:00

Our new additions :)

Gumdrop taking a bath (in dirty water)

Wills having a gander

Harry joined in looking at the bird in the bath but quickly lost interest.

Obviously Gumdrop isn't his type.

Finally Harry and Wills left Gumdrop in peace.

4 kids, 3 chickens, 3 ducks, 4 cats, 1 dog and a husband. No wonder I have no time for crafting.

Cluckingham Palace

2009-07-28T19:58:00.004+12:00

I am so excited. We have livestock on our farmlet.

Yes! I am classing hens as livestock. My wonderful friend Dee of sew-funky gave us her beloved, egg laying chickens when she moved house.

We built the girls a predator proof coop and named it 'Cluckingham Palace'.

Then we thought the hens needed royal names so they are Fergie, Eugenie and Beatrice.Ahhhh. The good life.

Favourite Thing Friday

2009-07-17T16:02:00.003+12:00

GOK WAN

I just love him. How can you not. I would so love a day out shopping with him.

Now you can get your very own style consultation on line. Just go

here.

Dads visit

2009-07-17T15:18:00.004+12:00

My dad came over from Oz for a week. There was a family get together to celebrate what would have been my granddad's 100th birthday, had he still been alive.

It was rather exciting as we hadn't seen Dad (Morfar to the grand kids) in 9 years.

He finally got to meet Boodles.

And our two new additions.

Until we see you again. xxx

Mother to a teen

2009-07-16T20:14:00.004+12:00

I am now officially the mum to a 13 year old today.

I have been a step mum to teens and so was able to delude myself that I was still young and hip until now.

We have a few birthday traditions.

1. Open presents with the family on Mum and Dads bed.

2. Mum (me) makes the birthday child's choice of breakfast for the family.

This morning it was French Toast.

3. When the kids turn 13 they get to go on a Daddy date to a restaurant of their choice.

Ashlee chose to have dinner at Rainbows End. Rainbows End is a theme park. Clever girl for thinking outside the square.

Button says it was the best birthday ever.

Hugs, kisses and lots of love, mum. xxx

Happy birthday, Button.

Hoggle versus Simba

2009-06-18T20:55:00.002+12:00

When you live in the country there is a variety of live creatures to amuse your dog.

My dog Simba found this hedgehog very amusing.

My husband says the hedgehog found my dog amusing because Simba is wearing

a jersey (well he deserves to be warm too. right)

We gave the hoggle (as I call them) a dog bone.

After getting pricked in the nose a few times (no one said my dog was the smartest), he finally settled in to watch the little prickled creature.

The Hill-Master

2009-06-18T20:32:00.005+12:00

We don't need a stair-master machine at our house.

It's called fire wood collection

Step One:

Load container with about 15kgs of wood

Step Two:

Climb up the hill carrying said load of wood (excuse my cleavage)

This is not a butt blaster, its a back blaster.

I have to give big ups to my husband who spent 4 hours chainsawing our trees so we could stay warm for another couple of weeks.

Favourite thing Friday

2009-06-13T21:24:00.003+12:00

My new old shoes. My mum just gave them to me. They belonged to my Nana.

So they are truly vintage.

Also note they are actually a pale green, not a strange greyish colour.

New kitty

2009-06-09T19:15:00.004+12:00

Miss Lulu's new cat

Lulu's birth mummy took this kitten along to access to show Lulu. Lulu fell in love with it, and the rest is history. So now we have a new addition to our family.

Welcome to our crazy family 'Seraphina'.

Easy Peazy baby gift

2009-06-07T19:42:00.004+12:00

Baby nappy bouquet

Supplies needed:

5 new born nappies

1 pair booties or baby socks

1 flannel

tissue paper

cellophane

curling ribbon or rubber bands (for securing)

ribbon

Roll up each nappy up tightly and secure with rubber band or curling ribbon 3/4 way down nappy (if you have any extra pair of hands you may not need to secure each nappy).

When all 5 nappies are done hold them tightly in a group and secure with curling ribbon.

1st lay down your cellophane, then your tissue paper then your flannel. Sit your nappies on this and gather the layers around to form the bouquet.

Secure with a pretty ribbon.

Now roll up the booties/socks and push them into the middle of the nappies.

And, HEY PRESTO, you have a really cool and economical gift.

I'm back!

2009-06-07T19:28:00.002+12:00

FAVOURITE THING FRIDAY

This gorgeous sunset is photographed from our deck. I have not enhanced it at all.

Sorry I have been absent for sooooo long. Guess what? You move 15 mins from a major town and BAM! no broadband. Yes, you heard me right. Our little town only has a small number of broadband ports allocated to it. And you guessed it, they are all taken.

So we have had to go to mobile roaming broadband, which let me tell you isn't cheap (but how else can I keep up to date with all you wonderful bloggers).

Oh so quiet

2009-03-25T20:35:00.002+13:00

I'm sorry I have been sooooo quiet. We have brought another house and I am busy packing . You see, we move Easter weekend. So all will be quiet (as it has been) for a little while yet. Please be patient and I promise I will be back:)

Dee Day

2009-03-15T22:14:00.004+13:00

Dee of sew-funky and myself went to the movies during the week.

Oh what fun. No kids, no husbands, just us. Perusing the shops and

drinking lattes.

I brought a packet of jaffa's, after all they are a movie staple.

BLISS

Favourite thing Friday

2009-03-13T20:32:00.003+13:00

Half strength Chai Latte.

I wish I was a coffee drinker as there is such variety. But, alas I'm not. So you can imagine my delight when I found Chai Latte's. The only problem is they are really sweet, and I am a non sugar tea drinker. One day, a lovely cafe man said he could make it half strength and a love affair was born. Now I too can have something special when I go out.

Wonder Woman

2009-03-08T20:07:00.003+13:00

How appropriate that on 'International Womens Day' I accomplished some things I hadn't tried before. I likened myself to 'Wonder Women' but instead of the lasso of truth I had a silicone gun.

Yep! I re-siliconed the shower, put up some wet wall (the water resistant panels in bathrooms) and used my husbands power tools. No stopping me now.

Favourite things Friday

2009-03-06T21:13:00.003+13:00

Girlfriends

I am blessed to have some wonderful girlfriends.

Some are long term friends. The ones who know all your faults and love you anyway.

I have some that are shoulders to cry on and some that just crack me up.

Some that pop over and bring lunch and some that cook a meal for me.

You know who you are girlfriends!

I LOVE YOU GUYS :)

Crowns

2009-03-05T21:26:00.003+13:00

The girls made crowns today. I brought some paper plates after seeing on this site, how to make paper plate crowns. This is a great quick craft and would be good to use at a kids birthday party.

Fitted sheets

2009-03-02T19:04:00.003+13:00

My mum inherited 2 sets of new sheets that I think are just gorgeous. Luckily mum gave them to me. Not so lucky they were all flat sheets.

So I followed this tutorial and turned 2 of them into fitted sheets. It was a great tutorial and even I could follow it.

They fit beautifully and I haven't even put elastic in them. They fit so nicely I am just tucking in the sides.

So my girls each have a new set of sheets.

WARNING: Making flat sheets fitted can become addictive.

Great giveaway

2009-02-28T21:17:00.004+13:00

Check out this awesome giveaway on jellybelly-jellybrain. As you can see they are amazing beaded watch straps in the most beautiful colours.

So pop over and say hi to Emma.

Favourite thing Fridays

2009-02-26T21:19:00.002+13:00

AUTUMN IS COMING

Oh how I love Autumn. I love the cool nights and the beautiful warm days.

And now it is just around the corner, and the nights are already getting cooler.

I love the colours of the leaves and lets face it; the fashion is so much better.

Autumn Fires by Robert Louis Stevenson

In the other gardens And all up the vale,

From the autumn bonfires See the smoke trail!

Pleasant summer over And all the summer flowers,

The red fire blazes, The grey smoke towers.

Sing a song of seasons! Something bright in all!

Flowers in the summer, Fires in the fall!

2009-02-21T22:47:00.003+13:00

Again on highway cottage I found the link to another quiz. This is the Meyers/Briggs Personality test. And so accurate.

You Are An ENTJ
The ExecutiveYou are a natural leader - with confidence and strength that inspires others.Driven to succeed, you are always looking for ways to gain, power, knowledge, and expertise.Sometimes you aren't the most considerate person, especially to those who are a bit slow.You are not easily intimidated - and you have a commanding, awe-inspiring presence.In love, you hold high standards... for yourself, for your relationship, and for your significant other.While it's easy for you to impress others, it's hard for you to find someone who impresses you.At work, you are organized and good at delegating. You understand how to achieve goals.You would make a great CEO, entrepreneur, or consultant.How you see yourself: Rational, calm, and objectiveWhen other people don't get you, they see you as: Inflexible, controlling, and overbearing.

Happy birthday Mr. Divine

2009-02-21T21:23:00.002+13:00

Today is Mr. Divines second 21st. He says the second 21 years went much quicker than the first.

Again, we don't do gifts for each other but go out for a date instead. So movie and dinner it was. My shout :)

The kids all chipped in and brought him a gorgeous green stone necklace (not the one in the picture) and some chocolate covered apricots.

SO... HUGS AND KISSES TO YOU MR DIVINE!

Funky felt holder

2009-02-20T21:00:00.005+13:00

Again, I am trying to make as many presents as I can. So I have made about 3 of these felt holders so far.

This one is for Miss Boodles friends 6th birthday.

Inside are some felts, Highschool Musical stickers and a Highschool Musical notebook.

So all up it cost around $5.00.

If you want to make it go to One Red Robins blog for the tutorial.

The LUUUV Cloth

2009-02-20T20:52:00.003+13:00

Dee of sew-funky has created a love cloth. She has generously shared the pattern and this is the one I knitted.

Dee is a much better knitter than I and her hearts are more prominent. So check out her cool dishcloth patterns at her blog.

Valentines Day

2009-02-20T20:17:00.004+13:00

My camera and computer are on talking terms again and allowed me to download some photos :)

As mentioned on this post my husband and I don't buy each other presents. So instead I made a special deal with dinner.

Mr. Divine broke the rules and brought me flowers and chocolates. Naughty Mr. Divine.

We had a lovely bottle of wine, while the kids had blackcurrant juice. Miss Boodles (6) calls it wine though, which makes me wonder what the school thinks ;)

I made each person a place card and wrote a special note of what I love about them.

I hope it will speak to the children of what love looks like and what to expect when they meet Mr/Mrs right.