Eye Spy ... A Christmas Wish

Oh crap, how did I not get back here for a week. Caleb has been sick with gastro and the rest of us have been feeling pretty average too. There is the usual end of year run up madness too.

On the week-end I found time to clean out the wardrobe, it is so good having Mum here as I can actually find time to get some things done. Once I threw out the clothes that didn't fit and that I didn't feel good in and I wasn't ever going to fit in so "stop beating myself up about it" - there wasn't a lot left. I have got these gorgeous Colette patterns coming though and some cute strawberry fabric so I can actually enjoy the thought of summer. I am so excited - even if I am adding to my to-do-list. Promise to be back much sooner, and I am working through the Google Reader, even though it looks like Caleb is sick again.

Eye Spy ... Joy

So many things to feel joyful about. The market went well and we sold quite a few different pieces and I am madly trying to list the rest in the etsy shop now.

I am joyful to have lots of time now to sew without deadlines and looking forward to getting into my LONG list of to dos.Glen's fabulous support, sometimes he still gets me by surprise at how much he believes in me. I love the pre-market shot of him with his coffee.

Joyful at my beautiful and crazy babies - love them so much, that is how that get to drive me so insane too.

So joyful at my beautiful boy nearly turning 5, this one is tinged with sadness. Preparing for the party and he is so excited. Gearing up for Prep next year more excitement with a little in trepidation.

Poppy is the light of my day and the darkness of my night too - the joys of a 2 year old with the will of a champion. Every day she drives me nuts and every day she gives great cuddles.

Joyful at Christmas around the corner and 2 weeks off, unheard of at our place and with no plans and no place to go I can't wait.

A great place to live, food on our table, hobbys that I love, blogging, crafty friends, all sorts of great stuff to be truly joyful about and sometimes it is hard to stop and really appreciate it.

Next week I think Eye Spy ... A Christmas Wish might be fun and thanks to AussieWaffler for last week's theme. Can't wait to see and as always you can join in anytime, just add your link after you have posted below so we can all find you and it doesn't matter what day of the week that you do it.

Eye Spy ... adventure

Once I sat down and thought about this one I realised that I didn't have that many 'adventures' I have planned a few and through fluke or circumstance they haven't followed through. I have no fear about diving head first into life changing decisions but maybe I am too practical for adventure - then I have been reading some posts from my favourite blog people and I realise that I am on the best adventure I can have - as long as I take a deep breath and dive in for all it is worth - and enjoy the ride with my crazy family and all the joys they bring. This photo of my babies, nearly 18 months ago and around the time they first started to interact together. How the time flies.

I am hoping that Tara, (I do love the Waffler) can help out with next weeks and a big thanks to Louise for this weeks theme. Can't wait to see and as always you can join in anytime, just add your link after you have posted below so we can all find you and it doesn't matter what day of the week that you do it.

Eye Spy ... A Gadget

Don't judge me for what I am about to say, but I am not really a gadget kinda gal. I don't have an I-phone, or MP3 player, I wish I had a fanicer camera even though I love the one I have, I use my mobile phone just to make phone calls with - crazy stuff I know.

This is by far my favourite gadget and I still haven't realised its full potential. I am sure it does a lot more good stuff than I give it credit for. It saves me so much time and I love the finish. My sole purchasing decision was what was on sale to Spotlight the week of my 30th birthday, so nearly 2 years ago and it has served me well.

I am hoping that Louise can help out with next weeks and a big thanks to Kellie for this weeks theme. Can't wait to see and as always you can join in anytime, just add your link after you have posted below so we can all find you and it doesn't matter what day of the week that you do it.

Eye Spy ... Shoes

I have so loved reading everyones shoe stories, it really interesting, walk a mile really is a valid saying. I don't have a great shoe collection, I have skinny feet and have a hard time finding any that fit, the irony is that Poppy has a super wide foot and a nightmare to fit too. My sandals that Glen bought for me as I hate shoe shopping so much broke last week and I have my eyes on these ones - all their flats are so cute, but I do love a red pair though.

I am hoping that Kellie can help out with next weeks and a big thanks to Anastasia for this weeks theme. Can't wait to see and as always you can join in anytime, just add your link after you have posted below so we can all find you and it doesn't matter what day of the week that you do it.

I am feeling like I need another week-end after my week-end. We busted a gut moving my beloved sewing room into the garage! and the kids now have their own rooms. It is really hard as Caleb needs to go to bed quite early but I can't put him to bed before his younger sister, but with them sharing she just spends the next half an hour before she drops off annoying him. Then tonight I hear Caleb crying he because doesn't want to be alone. Glen gets to spend his day off tomorrow moving them back in together and the other room into a play room. Did I mention we live in a 2 story town house - my legs are aching at the thought of it. Oh and Caleb decided to get a vomiting stomach bug on Saturday too. And Glen put his back out moving the fabric cupboard down the stairs mid-way through the first morning. What can you do - poor little munchkin looked so sad tonight.

I have been making some sewing progress though - here is proof as to why I haven't been around much.

Eye Spy ... Something Cuddly

It has been cuddly around here for all the wrong reasons today with the house in sickness. Poppy had a cold and came out in spots earlier in the week and then came good on Thursday - thank goodness for that as we made it to the great quilt unveiling on Friday night. Even though I didn't make a square seeing it in person was still really special. Poppy spent the whole time eating chips and running around having a ball. We hit the zoo on Saturday then that night Caleb started looking a little shaky. Now they both seem to have it and Glen as well. This is the 2 complaining boys curled up on the couch today while Poppy was having a snooze. Two peas in a pod, my boys.

Thanks to the lovely Bek for this week and I am hoping the fabulous Anastasia can help me out with next week. Can't wait to see and as always you can join in anytime, just add your link after you have posted below so we can all find you and it doesn't matter what day of the week that you do it.

Eye Spy .. Bed

I am not sure that Miss Muggins had this in mind for her theme but the kids clambered into our bed this morning - that is pretty rare at our house as they are usually too busy running around. We all got a gorgeous snuggle until Caleb rolled over and started laughing. "Mum, did you know that your belly is just like jelly". Hmm yes thanks for that! Kids I tell you, they never leave the house the same as they left it. The much sweeter Jelly's above from here, ironically they are called Jelly Bellys.

I am hoping that the adorable Bek can help us out with next weeks theme. Can't wait to see and as always you can join in anytime, just add your link after you have posted below so we can all find you and it doesn't matter what day of the week that you do it.

On a much cuter topic, here are our guinea pig babies 2 weeks old with Mama.

Eye Spy ... My Favourite Corner of the House

I think that I have to say this newly decorated outside bit that you can see from our lounge, especially since Glen decided to spend a small fortune on it today.

My other favourite place is the teddy bear pile in the kids room where we read our nighly bed time stories. It is a bit of a double edge sword though - it is also the spot where Poppy unleashes a diva attack a-la Naomi Campbell if she feels like it on a tired Caleb. Tonight though she was sitting on Caleb's lap while he played with her hair, so sweet - and my camera battery was flat.

I am hoping that Miss Muggins can help us out with next weeks theme. Can't wait to see and as always you can join in anytime, just add your link after you have posted below so we can all find you and it doesn't matter what day of the week that you do it.

Eye Spy ... My Front Door

Eek, when did it become Wednesday, when did it become October. Karin picked such a great theme I am annoyed it has taken me this long to get around to it. I have been working hard on some market stuff before Mum leaves on Monday and Poppy goes into Nana withdrawals. Anyway here is our front door, we rent so it isn't really ours is it I guess.
Glen's beloved plants by the front door are his last green thumb left after the kids. He use to love doing his bonsai but since the kids finding the time and a place high enough to not have assistance means that he only had one left. He loves a garden centre like I love a fabric shop though.
Our collection of painted tile fairy and cats greet you at the front door. The carved hands are one of my favourite possessions that we got at a little shop in Hawthorne ages ago.
My DIY paintings with masking tape to brighten the entrance next to the coat rack of furry jackets.

The screen door is apparently great for climbing according to the smaller residents. Caleb one day got his head caught in it. I had to olive oil up his little head to try and squeeze it back in again - quite funny in hindsight.

Since I am so late I thought I might pick next week's theme. "Eye spy ... a favourite corner in my house". Can't wait to see and as always you can join in anytime, just add your link after you have posted below so we can all find you and it doesn't matter what day of the week that you do it.

Eye Spy ... Something I shouldn't eat but do Anyway

I never know whether I should feel envious of people that say they can take or leave chocolate or feel sorry for them but I have the worlds worst sweet tooth. I also have no shame so I am pretty happy to be out and proud.

I do like to encourage Caleb to bake at every chance - usually only packet mixes so he doesn't loose interest. It only seems fair that I eat as much as I can so that he can cook some more right? I do have a soft spot for a lamington - this is my birthday cake from this year. The best part is Glen hates them - More for me Woo Hoo!

Thanks to Jennifer Rose for the hungry theme and I am hoping Karin can help out with next weeks theme. You can join in anytime, just add your link after you have posted below so we can all find you and it doesn't matter what day of the week that you do it.

In other good news, I have finally finished Caleb's quilt. It has felt a little like a marathon but I am super proud, even in all it's wonky glory. I hope to post up some pictures tomorrow.

Eye Spy ... an Inspirational Person in my Life

I have to say that this theme from Sally has to be one of my favourites, but as seems to go hand in hand - is that they are usually the hardest to answer. Once I sat down, it made me realise how lucky I was to have so much inspiration around.
Left over from my youth would have to be Maya Angelou and Oodgeroo Noonuccal (Kath Walker), two amazingly strong women who sort to bring equality and beauty through words.

I am also lucky to of come from good stock and both my Mum and Nan are also great inspiration for different reasons. Nan who saw many things in her life, never passed judgement or complained, but just got on with it in unassuming confidence. She was also a top little crafter too. Mum is one of those specials that would do anything for her child and I know I try and live up to the example with my kids.

My family whether they want me to do things better or push me to be the better version of me. Caleb especially as I have mentioned many times before, makes me more than proud to inspired.

Don't even get me started on my blog roll of fabulous ladies, some who astound me with strength, verve, creativity, humour and humanity. I could list each one but I fear I would forget someone. I really would love to thank them all for the inspiration every week. Sometimes I think that it is easy to forget that there is a person behind the computer that has taken some of their precious time to share.

The irony is that sometimes I think that I have inspiration overload! I end up with so many things in my head that I want to do, so many pieces of pie that I want to eat, that I end up feeling that I do none of them as well as I would like. That though is a small trade off for the benefit.

Thank you so much to Sally for her theme and I am hoping that Jennifer Rose can help us out with next week's theme. You can join in anytime, just add your link after you have posted below so we can all find you and it doesn't matter what day of the week that you do it. Thanks to all the new people that have joined up in the last few weeks too, do go and say hello.

Image from here

Eye Spy .. Season Change

Sorry I am late again, I was hoping to post last night but ended up falling asleep at the computer so I went to bed at 9:30 and am still feeling guilty about all those lost hours. The weather was a little warmer on the week-end even though not overly sunny so I innocently put on a skirt. Caleb came running up to me, "Oh mummy you look like a princess" with this funny smile on his face, Poppy was grinning and pulling at my skirt saying "pretty" and Glen asked if I was going out somewhere, which we weren't. I am not sure if that is a compliment or an indication of what they really all think about my usual jeans attire?! Glen is always nagging for me to wear skirts but in winter in Melbourne I always end up in the trusty jeans.

The pictures are from the park yesterday morning, lots of new things blooming and new little ducklings as well.

Thanks so much to Lisa for the great theme, and I am hoping that Sally can help us out with next week's theme. You can join in anytime, just add your link after you have posted below so we can all find you and it doesn't matter what day of the week that you do it.

I seem to keep saying that after the markets or after the 'something' I will have more time but I seem to have less and less so please forgive me for being a less commenty then usual - I am enjoying reading and hope to get on top of everything soon.

Eye Spy ... Something Blooming

I am sorry for being so late this week - eek, I am still trying to figure out when it became September. There is so much that I am busting to share, but I am struggling to find the time at the moment.

Last week, amongst a whole heap of other not so good stuff, we dropped off Caleb's enrollment for Prep next year. He is blooming into a beautiful little boy that I am so proud of. I think that he is going to do super well, despite me. I am going to turn away with my tearful eyes and fill him with nothing but stories of how brilliant he is going to be. I was a little concerned about whether we should hold him back, but he is who he is. The Asperger's Autism that affects his everyday life will be with him every day regardless. I firmly believe that the more structure and the ability to expand his learning at school will do him nothing but good, even if I am as nervous as hell. Unfortunately his current kinder, the only one we could get in, doesn't have any other kids so he will have to start from scratch, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing either.

I was driving him to kinder that other day and he said "Mum I know lots about animals, I am super smart." I agreed like all good mothers should. then he went on "... but people, I don't really get people". I don't think any phrase ever described living with Asperger's better and knowing that he has some concept of it is an actual relief. I got to tell you, I don't get people all the time either. But he is blooming every day, opening himself up wider and brighter the more time he spends in the sun and he will not be the flower that is cut down and brought inside, he has too much to do.

Thanks so much to Holly for such a great theme, and I am hoping that the lovely Lisa (who is having a great giveaway too for her 400th post!) can help us out with next week's theme. You can join in anytime, just add your link after you have posted below so we can all find you and it doesn't matter what day of the week that you do it.

(The picture is me at pre-school, not overly relavent but satisfyingly humiliating all the same. I know you are all jealous of my way cool Holly Hobby dress)

Eye Spy .. Something Soothing

Chocolate tower from here
I know that August has not been kind to Miss Waffler so I can so appreciate this theme, especially after my last week - not pretty! You know it is bad when you are actually looking forward to Monday so here are a few of my soothers.
So when life is getting you down, chocolate is always the answer and if you are still feeling shabby after your selection, that just means that you need to try harder.
I am not a natural sitter-arounder so soothing is something I need to work on. I have been surprised that hand sewing quilts has been really enjoyable (applique only), I thought it would be a real chore.
The cruel irony is the sometime soothing can also be the blood pressure riser to begin with, but I love taking a no where stroll with the kids, or reading a book with them, or enjoying whatever great ideas they have come up with.
Thanks to Aussie Waffler for her great theme for this week and I am hoping that Holly can help us out with next week's theme. You can join in anytime, just add your link after you have posted below so we can all find you and it doesn't matter what day of the week that you do it.

Eye Spy ... Red

Sorry a bit late this week and I do love this theme. I have loved checking out everyones red goodness.
I have my cutest Black Apple Sophie, my favourite red shoes that are on their last legs (excuse the pun), a cute red monster drawing that Caleb left me on my desk and the red applique slowly coming along in quilt land.
Thanks to Ellieboo for this weeks theme, I am hoping Kimono Reincarnate isn't too sleep deprived to help out with next week. You can join in anytime, just add your link after you have posted below so we can all find you and it doesn't matter what day of the week that you do it.
I am super busy at work this week, better get back to it now.

Eye Spy ... Inspiration

I am surrounded by so much inspiration, sometimes I don't even realise - I just need to take a breath and let my mind wonder - do you ever get like that? Blog-land is a wealth of gold, too many to list here. Below is some inspiration for the one million things rattling around in my brain at the moment. I think it I didn't spread my brain over so much I could actually be quite smart - that is my story and I am sticking to it. Drawing some ideas for this summers outfits and some quitling research and other bits that are just sweet.Sailors

May Gibbs Bush fairy

Button hearts by Dear FiiAnimal Quilt

I am hoping that Ellieboo can help out with next weeks theme. You can join in anytime, just add your link after you have posted below so we can all find you and it doesn't matter what day of the week that you do it. (Thanks everyone for your feedback last week)

Mission Quilt : Completed and Eye Spy

I have been only showing snippets but the quilt had made its way to its new home so I can finally show you. It has gone to a giraffe lover so have been keeping that part under wraps. I think Mum really liked it - a huge relief - and I made it before the baby decided to arrive. I am a little proud of this one I must admit. The giraffes are Sprout from Central Park and the rest of the fabrics are from Amitie and Central Park.

I have a couple of ideas floating around for the kids quilts but I would love some input on Caleb's. He is 4 1/2 so I think that he is just at that age in between little boy and little man, do you think I am better off to go with a theme "like pirates or animals" or just run with a colour pallet of patterns (like stripes, etc). I don't want him to grow out of it too quickly.

Thanks so much for everyone who commented on my eye spy question. I think we may as well keep going - I was feeling paranoid that people were feeling compelled to play. I don't mind AT ALL if people join in whenever the mood takes them, that makes me feel better. So next week I would love to see "inspiration" - blogs that you find inspirational, place, maybe your Nana who passed on some great jam recipe.

Eye Spy .. A Collection

Liesl's theme for this week I think is a really fun one but I am really struggling to find a collection of my own. Not that I don't have stuff, much to Glen's frustration I am all about the stuff, but nothing as well thought out as a collection. I have quite the fabric stash but I never buy anything for the purpose of "just adding it", I usually have something in mind when I buy it - does that give you an indication as to how many works in progress I have in my head.

Caleb on the other hand is collecting mad. As soon as he gets a toy he loves to flip over to the back and check out what he still "needs" to complete them all - he has cars, books, trains, transformers, footy cards (and we don't even follow AFL) - you get the idea. I am not sure if that is a boy thing or a child thing. I can remembering as a child I loved collecting stuff for the sake of it, I shall have to find that inner child again I think.

Thanks so much to Liesl. You can join in anytime, just add your link after you have posted below so we can all find you.

I have really enjoyed eye-spying but I am wondering if you guys still want to keep up with it - let me know what you think.

Eye Spy ... A favourtie childhhod party game

I think that the good old pin the tail on the donkey always has a soft spot in my heart as a favourite, but I am not the only one. I seem to recall one party game where you had to eat a block of chocolate with a knife and fork, that wasn't all bad either. At Caleb's party last year the pinata was a favourite where they have to pull strings instead of whacking it. Mum and Caleb baked some plain car cookies as well and we let the boys all decorate their own and they loved it. It actually kept them amused for quite awhile, and Poppy snuck around the back to where the MM's were stashed and shovelled them into a rainbow coloured mouth as fast as she could.

Thanks to Kirstie for this weeks sweet theme, and I hope her niece has a great party. I am hoping next week Bird Bath will be able to help us out with next week's theme. You can join in anytime, just add your link after you have posted below so we can all find you.

Eye Spy ... Something I Love about my Suburb

These pictures are at the local duck pond this morning, don't you just love Poppy's new smock from Sophie. She loves it and has been collecting goodies in her front pocket all day.

I so love Ellieboo's theme for the week and one that I knew straight away what I was going to say. Our area in South East Melbourne has such a great number of green spaces, I feel so lucky/ There are half a dozen playgrounds and two duck ponds all in walking distance and easily the best thing about where I live. We also live on the train line and are walking distance to the station. The kids love walking beside the line and watching the trains and people. They also love walking over the overpass that goes right over the freeway, even though it scares the crap out of me (hate heights). I am by nature a gypsy and having lived here for 2.5 years that is almost a record for me in one place, so we must love it.

I am hoping that Kirstie will be able to help us out for next week. Remember to add yourself to Mr Linky if you are playing along. If you want to join in, at any time, feel free to add your name to the list so we can all find you.