All Things Bright and Beautiful

Family Day Out

2012-01-29T20:13:00.000+08:00

Today we headed for a fun day at Adventureworld! We meet up with Amie, Ruby and Jonah and some school friends - Karri (Ella's bestie) her sister Ashlee and their Mum Simone.

The new Kahuna Falls was a huge hit

Jonah with Amie

Karri and Ella ride the kiddies roller coaster

Amie and Kate on the Power Surge. Ella was upset she is still too short for this ride.

Ella, Ruby, Ashlee and Kate

Ruby with a funny faced Jonah

On the Pirate Ship (second back row) Love Kates face!

Kate & Phil ride the Monorail


Ella and Karri check it out too!

Ruby takes a dip

Jonah and Pop Pop take a dip too


Kate was thrilled she was finally tall enough this year to ride on the Freefall!

Ella and Ruby on the Monorail

Kate takes a slide

and a swim in the big pool

Ruby & Ashlee ride the roller coaster

I hope you all had a wonderful Sunday whatever you did!

Happy Australia Day!

2012-01-26T10:08:00.000+08:00

Keeping Cool

2012-01-25T11:10:00.000+08:00

We are hibernating inside today as the temperature soars to 40deg. I have lots to do, just need to find the motivation somewhere.

Listography: Top 5 Biscuits!

2012-01-24T15:12:00.000+08:00

I'm joining KATE today in one of my favourite foods! BISCUITS!

Coming from New Zealand, I love the Griffins biscuit range, which can be hard to find here in Western Australia. When we go home for a visit, we always buy our favourites to have with our cuppa! We can buy them at the "Kiwi Shop" here but they are rather expensive.

My TOP FIVE are:

1. Sultana Pasties

These are yummy if you are a lover of sultanas. Not overly sweet and just the right size.

2. Stripes

The girls favourite biscuit (they are not big biscuit fans in Australia) Chocolate on one side and stripey on the other. Shortbread base. Very easy to eat a few at a time :)

3. SuperWine

My favourite from the wine biscuit range. Definitely a dunker type biscuit! Lovely when two put together with a bit of butter.

4. Mallowpuffs

We can buy these locally at The Reject Shop, and Arnotts have a similar one in the supermarkets which doesn't quite taste as good. Only 10 in a packet, so they don't last long around here.

5. Chocolate Chippies

I am a huge fan of choc chip biscuits, and these are by far the best I've had.

All this talk of biscuits is making me want some. Might have to make a trip to the Kiwi Shop. At least it will work out cheaper than flights home!

Hot Weather

2012-01-24T14:00:00.000+08:00

Perth set for hottest week in 47 years

NICK SAS, The West Australian January 24, 2012, 5:26 am

Picture: Lee Griffith

Perth is bracing for its hottest consecutive run of high temperatures since 1965, with the mercury forecast to hit 38C or more for the next seven days.
The heatwave includes a prediction of 40C for Australia Day on Thursday, with thousands expected to converge on Perth's beaches to escape the heat.
Seven day forecast |
Weather Bureau climate information officer John Relf said there used to be a saying for this week's temperatures. "It's called no relief in sight," he said.
In addition to the extreme temperatures, the bureau is predicting strong winds tomorrow.
The impending heatwave has the Fire and Emergency Services Authority on high alert.
A Western Power spokeswoman said the power grid would not be pushed to its maximum because schools were still closed.
The Health Department has urged people to watch out in the heat for the elderly, children and babies.
The last time Perth experienced six days of temperatures of 37.8C or more - above the old 100-degree Fahrenheit mark - was from December 31, 1964, to January 5, 1965.

I'm glad school is still on holidays here!

New Things

2012-01-23T21:56:00.000+08:00

Girls test put their new lunchboxes

New outside wall clock

Night Time

2012-01-21T23:48:00.000+08:00

I love this time of night when all is quiet in the house. The girls are tucked up in bed (well on top because it is so hot!) the dishwasher and washing machine doing their thing, the retic watering the lawns and gardens, the cat sitting at my feet purring because we are home after a night out visiting friends.

It's been another really hot day here, so we hibernated for most of it, only venturing out to pick up a few bits and pieces from the supermarket and then tonight to catch up with friends.

We spent time this morning labelling all the school books and stationery that we purchased earlier in the week.

And now it is time for me to go to bed too. Hope you all had a lovely day!

At home

2012-01-20T16:36:00.000+08:00

We got up early one morning recently (5:30am!) and straight out to the garden (after a drink) to get a head start before the heat came. We stopped for breakfast around 7am, and then went back out until it was all finished around 10:30am. It's been pretty warm lately, so we either have to get up early to garden when we have more energy or get out at the end of the day when we are all pretty zapped. The girls love gardening (especially Ella) so I'm really lucky.

We put our first lot of home-made compost on the rose garden. It was just enough. We really need another composter to have a continuous supply making/ready all the time.

We added a misting system to the back patio, it's not quite finished yet, but Phil ran out of time before he had to go away again, so it will have to wait another week. It makes such a difference out there now.

I also got a new temperature/rain gauge for the garden. The girls have excitedly been checking the temperature at intervals, and hopefully we will get that rain we've been promised soon. The garden could do with some extra.

The middle-of-summer garden is still looking okay. If only we got some rain. The kids have been in the blow-up pool a bit, so the water when finished with gets bucketed on the garden. It takes awhile though.

Our lemon tree that we almost lost is still s-l-o-w-l-y recovering. It's getting stronger all the time, so glad I stuck with it.

Finally we woke to a massive storm today. Gosh I love a good storm during the day, not so fussed at night when the power goes out.

It was a great day to head to the library. I didn't get a photo of what the kids are reading as they were in the middle of looking at their books and had then spread out everywhere.

The rain didn't last long but it was good while it did last. The sun came out after lunch and it went from 23 deg to 36 deg in about four hours. We measured the rain in the new gauge and it measured 20mm! Yay!

I'm looking forward to the autumn when it gets a bit cooler and I can get outside a bit more. I love being out there, but my skin does not, neither does my head (the heat gives me headaches) We still have the hottest month to come yet, so will just have to pace myself through to the end.

Happy Birthday Phil

2012-01-18T19:52:00.000+08:00

Jonah & the girls!

2012-01-15T16:07:00.001+08:00

We had Jonah last night for a sleep over to give Amie a break, Ruby is on the Gold Coast with her Grandparents having a holiday, so it was a good chance for us to have some one on one with Jonah.

We visited Whiteman Park in the afternoon for a swim and play

Lunch Boxes

2012-01-13T08:01:00.000+08:00

After having tried numerous lunch boxes over the years as a parent, I have some of these coming:

It will be great to not use so much plastic around here, we recently changed to stainless steel drink bottles too. Once they are in use, I'll let you know how they go. You can read more about them and order from here

The Good Days

2012-01-09T20:32:00.000+08:00

It's been a quietish day, falling gently back into the routine of chores with lots of play as well. I have been moving from room to room, FINALLY finding homes for all the Christmas gifts. All the camping gear has been put away until next time and all the washing is upto date. Yay for abundant sunshine.

Three new board games the girls got for Xmas packed away

We had a leisurely breakfast of pancakes around 10am. I am going to miss late breakfasts when school and dancing go back. We played Just Dance on the Wii for a bit. The girls had their hair crimped with Kates new hair crimper, and we visited our new neighbour for an hour where all the kids played Monopoly.

We needed fruit and veges, as Ella wanted some broccoli and cauliflower with tonights dinner. Seriously, that girl would eat broccoli at every single meal if she could. We also bought lettuce, celery, capsicum, sweet potato, bananas, cherries, grapes, kiwifruit and some licorice snuck its way into the basket too. Oh and gherkins. At Ellas request.

There was a platter of nibblies when we got home, they ate while watching Toy Story 3 (again!!!) I had a wee nana nap. It was lovely.

After a roast dinner, and a walk around the neighbourhood, Kate and I sat outside eating cherries while the sprinklers did the watering. Kate then decided she needed watering too.

We found Ella inside talking to Ruby on Facetime.

Modern technology has come such a long way

The girls spent time before bed drawing and colouring -in.

It's been a lovely day here, hope you have had a lovely one too.

The Year that Was:

2012-01-08T08:47:00.000+08:00

Ruby started Year One at her new school

January

Ella turned 8

February

We started the cleanup ready for our new patio

March

A happy weekend in Mandurah for my birthday

April

Jonah waters my new garden I got for Mother's Day

May

Kate turned 10

June

The garden grows like crazy!

July

The start of the patio

August

Spring flowers

September

Hot enough for bathers and water play

October

Jonah in hospital

November

Phil with his new toy!

December

Making the most of the sales

2012-01-07T16:18:00.000+08:00


new pots, new glasses and a new milk jug!

Kalbarri Dec 2011 - Jan 2012

2012-01-06T20:36:00.000+08:00

We set off for Kalbarri on the 27th December, everyone happy to be on holiday! The girls travel really well.

We stopped in a small country town called Eneabba on the way. It was a HOT 44 deg!

The girls only wanted ice cream to eat!

We arrived in Kalbarri about 4:30 in the afternoon, 45 deg and very very windy!

The beautiful view coming into Kalbarri

We took nearly 400 photos, here are some of my favourites:

We visited Pirate Theme Park where they enjoyed this spider maze and the trampolines

There was plenty of time for the beach

And tree climbing

Phil and the girls played Yahtzee every night before bed

Sparklers for New Years Eve

Market Day

Driving to the National Park

Resting on the way up

The famous Natures Window

I love this photo!

The girls favourite part of the holiday - Quad biking through the sand dunes

With the complimentary morning tea

Watching some huge waves

Ella with her best camp buddy - Emma, and Emmas little sister Kate. Our Kate became big Kate and the other was little Kate

Looking for shells

Sunset boat cruise along the Murchison river

There was only 10 on board, so lots of empty seats in front!

Snacks!

Animal spotting

Some horses on the far side

The girls were lucky to get a turn driving the boat

We came back in to a beautiful sunset

late night reading with the torch, while others slept

Many, many swims every day

The camp set up

We visited Rainbow Jungle - the most beautiful bird sanctary

Hand feeding a red king bird

About to climb the very high tower


Getting knocked over by the waves

Sharing fried rice for lunch on the way home in Greenlough

A stretch of the legs on the way home in Cervantes

Ten Years Ago Today ...

2012-01-03T17:55:00.001+08:00

I arrived in Perth, Western Australia from Hastings, New Zealand to begin a new chapter of my life.

I will finish the story when I get home in a few days.

Welcome 2012

2012-01-01T14:40:00.001+08:00

As I sit here overlooking the camp where we are, about 6 and a bit hours north of Perth, I reflect on 2011.

It's been a year of highs and lows. I have experienced real grief for the first time in my life. It is taking me a long long time to come to terms with it. The dynamics of our family have changed. Things will never be the same again. I am not the same person I was going into Twenty Eleven, but hopefully I've come out stronger for it, and more accepting. Life does go on.

All the children have grown so much this past year, not just in size, but in maturity too. We are fortunate to have everyone healthy and happy, something not to be taken for granted. They excelled at school, and at dancing. We are so proud. They delight us every day.

Anyway, I'm off to enjoy the rest of the day, relishing in this camping experience which Dad gave us the love for. I hope that you are all blessed in 2012 with good health, peace, love and happiness.

Boxing Day Business

2011-12-26T21:44:00.000+08:00

We've been flat chat all day packing to go away camping tomorrow. So much stuff!

We ate alot of this during the day

New flowers had opened overnight. I grew this from a cutting from my friends garden

And there was a new doona cover to put on the bed belonging to the Mickey Mouse fan of the house!

Christmas Day 2011

2011-12-25T21:41:00.002+08:00

5am - the girls wake and open their stockings

Ellas long awaited ipod


Kate with her water gun

The trampoline were gave Ruby and Jonah was a huge hit

The kids waiting for breakfast. Ruby may look grumpy but she really wasn't!

Fun on the water slide


Play doh time!

Ella checks out Just Dance on the Wii once we get home

Christmas isn't complete without pavlova

The basketball hoop was a huge hit as well

Kates favourite game "Bocce"

We had a lovely Christmas Day, which started off at 5am when the girls came into us. We allow them to get up early at Christmas and on their birthdays, the excitement is too much to be sleeping!

It was a little bit different this year. We are usually at home and Amie & her lot come to us, but this year we went to their house for breakfast (45 mins away) as we bought Ruby & Jonah a trampoline so that needed to be put together.

It was also my first time ever I did not get to speak to my family on the phone. With Dads passing during the year, My sister opted to get Mum away for a few days which was the best thing.

As you can see by the above photos the weather was kind to us, while most of the rest of the country had rain, thunderstorms and maybe even a cyclone! It was 32 deg, which was cooler than past years.

There was lots of playing at Amie's house, and we bought Amie and Brendan a dishwasher (they've never had before) so we set that up and put the first lot of dishes through! We left at lunchtime and came home. Phil decided to put the basketball hoop up straight away - 2.5 hrs later it was done. What a nightmare!

The afternoon was spent playing basketball, bocce, on the Wii, drawing, and eating lots of yummy food. The girls crashed shortly after 9pm.

I had you and your families had a lovely day too.

Happy 7th Birthday Ruby!

2011-12-21T17:46:00.000+08:00

Kate hung 7 pink balloons

Food time - Ella is missing as she didn't want to be in this photo for some reason

Jonah and I

Jonah chooses another lolly

Ruby with her cake Kate made and decorated

The girls painted their nails after with Rubys new nail polishes

Jonah looks on

Then they cooled off with a broken water slide and the hose

All in all a great day!

Tomorrow

2011-12-20T22:18:00.000+08:00

this is what is happening - a little morning tea to help our Grandaughter Ruby celebrate her 7th birthday. Kate has done all this herself, I'm sure Ruby will love it all!

More Christmas Lights

2011-12-17T21:47:00.000+08:00

We had another great night out looking at all the wonderful lights and really appreciating all the effort gone into making them such a wonderful treat for the young and old at this time of the year. One street we visited tonight was so so busy you could hardly move. They had a free sausage sizzle too which I thought was the most wonderful gesture, the girls enjoyed it so much!

On My Mind ...

2011-12-16T08:24:00.000+08:00

is this:

our camping trip up north to a place we haven't visited before. Just eleven sleeps until we go. It's been 12 months since we had a family holiday and we are all well and truly ready for a break. It will be nice to spend time together enjoying each others company. Lots of swimming, reading, eating and lazing about. Making new friends is what we love about camping too - the girls have usually made a new friend by the end of the first day. They are still in touch with friends from past years holidays. I love how kids make friends so easily while on holiday away from the pressures of the school playground.

I'm playing along with Down to Earth today, pop on over and join in!

Sylvanian Families

2011-12-15T21:07:00.000+08:00

This is what my girls having being playing with all afternoon and are still playing as I type. I love how they are playing so nicely at the moment, a great start to the holidays. I hope it continues for a few more days yet!

I love all the little pieces and even though it says from 4 years on the boxes, I think it's more suited to kids aged 6yrs and up. I'm pleased Kate still loves them at 10 and a half years just as much as Ella does. Kids grow up too quickly these days, so it's wonderful to see!

Special Christmas Tree Decorations

2011-12-15T17:08:00.000+08:00

My Mum often sends us a new decoration for the Christmas tree. In the past when she has been here at Christmas time, we have made a day out to look at the big tree at Myer and we have bought new decorations.

This year, she sent these lovely two:

Then these are some others she has bought us

The girls have their own collection which they add to each year. When we take the tree down, their own decorations go into their own boxes. When they have their on trees later on, the will have a box of decorations from their childhood to start their own trees with.

This is what they chose this year to add to their collections:

Kate:

Ella:

And some others from over the years, bought and hand-made!

Christmas Treats

2011-12-12T21:28:00.000+08:00

I made these this morning for Ella to take to school tomorrow for a shared lunch. Due to the heat, they turned out a bit messier than they should have, but the kids will still love them.

Makes

Ingredients

100g white chocolate melts
12 Arnott's Royals chocolate biscuits
12 Jaffas
Spearmint leaves, cut into smaller leaves

Method

Place the white chocolate melts into a heatproof bowl. Microwave on Medium/50% power, stirring every minute until they are fully melted.
Spoon the melted chocolate into a sealable plastic bag and snip one corner of the bag to make a piping bag. Pipe enough white chocolate on top of the biscuits, allow to drip down the side.
Place a Jaffa on top and a small spearmint leaf each side of the Jaffa and secure in the melted chocolate.

Christmas Lights Display

2011-12-11T21:07:00.000+08:00

The girls and I headed out last night to look at a few Christmas light displays. They enjoyed them all, and I enjoyed watching their faces! Lots of people were out looking, the weather was warm - what a magical time of the year.

Gorgeous gals ...

2011-12-06T06:56:00.001+08:00

with gorgeous haircuts! Ella has been wanting a bob for months now but it made sense to wait till dancing had finished. So yesterday was the day - and she loves it! Kate is growing hers again, so she just had a trim.

Well Done Kate

2011-12-05T12:56:00.001+08:00

For the last day of Kates LOTE Scholarship class up the hill at a high school, the parents were invited along to see what the kids have been learning. We played a few games to begin (even the parents joined in!) then a few teachers spoke about the programme, followed by the certificates awarded, then we watched a slide show with photos taken during the class, then a short film about education in Indonesia. After that there were yummy refreshments, so enjoyable!

Saturday Fun Day

2011-12-03T20:30:00.001+08:00

It was lovely to have a day of pottering around the house. With a temperature of 36 deg, the kids wanted the blow-up pool blown up so they could cool off. Amie and Jonah came up for lunch (Ruby was at her other Grandparents) and the kids enjoyed having a splash!

After a yummy lunch of cold meat, salad and chips followed by trifle, Ella and Amie played some Mario Kart on the Wii, then we put the tree up and decorated it!

Once the weather cooled down (to 30 deg) we headed to lake for some fresh air and burgers! And of course a play!

Dance Concert 2011

2011-12-03T08:10:00.000+08:00

Kate and Ella - Ballet - Flowers Copellia

Kate - Jazz - Sam I Am

Ella - Jazz - Ghostbusters

Kate - Singing - Light up the World


Ella - Hip Hop - Yeah

There are unfortunately two photos missing, Kate in her tap costume and in her hip hop costume. Due to quick costume changes there was no time for her to go down for photos, so one day over the holidays I will take my own. The girls' had a great time once again but were very tired by the end of the second night. Kate was thrilled she won a trophy again - this time in her singing class!

Helping Others at Christmas Time

2011-11-27T18:12:00.000+08:00

Every year the girls' school has collection boxes in all the classrooms that are collected along with many other local schools and businesses and the goods put together into hampers and delivered to the less fortunate for Christmas.
So today, the girls wanted to go shopping for their donations. They chose a toy or two each, some makeup for a teenager as that is what they are always short of, some Impulse and Kate chose new toothbrushes and toothpastes for kids and adults. Ella decided this was a great idea.
In the past Amie & I have volunteered our time after all the goods are collected and we sort them into hampers for families. It's a lovely way of helping out others. and the girls' really love taking part.

Jonah - update!

2011-11-27T18:01:00.000+08:00

After 2 nights in hospital Jonah was discharged, never knowing what was wrong with him. Ruby started vomitting in the early hours of the morning following discharge so there was certainly something going around! Thanks for all the kind wishes. These photos I took when we visited him, he was such a little trouper not once trying to get out of bed in 2 days!

Sick Jonah

2011-11-22T15:35:00.000+08:00

My poor wee grandson is sick in hospital. We are currently waiting test results to come back. It's so horrible when little ones are sick isn't it! Please remember us in your thoughts and prayers today. Thank you xoxo

Blogging Holiday

2011-11-17T06:54:00.000+08:00

I have lots going on for the rest of this month, so I don't think I'll be around much until December. I'll try to pop in when I can but otherwise this is what we will be doing!

First day of stage rehearsals today. Will need to pick the girls' up early from school. Finish at 9pm.
Tomorrow - work for me
Saturday dance classes as usual in morning, Finale practice in afternoon 3-4:30pm
Monday - excursion with Ella's class to the Zoo, dance after school
Tues - dance after school
Day Two of stage rehearsals - 3:30pm to 9pm
Friday - work then full dress rehearsal 5-10pm
Saturday - dance class
REST
Monday - extra ballet class practise for 2 hours due to teacher being away
Tues & Wed - concert nights, YAY

Also, I want to get a bit more Christmas shopping done. I hate leaving it all till December, plus we still have a few things to get for our camping trip.

So, whatever you do, have fun and take care x

Jonah

2011-11-16T06:39:00.000+08:00

We had Jonah for a few hours yesterday, and it was Phil's last day at home for awhile so it was nice to spend some time together with him, the girls' were all at school. I didn't get many photos - too busy.

We went on a long bike ride which Jonah loved, stopping off at the park for a play

After lunch I took him for a much needed haircut!

Then we came home and he slept until Amie & Brendan arrived to pick him up!

Crazy Hair Day

2011-11-10T09:02:00.000+08:00

In the garden

2011-11-07T04:24:00.002+08:00


Kate harvesting some carrots for a salad - we have purple, yellow, white and of course orange ones growing


the tomatoes are ripening well

Movie Night

2011-11-06T08:00:00.000+08:00

The dancing school the girls' attend had a family movie night last night as a fundraiser. The girls took a friend along each and their pillows and blankets and made themselves comfy for a couple of hours. They also played a few games, of which my girls both won one each! There was popcorn, lollies, soft drink and a sausage sizzle. Lots of fun and laughter. A great night out. We went to the first movies - The Smurfs, the girls' were more than happy to see it a second time.

Kate was thrilled to find a coke with her name on it the night before at Big W.

What's been happening around here ...

2011-11-05T08:15:00.000+08:00

Saturday morning at our place

The girls' have been having extra dance lessons as we head towards our end of year concert.
Kate is loving her LOTE class once a week at a local high school up the hill.
The girls' have written and re-written their Christmas lists.
We've been out walking every evening again.
We are buying more camping equipment for our trip at Christmas. We have to buy a trailer though as the one we usually borrow the owners have moved away.
Pillow pets are the in-thing. (see above photo)
Phil is working as hard as ever. He will be home as usual next week, but won't be home on his break the swing after due to covering another trainer who is going away. Lucky we will be flat chat with the concert so it won't be too bad.
I've been shopping for Ruby's birthday which is four days before Christmas.
There have been lots of Monopoly being played. And a few tears.
There's been exercising on the Wii Fit.
The girls' are learning to cook more, and it's been pretty good!
The vege garden is doing well, and the potted colour are surviving the warmer weather, with lots more water.
There are catch ups weekly with good friends!

EIGHT Months on ...

2011-11-04T05:11:00.002+08:00

and the pain is still so raw.

This photo was taken at Amies 10th birthday dinner, at Valentines Restaurant, Napier, almost 14 years ago. On the right is her best friend Kate. This was taken not long after Dad had some skin cancers removed from his face. We used to go to Valentines quite a bit for a meal out. Years later, it burned down which was a bit sad.

We miss you everyday Dad, and wish with all our heart you were still on Earth with us. xoxo

Lemons

2011-10-31T05:20:00.002+08:00

While out for a walk after tea with the girls, we came across this box of lemons waiting to go to a new home :) Now to see what we can make with them.

Justice Crew Workshop

2011-10-30T13:26:00.000+08:00

We got up early this morning (for a Sunday!) and drove North of the River to Maylands for the girls' to attend the Justice Crew dance workshop.

They were very excited, waiting since we booked a few months ago.

I didn't get too many photos (it was too hard with too many taller photographers in my way!) but the girls had a great time.

I enjoyed the beautiful sunshine while the workshop was on, and took a couple of pics from the top of the RISE building.

CHOGM

2011-10-28T07:04:00.001+08:00

Well it's a public holiday here today while CHOGM ( what is CHOGM?) is on, one that comes at the end of a couple of busy week for the kids, including school swimming lessons everyday (and bus travel) To say they are exhausted in an understatement. So we declared a few days ago that today would be a home day! Phil arrived home late yesterday and is exhausted too, so a perfect day for us to relax and enjoy each others company together again.

photo source

The back yard needs a tidy up - mowing, weeding and wippersnippering, and after all the recent rain, it will be nice to get out there. The girls will probably spend some time on the Wii, and reading. Phil will potter around doing not-alot!

I hope you all have an enjoyable Friday!

Listography: Top 5 Toys for Kids

2011-10-25T08:57:00.002+08:00

Today, I'm linking up with Kate Takes 5 who is asking us to list our top 5 toys for Christmas.Two of my favourite things to talk about are Christmas and toys, so when I saw this on my friend Domesblissity blog, I knew I had to join in.

I got my girls aged 10 and 8 to help me!

Here's what they said:

1. Wii

Fantastic entertainment for ALL the family. Great for when the girls' have their friends over too. Favourite games are Fitness Plus and Mario Kart.

2. Ipod Touch

I know it's not technically a 'toy' but it's what my girls love at the moment. They get used at every opportunity, not just for playing games (infact that's the least they do on them) but for making dance movies, listening to music and the biggest use - listening to audiobooks!

3. Baby Alive doll

This has been Ella's favourite doll of all time. A couple of years ago, when she was in Grade 1, she took it to school almost every day. So did 3 of her friends and they played with them every recess and lunchtime.

4. Derwent pencils and sketch pad

They got these last Christmas and spent alot of the time away camping using them. They have continued to be widely used this year and new pencils have been added along the way.

5. Smartglobe

This is played with almost daily too. They give each other quizzes and mark tests. While the RWC was on, it became a great source of knowledge finding countries and learning their national anthems.

RWC2011 Final - NZ versus France

2011-10-23T05:00:00.000+08:00

It's a BIG day for New Zealand today

A BIG day for New Zealand rugby

We wish them well from across the ditch!

Worn Out

2011-10-21T17:38:00.000+08:00

5pm Friday afternoon after school swimming lessons all week

Enjoying the peace and quiet

2011-10-19T10:02:00.000+08:00

Today is the first day of just the cat and I in 3 weeks. The girls' went back to school yesterday for the final term of the year and Phil went back away for work today. It seems so quite. Lots to get through this morning though - so far I've done 3 loads of washing, made some scrolls, made the beds, cleaned the kitchen twice, vaccumed and mopped (just waiting for the floors to dry) then I'll go and watch the girls' school swimming lessons. After school we have singing and hip hop classes so we get home about 8pm. And now I'm off to prepare dinner and clean the kitchen again!

Pumpkin Soup

2011-10-18T05:26:00.000+08:00

I got up early before everyone else this morning and used up some pumpkins and made this easy soup. It's a recipe I got from my friend a few years ago. The best pumpkin soup I've tasted and so easy to make.

PUMPKIN SOUP

1 kg butternut pumpkin
1 small leek
1-2 cloves garlic
1 litre chicken stock
salt & pepper to taste

Cook garlic and leak until soft, add pumpkin, pour in stock. Simmer until cooked stirring often. Season to taste. Blend until smooth.

I froze some for busy nights and the rest we'll eat later today.

Mangoes ...

2011-10-17T06:45:00.000+08:00

mean summer!

Ella's most favourite fruit. She's been asking for awhile now if they are in the shops yet (and they were, I was just waiting until they came down in price a bit) so today after the pools (35 deg here!!!) we stopped at the fruit & veg shop and picked some up. At $2.79 each, that's not too bad. And they smell so yummy!

RWC2011

2011-10-16T06:00:00.002+08:00

This is what I'll be watching this afternoon

as these two great teams battle it out for a place in the final. Go the All Blacks!

Pretend Camping

2011-10-15T08:30:00.000+08:00

Camping.

We bought a tent in a sale a couple of weeks ago when Phil was home last. Well today with him home again and the girls' wanting something to do, we put it up just so we can work out how it all works before we go away at Christmas. It's a pretty good size with four rooms. The girls played in it all afternoon and into the night.

The bunk beds fit perfectly into one of the bedrooms for the girls with plenty of room for storage.

Once it was dark the girls played a board game that I got at the OP last school holidays for $2. It's called "Go to the top of the class" and is a real test of general knowledge. I played a game with them as well. We'll leave the tent up over the weekend, and probably take it down on Monday before school starts back on Tuesday.

On My Mind ...

2011-10-14T08:13:00.000+08:00

is saving more than spending. Instead of flittering money away here and there - really thinking beforehand whether I can do without said purchase. I'm trying to reduce my grocery bill, reduce my electricity use and my phone us (have already made huge savings here not ringing mobiles as much!)

I'm playing along with Down to Earth today

Come along and join in!

Easy Rice Pudding

2011-10-12T18:43:00.000+08:00

I usually make rice pudding using the recipe from The Edmonds Cookbook, but it takes a couple of hours of slow cooking. I got a book out of the library today called Healthy Living for Families by Jenny Craig. In it was this easy (and delicious) creamy rice pudding recipe.

1/2 cup long grain rice
625ml low fat milk
1 Tbsp caster sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 cinnamon stick
1 egg yolk, lightly beaten
3 Tbsp sultanas

Soak the rice in water for approx 15 mins, then drain and rinse in cold water. Place the milk, sugar, vanilla and cinnamon stick in a medium size pot and bring to the boil. Add the rice, cover and simmer until the rice is soft, approx 17 minutes, stirring often. Add the egg yolk and sultanas and continue cooking, uncovered, for another minute. Remove from the heat, discard the cinnamon stick and serve the rice pudding into individual serving bowls.

Kings Park

2011-10-11T16:27:00.000+08:00

With keeping with our theme of enjoying the spring sunshine, today we headed to the famous Kings Park to get some fresh air.

The grounds are beautifully kept, and of course with such beautiful weather and being school holidays, the park was very busy.

We stopped at Mt Eliza lookout which looks out over Perth City.

Then we set off on a trail, across bridges which took us high into the trees, what a view!

After that big walk, it was definitely time for some refreshments.

Ella wanted me to take a photo of her beside these pretty flowers!

Kings Park has two wonderful playgrounds. First we visited the Synergy playground which is aimed at older kids. It was really packed with lots of picnickers! The girls' rode their scooters around for a bit before playing.

We then headed around to the Ivy Watson playground which is probably better suited to smaller kids. My girls still loved it though.

Cheap Entertainment

2011-10-10T15:56:00.000+08:00

Bathers, water, balloons and sunshine.

This kept the girls' happy for ages. Even the cat joined in. A beautiful 27 deg C, made it just perfect.

Biscuit Baking

2011-10-08T16:58:00.000+08:00

Today I made a batch of afghans. They are one of my favourite biscuits, and I used the recipe from one of my favourite cook books - The Edmonds Cookbook, one of NZ's favourites cook books that is a must in every NZ household.

Afghans

200g butter
75g sugar
175g flour
25g cocoa
50g cornflakes

Soften butter, add sugar and beat to a cream; add flour, cocoa and lastly cornflakes. Put spoonfuls on a greased oven tray and bake about 15mins at 180 deg C. When cold, ice with chocolate icing and put walnuts on top.

Volcano Park

2011-10-07T16:55:00.000+08:00

The girls' had to come with me to work this morning which they didn't mind too much, but after that and after we had been to our friends to feed the animals, we came home and threw some food & drink in the basket and went to the park for some sunshine and fresh air.

Volcano Park is situated in Belmont, about 10-15 minutes from us depending on traffic. It's right next to where we go swimming and where the girls' go for school swimming lessons (next term!) The park is famous for its volcano (hence the name!) which puts out a gust of steam periodically. Except some days it's turned off. Which today it was. Nevermind, the girls' still had fun.

The flying fox is always a huge hit and kids line up time and time again for a go.

Of course, food always tastes better eaten out in the fresh air. The mandarins went down a treat.

There were slides, tunnels and water fountains to enjoy, as well as diggers for all ages :)

Stopping for a rest ...

One of the cool sculptures the grace the playground

The quickest way for Ella to get down from the top of the volcano was to slide down, and not the convectional slide!

Swimming

2011-10-06T12:48:00.000+08:00

We are looking after our friends pets while they are away for the school holidays, and of course they jumped for joy when the learned we could use their pool too. It's heated to 32 deg C, but still way to cold for me when I get out. The girls had a ball though on this beautiful day!

Perth Royal Show

2011-10-05T19:39:00.006+08:00

We caught the train into the city this morning and met up with Amie's train coming up from the south. Then all together we caught another train out to the Claremont Showgrounds to have some fun at the show. The girls had been looking forward to it for days.

The view as we walked from the train down the hill into the showgrounds

The queues to pay were quite long, but they seemed to move pretty quickly. This year due to CHOGM the government set free entry for kids under 12 which was a great saving.

First up we visited the Scouts Zone which had tons of free activities for the kids to enjoy!


walking across the bridge was first up


Pretty lights entertained Kate for ages

Jonah wasn't too sure though

Ella and Ruby go through the maze

Free face painting!

After that we wandered along and of course the girls' wanted to go for a ride on the "Sky View" and get some show bags.

They both chose Sponge Bob show bags

The crowds through the side shows was just as you would expect - CRAZY!

Kate & Amie went on the roller coaster - "Python Loop"

then she took Ella on the Splash Down (Ruby is still too short for alot of the rides)

They both got pretty wet!

but came out smiling!

Kate entertained a tired Jonah by showing him Sponge Bob

The girls all had a few goes and getting a lucky number and choosing a prize!

Ella was lucky and chose "Dumbo"

Then we all sat down on the grass so Jonah could have a run around, and we had an ice cream and fairy floss.

the girls looked through their show bags to see what they got (they later got a "glow bag" each as well)

Jonah loves to get up close and personal for a photo these days

He spent some time burning some energy by throwing Ella's toy around

The beautiful stilt lady was giving out some freebies - they all got a frisbee.

I took the girls' on the "Sky View" at the end of the day. We got a good view from up above!

A view of the train station down below with lots of passengers waiting for a train home

We did visit the pavillions which held food tasting, craft and lots of goodies (and junk! to buy) We visited the cat show but could hardly move in there. We stopped in shady spots quite a bit to rest our weary legs. We all had a great day though and I'm sure we will all sleep well tonight.


Kate on the train home with her new cowgirl hat from her Glow Bag!

Dancing Competition

2011-10-03T21:41:00.001+08:00

This beautiful and talented song and dance troupe placed FIRST in todays competitions. Very proud moment for everyone!

Kate proudly holds one of the trophies (on the left)

Enjoying the simple things

2011-10-01T21:14:00.000+08:00

Camping at home.

After heading to the camping shop today to purchase a table in a sale for half price, and with it being such a beautiful day, Ella asked if she could have her tent put up when we got home

There is alot to organise to get the full camping experience at home, but a quick rest is essential!

Then it was time for a game of cards. Infact they played so many games, it kept them quite all afternoon.

Then as I was finished up sorting out the camping gear in the shed and some gardening it started to rain, so they moved the tent closer to home!

Then there was a bit more sunshine, before it set

The girls wanted to eat dinner outside at the new table (we still need bench seats, but will wait until they are on sale) and use the camping plates and cups

Then they had a bath and back into the tent to play cards (again!)

They finished off with Phil making them a hot chocolate in their mugs.

Well so I thought. The tent came inside too. Now they are sleeping in it. Well lets see if they last all night. (It's still a bit cold inside)

Good night girls!

Yeehah!

2011-09-30T07:15:00.000+08:00

After today we'll be out enjoying things like this, while we have a day at the Perth Royal Show!

We are so looking forward to the break! Roll on 3pm!

Sunshine

2011-09-28T11:18:00.001+08:00

Finally after days of rain, wind, hail and just about everything else but nice weather, we have a break from it all. There are still some clouds about, but mostly it is a good day. A good day to get the washing dry out on the line.


Gordan loves the sun too!

All that rain has made the plants grow like crazy!

the carrots need thinning

sweet Livingston daisies

rainbow chard has love all the rain

the tomato and capsicum so big now

I hope the sun is shining wherever you are today!

Ballet

2011-09-28T09:10:00.001+08:00

the tutus will sit up better once they are ironed

The girls' brought home the first of their costumes for their dancing concert yesterday. Aren't they just beautiful! They are both in the same ballet class (Bronze Medal) hence the same costume. The concert isn't until the end of November, so we have to keep these nice until then :) The dancing school purchased them from the USA. The girls' are in their 4th year of ballet. They wore pink the first year, then purple and last year was green. It's nice they so far have had a different colour every year. The girls' are already getting excited (costumes will do that!) but it's awhile to wait yet.


I need to replace the elastic on Ella's pumps for ribbons (again!)

Well done to Kate!

2011-09-27T19:22:00.000+08:00

My beautiful clever talented daughter Kate :) came home with the offer of an Indonesian Scholarship at a high school up in the Perth Hills.

Only 2 Year Five's from her class were selected

Kade was the other one

these are the same two kids who were chosen earlier in the year to attend this

The classes will cover Indonesian of course, plus other languages that are taught by the teachers at the high school. There are two other local primary school involved as well. The scholarship runs until they finish primary school. (Even though Kates school goes upto Year 7, she will finish in Year 6 and start high school (private) at Year 7. So these classes will run on a Monday morning from Term Four until the end of 2012. Kate is super excited and I'm so proud she has been recognised as the high achiever that we know she is!

Medicine Box

2011-09-27T09:14:00.000+08:00

photo source

When I got up in the middle of the night to find some Paw paw cream for a sore on my face I got really frustrated that my first aid kit was such a shambles.
So I decided to empty it all out and check what we actually used and what was expired and narrow it down to what we really need inside. I also have one in the car that has things like bandages, a sling and a blanket in it. I don't keep all those things inside as they are not needed regularly, and the girls would always be playing doctors and nurses with them and I would never know where they were.

These are the must haves at our place:

invaluable - so many uses, very gentle for babies and sensitive skin

a must have for all scratches and cuts

great for chests and stuffy noses

the only pain relief I use now, fantastic for migraines

the night strength one

bandaids - of course

pain relief for the kids. I found Panadol never worked when Ella was small and having multiple seizures and I needed to get her temp down

the best relief for a sore throat

for muscular and joint pain

a thermometer is a must have - especially if you have kids

we grew up with this and now we have some, so many uses

great for indegestion

emergency night time relief, for something like earache

must have for cold sores

cream for coldsores


this stuff is wonderful for coughs - great for kids and adults

Please share what your must haves are in your medicine cupboard, you never know what other useful lotions and potions are out there!

Last week of Term

2011-09-26T13:44:00.000+08:00

The girls' are really tired now as the end of Term Three looms. We are all looking forward to the 2 week break, no dancing classes (Kate has a competition on the first day of the hols) no school uniforms, no packed lunches to make, no rushing out the door at 8:20am, earlier dinners (sometimes it's 8pm before we eat) no homework, and just relaxed and happy kids.

Hopefully the weather will be kind to us and the girls can enjoy lots of these

We will have more time to catch up with our favourite little man

and of course his beautiful sister

and there is always alot of this going on during some downtime as well as board games to play!

and as already mentioned, Kate has a Troupe Comp on the first day!

What do you have planned for the holidays?

Oven Baked Pumpkin Risotto

2011-09-24T07:53:00.000+08:00

This is a recipe I've been making for my family for years. It's quick and easy to make, not to mention delicious. I find I always have more pumpkin in the fridge than I need (I love roast pumpkin) so this recipe is a good way to use some of it up.

Oven baked pumpkin risotto

2 cups diced pumpkin
1 cup Arborio rice
1 onion, finely chopped
2 1/2 cups chicken stock
30g butter chopped
3Tbsp grated parmesan cheese
2Tbsp chopped parsley
Season to taste

Place pumpkin, rice, and onion into a large ovenproof dish. Stir in stock. Top with butter. Cover dish tightly with a lid or foil.

Bake in moderate (180 degree) over for 30-40 minutes, or until rice and pumpkin are tender.

Stir in cheese, parsley and seasonings just before serving.
ENJOY!

The Best Buys

2011-09-23T06:59:00.000+08:00

There's been a bit of shopping and a bit of smurfing around!
We love The Reject Shop, and since we have one in our local shopping centre, we visit there frequently seeing what bargains they have. Yesterday I got these things:


Isn't this tray gorgeous?

The girls had been wanting cookie cutters for ages, I was after a new tray and found this pretty one, and they had some of my favourite chocolate.
After school, while Ella was at a friends house, Kate played with the (few!) Smurfs!

But once Ella was home and it was bedtime, the smurfs disappeared with her - along with MY tray!

Strawberries!

2011-09-22T19:32:00.001+08:00

If you are like me and you always buy alot at a time (or you grow them) because everyone loves them so much, sometimes you might need ideas on how to eat them different ways.

Here are some wonderful and yummy ways I found over at Domesblissity - Please go over and check out her wonderful blog - she's very inspiring with lots of delicious recipes and loads more!

1. Strawberry Jelly

Mix up a jelly as per instructions. Add fruit and leave to set.

2. Strawberry ice cubes

You can leave the strawberries whole. Place in an ice cube try and fill with water. Add to a glass or jug of cold water to serve. You can also mash/blend/puree the strawberries, fill the ice cube tray and add the strawberry ice cubes to dacquiris, lemonade, champagne or suck on as is.

3. Strawberry icy poles

Add pureed strawberries to icy pole moulds, as is or mixed with fruit juice, other pureed fruits, yoghurt, lemonade, whole pieces of other fruit.Whatever your imagination comes up with!

4. Strawberry pancakes

Chop strawberries and add to your favourite pancake or pikelet batter. The above photo is from Rachel Ray's Magazine so it's only fitting that I list her recipe below.

Ingredients

1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted, plus more for serving
2 cups sliced strawberries
Pure maple syrup, for serving

Directions:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, milk and vanilla. Preheat a nonstick griddle over medium heat.
Whisk the wet ingredients into the dry. Stir in the melted butter. The batter should be thick and smooth. Fold in the strawberries.
Spoon the batter onto the griddle 1/4 cup at a time. Cook the pancakes until set and thoroughly bubbly, about 3 minutes. Flip them with a spatula and cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes more. Serve with butter and maple syrup.

5. Strawberry butter

Mix finely chopped strawberries with softened butter. Spread on anything that you would usually spread butter on.

6. Strawberry and apple crumble

You can find the recipe here

7. Strawberry, yoghurt and muesli parfait

In individual glasses or cups, layer any flavour yoghurt you have with muesli (or granola) and blended/pureed strawberries. Top with more chopped strawberries.

8. Strawberry Eton Mess

Either make or purchase meringues, crush and mix with whipped cream and chopped strawberries. Serve in individual serving glasses.

9. Strawberry cake

Use a plain un-iced sponge cake from the supermarket topped with plain whipped cream and topped with strawberries or add the chopped strawberries to the cream.

What the kids are reading!

2011-09-22T10:06:00.001+08:00

It was a really wet day yesterday and cold. We had a small taste of spring last week, and then it was taken away. Yesterday seemed so short and dark. Very dark. After school and before dancing we visited the library as the girls were complaining they had run out of books to read, plus we had some to return to the library. I'm happy my girls love the library so much. They always find plenty of great books to keep them going. Perfect for snuggling up in bed on a cold night with.

Kates teacher is reading a series by Justin D'Ath which has Kate hooked. So she was thrilled to locate some yesterday.

Ella loves the Judy Moody series and was thrilled that one she had reserved was waiting for her.

The movie based on this book is out next month, she can hardly wait to see it. She also reserved this one.

Ella still loves comprehensive picture books and found these cool ones

and there were some favourite authors in there too

This should keep them going for a bit and hopefully the weather will warm up again soon!

Spring Cleaning

2011-09-20T15:33:00.000+08:00

I've spent the last 2 days spring cleaning the girls' rooms. I did Kate's yesterday which took me twice as long as Ella's did today. Her room is bigger and she does have more stuff, so I guess that's why. I got rid of quite a bit of rubbish and clothes to pass on. It's nice now that they are done. Not sure which room I will get done next but hoping to get through the whole house in about six weeks.

Ella's room

Kate's room

At the Movies

2011-09-18T13:41:00.000+08:00

Today we woke up to pouring rain after a storm swept through just after 4am. So what better way to spend a couple of hours than going to the movies. The girls had been waiting ages to see The Smurfs.

We are lucky enough that Phil is home for 5 days, so he got to come along too. It was a great movie and I highly recommend it!

September garden

2011-09-14T19:56:00.006+08:00

We are spending so much time outside at the moment, eating most of our meals out there (yes, even breakfast!) before summer hits. It's so lovely out there right now with new flowers popping out every day, birds sitting in the trees singing, the cat comes outside too - it's a real family affair!

I'm loving geraniums right now

And pansies are always so cheerful looking

more geraniums and pansies together

miniature pansies

Carrots growing fast

Strawberries growing!

rainbow chard

tomato and capsicum have really taken off

pretty colour


a quiet spot to sit

Ella's Purchase

2011-09-13T20:03:00.000+08:00

A few weeks ago, Ella told me she was saving up to buy a pillow pet she had seen advertised on tv. She could never quite remember the details, so she recorded a program with the pillow advertised in the ads, then paused the ad and wrote down all the details.
She then took two weeks to decide which pet to buy and we ordered it last week. Every day since then she has asked after school whether a parcel has arrived for her. I had strict instructions I was NOT to open it. I had been out all day today, so a card was left in the letterbox for us to collect a parcel from the post office. We stopped to collect it on the way to ballet, and she opened it just before going in to class.

Sunday

2011-09-11T20:48:00.001+08:00

Well with the RWC underway, I am spending alot of time on the couch soaking it all up! With three games played this afternoon/evening the girls kept themselves busy and made some biscuits

While I was in the shower (after a morning of gardening) I came out to Kate saying morning tea was ready outside! Aren't 10 year olds the best!

I had to laugh when Gordon wanted me to turn on the outside tap for a drink. This cat only drinks running water (always from the bathroom tap) so need to find something to catch all the excess.

Sun, Sand and Sea

2011-09-10T17:59:00.002+08:00

After dancing today, we packed a picnic and headed to South Beach for a glorious afternoon. The temperature was 25 deg, a perfect spring day! The beach was really quiet, which was great, we had it almost to ourselves. The girls dipped their feet a bit and then got in the water a bit further, but after awhile they got a bit chilly so opted to play in the sand instead!

There is nothing like fresh watermelon to enjoy on a warm day at the beach

and some chocolate cake always goes down well

there were handstands on the beach

shells to collect

getting braver in the cool water

climbing the rocks

got to love that gorgeous backdrop and of course those gorgeous children!

Ella stopped to look at the dogs swimming at the dog beach next door

cheeky seagull comes to visit

Ella does some digging

after 2 hours at the beach, we loaded our bags back into the car and headed to the playground and cafe for ice cream, hot chips and a play! A lovely Saturday afternoon!

Rugby World Cup 2011

2011-09-08T12:48:00.000+08:00

To say I am looking forward to this is an understatement! One more sleep!

Happy Birthday Mum!

2011-09-06T07:33:00.000+08:00

Mum and Jonah at 8 wks

To the most wonderful caring Mum in the World,

Happy Birthday!

We love you xoxo