A Library Bag for Grace

I found out last week that we needed to supply Grace with a library bag for kindy. A drawstring bag was the recommended style.

I had a quick look around the shops, but didn't see anything suitable. I wasn't trying too hard though, as the thought had already occurred to me that this might be a great sewing opportunity. I didn't even look online!

During a break at work today I popped in to Lincraft and purchased half a metre of kid's furnishing fabric and a metre of cord. This is what I turned it into tonight:

The finished library bag.

I didn't follow a pattern, but just cut a length of fabric, folded it in half (right sides together) and sewed side seams, then turned the top over and sewed the pouch for the drawstring cord.

Do you think it is colourful enough?

I attached a large pink spot on one side to make the design a little bit more interesting, then added a running stitch around the edge by hand. Looking at it now, I should have made the spot bigger. I'll have to remember that for next time!

I toyed with the idea of adding Grace's name to really personalise the bag, but I figured it was fairly unique already!

Detail of the decorative spot.

I'm rather pleased with how the bag turned out. And even more pleased by the fact it only cost me about $7.50. Definitely cheaper than anything I would have found online!

Our Weekend in Echuca Moama - Part 2

One of the highlights of our weekend away was a trip on a paddlesteamer. We chose the PS Canberra - primarily because we could get the pram on board! I was interested to see that she actually celebrated 100 years this last weekend.

The PS Canberra coming in ready for us to board.

Here are a few photos taken during our one hour cruise:

PS Emmylou chugging past.

Paddlesteamers tied up at the wharf.

An iconic scene.

The historic Echuca wharf.

Neil and Lucinda relaxing on board.

Each of the girls was given a turn at the wheel, and received a certificate to prove it!

Captain Charlotte (with help from Mum).

The weather was very hot and sunny, so enjoying an icecream was high up on the agenda.

The epitome of happiness!

The other thing we couldn't miss was the traditional evening drive to see the Christmas lights. This giant Santa was just off the road leading to our accommodation, and the girls were fascinated by it.

There was no missing this Santa!

As Christmas approaches again (believe it or not, the supermarket already has fruit mince pies for sale!) it's nice to look back on what we did last year. Perhaps we should make it a family tradition!

Our Weekend in Echuca Moama - Part 1

[This post is about 7 months old, and for some reason missed out on being uploaded. But I thought the pictures make it worth sharing even if it is late!]

Two facts you may not know:

1. My husband is quite clever sometimes.
2. Going away the weekend before Christmas has a lot of advantages.

No, I wasn't quite organised enough to have done all the shopping, so I did spend quite a bit of Christmas Eve buying last minute presents and groceries. But the holiday park we stayed at was quiet, and we could enjoy all the facilities with ease. For us, it was a great time to go away.

On our first evening, we bought some take away pizza and had a picnic by a billabong in Echuca. The girls had a lot of fun running around and expending the energy they had accumulated while sitting in the car.

Our 'perfect pizza picnic'!

Charlotte and Grace having fun chasing each other.

Two beautiful faces.

We stayed in a cabin at the Moama on Murray Resort for three nights, and found the facilities were perfect for a young family.

There was an animal nursery, where we could feed the animals each morning.

Grace feeding the chickens.

Beatrice the pig.

Rambo the sheep.

Squiggles, the indoor play centre on site, proved to be the biggest hit with our family.

Lucinda exploring the ball pit.

Grace.

Charlotte.

Lucinda playing with Daddy in the baby's area.

We also loved the lagoon style swimming pool, with a large shallow area for toddlers to paddle in, and shade sails to keep the fierce sun at bay.

Enjoying the affection of my three little girls.

A great pool for toddlers.

Daddy and Lucinda chilling out.

There are so many photos to share, I'll need to use another post to tell you about all the sights we saw around town.

Our Sixth Wedding Anniversary

Over the next few weeks you're likely to read quite a few posts about events that occurred sometime in the last six months. I've got a lot to catch up on!

On the 27th May, Neil and I celebrated our sixth wedding anniversary. While this day was special, the day before was even more so, as it marked ten years since our first date. We got a babysitter to mind the girls, and went out to dinner at Shakahari vegetarian restaurant in Carlton (the scene of our first dinner together).

Our anniversary fell on a Monday, which meant Neil and I were both at work, and the girls were at their early learning centre. We had told Grace about our anniversary, so during the day she decided to draw a picture for us.

Here it is:

Daddy and Mummy holding hands, with two birds flying in the sky above them.

It is so exciting to have seen her progress from scribbles to drawing recognisable figures. And it was lovely to receive such a personal gift.

We've been through a lot in the last six years. Good and bad. There are things in our relationship that we still need to work on. It's not all perfect. But I look at our family and feel very, very blessed.

As Neil commented the other day, "We're coming up to seven years married, but I'm not feeling itchy."

Neither am I.

Felt Bird Keyring

It was my friend Nevila's birthday yesterday.

I had been looking forward to attending the Craft & Quilt Fair, but ended up staying home due to a lack of finances. So I thought - instead of looking at crafts, why not make something?

This felt bird keyring was a kit from a Mollie Makes magazine I purchased recently (a fantastic magazine, if you're not familiar with it). All I needed was some Bondaweb and stuffing. The instructions were simple, and I was really pleased with how it turned out.

I customised the keyring by sewing a felt patch on the back. On the patch, I embroidered "Math. 6:26", a reference to the words of Jesus:

"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?"

I got myself a little bit confused by embroidering straight onto the patch without writing the text out first. So it looks a little primitive, and "Matt." turned into "Math." by mistake. Still, it's the thought that counts, right?

I wrapped some fresh pumpkin scones (still warm from the oven) in a blue tea towel with white polka dots, added the keyring and a card, and Grace and I dropped off the package in the afternoon.

Another handmade gift done. I'm not sure how great it is for the recipient, but I find the process very satisfying and rewarding.

(A quick word of apology to those friends and family who are yet to receive a gift from me this year. My efforts are a little patchy. But I haven't forgotten you!)

I'm Back!

It has been almost five months since my last post.

Five months during which I've missed documenting my life and thoughts. And hopefully, five months during which you've missed hearing from me.

My sudden silence doesn't have an easy explanation. Factors that played a part include a couple of unsuccessful IVF cycles, a trip interstate, less free time in the evening (due to lying with Grace to help her go to sleep), and discouragement.

To put it simply, I've been in a slump.

"And when you're in a Slump,

you're not in for much fun.

Un-slumping yourself

is not easily done."

- Dr Suess

I wouldn't say I've managed to 'un-slump' myself just yet. That is still a work in progress. But I've come to realise that posting here regularly will help, rather than hinder, that task. 

This blog creates a record of our family life, and makes me more mindful of what is happening each day. It helps me organise my thoughts, process my feelings, and practise my writing skills. 

Most significantly, the simple act of writing a post is a statement of belief that my life and my thoughts are worth sharing. 

So watch this space ... there's more coming! 

2013 Teddy Bear's Picnic at Rippon Lea Estate

On Sunday, 24th February we finally did something I've wanted to do for awhile, and attended the annual Teddy Bear's Picnic at Rippon Lea House and Gardens.

This National Trust property includes a mansion built in 1868, and 14 acres of beautiful gardens. Unfortunately it was a very hot day, and the heat combined with the crowds made it not the right day to explore the estate. We'll have to go back another time to check it all out properly.

Part of the large crowd picnicking in the grounds.

We brought along a basket of 14 teddies, leaving our very large teddy at home for logistical reasons. The organisers were hoping to beat the Guinness World Record for the largest teddy bear's picnic, but fell well short of the mark. Still, it looked like a lot of people, teddies and other soft toys attended and enjoyed the day.

Grace and the teddies waiting for the Peppa Pig show.

Our teddies.

The entertainment included a Peppa Pig show, which Grace and Charlotte were excited to see. However, it was the pirate MC who captured their attention the most.

The pirate MC introducing the Peppa Pig show.

Peppa Pig.

There was a small animal nursery, rides, market stalls (I bought a couple of great bibs) and other activities to keep everyone amused. Grace and Charlotte enjoyed the craft area, where they coloured a teddy each and put them up on display.

Grace colouring in her teddy bear.

Grace's finished teddy.

Grace and Charlotte's teddies on display.

The girls seemed to enjoy eating their sandwiches, cookies and fruit, and drank lots of water and juice. But by far the greatest fun to be had was climbing all over Daddy!

Little girl's picnic food.

Climbing on Daddy.

Neil and his daughters.

We left by mid afternoon, to attend a friend's birthday party on the other side of town. But by then we'd enjoyed a great family outing.  This might become an annual tradition!

"Every teddy bear, that's been good

Is sure of a treat today

There's lots of wonderful things to eat

And wonderful games to play

Beneath the trees, where nobody sees

They'll hide and seek as long as they please

Today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic"