Sorry, I know I'm long overdue a proper post but not much has been going on here and of course with the onset of winter I don't take many pics due to low light. I haven't had the urge to pick up my camera in the longest time.
So, in the meantime, some more cool things:
Water light
Composite pavers
Interesting basin
Amazing low-cost kitchen makeover
Funny baby care instructions
25 November 2009
22 November 2009
P
On Friday the boys got to go to school dressed as something with P and take a pound for Children in Need. Daniel went as a penguin and Noah was a pilot.
For Daniel's costume I simply cut a piece of white fabric and safety-pinned it to his black top. Some orange cardstock stapled to his black beanie and a couple of white cardstock eyes completed the costume.
Noah he wore his race-card driver outfit. I created two stickers to stick over the car graphics - one of a plane and one saying "[school name] Airways".
For Daniel's costume I simply cut a piece of white fabric and safety-pinned it to his black top. Some orange cardstock stapled to his black beanie and a couple of white cardstock eyes completed the costume.
Noah he wore his race-card driver outfit. I created two stickers to stick over the car graphics - one of a plane and one saying "[school name] Airways".
21 November 2009
Don't do it
Don't go over to Nicole's blog 60 Piggies. Don't visit her store and comment letting her know which item you love the most and would like to win.
Because then I have less chance of winning and I really, really, really want one of her stunning pieces of jewellery. I took the longest time picking my favourite because I want them all!
(Okay, you know I'm kidding - you have to see the goodies, they are to die for. Just don't win, mmmkay?)
Because then I have less chance of winning and I really, really, really want one of her stunning pieces of jewellery. I took the longest time picking my favourite because I want them all!
(Okay, you know I'm kidding - you have to see the goodies, they are to die for. Just don't win, mmmkay?)
20 November 2009
Town
Daniel, Noah and Phillipa created this town in my bedroom. Daniel asked me, "Can you take a picture of it, please, and put it on your blog?"
Me: "You want me to do that?"
Daniel: "Yes ... it's that good."
Me: "You want me to do that?"
Daniel: "Yes ... it's that good."
18 November 2009
Last week
Last week was incredibly busy. I spent the whole week planning and preparing for Daniel's birthday party, our guests who visited over the weekend (my mom, my cousin Di and her husband and daughter) and Daniel's baptism on Saturday. I was planning meals, shopping, cleaning, preparing beds, designing and printing the baptism order of service, arranging things for the service and I baked lemon cake, brownies, choc mint cookies, ginger cupcakes, carrot cupcakes, vanilla cupcakes, choc chip cheesecake cookies and apple muffins to be served after the baptism.
The weekend was absolutely wonderful and the baptism went smoothly. Daniel had the biggest grin on his face. It was a really lovely service. All in all it was a fantastic weekend and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped and came all the way to visit!
The weekend was absolutely wonderful and the baptism went smoothly. Daniel had the biggest grin on his face. It was a really lovely service. All in all it was a fantastic weekend and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped and came all the way to visit!
17 November 2009
Daniel's spider birthday cake
Pretty easy, compared to some of the cakes I've done before. I baked a round chocolate cake, iced it with chocolate icing and sprinkles, cut Mini Rolls at angles and toothpicked them together. Some chocolate chip eyes and some fangs cut from a plastic milk bottle and voila - a spider.
Click here, here and here for previous birthday cakes.
Click here, here and here for previous birthday cakes.
Daniel's bug themed birthday party
Last Tuesday after school Daniel had a little birthday party (it was his birthday on Saturday - more on that later). We had decided on a bug theme, even though it was just a small party (a glorified playdate, more like) with 6 guests. Here are the invitations I made:
Step 1: Find some bug clipart on Google images and print them out.
Step 2: Cut them out.
Step 3: Design and print the front of the invitation:
Step 4: Design and print the inside of the invitation:
Step 5: Cut two slits in the centre of the inside:
Step 6: Fold the centre piece outwards:
Step 7: Glue the inside to the invitation:
Step 8: Glue the bug to the centre piece:
Ta-da! A pop-up birthday invitation.
Grant and I organised bug-themed games for the boys, including:
- Bug Charades - Grant would tell them a bug in their ear and they had to act it out and the other kids had to guess what it was
- Musical Dead Bug (we played music and the kids had to dance; when we paused the music they had to throw themselves onto the floor and pretend to be a dead bug. The last person to do so was out)
- The Bug Game (we would shout various bug names and they had to act them - ladybug: mince around like a girl; stink bug - well, you know 8 year old boys love fart humour...; cockroach: scatter to the edge of the room; dung beetle: pretend to be rolling a ball of dung; grasshopper: hop around; worm: wiggle around on the floor; dragonfly: zoom around with arms extended; bed bug: pretend to be asleep; spider: move around on hands and feet)
- They each drew a bug on a balloon and then they rushed around stomping on all of the "bugs" - the person with the last balloon intact won
- Caterpillar (they split up into pairs, then each pair had a roll of toilet paper and one boy had to wrap the other boy into his "cocoon" - the first pair to finish their roll of toilet paper won)
For food they ate wiggly worm hot dogs:
For dessert they had worms in dirt (chocolate pudding, crushed Oreo cookies, gummy worms):
I thought they'd love it, but there were "Eeuw!" comments, and one boy didn't like pudding and another didn't like chocolate (!) so they weren't that popular. Oh well!
Here's Daniel about to blow out his candles - I'll do a seperate post showing off the spider cake I made for him:
Step 1: Find some bug clipart on Google images and print them out.
Step 2: Cut them out.
Step 3: Design and print the front of the invitation:
Step 4: Design and print the inside of the invitation:
Step 5: Cut two slits in the centre of the inside:
Step 6: Fold the centre piece outwards:
Step 7: Glue the inside to the invitation:
Step 8: Glue the bug to the centre piece:
Ta-da! A pop-up birthday invitation.
Grant and I organised bug-themed games for the boys, including:
- Bug Charades - Grant would tell them a bug in their ear and they had to act it out and the other kids had to guess what it was
- Musical Dead Bug (we played music and the kids had to dance; when we paused the music they had to throw themselves onto the floor and pretend to be a dead bug. The last person to do so was out)
- The Bug Game (we would shout various bug names and they had to act them - ladybug: mince around like a girl; stink bug - well, you know 8 year old boys love fart humour...; cockroach: scatter to the edge of the room; dung beetle: pretend to be rolling a ball of dung; grasshopper: hop around; worm: wiggle around on the floor; dragonfly: zoom around with arms extended; bed bug: pretend to be asleep; spider: move around on hands and feet)
- They each drew a bug on a balloon and then they rushed around stomping on all of the "bugs" - the person with the last balloon intact won
- Caterpillar (they split up into pairs, then each pair had a roll of toilet paper and one boy had to wrap the other boy into his "cocoon" - the first pair to finish their roll of toilet paper won)
For food they ate wiggly worm hot dogs:
For dessert they had worms in dirt (chocolate pudding, crushed Oreo cookies, gummy worms):
I thought they'd love it, but there were "Eeuw!" comments, and one boy didn't like pudding and another didn't like chocolate (!) so they weren't that popular. Oh well!
Here's Daniel about to blow out his candles - I'll do a seperate post showing off the spider cake I made for him:
16 November 2009
14 November 2009
12 November 2009
Feather wreath
I've always quite liked wreaths but I've never had one. So when I saw two silver wicker wreath forms at B&Q for 10p each (!) I snapped them both up.
Yesterday I took one and hauled out the two white feather boas I've had forever and wrapped the boas around the wreath form. I didn't glue or pin them, just tucked the ends under. I added a length of turquoise ribbon and stuck it to the mirror in the studio with a thumb tack. Voila - my el-cheapo feather wreath!
Yesterday I took one and hauled out the two white feather boas I've had forever and wrapped the boas around the wreath form. I didn't glue or pin them, just tucked the ends under. I added a length of turquoise ribbon and stuck it to the mirror in the studio with a thumb tack. Voila - my el-cheapo feather wreath!
8 November 2009
The House Game
I share quite a few ideas here on my blog, but I hardly ever post a follow-up and you probably assume my ideas always work out.
They don't.
Remember Daniel's bunk bed shelf? He didn't like it. He said he felt like it was going to fall on him and then when he tried to push it further along the rail it broke. I never fixed it (what's the point if he doesn't like it?) So that idea was a bust.
And then remember the summer holiday schedule clock? Well, the battery in the clock died right after I made the little icons and I never got around to replacing it. Well, I asked Grant to replace it because he has an elaborate system of batteries that are charged, batteries that are waiting to be charged and batteries that are supposed-to-be-charged-but-act-like-they-are-flat. I can never find a working battery so that's why I never bothered to do it myself. Grant never got around to it so we never actually used the clock!
But The House Game ... The House Game actually works!! I know, I was shocked too.
Especially since it involves making my children work.
Ah, work ... it's a whole other post I've been meaning to do (along with answering your organising questions, which I haven't forgotten about.) Work isn't just something that is necessary, it is something that is so important for our self-esteem, minds and bodies. But like I said, that's another post. My point is, I wanted to get my kids working around the house more, and this is what I came up with.
Okay, well, not at first - to start with, it was just a numbered list scribbled on a piece of paper. It still worked.
On the list (or printed, cut out and stuck onto this patterned paper in a frame) are 12 numbers.
Next to (or below) each number is a room or chore. They go like this:
1 - Hall
2 - Studio
3 - Lounge
4 - Kitchen
5 - Landing
6 - Bathroom
7 - Daniel & Noah's bedroom
8 - Mommy & Daddy's bedroom
9 - Laundry
10 - Throw again
11 - Parent's choice
12 - Vacuum
The boys each take turns to throw the dice. If they throw, for example, a 3 and a 5 then that adds up to 8 and we run upstairs and do Mommy & Daddy's bedroom. (To start with, they throw with one dice until the hall gets done.)
My goal is to keep them moving. As I make the bed in my bedroom I visually scan the room and give them jobs to do (replace shoes in the wardrobe, bring me pillows off the floor, open the curtains, etc) until the room is done.
As I unload the dishwasher in the kitchen they are clearing the table and wiping it, putting away snacks, straightening the chairs.
As I fold the blankets in the lounge they are putting the remote controls where they belong, straightening the cushions on the couch, picking up toys.
When we are busy downstairs we have a plastic tub into which we throw all toys and things that belong upstairs, and then when we are done we take the tub up and put the things away.
When we do laundry it means that I am folding clean laundry and sending them off to put things away, or they fill a plastic tub with dirty laundry and take it to the cellar and put a load on to wash (Daniel can do this by himself, Noah helps him).
We are working together.
They enjoy it because it's fair (we are all working together, nobody is slacking off) and because it's not overwhelming (one room, one mini task in that room at a time) and they don't have to think, just do the little tasks I give them. They don't have time to stop and think, get bored or protest.
When I decide that we will play The House Game it is non-negotiable - but I usually let them know what will happen when we are finished (they can have a treat, we can go out, they can do a craft, etc).
It's amazing how quickly the house gets picked up and how good the boys feel about themselves afterwards!
I've only played this game with them with tidying, not so much cleaning (dusting, polishing, wiping, except in the kitchen), but that will follow.
So I just wanted to share this little game that works for us! I'm excited to try the framed version - I plan to use a dry-wipe marker to cross off each room as we do them.
If you try The House Game with your family please let me know how it goes!
They don't.
Remember Daniel's bunk bed shelf? He didn't like it. He said he felt like it was going to fall on him and then when he tried to push it further along the rail it broke. I never fixed it (what's the point if he doesn't like it?) So that idea was a bust.
And then remember the summer holiday schedule clock? Well, the battery in the clock died right after I made the little icons and I never got around to replacing it. Well, I asked Grant to replace it because he has an elaborate system of batteries that are charged, batteries that are waiting to be charged and batteries that are supposed-to-be-charged-but-act-like-they-are-flat. I can never find a working battery so that's why I never bothered to do it myself. Grant never got around to it so we never actually used the clock!
But The House Game ... The House Game actually works!! I know, I was shocked too.
Especially since it involves making my children work.
Ah, work ... it's a whole other post I've been meaning to do (along with answering your organising questions, which I haven't forgotten about.) Work isn't just something that is necessary, it is something that is so important for our self-esteem, minds and bodies. But like I said, that's another post. My point is, I wanted to get my kids working around the house more, and this is what I came up with.
Okay, well, not at first - to start with, it was just a numbered list scribbled on a piece of paper. It still worked.
On the list (or printed, cut out and stuck onto this patterned paper in a frame) are 12 numbers.
Next to (or below) each number is a room or chore. They go like this:
1 - Hall
2 - Studio
3 - Lounge
4 - Kitchen
5 - Landing
6 - Bathroom
7 - Daniel & Noah's bedroom
8 - Mommy & Daddy's bedroom
9 - Laundry
10 - Throw again
11 - Parent's choice
12 - Vacuum
The boys each take turns to throw the dice. If they throw, for example, a 3 and a 5 then that adds up to 8 and we run upstairs and do Mommy & Daddy's bedroom. (To start with, they throw with one dice until the hall gets done.)
My goal is to keep them moving. As I make the bed in my bedroom I visually scan the room and give them jobs to do (replace shoes in the wardrobe, bring me pillows off the floor, open the curtains, etc) until the room is done.
As I unload the dishwasher in the kitchen they are clearing the table and wiping it, putting away snacks, straightening the chairs.
As I fold the blankets in the lounge they are putting the remote controls where they belong, straightening the cushions on the couch, picking up toys.
When we are busy downstairs we have a plastic tub into which we throw all toys and things that belong upstairs, and then when we are done we take the tub up and put the things away.
When we do laundry it means that I am folding clean laundry and sending them off to put things away, or they fill a plastic tub with dirty laundry and take it to the cellar and put a load on to wash (Daniel can do this by himself, Noah helps him).
We are working together.
They enjoy it because it's fair (we are all working together, nobody is slacking off) and because it's not overwhelming (one room, one mini task in that room at a time) and they don't have to think, just do the little tasks I give them. They don't have time to stop and think, get bored or protest.
When I decide that we will play The House Game it is non-negotiable - but I usually let them know what will happen when we are finished (they can have a treat, we can go out, they can do a craft, etc).
It's amazing how quickly the house gets picked up and how good the boys feel about themselves afterwards!
I've only played this game with them with tidying, not so much cleaning (dusting, polishing, wiping, except in the kitchen), but that will follow.
So I just wanted to share this little game that works for us! I'm excited to try the framed version - I plan to use a dry-wipe marker to cross off each room as we do them.
If you try The House Game with your family please let me know how it goes!
5 November 2009
Daniel's new glasses
We had a letter from Daniel's optician recommending that he come for a checkup (six months since his last one). I made the appointment and we went down and his test revealed that his eyes had weakened slightly. Thankfully, with the NHS we don't pay for children's eye appointments or the glasses. Here's Daniel in his new specs - he chose some trendy black and white frames.
4 November 2009
Product recommendation
I have to brag about the fantastic carpet cleaner I found.
This was my carpet this morning, after the boys got fresh black shoe polish on it (!) and after I spritzed the cleaner on it.
This is the carpet cleaner I used - spritz on, wait 30 seconds and then dab off.
This is my carpet after.
I love it! It's like a miracle product. I can't remember where I bought it, but Google "Chem Dry Stain Extinguisher" and I'm sure you'll find a place to buy it. It's invaluable, especially when you have kids in the house!
This was my carpet this morning, after the boys got fresh black shoe polish on it (!) and after I spritzed the cleaner on it.
This is the carpet cleaner I used - spritz on, wait 30 seconds and then dab off.
This is my carpet after.
I love it! It's like a miracle product. I can't remember where I bought it, but Google "Chem Dry Stain Extinguisher" and I'm sure you'll find a place to buy it. It's invaluable, especially when you have kids in the house!
3 November 2009
New Zealand update
Grant has booked his flight to and appointments in New Zealand. He'll be going over for 3 weeks early next year, during which he will complete physical tests, psychometric tests, a first aid certificate, defensive driving course and interview.
As you can imagine, I'm not looking forward to his being away for so long but I feel more sorry for him than for me - he has to endure the flights there and back, go through the rigorous testing process and come home with a real idea of what New Zealand is like, complete with a longing to return. I don't know what I'm missing so I won't have as much impatience to get there.
He is also waiting on police clearance from South Africa. Anyone who has dealt with any kind of South African bureaucracy will be cringing in sympathy right about now.
As you can imagine, I'm not looking forward to his being away for so long but I feel more sorry for him than for me - he has to endure the flights there and back, go through the rigorous testing process and come home with a real idea of what New Zealand is like, complete with a longing to return. I don't know what I'm missing so I won't have as much impatience to get there.
He is also waiting on police clearance from South Africa. Anyone who has dealt with any kind of South African bureaucracy will be cringing in sympathy right about now.
A whole decade
Ten years ago today Grant and I arrived in England, exhausted, excited, dazed and elated. We'd spent the night on an aeroplane, not sleeping a wink, on our way to our new life with all our worldly possessions in two suitcases, a suit bag and two carry-on bags (and 6 boxes which were being freighted over). I had a splitting headache by the time we arrived and my first purchase in the UK was a box of aspirin (I still have the box!) and a bottle of water.
Although it feels like a lifetime ago and a world away I will always remember those winter days as we toured London, found a flat to live in and registered with employment agencies. It was such an emotional rollercoaster, taking us from the highs of excitement, wonder, hope, dreams, and pride in every little accomplishment and purchase to the lows of homesickness, longing for family and friends, bewilderment, culture shock, disappointment, stress, loneliness, frustration and exhaustion.
I get quite emotional when I think of how privileged we have been to be able to make this move to the UK and build a life here, and for the opportunities and experiences (both good and growth-promoting) that have come our way.
As excited as we are for our new life in New Zealand, I know I will miss England dreadfully. I know I will board that emotional roller-coaster all over again and homesickness will be waiting for me again - but I also know it is worth it, if only for the experiences and personal growth.
So, to my wonderful husband Grant, happy ten year UK anniversary. There's nobody I'd rather dream with and follow my dreams with.
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