making..

Some makes from the last couple of weeks.

Two cowls, actually there were three but I forgot to photograph one before posting it, a beanie and gloves, and some new born baby gifting with a pompom trim.

There are still so many more requests to fill, my hands are busy busy and I'm enjoying it a lot!  Now that winter is halfway through, its a race against time.  I'm hoping I can get things done so they can be used before the season ends..

back to it..

29/52..

a portrait of my children once a week, every week in 2014..

olive: always with those raised eyebrows, I'd love to know your thoughts when you do this..

james and eddie: having a camp-out in the beach hut, on the back deck..hours of fun and adventures

harvey: stirring your brothers, and denying it of course..

Halfway through winter already and we're making the most of mild days and bursts of sunshine.  It's not seemed so bad this year, I'd like to think its been my conscious effort to keep a more positive mindset..so far so good and only six weeks 'til spring!

joining jodi's 52 project.. 

stealing time, chasing sun and the kindness of strangers..

I'm stealing time whenever I can and I've been on a making frenzy, its just that time of year.  I'm making winter warmers for lovely people, more blankets for newborn babies and random bits and pieces upon request.

I'm chasing winter sunshine and soaking in its warmth and light as it filters through the bedroom window right into 'my' spot..not that I'm ever alone in 'my' spot, I have a pint sized very bossy shadow (who thinks its her spot) to keep me company all of the time.

And how's this for heartwarming..

Last week as I was nearing the end of a project I ran out of yarn, and wouldn't you know it, this particular line had since been discontinued.  I was cursing myself for deviating from my original pattern, about to unravel and start again. Before I did, I posted a picture on instagram to see if anyone might know of some suppliers that could still have some in stock or even if someone had leftovers in their stash.  I didn't hold my breathe, but within a couple of hours I had so many helpful responses and a wonderfully generous lady all the way over in WA had two whole balls!!  So we did a little trade. Such an incredible community, that's what I love about social media.

This is supposed to be our quiet time of year but it turns out we're busier than ever!  It's a good thing our boys are so happy at home, because there was little time for holiday outings and fortunately, they were very okay with that.  Now schools back and the work keeps rolling in. I have a growing stack of projects and not enough time to tend to them. They just sit there all piled up, catching pretty winter light.

28/52..

a portrait of my children once a week, every week in 2014..

eddie: I love that your feet still dangle so far off the ground..

james: pyjamas and minecraft, "best birthday ever!"..

olive: a screaming meltdown at nan and pops, I think you frightened your young aunties a tiny bit..

harvey: you were all 'joe cool' but I know you had fun..

Our second week of school holidays was much the same as the first, all day jammie days with one single awesome day out..and a special double figures birthday.

joining jodi's 52 project..

27/52..

a portrait of my children once a week, every week in 2014..

harvey: stopping to soak in the winter sunshine..

james and eddie: convinced they see an underwater grave, always with the spooky right now..

olive: taking a break on what must seem like an endless stair climb..

These have to be some of my favourites so far, maybe because it was such an enjoyable day.  We had the most spectacular weather for one whole day of the school holidays last week, so we made the most of it with a trip into town to walk along the waterfront, visit the playground, run and adventure and play tourist a little bit.

Joining jodi's 52 project..

more blanket love..

My blanket making is in full swing.  After finishing Olive's blanket in May, I have been busily working that hook on some snugly rugs for new babies soon to be born.

I think its safe to say, I'm a little pre-occupied with these at the moment, sneaking in a few rows wherever I can, I was busting to finish all three just to see them neatly stacked one on top of the other! Also,  I think one of the best things about the making is the gifting.  I'm so looking forward to handing these over in little handmade welcome packs.

The most treasured gifts we ever received for our new babies, apart from the ready made meals (BEST!), were the little pieces handmade with love. There's nothing quite like it, is there.

the everyday..foundations

Sometimes I just need to take a jumbled patchwork of thoughts and emotions out of my head and write them down..and share some random snaps of our everyday that I recently rediscovered while I'm at it..

Most of the time we live our days on auto pilot.  We have routines and commitments, we feed, bathe and clothe our children.  We chat, cuddle, fight and love.  We live with contentment and certainty, we work hard, we sleep when day becomes night, and we get up to do it all again.

Then, occasionally, the simplest of moments stops me in my tracks.  As I walk past my boys and kiss each of them on the back of their necks while they sit at the kitchen bench eating breakfast, and suddenly all that we are to them flashes before me and it grounds me, reminding me to stop and be right there in that moment.  Because its that moment right there, that simple act of affection, that is their foundation.  

Its where their sense of belonging stems, where their self belief is assured, where they can be themselves at their most vulnerable and where their dreams are nurtured and encouraged.

Its these moments that overwhelm me with their enormity, all the while comforting my heart and soul, and I stop and be grateful..and the day goes on.