astute

The story begins last Friday when I took Arlo to the library. I told him he was allowed to choose 1 children's dvd. he made his choice then followed me to the adult section. While I was choosing my books he chatted away about his dvd excitedly. Next we went to the adult dvd section, Jimmy and I have been watching movies some evenings because theres nothing on tv worth watching.. anyway Arlo saw an instructional golf dvd. Have I mentioned he is obsessed with golf? He immediately abandoned the children's one in favour of the golf one and was beside himself with excitement.
Since Thursday he has watched it a few times, not all at once.
Skip to yesterday.....
I had just got home and Jimmy was outside with the boys, he came down to my craft room and told me to come and have a look at Arlo. He told me that on the golf dvd the 'instructor' recommends wearing a glove to help with your grip. Arlo had disappeared inside and come back out moments later to continue his 'putting'. Like this.

'Got Glove Mama. golf glove'
Bless his little heart. We found it later tucked into the side pocket of Jimmys golf bag.

Around here

We've been eating cinnamon buns

lots of them.

WE had a lovely guest to stay, maybe my oldest friend in the world.

We've been playing dress ups. Steiner Cat.

We've hung out with cousins

and obsessed about golf. His Grandad gave him this ball. he slept with it. We did a few sparklers

and we have been getting ready for advent!

I made this sweet boy for our schools advent fair, he will be sold for our craft group. it is quite hard to let them go ;)

in other news Kaya fancies the name Mint if our baby is a boy. Mint Miller. Nice.

On the way home from visiting my Nana today Kaya told me 'the thing Arlo is best at is shooting flames out of him'. Awesome!

I have more crafting to get to, theres so many lovely things to make!

in the mood

This last weekend I was lucky enough to photograph this new baby girl. Ooooh she is gorgeous!

It is such a privilege for me to be able to be able to capture tiny moments that are so important. In almost every image she is staring intently into her parents eyes or she was looking around towards the sound of their voices

oh yes, this little one is going to chub up nicely

and let me tell you there is nothing like photographing a newborn to get you in the mood for having your own. thank goodness mines not too far away!

So pleased with myself!

For over a year I have been on the hunt for the right sunhat for my boys. I wanted full coverage for their pale Scottish skin. I tried, last summer to make one sans pattern for Kaya and while it was quite wearable it wasn't just what I wanted. I caved and bought a pattern (in a rare child free trip to spotlight, they dont have the patience for me to look in pattern books). IT was a little girls pattern complete with ruffled trim and all kinds of fancy. I made a few of my own tweeks and busted out this 'test hat'
The car fabric I have had sitting around for quite awhile, I widened the brim and for a first go its not too bad. From here I worked out a few more adjustments, including lengthening the actual hat and making the brim even wider... and made my sweet boy this

Adorable no? The fabric is 'Jonathan Livingston Seagull' an Etsy purchase. I realise you can see the interfacing but only because the sun is right behind him.

I think my next attempt will be in a slightly heavier fabric, perhaps a cute Japanese linen....

... Also, Kayas is lined with calico and fully reversible, Im thinking of making a few of these babies for my shop.. or maybe just a good selection for my children ;)

Wishing you

a relaxing Labour Day! We are spending a quiet, much needed day at home. Ive been catching up on some crafting and making a start on some new bits I'm feeling excited about.
What have you been doing this fine Monday?

* I have reduced the papooses in my shop to make way for new lovelies and have and will have some wonderful guest crafters listing their wares in my shop over the next little while. I do love to help a fellow maker and share my friends talents with the world!

just swimmingly thank you

baby checking on my couch at a midwife visit

I am now officially nearing the end of my pregnancy. Well, in the third trimester anyway. I know! FAst! Crazy Fast. This little baby is growing so much and it seems that the day I hit 28 weeks all that pregnancy goodness kicked in, you know, a little foot under the rib, reflux, oh reflux it seems like only yesterday you were with me last, keeping me awake most of the night while i tried to sleep on 4 pillows. This time I have the added treat of heartburn. new to me. not so awesome but my amazing midwife suggested eating raw almonds to fix it. So night before last I ate 3 almonds as soon as I felt the burn. TOTALLY WORKED! I love my midwife!
This baby is a peaceful gentle wee soul. Kaya was full on, always busy and strong. Arlo was peaceful but still strong.... hmm exactly as they both are to this day.... this baby is quiet and gentle, soft little movements just enough to reassure me all is well in there. I cant wait to meet him/her!
I have been making a small list of lovelies to share and as soon as I have a photo of the amazing blanket my sister is making I will share.
I havent bought anything new for this baby, infact I haven't stepped foot in a baby shop since Ive been pregnant! I have got a few things from the op shop, gorgeous wee crochet cardys etc and already have a staggering number of baby clothes to sort through, something else on the list ;)
The boys are getting ready too, we've been talking about who is going to sleep where and what the birth will be like, just gently at the moment, no need for too much detail yet. Kaya has some firm ideas on what the baby will be named, I cant see myself coming around to his choices just yet ;)

A typical day

but first, lets discuss the recipe below...
a few people asked if you could not use feta and what would be good in place of it. Blue is my go-to cheese but I think the flavour would be too strong for this recipe and the main consideration you would need to make is that you would need to pick a cheese or substitute that will hold its shape when heated. The patties do need to be heated through because of the egg and if you use a cheese thats too soft its just going to get messy. Halumi would be DELICIOUS and you could also use tofu if you fancied. Please share other suggestions in the comments :)

During the school holidays I decided to try and take photos through out the day. I didnt think about it all day so below are snippets of a typical day at home.
*note, Kaya doesnt get dressed until right at the end, this is VERY like him.

Arlo takes a 2 year old moment amongst the winter hats etc. Im pleased to say he hasnt really had one for a week or so now.
'playing' aka chaos; boys leaping around and trying to land on each other where possible

time for quiet; beeswax

popcorn break. very common.

deserted play scene

Da's home, looking for the moon

he finds it and declares it a golf ball

soccer.