playing :: just for fun

A photo of Felix's hand, taken by Felix.

Miss Bubby as she is affectionately called by Felix in her groovy retro overalls.

A moment of delight.

Playing silly billy's with the camera just before bedtime.

I have recently removed an obligation from my schedule and the peace and relief that has followed has taken me by surprise.  I had a really fun time with the kids on Friday.  I mean really fun, enjoyable and not difficult to pass the time at all that day.  We made a big mess in the lounge room with all the couch cushions on the floor. We read stories while Felix told me he was "very busy" combing my hair.  Miss Belle just amused herself beside us climbing on the couch and off the couch many times.  I baked an apple and rhubarb crumble, mainly because it's cool to say rhubarb.  Felix totally loved helping and sorting the rhubarb out.  Also made a yummy Chilli Con Carne which is also a cool thing to say when you are two.  Fun, simple, satisfying.

milestones

This past week has marked many records in our household.  The first being four trips to the doctor in a week for various child ailments.  It certainly has been exhausting.  I am usually inspired by the cold days of winter and inclined to bake and cozy up indoors with a hot cup of lavazza.  However after the last few weeks of sickness and exhaustion, I am longing for summer days, thongs and a suntan.  The kids have had endless runny noses and the tissues are now feeling like sandpaper to the face.  The only thing that is keeping me going is this.....

One very exciting milestone was yesterday at the last footy game of the season.  He had a goal and he kicked it!  Lachlan notched up an impressive 50 goals for the season playing for his team who were undefeated all year.  It was an exciting moment and a very proud day for me.  He is really quite amazing........and yes, that is an absolute, unmasked major mother boast!

The last milestone of note this week.....Annabelle has discovered strawberries.  She now points and grunts at what she wants.

Satisfied. 

subliminal messages :: vintage advertising has a lot to answer for

This is our family motto.

Some inspired ideas for getting my hands on the kitchenaid.

the smalls :: busy little bees

Marching off to play with some kids with little man bag filled with his special blanket and snacks.

Driving a car at playgroup.

Pushing her big brother's bike.  Wearing Daddy's jeans while he is away at work.

Enjoying morning tea on the deck in the sun.

Snuggling up with her big, big brother and his soft warm jumper.

And this can all happen in just one day.  Including all the costume changes.

vintage :: classic cooking

vintage:-
adj.

1. 
   
   Of or relating to a vintage.
2. 
   
   Characterized by excellence, maturity, and enduring appeal;classic.
3. 
   
   Old or outmoded.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   This special little gem arrived by surprise post this week from my sister and friend Kate. They just don't make cookbooks like this anymore.  She knew I wanted it after flicking through our other sister's copy last month.  We three are alike in a lot of our interests and it's such a treat to receive such a thoughtful gift which will be much used and treasured. 

dinner time :: a family affair

Lachlan's ingredients for a gourmet dinner.

Careful monitoring of the progress.

Felix likes to help aided only by his superhero teddy bear cape.

It is all a very serious business when it comes to food and dinner time at our place.

a plague on the house of marshall

Well let me start by saying that there is nothing worth taking a photo of this week.  In the wee hours of Tuesday morning, Felix started showing symptoms of the gastric bug which was about to knock two more of us down.  A violent invasion of half hourly throwing up, to spoil an otherwise peaceful week.
This picture of Felix gives you some idea of how everyone is feeling right now.

Sweet little Annabelle has not been affected so far.  I have not hugged her in two days which is pretty sad but am attempting to give the little one every chance of not getting sick.
I have been banished (by myself) to my bedroom while Jon looks after the children today and yesterday.  I literally could not get out of bed yesterday but today am feeling much better, just lacking strength and a little queasy still.

Lachlan and I make contact via mobile phone occasionally as he is also banished downstairs with the same ailment.  He called me with an SOS in the middle of the night when he needed help.  Who would have though technology could come in so handy in the domestic realm.

It is rather peaceful in my room, I have decided.  I have a real excuse not to do anything.  So for the rest of the day, the laptop is set up in bed, books piled up to read and no child responsibilities at all!!  WHOO HOO!  I may yet be sick an extra few days, just to be certain I am not contagious.