Jake turns 3 ... well kind of!

Hanging out at the park the other day I snapped this shot of my baby. Starting to grow up. He is so mischievous, those shifty eyes always on alert to let you know he is up to something he knows he shouldn't be. Accompanied with a smile to melt any Mum's heart. He talks like there is no tomorrow and has the imagination that never ceases to amaze me. He is full of cuddles and love. He is never clean (partly environmental - mud, partly the child). He is full of energy and most the time I love him for that!

Now I have to laugh, when there is a perfectly good slide why would you ride down the wood (fortunately with the grain) driving a car..... Brrmmm.

Hard to believe but my baby is almost three. However, he thinks he is already three and can be forgiven for thinking so. You see the packers come on Monday and all his pressies have to go on the boat to Aussie. So this week (amongst the chaos) we held his party. Spiderman themed (not exactly my ideal 3 yr old theme - but he is obsessed). He had some wee mates over and the aunties, uncles, Nana and Great Grandparents. So exciting....

Present from Aunty Smidge and Uncle Andrew - a definite hit Buzz has frequented the house for many hours today.

Took the cheats way out on his cake this year, despite best laid plans. But he was none the wiser and I was alot less stressed.

I did (with the enlisted help of Phil) make a Spiderman pinata. Note to self this is dangerous without VERY close supervision, and 3 yr olds can smack you straight in the camera if you are not quick enough.

Now in my day THIS would NEVER have happened. They grabbed their lollies, took off to play and left this....

Just in case some of you have thought I may never return to scrapping (serious lack of work this year!!!). I actually found time to do a page and it felt good. Not to mention I am excited I have booked retreat when I get back to Geraldton. Woohoo, a weekend of creating - no cooking, no cleaning, no kids....bliss.

Anyway, from this end of the world, I must continue to prepare for packers on Monday. Can't believe the time has come. hope all is well in your part of the world.

Love Mel xo

KIDZONE 2010

Now I know it has been a long time between posts. Sadly, no crafty goodness either. Just hanging to get back into some creative stuff. Seems with working much more I just lack the energy on my nights off (nothing to do with the 5 TV Show seasons of Outrageous Fortune (great kiwi drama) Phil & I are trying to catch up on!) But as usual I've still got my trusty camera out recording the boys antics.

This photo is out of order (grrr) but I wasn't deleting to start again. So we went to Kidzone last week. It was fantastic - for the grand total of $13 each there was 165 activites for the kids all included, just pay for lunch. Great value I thought. The range was huge and age groups varied but I reckon if you come to Invers with kids worth coming July School holidays to go. So here Jake is having a go at "Spinning Paintings" - shame we put them in the "drying room" and forgot them (Mum of the Year Award - ooops!)

Back to the pre stuff: There has been heaps of yummy Autumn colours about the place (a month or two ago) and got this pic of the boys with their mates at the park.

We were so excited in this household to have our cousins from Christchurch come down for a flying visit. Harry and Sienna were so funny together - all laughs and hugs as they played so well, the little two tagging along. Just a little bittersweet on my behalf knowing we are leaving the extended family again soon. Here they had set up their own "band". Jake cracks me up - all the kids grabbed instruments and he improvises - Aussie style and moves a tape measure like a piece of tin! (note Jake is wearing his uniform - size 5 spiderman PJ's - can't get him out of them every day since he found them in the too small for Harry pile!)

Look at our clever boy!!!! Went for a walk with some mates and Harry couldn't ride their bikes as they had no training wheels. So he came home and wanted his off. So he's progressed very easily and doing great. Peer pressure - gotta love it sometimes, He's flatly refused up till now to even try.

Hanging in NZ and Dad not working much has had some positives. Dad has had lots of time with the boys and they have just loved it. Swinging at the park.

Back to Kidzone. They had a whole gymnasium set up as a little town. Harry enjoyed playing Nurse. Here he is calling the doctor to report a fracture on the Xray.

Chatting to the patients...

Funky hair - mowhawk, coloured blue with glitter - NICE!!!! But Jake thought he was the man.

The highlight for Jake - dressing up, using the hose. Not so hilarious trying to chase him to give the uniform back.

Quite a few of the rideable stuff was too big for the boys but this was just right for Jake and didn't the smile and concentration show. The seat slides forward and back depending on size. A rather cool little vehicle really.

Then onto the music room. The boys loved playing the keyboards, singing singstar (Wiggles) and rockband (drums/guitar) on the Wii. Not as easy as it looked we found out putting Phil in the hotseat. But funny.

Back in the little city Jake played mechanic. Too cute.

Puddle Jumpers - felt very sorry for the guy in the waders helping the kids out - Freezing temps.

Now just to prove it really is a cold climate - they had snow outside for the kids to make an igloo.

So a big congratulations to the organisers a great day. Heaps more we didn't even get to see.

So the countdown is on 3 weeks and 2 days till the removalists arrive. Aaagh best continue my lists. Then we move into Anne's for a month before arriving in WA Sept 12. Will see where our gear is and if its close may go down to Albany for a few days then back to pick up Phil's van and through to Gero. If its still a while away we will buy a car and head straight up.

Still mixed emotions here. Sad to leave the family but it is hard to adjust to this climate after experiencing Gero climate. Will be nice to get back to family life the right way around for us again too - Phil works most, I work little. Not to mention looking forward to hanging with my girls again, have really missed the farm trips, creative nights, frequent cups of tea and Mum's groups. Can't wait to see all the kids bigger and the new ones I've missed.

So, as the weeks rush by (everyday I feel like Phil says its Friday again) I know it won't be long till I'm back in WA. So see everyone there soon and for those of you back here in Invers - best we make a time to catch up or the time will soon be gone.

Love to you all

Mel xo

Introducing Kate... and a little on what we've been up to.

Always the proud and biased Aunty I am. But isn't this wee (yep wee 6lb 7.5oz) girl just so adorable. She just makes my heart melt. Now, must make sure I get lots of cuddles before we leave. Anyway, she arrived on Sun 20th June, Mum and Kate are doing really well.

A month or so ago, we along with another family went for an explore about the place. Unfortunately our planned place was "closed for winter" so we found this gorgeous beach. For as far as the eye could see no sand in sight. Just these fantastic pebbles and rocks.

So what do boys do with rocks - well they throw them into the sea. So here they are merrily laughing and enjoying the time when I guess we would have to say the tide must have been coming in. A rather larger than the rest wave quickly appeared and started to take my two boys out. Fortunately Dad was there (me - I had the camera and just getting to that do I throw my camera and help rescue stage). Phil has yet to feel the water (believe me it would have been cold) due to the adrenaline but it soon put end to our outing - way too cold to leave them.

But Jake did manage a pretty cute smile.

A few weekends ago (with the same great family) we went up to Te Anau just for a change. Unfortunately it was wet and cold, but hey we are from Southland so we got out to enjoy it. Then we went back to our accommodation, fire roaring and relieved my childhood with a few board games. I love Monopoly! Especially when I win!!!

Just realised I never posted these pics either. Phil and I went away to Queenstown for our 6th wedding anniversary. Just the two of us - bliss. What a gorgeous time of year up there - love the autumn. Playing with the self timer we got these shots.

and just 'cos we could no kids in tow - we went to the minus 5 vodka bar. Cool ice sculptures - everything including the cups are made of ice. Due to "quiet season" in Queenstown we managed a private session just us and the barman. Great experience.

Anyway, I am off to get a snuggle from my wee neice and take my nephew to Chipmunks (indoor play place with cafe). Best not be late the boys have been asking ALL DAY if it is only 5 mins away! Love to you all in your part of the world.

Love Mel xo

It official - we are on our way back to Aussie!

Well, its been a roller coaster of emotions over the last few months. But the end result is....

The house went on the market Sunday, one open home, two offers and either one or the other becomes unconditional Friday 4pm. So we have SOLD our little place. Just as it is looking so good too. My dear hubby has been busy painting, renovating and tidying up madly. Settlement date is Aug 13th. So we will have the movers pick up our stuff and get it on the boat to Freemantle. It should arrive just after us (we arrive Sept 12). We have to pick up Phil's van in Perth but our gear will make it to Gero. We will reside at Anne's for the 4 weeks in between. Then on arrival in Gero we will be back with Phil's Dad till we get on our feet. We are very thankful for fantastic parents.

Our block of land is also on the market but as the real estate market is a little slow in this area it may take a bit to sell.

Sadly, I will have to leave the job I am enjoying. Hard to believe I have not been abused once and have very rarely seen the police at work. This will be a stark contrast to back in Gero. But hopefully I may be able to work emergency back there, if not I'm sure there will be no shortage of work on the wards.

Phil, will be back to recommence our previous business. Really we had it pretty good in Gero. Invercargill is very slow and Phil has not had much work (nor have any of his competitors). So he is looking forward to coming out of retirement! Stay home Dad, whilst he has enjoyed being able to be with the boys more, will not work out long term.

I will be/ am very sad to be leaving my family again. However, more than anything we have to do what is right for our little family unit. Our happiness is paramount and given the situation here, we feel we can have a better lifestyle and be happier in Gero.

Besides I can always come home for holidays. We will be back in NZ Feb/March 2011 - seems my little sister is getting married. Woohoo, wouldn't miss that for the world!

Will also be great to be back in WA for Phil's kids. We have all really missed them - none more so than the boys.

Last but not least we have missed all our friends. I am making new ones and really loving that. But I won't be shy in asking for my spot back at Wed nite scrap! Oh how I've missed my creative, girly nites. Yay, for great weather to enjoy the water and the parks.

So it is very mixed emotions running through my head. But ultimately, I feel we have made the right decision and we may even be able to really put down some roots now with some future direction in mind. So see those of you in Gero in September 2010!!!!!

Just a little side note to life here. Our house really is quite toasty and warm with the fire going. However, seems Harry must have decided a hat was in order! Phil just checked on the boys and this what he found:

Gotta love that boy!

Anyway. as usual the pace of life is kinda fast over here and I have work in the am. Must hit the hay. Love to you all

Mel xo

Billy Elliot and the Cowboy

At times I am totally spun out. How can two boys (same parents - incredible I know) be so different!

I mean one is dark, the other fair....

one has blue eyes, one has brown....

one is solid enough the other on the lean side....

one lives for cuddles(Mr J) the other affirmations(Mr H) and quite frankly this is not interchangeable.....

one lives life as a pirate, cowboy, superman or any other costume - complete with sound effects, the other happy to just be him....

and the other night I was again reminded how different they are. Picture this....

its bed time and my two are getting to the "distract Mummy and Daddy" stage. So after watching the Wiggles on Monday - live in little old Invers( and it was fantastic as always what entertainers they are) Harry announces they are going to do a show. Now this is random never attempted by these two before and impromptu to boot.

So they get up on the bay window, hide behind the curtains and with a triumphant entrance Harry arrives, full of enthusiasm, arms in big circles with a welcome to the show as he jumps down....
and begins what can only be described as a Billy Elliot gymnast. He danced Ballet, boogied on down and rolled about the floor.

Highly entertaining before giving a short, cute wave and returning to the safety of his curtain. Applause please...

Then its Jakeys turn.... he comes out with a TAAAAA DAAAA! "Ah Holdy me hearties" (eye patch was on prior to photo) "pop, bang gun" and falls over dead!

Well thats my chalk and cheese, dark and light, two boys. Needless to say the boys were late to bed, Phil and I were crying with laughter and the boys really thought they were fantastic entertainers.

I other news, Grandad has returned to Australia. We had a great time showing him about the place and the boys just loved having him to visit.

But most exciting of all - tomorrow Phil and I are off to Queenstown for TWO KIDLESS nights away. Aunty Smidge is having the boys (I know who will be more tired come Sunday). Yummy autumn colours and some special bonding time with Hubby. Will be sure to take my camera and get some pics.

Love to everyone.

Mel xo

Autumn has arrived

I love autumn. The yummy reds, yellows, browns and occasional green. SO I was pretty excited to see the leaves turning in Queenstown this week. A couple more weeks (like when Phil and I celebrate our wedding anniversary with two nights away NO KIDS in Queenstown) it will be amazing. I love the crunchy leaves underfoot and no one can deny the beauty of the scenery up there to compliment the colours! I know you'll agree.

I know its a long time between scraps and I working to remedy that, but heres the latest from my desk. Love the Gallery 45 papers "domestic goddess collection" thought it was very appropriate for these 3 girls. Missing our cuppas and scrap nights, but slowly I am making friends and all is good.

If any of you have not had BLUFF OYSTERS then you are deprived. They are far superior to any others and we thoroughly enjoyed them at Bluff last week with Grandad. YUMMO!!!

We took a day trip to Queenstown (with Grandad) on Tuesday. I just loved the way Harry too was facinated by the leaves on the ground. Unaware of my camera, he piled some leaves together then he danced all over them sending them flying. Too cute.

Jake as always is full of life. Never a still moment and I love this photo for capturing that!

"Mum you take a photo of me and my monster".

We took Grandad up the Gondola and down the luge. I think he thought I was nuts when I said he had to go but he loved it. As did the kids. You never tire of the view at the top.

So you ride the gondola to the viewing cafe/restaurant etc then you hop on a chairlift up to the top of the luge track.

Might I add we loved our ride and responsible Mum rode appropriately and all limbs were inside at all times.

Dad on the other hand slid out on one of the corners tipping Jake out!!!!! He reckons he wasn't going too fast but that the sprinkling of rain was to blame. But Jake was smiling and loved it so no harm done.

Like I said Grandad thought it was a bit of alright too!

Raining beautifully again today (pleasant for a day or two). We've been baking, enjoying the fire, cooking soup for tea and snuggling with the kids to watch a movie (Lady and the Tramp - the recent fav.) Off to work again tomorrow, Phil and his Dad are off to Wanaka for the Warbirds this weekend, WIGGLES Monday. SO lots on. Glad its school/kindy holidays - no morning rush. Now how to get the boys to sleep in....

Anyway, have a great week. Lots of love to of you and your families.

Love Mel xoxoxooxo

Creating and Renovating

First things first Grandad (from Geraldton) arrives tomorrow. In fact he is on the plane as we speak. The boys are so excited - so we made him a welcome banner. So we've been bust trying to fix a few things up and do a little cleaning. As you can imagine the boys have been a tremendous "help". Cleaning windows in Grandads room dressed as pirates! May I add the one spot is very clean. AS for the rest well....

WE have also finished the boys room makeover. I felt it needed a little original art. The boys were as always happy to don the art smock and get to work. I did the red base. The boys the rest. Mum's selection of colours to choose from and one coat at a time, drying in between, helped Mum to avoid the mixed up messy brown combination that usually persists.

SO here you have Jake - refusing to use a smaller brush and not really tall enough to get over the big brush we have a kind of whimsical feel.

Master Harry seems to be into blocks of colour.

But I reckon they look great up on their wall. Check them out in the Bedroom pics.

Onto renos. This is our Laundry before: Yuck.

And after. Cute little curtains with owls and birdys cover the cupboards. Fresh and Clean. Much more me.

The boys room before: Lilac just the colour for my boys and check out the gross carpet.

And after. Original art on the wall.

And while I was at it thought it was time to have a small makeover of me. Short hair! Amazing what a couple of kid free hours in a salon can do for your spirits.

Anyway, just thought I should let you know we are alive and well. Work is great, I'm enjoying the challenge. Boys are good. Now Granda will be here for 2 weeks and we are planning some daytrips about the place. Fun times ahead.

And to leave you the latest in disobedient boys.

Dear son no 1 seems to be having a hard time obeying any (and I mean ANY) instruction of late. in total frustration today I picked him up , took him to the location of the thing he was meant to do and looked him in the eye. Meanwhile I firmly placed my two hands either side of his ears and pretended to "turn them on". Now you will hear me. to which he promptly placed his hands back there turned them the other way looked me in the eye and told me "well I turned my ears off". I marched him to his room, shut the door and cracked up laughing all the way to tell Dad!

SO it true as they get smarter in some things, so too the others. BUGGER!

Anyway, take care

Love Mel xo