Benji turns one... Pt.2

So you might remember me mentioning that we were throwing a wee birthday party for Benji? Well I'm a bit late blogging about it because most of the photos are really crap. Never the matter... He had a blast, my house was absolutely trashed by boys and an 'undie war' (let's just say there is one certain boy who will not be invited back for a LONG time), good food was eaten, great company was had and I ended up drinking far too much wine....

And that was the last of my 'first birthdays'. Quite a scary thought,but also   exciting when I think about the many birthdays yet to share with this amazing little guy. It makes my heart happy to think about. :)

Ps:: I can't link to other blogs from my phone but just want to say the amazing Rhiannon from 'Toast and Life' fame cleaned up my living room while I sat around cuddling her baby. Thanks so much R! Bloggy friends are the best! x

benji turns one

So as previously mentioned, On Thursday, We celebrated Benjis first birthday. Because Luke has to work, and Finley had school, and with a meeting that evening, it was a going to be a stretch to have some sort of birthday celebrations so it was a quiet day all in all. BUT I did manage a morning surprise with french toast for breakfast, his favourites for lunch, a trip to feed the ducks on the way to pick up Finley from school and cupcakes with a candle as soon as daddy got home from work (even if it was rushed so we could be out the door 10 mins later...). 

We are having a little luncheon next weekend with cake and such, which we are all looking forward too. Can't wait to share some more pictures then!! :)

Twelve Months

On the Fourth of July (tomorrow) our gnome will be twelve months old. There is so much I could say about how this makes me feel, but I won't. It's amazing looking over the photos from the last 12 months... He has changed SO much but at the same time not. 

To our Jafu, 

I am so glad you chose me to be your mama. Our road has been a tricky one, easy in most ways, difficult in others. You are walking, talking, starting to sleep better... For now anyway. I'm still chasing the elusive full night and you still nurse a lot which is nice because we don't get much one to one otherwise. I can't wait to see where your funny little personality leads us...

Love you always. 

Floyd

 Meet Floyd.

Floyd (name influence from my dad.... because he his pink....) is a little worse for wear but has been hugely loved. He is a Care Bear who was lovingly stitched for me by my crafty mum, for Christmas one year as a preschooler. She also made me a cabbage patch doll (they used to sell parts for those apparently) at some stage but that has long disappeared. It was the 80s and these things were huge. She could've bought them but that's just not her style. In fact as a child a good percentage of our toys and clothes were handmade.

And for that I am glad. 

I learned to sew, knit, cook, bake and thrift from my mum, and while as a tween I may have found my home-sewn PE shorts and second hand jeans embarrassing, now I can look back and say that it has a huge influence in the way I am as an adult. It's instilled the value I have for handmade vs commercial and the true value of looking after possessions In our throwaway society which hopefully I can continue to pass on that same value to my children and they can pass it on to their children.

A few days ago, Floyd was pulled from a storage box. I had a little reminisce and Benji fell in love.

I think Floyd might just belong to Benji now....

Lately

1/. My favourite boots/tights combo have been begging to be worn and it's finally cold enough.

2/. His new thinking face.

3/. Funny headwear on babies gets me every time. 

4/. I build them up, he knocks them down. 

5/. Mastering the art of standing. 

6/. My three sons

7/. Hanging out, eating fruit, waiting for the rain to stop and our ride. Story of my life.

8/. School runs and sun showers.

9/. My grumpy little snoozer.

10/. Gumboots.

I absolutely adore Autumn but to be honest, it's getting me a bit down this year. The kids have been non-stop sick, I've a case of bronchitis that hits me at night and wakes the entire household and this house is much more damp and cold than I had anticipated. Not to mention our ever flooding garage and the hole in our driveway thanks to a soaker ring bubbling over capacity. Oh the joys of homeownership.

Time to change my mindset, take more pretty photos, get out the knitting needles, make some soups and home baked bread and start celebrating the reasons why this is my favourite season I think!

sunday morning.

After being cooped up at home for almost 10 days, since Archer came down with a nasty nasty tummy bug (and then Benji and subsequently myself picking up a yucky cold from being so run down) I was getting very itchy feet to get out. The forecast wasn't so hot this morning so we stayed close to home, opting for a morning wander down to the beach... A place we've taken for granted lately.

Luke and I meandered, the boys played in the dunes, jumped off of sand hills and climbed logs. Benji had a crawl in the sand and once satisfied, happily snoozed off in the wrap. It's nice to slow down, especially with school starting back tomorrow meaning it will be back into the hustle of routine.

(Thank you all for your kind introductions too! I will do my best to reply to you all over the next few days. Some of you I know, the rest it is lovely to 'meet'!' x)

Do me a favour?

So I'm having a bit of trouble finding the enthusiasm to come back to this space. Not sure what direction to take things or of at all....
I can't help but feel like Im a stranger in my own house. or I've invited strangers into my purse to rifle through and have a good old nosy. So if you still read here, then lets get to know each other better?

Say hi?



I'll start if its easier...

Hi! I'm Kristin. I have 3 small boys, love to make things, have an addiction to cheese and apple (together!) and a soft spot for Downton Abby. I'm also in desperate need of a trim...