Tales of an Aussie Mum

3!

2011-12-21T14:14:00.000+08:00

Last week Rascal turned 3! Can you believe that? Where did that year go? We had a little celebrate the previous weekend but I seem to have been so flat out that I have only just got around to posting a couple of photos.

My loud, gorgeous, cheeky boy celebrated with a few friends and a bit of a toy story theme but wouldn't go near the Woody costume I made for him. Never mind - maybe Puggle will enjoy it in a year or two.

Last minute Advent calendars

2011-11-30T19:54:00.000+08:00

I am so disorganised this year that everything seems to be last minute. Yesterday the boys worked on an advent calendar along the same lines as last years although Junior was in charge this time and did the bulk of the work himself.

I did plan to make something a little more elaborate this year but time just got away from me.

Then this morning I saw this delightful Tea advent bunting and I had to make a couple for my dear tea drinking girl friends - not quite as elegant as I would have liked but I was working with whatever I had to hand and dragged the boys to the supermarket after school to pick up some extra teabags.

I just have to deliver them tonight so they arrive in time for December 1!

The madness of the festive season has officially begun! PS Yes I did make a beer advent for Aussie Dad as well!

Summer

2011-11-30T11:26:00.000+08:00

It looks like Summer is here. The sunflowers are out, the crickets are clicking away in the veggie garden ..... and Puggle is up by 5.15am every morning!

Warming up

2011-11-23T12:43:00.000+08:00

It feels as though the nice mild spring we have been having is finally over with the temperature forecast to reach 36 degrees today, and 37 tomorrow. I'm not looking forward to it because I'm not really a sun loving girl. With three boys that love being outdoors it also restricts what we can do for a large part of the day. So this week there will be ...

several trips to the local (air conditioned) library,

lots of water play (especially in the mornings or late afternoons)

and lots of racking my brain to come up with some new indoor activities that will keep my little ones entertained without them totally trashing my house. Wish me luck!

Just loving Naturescape

2011-11-22T13:36:00.005+08:00

My three boys just love to get out and get dirty and I'm a strong believer in encouraging outdoor play. I have found the Nature Play WA website and facebook page a great resource and we spend a lot of time at the park, the river or the beach. We also try to get out of the city as much as we can and visit relatives on the farm, or take the boys bush walking or camping. Now the Naturescape playground at Perth's Kings Park allows the boys to explore a bit of nature just a 10 minute drive from our door. The boys love ...

exploring the bushland,

making a splash,

playing Pooh sticks,

and climbing the towers. It really is a fun morning out but don't forget to take a hats and sunscreen, lots of snacks and drinks and a change of clothes.

Where have I been for so long

2011-11-22T13:12:00.001+08:00

It seem like ages since I posted on this blog and the year is just flying by. Aussie Dad has been away for a couple of weeks which has made life pretty hectic for me but even with him back I'm having difficulty finding the time. I keep taking photos of what we have been up to but they haven't been making in into regular blog posts and with December almost here that may not change much. I have lots of Advent ideas swirling in my head but none of them have made it into reality yet - fingers crossed they do before the first of December. Anyway here is a little photo guide how we have been spending our days over the last few weeks.

Baking and eating

Playing ball

Drawing

and painting.

Playing with tongs

and sorting lots of things.

Playing with dough

Making a splash.

Trying to keep up with this young man (who is into everything).

and just hanging out. We have also been loving Naturescape at Kings Park but that is a whole other post. Hope to be back in the space again soon!

Costumes, costumes and more costumes...

2011-11-13T10:18:00.000+08:00

Over the last couple of weeks I seem to have been making nothing but costumes (and I'm a bit over it I must say). First a clown costume for school assembly - I made some rainbow pants and a star t-shirt to match.

Then a late night Frankenstein costume for a school monster disco.

I was lacking inspiration so a felt covered box for a head with some toy nuts and bolts stitched to an elastic strap for the neck bolt and lots of green face paint. This photo was taken after the even so half of the face paint is missing but you get the idea.

Finally a Halloween themed birthday party (which should have been easy except I had opted out on Halloween and sent the boys trick or treating in their superhero costume). A quick trip to the party store for a Wizards hat and a simple hooded cape (made from my lovely Growing up Sew Liberated book) along with a pumpkin bag and improvised wand and we are done!

Please no more dress ups for a week or two!

Last minute trick or treat bags

2011-10-31T16:21:00.000+08:00

Like everything in our house lately our Halloween preparations are a bit last minute. After a busy morning on school duty I quickly nipped to the supermarket to stock up on some treats and then zipped up some felt goody bags for the boys using scraps of felt.I roughly followed this Purl Bee Easter Egg bag tutorial. I would have like to make orange bags with black bats on them but I didn't have enough orange felt so they ended up with black bags and orange pumpkins (a bit wobbly because they were cut free hand and sewn in a hurry before school pick up. Hopefully they will do the job for a bit of trick or treating this evening.

Enjoy your Halloween but don't eat too much candy!

Wordless Wednesday - 7.15am not such a good start to the day!

2011-10-19T07:59:00.002+08:00

Wordless Wednesday - Old MacDonald's Farm

2011-10-05T13:30:00.000+08:00

Pop on over to My Little Drummer Boys and see who else is joining in with Wordless Wednesday!

Making gift bags

2011-09-19T21:20:00.000+08:00

I like to make re-usable bags to wrap childrens birthday presents but I'm not so good at keeping a store of them ready for last minute gifts. I'm also not the worlds fastest sewer so I have been looking for a quick method of making simple gift bags. I think gift bags look much nicer with French seams but I still haven't worked out a quick way of doing this when I make draw string bags (which I usually use for gifts). Recently I tried out a new style of gift bag.

Last Christmas I saw Soul Mamma's design for Christmas bags and went out and bought a whole pile of Christmas fabric in the January sales with the intention of making these simple bags this Christmas. Last week when I was finishing off a birthday crown as part of a little girls birthday present I thought I would try out that bag design and it proved to be very quick and simple.

To make this simple gift bag;

1. Press and cut the fabric to the required size adding a couple of inches for seams.

2. Fold fabric in half right sides out and press

3. Sew French seams down the sides of the bag (ie sew a 1/4" seam down either side, fold bag inside out, press and sew a 1/2" seam).

4. Fold top edge over 1/2" and then fold again, press, tuck two lengths of ribbon into this seam (for securing the bag) then sew seam around top edge of bag.

5. Turn right side out, press, put present in, fold over top edge and secure with ribbon at the front.

Super simple and neat! Now I just have to get cracking on my Christmas bags!

Wordless Wednesday - spring

2011-09-07T14:38:00.000+08:00

Enjoying some lovely spring weather!

Spring

2011-09-02T13:57:00.000+08:00

The first of September is officially the start of spring down under, so yesterday we freshened up the nature table with some of Juniors' art work, some flowers, birds and butterflies.

When I told Junior it was the start of spring he asked "if it would be Easter soon?" I think I need to get some books about the seasons in the southern hemisphere! Any good suggestions anyone?

Rascal (who loves all things avian) was happy to get out his "Five little ducks" cards and sing and play with them - so sweet!

After a sluggish end to Winter, I'm looking forward to some nice spring weather and more flowers in the garden. What are you looking forward to this Spring?

Tiggr

2011-09-01T13:36:00.000+08:00

Don't you just love having to make costumes for book week?

Nothing like a costume made with stockings, felt and duct tape!

Thankfully I only had to make one this year - I dread the day all three of my boys are at school and need a costume!

Happy Birthday Puggle!

2011-08-30T20:10:00.000+08:00

Last week my baby boy turned one - where did that year go! On the weekend we had a little party to celebrate but I was so busy I didn't actually remember to take many photos. The birthday boy was actually feeling a little under the weather with a cold but rallied gallantly and made a nice appearance to eat lunch and cake, and mingle with the guests before retiring for a wee nap.

I returned to work part-time a couple of week ago and so despite having a long list of plans for this party (many due to a new Pintrest addiction), most things were left to the last minute. As a result I was up late the night before finishing the extra birthday bunting and binding a new birthday table cloth (what was I thinking - surly sleep is far more important?).

Anyway on the day the sun was shining, the kids played happily and Aussie Dad came to the rescue and made lots of sandwiches and organised the sausage rolls. I even got to enjoy a little drink and chat with our guests.

1st Birthday Present

2011-08-21T07:16:00.000+08:00

Yesterday Puggles' little friend turned one so it was time to dust off the sewing machine and whip up a little birthday crown and bib in double quick time.

I started the birthday crown last week but I also started back at work this week so I had not finished it. With an hour to spare after taking Junior to sport this morning I quickly finished it off and then made a dribble bib to match. I still had a draw string bag left over from making Nappy Bags last year so I popped in the crown and bib along with a book and a hand made card by Junior.

Such a cute last minute present.

This moment - back to work!

2011-08-20T06:59:00.002+08:00

{this moment}: A Friday tradition with Soulemama. One moment from this week, one that you want to hang onto and not forget. No words.

Enjoy your weekend!

Gruffalo Crumble

2011-08-16T05:59:00.001+08:00

A couple of weeks ago my mum gave me a large box of Granny Smith apples which has resulted in lots of fruit crumble making in our house. If Junior had his way we would be eating "Gruffalo Crumble" (as he likes to call it), every night but we have tried to restrict it to the weekends. My favourite fruit crumble combination is apple and raspberry with the following favourite crumble topping;

Ingredients

6 Granny Smith Apples

1 1/2 cups of frozen raspberries

1/4 cup wholemeal flour

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup rolled oats

1/4 cup desiccated coconut

1/2 cup almond meal (original recipe called for chopped nuts but the almond meal is more kid friendly)

60 gm butter

Method

Peel, core and quarter the apple and put in a saucepan with a dash of water and the lid on. I bring the water to the boil and then turn it off and let it steam while I prepare the crumble
For the crumble I put the dry ingredients in a bowl and then rub in the butter.
Place the apple in an oven proof dish (6 cup capacity) spread raspberries over the top.
Sprinkle crumble mix over the fruit and bake in a 180 degree oven for about 30 minutes or until the top is crisp and golden.

Enjoy warm with lashings of cream or custard (or both).

Another birthday cape

2011-08-11T11:36:00.000+08:00

These capes are becoming a bit of a standard gift for little boys birthday presents. This weekend our friend Nicholas turned 3 so I made him his very own super cape.

When I started making these I added a superman or batman logo but now I make them a little more generic so little ones can be who ever they want to be - Super Nicholas or Star Boy perhaps? Hope he likes them as much as my boys do.

Dribble boy!

2011-08-10T10:40:00.000+08:00

Puggle has always been a dribbler but with a new tooth on the way (number 8) he is constantly drooling. If he doesn't wear a bit all day his shirt is soaked in no time so I go through a lot of bibs everyday. Being the third boy in the family a lot of his bibs have seen better days so I have been playing around making some new dribble bibs for him.

The first off my sewing machine is this little hippo number. I think it is very cute so I will be busy this weekend making a few more!

This moment - work in progress

2011-08-05T12:37:00.002+08:00

{this moment}: A Friday tradition with Soulemama. One moment from this week, one that you want to hang onto and not forget. No words.

Our outdoor play space

2011-08-02T10:16:00.015+08:00

It has been awhile since I have had a chance to write anything for this blog but I thought I would give you a guided tour of our outdoor play space - a place where I have been spending a lot of time lately.

The main area of our house we use for outdoor play is our paved patio area. Double french doors lead off our living room so I can keep an eye on the boys while I'm working in the kitchen or living room and they play outside.
The area just outside the double doors is covered so this is where we keep a small table for snacks and art projects, a large storage box for outdoor toys and an art easil with chalk board and paper.
In the corner is a small shelf which always has a box of playdough toys for the boys to get out whenever they like. This shelf also holds a table cloth to cover the main outdoor table for messy art project and our seasonal nature table is on top. In the corner you can see my table top with a lip which we use to set up various small word play scenes

Just around the corner is the cubby house which Aussie Dad installed for Juniors third birthday. It has a slide on the side, a climbing wall on the front and the stairs are hidden underneath - perfect for little people to access but not so good for Aussie Mum when she wants to get into the cubby.
I love that the sandpit is covered by the cubby because it is well shaded during our hot summers and the sand stays relatively dry for use between winter showers.

On the wall opposite the cubby we store some ride on toys and there is a tap which we use for water play during the summer, and for cleaning up messy art projects.

A tub lives under the outdoor chair and I usually leave a towel out for quick clean-ups and hand washing. The paving is a little hard for Puggle to crawl around on but he is almost walking now and the older boys love drawing race tracks and hop scotch with side-walk chalk

Hope you liked a tour of our outdoor play space. I will show you inside the cubby sometime when I can manage to get in there and take some photos.

This moment - backyard bonfire

2011-07-08T20:35:00.006+08:00

{this moment}: A Friday tradition with Soulemama. One moment from this week, one that you want to hang onto and not forget. No words.

Rainy day play

2011-07-06T14:13:00.004+08:00

Winter is with us with lots of rainy days last week so we have been relying on lots of old favourite play ideas to keep us going. There has been lots of colouring and drawing ...

Playing with the wooden train tracks ....
A spot of dinosaur hunting ....
Some cutting and gluing practice
Lots of playing with duplo and playmobile ...
and a bit more tipping and pouring with rice. What are your favourite play activities when the weather keeps you indoors?

This moment - Winter sunshine

2011-07-01T07:17:00.002+08:00

{this moment}: A Friday tradition with Soulemama. One moment from this week, one that you want to hang onto and not forget. No words.

Wordless Wednesday - Roar

2011-06-29T11:20:00.003+08:00

In the bag

2011-06-27T13:19:00.007+08:00

On the weekend I finally got around to doing a little bit of sewing. I have been planning this project forever and once I started it really took no time at all - in between the meals, nappy changes and refereeing squabbles between three little boys.
I made this as a lego sack using this tutorial but it really is a bit small for the volume of lego we have in our house. This one is being used for Puggles blocks and I will make a bigger one for the lego.
Hope you found a little time for your own projects this weekend.

Red Nose Day

2011-06-24T10:06:00.005+08:00

Hope you have some fun on SIDS for Kids Red Nose Day!

Slow cooking

2011-06-23T10:15:00.006+08:00

This winter I'm very grateful for the slow cooker I bought last summer in the sales. It gets used a couple of times a week and is ideal for hearty winter soups and casseroles!

For more weekend grateful pop over to Maxabella and tell us what you are grateful for.

Winter Solstice

2011-06-23T10:08:00.004+08:00

Yesterday was the "shortest" day for us in the southern hemisphere and we enjoyed some beautiful sunshine. A perfect day for pottering in the garden and drinking cups of tea on the patio. Now I'm looking forward to a bit more sunshine and the end of the "cold and flu season". Might have a few more months of it yet!

Playing with Rice on a Rainy Day

2011-06-20T13:08:00.010+08:00

It has been quite wintry here for the last couple of weeks with lots of days stuck indoors out of the rain. Rascal is a real outdoor type of boy so we tend to play outdoors a lot and nearly all of the messy, sensory play we do together is outdoors. If I let him lose with markers, chalk or paint inside we tend to end up with marker all over the wall, chalk all over the furniture and paint all over the dog!

Being stuck indoors I have been at a loss for some new play ideas so last week I set up a container of rice for Rascal to play with.

I then put that container inside our paddle pool in the middle of the living room to contain the inevitable spills.

I added a few different sized cups, a spoon or two and a funnel and then let him explore.

He was very happy to tip, pour and stir to his hearts content and then added a few of his duplo zoo toys who "grazed" on the rice for a while.

Success - I had found some indoor sensory play which kept him entertained for quite a while and I didn't have to worry too much about the clean up! What sensory play do you turn to when you are stuck indoors?

Taking a break

2011-06-20T12:58:00.003+08:00

I have been very quiet on the blogging front lately. I don't really have any particular reason for being absent apart from life being a bit hectic and me needing a bit of down time from the computer. Now I'm looking forward to catching up on some reading and writing a few more regular posts.

Washing line

2011-06-08T11:55:00.007+08:00

At two and a half Rascal loves 'helping' around the home and mimicking everything that Mum and Dad do. He enjoys helping me put the washing out but he often wants to be lifted up to put the pegs on the line which can be a little frustrating for both of us (especially when his baby brother is crawling around helping himself to all the dirt and compost he can get his little hands on in the veggie garden while I'm trying to rush to get the washing out).

So today we made Rascal his very own washing line at just the right height so he can peg away to his hearts content. Naturally this wasn't nearly as long as I had hoped but it did keep him entertained for a while.

“Come over and play at the Childhood 101We Play link up”

Water Painting

2011-06-05T20:25:00.007+08:00

After a family holiday away last week this week has been a bit hectic catching up with washing, cleaning and getting back into the school routine. Art activities have been a little basic this week so on a sunny winters morning we opted for a spot of water painting.

We usually paint with water on the back fence but this week we have been using the chalk board instead - sometimes with chalk but mostly just water on its own. What simple activities do you rely on to entertain your little ones on those days you just don't have time to set up much? “Come over and play at the Childhood 101We Play link up”

Super Heros

2011-05-20T23:04:00.009+08:00

What is it about small boys and super heros. My boys just can't get enough of them. They don't actually watch that much on TV but they love acting them out. Superman, Batman, Spiderman, Mr Incredible, Buzz Lightyear - you name it, they will become them (Especially when my girlfriend makes them a fab Mr Incredible costume for their birthday - Thanks Soph!). So cute to watch them don a cape or a mask and suddenly take on a whole new identity with the best superhuman powers to match.

What imaginative play do your kids enjoy the most? “Come over and play at the Childhood 101 We Play link up”

This moment - cupcakes

2011-05-20T22:50:00.005+08:00

{this moment}: A Friday tradition with Soulemama. One moment from this week, one that you want to hang onto and not forget. No words.

Playing with shaving foam

2011-05-16T20:15:00.012+08:00

I have been meaning to try some shaving foam marbling with Rascal for months and last week I finally remembered to add it to my shopping list.
We grabbed a large baking tray and some food colour from the kitchen and an art smock from the art supplies cupboard and got playing.
Rascal quite enjoyed "drawing" with the shaving foam but once I added a few drops of food colour he loved getting his hands in and mixing the colours.
It kept him entertained for quite a while and then he enjoyed cleaning up with the hose afterwards - nothing like a bit a water play to keep a 2 year old happy. Best of all he smelt lovely all afternoon as well.
What messy play have you been enjoying with your kids this week? “Come over and play at the Childhood 101We Play link up”

Drawing Big

2011-05-10T20:24:00.010+08:00

I have been hoarding some big thick pieces of cardboard which I salvaged from the packaging when we had our solar panels installed and on the weekend Junior asked if we could draw a big tree on one of them.

I sketched out a very rough tree and let the boys loose with crayons, markers, scissors, paper and glue .... and their imaginations.

They both had a fantastic time drawing birds, bugs, butterflies, leaves and bark

My only problem now is working out where to hang their masterpiece!

What recyclables have your kids been playing with this week? “Come over and play at the Childhood 101We Play link up”

Happy Mothers Day

2011-05-08T10:44:00.005+08:00

Happy Mothers Day to all you Mum's out there - hope you are having a very special day!

Fairy Mushrooms

2011-05-03T13:54:00.008+08:00

I recently saw this post at Irresistable Ideas and knew exactly what we were going to do with that big bag of corks I had been saving for "something".

I would like to have planted our freshly painted fairy mushrooms in a lovely miniature garden but we haven't planted one up yet this year, so Junior suggested we put them in our new veggie garden instead.

Our Gnome hasn't got a new home this year but at least he has some little friends to keep him company. What garden play have you and your kids been doing this week? “Come over and play at the Childhood 101We Play link up”

Wordless Wednesday - Strawberry picking

2011-04-27T18:48:00.005+08:00

Puggle just couldn't resist sampling the last few strawberries of the season

Treasure Hunt

2011-04-24T09:51:00.014+08:00

There has been lots of hunting going on in the Aussie household lately. Of coarse we had a lovely Easter egg hunt but I have also been using this lovely treasure hunt idea from Kate Pickle.

Before school pick-up I have been writing up a little list of things to find and we have been using it as a fun afternoon activity on the walk home from school.

It is a nice way for Junior to practice his reading and number recognition (with the help of some pictures) and a lovely way to unwind after a busy day at school. It is a great excuse to stop for a play in the park and everyone can join in.

It also acts as a bit of a speed bump on too much TV and is a great way to enjoy some outdoor time with the boys each day.

What outdoor games have you been playing this week? “Come over and play at the Childhood 101We Play link up”

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T09:48:00.002+08:00

Happy Easter everyone. Hope your day is filled with fun, family and friends (and maybe a little chocolate as well)!

A little nest of play dough eggs

2011-04-18T11:27:00.012+08:00

This morning Rascal and I have been busy in the kitchen. We made a batch of our favourite berry muffins and then made some uncooked play dough to give as an Easter gift to one of Rascals 2 year old friends. Rascal helped measure the flour and salt and I made a batch of plain play dough which he then helped to knead the food colour into (sorry no time to take photos when I have a toddler lose with food colour around!).

We then cut up some grape paper to make a nest in a lidded plastic container and moulded the play dough into egg shapes. The uncook play dough and many other great kids dough recipes can be found here.

What fun Easter gifts have you been making. “Come over and play at theChildhood 101We Play link up”

Peanut pumpkin goodness

2011-04-17T13:32:00.010+08:00

Last weekend my sister-in-law gave me this amazing Brode D'Galeux Eysines or peanut pumpkin. I had no idea what to do with it but a quick google search found this recipe for French Heirloom Pumpkin Soup so I made a huge pot full which was delicious.

That used up half the pumpkin! Since then Puggle has been eating lots of pumpkin mash, we are having roast pumpkin with tonight's dinner and this morning I made these yummy pumpkin and cheese scones (recipe below). Now I just have to decide what to make with the last quarter of the pumpkin. Any suggestions for yummy pumpkin recipes?

Pumpkin and Cheese Scones

(Addapted from "Women's Weekly fresh food for Babies and Toddlers")

250g Pumpkin, chopped coarsely

2 1/2 cups (375g) self-raising flour

1 tablespoon caster sugar

50g butter

1/4 cup (30g) grated cheddar cheese

1/4 cup (20g) grated parmesan cheese

1/2 cup (125ml) milk (approx)

grated parmesan to top scones

1. Preheat oven to hot. Grease deep square cake pan

2. Steam pumpkin until tender, mash in a bowl and leave to cool 10 mins

3. Place flour and sugar in a bowl, rub in butter. Stir in cheeses and pumpkin. Make a well in centre of mixture and add enough milk to make a soft sticky dough. Turn onto floured surface and need lightly until smooth.

4. Press dough out to about 2cm thick and cut dough into rounds using scone cutter. Place side by side (just touching) on prepared pan. Sprinkle on extra parmesan and bake uncovered in a hot oven for 10-15 mins.

Yummy served warm with a little butter.

This moment

2011-04-16T08:34:00.005+08:00

{this moment}: A Friday tradition with Soulemama. One moment from this week, one that you want to hang onto and not forget. No words.

5 Green Frogs

2011-04-12T10:04:00.010+08:00

Thanks to Kate Pickle, this morning Rascal and I have been counting our little green frogs.He loves singing the song, counting the frogs and making a big splashing sound then they jump in the pond! What action songs and rhymes do you like to play with your little ones? “Come over and play at theChildhood 101We Play link up”

This moment

2011-04-08T14:09:00.004+08:00

{this moment}: A Friday tradition with Soulemama. One moment from this week, one that you want to hang onto and not forget. No words.

Easy Blueberry Muffins

2011-04-07T11:30:00.012+08:00

Now that Junior is at school full time I try and bake once a week with Rascal. One of our favorite and simplest recipes is this one for Blueberry Muffins which I found on the side of the frozen berry box.

I often use wholemeal flour or half wholemeal, half white and I prefer to use buttermilk. We also often use mixed berries or raspberries. I love this recipe because you just fling all the dry ingredients into a blow, mix in the wet ingredients, add your berries and then spoon them into the muffin cases to bake.

The mixing doesn't have to be done perfectly which is great for little fingers - in fact it is much better if it isn't over-mixed and both Rascal and Junior love them.

What's for breakfast?

2011-04-06T11:57:00.004+08:00

Kids eating habits seems to be something that most mums stress over at some point. I try not to worry about my boys eating habits too much because they both seem to eat very little some days and then more than make up for it on others. However, it can be very frustrating when I have made an effort to serve up something that I think they will love and they won't even touch it! However every now and then they really surprise me. A week or so ago I made my first green smoothie. I have been meaning to try one for ages but didn't really think the boys would like it. Junior wasn't that keen but to my surprise Rascal loved it.

The next day I read another blog post (sorry can't find it now) which reminded me that perhaps I should be making a little more effort to get Rascal to eat breakfast. He still demands a big drink of milk first thing in the morning and then is far to busy to eat anything for breakfast. However, as soon as we step out the door (and he has to sit still in the pram or the car seat) he wants a snack. I always have fruit and crackers at the ready but I though perhaps I should try making some sort of smoothie for him to drink in the mornings. Last week I tried it (just some milk, yoghurt, banana or pear and a spoon full of Sustagen powder) and it seemed to work. I need to build up my smoothie recipe collection to include a few more easy but nutritious breakfast options and perhaps find some more ideas for breakfast on the go. What is your favourite smoothie recipe for little ones? Do you have a perfect breakfast for little ones who are so busy they need breakfast on the move?

Marble Painting

2011-04-05T13:42:00.011+08:00

Rascal loved the puffy painting we did recently so this morning I decided to revisit another old favourite of Juniors - Marble painting. I used some plastic bowls with circles of paper cut to fit the base, some paint and a couple of marbles.Just put the paper in the bottom of the bowl, add a small amount of paint to the bowl and then tilt the bowl to roll the marbles around and watch the lovely patterns emerge. It is a nice way to experiment with mixing colours.If you have paper plates that would be even easier - you could just drop the paint and marbles straight in and then roll away, then cut the base of the paper plate out once it has dried. I thought these might make some pretty Easter decorations if I cut them into an egg shape once they have dried. What Easter art activities have you been enjoying this week? “Come over and play at the Childhood 101We Play link up”

Caped crusaders

2011-04-02T14:15:00.007+08:00

Juniors best friend has just turned 5 so we made him a little batman cape for his birthday.

Junior and Rascal love the superman cape I made for Rascals 2nd birthday so hopefully this cape will see plenty of use as well.

Now I just have to find the time to whip one up for Junior.

Perfect for gardening

2011-04-02T10:24:00.006+08:00

I'm so grateful for the beautiful autumn weather we are having here - perfect for gardening. Now all we need is a little rain! Have a lovely weekend.

For more weekend grateful pop over to Maxabella and tell us what you are grateful for.

Track Painting

2011-03-28T13:52:00.010+08:00

Rascal is really enjoying drawing and painting at the moment. As it is more about the process rather than the product for him right now, I decided to try a little track painting using some finger paints and toy cars. Both the boys had lots of fun and I was surprised how much Junior still enjoyed just messing about with the paint as well.

Do you have a favourite toddler art activity? “Come over and play at the Childhood 101We Play link up”

March Teach/Learn - Imagination

2011-03-28T10:41:00.003+08:00

This month we jointed in the new Teach/Learn. Here are some of the posts bloggers across Australia and the world have come up with on this month’s theme, ‘Imagination.’

‘Imagine that …’ with Leechbabe at Stuff With Thing, learning through our search for fairies and dinosaurs, a child’s world is a wonderful place to be.
‘Imagination Towers’ with Catherine from Adventures With Kids, use your imagination to draw what’s happening inside the windows of the tower.
‘The Power of Imagination,’ Monique from Your Cheeky Monkey had a look through some of our family photos to show you some of the things my sons get up to in their imaginary play.
‘Imagine’ with Deb from Science@home looking for the science in children’s fiction, especially ones that ask ‘what if?’
‘See Rascal Play’ at Tales of an Aussie Mum, her two year old’s imaginative play is blossoming – see some of the things he is currently loving.
‘Imaginative Play at Home’ by Katepickle of Picklebums, Imaginative play doesn’t have to be difficult or time consuming to set up. So I’m kicking myself in the bum and with inspiration from the Teach/Learn Carnival, getting back on the imaginative play band wagon with these ideas…
‘Unleash Your Child’s Imagination’ with Colin Wee at SuperParents, find out how I gained a powerful imagination from associating with some dodgy brothers – and takeaway lessons so parents can let children do the same whilst avoiding having to deal with shady individuals!
Deb Chitwood at Living Montessori Now writes ‘Dr Seuss With a Touch of Montessori’ to explore the imagination and whimsy of Dr Seuss.
The Planning Queen has been writing about ‘Recycled Creations’ at Planning with Kids, letting kids imagination run wild choosing and creating from recycled materials.

Check out some of these blogs for inspiring and imaginative posts.

Fish and Chips in the Park

2011-03-27T08:57:00.005+08:00

This weekend I'm very grateful for fish and chips in the park on a day when I really don't feel like cooking!

For more weekend grateful pop over to Maxabella and tell us what you are grateful for.

Wordless Wednesday - Climbing

2011-03-23T13:52:00.003+08:00

The boys just love climbing the trees at our local park.

See Rascal Play

2011-03-21T20:25:00.008+08:00

Junior has always had quite an imagination but now Rascal is starting to enjoying lots of imaginative play as well. He loves having a Teddy bears picnic or serving up brunch to his toys.

This morning he was helping his Snuggy Bear to draw ...

... and he loves creating little nests for his toys to go to sleep in.

He makes snakes out of play dough that slither and hiss and he even asked me to make Enoch the Emu out of play dough which he then patted and chatted to.

He helped me build a leprechaun house in the sand at the park and chatted away to them quite happily.

And he loves to rockets around the house in his superman cape following his big brother.

It is so lovely to watch his imaginative play blossoming! How do you encourage your childs imaginative play? “Come over and play at the Childhood 101We Play link up”

This post is part of the Teach/Learn Carnival. March's theme is Imagination. Please join in or check back at the end of the month for the links to lots of great posts.

Sculpture by the Sea

2011-03-20T10:41:00.012+08:00

This weekend I'm grateful for free, easily accessible public art.
This weekend the whole family had a lovely walk around the Sculpture by the Sea exhibition at Cottesloe beach.

For more weekend grateful pop over to Maxabella and tell us what you are grateful for.

Puffy paint revisited

2011-03-17T06:48:00.002+08:00

It has been quite some time since we played with a little puffy paint in the Aussie household so I decided it might be time to give it another go.

Rascal has been enjoying lots of drawing and painting recently so I though he might like it and he did. In fact both the boys enjoyed it so much they got out the puffy paints again the next day as well.

I use this recipe from The Artful Parent but if you mix equal portions of flour, salt and water I'm sure you could also colour it with food colouring or different types of paint.

Perhaps it is time to revisit some spin art or marble painting as well?

Wordless Wednesday - Baby Model

2011-03-16T10:53:00.004+08:00

Puggle modelling a friends hand knitted jumper. They are both so talented!

Birthday presents for girls

2011-03-16T10:29:00.012+08:00

Junior has been invited to a double birthday party this week for two girls in his pre-primary class. Having three boys I'm a little clueless as to what to get for little girls so I asked a friend who has two gorgeous girls of her own.

Her standby for school birthday presents is a nice book and a library bag, so last night I whipped up a couple of library bags and I added two of our favorite books - Imagine and the Magic Beach.

Junior made a couple of birthday card this morning so we are all set for the party this afternoon. Hope they like them. Do you have a favorite present for school birthday parties?

Small world beach

2011-03-14T13:58:00.003+08:00

Since both my big boys enjoyed playing with the dinosaur small world I set out a few weeks ago, I have tried a few different variations including;

insects,

and cars - but they definitely like the dinosaurs the best.

This weekend I set up a beach scene which they both really enjoyed.

The two little people on the beach had a picnic,

made sand castles,

went for a swim (and predictably for boys) were attached by the shark!

“Come over and play at the Childhood 101We Play link up”

Grateful for three healthy boys

2011-03-12T22:10:00.005+08:00

This week I have been touched by stories of two families with young boys that have been seriously unwell, so I'm very grateful for my three healthy little men.

For more weekend grateful pop over to Maxabella and tell us what you are grateful for.

Rascal loves ....

2011-03-12T21:37:00.007+08:00

At almost two and a quarter, Rascal loves;

The beach, ....

Play dough, .....

Drawing, ....

Nesting, .....

Building, ...

Water play, ...

Wearing everybody else's shoes (but never his own), ...

Motorbikes, Cruskits and eating on the run!

Exploring the Treasure Basket.

2011-03-08T07:22:00.016+08:00

Puggle isn't quite sitting up but he is very mobile and enjoying exploring my kitchen cupboards. He quickly gets board with his toys so I decided to make him a little treasure basket.

When I put it out he heads straight for it and is very interested in what he finds inside. Who would have thought a wooden spoon or a whisk could be so interesting but he loves the different textures and shapes he discovers.I will change the contents periodically to keep him happy and exploring and add more things as they are developmentally appropriate. I found a great list of ideas for treasure basket contents here.

What things do your babies love playing with? “Come over and play at the Childhood 101We Play link up”

6 Months old!

2011-03-07T15:20:00.006+08:00

Last week Puggle was 6 months old. I just don't know where the time has gone. He is still a happy little man most of the time and is quite capable of telling you when he is not.

He is not quite sitting up but he is very mobile - rolling, scooting on his back or commando crawling to reach whatever takes his fancy.
He loves getting into the kitchen cupboards, scooting off the mat at the park or beach and eating sand, grass, leaves and anything else he can get his hands on.He has two little teeth and puts everything in his mouth. He has started on a little bit of solids - mainly a little fruit and vegetable puree and some rice cereal but he would love to get his hands on a big piece of watermelon or some strawberries (Rascals favorite food).
He is too busy to feed much during the daytime but loves keeping mum up all night to catchup! Despite this he is the cutest baby ever and we love him to bits!

In the Mulberry Tree

2011-03-01T06:32:00.010+08:00

This weekend the boys have been making a little cubby in their Aunts garden.
She pruned a little door into the side of a weeping Mulberry tree.
Then we spread some wood chips to make a floor and added some "wooden furniture"

Such a cozy little spot just right for little people.

What out door play have your kids been doing this week? “Come over and play at the Childhood 101We Play link up”

A little gift

2011-02-26T19:36:00.015+08:00

This weekend a very sweet little girl we know will be turning 3. The boys helped me put together a small gift for her.

An Aussie Mum made pencil case with her initials, a coloring book and crayons, some rascal made wrapping paper and a Junior made card. Hope she enjoys it.

Grateful for a cool change

2011-02-26T19:30:00.011+08:00

With no let up in Perth's hot humid weather, I'm very grateful for a short break to cooler climes.

This is the first time the boys have been in long PJ's for months and we are all enjoying a cool change. Hope you are enjoying your weekend.

For more weekend grateful pop over to Maxabella and tell us what you are grateful for.

Wordless Wednesday - Happy Rascal

2011-02-23T15:39:00.003+08:00

Scratch foam prints

2011-02-23T14:23:00.008+08:00

Now that Junior is at school full time we don't find so much time for arts and crafts but last weekend while his brothers napped we did a little print making. I have been collecting any Styrofoam trays that come our way (which has taken a while because we don't get them very often).

I trimmed the trays so they were nice and flat and then Junior scratched some pictures into the foam with a blunt pencil. We then rolled some paint onto the stencil using a sponge roller and printed away.

Being a typical boy he drew a robot, a rocket and a dinosaur.

What art projects have you been tackling this week. “Come over and play at the Childhood 101We Play link up”

Wordless Wednesday - School Run

2011-02-16T10:15:00.004+08:00

Walking Junior to school with all of my boys.

Rascal in the Kitchen

2011-02-15T11:15:00.010+08:00

I used to cook a lot with Junior when he was a toddler but I haven't been cooking very much with the boys lately because with two enthusiastic helps things can get a little out of hand.
Now that Junior has started Preschool, Rascal and I get a bit more one-on-one time so this morning we finally got around to making a little morning treat together. I must admit I opted for very simple no-cook chocolate balls but he loved helping with the mixing (and tasting) and wearing Juniors apron for the task.
What simple recipes do you share with 2 year olds? “Come over and play at the Childhood 101We Play link up”

Happy Valentines

2011-02-14T06:45:00.002+08:00

This weekend Junior and I had some fun making a couple of valentines day gifts.

Some love rocks ...

and some heart shaped stamps to make a card for Aussie Dad ... Hope you have a lovely Valentines Day!

Two Wheels

2011-02-13T16:35:00.007+08:00

Last weekend Aussie Dad took the trainer-wheels of Juniors bike. We have been meaning to do it for weeks but time has just got away from us.

Apart for the occasional little stack there is no stopping him now and it is hard to get a photo because he is always on the move. Well done my boy - you are growing up so fast.

Family, friends and neighbours

2011-02-13T13:59:00.015+08:00

This weekend I'm grateful for my sweet little family (they have been drive me nuts all week but I couldn't be without them);

for friend to share the beach with;

and for lovely new neighbours who invited Junior to a birthday party today - he was sooo excited!

For more weekend grateful pop over to Maxabella and tell us what you are grateful for.

We Play with Dinosaurs

2011-02-07T07:05:00.003+08:00

For a while now I have wanted a low table with a lip around it like this one I saw at Irresistible Ideas for Play Based Learning. This weekend Aussie Dad found the time to make a little table top with a wooden frame around it so I tried it out by setting out a few toy dinosaurs with some pebbles and greenery.Rascal played with it for a little while pretending the dinosaurs were eating the trees but then he wandered off to play with something else.Then Junior discovered it and spent ages gathering greenery from the garden and making little nests, caves and dens for the dinosaurs.I was surprised how long he played with it so I think I will try it again with some different figures or perhaps toy cars next time.What have your children been play with this week? “Come over and play at the Childhood 101We Play link up”

Weekend Grateful

2011-02-05T14:53:00.014+08:00

This weekend I'm grateful for Leyton Dog Beach where I had a lovely walk this morning with all my boys and our dog (sorry forgot the camera); for summer berries which Rascal is just loving; and for the Spotlight sale - I went to buy some denim to make Hubby a bag and came home with these delightful fabric instead! Hope you are enjoying your weekend. For more weekend grateful pop over to Maxabella and tell us what you are grateful for.

First Day

2011-02-03T13:48:00.003+08:00

Today was Juniors first day of Preschool. I can't believe my baby is a big school boy already. He seemed to love it so fingers crossed it stays that way.

Wordless Wednesday - Teething

2011-02-02T13:15:00.005+08:00

Puggle has just cut his first tooth and boy have we had a week of dribbling, gnawing, grizzling and restlessness. My poor little guy has not been enjoying it much!

The Joy of Honey

2011-02-01T13:58:00.014+08:00

Perhaps we have read too much Winnie the Pooh to Junior, but for some reason he just loves honey. He would quite happily eat honey sandwiches for dinner if I let him. For the past month he has been asking to make Honey Crackles (Honey Joys). Today we finally got around to it. I used this recipe from the Women's Weekly Kids' Perfect Party book. Not the healthiest of afternoon snacks but its nice to have a little honey goodness every now and again.

Slime

2011-01-31T07:33:00.008+08:00

This weekend I made a bucket of slime for the boys to play with. Junior seemed to enjoy getting his hands into this lovely tactile play but I was surprised to find that Rascal wasn't that interested - he was more interested in the big bucket of water I had put out for cleaning up. However the next day Rascal was a bit more interested and although he wouldn't get his hands into it he enjoyed prodding, poking and stirring the goo with sticks and spoons. To make your own bucket of slime put half a cup of soap flakes in a bowl, add three cups of boiling water and leave it for a few hours. You could probably add a few drops of food colouring as well if you like. The slime looks quite revolting but feels lovely (and the soap flakes smell nice too). What have you and your children been playing with this week? “Come over and play at the Childhood 101 We Play link up”

Weekend grateful

2011-01-29T10:53:00.009+08:00

This weekend I'm grateful for our local farmers market where Rascal and I bought some lovely seasonal fruit and veg this morning along with some beautiful flowers and pastries as a treat for us all.
I'm also very grateful to my darling husband who has taken Junior and Rascal to Beaty Park for a swim on this humid Saturday morning allowing me a few moments peace and quiet.
Why don't you link up with Maxabella and tell us what you are grateful for.

100's of Biscuits

2011-01-25T14:09:00.008+08:00

Last week I made a big batch of biscuit (cookie) dough using the Planning with kids 100's of Biscuits recipe. I made a batch that day and then put 4 bags of dough in the freezer (each will make about 24 small biscuits) to use later.
The first batch was just plan but since then we have tried them with jam and choc drops - all have been a success with the boys. I do love the idea of being able to take a packet out of the freezer in the evening and then have fresh baked biscuits for morning tea within 15 minutes the next day. Makes me feel like a domestic goddess turning up for a play date with three young boys and a batch of warm biscuits! Simple pleasures are often the best!

We Play with Modelling Clay

2011-01-25T13:30:00.007+08:00

This morning Junior and I have been playing around with air dry modelling clay.
This clay is very easy to work with and we made a few beads and tried pressing some leaves and shells into the clay to make a pretty imprint.
We also made some valentines love hearts. Now we just have to wait for it all to dry.
What art activities have you been enjoying lately? “Come over and play at the Childhood 101 We Play link up”

Bunny Making

2011-01-23T13:04:00.008+08:00

This weekends little "making" project was a Mooshy Belly Bunny using this simple tutorial which I found via Keep Cate Busy.
Again this was a very quick and easy project leading to almost instant gratification - my kind of sewing. It also used up some old out of shape baby clothes I had been hording for ages because I knew I should be able to use the fabric for something but I hadn't quite worked out what!
The prototype (which Puggle has been road testing for me) isn't perfect but I have two more little bunnies to finish so hopefully they will improve. Wish me luck.

I'm grateful for...

2011-01-23T12:41:00.005+08:00

This weekend it is warm and humid so I'm very grateful for water pistols (to keep the boys happy) and lots and lots of iced peppermint tea (to keep me cool)!

More Making

2011-01-20T12:27:00.008+08:00

A couple of years ago a good friend of mine, who had managed to get her youngest child past the toddler years, decided that rather than making a new years resolution or list of resolutions she just made a pledge to make that year the "year of the body". Her aim was to loose some weight, gain some fitness and reclaim her body after a few years of pregnancy and breast feeding.
With a 5 month old and a two year old I think the "year of the body" is a little way off for me, but I do like the idea of having a theme or goal for the year. I have decided 2011 for me will be "the year of making".
I always have lots of craft or sewing ideas on my wish list but I very rarely get a chance to complete them. This year I hope to gain some motivation and actually get them done. I have already made one little bag, and last week I made this six pocket bag which was also very quick, simple and satisfying. Hopefully I will have another project to show you all soon. Fingers crossed.

Wordless Wednesday - Happy

2011-01-19T11:36:00.002+08:00

My puggle is a happy little man!

Play dough

2011-01-18T13:15:00.009+08:00

I usually make a new batch of play dough ever month or two but we are currently still playing with our Christmas batch (green with red sparkles). This went on holidays with us to keep the boys entertained when we needed a little down time.
Junior has taken to making little playdough dioramas using small plastic figurines - usually dinosaurs or astronauts or on this occasion both.
What quick and easy holiday play have you been enjoying? “Come over and play at the Childhood 101 We Play link up”

Making

2011-01-17T20:14:00.008+08:00

After spending more of my Christmas break than I ort to looking a beautiful crafty blogs, I have found a little sewing inspiration. This weekend I made myself a Tiny Happy bag using this easy to follow tutorial.

It was super easy to make - the hardest part trying to decide what fabric to choose. I opted for a simple black drill cotton and a quirky red bird print for the lining - although Junior prefers the lining fabric so I made if reversible by adding another button. Which do you prefer?

Being so quick to make I may have to make a few more of these.

It's a wrap

2011-01-11T16:09:00.007+08:00

Junior and I made some wrapping paper before Christmas using a celery heart as a stamp.
It isn't quite as lovely as Geninne's but I was happy with it all the same.
I have only just got around to using it this week to wrap a thankyou gift for a friend and I think it looks quite nice. I might have to try it again with some different colours next time I buy celery.

We Play in the Garden

2011-01-06T13:23:00.011+08:00

We have been taking a little family holiday staying with my sister-in-law on the south coast.
The boys love staying here - partly because they get to spend time with a favourite Aunt but also because they just love her permaculture garden.
Last Christmas when we came to visit Rascal was toddling about stuffing himself with all the fruit and veg he could find - 12 months on and he is running about stuffing himself with all the fruit and veg he can find. Rascal can never sit still long enough to eat breakfast but here he just wanders outside and grazes on strawberries, raspberries and blueberries on the go - just his type of fast food. Junior has also been digging potatoes in Grandpa's garden and harvesting peas and bean with their uncle. Such a nice way to discover the delights of fresh food and a timely reminder that we really must do more in the garden with the boys this year.
What outdoor play have you been enjoying over the New Year break? “Come over and play at the Childhood 101 We Play link up”

Wordless Wednesday - Splash

2011-01-05T08:37:00.003+08:00

A New Years swim at our favorite beach - heaven!

Happy New Year

2010-12-31T19:59:00.002+08:00

Hope you have a lovely New Years Eve and best wishes for 2011!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T14:26:00.001+08:00

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Wordless Wednesday - Cheeky Boy!

2010-12-21T21:24:00.002+08:00

Happy Birthday Rascal

2010-12-19T15:20:00.006+08:00

This weekend we celebrated Rascal's 2nd birthday - a party filled with lots of noise, laughter and fun. Happy Birthday little man!

Christmas making

2010-12-19T14:55:00.009+08:00

This week has seen a flurry of activity making some last minute Christmas gifts.
There was some sparkly Christmas play dough,
Gingerbread stars for Junior's Kindy teachers,
Rocky road for friends and relatives and,
Some little travel bags for the boys friends who came to Rascal's birthday party. Several of our friends are off on holidays this week so we thought a little bag of holiday activities would be useful. We included some travel bingo cards, a holiday journal and pencil, some self-inking stamps and a few stickers. Hope they like them.