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Posted at 13:31 in everyday stuff, yummy stuff | Permalink | Comments (29) | TrackBack (0)
Do you ever see something and just know that it was meant to be yours? I saw this Amy ButlerBarcelona skirts pattern and by hook or by crook, I'm going to get my hands on one and make a be-yoo-tee-ful skirt.
Gorgeous isn't it? It has haunted my dreams, partly because I saw this very fabric last week in Liberty and stupidly did not buy it because I didn't have something specific in mind to do with it. Well, now I do!
Just a few small issues:
Posted at 21:40 in sewing stuff | Permalink | Comments (23) | TrackBack (0)
When Johnny and I went to Mostly Books for our weekly story time fix, Anu pointed me towards a real gem - "The incredible book eating boy" by Oliver Jeffers. My boys are intrigued by the tale of Henry, a boy who develops a taste for eating books and nearly comes to a sticky end before he realizes that reading them is just as good.
The tale is a good one, but the illustrations - they are truly wonderful. If you take a look through this sketch book you'll get an idea of his style. Then run out and buy the book.
I'm not sure why I am buying any more children's books, because after hearing about my plea for 6 year old reading recommendations, Tess, my lovely sister-in-law sent Mark this pile of goodies. Should keep him busy for a while!
And thanks so much to Bethany for this parcel of vintage style lovelies - I find it impossible to believe that Bitter Betty Blogs is only a year old, but I enjoyed sharing in the celebrations.
Posted at 23:40 in postman stuff, reading stuff | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0)
This couldn't be a more appropriate mantra at the moment, so when I saw Fiona's poster, I paid a little visit to Barter Books and lo and behold, here it is in all it's glory.
Do you want updates to my many stranded sagas? Probably not, but I'm going to inflict them on you anyway.
The fence erecting, gas pipe puncturing neighbours left a big crater next to the driveway, unmarked and unfenced. A car reversed, fell into the hole and broke the gas pipe again! I tell you neighbours, the universe is trying to communicate something to you. If you listen carefully it goes something like this " do not attempt to erect the fence, it is not meant to be".
And the Mark saga? He has been in a different class this week in a 'creative curriculum' special and lo and behold - no problems at school. Hmmm. Is the universe trying to tell me something? The educational psychologist has spoken to the school and is refusing to take Mark's referral until he has a diagnosis. But if he won't see him, how do we get a diagnosis, given that Mark's issues emerge in groups of children, not one-to-one with an adult. Aaaaargh.
Is it any wonder I am feeling frustrated and fed up?
Well, at least Trisha of black white bliss came through with a stack of lovely magazines from the Decor8 swap that I can stick my head in and pretend the world is a glossy, shiny, perfect place.
Happy weekend all!
Posted at 13:24 in family stuff, postman stuff | Permalink | Comments (13) | TrackBack (0)
There are some bonuses to your neighbours trying to erect a fence in land that isn't theirs without consulting you. When they dig through the gas main with their mini-digger, they have to abandon work and that means you get to play on all the plant hire stuff - yippee!
Some people just don't listen when their karma tries to tell them something.
My karma has been pretty spectacular of late - I won a fabric give-away over at sew mama sew and got to choose this monk-alicious flannel.
Johnny's monkey tried to steal it, but I have other plans. Looking closely at the print, we managed to find the whole family in monkey form. The one on the green square with the tufty black hair is undeniably Mark - check out his hair on the digger picture and see if you get the resemblance!
Posted at 11:12 in family stuff, postman stuff | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0)
Posted at 22:34 in everyday stuff, sewing stuff | Permalink | Comments (9) | TrackBack (0)
Yup, us UK Mummies will be celebrating Mothers Day tomorrow. This year I got it together and managed to make my mother's gift - a table runner.
I do wonder about the wisdom of making it in linen, but the table is a pretty flat place, so hopefully not too many wrinkles. It is backed in micro suede, which means it shouldn't be too slippery either.
And my own Mothers Day celebrations involve a little excursion to the Country Living Fair. Sometimes, the best gifts are the ones you give yourself. Happy Sunday all you Mummies out there.
Posted at 22:46 in everyday stuff, sewing stuff | Permalink | Comments (14) | TrackBack (0)
Posted at 22:01 in postman stuff | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)
I always knew you guys were special. I wish I could find a way better than mere words of thanking you - for your support, advice, kind thoughts, sharing of your own stories and plain making me laugh after my last post. You are truly amazing and hopefully I have managed to thank most of you in person (well, by e-mail anyway). Your comments and e-mails have meant a lot.
We're all doing fine here - Mark had now been given a referral to an Educational Psychologist (not until May, but hey, it's a step forward) and we start with the GP/Community Paediatrician referral tomorrow.
And yes, I've got crafty stuff to show you, but it's late, so it'll have to be tomorrow.
Posted at 22:04 in family stuff | Permalink | Comments (9) | TrackBack (0)
Posted at 20:13 in family stuff | Permalink | Comments (41) | TrackBack (0)
My first stab at an embroidery from the cute Japanese book I impulse bought. I think the fur is meant to have that textured look - uneven length stitches - I'm sure there's a technical term for that.
But the eyes, the slightly satanic eyes, are all my own French Knot work.
Posted at 22:46 in making stuff, sewing stuff | Permalink | Comments (10) | TrackBack (0)
My car is in the garage and has been since Friday. You have no idea how many favours I have had to call in to cope with 2 kids who have schools in opposite directions, neither of which are walkable.
Sometimes village life isn't all roses round the door.
Still, looking on the bright side, my personal carbon footprint is looking so much better.
I've been reading this book - it's all about small personal steps we could take to change our world. And when I read Amy's post, I cheered. As they say at Tesco, every little helps.
Sorry, no photos, blogger really hates me. Perhaps it is because I'm a Slytherin...
Posted at 11:08 in everyday stuff, reading stuff | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)
So, how was your lunar eclipse? I have to admit to having no idea that there was going to be one until I read it on the Busywork blog. But I am always up for a celestial happening and last night was beautifully clear - just right for a spot of moonwatching.
Posted at 10:21 in everyday stuff | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)
Although I gather the rest of the world isn't celebrating it today, but hey, eccentricity is meant to be a British characteristic.
Reading is a really important part of life in our house. When Mark was tiny, snuggling up with a book was always his favourite thing. It guarantees one-to-one adult attention, gives ample scope for cuddles, educates and entertains - the perfect blend really. He lugged around a series of books as a security blanket, the most beloved being "Kennst du Das? On the farm" - unhelpfully in German, but when you can't read I guess it doesn't matter.
The not reading stage didn't last long in his case, as he was reading at 3. I thought he had just memorised lots of his books, but one day we were on the Motorway and he read the side of a truck. I very nearly crashed. And just in case you're thinking it, I swear I wasn't a pushy mummy, busy with the flash cards. Life's too short.
Mark's been devouring books ever since. Current favourite - Charlotte's Web. I loved it as a child and it looks like the magic still works. When he was told that his class were dressing up as book characters today, he had to be Templeton.
Johnny is very jealous of the furry costume and refused to put on his shirt in protest. He also refused to stay out of the picture. I think I may need to make a second. The fake fur is incredibly good quality, with a suede-ish backing. So much nicer than scratchy acrylic. I quite fancy a furry suit of my own...
So, what are your book recommendations for reading matter for a 6 year old boy? Because when he comes home with his book token, we're going to need a spending plan.
Posted at 17:05 in family stuff, reading stuff | Permalink | Comments (17) | TrackBack (0)