Sunny Street

Last weekend, we re-created Rebe's school reading book. We had so much fun doing this, and it filled the whole of Saturday. On Thursday, after school, the kids and I drove to town to get the book printed (my printer is broken) and to get it laminated and bound, so it would be a real book. I have to say this was a painful experience as the print shop was busy, it took quite a while and I had to say 'Don't touch anything' about 7 million times! But we were delighted with the result and Rebe took it to school yesterday to share with her class, an I wanted to share it with you here...

That has to be the cuteset green monster in the world!

Have a wonderful, peaceful weekend!

just for fun...

We had a lovely relaxing day yesterday. I went off without the kids to do the food shopping. When I got back we made a healthy (ish) carrot cake and prepared for our special dinner. Rebe's school reading book has been about a little girl who is having a fancy dress party for her birthday. We decided to recreate the story, costumes, food and all... The robot needed a yellow box...Joa really enjoyed joining in! He did get a bit yellow though ;-) We took lots of pictures of the dinner and we plan to copy some of the script from Rebe's book and then print off her own version of the book to take to her class. I'll share it here when finished. I love doing these sort of projects. They take up a whole day, they really fire our imagination, they are something we all do together and they are so much fun! I also finished this little lady...She is a custom order for a friend of mine's daughter. I actual think she looks a lot like her. Can't wait to introduce them. And now just for fun.... Who is who? I have always felt that all my kids look so alike, and then I found a baby picture of me too... do you know who is who? Answer given tomorrow x

christmassy goings on

Gosh it feels like it's been ages since I've been here. Things have just been pretty busy.
More than anything though things have been pretty manic. Rebe is in a whirl wind of excitement. She's been waking up very early every morning and waking the boys with her, and then just bouncing off the walls all day long. It's been pretty hard work to be honest, especially when I'm fairly sleep deprived....still there have been some lovely moments lately too.

Rebe's school had their Nativity play on Sunday in the church. Her class were the stars, and they each had a little line to say. Rebe belted hers out so loud and she was so proud to be part of it. They sang a really sweet song too with a little dance and I admit it, yes I had a wee cry (Oh god I'm such a mummy!!). This is a bit of a blurry picture but I love it because it really captures the twinkle in her eye.

Another success was/ is (I haven't eaten it all yet lol) this Christmas bread...

It is unbelievable, and therefore I'll share the recipe...

1 large egg beaten
1/2 cup orange juice
3 tbsp veg oil
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cardamom
1/2 cup plain flour
4 tbsp crystallised ginger
1 cup cranberries coarsely chopped

Mix wet ingredients then add dry and mix in cranberries. Don't over mix. I put mine in a loaf tin and baked it until you could put in a knife and it comes out clean.

I'm afraid I can't credit this cake anywhere as I can't remember where I found the recipe, but you simply HAVE to make it!!

Still on food; we had chicken pie last night and the kids made their own pastry shapes. I find a little fun with dinner always helps it to go down a little better.

As well as being winter solstice today there was also a lunar eclipse that we could see perfectly from the children's window this morning...

It was really amazing!

I have just about finished all my Christmas gifts now. I only need to get together a few wee things to put in our crackers. I have been putting off finishing Joa's mobile, but yesterday when I was out for a stroll with Benny I found the perfect branch (sneaked from my neighbours garden). So I finished it last night and I love it.

My three little Angels flying amongst the stars.

Joa

Benny (and his strawberry-berry hat)

I'm so pleased with how it came out. It will hang in the children's room.
Hope you all have a wonderful winter solstice, hugs x

our wee irish speaker

Here is Rebe singing a song she learnt in school in Irish... I find it fascinating that she's learning to do something that neither Andy or I can do...

I do question how useful learning Irish will apart from the pleasure of being able to speak and understand such an ancient language.

a new sunday ritual

Since Rebe started school, I thought it would be nice to end the weekend with a recognisable end of weekend ritual. So we sharpen her pencils,

and polish her shoes. Benny wanted a go too so I let him polish my slippers. Don't know why he needed the rubber glove though!

We went for a wee walk in the woods this afternoon. We played shops, which was lovely and not something we've played there for ages. Benny wanted to go home though so we brought all the shop things with us to play with at home...

Oh yes and this funny thing happened... we were having a quick climb on a large stone which is on the path on the way to the woods when an American family went passed us. The mummy came running back to us and asked if she could take a picture of the kids 'as they looked so cute'. I said she could but they were very dirty and she said 'Aww they're really authentic'. ha ha ha still makes me laugh, authentic!

Hope you all had a peaceful weekend.

first day of school

Here she is! Looking ever so smart! All ready and raring to go to her first day of school!and here is her little brother looking.... well what can you say?! (When we were picking Rebe up someone looked at him and described him as a free spirit, I think that may be a euphamism for a bit nuts)

In the car going to drop her off.

Rebe's class room.

Her teacher was so lovely and welcoming. Rebe went straight to her and introduced herself and gave her the big bag of goodies she made for her yesterday.

While Rebe was at school Benny and I tried out our mincer/ pasta maker that I picked up from a charity shop last week. Lots of fun when we got the hang of it (and stopped squabbling over whose go it was to turn the handle).



When she got home Rebe rang Bubs to tell her all about her first day.

Among the things said was 'I didn't like it, I loved it' and 'It was heaven for me'.

Interestingly, nearly everything she told me about her day was made up. There were very few actual facts but lots of fantastic stories. Over all I think she had a great time and is looking forward to her next day tomorrow!