The Very Hungry Catepillar

Last week Judah came home and said "Oh yeah tomorrow is dress up for book week". Now I have to admit that I received a letter weeks ago about it, but totally forgot. So I asked Judah what storybook character he wanted to be, figuring that I could use one of the many, many costumes my kids have in the dress up box. But of course my son being my son wanted to be nothing other then "the very hungry cateprillar". Not one of the bears from Goldilocks, not a tiger, or a prince, but "the very hungry catepillar"!!!! So off to the fabric store I went hoping to find some inspiration. Well I did. This cute floro green fabric was on sell for $10 for a remnant piece, so with that, a green towel, a couple of felt squares, a few buttons and a green jumper and trakky pants (sweats for you americans), this is what I came up with. I have to say humbly speeking I am quite impressed with how it turned out!!!! Not only did Judah love it but he also received the most original costume award for the whole school. Not bad for a throw together the night before. Now I wondering how in the world am I going to top this next year!!! :O) So out of curiousity, since those who know me know that I have a complete love affair with children's books, what character would you or your kids want to be for book week?!?!

Being Mum

Today was the most beautiful sunny day so we loaded the kids up in the car and went to the most wonderul park called Fantasy Park. We had so much fun being outside and it was the perfect opportunity to click some pics of our cute little chickens. I thought I would share them along with some nice pics of some Australian flora I took today.

On a slightly different note today was also the day for the first birthday party that Heidi has been invited to. So this morning I spent 2 hours making a little dress to give to the birthday girl as a present (cheper then buying plastic kids crap marketed as toys). But as I put up Heidi's hair and tied a pretty yellow bow in and helped her get her party shoes on I felt this little knot develop deep in my stomach. As I helped her get in the car and did up her seat belt the knot grew. By the time we got there and she ran off to play with her sweet little friends from dance class the knot grew even bigger. And as I hung around secretly hoping she would freak out, and instead she gave me a kiss and waved good bye, the knot grew almost unbearable. Then being the good mum that I am, I gave her a big smile and said "have a lovely time sweetie, I love you." I got in the car and drove off and just prayed and shed a little tear. I don't know why this event of all the milestones she has hit recently was harder, but it was. I know that this is one of many, but it was so hard to just leave. I wasn't there to keep an eye on her, or make sure no one was being mean, or make sure she didn't eat too much cake. She had to be a big girl and I had to let her. Needless to say at 5 I called Murray from my Tupperware party and with just slight desperation made sure she was home and OK. Of course she was, and except from a little minor potty accident she had a wonderful time. It makes me think on that day when instead of tying her hair in a yellow ribbon I'm tieing the strings on her wedding dress will I be able to bear it? Will I be able to not break down in a pile of tears and beg her to stay with me forever? These are the things no one tells you about when you get pregnant. Maybe it's because it wouldn't do any good, or maybe it's because there are no words to describe it, or maybe it's because it's just part of the joys and tears of motherhood. Whatever it is, it certainly must be one of the hardest parts of this job called "being mum".

Pillowcase Dream

I saw the cutest idea the other day and I just had to try it. It was the most beautiful little girls summer dress made out of a pillowcase. They used pretty embroidered ones from the thrift store or antique shops. So before I hit the thrift store I thought I would try it with one I had in the cupboard. The whole project took just over an hour, but I'm sure it could be done quicker as I did a fancy scallop edging along the neckline and was a little bit creative with the sleeves. Anywhere here is the link for any of you with little girls that are crafty and want to give it a go. http://annamariahorner.com/pillowcase.dress.by.annamaria.pdf

I had to take pictures to share and in the process came up with some of the most adorablly dreamy photos of Heidi and Wesley playing in my curtains, so I now I have to share those too. And while I'm busy posting pics I thought I would post some of my bedroom makeover. I did the whole thing for less then a hundred dollars (yeeaahh for bargain shopping) and I'm just in love with it. Our room has always been the dumping ground for clutter and has really never been given it's own decorating attention. But no more!!! It's our beautiful retreat now, and once we get a little extra cash I'm going to find two old wooden chairs and paint it the same colour blue and upholster the seat cushion in black fabric with big white polk-a-dots. Then we will have a little place to drink our tea and read together at night... doesn't that sound wonderful:O) The finishing touches will be a crystal lamp on each table, a white painted wooden wreath for the middle of the wall and, if I can find one, (maybe Ikea) a pretty crystal chandalier for the ceiling... untill then it still looks fabulous compared to what it was before!!!

Hope you are having a great day, lots of love from the Henederson Circus!!!

Femantle, Oh Fremantle!!!!

I'm in love with someone, whose not my husband!!!! Ok it's more like somewhere, then someone, but Freo is so alive. It has it's very own unique pulse, and personality, and flavour. As I walked down the streets it's like getting to know a person. The fashion and food, oh and don't forget the AMAZING arcitechture that surrounds you. It all has its own unique flavours, and smells, and looks that are so uniquely Fremantle. Then there is the river and shipping yard with the most massive "flock" of steel cranes and cargo ships,and when you see this part of Freo you meet downtown Freo's lover who is masculine and strong and in control, and yet in it's own way has a breathtaking beauty.

If you haven't guessed I had the most wonderful time in Freo with the girls. We had so much fun shopping and picking food of eachothers plates. We chatted, giggled, and at times laughed so hard we could barely breath. We played board games, sat in the hot tub till our hands were prunes, drank a little more Sangria then we probabbly should have, and yet at the same time shared our souls and dreams with eachother. We encourage eachother in light of blaring insecurities and motivated eachother to keep reaching for our dreams. It was so fun getting to know eachother better just by watching which clothes we liked in the boutiques, or which delactable item we chose to buy from the open markets. I think it is safe to say that all of our souls were renewed and encouraged. It really was magical.

So as promised I have some pics to post. I found two FABULOUS hats but allas no yellow polk-a-dot shoes were to be found. I did find a red pair, but there were none in my size. Hope you enjoy the pics. Lots of Love!!! xoxox

One of the Markets

My Fav Shop

Don't you just LOVE the lamp shade!!!!

The Punk Rock Bag-Piper... flames came out of the back of his pipes!!!!

I loved the brick work on this house


Our hotel

Of course I couldn't forget us girls

And last but not least, the new hats :O)