HOW CUTE IS THIS?

Bex has been doing crochet for about 2 years now, and in that time she's made quite a few little items, mostly toys, beanies, cocoons etc.
Yesterday she finished her first clothing item:

ABOVE:  A gorgeous little matinee jacket for baby boy due in 6 weeks!  
6 WEEKS!  It's getting so exciting, there is NOTHING like a newborn to lift your spirits and make you smile more.

Even better, I'm just the Grandma, I don't have to do any of the sleepless nights/sore back/cracked nipples stuff!
Sorry if that was too much info!
lol

Today?  Well... Bex and Dante go to Playcentre, and I'm going to Patchwork class.
I'm just going to do a couple of mug rugs today.  I've not started the baby cot bumper yet.  Slack I know, but something always seems to crop up and stop me making a start on it.

But, now that the house is all ship shape again, I am sure I can settle down and get right back into my sewing again.

So, until later.... 

ONWARD...

Today I'm fasting.  Gunna give the 5:2 diet a go.  5 days you eat normally, 2 days you semi fast.

When I got home from patchwork class, I was just in time to kiss Dante goodbye as they left for Hamilton.
They are off for a couple of days, visiting friends.  Steve is joining them after work today.
So, it's just Stew, B & G and me for the weekend.

Class was lovely today.   One of the ladies was making a Japanese inspired wall hanging, and she had to make 11 little kimono's ... so several of us girls learnt how to make them too.

ABOVE:  See... so small ... but cute.  I made two while I was there.  I have no idea if I will even want to do a Japanese inspired ANYTHING... but at least I know how to make them.  *smiles*

Next Friday is our last day in class, the shop is being closed down after Easter.
The tutor is trying to find a venue so we can still keep our group together.  I hope she can, I was starting to really feel like 'one of the girls'... and would miss them if it doesn't start up again.

I got a few pieces of fabric from the sales table today, and a couple of ends of roll too.  There's going to be more bargains after Easter... can't wait!

 ABOVE:  Christmas fabrics... no time like the present to start on Christmas projects!

ABOVE:  all the shell/fish fabrics were end of the roll pieces... and I love them, particularly the one on the right.

The kids are home early today... kill me now.  I am so over kids at the moment, particularly shitty teenagers.  Even Griffin is getting hormonal and anal... I hope his balls drop fast and he gets over himself.

End of Day:  a lovely evening, spent in front of the telly and doing a jig saw on me computer.
nite nite

ON THE HUNT FOR....

Would you believe... another vacum cleaner!
We tried vacuming the stairs with our Kirby last night.  IMPOSSIBLE.
So, today I shall go out and about and have a look at what options there out there, suitable for stairs.

ABOVE:  I had a quick look on the 'net last night, and saw these two.   One is at Godfrey's, the other at Harvey Norman.  I will go look at them today.

Some good news... Lacy's toes have almost healed, without needing skin grafts after all.
She's rather lucky, but then, she has also been looking after the burn well.

ABOVE:  yaaa... brand new skin.  She will still have to be very careful with it, and still dress it and put burn cream on for a bit longer... but the worst is behind her I think.

Such a relief really, I know it has been a long, painful recovery.  Not only the burn, but not being able to walk properly for so long.

So... I'm outta here... things to do around the house, some shopping maybe... just a normal day.
I plan on reading some blogs after lunch too... must catch up on my friend's blogs!

ONWARD...

FAR OUT! 

I get up all excited about going shopping, then Bex looks at me and says:

"Why don't you use the Central Vac for the stairs, instead of buying a vacum you DON'T NEED?"

DOH, Why didn't I think of that?  Now what can I go out shopping for?  *sigh*

I decided to be a good girl... and do housework instead of going shopping.  I don't NEED a bloody thing.  Dammit.

Now I'm all hot and sweaty and wondering why the hell I had a shower? I'm going to do another vacum all over the house then call housework quits.  

 ABOVE:  I am just so happy with this room now... the rug was an engagement present from Stew's Mum and her Sister... 27 years ago.  It's had a hard life, but is still going strong.  Perfect for there, that's where we put the littlies table for their meals.

ABOVE: The sun is streaming into the Dining Room... it's such a lovely 'room' too.
All is well in my house again, everything is back in it's place.

I'm cooking beef and onion Stew for dinner tonight, it's smelling delish.

End of Day:  I've had a lovely day.  Looking forward to patchwork class tomorrow.
nite nite

FINGERS CROSSED FOR A FINISH TODAY

I'm expecting the flooring men at about 8.30 this morning.  I'm so excited.  By the end of the day we will have carpet in the family room!
And on the stairs.  So cool.  Stew is really looking forward to seeing carpet on the stairs THE MOST.

And just in time for winter too.
Sometimes having a flood is GOOD.  Weird.

I already miss little Keera.  She was such a good little kid to have here... and Dante loved having her to play with.

I've been utterly evil with my food the past 6 days.  Today I'm getting back on track, I want to get another excellent blood test result in another 3 months. I just have to stop letting my moods get the better of me.

I still can't believe how fast I can completely fall off the wagon!

Mind over matter.  And a plan.  I'm sick of my vege stir fry's for my main meal.  Got to think of something else for a change.  Maybe an omelet?  Or steak 'n' egg?  Ideas anyone?  

Right, I better go and get dressed, can't have those blokes arrive and find me in me nightie eh?  lol

ONWARD...

Blokes have not arrived yet... so much for 8.30 am.  I could still be in my nightie after all.  

But, I'm sure they will arrive soon.... they told me yesterday that I was scary, so I'm sure they don't want to get me crabby!  lol

ABOVE:  Pretty eh?   Ha ha, it's the underlay.  Progress people!  Progress is good.

ABOVE:  "Where's fridge Grandma?".....  It will be nice to see it back in it's gap tonight.

IT'S FINALLY DONE.

 ABOVE: I'm really happy with how the vinyl matches the carpet, and the curve.  Last night the men taped out the curve, but took it really close to the bench, so I changed it and took it out heaps more.... much better.

ABOVE:  the left over carpet.  We are going to trim them to size and get them bound into mats/rugs.

You can never have too many rugs 'n' mats.

When the guys get home from work they have the job of moving all the furniture back into the room.

End of Day:  well such a lot got done today!  Thrilled to bits with the new flooring... and I'm looking forward to getting everything back in place and tidy tomorrow... just a few things to do really.
nite nite

BYE BYE MISS MUPPET

Today our little Keera goes home to her Mummy.  It's been really lovely having her for such a nice visit.  

I'm expecting Kelly sometime this morning to pick her up and take her back to Tauranga.  At least the weather isn't too horrible for their trip.

Last night's shenanigans:

ABOVE:  Steve's idea of getting the underlay rolled up fast.  *sigh*   Only he would do it this way I'm sure.

ABOVE:  Then stand up and peel it down.  Well... it did work!

ABOVE:  I can't believe we are seeing the darn concrete AGAIN, after only two years.   

I'm seriously thinking of writing something on the concrete. 

Steve reckons I should write "If you are reading this, PLEASE don't start digging!"

Anyone else got any bright suggestions???

Having our Archgola/side curtains has meant we could put a lot of our furniture and stuff from the Family room in there, while the carpet and vinyl is being laid.  What a godsend it has turned out to be.

I am not sure what time the man from Carpet Court is due here today, after lunch 'sometime' they said ... hopefully he gets here and gets heaps done before 'knock off time'.

Right, that's me for now, I better go and pack up Keera's stuff ready for her departure.  

ONWARD...

First up this morning I tidied up all the Tupperware and some of the kitchen cupboards... then the rest of the morning has gone to plan.  Kelly and her friend Amanda arrived, stayed for a natter then left, with Keera,  just before lunch.

Best thing... the Carpet Court guys arrived earlier than expected and are laying the vinyl as I type:

ABOVE:  Pretty sure they will get the kitchen part done today.... then tomorrow the carpet.  Yaaaa.

Time for some lunch, and watch Home and Away!

Those men got the vinyl tiles done, then left for another job.  They will be back tomorrow to do the carpet and should be finished by end of day.

The afternoon was rather quiet, I fell asleep on the couch!  
Then I did dinner, we had pork spare ribs, potatoes, mixed veges and cauliflower cheese.  Rather yum.

End of Day:  so ready for bed tonight, it's been a long week caring for a toddler again!  Well... that and family angst, flooring issues, and not doing so well with my diet. 
Emotional eating took over in a big way.  
Hopefully I can turn it around again and get in control again.
nite nite

NEW STEPS

We are so lucky.  Now that Steve is an almost qualified builder, we don't have to get someone in to do builder type jobs around the house.

Getting the laminate off the stairs caused considerable damage to the underlying steps, so our very own 'Bob The Builder' fixed them:

 ABOVE:  Yaaa... all done, ready for CARPET.  OMG I can't wait for carpet on the stairs.  I will no longer open the front door and see all the dust on the stairs!  
It didn't matter how often one swept those bloody stairs, the dust was back there moments later!

Wednesday it should be all done and I can finally get the house all sorted out again.

From yesterday:

 ABOVE:  Bex baked this lovely chocolate cake, with fondant roses too!  Very pretty it was.

ABOVE:  Blowing out the candles... note Steve's beard!  Mike, you ain't the only one who can grow a ginger beard like ya Dad!

Bex hates it by the way.  I don't mind beards, as long as they are groomed nicely and kept short.  Steve is going for the 'bushman, gatherer' version right now.  Needs a trim.  Said his mother ever so quietly.

ONWARD...

Well after worrying about the bloody cyclone... it was a non-event here in Auckland.  It also looks like the remainder of the country is only experiencing mild stormy weather, nothing dramatic.
What a relief.

Sadly, Vanuatu is still in clean up mode, and there are still people missing, presumed killed. 
Because it's an island nation, many islands are still not in communication with aid agencies, so no one knows just how bad it was for them.

I hope it's not as bad a feared.

I'm off to Hospice Shop this afternoon, leaving Miss Muppet with Bex and Dante.  Those two littlies are almost over each other now... they are having the odd scrap and squabble.  
But not too bad.  
Keera goes home tomorrow... Kelly is picking her up and taking her back to Lacy in Tauranga.


First time ever, Hospice duty was excruciatingly SLOW and BORING.   I didn't even find much treasure!

ABOVE:  two pairs of earrings, I wanted to change the hooks on the ones on the left cos the existing hooks look yuk.

ABOVE:  she even did it right there and then. Cool... thanks Bex.

 ABOVE:  I also got two pure wool blankets, perfect for the dogs/puppies... when we have more puppies that is.
Tallulah hasn't had her first season yet, so puppies are still at least 10 months away.  

End of Day: our last night having Miss Muppet... and tonight we have to get all the furniture, appliances etc out of the family room and kitchen, ready for tomorrow.  Yaaa, more disruption in the house.
nite nite

FLOOR PREP TODAY

Today Steve is going to prep the stairs in readiness for having carpet laid on Tuesday/Wednesday.

Yep... not on Monday as first expected.  But, at least we were informed about the delay, not just left hanging.

This afternoon we are taking EVERYTHING out of the 'dining room' and putting it in the lounge.  Because... Cyclone Pam, which devastated Vanuatu yesterday, is headed our way.  Even if it just 'grazes' past New Zealand, it has the potential to do some damage.

So, we shall empty the dining room, pull up the blinds and hope the wind and rain blows through instead of tearing it apart.

Knowing my  luck lately... well *sigh*... let's wait and see.

Often we expect a storm to be really bad coming from the Pacific, and it peters out before it gets here.  Let's hope that happens OK?
   
Below is a link to a neat site that shows you the winds, in real time, in the world.  The Cyclone is very clear on it.  I'm keeping an eagle eye on it for sure! 
http://earth.nullschool.net/#current/wind/surface/level/orthographic=-167.04,-27.10,441 (If you do check it out, and in case you don't actually know where New Zealand is ...  Go DOWN to the bottom of the world, we are to the right of Australia)

Right, I'm off to get the day started.  

ONWARD...

Forgot!  HAPPY 27TH BIRTHDAY BEX.   I hope you have an awesome day.  She got Spotlight gift vouchers so she can get more wool, a gorgeous necklace from Steve, chocolates, 27 scratchies from Steve, and this:

ABOVE:  A new laundry hamper, which she loves.

Stew, the kids and I are going to a Motorhome/Outdoor show at the ASB Showgrounds sometime today too.

Maybe I will find something to satisfy my retail therapy urge there?  *smiles*

Well... the Motorhome/Caravan show was one of the best shows we've been to. 
We saw heaps of gorgeous caravans, and fell in love with this:

 ABOVE:  all we need is $80,000 and a bigger vehicle to tow it!  Luckily, dreams are free.

ABOVE: Cyclone Pam has been downgraded to a category 3 cyclone, and she's getting closer.  It's clouding over here, and the wind is getting up.
We have taken EVERYTHING out of the 'dining room' and rolled up the blinds.  There is nothing else we can do now but wait and see if it's as bad a storm as expected.

LEIGH:  done.  I hope it works for you.

End of Day:  well a fairly pleasant day.
The 'storm' has not really hit us at all ... yet... or if it does indeed.
I'm still glad we brought all the dining room furniture etc inside, just in case.  I'd rather do that than regret not doing it and having stuff ruined.
It's been a lovely evening too...Bex baked her own Birthday Cake and we helped eat it.  Photos tomorrow... I'm too tired now.  It's time for bed.
nite nite

A MIXED BAG SORT OF DAY

Stew has a job to do concerning work first thing this morning.

After that the day is ours.

We are going out to get a couple of things for our fence/flooring prep etc.  

As we have Keera, I can't see me getting any sewing done for the next few days.  That's OK though, I have 7 weeks to get the cot bumper done after all.

ABOVE: our two toddlers ... growing up far too fast.  They learn grown up stuff too fast too.

Keera was 'talking' on her toy phone and going "What?  what?  Oh for f*#ks sake!".... I swear, she used that language and with so much expression.
Lacy... she's been listening to you too much.

Mostly though, they both just run around saying "Hello... baby babble... Bye".

I've been feeling really down the last couple of days... reasons not to be divulged here... so some retail therapy might just sneak in today.
I'd rather that than down a block of chocolate!

So... till later...

ONWARD...

Well.. so far we have done NOTHING we planned for today.
Got unexpected visitors:

ABOVE:  Russell and Ange called in.   

We had a lovely visit, and now they have headed off, and Stew, the kids and I are about to head out as well.

There is a Pasifika Festival down in Manukau that we are going to check out.

ABOVE:  the Pasifika Festival was nuts.  Too many people, too hot and dusty, and dozens and dozens of food stalls, all selling the same sort of food.  Craft stalls were scattered here and there, all GROSSLY overpriced pacific type things.  Shirts, dresses, lava lavas, black pearls, woven stuff, wooden stuff, shell stuff ... I DIDN'T SPENT A CENT!

We did the outskirts, then got outta there!

We ended up at Sylvia Park where we had lunch, did a wander around and came home.

I'm now all hot and crabby.  Feel like ripping someone's head off and shoving up up... well you know where!  So over this heat.  Frustrations.  Annoyances.  Worries.

End of Day:  Just watched 'My Sister's Keeper' movie.  Bad move.  Sure didn't help me mood.
Time for bed... hoping for a better night's sleep.  It's still so HOT here!  Humid as hell too... makes it so difficult to sleep.
nite nite

FRIDAY PATCHWORK?

NOPE.  Got the Muppet.

So, I shall be taking her to Playcentre instead.
God help me.  Little kids, paint, sand, noise, mess....  I thought my Playcentre days were well behind me!

The only consolation is Keera will love it, Dante will love having her there with him... and he kinda LOVES me being there too.
He's so cute when I'm there, showing off, saying 'Grandma' all the time.  Melts my heart.

In a way I'm not sad to miss Patchwork class.  I've not had a chance to start the next project yet, so I would have only been tracing out the pattern, and cutting it out in class today anyway. 

Can you believe it's ANOTHER black friday?

Right, not much of a post for the day so far.. but I'm sure I will have more to add later.

ONWARD...

so... Playcentre was OK.  I stayed for a while, then left Keera with Bex and went to Takanini.  I stopped in a the Hospice shop there, got a few bits 'n' bobs, then looked in Animates, got the dogs some pig's ears.
I'm sure they will love them.

Keera had a blast at Playcentre.  When I got back she was sopping wet, playing in the water trough.  Screaming with joy actually!

She is now sound asleep, and I'm having me lunch in front of the telly.

My gate was supposed to arrive today.  Instead I got an email from the lady I bought it from.
The truck bringing my gate up from Napier crashed on Wednesday, killing the driver.
The vehicle, and all inside it,  is now part of a serious crash unit investigation, and my gate won't be here till MAYBE next week.
*sigh*

Very sad event for the driver, no one knows why he crashed.

I am sure the guys can spend some time making the fence first, and fitting the gate once it arrives.

Just in, some new photos of Miss Polly, one of our puppies:

ABOVE: Polly was from our 3rd litter and she is now 17 months old... and still a mad dog.  She looks like so many of our puppies!  I'm thrilled to see she has kept lots of her darker colours too.  
Thank you Robyn for sending me such lovely photos of her.

End of Day:  well a nice day in all... got things on my mind that are bothering me, but we all know ... that's not new!
tomorrow is another day, nite nite

A QUIET THURSDAY I DO BELIEVE

Would you believe I have NOTHING on today?
NOTHING!

So... I might just suggest to Bex that we take the kids to a park or mall or something, then have lunch out as well.

After that, the two kids will have a nap and I can go downstairs and make a start on the next sewing project.

A cot bumper with the next baby's name on it.
Not that I can tell you his name, it's a SECRET till he's born.  Only 7 week 1 day till his due date!

My how those months have flown by.

Bex is doing really well with her pregnancy, hardly any problems at all this time around.  Some heartburn ... sore back... but nothing major.

Lacy got a good report from the burns unit yesterday too.  Her big toe is finally growing some new skin, so hopefully she won't need a skin graft after all.  

Right, that's me for now.... catch ya later with some cute photos of our two littlies.

ONWARD...

Well... we had a busy morning at Sylvia Park.  Amazing how fast time goes by.  We had a nice time, shopping/lunch/playground then home.
Some happy snaps:

AND....

ABOVE: Shopping.  Socks for Miss Muppet's new sneakers, she wore her cousin's socks this morning.
A play phone for Muppet, a puzzle and a potty seat.  I'm going to have a go at getting her going like a big girl... on the loo.

OH... and a lovely wooden tray, white and blue for the dining room. 

Both toddlers are asleep now, so down time for Bex and I.  Yaaa.

End of Day:  well tonight was takeaways, which was burgers and chips.  I partook.  Tomorrow is another day.
nite nite

MUPPET IN THE HOUSE

So, today is day one of having Miss Muppet in the house.  All going well she will settle in and be perfectly happy while she's here.

She certainly was yesterday.  Dante was thrilled to see her and they played happily together for ages.  It was so bloody cute to see them together.

I've got a Dr's appointment this morning, so rather than take her with me, I shall drop her off to Playcentre... Bex and Dante will already be there,  Bex will watch her for me while I'm at the Dr's.

It's my diabetes check up.  I wonder how my results will be?  I'm hoping REALLY GOOD, cos I have been, except for the odd slip up, really careful with my diet since Christmas.

My last blood work in December came back abysmal.  My 'count' was 72, up from 56.  In the 'YELLOW' zone... so not that good at all.

Fingers crossed for a lower number this time.

Apart from the Dr's appointment, I have nothing on today.  Awesome.  I can just hang out with Keera, and give her lots of loves and cuddles.

ONWARD...

SCENARIO:  Bex and Dante are about to leave for Playcentre.  Dante pulls a very sad face and covers his eyes with his hands.  Bex and I know it's because Keera isn't going with them right now... so Bex tells Dante that Keera is coming to Playcentre with Grandma soon, and his face just lights up with a HUGE smile!

Then the two littlies hug and kiss each other bye bye.  It was just so adorable.

They are thoroughly enjoying each other's company... wonder how long it will last?  *smiles*

First up for the morning, I took Keera down to the mall and bought her some shoes.  Shoe warehouse were having a sale, buy 2, get the 3rd free:

ABOVE:  of course I got three!  These should see her through to next summer.

When we arrived at the mall, we got out of the car just as a group of 6 men and women walked past, and Keera said "Hello People" and they all turned and said "Hello" to her and smiled.  So sweet.

ABOVE:  these two had a wonderful time at Playcentre... they virtually followed each other around the whole time.

Now.  Doctor visit.

THE VERDICT?

NORMAL                                             ME

Blood pressure 130/80                     126/82

Cholesterol less than 4                      4
LDL less than 2.0                                1.9

HbA1c less than 55                            58 (it was 72)

So as the numbers say, I'm VIRTUALLY BANG ON NORMAL!
My HbA1c can come down a tiny bit more, and I will work on that over the next 3 months.

Do you know what's the BEST thing about all my results?

I STOPPED TAKING METFORMIN 3 months ago!  I don't need it.  I can control the diabetes with diet alone.
In another 3 months I might even let the Doctor know I'm not taking the Metformin!  Naughty me.

End of Day:  well an excellent day, a day I'd been hoping for since the beginning of the year.  It's been a lovely quiet evening too.. well as quiet as it can be with to toddlers in the house. 
nite nite