52/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Stella: bathing Jack. She is awed by the teeny tiny perfection of him.

Ruby: Christmas morning. Handmade sheep; from wool recycled from one of my old loved jumpers.

Joining in with Jodi, at Che and Fidel

This year my children have grown and changed. Through my photos I've realised I don't have little girls anymore, I've got living, breathing, independent beautiful strong young daughters. Each with their own personality, quirks, tempers and wills. Onwards and upwards I say.

Goodbye 2013. 

See you all in the New Year.

51/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Stella: 

working away on a weaving project. Santa hat optional but very cute.

Ruby: 

she makes, she bakes and she does it all without a recipe. We cook it and it's always edible.

Big week. I wish I could post all the things I have been crafting, but there's little eyes everywhere. I will wait three more days. I do have a few IG photos up though. If you're keen to see, I'm on deb_sunshinetime. Not sure how to link it up or add it as a gadget/widget or whatever. Note to self; improve computer skills in 2014.

Happy festivities, everyone!

See you next week for the final link up

52/the ones that got away

Stella:

Ruby:

I've got 4 kids home this morning and yet, perversely, I have time to sit and meander through my photos from 2013. 

Some observations from this activity: 

The girls seem to be wearing the same clothes in most of my shots. Which begs the question; why are their drawers so full? 

There are lots of beach photos, garden shots and general activity/outdoor shots. 

They seem happy and healthy with big smiles and glowing skin.

There's lots of photos of hairstyles! Long hair, haircuts, bobs and do's.

They love animals. Cats, kittens, guinea pigs, horses....

And ice creams...lots of ice cream shots.

They are growing up fast. 

This project has been fun. It's also kept me on track; some weeks it would have been easier not to blog at all, but if I know anything about myself, I'm better working to a deadline. I do like to finish something I've started. I'm happy to say I think I'm going to make it across the finish line this year. Having said that, I'm not sure if I'll be linking up next year. I'd like to, but as the girls get older I'm more aware of their need for privacy and the fact they may not enjoy being posted every week. I'll see...

I will continue to blog, though. I've seen so much this year online. I may just shift direction somewhat; turn and take a different tack...

See you all next week.

50/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Stella: brushing Pepe. This is what she loves best; horse time.

She and I spent a night on my friend's farm. One night, but such a restful trip.

Ruby: swimming-pool eyes. Back in the water after an enforced ten day break

She might have to go easy for a while.

This week the girls finished up at school. A magical six week holiday stretches in front of them. We'll still be working of course; this is PK's busy time, when the town is flooded with holiday makers. But, oh, the relief of not having to get up and make lunches and shunt them off to school. We will look for some small pleasures close to home. Ice skating, a pantomime, beach time, friends, family and some new baby time

Just being, without deadlines. Yes.

49/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Stella: one of those (increasingly) rare moments where she's happy to play up for the camera.

Ruby: post-op recovery lemonade in her Dad's t-shirt with her new owl toy.

This week has been a big one. Emotionally and physically, it's taken it's toll. Ruby underwent a minor surgical procedure under a general anaesthetic. You'd think I'd be relaxed with this, as it's something I do everyday in my line of work (not on people though!). But although I held it together until we entered the surgery and they put her under, I was a blubbering mess on the way out. I take my hat off to those anaesthetists. Goodness, the pressure...

My blog posts have been scant, of late. My days are taken up with work, family and crafting. Soon, soon, I'll be back with something other than the portrait project!

Linking in with Jodi, at Che and Fidel

48/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Stella: discovering her horse ornament from last year's stocking

Ruby: dressing the tree.

On Sunday, the first day of December, the tree went up. We had a lovely time rediscovering our decorations. Some are old and treasured handmade pieces. Others are gifts from friends. Each year in our stockings is another piece to add to the collection. All hold special memories.

This week I've been busy crafting. I'm making Christmas presents. The nieces and nephews are done, the baskets for the teachers are almost complete, and I've started on the rest of the family. I have lots of ideas but not so much time left! Ah, well, as usual, I will do the best I can do, and hope it's good enough. It always seems to work out in the end :-)

47/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Stella:  

Original Irish Hand tailored "Blarney Headwear".

(Op-shopped)

Ruby: 

Witchery Kids.

(purchased by her stylish older cousins)

This weekend these hats went everywhere with the kids. To the beach and to my parents for a BBQ dinner. 

I love a good hat. Just the the ticket to round off any outfit.

46/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Stella: through the glass. She's an apparition with foster kitten, overlaid with a mirror image of the garden and hut.

Ruby: making coir mix. In anticipation of rain this week, we've stepped up our seed planting.

I'm late this week. Everything's getting done, but in slo-mo. There's four little foster kittens to be cared for. And I've been prioritising some me time; reading books and knitting/sewing/making in anticipation of Christmas. It's been fun.

45/52

off the sandbags...

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Stella:

first in today.. although not entirely planned. I think there was some slipping and some sliding before she committed to the leap.

Ruby: 

launches herself at everything with the greatest enthusiasm.

Beautiful morning at the river mouth. Our kids were first off the sandbags today; a group of boys gathered to watch, and then join in. 

Something about leaping into cool green waters just makes everything ok. 

How was your weekend?

did anyone take any big leaps?

44/52

Halloween..

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Stella: zombie. 

she rallied after a stupendous stack on concrete. The bandages, dressings and stilted gait added an authentic touch to her costume. And the blood on her knees and elbows was real.

Ruby: witch.

and just the cutest happiest little one I ever did see.

Halloween has never really been that big here in Oz (or is it just me?). Just in the last few years it seems to have crept into my field of vision. Last year we tripped around some back streets with a group of friends. Houses decorated with pumpkins and balloons tied to gates signalled a welcome to the kids. We met neighbours, ran into school friends, laughed and enjoyed a nice walk at dusk. It was so much fun we did it again this year.

43/52

away...

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Stella: 

reading on the window ledge, lost in her world while listening to the ocean.

Ruby: 

sees the window as an escape hatch, part of her exploration and adventures.

We took three days off to take a short break. All of us needed to take some deep breaths, slow down, unwind and relax. We found everything we needed in this apartment with big open windows and doors, looking out over an expanse of green and blue; nothing between us and nature.

42/52

Milestones...

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Stella:

She went on music camp. Away three whole nights and four whole days. The hardest part was leaving her there and walking away. The best part was going to pick her up. When I saw her I got tears in my eyes. She looked exhausted, happy and somehow a little bit more grown up..

Ruby:

This week saw her really start to read. I don't mean just know words and like books. She's always had a love of books. But this week she crossed that bridge... you know, that one where you pick up a book and become totally engrossed in it. It's momentous and immensely satisfying. If she has books, if she truly loves to read, then a whole new world opens up for her...

Joining in with Jodi, at Che and Fidel

There's been other milestones these past couple of weeks too, that deserve their own little place in this blog. So I'll find some time this week to write them up properly. I've not been at this computer much lately. Life has got in the way. But this is the way it should be. Life should always come first.

41/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Stella:

aiding and abetting me in setting the treasure hunt. Each clue takes the form of a riddle, for her sister to decode. I love watching her delight as Ruby moves through the course.

Ruby:

on the treasure hunt. This is Ruby's new and inventive way of inveigling a sweet treat. According to Ruby, some parents use pictures for the clues, but I am a dismal artist and better with words.

This week I have finally finished up at work. Leaving me free to concentrate on my other job. Sweet relief.

Joining in with Jodi, at Che and Fidel

40/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Colour. Spring is marching on and it feels like summer.

Stella: bathing Ivy

Yesterday Stella and I went shopping. A lot of her wardrobe is hand-me-downs and op shop finds. Good pickings indeed. But sometimes an almost ten-year old needs needs some new stuff. Her taste is simple and comfortable. Singlets, in all colours. Denim shorts with cuffs. Some hi-tops. Cute checkered cowgirl cotton tie-tops. And the longed-for sleeveless denim jacket.

Ruby: drying Coco.

This week Rubes is favouring the up-do. It's her own special take on my shower bun. And when she puts her hair up and I can see the shape of her head and the nape of her neck, it just takes me right back to when she began. It just kills me.

Joining in with Jodi. Here at Che and Fidel.

39/52

 "A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

 Stella:

finally acquired a Venus Fly Trap. She's fascinated by the carnivorous nature of this delicate and very intriguing plant.

Ruby:

ink drawing on the deck. Not sure which book she got this idea from, but watching her draw in feathers and ink is transporting...

This old stained deck and these worn stairs are where much of our family living takes place. Many hours of art, gardening, relaxing, reading, napping, laughing, dancing, dress ups and meals with family and friends have taken place here. It's at the back of the house but somehow this outdoor space seems to be the beating heart of our home.

Joining in with Jodi, at che and fidel

38/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Stella:

 messy hair signifying the start of the school holidays. Here she is with one of the next round of foster kittens; three little ginger bundles blossoming under the girls' care...

Ruby:

reaching for the moon. Yes, she's in her PJ's (her dad's t-shirt is worn as a nightie). A late afternoon walk on the beach morphed into the most sublime evening; an almost-full moon and a game of catch for the four kids that came with me. We left after dark...

Joining in at che and fidel, with Jodi.

This is my 100th post! Thanks to my followers and all those who feed back messages of happiness and support, either on or off-line...blogging has become such an integral part of my life. I've gained friends, been inspired, laughed, cried and just felt privileged to be welcomed into the lives and worlds of so many beautiful souls.

Happy days...

37/52

 "A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

 Stella:

making pesto for Slow Food at the Biosphere Day. Slow Food supports our school garden, so when they need kids to help out, we're happy to oblige.

Ruby:

I can see the young woman she will become...

Smokey:

earned an inclusion this week, by greeting me on the doorstep. Such a perfect cat shape..

Joining in with Jodi, at che and fidel

36/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Stella:

is not well today. She's having some quiet time with our foster kitten, Ash. This little ball of fluff has spent the past ten days with us, after being dumped on the side of the road by some heartless miscreant. He was brought into the local RSPCA, skinny and scared. He's thrived in our house, gaining half a kilogram and developing into the nicest-natured purring machine I've ever seen. He goes to his new home tomorrow. There will be tears all round from this end...

Ruby:

in her new cubby house at the top of  her wardrobe. We had to remove a shelf in one of our precious few in-built storage cupboards to create this space (why do old Queenslanders have no storage whatsoever?), but it is giving her so much pleasure that we think it is worth it. She has piled books, pillows, water and food supplies so she can spend all day up here. What bliss...

Joining in with Jodi, at che and fidel

35/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

New earrings from Peregian markets. 

These lovely pieces of jewellery were handmade by a nine year-old entrepreneur.

Stella: pierced ears.

Ruby: clip-ons.

The first day of spring saw blue skies and light fresh winds. We bypassed the beach in order to meander through our local fortnightly markets at Peregian Beach. These lovely markets showcase a range of beautiful offerings, many handmade or ethically sourced. Second-hand stalls jostle for position with fresh fruit sorbet carts, gypsy caravans, seedling tables and cheerful buskers. Local fruit and veg is available in abundance. We know some of the stallholders and we always run into friends.

We love these markets because they're never too busy. Unlike some of the more famous markets in this region, Peregian is small, friendly and always has something that appeals. Today I bought some beautiful handmade buttons and some second-hand doilies, while Ruby bought a crocheted owl and those earrings, above. Stella purchased a wooden horse carving cover with enclosed notebook, earrings and a sunny yellow plant for her dad. We left with mango sorbets.

Joining in with Jodi, at Che and Fidel