My baby girl turned 1 year old!

On this day, last year, I was here:

Holding my second new baby girl.

8lb 10.5oz

52cm in length

And now, she is a walking, sort-of talking, 1 year old beauty!

Where has the year gone!?!

I started the day out doing some decorating of the living area while the little Sparkle slept in!

It wasn't long before I heard a little voice from the other room.

I walked in and was greeted with this happy face...

 Sprout was sooo excited to help out. It took twice the time to make but the happiness all over her face from being able to say she made them, was well worth it!

In the late afternoon, the kids arrived for a play and a small, kind-of party.

The house was totally ransacked. LOL.

But the kids had a lovely time playing together.

We ate all the goodies I had prepared...

Then it was CAKE time!

Ok, so she freaked at this bit...

But she was pretty keen to scoff it down!

She loved it!

It was a hit with everyone else too!

And, of course, there were party bags. The play masks were a real hit!

Their visit was ended after a lovely photo shot of the kids - minus little Sparkle who can't keep still let alone keep a mask on her face!

We were all pretty pooped after the big day. I felt like I had been on my feet all day - which was probably due to the fact that I had been on my feet all day. Ha!

But, we were able to pull out some more pressies for little Sparkle. The ones from us. Since Daddy was home, we were able to all enjoy it together before a major clean-up and BED!!

All in all, I would say the evening was a success. We all had a blast.

And hubby commended me on a job well done - so that makes it all the more worth it for me!

And...

My bubba is now ONE!

Three cheers for little Sparkle...

Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah!

With Sprinkles of Sunshine...

Anna

P.S.

Something Positive for Today...

I was not feeling 100% today but some happy mail arrived and made my day that little bit more bright and cheery!





Over the last month or so, it has been noticably colder in the mornings. But the last week or so, the days have also turned rather cold. The last few days have been particularly windy. Yesterday brought a about a dose of stormy weather which made me appreciate being inside and not out on the road anywhere.

One thing about this kind of weather is that you can tend to start feeling a tad 'locked in'. Part of it is my own fault in deciding not to venture out in the yukky weather unless I really have to. I hate driving in rainy, windy weather. Really freaks me out!

Anyway, due to not being out much and not getting up to much AND the weather being a tad dreary, I am not feeling particularly inspired at the moment. Don't get me wrong, life is still pretty constant and full - kids need to be entertained, meals need to be made, housework continues to exist and require attention. I am just saying that I might not blog every day at the moment. There are a few thoughts rolling around in my head but I am not quite ready to share them on here yet; don't really know how to put it into words anyway. There is just alot of things going on in the world, our own nation actually, that have been hard to miss. There are many issues, some controversial, that are popping up and generating lots of different feelings, opinions and comments. It is slightly overwhelming and confusing to me right now.

As 'Miss-Congenitality-Beauty-Queen'-ish that this might sound, it has only dug up my deep-down desire and hope of the possibility of world peace. How much better would being here be!?!

But...

One day it will get better!

I know it will!

As for now, this present evening...

I am pensive.

I am hopeful.

I am slightly irritable.

I am feeling a little quiet and reflective.

I am eager to go and sit on the couch with my hot chocolate and watch Packed To The Rafters!

So that's what I am going to do!

So forgive me for shying away for a short while. I just need to relax and re-fuel. Get some more inspiration and motivation pumping.

Until next time...

With Sprinkles of Sunshine (and whispers of wind and raindrops at the moment)...

Anna

P.S.

Something Positive For Today...

I cooked three different recipes today = cake, muffins and soup!



Now, you would have heard of Pinterest by now yeah?

Ya know - that awesome place online where you can create boards and pin pictures you like, photos of tutorials, recipes etc. Loads of inspiration to be had I can assure you.

And it is highly addictive!

And yes, I am a pinner myself.

You will notice the badge on my side bar where you can click and go to follow one or all of my boards.

I have been on Pinterest a couple of times in the last couple of days and I thought I would share with you my favourite pins for this week. I might even make it a weekly (or maybe monthly) thing where I can showcase everything I dream about or endeavour to do in real life through Pinterest!

Just click on the 'source' button under each pic to be redirected to its original source.

So first up...

Of course, it has to be some crochet LOVE!



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I have got crochet fever at the moment. There are about 4 crochet projects on the go at present - so I need another one like I need a bellyache but oh...I just get so inspired and want to do them all.

Patience. Restraint. Anna, you can do it. Come on, get those other projects finished. Hehe ;-)

Secondly...

How thrifty and nifty is this:

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I would use this as a project box/table beside my couch where I knit/crochet. How beautiful would it be to see all the different colours of wool you are using arranged in there to view through the window! How delightful :-)

Thirdly...

Something decorative.

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How knicky knacky are these!?!

I love it. And I wouldn't necessarily put them outside - I think they would look totally awesome in any part of the home - somewhere near a window preferably so that light can reflect off them and give a nice tinkery, airy feel to inside. LOVE!!

Lastly...

I have been thinking about bird baths and such for the garden lately and I found TWO different ones  I like that I pinned. One for the front garden and one for backyard!

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This idea for the front garden. I'm thinking somewhere under the tree outside the window of hubby and I's room. Then I can peer out and see the birdies have a splash and a peck!

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I would love to hang this bird feeder from a tree in our backyard. How elegant would this be hung in your garden. Totally crushing on this idea!!

And that concludes my little spot of inspired ideas via Pinterest.

Will be back another time with more lovely things to showcase.

Hope you have had a great weekend!

With Sprinkles of Sunshine...

Anna

P.S.

Something Positive For Today...

I am over half way through the novel we are reading for book club. Should have the majority of it read by tomorrow night!

Don't worry. That's not all I got up to today!

But at every open opportunity around all the other houseworky things I had to do, I got stuck into the pages of this book...

It's the latest book club read.

Not a book I would normally just pick up and delve into. I have seen it on other book lists before and have been slightly intrigued and had it on my 'Read One Day' list.

But, the good thing about book clubs, is that you get to read books completely outside your normal preference. I was not unwilling to read this book. I am always excited to hold a new book in my hands - the expectation; the intrigue; what will the pages of this book hold!?!

That's what I love about books.

This particular book though...coulda been started a whole lot better I think. I mean, I realise that it is important to set the scene, give the background, and allow the reader to get the crux of what is going to eventuate within the book but jolly heck, those first couple of chapters were so darn hard to get through. I had to re-read parts a few times cos I kept losing concentration.

But I am happy to say from about chapter 3 onwards, I started to get into it. Now I am actually really enjoying it. I had forgotten how much I do actually enjoy a good thriller type murder mystery novel.

Book club is Monday night. I doubt I will finish it - and am unsure if I will borrow the book from a friend or the library to complete it yet. I think I might -  as there are two other books in the series. And I am slightly interested in what they are all about too.

So, you know what I will be doing over the next couple of days...

Trying to read as much of this book as I can before book club.

While taking a peep every now and then at the kids to check they are ok, of course ;-)

Have you read this book? What did you think of it? Is it your type of book? If not, what genre of books do you like to read?

I'm interested to know :-)

With Sprinkles of Sunshine...

Anna

P.S.

Something Positive for Today...

I made zucchini fritters for the first time in ages - and they were delicious!



It's been almost a week and I am happy to announce that Sprout's plant is still alive and well.

You are probably thinking that one week would not necessarily be enough time for a plant to die but I have seen plants look pretty haggard after a week.

But...

Not this one.

The other day, it had a trip outside to get some sunlight.

Sprout carried it out. And she was hankering to use her watering can. So we put a little bit of water in it and she got to water her plant for the first time. I informed her that the plant didn't need too much water or it would get waterlogged and probably die (don't ask me if that's right but it sounds like it would be so - I am no plant expert!). She decided she had not had enough of using her watercan yet, so I let her water a few plants round the garden - which are few and far between at this stage, until we get to work and do some landscaping!



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I did something today that I've never done before.

Something that is exciting yet a little emotional.

Something necessary and a part of life BUT...

Something I am not sure if I am ready for.

Like I said...

Mixed Feelings.

Today I handed in the enrolment forms for Sprout going to Kindergarten next year!

It is hard to put into words what is going around in my head about this.

At the beginning of the year, it did not escape my attention that this would be Sprout's last year at home full time. I had made plans to do extra activities with her and spend some more one-on-one time with her to get her extra ready for school but that hasn't exactly eventuated the way I would have liked it too. YET.

The thought of Sprout going to school next year is, in most part, exciting. An adventure of sorts really, for all of us. A new phase of life. And I embrace that.

The fun of picking out a school bag for her, a lunch box/bag, getting her uniform...it's all exciting.

But...

Little bits of Mummy worry linger deep down in my heart.

She is still just a little girl...our little girl.

And she is setting out into the big, wide world where I can't look after her, protect her, be with her.

On the other hand, I am kinda looking forward to having just one at home to look after for a few days a week. It will be different but nice in its own way I guess. Well, I'll find out hey!?!

Ever since being told that she will get to go to school next year, Sprout has asked me the same question pretty much every day...

"Will you miss me at school Mummy?"

And of course, I reply that I will (cos I SOOO will) but quickly add that I will also be happy cos she will be learning new things and making new friends. And that is all good things!

She smiles.

"Oh. Thankyou Mummy."

And wraps her arms around me.

Sniff. Sniff.

My heart melts. Bless her little heart.

How did this stage in her life sneak up so quickly?

Time just seems to be scooting right on by and yelling back at us - 'Come on! Try and keep up!'

Well, I am. Trying. To keep up.

And I'll do it with a smile. Afterall, this new phase in our life is exciting overall.

I choose faith over worry.

Change is good. It's inevitable. Life does not just stay the same.

I must move with the time.

But...

Mixed Feelings!

With Sprinkles of Sunshine...

Anna

P.S.

Something Positive For Today...

The girls were quite well behaved in town today. It made the day a whole lot more pleasant!



Well, I think so anyway.

This recipe I am sharing tonight was given to me by one of my primary school teachers many years ago.

You know those teachers that are really happy and bright. They are always encouraging you because they truly believe in you and your abilities.

Well...she was one of those.

My favourite teacher!

So, it is only fitting that this is my favourite choc-chip cookie recipe.

And it's really easy.

And it's named after her...

MISS P's COOKIES

You Will Need:

10oz butter/margerine

6 TB golden syrup

2 1/2 cups rolled oats

2 1/2 cups self raising flour

1 cup chocolate chips

And it goes like this:

1. Cream butter and golden syrup.



2. Add rolled oats, choc bits and flour. Mix together well with spoon.

3. Spoon onto greased trays (or I used baking paper).

4. Cook at 180oC for 12-15 minutes.



And they're done!

Best darn choc-chip cookie I've ever eaten!

With Sprinkles of Sunshine...

Anna

P.S.

Something Positive For Today...

I went for a short walk in the sunshine - down to the end of our drive to collect the mail.

A few moments of peace :-)



Well, I did happen to get a few small moments in my new space.

I managed to nab Hubby in his lunch hour to move the cupboard into its designated place and I moved the sewing table into the right position.

So, now all the major furniture is in place! It's time to delve into those boxes and start filling shelves.

I'm pretty certain that this won't be happening until nearer the weekend- so there will be a small break on the progress posts!

We have hit one minor snag...there is only ONE power point in this room. So we are going to need to get another wired up on the window wall you can see in pic above. Thankfully, one of the boss brothers is an electrician so it shouldn't be too much drama :-)

This room is coming along alot quicker than I thought. It helps that hubby was home for the long weekend so I could get onto it without kiddies underfoot. They really do slow the process down quite abit, the little darlings ;-)

Anyway, I am pleased with the progress and my excitement increases as I get closer to the day it is all set up and in working order!

YAY!

With Sprinkles of Sunshine...

Anna

P.S.

Something Positive For Today...

I downloaded and read the new issue of Etzcetera magazine online today.

Go here if you would like to purchase it. It's really awesome!

I'm also a Gold Etz Club Member! Woohoo :-)

I have called this Day 1 of the studio organising project as yesterday was basically prep-work for today.

Yesterday was pretty much taken up with clearing out non-studio stuff like kids clothes, bags for the op-shops, books, toys, rubbish etc.

Today, however, I got down to the REAL business!

My aim for today was to get the basic furniture layout of the room done i.e. shelves and cupboards placed in their designatied location according to my studio design plan.

When I finally was able to get away from the daily household grind, I stepped into my space and instantly felt completely bamboozled. I shuffled a few things around and unpacked a box in an attempt to get a clearer picture of where I was heading and how I was gonna do it. But I felt even more confused and overwhelmed. The fact that it was lunch time probably didn't help matters, so I decided to go eat and use the time to re-focus and re-strategise.

It worked.

When I came back to the room, I knew what I had to do.

The wooden shelf that had been sitting in the middle of the room, was able to be moved over into its place next to the other matching wooden shelf after a bit of shuffling of boxes and such.

I then began to categorise the boxes and made the room into sections.

I am happy to announce that Operation Studio has officially commenced today!

After completing my usual morning routine (following the teeny sleep in I managed to get - thanks Hubby!), hubby took the kids outside with him and I headed to my studio and started pottering around with some organising.

I thought I would share with you some BEFORE shots of what I am dealing with. Be warned! It's a messy heap!

 The room is quite a nice sized, well-lit space that I am soooo looking forward to working in.

I will keep up with the progress shots as I go. I am aiming to get it all done this week! Could be wishful thinking but I'm keen to take a good crack at it!

If you follow me on twitter or Instagram, you will notice that when referring to this project of setting up my studio, I have been using the hashtag #operationstudio. I will continue to include this in any future photo posts or tweets in reference to this project!

So keep watching!

I'll be back :-)

With Sprinkles of Sunshine...

Anna 

P.S.

Something Positive for Today:

Hubby cooked tea for himself and I tonight - eye fillet beef with mushroom sauce and vegies! Yummo :-)



The other day, I was checking my emails when Sprout entered the room and wanted to sit on my knee, as she oftens does. A photo came up in one of my emails and she pointed to it and said, "Look! A plant!" The photo was of a room with a table that had stuff on it including the plant. I don't know why she decided to hone in on that one detail. Maybe because we don't have any pot plants in our house - not for the lack of wanting to, it's just that I haven't ever had the house organised enough to tizzy a room up with pretties such as this.

But...

It got Sprout and I talking and we decided that, the next time we went into town, we would go to Bunnings and she could pick out a plant that she can call her own that she can look after. And, Sprout quickly added, she would need a watercan - a green one - to water it with!

So today, we had to go to town for some supplies that hubby needs and we happened to need to go to Bunnings.

Hubby and Sparkle went one way to get the necessary items in need and Sprout and I headed in the direction of the plants.

We arrived at the indoor plant section and I said to her, "You can pick any one from all these" gesturing towards the whole display. Well...it took forever for her to get the idea that she could pick one and then she would change her mind. At one stage, she looked at me pensively and then spurted out, "I'd like to grow some beans!" LOL. Now -  I am not opposed to that, but I explained to her that we will grow some beans one day, but today we are just buying ONE indoor plant that she can have to water and take care of.

She finally got it!

She walked straight to a lovely flowery plant and plopped it into her cute little kids trolley (which she ALWAYS has to have when shopping at Bunnings)!!

We also bought her THE green watering can and a green pot to put it in. She was on a real GREEN streak today.

She was soooo excited to have her own plant and watering can.

When we got home, she got out of the car and the first thing she did was to go to the boot of the car and grab her plant to bring in. So cute.

Now, I decided to do this in an effort to start teaching her some proper responsibility. She is 3 and 3/4 years old, to be quite specific and I have been at her for quite awhile now to take responsibility of your possesions, look after them and take pride in what is yours.

Getting this through to her is quite a hard task. My dear little Sprout is quite a well-mannered, sweet-natured child but has a very strong-willed, independent streak. She will challenge EVERYTHING. And her attention span? Pffft. I can see that we are probably going to have issues of her flitting to one thing after another. Her FOCUS is very fleeting. You can ask her a question and she will just umm and ahh for ages and will need the question repeated - she will hear something like the TV in the background or something her little sister is doing and be distracted by that and I will have to really get her attention and ask her the question again before she finally answers!! Her focus is VERY good when she is doing something wrong though!!! She would go at that for ages until she got caught! Hmmm...

It just seems that everyday, I am saying the same things multiple times and she is just not responding. She does initially but later on (sometimes, as short as 15 mins later), she is doing the undesired behaviour again.

I am trying to teach her that, when you get dressed - put the clothes you took off, eg. pyjamas, away. She just takes clothes off and plonks them where she stands. I never taught her that! But she still has not caught on to the desired behaviour.

I am also having issues of the 'snack' cupboard. She knows that there are choccies, biscuits etc in a certain cupboad and she always goes and helps herself without asking or she will ask as she is doing it and won't take NO for an answer.

I know it is propably just the age - still testing the boundaries, exercising her own will, challenging everything we say, and just wanting to do everything for herself (which is fine - she just needs to ask first! It's simple really. Yeah?). But I think that we, hubby and I, as her parents need to be even more firm and solid with the rules of our household, be consistent and MATCH each other in all areas, especially in discipline. If we don't, we may end up with a slightly wayward child!

I don't want to squelch her personality in any way or snuff out her spirit. She is a very energetic, bright and bubbly little socialite and I need to keep her busy and entertained ALL the time. She was never one to just be able to entertain herself. She has always needed others, mostly me, around her to provide it or experience everything WITH her!

I was reading something earlier on another blog about not trying to change a heap of things ALL at once. Change is a journey; not a one-stop shop and it's fixed kinda deal. So I am aiming to work on ONE thing at a time.

First stop...RESPONSIBILITY!

And when the plant conversation came about, I thought it would be a great opportunity to use it as a lesson. As much for me as for her. I will need to learn to step back abit and let her do it - not just try and take over straight away.

We'll see how it goes. Will keep you posted.