The Garden Post

Its so nice to be able to comfortably walk out and about around the garden again.  I have been quite surprised at how much my veggie garden has contained itself over the past few months, completely neglected by it's keeper in the later stages of my pregnancy, the rain and natural elements have been kind enough to keep it in relatively good order.  These veggies have all been grown from my previous spring planting.   The eggplant were slow to grow but certainly impressed once they started producing, a lone cucumber vine appeared 3 months after my cues were picked and pickled, the capsicums just  keep coming and the tomatoes seems to have got a second lease of  life and are producing more tomatoes they did than earlier in the season. Just one problem though . . .

Anyone got any good green tomato chutney recipes, Something in the area seems to be picking these little lollies off the vine the minute they get  a tinge of colour on them, I am presuming it's birds of some kind, I must invest in a net, see if I can save me a few ripe ones.

I've been tossing a bit of capsicum and eggplant into everything lately, unfortunately the eggplant are not a   favourite with the kidlets so they're not getting eaten as quickly as I would like them too, Any suggestions on freezing Eggplant or easy peasy yummy recipes?

And for those Baby Watchers out there, here's our little Laura's latest photo...

Yes, she's smiley and she's chubby!

5 1/2 weeks old

Happy Gardening!

Enjoying ... a quick to bake bicki, a nice cup of tea and a good book.

  

Oat Cookies

1  1/2 cup plain flour

1/2 teasp bicarb soda

1  1/2 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup sultanas

1/4 cup chopped dried apricots
a handful of chopped almonds 

1/2 cup sugar

125gm melted butter

2 tabs golden syrup

1 egg

Sift flour and bi carb soda together.

Stir in oats, sultanas, apricots, almonds and sugar

than add combined melted butter, golden syrup and egg

Mix well

Drop teaspoonfuls onto a greased baking tray

Bake in moderate oven for approx 10 mins or until golden brown

Cool and serve with a nice cup of tea . . . and a good book.

I had the pleasure of meeting with Rhonda last week and finally got  my hands on her Down to Earth book. I've just managed to make myself some time to sit and have a flick through it...It's interesting, it's pretty, and it's full of the most useful information, it's a real Homemakers Bible. 

Holiday Craft

  Take one packet of Wooden Pegs, 

some felt tip pens, fabric scraps, glue, scissors, 

and some balls of wool 

 

add a little bit of imagination

and Craft up together for some very cute little Peg People . . .

Enjoying Easter ...

Last Easter I made a decision to simplify Easter gifts, there was to be no more mad rushing around the supermarkets last minute spending $ on fancy eggs, rabbits and cheap nasty chocolates for the kids. Easter became part of my Handmade challenge.

This year I continued this new tradition. Having a new born in the house meant that I was a little more restricted with my time and patience and unfortunately we didn't get to make our own chocky Easter treats that we had planned, but there was still plenty of Craft, Baking and Easter fun to be had by all. . .

and much to the kids delight, that cheeky little cadbury bunny still managed to sneak his way in and drop off a little treat as well.

I managed a few quiet moments to make up a new little bunny for our new little Laura . . .  

I'm hoping to see a few more of these make there way into our home over the next few years of Easter celebrations. This is the pattern I used.

We made and ate Jelly Bunnies for dessert. 

and we even found our very own super sized Easter Eggplants growing in the garden.

The best part is we still have a whole week of holidays ahead of us.   

I hope you're enjoying your Easter Break...

Rainbow toes

I can give you 6 good reasons why this household is painting their toes (well 12 actually)  

(.) (.)  

Join us, fill your world with rainbows in support of Annie, a much admired fellow Blogger, a beautiful, creative and talented mother of 5 on her journey to recovery after having her left breast removed last week.

We're painting our toes to help support Annie and women all over the world fighting against Breast Cancer.  

You can read more about Annie's journey here and here and check out some other cool Rainbow Toes offering their love and support for this Amazing and Inspirational Woman.

Love and Best wishes to you ANNIE  

and GET WELL SOON

XXXXXXX

OOOOOOO

Settling In...

 My littlest Laura ....  
My dream Baby ....
Sleeping and Feeding well just like a baby should ....

 

  She's found herself a lovely little spot in the corner of our Bedroom  it's quiet and it's pretty ....
What more could a baby girl ask for ....

It's a Girl !

'Laura Beth'

Born 20th March 2012

at 1.17 pm  weighing 7lb 7 oz

Birth induction due to Precipitous labour ie: that's like really quick labours . . .

I have been touch on the quick side with my last few deliveries so as a precaution we decided on an inducement a little before babies due date to make sure that I was in a comfortable and safe environment for babies arrival, I am not a risk taker and this decision took most of the anxiety away from my birthing experience which meant the last few days at home I was very relaxed and was able to enjoy the last stages of my pregnancy, good for Mum and Bub I think...  It certainly didn't mean that it made the actual Birth any easier, a lot of pain, frustration, heavy breathing, a few uncontrolled screams, unsuccessful visualisation techniques, a good (but accidental) kick to the midwife, all in all it was a quick, no nonsense breathtaking delivery. Little Laura arrived Safely, Healthy and just as Beautiful as I imagined she would be . . .

Daddy with his new precious little girl... 

 Laura meets the rest of the Family...

 Are you sure it's another girl mum?  1,2,3,4,5 sisters !!! 

 Welcome home sweet Baby Girl...

4 days to go!

Within the waves of pain, discomfort and frustration I am cherishing the last few days left with just Bubba and Me. I have always enjoyed being pregnant, it's such an amazing experience, and becoming a mother is certainly one of the most challenging experiences life can bring. This will be my last pregnancy,  I'll miss my Belly! I am trying to savour every last moment, forming that special bond I'm continuously rubbing my little tummy, and I do say little because I don't think I'm really that huge do you?  Mind you I still feel like a ten tonne Truck! So in the countdown, we have a few names on our short list and I am becoming very anxious about the whole 'Birthing', but oh, how excited I am also becoming  to soon meet this new little person...

 What do you think

 Girl?

or Boy?
and Yes, I have only got one bootie made !  

Shearing Day