Reflections Out Loud

So much has happened!

2016-10-02T13:18:00.003+11:00

It has been over two years since I have posted to this blog and so much has happened!

The biggest change, of course, being the addition of another little one to our family!

He is the sweetest, most delightful boy and I am totally smitten!

Meet Daniel...

This little rascal is 15 months old now and is getting more and more confident walking around. He still drops to his knees and does his super fast crawl if he's in a hurry but mostly does his cute 'Frankenstein' walk around the house.

Here's 15 things about our little Daniel:
1. I think he is the most spoilt little boy in the universe! His big sisters completely dote over him!
2. He is completely into balls! Ball was his first 'real' word. He will crawl over the most uncomfortable things to get a ball!
3. He is a Daddy's boy. He'll come back around.
4. When he doesn't want something he will throw it, and his has a really good throwing arm!
5. Like his sisters, he's a really good sleeper. He sleeps all night and goes down really well for naps. At the moment I put him into his cot on his tummy, give him his dummy and he curls up into a little ball and does a little giggle. I just lay some blankets over and say good night.
6. He loves to annoy his sisters. If he can get his hands on something they want he will laugh and crawl away as fast as he can.
7. He loves opening cupboards and finding anything breakable or opening draws and throwing the contents across the room.
8. He says a few words - ball, mumma, dadda, more, no, wow, o-oh, nana (banana), broom-broom.
9. He's a little show off. If you give him attention he completely laps it up!
10. He loves music! He will clap, raise his hands and sing along. He loves church!
11. He's a people person. Although he's cautions, he doesn't mind going with new people.
12. He loves being outside. If he hears the back door open, his is outside in a flash.
13. He loves to play with his sisters. His favourite game is throwing the ball back and forth.
14. He loves to ride his little three wheeler bike and can go quite fast!
15. He is loved!

And there you have it, probably the biggest change since I last posted :)

Ruth

So much has happened!

2016-10-02T13:18:00.002+11:00

This little rascal is 15 months old now and is getting more and more confident walking around. He still drops to his knees and does his super fast crawl if he's in a hurry but mostly does his cute 'Frankenstein' walk around the house.

Here's 15 things about our little Daniel:
1. I think he is the most spoilt little boy in the universe! His big sisters completely dote over him!
2. He is completely into balls! Ball was his first 'real' word. He will crawl over the most uncomfortable things to get a ball!
3. He is a Daddy's boy. He'll come back around.
4. When he doesn't want something he will throw it, and his has a really good throwing arm!
5. Like his sisters, he's a really good sleeper. He sleeps all night and goes down really well for naps. At the moment I put him into his cot on his tummy, give him his dummy and he curls up into a little ball and does a little giggle. I just lay some blankets over and say good night.
6. He loves to annoy his sisters. If he can get his hands on something they want he will laugh and crawl away as fast as he can.
7. He loves opening cupboards and finding anything breakable.
8. He says a few words - ball, mumma, dadda, more, no, wow, o-ow, nana (banana), broom-broom.
9. He's a little show off. If you give him attention he completely laps it up!
10. He loves music! He will clap, raise his hands and sing along. He loves church!
11. He's a people person. Although he's cautions, he doesn't mind going with new people.
12. He loves being outside. If he hears the back door open, his is outside in a flash.
13. He loves to play with his sisters. His favourite game is throwing the ball back and forth.
14. He loves to ride his little three wheeler bike and can go quite fast!
15. He is loved!

And there you have it, probably the biggest change since I last posted :)

Ruth

Sometimes I wonder....

2014-06-15T16:07:00.000+10:00

Sometimes I wonder if I'll ever post on this little blog again. It's been about 18 months!
I would love to pick this up again but it don't really do any of the things I did before.
Life has changed quite a bit in the past 18 months. The major change was me returning to work as a full-time teacher and the other changes are pretty much what we now do to keep up. Apart from that life has just kept chugging along.

I was thinking yesterday how returning to work for me and my family was like dropping a rock into the water. The change was huge at first but now everything seems to be settling down and this new life is becoming 'normal'.

I do really miss my 'stay at home mum' days. I miss Jessie most of all and sleeping and of course catching up with friends, browsing petty blogs and making craft!

But that's enough for now Jessie has just put body lotion through her hair while she was supposed to be napping! Cheeky girl! I would put a photo but I don't know how to do that I my iPad!

Hope you had a great weekend :)

Cassata Recipe

2012-12-26T15:04:00.000+11:00

I have wanted to make cassata ever since I was a little girl but I did not realise how easy it can be! A friend of ours used to make it for my mum fairly often and I have been meaning to ask her for the recipe! Anyway, I googled cassata and found this recipe and was happy with how it turned out. It is extremely easy to make and can be tweaked to add your favourite ingredients. I will definitely give it a go again!

The original recipe is from Woman's Day and I found it on the Interenet here. I tweaked it as the recipe did not seem to fill the pan enough.

Cassata

2L vanilla ice-cream, softened
2/3 cup halved glacé cherries - red and green for fesitive colours
2L chocolate ice-cream, softened
200g Toblerone, finely chopped
1/3 cup toasted slivered almonds
Grated chocolate, to serve

Line a round 23cm spring-form pan with baking paper. Spray a little bit of oil to help the paper to line the pan properly.

In a large bowl, combine 1.3L vanilla ice-cream with cherries. Pour into prepared pan. Cover and freeze until firm.

In another bowl, combine 700ml chocolate ice-cream and remaining vanilla ice-cream with Toblerone. Spoon evenly over vanilla ice-cream layer. Cover and freeze until firm.

In a third bowl, combine remaining chocolate ice-cream with toasted almonds. Spoon evenly over Toblerone layer, smoothing top. Cover and freeze until firm.

Remove from freezer 5 minutes before serving. Remove from pan. Cut into wedges to serve. Sprinkle with grated chocolate.

I hope you all had a wonderful blessed Christmas!!
Ruth

Tiny Teacup Gingerbread Houses

2012-12-21T06:00:00.000+11:00

Have you seen these tiny teacup gingerbread houses around on the Internet?

(source)

Aren't they just gorgeous!

I was wondering the other day who came up with this super cute idea and as far as I can see it was Megan from Not Martha.

You can find her recipe and tutorial here.

Looking around for a recipe and tutorial I also found this Aussie recipe!

I think these are just gorgeous and are held together with white chocolate!

The basic gingerbread dough is here and the template is here.

I have not made our gingerbread house this year, but this might end up being as far as I get! In fact, I am super keen to spend a whole day in the kitchen making our favourite Christmas recipes!

Ruth

The littlest rascal

2012-12-20T06:00:00.000+11:00

I am in denial that this little baby is nearly 2! Well she's not nearly two, it's almost two whole months - but still!

I wish so badly that I could step back in time and kiss the sweet cheeks of this newborn baby, but at the same time I'm just loving watching this girl develop her own little personality!

Last week Jess experienced her worst fall. It was so sad! I held myself together when it happened then cried all the way home! She stepped backwards down the playground steps at the preschool and fell all the way to the bottom. It was a terrible fall and I was sure she had broken her neck as I watched her fall. After taking Jessie home and stripping her off this was the only bruise I found.

Which looked like this after hitting the same eye on the corner of the table at her daddy's work two days later!

And now is just a huge browny coloured black eye!

A few days ago, mum and dad were moving into their house, Sarah took the day of school to help. She was outside with Jess taking pictures and I was so pleased when she showed me! I really think my 8 and 10 year olds are better photographers than me already!

Ruth

Christmas Tablescapes

2012-12-19T06:00:00.000+11:00

I love a beautifully set table! Here in Australia Christmas day can be scorching so we tend to have a more casual BBQ style Christmas lunch with the Aussie favourite prawns on the barbie!

For me, I love a traditional formal Christmas lunch (with the air conditioner going on full!)

A beautiful table scape can be a bit impractical if you serve buffet style from the table but I think it is well worth the inconvenience and finding ways around it.

I have been pinning gorgeous table settings recently and have no shortage of inspiration thanks to some incredibly creative people out there. I find myself pinning the same gorgeous table setting over and over.

1. Gorgeous red and white theme - Pinterest
2. I love the gift idea, especially for the kids to keep the busy between courses - Source
3. Such a simple way to dress up a topiary for the table - Source
4. I love lanterns on the table!
5. Gorgeous colours once again - Source

Mum and dad have only just moved in to their new house and there is still a lot of work to be done, but I think we will have Christmas there and mum is always happy to have the table set beautifully!

Star here : Napkin with greenery here

Below is one of my favourite table setting at the moment. I love the neutral colours and the Christmassy feel. have not found any old sheet music but will scour my favourite op shops later in the week :)

Here

Well the count down is on now!! 6 sleeps til Christmas!!

Olivia's last day of preschool

2012-12-18T12:28:00.002+11:00

Today is Olivia's last day of preschool!

I am in total disbelief that she has just finished a year of preschool and will be heading off to 'big school' next year.

Olivia has grown up so much this year it's unbelievable! I wrote this post here about being nervous for her on her first day and then this post the day she cried and kicked and screamed as I left. Olivia is not that same little girl!

About half way through the year Olivia made a change. She began to talk about her friends and was eager to see them at preschool each week. I noticed Olivia develop more confidence and join in with the other kids before school.

Now, each day when I pick Olivia up she is not ready to leave! She sees me, dumps her bag at my feet and runs off for one last play! She has made the sweetest little friend and I have a feeling these two will be long time friends. I am really hoping they will be in the same class next year.

This morning was her preschool concert which was just so cute. Olivia was right up the back but was watching us the whole time! She knew all the words and actions and they were all just so cute!

I am so proud of this little girl!

Jessie's Room

2012-12-17T06:00:00.000+11:00

Here are some photos from Jessica's room. I SO wish my photography skills were a lot better than what I can do on Instagram but this is how it is :) Most importantly Jessica loves her room!

Alphabet free printable from here : Close up for Jess by Frances Choikee Photography : Newborn photo was taken by Lisa Ceely photography : wreath made with scraps of fabrics : elephant made for Olivia by my sis in law : gorgeous doll by Alimrose designs. The J button monogram made by me : Elephant wall stickers from here : gorgeous dresses print and the babushka doll prints are from here

Pink and gold princess party!

2012-12-14T06:00:00.000+11:00

I know it's so close to Christmas but I have started to get a few ideas together for Olivia and Jessica's joint princess party next year! I'm thinking a pink and gold princess themed party!

Here are some ideas I have pinned recently.

Gold shoes fit for a princess : Gorgeous lace crowns : Pink tulle and gold sequin dress : Amazing pink and gold crown cake! : Sweet DIY lace crown headbands : Gorgeous diy pink rosette balls

And.... there are many more ideas that I have been pinning here!

And now back to Christmas preparation! Have you finished your Christmas shopping? I'm about half way through!

Family

2012-12-13T06:00:00.000+11:00

Last month was my mum's birthday. It was a perfect spring day so we went out for lunch at the nursery. It was a perfect time. The weather was gorgeous and the kids played together so nicely. I could have stayed there for hours!

I caught these two sitting on a step together and they obliged and let me take their photo. The girls love their cousins!

I think Hannah may have taken the rest of these photos. I love finding the little treasures on my phone after they've been taking photos (well not the multiple selfies they take!)

This is Jessie's smile! I just love it!

Look at this little poser here! It's quite a creative photo taken by Hannah I think!

I love this. This is such a natural photo of Olivia at the moment. My heart is breaking that she is growing up so quickly! She is becoming more independent by the day and is off to 'big school' next year. I could not be more proud of this girl!

Cheeky little Jessie.

And another one of the poser!

Since Josh has been working only a few minutes away I try and meet him for lunch regularly. There are some beautiful parks beside the lake, right next to his work. This day I had all 4 girls with me (I can't remember why!) They are all such daddies girls! He is such a good dad!

And one with me and my three big girls! Of course Jessie wanted her Daddy!

I'm off to get some more stuff done for Christmas! Mum and dad are moving (around the corner!) next week so it will be a busy one!

November Instagram

2012-12-12T12:06:00.001+11:00

Whoops! I skipped October and am two weeks late with November but here is is anyway! Looking at these pictures make by heart swell! I just love these little ones so much!

1. Jessie was crying, crying, crying in the back then suddenly silence as if someone had switched her off lol.
2. Making fondant roses for a cake
3. $5 carnations from Aldi. They lasted SO long!
4. Fondant numbers for a cake with a garden theme.
5. The top of the cake
6. The cake again! (Sorry for the repeat in photos!)
7. My beautiful Hannah
8. Cheeky Jess
9. My Olivia is growing up so fast!
10. This is the face Jessie pulls when you say smile!
11. Cute cousins! Over the past month or so they have started playing together and are so cute together!
12. My ninja Sarah.
13. Lucas and Jessie again.
14. My favourite part of the day is early morning!
15. My girls are so blessed to have each other. They all love to read to Olivia before bed time.
16. This cute face I just had to capture! She was in trouble and trying to hold back tears.

Well it's nearly mid December! Can you believe it?!

Two more cakes

2012-12-10T12:16:00.001+11:00

I still have not had a chance to get the girls' stocking made but I have made another mermaid cake for one of Olivia's Sunday School friends!

One thing I've learnt is that cakes certainly are a labour of love. Josh has encouraged me many times to go into the cake making business but like many crafts I do not think that anyone would pay for the many hours they take to make.

Here is another cake I made last month for a friends 21st. This one was a bit of a challenge because the birthday girl did not want chocolate mud cake. This cake is a carrot with cream cheese frosting. I had to decorate this cake last minute because the cream cheese frosting needed refrigeration but you can not refrigerate fondant. Another problem was getting the frosting to look fairly white because the longer you leave the frosting the more the yellow buttery colour comes through. I really need to find a source for white butter.

Here's a picture from the party. It makes me smile :) It was a freezing cold late spring night and my girls all managed to find a knee to snuggle on. Jessica was not keen sitting on the birthday girls' knee! Nothing unusual for Jessie though!

Anyway, two weeks to Christmas now!!! I hope you're enjoying the Christmas season!

Favourite Christmas Stockings

2012-11-30T10:42:00.003+11:00

I am getting excited about Christmas! I have so much to do though and have barely started shopping!

Today I'm hoping to make a stocking for each of the girls! Here are some stockings that are inspiring me! I am really loving the neutral Christmas decorations!

Tutorial for this stocking here

I love how they hung the initial with each stocking. Found here

I love the gathering around the top of this stocking! Found here.

But first before I start these I have another mermaid cake topper to make today! This one will be an African mermaid with plaits!

And before that I have to run Hannah's lunch down to her! It's the first time she's ever forgotten to take her lunch so it's not too bad!

So, do you have any Christmas projects on the go?!

My Ballerinas

2012-10-17T06:00:00.000+11:00

Did you do shows as a kid? I remember putting together little puppet shows and having my parents sit and watch. My girls love to put on shows!

They had rules for this show. No iphones except for photography!

Looking at these pictures reminds me how different these girls are from one another - physically yes, that's obvious, but their personalities are also so different. I love to see them developing into their own little person!

I had no idea what to expect from them at this age as far as getting along together, particularly as I did not have a sister, but they get on so well!

Floriade 2012

2012-10-15T12:03:00.000+11:00

Well it's back to school today for the three older girls! The morning went well with everyone up and ready early. A good morning here is when I don't have to raise my voice or nag kids to get out of bed or get dressed and we get everyone to school on time!

We had a wonderful school holidays! We had originally planned on going away but the weather wasn't looking good. As much as I love going away, I really, really love being at home and enjoying time to just be.

We managed to get to floriade twice with family and friends - the girls went a few extra times without me as well, I think Sarah went 5 times and got fairy floss each time!

The animals are our very favourite part of floriade believe it or not! This time Jessica was old enough to walk around with them. I was so surprised that she was not scared! She calls them all 'doggie'.

Poor Olivia was getting over the flu so spent much of the time squished in the back of Jessica's pram.

The weather was just perfect! Floriade has to be one of the best places to take photos!!

A bit of a photo overload coming up....

On our first trip we met up with my cousins. That was a real treat as it's been ages since I have seen them!

The flowers were gorgeous!! We have so many photos of the flowers thanks to Hannah practicing her photography. I love uploading the girls' photos after a day out!

Seeing them walking together like this just melts my heart!

We even got stopped by Better Homes and Gardens for some footage of the kids smelling the flowers. That was pretty special!

Have a wonderful week!!

Bird Cage Cake

2012-10-15T06:00:00.000+11:00

I love spring! And what better way to welcome it in than with a Spring afternoon tea hosted by the ladies at our church.

I made this birdcage cake for the occasion. It was quite simple. Time consuming though! My good friend from Frances Choikee Photography took the photos and styled the party.

September Instagram

2012-10-12T20:40:00.001+11:00

I know it's halfway through October but I still haven't done my September Instagram mosaic!

1. A birdcage cake for a ladies afternoon tea.
2. My gorgeous Hannah.
3. Olivia's visit to the farm with her preschool
4. Josh turned 40!
5. Cousins. They found a way for both of them to ride the car!
6. Josh and Jessie.
7. Olivia's new shoes. Every visitor gets to see these shoes!
8. The trampoline make Olivia so happy!
9. My baby's growing up!
10. Our favourite picnic spot.
11. Olivia swinging.
12. Miss Jessie becoming very independent at the park!
13. Josh's party decorations.
14. Jessie's 'smile'
15-16. Josh's birthday photo mosaic.
17. Lots of cutting out done in September for Josh's party.
18. Hannah and Sarah sharing some love.
19. My cake flop.
20. Hannah's photography at Floriade.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Simply Beautiful cakes

2012-09-25T16:15:00.000+10:00

I love beautiful cakes - I especially love simple beautiful cakes!

Obviously there are varying degrees of 'simple'. I do always enjoy a small challenge but each of these can be achieved with a few simple icing and levelling techniques. Most of these links also have tutorials and shops to buy the cake toppers!

Here are a few of my favourites at the moment:

Kika la ru: She is on leave at the moment but sells bunting cake toppers in her etsy shop.

The paper pony: Raya has also shared a tutorial for making these gorgeous cake toppers on her blog.

Signe Sugar: These hearts are available to purchase.

Country Clever

Dandee: Tutorial for the ruffled cake topper is available on her blog.

Glorious Treats: Gloria's blog is one of my favourite baking blogs. She has shared tutorials for making these cakes and butterflies.

Sprinkle Bakes

Sweetapolita is another of my favourite blogs. There are many recipes and tutorials on here blog, including the recipe and tutorial for this cake.

Potter and Buttler Etsy Shop: You must check them out - their cake toppers are very unique!

I hope you're feeling inspired! I certainly am!

The big 4-0

2012-09-24T14:50:00.001+10:00

It has been a crazy busy couple of weeks! I do not even know where to start with blogging! One of the main things I have been doing preparing for my husband's 40th birthday! I really, really enjoyed doing it and have been planning for it for a long time.

But... I didn't take any photo!! Hopefully my mum has some good ones!!

Anyway, this little cutie is 40!!

I am so, so thankful to God for giving me Josh. He is an absolute blessing and the perfect husband for me. In some ways we are very alike - such as easy going, home bodies, etc. but in other ways ways we are so very different. I wrote in Josh's card 40 words to describe him...

loving : helpful : gentle : meek : strong : happy : funny : cuddly : adored : sociable : patient : organised : smart : serious : sincere : stylish : creative : warm : neat : manly : loveable : kind : Kiss-able : steadfast : godly : diligent : uncompromising : sweet : artistic : flexible : healthy : honest : articulate : attractive : charming : loyal : hilarious : friendly : trustworthy : handsome : MINE

Yep, he is perfect!

Josh doesn't read my blog unless I ask him to but HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSH!

With birthday celebrations past I hope I can make a regular appearance more often now!

Have a wonderful week!

August Instagram

2012-09-14T12:44:00.001+10:00

I'm way behind on blog posts here! I've gotten carried away with all sorts of cake decorating, knitting and other craft projects, not to mention Josh's birthday party!

Anyway, here's a little snapshot what's been happening recently!

1. A rose cake for a sweet friend - I use Wilton's 2D or 1M tip.
2. A message for my girls.
3. My sweet Jessica - she is such a joy. We find ourselves constantly laughing at her little antics!
4. The top of a birdcage cake I made for our church's ladies high-tea.
5. Miss Jessie in her new cardigan (that I made!)
6. Preschool Olympics Equestrian riding - thanks Mel for the pics!
7. The same cake as pictured in (1)
8. Hmmm... a double of Jessie's pic!
9. Jessica is very choosy about who she will let pick her up!
10. Rosey-cheeked baby who just woke up.
11. Miss Olivia.
12. Flowers from a sweet new friend.
13. Learning to do embroidered cookies.
14. Teaching a friend how to do roses on a cupcake.
15. Cycling at the Preschool Olympics.
16. Hannah's spy costume for book-week.
17. Wishing I was good at writing with a piping bag!
18. Sleeping baby.
19. Did I mention how much fun Jessie is at the moment?!
20. Olivia in some old lady glasses we picked up at Salvos.
21. My boy. lol
22. Sarah dressed up as Laura from the Little House on the Prairie for book-week.
23. Decorated cookies.
24. Fondant roses
25. Another decorated cookie!

Well that's my fly-by post! I'm off to see Sarah perform in a school play!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Ruth

Growing up.

2012-09-12T10:23:00.001+10:00

When Olivia started preschool I was worried for her being so young!

She would cry when I dropped her off. She was shy and barely spoke to the teachers or students.

I know it's not right to compare but it was natural to compare her to Sarah and Hannah when they began preschool. They were confident and were much more interested in learning - they were also amongst the oldest in their classes.

Saying this, I am so pleased with Olivia's progress this year!

Then: any puzzle was hard.
Now: she will attempt any puzzle and loves them!

Then: she was too shy to speak to anyone.
Now: she has a sweet new friend who is also extremely shy!

Then: she had no interest in drawing
Now: it's her favourite thing to do!

Then: she had no interest in letters or numbers.
Now: she is wanting to learn to write new words.

Then: she would cry and have to be pried out of my arms
Now: she says goodbye confidently and doesn't look back - it's me who is looking back!

It's amazing the difference that 7 months can make!!

Mermaid Ruffle Cake

2012-08-14T12:03:00.000+10:00

I just wanted to share the whole mermaid ruffle cake here which I created for a friend's little girl. I have had it ready to share for a while but just haven't been able to get a chance to blog!

This cake has been one of my favourites and like every cake I make it presented me with new challenges. This was the first time I have done fondant ruffles on a cake and I was impressed with how easy they were once I managed to get a hang of them. The ombre effect was also very easy and a lot of fun!

(I have entered the cake into a competition at Latorta hence the card there...)

This is the cake at the party! The entire party had an underwater theme with so many clever ideas. My friend is into the party planning, bonboneire and photography buisness so If you're in Canberra and are interested in using her service just leave a comment and we can get in touch.

I hope you have a wonderful week!

Little Red Cardigan

2012-08-03T06:00:00.000+10:00

I love dressing my little ones in red, especially from around 9 months until they are about 3 years old! The three youngest have all looked especially cute in red with their big brown eyes!

For about the past few months I have been searching for a little red cardigan for Jessica to go with a few of her outfits. I tried so many stores but couldn't find one. The sales assistants kindly told me red is not in!

Anyway, I logged onto Ravelry and searched for a pattern - I was going to make my own. I found this perfect and easy pattern. Mum gave me some cream wool to practice with and I got started.

The very next day while sorting through the too big, too small clothes I found the red cardigan Jess is wearing in the pictures! I didn't even know I had it. I have seen it before but do not remember any of the girls wearing it and it's definitely a home-made hand knit :)

So, I continued with the cream cardigan and have spent almost every spare minute with a pair of needles in my hand! I only have the sleeves to go now and then I'll be looking for another pattern to make a navy cardigan :)

I had no idea how addicting knitting is! Hopefully I will get it finished and take some pictures!

Mermaid Cake Topper

2012-08-02T06:00:00.000+10:00

I have been wanting to try and make a fondant figurine for a while but have been worried that it would end up looking scary! I am so pleased with how this fondant mermaid turned out!

I ended up making this one up as I went as the tutorials I had were not quite what I wanted.

I can see plenty of flaws and have learned so much along the way but I am thrilled with how it turned out.

This little cutie here in the bottom picture was with me the whole time! At one point she was wiggling around saying "I'm so excited!", I asked her why, considering it wasn't for her. "I'm excited to be watching you!" SO sweet. She tells me all the time she wants to be a cake decorator. You never know....

I'm thinking I would like to try another one but I will need a spare 4 hours!! Hmm....