My Child The Artist

On Friday, Zeph had his first day of Pre School EVER. It was a big deal and we were all pretty excited about it, mostly the Young Man. When I arrived to pick him up his face beamed at me but only for a second. He was so engaged in play that he only had time to give me a quick hug before he got back to the business of being 2 and a half.

Can you imagine my pride when I went to check his little storage cube to find this stunning Rothko inspired painting hidden inside? My child the Artist - just look at those gestural brush strokes and vivid, emotive colour. He has great things in store!

For a brief moment I thought- hold on a moment, something is amiss. I can't possibly be collecting my own child from Pre School and looking with wonderment upon his creativity. It should be ME handing my mother scraps of paper covered with crayon. I had a strong feeling of deja vu, where in I was the toddler and my mother was me. It was lovely to be reminded of that childlike joy.

So while the young man flexed his creative muscles, the Lady Baby and rested.

Joining with Paisley Jade

Vintage Baby

There are many things that send this mumma's heart a flutter (like this) but somewhere near the top of the list is vintage, baby. Even better is my baby IN vintage.

All items have been collected from oppies, with the exception of those little shorts that I picket up from Target for $12.

Today, while the boys are making a scarecrow for the vegie gardens, I will spend some time cutting a pattern from that sweet little swing top and making one in vintage fabric. I'll let you know how it goes!

Joining Sophie, because she loves vintage too.

Hand Hook Yarn- GIVEAWAY- Winner

Thank you so much Berri Drum of Hand Hook Yarn for your generosity towards readers of The Beetle Shack. It has been a delight to look upon your crocheted beauties this week. 

We have another couple of giveaways to go before this party is over (are you bored of them yet?) including a pretty exciting finale, so hang about.

The winner is commenter number 14. 

Congratulations! Hit me on the email with postal address and Berri and I will make sure the collar gets to you.

Enjoy it Claire, you deserve it!

A Big Decision

 Yesterday we went on an adventure, a big adventure to select a back pack, drink bottle and snacks for my little baby boy. He needed them, given that he started Pre School today.

Dave and I have been talking about sending him for a little while now, it's been a massive decision and one that we have not taken lightly. I have read in a number of places that it's not benefical for boys to start day care until after they are 3 and I had always thought that I would stick to that. But Zephs growing love of play group and consistent questioning of when he will start Pre School finially gave us the shove we needed to enrol him.

 The thought of Zephie being taught by someone other than Dave, myself or our parents is one that has taken time to warm to. Finally, I have come to a place of peace and believe it will be beneficial not only for the Young Man but also for Pippi and I.

So, I went about packing him a nutritious lunch. As I buttered the bread, applied a layer of jam and squeezed fresh orange juice for him I was overcome with emotion. With tears in my eyes I remembered that little boy, just born. Teeny tiny- changing my world. I thought, take heed Emily, don't wish your time away. Babies are only little for a while. They muddle their words, talk about balls, jump into cuddles and splash in puddles for SUCH a short time. A short, magical time. 

 I sit here now, again with tears in my eyes and I know I am blessed to be a mother. Today was just one of those days that I will remember forever. His first day. The first of many.

 He grows up, I stay the same.
 I love him for ever.

Top Notch

If I had more hair and the inclination to wash and blow dry, I'd do this. 

source

and maybe i'd add the occasional piece of plastic fruit.

Snaked

Each year, towards the end of spring, slithering visitors emerge from roof cavities into the tree tops. I eagerly await the raucous chatter of the birds that signal their scaly arrival.

On this occasion we gathered on the front porch to watch this little fellow embark on his summer adventure.

 Have fun, slithery one- don't eat our duck eggs!

Also, if you have not entered THIS yet, then you must.

also also, it's 9.20 and we have already rocked the Lady Baby back to sleep 4 times. Would you like to speculate on the cause of said disruptions? 

The Salty Ocean

Sunday afternoon saw us swing past our local beach, the wind was up but the water glistened. Zephie wanted to go surfing after seeing his dadda return from the salty ocean with a surfboard under his arm. In the last light of day I watched them walk towards the water, hand in hand. The young man as light as a feather, his feet lifting off the cool sand as if he were dancing. The sun was warm upon my face and I too was swept away with the goodness of this life. 

My life.

On The Go

 The Lady Baby is crawling, do you know what this means?

Mmm, no. Neither do I - but I suspect I'm not prepared for it.

Conversations

"Mummy, I need a haircut so I can see into my brain"

source

Funny little sweetie.

Head over here to get something awesome for nothing

Hand Hook Yarn- GIVEAWAY

Shall we party on? Yes, I think so too.

Berri Drum (who has the best name in the history of the universe) of Hand Hook Yarn has generously offered one lucky Reader of The Beetle Shack the chance to win one of her stunning crocheted collars. They are the most delicately beautiful pieces of wearable art. 

Hand Hook Yarn remembers a time when things were made with love. When we labored over tasks and enjoyed the results. Possessions were fewer and we treasured them, cared for them, and they became heirlooms. Many traditions from the yesteryears have been forgotten and abandoned. Hand Hook Yarn gives new life to these traditions, valuing craftmanship and bringing this into the present day by merging the classic with modern design.

You can find the delights of Hand Hook Yarn on Facebook and purchase through Big Cartel. I strongly recommend you have a browse through Berri's delicious product, you will not regret it. In fact, you may even walk away having started your Christmas shopping!

The little aqua beauty pictured below could be yours.

To enter this delightful giveaway

simply do the following;

1.Become a follower of The Beetle Shack via Google Friend Connect

2. 'like' Hand Hook Yarn on Facebook (and while your at it, like The Beetle Shack too)

(do the above for ONE entry)

For extra chances to win:

 Write your own post about this giveaway, tweet about it, facebook it or knock on your neighbours door and tell them about it before 

leaving me a comment (for each) telling me that you have.

He Loves Me

The other morning Zephie ran inside with a face full of love and announced that he had picked me a beautiful flower, a little clover flower- the pride of every mother. Upon seeing the delight in my eyes he earnestly placed his hand on my leg, giving a little push, 'now you go and put it into some water'. 

 so I did.

To love and be loved by little ones brings unspeakable joy for which I am grateful.

Seventy Tree- GIVEAWAY- Winner

It's true, i know. Seventy Tree is the mother flippin'. Thanks SO much Kerry for offering a print from your amazing store, you are the best.

The winner of this weeks giveaway is commenter number 53.

"Okey, liked it, connected it, checked it. Gimme that "smile" print!"

as you wish m'lady.

I know, I know- we all wanted it but it just can't be! 

Congratulations Julia! Hit me on the email and we can talk turkey.

If you missed out, I can strongly recommend dishing out the cash over at Seventy Tree. The quality is AMAZING and they are just so fun! I smile every time I look at mine.

Oh check out how happy the cushion is in its new home.

Have a great weekend my friends. 

I plan to roast my skin in the sun. 

you?

Spoils

You know you are enjoying the spoils of a holiday at home when you have the sewing machine out for days on end. What a glorious treat. While the boys were outside gardening and the lady baby was sleeping, I found myself all alone with only the sewing machine (and 17 mountains of washing) to keep me company. I chopped into this fabric with eagerness, hoping to do it justice.

A small quilt top competed, bloomers for this baby on the way and plenty to spare. What shall I do with it all?

(oh, only 2 days till this sucker is drawn)

Summers Coming...

... I can feel it in the air tonight, the window are open and the ocean is in my ears...

(source)

... and i think, crap (or some variation of this 4 letter word), i've got 10 kilos to lose before the heat arrives.

Have you hit this up yet? It'll be drawn on Friday.

Too Busy Eating

On Saturday we extended the dining table and brought up the studio chairs in preparation for a Spanish feast with some of our favourite friends. I was too busy eating to take photo's but I did manage a couple of blurring, poorly composed shots. Dave cooked and it was AMAZING- or should I say 'amazeballs' ( i see that fantastic word floating around blogland and i like it, lets face it, balls are great).

Insert images of 12 happy people feasting (make them attractive people, go on)

When i'm not busy drinking G&T and thinking about watching 'The Slap', I'll fill you in on the holiday that was.

In the mean time- do this