Baking

We've been baking lots lately. I've stopped buying packets of biscuits. We're always left with several opened packets of biscuits and now the children have learnt to climb on chairs, tables and worktops to get to these. I've lost control! It's much more fun to bake -  as you can see from the mess being made. Sam loves any type of cake aslong as it has icing on it and Bella just loves playing. There weren't actually any biscuits made in the end (I had to make a separate batch) but she loved flouring, rolling and cutting. I've also started to make yoghurts again which are a winner.

Snuggler

I've been doing some sewing and crocheting for the baby. With maybe 5 weeks to go, I'd better a move on. This is a snuggler from Simple Sewing for Baby by Lotta Jansdotter. I'm not sure if it will come in useful. The baby may not like being swaddled and it may (wishful thinking) be too hot. It didn't take long to make and I'll pass it on to Bella for her dolls, so it won't completely go to waste. Next up - an attempt at making a baby sling!

In the garden

These photos are from a couple of weeks ago when we thought Spring had arrived. The children came home from school to help Scott plant peas and beans. They did a great job. The best bit of course is eating the fresh peas which Sam and Bella do like sweets. There's been no need for watering, as it's not stopped raining since.

20/52

Sam : birthday boy and totally obsessed with Hero Factory Lego
Bella : loves her new sunglasses. Now we just need sun.

Joining in with the 52 project.

6!

Sam turned 6 yesterday. 6! I can't believe how time has flown by. We had a little party for him on Wednesday and yesterday we allowed a day off school. He's growing so tall and into a loving, bright young man. We're extremely proud to be his parents.

The fruit garden

Last year the fruit garden was ploughed and filled with vegetables. This year we've decided to leave it as a fruit garden. We have quince, pear, cherry, mirabelle, fig and plum trees. Also, rhubarb, asparagus, strawberries and berries. I think we have enough to be going on with. We've planted some veg in the raised beds next to the kitchen. As you can see the children love running around the fruit garden and Sam is determined to climb the quince tree.

Home life

  watering his plant given to him at the garden centre.

We're all set for summer. Bella optimistically wears her new pink sunglasses - in the house. Hats and sun cream are ready too. However, we're mostly indoors due to crazy weather conditions. We had so much rain that water came down the chimney pushing a lot of soot with it, blocking the pipe - so we're down to one fire (and using the wood meant for next winter) and it's a bit chilly.

I've been trying to organize our rooms upstairs into spaces for adults, children and baby. Our sleeping area and baby's cot is under the alcoves - very cosy.

I also had a successful shop at the charity shops for my birthday, thanks to my mum and step-dad. I got so much more for my money - pictures, clothes and fabric. Which reminds me of all the sewing I have to do.