little buckles

More snow photos....sorry

2012-02-11T06:41:00.000-08:00

I need to do a lego post, because that is all Sam has been doing for the last week. I've been sent home (to check emails and update blog) and to search for more lego. "We need wheels!"

Sam is definitely an indoor person and Bella an outdoor person. I had to carry her back in yesterday before her feet froze!

Keeping warm

2012-02-10T04:48:00.001-08:00

We've been staying at Scott's parents house these last few days and for the near future. The weather is still freezing so we don't yet have any water or facilities. It goes without saying how lucky we are to be able to stay there. The children seem to be enjoying this little adventure :)

Snow walking

2012-02-04T22:39:00.000-08:00

Thank you for all your kind comments regarding the cold. It hasn't got any worse, apart from the gas freezing so Scott cooked dinner on the woodburner - a bolognaise lasagne bean type dish. It was one of the best meals I've tasted. And my parents came over with lovely homemade soup and took the laundry away :) It is supposed to get above freezing later this week, thank goodness!

I took myself off for a walk yesterday with the dogs. I slightly regretted it as with the wind it felt like -15 (the weather report did warn me). I shan't be doing that today, but it was beautiful.

^^ Just for future reference. It made -18 here last night. This old house has packed in now. It isn't prepared for this. I think today is the day to get our things and go somewhere warm! ^^

Freezing

2012-02-03T03:17:00.000-08:00

We are freezing here and it just keeps getting worse. It reached -9 last night and -4 today. First, the pipes froze upstairs, so no shower, bath or loo then the washing machine packed in, followed by the electric radiator and to top it off the hot water boiler has started leaking and water is coming through the ceiling to downstairs. There is a thick layer of ice inside the windows too.

The roads are clear, so I took Sam to school as it lovely and warm there. They have central heating! Off to find buckets and towels to catch the leaks. What fun !

Vintage love

2012-02-02T00:51:00.000-08:00

I found this lovely knitted tunic recently at the charity shop. With mickey mouse buttons too! It's very babyish which I like. I want to keep her as a baby as long as possible.

I love the pictures Sam drew on the blackboard. Our house and the chicken pen!

Snow fun

2012-01-31T12:38:00.000-08:00

Wow, did it snow! It was up to Bella's knees at some points. I am pretty exhausted after running up and down the hill in the garden pulling Sam sat on a (clean) dustbin lid with the dog lead attached. He thought it was loads of fun. I have sore legs.

My snowman building attempt wasn't so great. My clients were extremely impatient and wouldn't let me take the necessary time needed. So he is a little strange and short looking....and (I've just noticed) no mouth.

A quilt

2012-01-29T12:31:00.000-08:00

Bella is desperate to sleep in a bed. She still fits comfortably in her cot, but each night she snuggles with her 'doudous' in Sam's bed hoping that I'll let her stay there. So whilst we wait patiently for Scott to make her a bed of her own, I made her a quilt. A very simple quilt - no fancy stitching. The best bit about it was that it cost just 3 euros from fabric I found at the charity shop!

Train journey

2012-01-26T22:07:00.001-08:00

I found these photos yesterday from our train journey to Paris. Though it was only 2 hours, I was dreading it with 2 little children. It was actually a nice experience and to spend time with each other. Especially to spend time with one very hard working joiner.....yay!

Today

2012-01-25T13:26:00.000-08:00

Today was a good day. I've been filling the walls with Scott's lovely handmade frames. I have a photo wall in progress. I didn't make any new year resolutions but I have hung my slate hearts around the place with ever changing notes to self :)

This afternoon we went for a lovely walk (carrying Bella up hills and having 2 lovely ladies helping carry the pushchair over rocky terrain!). We were waiting for a friend to pick us up in the last photo. I wish I had taken my camera to capture the beautiful views. Next time.

Making me smile

2012-01-24T00:40:00.000-08:00

When Sam is at school, this one makes me smile. Currently obsessed with bags, hats and coins :)

Countryside

2012-01-21T23:36:00.000-08:00

There's not a lot to do in the countryside in winter. So, when the sun is out we find ourselves walking. Sam loves holding Patch - his dog now and Bella just loves walking. Slowly, I admit but she likes to take her time - picking up sticks and examining them and erm looking through peoples windows (no-one was in, thank goodness!).

Sam is the sweetest boy. In the first photo Bella was having a stubborn moment and wouldn't move any further. Usually, when Sam does this he realises we've walked off and runs to catch us up. Bella will stay there all day. So, Sam went back and told her of a game he wanted to play with her just to get her to move. I love the way he doesn't hesitate and has it in his nature to do things like this. Yes, they do fight alot too :)

The sun isn't shining at the moment. These were taken last weekend. Hopefully, it will return soon.

Bakeoff

2012-01-19T10:35:00.000-08:00

Baking has reached a whole new level now Bella is involved. Sam is never tired of baking biscuits and is happy to share with Bella (I spend most of my time sweeping up the bits on the floor and let them get on with it!).

I did manage to make a batch of Mary Berry's scones in peace :)

La Pâtisserie

2012-01-18T00:29:00.000-08:00

Going to La Pâtisserie is our Saturday treat. Here, they make the best cakes I've ever tasted. I usually have a religieuse chocolat which is 2 profiteroles on top of each other (!) filled with chocolate and Scott has a mille-feuille, which is kind of like a wonderful vanilla slice and caramelised on the top. Not great for the figure but a nice treat at the end of a week.

Charity shop love

2012-01-16T23:58:00.000-08:00

Another fabulous bargain from the charity shop. I seem to have a knack for finding hand knitted and crochet blankets. This one is so thick that I'm using it as a rug for the children to play on. What will I find next?

Weekend walking

2012-01-15T11:17:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a beautiful day, so we took full advantage and set off for a walk. We bravely decided not to take the push-chair for Bella, hoping she would willingly walk toute seule. After convincing her that Hiccup (from the film How to Train your Dragon) was just around the corner, she was fine.

It was one of the most beautiful walks we've done so far - around the lake, behind the old Priory. Not a soul in sight! And, a perfect picnic spot :)

Liebster Blog

2012-01-14T08:39:00.000-08:00

Thank you to Vi from Snygg blog for naming my blog as one of her 5 favourites. It was a lovely surprise :)

The rules for this award are a breeze. If you were tagged and would like to join, write a post with the links to the person who tagged you and to 5 of your favourite little-known blogs and inform those you tagged. That's it.

So, here are my five favourites (5 of many brilliant blogs. It was so hard to choose):

A time to create
Nunuland
Lori times five
Nice kind of blue
Ellemme

And not to forget my previous two nominations last year from Inês and Andrea :)

Park and puddles

2012-01-11T09:49:00.000-08:00

A trip to the park wasn't the best idea. It was much wetter than expected and Bella lasted approximately 10 minutes before falling front first into a massive puddle. But it was 10 minutes of full on fun :) Scott took a break from work to join us (hence the scruffiness) and I am on the lookout for a waterproof outfit for Bella before we venture to the park again.

Little home improvements

2012-01-09T04:35:00.000-08:00

A little DIY this weekend, tiling two fireplaces. One of Scott's customers gave him a lovely little woodburner which has fit neatly into the lounge fireplace. We didn't have a big choice of tiles to choose from, but I think they work well and when eventually we have wooden floors, they'll look even better.

I am lucky to be able to use my laptop. Someone knocked it off the sofa to the floor. Sam says it was Bella, even though she was nowhere near....hmmmm. No more watching films on my laptop. Thankfully, Scott was able to fix it :)

This and that

2012-01-06T06:22:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's the weekend tomorrow, already! Time flies. Sam has been back to school this week. He just wants to stay home and watch Willy Wonka and the Chocolate factory. He got quite upset the other day saying he was never going to find a golden ticket and even if he did he wouldn't be able to understand the contract they have to sign.

And I'm still giggling at what he told me yesterday. It was the way he said it - in a grown up, fed up fashion with lots of shrugs and sighs.
me: "how was school today"
Sam : "it was ridiculous!"
me: "how so?"
Sam: "well, the thing is mummy, Kevin (pronounced Keevan) was sick everywhere. It was not good at all mummy, not good". Big sigh and shaking of head.

Running from dinosaurs

2012-01-05T06:37:00.000-08:00

When we were in Paris, we visited the aquarium (tickets our friend bought for us for xmas :) Of course, the children loved it and spent a lot of time in this room set up with a t.v. screen. Running away from the dinosaur was definitely the favourite.

Making

2012-01-03T12:44:00.000-08:00

I've been busy lately making things for shop and home. Fitting in a bit of craftiness between child /home related things. I'm in love with crocheting. Scott commented the other night how well I was progressing with it by saying to me "is that the thing you've been trying to do for ages...the thing you've been watching on youtube? You're really good at it, aren't you. You should stick at it and give up the knitting". Yes, thanks - I have to agree :)

New Years Day 2012

2012-01-01T12:26:00.000-08:00

delivered fresh bread - still warm

Happy new year 2012! No resolutions this year. We never stick to them all anyway. Hopefully we'll have more play, more work and more health. I'm feeling like a jam roly poly at the moment :)

It's been a relaxing 2 week holiday. Lots of sleep and food. Scott took Sam over to friends today for Sam to have his first band experience. He played the drums very well and his electric guitar he got for xmas was properly re-tuned. He is now a "rockstar".

Bella and I went for a walk with the dogs in the drizzle. (She'll go outside in all weather). All she wanted to do was watch the water trickle into the drains. Sorry Patch and Honey, not much of a walk!

Yesterday was a little more exciting. We took Sam and Bella to the cimema to watch a fantastic Aardman production - Mission Noel. Bella's first trip to the cimema. I thought she was quite well behaved until Scott told me he had to hold onto her ankles to stop her falling into the seats infront. I was too engrossed in the film to notice :)

^ ^ ^

2011-12-28T05:33:00.000-08:00

It's cold outside (and inside). A little ride around the block was enough. Then back to playing with new toys and trying to keep warm and watching Sinbad for the zillionth time!

Christmas Day

2011-12-26T05:07:00.000-08:00

We had a lovely Christmas day. I've never seen Sam so excited. Bella was too, but I'm not sure what she understood. The first thing Sam wanted to do was check Santa had eaten his cupcake. Phew...he had, but he did leave a mess on the floor with his snowy footprints :)

Now, back to cleaning up the mess and find bits of missing lego!

Happy Christmas

2011-12-23T12:58:00.000-08:00

It's amazing how many different things you can make with glue, tape, felt and paper. We did get the glitter out today, but only when Bella was asleep. Potato printing was fun. I'm finding it quite addictive.

Happy Christmas everyone. I've 'met' some lovely friends here this year :)

In Paris # 3

2011-12-21T14:21:00.000-08:00

Day 3 in Paris. Bella now has 3 hats. It seems she has a thing for hats aswell as shoes. She stole my hat that Lori sent and it definitely came in useful for our windy stay in Paris.

The children sat still in the restaurant. I think they were amazed at just how many people were eating lunch - they're not used to it :)

And we headed over to an exhibition on vintage computer games. Sam was in awe, spending on average 20 seconds on each game. Bella had had enough and trotted off in search of a baguette (see above photo!)

In Paris # 2 in the rain

2011-12-20T12:24:00.000-08:00

I told you the wind and rain didn't stop us. Montmarte was especially bad way up there. A sugary donut and coca cola gave Sam a quick fix and the birds came to join us too. The poor stall holders couldn't keep their brollies in one place.

In Paris

2011-12-19T12:57:00.000-08:00

We've been in Paris for a few days. The weather was terrible - rain and strong winds, but that didn't stop us getting out and about. Our friends generously left us their apartment whilst they decamped to the countryside. Before they left though, we visited Le Marché de Noël des Champs Elysées together and caught a glimpse of Santa's sleigh!

6 Years and a Christmas Fair

2011-12-12T02:30:00.001-08:00

6 years ago today Scott, me and 2 dogs boarded the ferry from Dover to Calais. Scott in a 1960's VW camper and me following in Uncle Ernie's proton. We rented a gite for 3 months - no television, a wood stove and snowed in several times. It was bliss and very peaceful! 6 years on, we're married with 2 children and part of a little community. It couldn't be more different from our busy lives in the UK.

We went to a Christmas fair yesterday. The streets lined with stalls (and locals dressed as vikings?). I managed to buy us some nice handmade gloves, but that was about it. The children were pulling us towards the rides. We stopped in the bar for a quick drink. Bella went and installed herself at a table saying she wanted chips!

Off to Sam's Christmas dinner now :)

Saturday

2011-12-11T00:06:00.001-08:00

Rainy days here. We're hoping to get out to a Christmas market or two together today if weather permits. Sam brought his school book home for the weekend and has been catching up on activities he missed, voluntarily!

Bella on the other hand is super happy with her red shoes from the charity shop. They look a little worn but are actually great quality shoes. Shoes are sooooo expensive in France. And her feet just keep growing :)

Upcycling

2011-12-09T05:44:00.001-08:00

I bought this cord dress from the charity shop for 50 centimes. It had a dog pattern on the front which was a little too old fashioned, so I added an apple shape from some Orla Keily fabric I have. Perfect for a happy toddler...playing with Sam's lego...shhhhh :)

^^^

2011-12-08T06:23:00.001-08:00

Still busy here making Christmas goodies. We made a paper bag wreath based on the one I saw here. Who'd have thought painting paper bags was so much fun? Sam, that's who. Though he wasn't too happy with the addition of Benjamin le Lutin sitting next to him.

The tree is still in progress. More decorations are in order. I seem to have bought the wonkiest tree in France :{

Boots and bodywarmers

2011-12-05T12:22:00.001-08:00

Little jobs in the garden. Splashing in muddy puddles with little yellow wellies. Picking dandelions. Little walks around the village making old ladies smile. Being a little person is so much fun :)

Getting into the Christmas spirit

2011-12-03T03:57:00.001-08:00

We've been getting into the Christmas spirit here - on a very tight budget. But, I love making things anyway, just trying to get the priorities right. The advent calendar felt houses were ready for Sam getting back from school on the 1st...phew. Now, it's the tree decorations and Christmas cards.

The art line

2011-12-01T12:08:00.001-08:00

Sam has over the last few weeks started drawing amazing, crazy art. The stack was growing and I didn't want them just shoved away in a cupboard (as most other things are), so with a piece of string, a couple of nails and pegs Sam hung his pictures very proudly. He does tend to sit there staring at what he's done :) I think my favourite is the three legged stick monster!

Walking

2011-11-27T06:51:00.001-08:00

After the wall scribbling, we went for a walk and a bit of mushrooming.

Mischief

2011-11-25T12:05:00.001-08:00

The look on Bella's face in the first photo says it all. I only looked away for a minute and she was drawing all over the wall. She is very creative in a not knowing any boundaries kind of way :) Bella's nana made the blue tunic in the last photo. I love the red rabbit buttons - so cute.

Sam had learnt "10 green bottles" so I made him some little finger bottles, which amused him for 5 minutes. He does like a bit of sewing with his mummy.

Wednesday

2011-11-23T05:13:00.001-08:00

It's that time of year again when we're regulars at the Dr's. Sam always seems worse with the cold going to his chest. As the pediatrician said "you brits come over here and buy lovely old houses which are unfortunately damp and cold". Yep, that's us. I'm trying to keep the house as warm as possible with 2 fires burning. The house is lovely and warm but then again it's mild still outside.

Sam and Bella have been playing upstairs with the music blaring out, (while I sort the never ending stack of laundry) jumping up and down on Sam's bed. Bella is very soon going to need a bed. I'll have to put an order in with Scott. I wonder if he can make a hello kitty one :)

Chasing dinosaurs

2011-11-21T12:59:00.001-08:00

It was too nice to stay indoors today. So, we went dinosaur hunting! On went the lovely red cape and yellow wellies - all ready to run down the garden. I didn't realise we were dinosaur hunting until Bella started screaming and pointing, shouting "mummy! saurs!" Just hope she doesn't have nightmares. It was always difficult to convince Sam that dinosaurs no longer exist. The only way we could pacify him was to say that the dogs guarded against dinosaurs :)

In the garden

2011-11-18T07:03:00.001-08:00

Spending a little time out in the garden, picking the onions. Bella was straight in the raised beds, sitting in the soil pulling out onions. Simple pleasures.....

Autumn walks and scootering

2011-11-17T02:40:00.001-08:00

A little autumn walk and scooter ride. Sam was trying to find leaves to do some printing, but he wasn't happy with the results. We found a holly bush full of berries, which apparently means it's going to be a cold winter.

Long weekend

2011-11-14T01:33:00.001-08:00

This two year old seems to have suddenly grown. She seems so big! Or has Sam stopped growing for now? She no longer wants her highchair but likes to sit with us at the the table, drink from a cup, dress herself (amusing). I am a little nervous (understatement) of her falling off chairs, especially as she tries to copy everything her big brother does (who incidentally thinks he possesses superhero powers!)

It's been a busy weekend what with another birthday party and then playtime at his friends. I've been making my favourite Nigella muffins and I finally found a nice green tea from Limoges that is drinkable. I feel I am preparing to hibernate, except it's still 20 degrees in November.

Turning two

2011-11-09T06:34:00.000-08:00

A 8am this morning, a little girl was shouting for her mummy. Scott nudged me and said "go and get your two year old little girl". She's 2! I can't believe it. No longer a baby. Where did the time go?

She is well aware of what day it is and keeps saying "me, two today" but insisted on 3 candles on her cake.

We've had a lovely little day. The sun has shone, food has been eaten and cake (thank you mum and step-pops), toys have been played with and one little two year is now soundly asleep.

I finished her cardigan and as I thought the colour really suits her. It is wonky in places and there are a couple of extra holes. But never mind, the main thing it is finished and she likes it.

Bargain

2011-11-07T14:42:00.001-08:00

I couldn't believe my eyes when I spotted this at the charity shop. A double sized crochet throw. I also couldn't believe the price at 5 euros. It's in perfect condition too :)

***

2011-11-06T09:11:00.000-08:00

It's been a great weekend. Sam got promoted to the "big boys" (there are girls too) group at Judo. He is very proud, as are we. We're all happy to have Scott back. Sam is building a car with his new lego, Bella is cuddling her peppa pig dolly and I'm going to play with my new IPAD2!

Home

2011-11-04T00:47:00.000-07:00

secretly eating the biscuits he made behind the kitchen door

We've been on our own this week. Scott was in the UK, up North. Bella didn't understand where her daddy was. So, she kept asking and opening the front door looking for him. Sam patiently explained again and again of his whereabouts.

It's getting dark early and I'm liking the novelty of closing the shutters and not so liking lighting the fires, as it takes me several attempts. That noveltly is quickly wearing off. I wouldn't be good in a survival situation!

Little red riding hood

2011-11-03T01:47:00.000-07:00

We received a lovely surprise in the post yesterday all the way from California. Amongst the box of lovely goodies was the red cape Lori made so generously for Bella.

It was hilarious. As soon as she saw it she gasped and said "me, me". I hardly had chance to fasten it on as she made a dash for the door, grabbed the wheelbarrow and set off down the garden. Needless to say she absolutely loves it. The photos were taken in a rush, trying to catch her standing still.

Thank you Lori. We will treasure this x

And many more photos to come!

November

2011-11-02T06:58:00.000-07:00

I've nearly finished this lovely cardigan for Bella. Lori kindly sent me the pattern which my mother-in-law and I have been working through. I cannot lie - Scott's mum has knitted most of it. I wanted to understand the most difficult bits before she left to go back home. So, this is why it's nearly finished. I have learnt a lot and I think I may do it again in another colour.

I picked up again 'I love dirt' by Jennifer Ward. I have a few books like this lying around the house which I can just flick through when I'm short on inspiration.

The weather is crazy at the moment. It must be 23 degrees today! We had to stop yesterday to take a photo of the rainbow and of the Cranes flying south. Sam was quite concerned that they would lose each other on their travels. Bless.

Joining Yarn Along this week.

Halloween

2011-10-31T15:16:00.000-07:00

I was totally unprepared for Halloween this year. I had no black paper for the bats (Sam loved drawing funny faces on them) and no pumpkins! Never mind, Sam and Bella were more than happy to mix and match their outfits from this year and last year thanks again to Auntie Saranne :)

We went to a party tonight, but it was all too chaotic to take photos. Sam slipped and fell and cut his lip, so he looked pretty scary anyway and at one point I lost him - later found in the bedroom on the 3rd or 4th floor (I lost count). Phew! I'm exhausted and quite glad to be home and look forward to making a better effort next year.

Judo

2011-10-29T12:12:00.000-07:00

Back to Judo this week. It's moved to Saturdays now which meant this week I could sit through the whole lesson while Bella stayed home with Scott - Bella lasts about 5 minutes before we're asked to leave due the level of noise and destruction. Why are French children always so more well behaved?

Anyway, it was great to watch him. He is a pro at doing the escargot (roly poly) and in the last photo was about to start the game being the hunter trying to catch the mice.

So far...

2011-10-28T09:43:00.000-07:00

It wasn't a great week to fall down stairs being school holidays, so we haven't done a lot. Bella has been chasing chickens, feeding chickens and doing anything which involves chickens! She could hear a cow "moo-ing" in another field but thought it was in our garden. I had to hobble after her trying to find the cow as she wouldn't take my word for it that there wasn't actually a cow in the garden.

I think my back is on the mend, thank you :) It felt like I had pulled every muscle in my body. Now I walk down the stairs very slowly and making sure both feet are firmly on each step.

p.s. I have to note down my conversations with Sam or else I'll forget. Whilst taking the first photo Sam said "Someone has taken half the moon!" Me: "Well, sometimes only a part of the moon is visible. It's a long long way away." Sam: "When I'm a man I'm going to go to the moon. Is it further than nana planes house? (Lancashire,UK)" Me:" Yes, it would take days and days to get there." Sam: "errr, well......I think I'll just sit down and have a yoghurt with a bit of sugar please mummy."

Threes Cardigan and reading

2011-10-26T01:25:00.000-07:00

I started a knitting project last week after finally getting the wool I ordered and then the round needles. I really have no idea what I am doing but fortunately for me my mother-in-law is over at the moment giving me much needed help. I am also very lucky to have found two fantastic friends who knit the most gorgeous things. Thank you Lori and Anushka for your support and I must get a skype account asap so I can have your help in person!

I am reading a Nick Hornby book at the moment. After finishing two Anita Shreve books, I felt I needed a bit of comedy. It's about a marriage in turmoil. The husband can't seem to do anything right :)

Other lovely knits with Yarn Along at Small Things.

All elbows and stairs

2011-10-25T10:00:00.000-07:00

Not a good day today and for the next few days I suspect. I fell down the stairs this morning whilst carrying Bella. My foot went from under me and we bumped all the way down the hard wooden steps. Bella is fine but I have one skinless elbow and a very very sore back being controlled by ibuprofen. Had I been on my own I could have grabbed the banister and stopped myself but thankfully and automatically I put my arms around Bella to keep her from falling too. She's been saying all day "mummy, stairs, fall!"

So, we've had an easy day making things for halloween. Sam is turning me into a nervous wreck jumping from furniture. I can't seem to make him stop. I couldn't help photographing him though :) Also, he's all of a sudden started drawing amazing pictures. Creatures, flowers, letters....I have a pile of imagination waiting to put on the wall.

p.s. lovely jumper worn by Sam was knitted by nana 'plane'.

Saturday morning

2011-10-24T09:24:00.000-07:00

For once this weekend we actually got out of the house before lunchtime. We paid a visit to the boulangerie for bread (for Bella), croissant pour moi and pain au chocolat for the boys. We took these over to the bar and had a coffee outside. I only had to run after Bella once. She loves to sit at the table and stir my coffee. Thank goodness for baby wipes to wipe up the spillage.

Sweetpea surprise

2011-10-22T04:02:00.000-07:00

I planted Sweetpea seeds this Spring and totally forgot about them. I assumed they had died until I discovered them in abundance hiding behind the well and the Cosmos. I must grow more next year, when I've gathered more enthusiam for gardening :)

A friend remarked recently that they liked the children's playroom. Actually, it's supposed to be my room but I think I've come to realise I love the sight of toys everywhere more than the children. Sam asked the other day the whereabouts of his bakugans. My reply was "in a basket". Sam: "but which basket Mummy? There are baskets everywhere!".

My little blog was featured HERE this week!

And linking up to the Creative Exchange this week.

Time for a brew

2011-10-20T04:55:00.000-07:00

I had a couple of hours to myself the other day. Very rare! Scott's parents are here for a few weeks, so off they all went to watch the rugby at their house except Scott came home saying he spent most of the time running after the children. Yes, welcome to my world. Nana 'plane' bought Sam a Cars jumper and he is very proud to wear it and show everyone - making car noises at the same time.

Fig love

2011-10-19T12:30:00.000-07:00

We've had a fig tree in the orchard (across the road) since we bought our house 5 years ago. We've never had any figs from it. Being a busy year with baby, child and husband working non-stop the orchard is completely overgrown and being (semi) self-sufficient has been a bit of a disaster! Thank you step-pops for risking the knee high grass, hornets, snakes and wasps for a basket full of figs. I've made two meals with them and tried to sneak them into Bella's apple compote but she wasn't having any of it.

Also today. Unrelated Sam quote "Mummy, I'm hungry my leg is rumbling". Funny :)

And also today a nice surprise this morning when reading one of my favourite blogs from my lovely friend Lori. I can't wait! You can read it here.

Liking

2011-10-18T13:31:00.000-07:00

Liking...
Δ more stripy tights (I think I had a pair like this at college, only with a pair of Doc Martens)
Δ my comfy cords and even comfier converse
Δ our new house number. We found one of the villagers putting the plate on the gate. Apparently, we now have a number and a road name - only how does everyone else know? It was news to the post lady too the other day. Je ne comprends pas!
Δ my little man is very grumpy after school. A dose of cbeebies, bapple (apple) juice and biscuits usually does the trick
Δ Bella is happiest outside harassing the chickens. No, they don't want a ride in the wheelbarrow!

Saturday

2011-10-16T13:29:00.000-07:00

Playtime with the Parisians. And a little fighting and screaming too, but mostly play. Bella is in love with Luka (in the spiderman outfit) and followed him desperately wanting a kiss until she wore him down and he gave in.

Bella's dress was made by nana 'plane'. It's so cute and she loves putting her hands in the pockets. I have the pattern now, so hopefully there'll be more variations coming soon.

Finally on film

2011-10-15T05:43:00.000-07:00

I am a new film-camera addict. I finally got the film developped from my 1960's Yashica. I had forgotten what photos I'd taken during the summer so it was a nice surprise going through the pack.

Autumn walk in the city

2011-10-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

A few instagram photos from Tuesday in Limoges. I wandered all over until Bella had had enough. She's definitely hitting the terrible twos. Shouting "no" over and over very loudly and making noisy farting noises. I couldn't take anymore of the sympathetic looks from passerbys so we made a dash for the car! I have to see the funny side :) All in all, it was a lovely Autumn day for a walk in the city, watching folks going about their daily business.

At the table

2011-10-11T12:02:00.000-07:00

I've been picking the last of the flowers before it's too late. I love these yellow flowers which doubled in size this year. I've no idea what they are. It's still warm in the day but getting rather crisp at night, so better make the most of fresh colour in the house. Miss Bella and I had lunch at the kitchen table too. Pasta and sauce of course. What else for Bella. I bought goats cheese from the market on Saturday. Assured that it wouldn't smell in fridge, (Scott can't stand the smell or taste of cheese) I took a chance and it was worth it. I'm easily pleased :)

Chasing chickens

2011-10-10T06:06:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago we let the chickens free from their pen. They'd been locked back up whilst Bella was crawling during the summer. I felt guilty seeing them unable to potter about the garden and the amount of eggs had diminished too. Sign of chicken depression! Bella and Sam were happy to have them following them again - or them following the chickens is probably more correct.

***

2011-10-06T02:40:00.000-07:00

I think the only reason I've been wishing for cooler weather is so I can dress Bella in her new tights! Stripy ones, spotty ones ......

She's getting much wear out of those wellies. She loves walking in the garden picking up various autumn treats and chasing chickens.

On an unrelated note, the other night a couple came over to the house to see Scott about work. An english couple who had retired in France. Sam took an instant liking to the lady and as she left, he gave her a kiss and said "you're old". I'm hoping she saw the funny side and will come back again. You can always trust the little ones to say what they think :)

Apple picking

2011-10-04T13:16:00.000-07:00

Morning apple picking with Bella (Sam prefers to have them brought inside to him). I should make apple compot (squishy apple) for the children, their favourite. And I may attempt an apple pie after watching the Great British bake off :)

Shoes, boots, slippers

2011-10-03T05:39:00.000-07:00

Bella doesn't have many pairs of shoes, but she still manages to change from shoes to boots to slippers and everyone elses footwear. Obsessively! She has her own version of Head Knees and Toes. It goes "head, eyes, mouth and shoes". I love the photo where she's showing her tummy and walks off with her dress tucked in her knickers :)

p.s. thank you for all the lovely comments re: my hair - big smile :)

The novice crocheter at work

2011-09-30T04:57:00.000-07:00

As a novice crocheter, I thought it best to practice simple granny squares. These are a few of what I've done so far from my stack of odd bits of wool. They're a bit scruffy and not exactly the same size but I can only get better...I hope!

An old bench and a haircut

2011-09-29T05:48:00.000-07:00

Take an old bench, a large cushion which you picked up at the charity shop, move it to the backyard and everyone is happy....even Katty the cat (who gets the most use out of it - it's a hard life being a cat). Sam flakes out on it after school and Bella takes herself, her many doudous and her sippy cup and sits there watching the planes and the birds.

Secondly, I took quite a drastic decision of getting a lot of hair chopped off. It took me a couple of days to get used to it, but I love it now and am going to keep it this way for a while. It felt quite liberating!

Not so Autumn

2011-09-28T10:54:00.000-07:00

Today has been a play packed day and I'm shattered. We've made cupcakes, picked strawberries, played cars, conker games, walking round and round the garden - falling over, picking up. Non-stop! It should be cooler outside, but the temperature just seems to get higher and higher. It's definitely too hot to paint. I'm having a rest after 3 coats on the ceiling :)

This weekend

2011-09-26T09:26:00.000-07:00

This weekend we did a 10 mile bike ride to the bar in the next village. Admittedly, we did eat steak and chips there and later a meal at my mum and step-dads but it felt great to do some exercise. I only got off the bike once to walk up a hill. Sam was very concerned when I complained that my legs were burning!

The chestnut tree outside our front door is dropping many conkers and leaves. We weren't much help (Sam and Bella squabbling over brushes and rakes), but the job is done for another few days when it will be exactly the same again.

At home

2011-09-23T01:02:00.000-07:00

the ultimate photobooth photos....glamourous grannies (my nan and great nan)

At home this week. Sam back at school and my little shadow following me around the house. We lit the fire for the first time in the evenings. It's getting a little chilly. I've been painting the beams, trying to lighten the room and finally making items for my shop using the many offcuts of oak Scott throws out.

We're off to the doctors now. Bella needs two jabs - double ouch!

Fly a kite

2011-09-21T05:14:00.000-07:00

I don't know who enjoyed flying a kite more - Scott or Sam. It was definitely windy enough. Bella was oblivious to the kite and was quite happy sat with nana playing in the sand.

Day one of mini break

2011-09-20T06:22:00.000-07:00

Sorry, more photos. I dread to think how many I would take if we stayed the whole week. The gite was a maison longueur (I think that's the correct wording), so it flowed from one space into another, which = great for scooters and toddlers. Sam and Bella played hide and seek many times. There was no television = horrified Sam! But, he actually enjoyed himself more I think without a t.v.

Mini break

2011-09-19T02:27:00.000-07:00

We took a trip to the coast this weekend - near to Bordeaux. These photos are of the journey to the gite my mum and step-dad rented for a week. As we drove, the fields turned from farming to vineyards. We took the ferry across to the peninsula to save time (we lost count how many times Sam asked if we were nearly there yet) - also fun for the kids!

The beach

2011-09-15T13:41:00.000-07:00

I love the beach out of season. Just a few weeks ago it was packed and now, no one - just Honey the sheepdog rounding us up.

A walk in the park

2011-09-14T13:00:00.000-07:00

As I thought, it didn't take long for the colds to set in. I'm full of a cold and Bella has a temperature. But, we're prepared with a whole cupboard dedicated to our ailments. French doctors are known to over-prescribe!

After dropping Sam off at school the other morning, Bella and I along with Patchy and Honey walked around the lake. The activity signs made me laugh, especially the bars positioned over a bench. It was nice getting back to the house before 10am actually feeling like I'd achieved something :)

Shoes, coffee and books

2011-09-13T02:08:00.000-07:00

I bought Bella new shoes. You can insert the plastic squeaks into the sides, which is funny (and loud) for about 10 seconds. She's holding hands with my mum and step-dad here, being swung back and forth.

We met them in La Souterraine yesterday morning to join the English library. It's obligatory to stop for a coffee everywhere they go. If you ever need to know where to get good coffee in central France ask my mum and step-dad :)

The grandparents came.....

2011-09-12T05:40:00.000-07:00

..and brought wall stickers. Oh, what fun! They stuck, unstuck, stuck to the walls, clothes, floor, speakers and tv screen - though Scott drew the line at the last two.

Bella has developed a new level of bossiness since walking. She's usually shouting something at me in babble speak whilst stomping out the of the room. You can't help but laugh at her serious little face whilst trying to tackle walking round corners. The funny thing is - we have no idea what she is saying but Sam answers her like she's speaking normally. Maybe he remembers baby language?

p.s. I treated myself to a print from Kerry's and some postcards. They are amazing and really brighten up the room.

Week one of school

2011-09-09T13:43:00.000-07:00

Week one at school went well. We've been very organised getting up at 7am and ready to leave spot on 8.45am (I don't know how long that will last!). He's a "big boy" now and doesn't have an after-lunch nap, which works well for him as he's ready for a good 12 hours sleep at night. Other than his piggy back rides by a punk! we've been taking week one easy and getting into the new rhythm after the holidays.

A treat for a townie

2011-09-08T05:40:00.000-07:00

I love living in the countryside but I am a real townie at heart. Every now and again I need a city fix. Even for a couple of hours. With Sam dropped off at school, Bella and I headed for Limoges (which incidentally has a very nice H&M shop). After picking some warmer clothes for the children I decided to chance going for a coffee. With a newly walking toddler, it was a risk. However they sold bretzels (her favourite food), so she was a happy girl. Then, we walked toward the train station - the tower you can see. It is an amazing building and also opposite a fantastic park. A few hours spent in this city and I'm happy for a couple more weeks.

Dress for Bella

2011-09-06T23:20:00.000-07:00

I made this dress with my mother-in-law. I had lost motivation to make anything recently but whilst she was here I learnt lots of useful tips and bought a few bits and bobs to make my life easier. I am pleased to announce I can now make a button hole and sew a zip!

Good luck

2011-09-05T02:11:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day back at school for Sam and the first day of Scott's new job! We're hoping Sam will be ok as he wasn't happy about going to school today because his friends from last year are in a different class, being a year older than Sam. There are a few new little ones for him to befriend.

After 5 years in France being self-employed, Scott starts full-time employment today. He's looking forward to working for someone else for a while. It will be nice to have less pressure for a change and we may actually get to see him once in a while? So, it's just me and Bella (though she wanted to stay at school this morning) and she's enjoying being able to watch a little cbeebies in peace and practice her walking. She hasn't crawled at all for 2 days!

Carrots

2011-09-03T01:52:00.000-07:00

These are the carrots Sam planted. He got the seeds from my mum's friend Joy for this birthday. Much better than the carrots I planted!

Bye bye August

2011-08-31T23:24:00.000-07:00

August was a good month - the last 4 weeks of the school holidays. We saw Beya (as she has started to call herself) walking more and more and Sam patiently teaching her. And Sam is quite the pro on his super sporty scooter. We haven't done a lot these holidays with Scott working non-stop but it's been nice and relaxing spending the holidays at home seeing friends and family.

p.s the wood added to the bottom of the barn door was put there to stop Bella from crawling into the workshop to see Scott :)

Flower girl

2011-08-30T14:02:00.000-07:00

Bella picks most of the flowers in the garden. I wish she would pick the dead heads instead. Yesterday, she picked pansy flowers and said "give to daddy" and practically ran in the house to find Scott. She loves to pick unripe strawberries too. Never mind :)

Lately...

2011-08-29T14:09:00.000-07:00

Rain, sun and even hail. We seem to have had all kinds of weather this summer. I think Sam is going to have shock when he goes back to school next week. He seems to think he is his daddy's assistant. The other day when we were off to the lake, I told him to get in the car and he replied "mummy, I have to work!"....oh, ok then!

Summer bunting

2011-08-27T13:32:00.000-07:00

We were treated to dinner by Scott's mum the night before Saranne went back home. The village was decorated in bunting giving it a great 'fete' atmosphere. Lovely evening :)

Lunch in Limoges

2011-08-26T01:21:00.000-07:00

Lunch in Limoges yesterday with nana and auntie Saranne before we visited the aquarium. Sam and Bella were a little overexcited watching the pigeons. They don't get out much : )They loved the aquarium. Sam watched the sharks in awe, while Bella squealed a high pitched "fish!" despite the 'please by quiet' signs.

Dinosaurs

2011-08-22T05:25:00.000-07:00

And a few other animals mixed in there too. Poor Thomas got ambushed as well.

Sam is on his way to the airport with Scott to pick up Auntie Saranne and Nana on the plane*. Auntie Saranne is here for 5 days and Nana on the plane for 10 days :)

* About a year ago Sam decided to distinguish his two Nana's (my mum and Scott's mum) by calling Scott's mum 'Nana on the plane' as she lives in the UK and sometimes comes by plane and my mum is 'Nana on the boat' because she used to have a boat. She no longer has a boat but I think these names will always stick!

Steak and frites night

2011-08-20T07:29:00.000-07:00

We took steak and frites over to Lisa and Laurent's last night. They'd just driven back from the south of France so we offered to cook for them. The children were happy to see each other and within minutes were either in the pool or wet through from being splashed by whoever was in the pool. I should learn to take extra

clothes!

Fog and blackberries

2011-08-18T01:51:00.000-07:00

We woke to a thick fog yesterday. I could just see the sun trying to peek through the fog over the old bread oven.

In the afternoon I picked blackberries, risking getting run over on the corner in the road. It was waste of time as the pie I made for friends over for dinner last night was truly awful. Thanks Delia - maybe French blackberries are different from English ones!

Best friends

2011-08-16T12:47:00.000-07:00

This is honestly how they are most of the time. Sam is such a sweet natured big brother. He has alot of patience and time for Bella and she repays him with cuddles. He introduces her to others as "my baby". I hope this loving behaviour lasts! They do have their 'spats' too, especially when Sam and Scott are trying to play a game of chess!

Beach happy

2011-08-15T13:05:00.000-07:00

A lovely afternoon with a friend on the beach at our nearby lake. It's packed in August with a holiday resort atmosphere. Sam is so confident in the water now and Bella has no fear whatsoever. At one point she discreetly shuffled over to another patch to knock over someone else's sandcastles.

On another note, earlier this evening Sam out of the blue demanded to know "where does skin come from?" I had no idea how to answer this sudden question and he got very cross when I explained it started "in mummy's tummy" and that he was born with skin . But he wasn't satisfied with that. He liked the idea of asking Mr Google, but still I couldn't find a satisfactory answer. So if anyone out there would like to offer a 4 year old an explanation of where skin comes from, I'd be so grateful :)

Photos from our garden

2011-08-14T13:10:00.000-07:00

Lots of photos from our garden. It's been a difficult year in the garden, what with the weather and a clingy baby who doesn't like to walk. It's more like a jungle, so I've come to the conclusion that I'll try harder next year. The silver lining is plants are flowering and re-flowering everywhere giving a wild feel to the garden, which does hide the weeds a little :)

The last photo are the mushrooms Scott and Sam found on a recent mushroom hunt. They came home with Cep de Bordeaux, Girolles and Birch Roughstalk. Scott cooked a lovely rice dish with them.

Quirky donkey softie

2011-08-11T23:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, waiting in our postbox was a parcel all the way from Australia. I couldn't wait to run in and give it to Bella to open. Of course it was the quirky donkey toy I won from Claire at One Claire Day. She immediately took her new doudou outside to show him her veggie patch and he joined her in her cot at naptime. In fact, he goes everywhere with her - even to the beach yesterday! Thank you Claire!

Bella slept apart from me for the first time 2 nights ago. She now shares Sam's room and it seems to be going well (though we're still working on sleeping through the night). I think I may need to change the decor soon for a more unisex one.

Birds, flowers and playing

2011-08-10T13:40:00.001-07:00

I received many great ideas (thank you!) of what to do with the birds fabric from bookhou. I finally decided to make a small curtain for the old medicine cabinet, next to the fireplace and frame a couple of pieces too. I have another piece left so I think I may make a bag or a cushion cover. There's just not enough of it!

Our house will be changing soon for nice (insulated) wooden floors and bright white (insulated) walls and ceilings. Playing on the cold stone tiles cannot be much fun :)

Did it rain?

2011-08-07T13:53:00.000-07:00

Bella's favourite phrase at the moment is "it's wet!". I'm going to have to buy her a waterproof outfit. I did find a strawberry for Sam though.

Half way through

2011-08-05T23:53:00.000-07:00

We're week 4 into the holidays. I'm not counting, honestly. It's going surprisingly well considering I was worrying about how to keep him entertained with the terrible weather and Scott so busy 6 days a week. I love watching both of them play and Bella only really laughs with Sam (and cries too!). He has some great solutions to making his life easier, like making a necklace with a plastic fork so he won't drop it on the floor whilst eating.

Also, Bella got a haircut - from me! I gave in and cut her a fringe. Constantly clipping hair and getting her to keep the clip in and losing clips was driving me crazy. It's not straight, but I'm trying to pretend it's meant to be like that :)

36 years young

2011-08-04T13:23:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Scott's birthday and we drove to a nearby restaurant for a meal, where the Irish owners gave Scott a bottle of bubbly on the house. Sam didn't understand why Scott didn't have lots of presents and asked him why he didn't ask for cars and lego! I did nip to the brocante and picked him up a pepper pot (wow) and me some 70's coffee cups.

Day at the lake

2011-08-02T12:49:00.000-07:00

We spent all day at the lake today. 3 adults and 6 children! Sam spent most of the time in the water learning to swim, which is amazing considering how scared he usually is of the water. It was a lovely day and I am sunburnt and tired :)