FutureMe.org

You know how you start out on someone's blog - someone that's familiar to you? Then they point you in the direction of someone else, who lets you know about something you hadn't heard of before?

Well that happened to me. I found the FutureMe website. The idea is that you write an email in the present, to be received in the future. You can send it to yourself or someone else. I did it. To myself. To be received 1st January 2011. Here's hoping I won't be disappointed in myself when I read it. I allowed myself to hope. Please God don't let me be disappointed. x

Anyway. You can make your letter public, but anonymous. Below are some I found interesting/funny/thoughtful:

• Some wisdom


• This one to be received 26 years into the future. From a young man to his middle aged self


• Funny in a sad kind of way


• Very organised, no happy accidents in that household...


• Optimism


• There is some swearing in this one - so skip over it if you don't want to read it

It feels good to put something out there that is only between your Present and Future selves. Why don't you give it a go?

Oh and the pic? Thats my future self of course... ;)

Amy Karol inspiration

Look what I received from the postman today! My first online book purchase, full of crafty love and inspiration...with simple to understand instructions. Great for me, a beginner to this sewing gig.

Woodland Elf Hat

This book is packed with lots of lovely gift ideas and things to make for around the home or for my girls. I may even make myself a handbag...or two! I'm thinking this online book purchasing could be addictive, especially when the books that arrive at my door create such excitment within me. I can't wait to try out one of these projects, yet I can't choose which one to start with...

Scalloped Baby Blanket

I'll keep you posted on what I come up with. I'm hoping its sooner rather than later. The dishes can wait: Must. Sew. Now.

The Zip Pouch

Charming Handbag

4 months

You were 4 months old last week. As if you knew it, you discovered your voice and talked happily all day. You've found your hands in recent weeks and stare at your feet as they dance away in front of you. You have a smile for anyone who enters your line of sight. Big, gummy, delighted smiles. Especially when we're excited for you, such as when you rolled over front to back for the first time last Sunday.

So far you've been a placid soul. You have a gentle nature but a cheeky smile, a hearty giggle and a general delight about you. At the moment while you're feeding, you'll pull off my breast, give me a cheeky smile and then get back to sucking with gusto...which is a little harder given you're smiling so widely.

You're so happy to be here with us. I feel that as the weeks roll by you're unfolding before me like a beautiful rose - lots of layers, more things to discover about you - each new stage more thrilling and delightful than the last.

You're a mummy's girl in public places. A bit shy and very quiet. When others hold you, you try to smile, but your face changes from a full crescent shaped frown to a weak smile and back to a frown while your eyes plead at me to take you back. You really are trying to be happy in someone else's arms. As soon as we put you in the car to return home from a social outing you exhale big sighs of delight and talk away, smiling the whole time. Safe in familiar surrounds.

You need to be talked through new situations. Your sister loved baths, but you need me to talk to you about what's happening - I can't just sit you in it straight away. I start by dipping your toes in, then up to your knees, then sit you in the bath before slowly lowering you onto your back. All the while I'm telling you it's ok, you're alright, you're safe, the water is warm and inviting. You look at me with a worried little face. You take in deep breaths and then hold it - not sure about any of it. Until I keep talking and you trust me and you eventually enjoy yourself kicking and wriggling away.

I never knew babies could be as easy as you are. I've honestly enjoyed every day with you. I look forward to every day to come. Thank you for being you - I love every inch of you inside and out. x

Frivolous Fairy Fabric

My stash is abysmal. I buy fabric for a project. I complete the project. I fold and store the offcuts. And so it has been. My stash has a few fabrics that are projects yet to be started, but I know exactly what the fabric is for.

I always swore I'd never buy fabric for the love of it with no idea as to what I'd use it for. It appears my resolve has weakened. Never say never they say - and its true - because when I saw this fabric (Michael Miller Morning Dots) I bought 2 meters on the spot without a clue as to what I'd make with it. I just knew it had to come home with me. It's pink and green with spots - one of my favourite things - and a touch of glitter for the 3 year old in all of us. Perfect!

Any ideas for what I could do with it? The lady next to me in the shop bought some to make bunting with. Hmmmm. What to do.... For now I'm just glancing at it every now and then and smiling to myself, happy with my frivolous purchase.

A photo tour

I uploaded pics from my camera onto the computer the other day. I discovered that S had taken my camera for a bit of a tour around the house. I thought I'd share what she captured. Life from a 3 year old's perspective:

My lamb in Sheeps Clothing

I've been a fan of Stacey from Sheeps Clothing's work for a while now but was yet to purchase one of her lovely handmade knitted items. I was prompted to have a look at her shop the other day when she announced a sample sale...and look what I found:

I love it! It's one of her hand dyed yarn hats in the Daisy colourway. Here's a little insight via photo's of my daughters delight when she opened the parcel that was in our letterbox waiting for her one afternoon. Stacey doesn't disappoint! S was captivated by its softness and the beautiful flower brooch.

One happy customer

If you're interested in having a look at her work, head over to Stacey's shop. There's more hats and lots of other lovely handmade items. It's really easy to order. I had a question regarding colours and Stacey was quick to respond, really helpful and lovely to boot.

I took our new hat to my knitting night with the girls and we all had a drool over it. Do yourself a favour and get yourself some Sheeps Clothing. x

Little helper

Just so you don't think everything is always perfect in my corner of the world, I'll let you in on a little secret.

Here's the thing: I have a little helper.

She's 3, she's adorable, she's determined to help. With everything. I'm talking handing me my toilet paper kind of everything.

E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G.

And I have to say that although I love her beyond all reasonable measures. Although she has the very best of intentions. Although I will surely miss it when this stage is gone. I need some space!

When I'm cooking, my helper stands on a little chair and has her hands near mine, grabbing, rolling, tasting, stirring, chatting. When I'm hanging out the washing my helper hands me each peg...one by one. It takes some time. When I'm having a shower my helper strips off and comes in too. And then starts washing my legs.

Yesterday I asked her if she could give mummy some space so I could finish washing the dishes she said "ok mummy" and took one step back.

I know this must seem so cute to anyone reading this. I'm sure I'll think it too in a couple of months. But right now, up close, every day when you're sleep deprived and haven't been out of the house for 10 days because your kids are sick. Well it's wearing thin.

God bless her little helpful heart.

Grant me the patience to love her addiction to helping.

Allow me to slow down enough to see the beauty in all of these moments.

But please God if I may - could I get my own damn toilet paper?

So there you have it. My little vent. Just for some balance. x