rebecca:vavic

Today: 18th June 2013...

A quick Q&A kinda post for you here today. I've created these types of posts before, you can see some of them here, here and here. There are two different kinda questions "today" ones and "What are you, right now". I think they provide a nice little snap shot of how things are in that moment, during those days. Here's today's one:

For today: Tuesday 18^th June 2013

Outside my window... There is a thick blanket of fog; it’s a winter wonderland.

I am thinking... I really need to get back into my digital scrapbooking, photo taken and life documenting!!!

I am thankful for... my blog and being able to look at posts and scrapbook pages which have documented our lives so well.

From the kitchen... Moroccan tangine: lamb, pumpkin and prunes for dinner tonight. YUM!

I am wearing... red top, dark brown poncho, grey trackies and my uggies {essential winter gear}.

I am creating... birthday bunting & lots of quilts.

I am going... to get the bunting finished today! I am!

I am reading... Oh Dear Silvia by Dawn French for my bookclub. I’ve been quite slack with my bookclub this year, so I am determined to get this one read! AND to have some intelligent and insightful thoughts about said book. Ha!

I am hoping… I get an early night tonight… and an uninterrupted night too. Sleep is required!

I am hearing... Lady Gaga “born this way” on the radio {106.3} and the dryer going. Yesterday I was listening to Sean Hayes, lovely!

Around the house... all is very quiet, Nath is at work, Joshua and Mikaela are at school and Ben is at daycare (one of his two days per week).

One of my favorite things... my new sewing machine, Husqvarna Viking Opal 650. Love her! I have named her Nicki… after Stevie Nicks, cause she’s “husky” ha!

A few plans for the rest of the week... Lots of 5am starts as Mikaela began “Championship” {SWIM} squad at the AIS this week. While she swims, I run… it works well so far.

I may take Benjamin swimming on Wednesday, and then I have some lots of quilts to finish for gifts.

Boys return to swim lessons Saturday morning after having a few weeks off for venue renovations… they have a couple of birthday parties to attend.

Meh, not much else… just taking it easy and enjoying each other and the togetherness that only winter days can bring, snuggling and watching movies!

A picture to share...

This weekend past, our monkey boys talking to their friend & neighbour, Freddie. Joshua climbs straight up, Benjamin climbs the gate and over the hinge, then shimmies himself into place. Nath and I were at the kitchen window, they had no idea we were watching. We gave them quite a fright when we tapped at the window!

And a recent photo of me... this is me these days!

Have a lovely day!

Bxo

The quilting obsession started with this...

On the second day of school. ie. way back on the 5th February I started an 8 week beginners quilting course with my dear friend Gail.

I was hooked, gone, and I remain seriously addicted... as is the case with me and my pursuits. 

Here are the fruits of my labour {many many hours}:

almost finished... just the hand binding to go !

Here we are on our class "graduation" evening: 

 

It is still not entirely finished...

Here are some of the other wonderful works by my class mates, and our fabulous teacher, Wendy Saclier:

Such a lovely teacher is Wendy!

Gail's is the blue one in the centre... isn't it stunning !!! I love it so much, it's simple and elegant, much like Gail herself.

Sadly this was Wendy's last beginner class, I feel very fortunate and lucky to have been one of her last beginner students. I have been assured that Wendy will be back for weekend classes, and she has this Crazy Patchwork one coming up in June that I am keen to go to.

As you can see above, the class project was a nine block quilt... but I really wanted to stretch myself and create a larger project. I drew up a plan which meant that I would need to do 4 blocks of each:

I copied Wendy's plan and cut and glued a modified one

I had to re-do TWO Ohio Stars... so annoying, but I soon learn the term "SCANT 1/4 inch seam"... now I have two small Ohio Star's to make into cushions. Add to my WIP. Look at me all Quilt speak :)

I loved all the different blocks and techniques I learnt in this class, and super happy that I started this way. I made plenty enough mistakes WITH teaching, I dread to imagine how bad I'd be without such expert advice and guidance.

So we covered hand piecing, machine piecing, foundation (LOVE - so easy peasy!), embroidery, Strip piecing. We made our own templates... we created log cabins, Ohio Stars, Carol Doak Design foundation block, Applique (I did hexagons), Pin Wheel and a Monkey Wrench. I did a fair bit of unpicking... and resewing! 

During the class I also attended a Kantha stitch class with Wendy... and there came the love for that beautiful hand stitch technique and my decision of how to finish my quilt. I think the same/similar stitch is also referred to as Utility stitch, Sashico stitch, or plain old running stitch... tho each does vary slightly.

I did stitch in the ditch of all the large straight seams, then I kantha stitched all the sashes. A little tip for you: masking tape, yes... that's how to get the lines nice and even and straight, well mostly!

Some details of getting the quilt made

I also tried to use a variety of techniques to finish my quilt.. I did some echo stitching, some freestyle machine quilting and lots of hand stitching. Not all of it I loved... I'm not very good at the freestyle machine quilting technique.

little bits of detail of my first quilt

I also binded it incorrectly by sewing it on to the under side of the quilt. I unpicked it and redid it correctly.

I named the quilt "Prima Donna"... my first quilt, Italian for "first lady"... seemed rather fitting. My designed fabric labels had not yet arrived, so I simply pinned a cardboard version onto the backing, which did the job temporarily... Shhhh it's still there.

And now it is ALMOST entirely finished... and it has pride of place in our family room where the kids snuggle and watch telly:

Josh was sitting here with his brother, typically by the time I grabbed the camera he'd moved!

Our reunion evening was the 9th April. No time to rest... in 3 weeks time was my mother-in-law's 60th birthday... and guess what I decided to make her? yep... come back to see how I went.

This lady has a new obsession... Tanya, come home to Canberra, wont you !!!??! You and your lovely little family will be very happy here :) xx

I have lots of projects on the go and will share them all here soon. ALSO lot's of decorating and general homey stuff I've been up to these past few months, which I also need to blog... not to mention the kiddies. WOWSERS. Later Gaters.

Love out..

Bx

First Day of High School & Preschool...

Was some time ago now, but I still want to document here.

Within minutes Joshua was fed up with the photo taking, Benjamin was both excited and sad to bidding his big brother farewell to big school...

Mikaela was a little nervous, but mostly super excited, it's been a long time since her first day of Kindy (and yet, it seems like yesterday!):

She'd had her hair done in braids just days before (for her Dad's wedding the following weekend):

Once the sign was changed to be all about Joshua, he livened up some:

Tho his little brother wanted in on some of the action:

Joshua was more than happy to take the limelight...

Then came the blackboard for the two of them. Big sister starts highschool and little brother starts kindy... what a big day for us all...

The sweetest moment. These two are so sweet together, they just adore one another.

Little bro had to have some Mikaela lovin' too...

Very proud Daddy {I love that Nath is always there for the big events in our kids lives, wild horses could not drag him away} ...

Mikaela takes a nice picture...

And Joshua took a pretty good photograph too, but we were all a little nervous he'd drop the camera at any moment...

Our big girl will be taller than us soon, almost 12 years old and she is wearing my shoes!

I am so happy and excited for her, and proud of her, my heart could burst!

We'd been anticipating this day for weeks, years even... I really thought I would be much tear-y-ier than I was. I mean there were some tears, but not many.

They came the day after, and the day after that.

The day after as I dropped Mikaela off and had to get back to the other side of town quick smart. To see her rather anxious expression and feel her nervousness. I remembered being in her shoes, being her age... those friends, those days during high school being some of the best of my life. My girl is surely growing into a teenager. Made me cry as I drove off and Joshua exclaimed "why can't we just stay with her Mum"... "because we have to get you to school too mate", I sadly replied.

But the following day was even a little sadder... the day that Ben got to go and play in the playgroud before the bell went, the day that his face crumbled as the bell rang and his big brother ran away from him. Ben turned to me, totally heartbroken, I knelt down to hug him... his brother came sprinting back to hug him goodbye. They embraced like they'd been parted for months. Such a moment!

So it's been a few weeks, and I gotta say... this life of ours... the changes, adjustments, the stages and transistions... are all the colourful little bits that make for a very vibrant tapestry of life. One I am very grateful for. These kids especially.

Love out.

Bxo

Some People...

I read this at my dear friend {akin to my GodFather} Lionel's funeral last week, I wish I had the courage (ability) to read it at my 40th Birthday Party on Saturday night... because this is where my heart is at. I thank my dear husband for having the heart and sensitvity to know exactly where I was/am at. Nath, I love you endlessly for being the man you are, of integrity and devotion! Always.

Image from here.

This poem is how I feel about Lionel, and how I try to be with those in my life. I aspire to be a person as described in this poem:

 

SOME PEOPLE

Some people come into our lives

and leave footprints on our hearts

and we are never ever the same.

 

Some people come into our lives

and quickly go... some stay for a whle

and embrace our silent dreams.

 

They help us become aware

of the delicate winds of hope...

and we discover within every human spirit 

there are wings yearning to fly.

 

They help our hearts to see that

the only stairway to the stars

is woven with dreams...

and we find ourselves

unafraid to reach high.

 

They celebrate the true essence 

of who we are...

and have faith in all 

that we may become.

 

Some people awaken us

to new and deeper realisations...

for we gain insight

from the passing whisper of their wisdom.

 

Throughout our lives we are sent

precious souls...

meant to share our journey

however brief or lasting their stay

they remind us why we are here.

 

To learn... to teach... to nurture... to Love

 

Some people come into our lives 

to cast a steady light

upon our path and guide our every step

their shining belief in us

helps us to believe in ourselves.

 

Some people come into our 

lives to teach us about love...

The love that rests within ourselves.

 

Let us reach out to others

and feel the bliss of giving

for love is far richer in action 

than it ever is in words.

 

Some people come into our lives

and they move our souls to sing

and make our spirits dance.

 

They help us to see that everything on earth 

is part of the incredibility of life...

and that it is always there

for us to take of its joy.

 

Some people come into our lives

and leave footprints on our hearts

and we are never ever the same.

 

-by Flavia Weedn-

 

Not all people are Some people types... Lionel was, I certainly strive to be. However, definitely there are people in my life who are not some people, and I try to see the best of the situation... they provide me with valuable lessons to learn... mainly how I don't want to be, or make people feel. 

I have had a remarkable 40 years... and more than anything these past few years I have learned to forgive & to love those that love me and not be ashamed or afraid of what others think of my unconditional love to those who mean so much to me. No one is perfect in life... all we can do is go by the way that someone makes you FEEL. I feel very loved by so many in my life, and I know I am very fortunate.

I miss Lionel so badly, and I am thankful for being able to travel this journey of life with him.

For my 40th Birthday I give thanks and gratitude to all those that love me, and enrich my life with joy and compassion... with love and sensitivity. Thankyou... you know exactly who you are :) xxx

40 feels very good!

Love out.
Bx 

My little Miss is not so little anymore...

I can not believe that it has been over 11 years since I first held this beautiful girl, that it has been over 11 years since I became a Mumma... and my whole life changed for the better instantly:

Click image for a larger view. 

She is such a great kid, seriously. I could go on and on about all her amazing qualties, but one thing that really stands out for me is that she has a wonderful sense of her self, which I am very proud of. She doesn't take any crap, from kids or adults alike. She is respectful but won't take any rubbish behaviour to heart. I adore that quality in her!

Right now, as she is enjoying the last of her "pre-teens"... I am soaking her pure innocence in. She is my ray of sunshine, my buttercup. Becoming her mother and being her mother everyday has been the best decision of my life, because from there on in... everything just made sense.

Stay strong and gorgeous young lady!

* we did this same interview in 2009, and it's nice to reflect and see the changes in her responses.

Bx

Gluten free family...

Right now we are in the process of getting our family to eat gluten, sugar... and soon-to-be dairy free.

Lots of reasons: Mikaela's eczema, Ben having difficulties since breastfeeding stopped 6 months ago & Nathan's colitis. Plus our kids general unruly behavior at times... It's time to make some serious changes.

So far, so good.

Lunch - salmon and dill mini frittatas by Karen Fischer - hope they like 'em !!

Love out
Bx

Sweet as...

Mikaela and cousin Jacob in the Adelaide hills.
Bxx

2012 Vision Board...

Dream board, Inspiration board, manifesting board... whatever you like to call it.

Mine for 2012 is done and hung in my study:

 

Click on image for a larger view.

L.O.V.E... heart sigh, this was exactly what I required on Friday, my "day off" from my job... my weekend so to speak, from my "work" of raising happy & well adjusted kidlets. i.e Friday's they are in care and I run around madly trying to fit everything in.

But not this past Friday... this past Friday I gave myself a break from the crazy, I lit some aroma candles, I made some tea and I got busy creating my vision board.

To sum it up... my 2012 dreams are to reconnect with my spiritual side... to maintain and even better my fitness, to do more yoga and meditation, to garden, get chooks, spend quality time with my girlfriends, to pamper myself some, to put self nurturing into my equation of life - in a spiritual sense, to travel, to juice, run, ride, lift weights... to unblock the barrier's I have about reaching my FULL potential, to go on a retreat for my 40th birthday... to be grateful for all the beauty in my life.

I find it interesting that all the running images I selected, were ones running on trails... there are more than shown, but they couldn't all fit. Maybe that means I'll be getting some use of my Merrell Trail Gloves! Incidently my first desire to run a marathon, was the Canberra Bush. So we'll see hey?!

Here are some close up images of the text I chose to include and some close ups of some of the imagery:    

I've done a few of these in previous years {2006, 2007, 2008, 2009,and 2011} and I find them to be really amazing at putting your intention out to the universe... and seeing it all come into fruition. 2004 I had a sketch book where I just glued in images that appealed to me, I find it a bit eary to look into that book now, pretty much every image has been manifested into my life today. WOW. And same for each year since.

It really works! You just need to be very clear of your intention and then work to make it so.

For more inspiration check these out:

• Lots more images of vision boards
• How to make a vision board
• One of my FitMumma blog readers, Anna and hers here
• Kris Carr
• Stories shared on The Secret website on the power of dream boards

If you get to creating yourself one, I'd love to see it. 

Peace & Love

Bx

Merry Christmas 2011...

From the Vavic clan.

I am most impressed with Benjamin... last year he was near hysterical.

Bxo

Perfect Saturday for a BBQ...

And so that's what we did:

5 adults

+

7 kids

+

Some sausages in bread & fruitboxes for the kidlets

+

3 delish salads

+

some Thai chicken burgers

+

steaks and marinated chicken

+

few beers & sparkling mineral water

+

Icecreams & frozen yoghurt

+

a nice sunset evening

= 

a wonderful way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Hugs

Bx