Day 213 - Toothbrush

Cleaning teeth is seen by the girls - luckily, as such a fun thing to do. They have even begun brushing their own teeth by themselves, followed by a rigorous scrub by Shane or myself. Next step - teaching them to spit out the toothpaste rather than to swallow.

Day 212 - With Sleep, Comes Calm.

Some days I feel like two tornadoes hit our house in the afternoon. With swimming lessons on a Monday afternoon, it is a real rush to get them showered, fed and in bed all while they are still relatively happy. Tonight, calm came in the form of Olivia asleep. Once they are both asleep, Olivia is always the last to fall asleep, I always feel a sense of calm and do the things I need to do before going to bed myself.

I just love this photo.

Day 211 - My love affair will Bill continues

Tonight, I felt like baking, so we whipped up Bill Granger's Chocolate Self Saucing Pudding - boy wasn't it delicious. Find the recipe here http://www.lifestylefood.com.au/recipes/34/chocolate-selfsaucing-pudding. It was a very simple and easy recipe with very decadent results. Somehow Shane ate 2 - I am not sure I could have actually finished one, but like he said - he would hate to have seen one go to waste.

Day 210 - Happy Birthday Aila!

Today we ventured out to Lollipop's to celebrate Aila's 3rd birthday. The girls were very excited to celebrate with their friend - whom they just adore. It was a milestone event, as Olivia got her face painted for the first time - finally! Ava (pictured here) is an old hand and loves a bit of paint on her face... she does make a beautiful butterfly.

Happy birthday Aila - if only I got a photo of your on your birthday!

Day 209 - Curly Shirley

For someone with naturally curly hair, it is not often I allow my hairdresser to curl it after a cut. Today, I was very flexible and was extra happy when Vanessa finished her usual wonderful job. If only I could have a hairdresser do my hair everyday - I think I would be in heaven.

Day 208 - Double Happy Birthday

Tonight we got together to wish Samuel and Isabel a very happy birthday. We  enjoyed a delicious dinner followed of course by cake. We hope you both had a wonderful birthday.

Day 207 - I heart U

I heart you.

To inject a little inspiration into my blog this month, I have decided to play along with the challenge presented on Fat Mum Slim's blog (www.fatmumslim.com.au) and for today the theme was Day 25 - heart

Day 206 - Stranger

I found this topic a little challenging on a work day - it isn't often we have "stranger's" walking into the school gates. Today we began some AFL clinics at school, supported by ACT/NSW AFL. Gavin pictured here, was a stranger until we had a little chat during the clinic.

I think he fits the bill of stranger quite well.

To inject a little inspiration into my blog this month, I have decided to play along with the challenge presented on Fat Mum Slim's blog (www.fatmumslim.com.au) and for today the theme was Day 24 - Stranger.

Day 205 - A well loved Mirror

This is the back of the most well loved mirror in our house. It is used for many different things and has been in my mum's collection for as long as I have known. It has some very delicate flowers on the back and has been used nearly to its death - hopefully it can stick together for a few more years.

To inject a little inspiration into my blog this month, I have decided to play along with the challenge presented on Fat Mum Slim's blog (www.fatmumslim.com.au) and for today the theme was Day 23 - Mirror

Day 204 - Shane

What more is there to say about this husband of mine. Spending this weekend together has been great. I couldn't have asked for a better companion this weekend. He kept me laughing and motivated to get to the top of that bridge. This afternoon we were football enemies with an afternoon of AFL, watching Sydney beat his beloved St Kilda before we headed home to our girls.

This is not the best photo - will have to get myself a remote to take these self portraits.

Day 203 - Bridge Climb

Today, I climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Something I never thought I'd be able to to considering I have a small fear of heights. I won 2 passes to climb the bridge, so Shane and I thought while spending a child free weekend in Sydney to see the beautiful city from new heights. It was amazing. We had a fabulous leader who told us really interesting stories on our climb up there. Once we climbed back down the bridge, it was dark. What a great time to actually take a photo of such a spectacular and amazingly built bridge.

Day 202 - Eyes

Shane and I headed to Sydney this weekend for some much needed R & R. While there tonight, we headed over to China Town to have a look at the markets and enjoy some delicious food. While there, we were greeted with these beautiful eyes on one of the Lion's sculptures. He kept me company when it started to rain and Shane was lining up to get some spicy pork.

Tomorrow, we are going to climb the Harbour Bridge. Let me just say...I am a little nervous, but excited all the same. Hopefully the Lion gave me some of his courage to make it all the way too the top.

To inject a little inspiration into my blog this month, I have decided to play along with the challenge presented on Fat Mum Slim's blog (www.fatmumslim.com.au) and for today the theme was Day 20 - Eyes.

Dy 201 - Animal

The Gruffalo is one of the only animals allowed in our house. The girls do not like many animals in particular cats, dogs or anything else that may move towards them. So when posed with this topic for July's Photo a day challenge, it needed some creative thinking.

The Gruffalo is a book that the girls enjoy reading because they have heard it so many times they have memorised the story and always giggle when the mouse says its favourite food is '...gruffalo crumble'.

To inject a little inspiration into my blog this month, I have decided to play along with the challenge presented on Fat Mum Slim's blog (www.fatmumslim.com.au) and for today the theme was Day 19: Animal.

Day 200: Plate

On my plate was some homemade chocolate slice which Shane and I shared while having a cup of tea this evening. I baked a slice for a lady at work and of course had to save some for Shane and myself to enjoy. A simple and tasty slice, always goes down well with a perfect cup of tea, in particular a perfect cup of tea is always one made by Shane!

To inject a little inspiration into my blog this month, I have decided to play along with the challenge presented on Fat Mum Slim's blog (www.fatmumslim.com.au) and for today the theme was Day 18:- Plate

Day 199 - My Addictions

I have many many addictions. Being organised, buying handbags and wallets - in particular from Kate Hill, using my beautiful camera on manual setting then editing photos are just a few which featured in my collage depicting my addictions. Notably missing from here is chocolate and tea. I figured everyone knew about those addictions.

To inject a little inspiration into my blog this month, I have decided to play along with the challenge presented on Fat Mum Slim's blog (www.fatmumslim.com.au) and for today the theme was Day 17: addictions

Day 198 - Sign

This term we'll be doing a unit of work on the London 2012 Olympic Games. The Olympic Rings are one of the most featured signs in my classroom currently.

To inject a little inspiration into my blog this month, I have decided to play along with the challenge presented on Fat Mum Slim's blog (www.fatmumslim.com.au) and for today the theme was Day 16: Sign

Day 197 - Daddy's Girls

This afternoon we braved the very cold day to have some quick photos of Shane with the girls. Together the three of them had lots of cuddles and kisses to keep warm, and of course to create some beautiful family moments. They are indeed Daddy's little girls. They love nothing more than to wrestle, play with or even just laze on the couch watching television with their dad. It's moments like this one, that make me very grateful.

Day 196 - Buildings

Today we had a 15 year high school reunion starting at The George Harcourt Inn. It just so happened that today's Photo A Day subject was: buildings. This is a quaint little building in Gold Creek and it was a perfect place to spend a cold Saturday afternoon catching up with some of the lovely ladies from school.

To inject a little inspiration into my blog this month, I have decided to play along with the challenge presented on Fat Mum Slim's blog (www.fatmumslim.com.au) and for today the theme was Day 14- Building

Day 195 - My Little Ray of Sunshine

Ava is most days a very happy go lucky girl. She is always smiling and singing her way around the house. Today, she has been practising her winking, with some very cute results. There were lots of photos which I could have used today, including some of Olivia attempting to take my photo with my phone - very cute, however I just loved the light on Ava's face and her beautiful bright eyes in this image. Indeed my little ray of sunshine.

Day 194 - Texture

These bears have had a very long and happy life. They have been tugged, sucked, cuddled, squeezed and left in places I could never have imagined! However, they are what have helped the girls know it is time for bed. Surprisingly after being through the wash many times, they are still soft and fluffy. No wonder the girls still love rubbing their faces with them each night.

To inject a little inspiration into my blog this month, I have decided to play along with the challenge presented on Fat Mum Slim's blog (www.fatmumslim.com.au) and for today the theme was Day 12- Texture

Day 193 - Playing Photographer

Today Belinda and I got to play photographer with gorgeous baby Cooper. He has the most gorgeous dark hair and big beautiful eyes. It was a great experience using the manual setting on our cameras. He was ever the obliging model and seemed happy to be sitting around naked.

Thank you to Sarah for allowing us to come in and take these photos and for willingly participating as well!

Day 192 - Friends at Play

Today I enjoyed a group time at the girls daycare centre. I took along the girl's favourite book 'Rhino's Don't Eat Pancakes!' written by Anna Kemp and illustrated by Sara Olgilvie, to read to the toddler room. Both Olivia and Ava were very excited that I was coming to read their story to them and their friends at school. But as soon as I had finished reading the book instead of heading off and playing with me, they just wanted to go home!

We also decided that we'd bring home our little mate Patrick for a play this afternoon. Everyone wanted to come home, 2 kids even got their bags to come along to my place this afternoon, and another told me that I had to put his car seat into my car. The three of them ate afternoon tea and played together happily buying me lots of things from the shop and making me eat and drink them!

Day 191 - Outdoor Fun

With a beautiful sunny Winter's afternoon we went outside this afternoon to make the most of it, especially if the prediction of 8 days of rain is correct. Olivia jumped straight on her bike, which she isn't so great at pedalling yet and Ava headed for the leaves. It isn't often in Winter we get to go outside and have a play. It was a nice change.

Day 190 - Success!

I have been completing this scissor fob since April this year and got a little stuck on french knots. With a little vent and a lot of frustration, I nearly gave up and passed it on to my stitching guru, Sue. That was until I came across this website Needle'nThread.com, which has a section with how to videos to watch and stitch along with. So tonight I was successful in completing my sheep and fence. I even started the satin stitch to finish off the scissor fob, however it all came unstuck when I realised I can't find (couldn't have run out!) of the grass thread. Luckily Spotlight have the thread on sale for 89c.

I wonder if you know where i'll be tomorrow.

Day 189 - Productive Day

I have set myself a very long list of things to do these holidays. With Ava still unwell, a pyjama day was necessary. Olivia and Ava happily played while I had a very productive day finishing 2 skirts, a quilt face and preparing for another to be sewn together. I find that when the sewing machine comes out I really must get as much done as I can because it does not get out as often as i'd like.

I know the girls are going to love their skirts, will just have to start on the next couple - they'll be ready for Spring, I hope.

Day 188 - Olivia

Today was a home day for all of us. With both Ava and Shane still sick, we watched movies and played games together. I crossed off a few jobs on my to do list and that included some more manual practice with my camera. I captured this photo of Olivia while we were having a little quiet time this afternoon. It is simple and it captures the essence of Olivia so very well and I just love how her hair is falling across her face.

Sometimes it is just good luck and timing to catch these beautiful moments.

Day 187 - A difficult first

Winter is well and truly upon us with 3 out of the 5 who live in my house sick, really sick. Ava had a very unsettled and feverish night, along with her dad who is also sick at the moment. I got up and slept in Ava's bed after a little while, which when Olivia woke this morning, gave her a little start, wondering where her sister, Ava was. So the day was going to be full of many challenges. One very big, heart tugging one was a constant today. So just excuse my ramblings that follow, but this is something I want the girls to know about when they are older.

I have always followed the belief that if one of the girls is sick, they both stay home, and somewhere deep down I knew it had to change eventually. I decided that today really should be the day. With Jenny as their room leader and both Shane and I at home, we would give it a go. Olivia was to go to school. Alone. She was quite happy to go to school and have a special day with Jenny, Ava was a little sad to be at home with us, but with some bribery - a promise to watch 'Cars' and to go to the doctor, she gave in and stayed home, happily I think.

I know some of you are thinking - 'what's the big deal?' Well, in 3 years the only time my girls have been apart is if one goes shopping and that other chooses to stay home, and they are always at home with Shane or I. They know no different. They aren't an only child, they are a part of a collective - a twin thing... and I don't often play into the whole 'we have twins, therefore we are much more special than others' business and I do believe they are individual people - if they were single children they would go without the other, but they are twins and it tugs at my heart strings having to separate them, but I know it is for the best.

So yes I did have a little cry, and so did Olivia when it came to rest time at daycare, but we got through the day and I am so impressed with my Olivia, who I didn't think would cope very well, but with Aunty Jenny and her beautiful friend Ingrid she managed just fine.

I did too, with some help of my wonderful friends, a lovely birthday invitation, a visit with a gorgeous Cooper and of course some delicious macaroons.

Next time, I will have a stash of macaroons on hand, and I'll be ready. I hope.

Day 186 - Trans-tasman fun

Today we had a Trans-tasman gathering with the Morrison clan. They are over here on a little mini holiday so we had a catch up twice today, one with Olivia and Ava and one without! I was indeed spoilt! Gracie and Charlie have grown up so very fast and it was just lovely to catch up with them and Taryn of course.

The children played nicely together even though the last time the girls saw the Morrison family they were very little.

Thanks for coming and playing - the girls talked about you all afternoon.

Day 185 - Bill's Magic

Today I had planned a morning tea with friends, what a better way to spend some of my holidays. I decided to bake something to take along with me to share. My mum wanted me to teach her how to make something sweet - so we made Bill Granger's brownies. They are so delicious and so simple to make. My mum loved it as did my friends and my husband who says he doesn't have a sweet tooth.

Day 184 - A day at home

The first day of holidays! It was just lovely not to go rushing off to work and to spend time with the girls doing a few odd jobs here and there. We enjoyed building towers, tickle mosters and just playing with no distractions. It was the perfect day to stay indoors as well, even with my cheeky children.

Day 183 - They go where?

I do have some funny children! This morning we got up and before breakfast the girls had discovered a new place for stockings - on their heads of course. They ran around thinking they were the funniest clowns on Earth... clowns indeed, funny indeed - they certainly had me giggling before breakfast.