Historic Town - circa 1830

On New Years Eve day we went for a drive to a historic town called Morpeth. I haven't been there for years. When Paul suggested it I squealed with excitement because there is a patchwork shop there. He knew straight away what I was excited about.
We found a treasure trove of things at Campbells Corner Store. I will be going back there through the year to the shop with the gorgeous Christmas collectables. They are like nothing I have ever seen.

We looked through all the shops, had a little play and left the fabric store til last so I could savour the moment.

Some of the historic buildings

Awesome sandstone blocks as paths

Three boys in the park

Historic Morpeth bridge

That's what I call an advertisement

Cheers Leanne

By The Lake

The day after Boxing Day all the family went to my Uncle Daves boatshed on the lake at Narrabeen. It was a celebration of a couple of things. My cousin Pete and his daughter Holly we here from NZ for a visit. The next day was Hollys 4th bithday and it's about the only time in the year nearly the whole family is together.
It was a drizzily day but we didn't let it dampen our fun.
All the kids brought their new wheels to ride on the bike path across the lane. They have soooo much energy. My Aunty Diana put on a great spread for lunch. After lunch quite a few of us went for a walk into the rainforest area just up from where we were. It felt like we were in the middle of nowhere.

Archie on his scooter

Oscar in his Ripstick

Di Di came all the way from Bemboka ( about 6 hrs drive) to join in the festivities

My cousin Pete.

Uncle Dave, my Dad, Pete & DiDi relaxing on the verandah of the boatshed.

Brody & Thomas "mowing" the lawn. I love this photo.

The Rainforest Walk

Archie, Luca & Campbell.

Three little monkeys waiting for birthday cake

Holly enjoying her birthday cake.

So as you can see the weather didn't bother us at all.

This was the end of our stay in Sydney. We headed off back to our little country home feeling relaxed and happy to have seen the family for a few days.

Cheers Leanne

Handmade Gifts For Christmas

Before Xmas I was working crazily on a few things that were for Christmas gifts. Now I can show them to you because the recipients have received them. I made a quilt and some cute outfits for Layla.

And here is the cute little thing herself. Don't you just want to squeeze those gorgeous cheeks?

I also made another beautiful dress for my other cousin Pete's daughter Holly ( he is home from New Zealand visiting for christmas). She is 4 and is just a cutie pie. Here is her colourful dress.

And the little miss herself

Cheers Leanne

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all. We had a great time on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. Here are some phots of the day.

Our Boys

Cheers Leanne

Shop Christmas Party

At the shop where I teach patchwork and sewing, All About Sewing , we have a Christmas party every year, This year was a little bit different in that we have just moved to bigger premises. We were able to have a bring a plate dinner and the ladies from all our classes came. It was fun catching up with ladies that I rarely see because they come to classes on the days I'm not there. Here are some photos of us having fun.

All the girls who work at the shop

Party Food

My Friend Sarah

Jody and Robyn

Me at the Quilting Machine

Cheers Leanne

Lordy It's Hot

Lucky!!!! we had an air conditioner installed last week. The temp here today was over 40'C. I had to go out this morning so I set it to come on at 1pm. We ran from the air cond car to the beautifully cool house. I have no excuses now not to get things done. I have been getting tonnes of sewing done ( not so much house work though). I have a couple of things I can blog about after Xmas. They are gifts so I don't want to ruin the surprise.
I love this book.

I am doing a second quilt from it at the moment. The first one I did took me a while because I chose the hardest one first. This one has been quite quick.

The boys are finished school for the year. No more early mornings for a while. Yay. Archer has finished pre school for ever. Big school in 6 weeks. It's hard to get my head around it. He is still the baby.

Bed time now.

Leanne

O' Christmas Tree

Yes, I had to do it. I had to get out all the Christmas decorations. The kids kept on asking. I don't have time. Then I realised that my children are older now. They can do the decorations themselves. YAY!!! In no time the tree was up, the tree was decorated, the kids were happy and I didn't have to do anything. We aren't even going to be home for Christmas but I guess it was what we all needed to get into the Christmas Spirit.

Things are winding down work wise for me. I have 12 dance costumes to finish ( they are half done ), One little quilt to bind and one big quilt to quilt and bind before Christmas
Archer graduated from pre school last week. The last 3 years went so quickly. He only has 2 days left at pre school. It tugs at my heart strings a little because this is the last tie we have with Wyee. I have had my boys at that preschool for the last 9 years. They have been lovely and kind and loved my boys like they were their own. I guess we must all move on at some stage.

Bye for now

Leanne

Local Views

I had a good day today. I finished quilting a quilt for my niece (photos will come later as I want it to be a surprise for Xmas), I cleaned my house/barn, got some cutting done on a work in progress quilt and took some photos of the local are while taking Oscar to school. Here are some of those photos

The property across from us runs cattle. Today he had all the mummas and babies up I think to start weaning the babies off. He separated them so I guess that's the reason.

This house is in Mulbring.

I love it . About 5 years ago we saw it in disrepair and knoe it is beautiful. We have come to know the family through school.

This old barn is on the road going to our place. I thought I had better get a photo before it falls down.

This place is owned by the same family that owns the other grey house I love. I think this one is a bit past it though.

This is what we see everyday outside our front door. There is a mob of about 20 that live on all the properties around ours, including ours.

Hope you enjoyed !

Leanne

Just an Average Thursday

What a night! Archie was awake half the night with an ear ache. I think it's his 6 year old molars. He's going to the doctor to make sure it's not an infection.

This morning we had Presentation day at Oscars school. I couldn't believe it when he got the Outstanding Effort Award for his whole year. I'm a proud Mumma.

I can't believe the school year is almost over. Ethan has almost finished his first year at high school.

I haven't even started Xmas shopping yet. Best get onto that pretty soon. Off to the doctors now

Happy Quilting

Leanne

My Sewing Space

Here are some photos of my new sewing space. I've already put it through it's paces. I've done a bunch of costumes, quilted about 7 quilts and finished 5 quilt tops. When I write it down, I really have been busy haven't I?

Happy Quilting

Leanne

We have Arrived

Finally We are at the farm. We moved in in October

Having a great time

Cheers

Leanne