Cracking The Whip!

DSC_1795.JPGOur move to the outskirts of Ipswich has brought back memories for Andrew of his country roots.  Just before his birthday he mentioned to me that he had always wanted a stock whip.   I purchased one for him for his birthday.   When at the Ipswich Town and Country Centre, the sales attendant asked me what we intended to use the stock whip  for.  ‘Oh…. oh…… well we won’t be riding with it’ was my response while in my head picturing Andrew riding swinging his whip shouting ‘Ride like the wind Bulls Eye’.  I am sure I must have had a huge smirk on my face.  The sales attendant took a number of whips off the hooks, swung them strangely up the shop aisle before saying, ‘Yep this is the one, this will be great  to crack around the horses and cattle but not to ride with’.  So I nodded agreeing but thinking ‘yep sure thing, that’s exactly what we need for all the horses and cattle on our one acre’.  I didn’t dare inform the sales attendant  that we wanted it just to crack in the yard for fun and hang on the wall and look pretty!!

Andrew got a chance to break in the whip today…. I had to laugh.  I walked out the back and there is Andrew sitting on the saw horse cracking the whip – hilarious!! He mentioned tonight that he has a sore shoulder – even more hilarious!!!  Love you honey xoxo

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Farewell Family Daycare….

to be sorted 077.JPGIt is with a heavy heart that we no longer visit the world’s best Family Daycare Mum every Tuesday.  Trudy has been Ben’s Family Daycare Mum for over a year and she has been fantastic not only for Ben but for me as well.  I first sent Ben to Family Daycare because we didn’t have any family close and he needed that little something that I couldn’t give him.  We struck gold when we met Trudy.  She was referred to me by a mutual friend.  She took us into her home like we were family.  She showed Ben a level of care that was above and beyond what I could have dreamed of.  Ben was no walk in the park for Trudy.  He cried every time I dropped him off for what seemed forever.  But Trudy never scowled she would just scoop him up and shared her heart.  At Trudy’s Ben painted, played, glued, sang, read, ran, climbed, jumped and laughed.   Ben fell in love with Trudy and her two beautiful girls Eva and Mae and his family daycare sister Ella.  Trudy now has a wonderful new addition to her family – baby Oliver.  Her hands are a little fuller these days hence our departure.  Thanks Trudy you made such a difference in Ben’s life xoxo

Grandchester Model Live Steam Trains

Today Ben and I visited the model trains at Grandchester near Ipswich.
What a great little outing for the kids (and big kids).
Here is a little movie of Ben getting right into the spirit, he really loved the whole experience.

Today Ben and I visited the model trains at Grandchester near Ipswich.

What a great little outing for the kids (and big kids).

Here is a little movie of Ben getting right into the spirit, he really loved the whole experience.

Diving In, Ready…….or Not!

Its June 4th 2010 and I can’t stop thinking about the little business I hope to begin – a little dream really.  Just something simple.  A studio in the garage and selling my wares at the Handmade Expo.   I don’t expect to make millions but to have a little joy doing what I love.  If I was to make a little money that would be nice too!!   I am nervous, scared and excited.  I hope that the creative mojo I once thought I possessed was not in my mind and I can indeed harness it and produce some old fashioned fabulous toys.  I am hoping to make cubby houses  that fit over your dining room table or card table, tee pees, fabric puppet theatres, hop scotch mats and maybe hobby horses. …………….   Deep Breath!!!!  Wow it is out there!  I have said it and now I need to make it a reality.  First thing…….. a name and funding.  I am probably heading back to the classroom next term to cover the funding ……. another Deep Breath!  Only for short time to get the dollars organised so I can fund my project. My dream is to work from home so I can be the best Mum to Ben I can be.  As for the name……mmmmmmm……… not going that well there.  I want something that captures the essence of childhood play.  We are still tinkering.  These are some early ideas – SMILE+LAUGH+PLAY, Play the Old Fashioned Way, Old Fashioned Fun, and Aunty Bee’s.  All ideas welcome….. please.

I have to thank some really wonderful people for inspiring me…… Tam for sourcing the most inspiring, sensational and extraordinary toys  in her shop – Billycarts and Ballerinas.  It is truely fabulous and if you haven’t been for a visit it is a must.  For me it is like stepping into a fairytale.   Claire for always being a positive voice in my head – thank you thank you thank you.   My Mum for encouraging me to orgainise the garage and  set up a studio.  My wonderful husband who believes I can do anything and of course my beautiful little man Ben who reminds me that childhood is an amazing place every single day.

Fingers crossed that in the next six months……. I get myself organised.