Just saying...

Just saying that I reckon my kids are super cute kids...

I love them to bits (photos taken at June Nan's 80th dinner).

And that's all.

The Nana Project...

The Nana Project.

No, I'm not talking about crochet (although this amazing lady is the one who talk me how to do it), I'm talking about the sneaky planning and shenanigans that have been going on around here over the last few weeks, as my family have organised some awesome surprises for my beautiful Grandmother's 80th birthday.

My Nana is the most precious and lovely lady ever, and for her 80th birthday, her two cheeky daughters (my Mum and Aunt) organised for her sister to fly up and surprise her, then also organise a family dinner out to celebrate her birthday and then another surprise party today with a few of her special friends.

You have to watch the videos - she is so cute.

I love you so much June Nan - Happy 80th birthday!!

Last year's celebrations here.

Teen vs Wild

I think my son is pretty awesome... here's his latest video clip, aka Man vs Wild remake.

Loving...

 

I wholeheartedly believe that no matter what is happening
in your life, there is always something that you can be thankful for... no matter how simple it is.  

A few of the things I am loving at the moment...

Loving Barney, our giant fluffy cat, and his current obsession with the birds outside the window...

Loving surprise gifts from precious bloggy friends (thanks Becky!!).  How did she know I have a mug AND Russian doll obsession??  ;)

Loving Boo's competition pose (and her obsession with tennis balls)...

Loving my Aunty's vintage rocking horse - so pretty!

Finally, loving finding these in my drawer!!  Love them as much as the day they were made (and very tempted to make another pair!).

To join in with your loving, click on the icon below...

My Creative Space...

Do you remember my cute, wool-cuddling hubby?

Well I've been working on a little present for him... his dream blanket is to have one like this (it's a 70's style granny square blanket).

It's so fun (and addictive) to make, and one of those projects that you keep saying, "just one more row" but always end up doing waaaay more.

Can't wait to start on the black rows!

For more crafty makings, go here. 
Joining in with Our Creative Spaces.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Shortbread

I just had to share this recipe with you!  

I was recently blessed with a delicious meal for our family and these amazing biscuits (Keri - you are so awesome and make the most delicious food!!).  

After tasting these babies, I had to source the recipe.  Originally blogged by The View from Great Island, you are going to love these... I especially loved using Whittakers chopped dark Ghana chocolate in mine, and the sea salt balances out the sweetness perfectly.

Do I sound like I'm raving on too much?

You have to give them a go!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies

makes about 21 small cookies 

1 stick, (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, room temp 
1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/4 cup all purpose flour  
1/4 cup confectioner's sugar
scant 1/2 tsp sea salt
3/4 cup milk chocolate chips

• Cream the butter and the peanut butter together in a stand mixer, with a hand mixer, or a wooden spoon.  Beat in the vanilla.
• Whisk the dry ingredients together and add to the butter mixture.  Mix until the dough comes together. 
• Stir in the chips, and turn the dough out onto a piece of waxed paper.  Gently pull the dough together and form it into a log.  If it is still crumbly, work it with your hands until it holds together smoothly. Roll it up in the paper, smoothing the shape as you go.  Twist the ends securely and refrigerate for at least a couple of hours.
• Slice the log into slices with a sharp knife. Not too thick, not too thin, about 1/3 inch.  If a slice crumbles a bit, just smoosh the dough back together.  These don't have to be perfect disks.
• Bake on a parchment or silpat lined baking sheet at 325 for about 12-14 minutes.  The cookies will  not be browned, and they may look undone, but don't over bake.  One of the joys of shortbread cookies is that they fall apart and melt in your mouth. 
• Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.
  
  

For more delicious recipes visit here.

Weekending It...

Hubby had the weekend off (he usually works on the weekend) so that made this weekend super awesome, and rather fun.

We hung out as a family, playing games (our latest favourite is Dominion) and sitting by the fire (of course there was a bit of hooking going on too) ...

We made sure we were toasty warm while outside...

*snigger*

Played with Boo...

And all made Sushi for the first time ever!

I love the weekend, guys with tea towels on their heads, and Sushi!

Happy Birthday Boo!

Yes, it's another birthday here in the Drake household... and today it is Boo's turn!

Happy birthday to our special girl Boo, 7 years old today.

Although we've only had Boo with us for 1½ years (she is a retired breeding dog that we decided to "love on" for the remainder of her life) we just love her to bits!  She is such a sweetie, and has been an amazing family pet.

As a special birthday treat, Boo enjoyed her own cupcake today - wrapper and all.

p.s. Yes, our dog is wearing a jacket... it's the middle of winter here!

The day when Boo first arrived - go here.

Best Boo posts - see here and here.

All Boo related posts - see here.

Orange Crochet Coasters

Crochet = Therapy

Over the last couple of weeks, there has been a wee bit more crochet going on than usual.  

It seems to be a common pattern when difficult times come... and funnily enough the same thing happened here.

So, another set of crochet coasters have been made, this time in burnt orange.  My last lovely set of cream coasters have strangely enough, disappeared from the lounge.  I have a sneaky suspicion that a certain someone has hidden them... a certain someone with a strong aversion to crochet coasters (yet, strangely enough a recent love for pink yarn and granny square blankets!).

So now these lovely orange ones will take their place proudly in the lounge... and yes, some may think they are rather ugly, but I prefer to think of them as retro... cause that's the word I use to zhuzh up ugly stuff.

Yep, they are pretty retro alright.

For more crafty makings, go here. 
Joining in with Our Creative Spaces.

Crafty Hubby...

You know you've got a pretty good bloke when he comes along to the yarn shop with you, carefully selects the yarn he would like you to make him his own granny square blanket with, and also includes a pink ball.

Yep, I know I'm one lucky girl alright.

Weekending it...

It was my Mum's birthday on the weekend, so we travelled out to her sisters place for a family celebration.

I love my Aunty and Uncle's place... it's so beautiful and peaceful.

Plus, you never quite know what kind of critter you are going to stumble across...

Cute and very nosey!

Happy birthday to my Mum!!

p.s. Our youngest asked me how old Nana was, so I told her and she replied with, 

"Wow, that's long!  1,2,3,4,5 and she's nearly at the end, 100!".

Haha.

p.p.s. And for all of you curious people BEGGING me to tell you more about the green balls: we found them in our local emporium.  They are crystal soil water balls (check it out here) and are often used for growing/keeping plants in.  Lots of fun (especially for playing wars with outside later) and probably available from your local garden centre.

Loving...

 

I wholeheartedly believe that no matter what is happening
in your life, there is always something that you can be thankful for... no matter how simple it is.  

Joining in with Things I'm Loving over at it's new home @ MNM's...

 

A few of the things I am loving at the moment...

: : cute crochet creations (crochet instagram camera via pinterest)
: : the cake carryer, who now starts to proudly pose for his cake carrying birthday pictures
: : fresh flowers from strangers
: : delicious birthday icecream cakes (this recipe, minus the honey roasted peanuts)
: : giggling teenage boys (yes, they do giggle!)
: : cheap science experiments that excite the whole family
: : hearing beautiful stories that spring forth from the dark days of grief

To join in with your loving, click on the icon below...

When it rains, it pours...

Last week Tuesday started out with losing a precious friend, a week of deep grief and funeral preparations, to this Tuesday, Symon's birthday... and what a day.

This last week has been full of dark and sad moments, but despite the dark grey clouds overhead, there have been piercing rays of sunlight breaking through, because I know that even when the dark clouds come, the sun never ceases to shine.

It is much easier to trust when the sun is shining than when the storm is raging.

We never know how much real faith we have until it is put to the test in some fierce storm;

and that is the reason why the Saviour is on board.

If you are ever to be strong in the Lord and the power of His might,

your strength will be born in some storm.

Source: Streams in the Desert

So thankful for the anchor of hope in the dark storms of life - Jesus.

His turn...

Yes, it's the week of birthdays in the Drake household... and today, it's my bestest friend and darling husbands turn!

I love you bubs... even when you brush your teeth.

Happy Birthday!!

xoxo

Teenager (Part 2)

There are teenagers in the house...

and they are cracking me up!

Teenager...

Happy birthday to our precious first born... the blonde, bright-spark with a will of iron, and debating skills that would put even the world's top lawyers to shame.

Today, Sym's and I are now the proud owners parents of a teenager, and we are looking forward to the awesome years ahead!!

So proud of you J... and feeling especially old now that you are legally allowed (and have been hanging out for) your own facebook account.

Oh dear...

Happy Birthday!!!!