Listen Up Lego Afficionados:: School Holiday Guaranteed Boredom Busters

If you're looking for something for your smalls to do these holidays, I've got some hot diggety ideas for you. Mamas - let me be of service! 


First up - if you're in Sydney - check out the school holiday menu at the Castle Hill Powerhouse Discovery Centre. Holy cow they've got some ace activities on offer - the Doctor is booked in for the LEGO Master Builder course - a full-day, hands-on, fun workshop that aims to stimulate creativity while developing teamwork and problem solving skills. The kids are in teams and together they work to build houses, castles and towers of strength using LEGO. Suitable for 6–8 year olds. $60/$55 Powerhouse members. Kids can bring their own lunch, or order their healthy lunch pack. Bookings essential as numbers for the workshop are limited to 12. 


Call 02 9762 1300 to make bookings. 


But even if your smalls aren't into LEGO be sure to check out what's on offer - because there is so much goodness going on over there, make farm animal peg pals, as well as a whole bunch of make-and-do activities, mini workshops including liquid nitrogen (YES! LOVE!), junk jewellery making. I could go on - but see for yourself all the fun and learning that's to be had (it's fun learning, so it's extra good). Go here now!


And for LEGO afficionados nationally - well you've got to listen up because the school holidays are the perfect time for the kidlets to get their LEGO on. Hot diggety! 


LEGO Australia, in conjunction with Toyworld stores are searching for the nation's best LEGO builder in 2012 for the National LEGO Building Competition - entries are open until April 30th. 

The kidlets are encouraged to use their creativity and construction skills to build the LEGO model of their dreams for the chance to win the grand prize of a family trip to LEGOLAND in California. Like this doesn't have the Doctor's name written all over it!

It's easy to enter - children just have to take two identical colour printed photos of their creation to a participating Toyworld store to obtain the official entry form. 

Visit Toyworld for details. 

image of someone else's LEGO awesomeness via Oddee 

Kiddie Craft:: We Painted. And Then We Painted.

Today we sat outside and enjoyed a brief moment of sunshine.

We had my four year old niece over for a play which was fab for the Doctor to have someone to cavort around the place with.

I made some pint-sized potato stamps and the smalls had a great time stamping away with them. We were well into our expression session. Stamping the funny little carvings onto the paper (for the record I had a kooky looking bird, a wonky heart, a spindly little star and a circle).

Until things went a little awry and I quickly scuttled them on to the next activity.

Watercolours. I love watercolours for the fluidity of the medium. And I love watching the smalls work it too. The older children use single colours well, whereas Tiny likes to dip her brush in every single colour before taking to the paint - resulting in a murky palette. Oh well! I'm not one to interfere too much in making, I like to see what the smalls make by themselves.

Above is the Doctor's whale. I think he's pretty darn ace.

After watercolours, we continued on with collage. That was fun, despite Tiny just wiping glue all over her page and declaring that she was finished (with nothing stuck to the glue). She's a little bit Jeff Koons, a little Basquiat, a little cuckoo.

Buying Time

This afternoon we three went to the little shops. We enjoyed an icy pop together with Tiny wiping most of hers on my dress. Er thanks.

Then we went looking for a stranger's cat to pat. We always look in the streets for cats. Alas today was cat-less and we went home wanting. We meandered our way home through the back streets. The Doctor pointing out houses that we could buy (they weren't even actually for sale, and besides this, we're not in the buying market - boo hiss!).

My smalls tend to go a little berko when I'm prepping for dinner. Well particularly the smallest one. Tiny wants to be carried around which is not conducive to chopping and locking (sorry! I had to work in that lame pop and lock reference).

So I set up 'washing up'. When better to start your smalls on the domestic chores than rightthisveryminute?! They washed up their tea sets. I cooked dinner. They didn't want to come in for dinner they were having so much fun. If only real life washing up was so good.

The Rain Boats

With the rain has come water. Lots of it. Surprising, isn't it?

We snuck out of the house this afternoon after being struck down with an acute case of cabin fever-itis. The Doctor scootered. Matt and I walked. Tiny ate popcorn in her pram. It continued to sprinkle on our heads. In fact, it sprinkled all over us. It was steamy, but the sprinkling rain relieved that for a short time. We walked down to the park where the Doctor did a few circuits on his scooter.

Then we began our walk home, via a small creek not far from home, which, due to the water, which was due to the rain, was flowing. Perfect conditions for leaf boat racing.

The Doctor and I indulged ourselves. Matt got a bit sniffy that I chose a dodgy leaf for him (which wound up winning), and the Doctor and I continued with our leaf racing. There's a certain season for leaf racing. We've collected some more vessels for more leaf races later in the week. It's pretty darn fun reconnecting with your childhood via your own child.

Happy Australia Day!

The Doctor woke at the crack of dawn, as only the Doctor would do, to tell us he was ready to go to the beach. And to get up. I bought another half an hour and then got up, fed the smalls and then finally sent the Doctor in to rustle up Matt.

We headed to the beach. With six billion other people. But it was ok. We had our own little spot on the sand and built our own Dino-world. The Doctor has been well and truly into trains right up until about NOW! And now he's starting to go dino mad. Which is seriously a blessing because there is only so much automotive joy I can muster.

This afternoon we've BBQed, eaten lamingtons, listened to Triple J's countdown. We've also hung out the washing. And made fresh beds. Cracking good day.

We also watched Perfume. Cracking good movie. Watched it?

Pretty Things

Thank you for everyone who voted in the polls. The decision has been made, and it wasn't easy. I am a hopeless decision maker, and throwing it open made it even more difficult. But I do thank you for helping me, because I was swayed by the voters - and thanks for those who said try again - I didn't. Well I did see yet another dress that tore at my heart strings, and if I had an endlessly replenished wallet, I would buy all three. Alas, I will have to wait until I win lotto (must be my turn soon, yes?). Eating is overrated anyway, right kids?? Right?! The Doctor even told me a couple of times to just buy them all (probably hoping that it would end the boredom of being in frock shops).

I sometimes read/look at The Selby. Though sometimes not, because let's face it, I could get lost over there for hours looking at all those beautiful homes. Sometimes I just need to get offline and get real. It's true. Shocking but true. All those gorgeous couples with gorgeous houses. And what always strikes me is: how do people meet?

I think I've posted previously how Matt and I met. Actually, yes, yes I did, and here's the link here if you feel like tripping down memory lane.

How did you meet your lover?

Today the Doctor and I have been doodling together. Sometimes we free-style it, sometimes we're inspired by stickers and then we draw scenery to go with them.

I've also been:

- washing the bed linen

- burning pine nuts

- grocery shopping

- listening to Parallel Lions

- watched Beautiful Kate

Please feel free to inspire me.

School Holiday Crisis: Averted!

We're well and truly in the swing of school holidays and the little dude is totes bored. TOTALLY BORED! Thankfully I had the foresight to book some 'intensive' swimming lessons that start tomorrow for the whole week. So that's 1/2 hour for each day taken care of. But what of the rest of the day?

I've been investigating some options around the city. Here's the scoop de la scoop that I WILL share because I am quite good like that. Sometimes. Here we go:

----------------------------------------

Australian Museum

6 College Street, Sydney

1. The Dinosaur Show (1-26 January 2010)

Cost: $5 after general Museum entry. Tickets available at the door.

You can meet the museum's very own dinosaur, the Muttaburrasaurus puppet, Winny, and her keeper will entertain you in this fun show about the life of dinosaurs

2. Dinosnore Sleepover (15th January 2010)

Cost: Non-members $160 adults, $120 child. Members $130 adult, $100 child. For bookings, call 9320 6225.

Would you like to spend the night sleeping in Australia’s oldest Museum? You can join the Dinosnore sleepover and enjoy a special pizza dinner, fun craft activity, torchlight tour of the Museum and late night DVDs before catching some zzz’s in the Dinosaurs exhibition. NB: Children must be accompanied by an adult.

--------------------------

Powerhouse Museum

500 Harris Street, Ultimo

(behind Darling Harbour and Chinatown)

Admission: Adults - $10, children (4-15) - $5, under 4 - free

3. The Thriller Experience (4-26 January 2010)

11:00am & 2:00pm

Take to the dance floor and be part of Michael Jackson’s Thriller in the holiday event guaranteed to embarrass and delight all ages. The choreographer will take you through your “zombie” paces as you learn some of the dance moves made famous in the Thriller music video. Definitely not something for me, since I am so unco!

4. Cogs Workshop (4-26 January 2010)

11:00am - 3:00pm

Children can make their own 'go-go gadget' in this cogs workshop a la Inspector Gadget. Suitable for under 8s. -------------------------------
Art Gallery of NSW

Domain Road, Sydney

5. Indian Summer workshop

Check website for dates (under 5s Thursday 14th January; 2-3pm)

Using plants, flowers and animals kids can create an artwork inspired by the maharaja's garden.

$25+

6. Tours for Tots (19 January - let's look at fancy dress; 23 February - let's look at battles and beauties)

2 sessions daily: 10:30am and 1:30pm sharp!

A fun adventure tour through the Gallery’s collection for 3-5 year olds (accompanied by an adult). Hear stories, play games and make your own art.
$15 per child

Bookings essential (limited numbers)

--------------------------------------------

Museum of Contemporary Art

Circular Quay

7. MCA Family Art Day (Sunday 17th January 2010)

Adult $15 /Student $12 /Child under 12 $10

Explore the MCA’s summer season of exhibitions with this fun-filled family event. Participate in hands-on art activities, family-friendly guided tours, performances and competitions.

8. Mad Mondays at the MCA (Monday 25 January 2010)

11:00am-12:30pm

5 – 12 year olds

Join these lively school holiday art-making sessions running every Monday* in January. Have fun exploring the current exhibitions and create your own artworks.

$12 (pre-bookings essential)

9. Kaleidoscopic Fun (Friday 22 January, 10.30am – 3.00pm)

8 – 12 year olds

See the world like Olafur Eliasson and use light, colour and shape to create your own magical kaleidoscopes. All materials and entry into exhibitions included. Bring your own lunch.

$40

Prepaid bookings essential

10. Art Baby (Thursday 28 January, 2.00 – 3.30pm)

Enjoy the MCA’s unique program for parents and carers with babies. Join MCA staff for a guided, one-hour tour, followed by coffee and biscuits in the MCA café.

Prams and front packs welcome.

$15 (babies free)

Bookings essential

---------------------------

Other places to go with smalls...

* Australian National Maritime Museum

* Greenwich Baths

* visit the Royal Botanic Gardens and take a picnic!

* see a movie?

* stuck for inspiration?

What are you up to these holidays? We've been digging in the sand clam looking for treasure.

Things Not To Do On Super Hot Days

Ok ladies, here is the list of things not to do when combatting super hot days:

1. Baking - I don't need to tell you, surely, that baking on super hot days could be deemed a health hazard. If you even go close to that oven dial, you should hear in the back of your head me, in a very bad mock NYC accent saying, "Waddareyoucrazy?"
2. Bikini waxing - It's a no-no on steamy days. The wax doesn't stick properly, and everything's all sort of steamy, and let's reiterate that the wax doesn't stick properly and you're in for some uber ouchies if you decide to wax on a hot day. Don't say I didn't warn you.
3. Turn the heater on.
4. Sit in the sun, unless of course you're catching melanomas. And that ain't cool.
5. Wool. No. No. No. You're not a sheep and you're not following the flock. Leave the wool for Winter.
6. Polyester. Unless you want to work yourself into some sort of sauna-frenzy, and leave sweat marks on furniture it's another no.
7. Bikram yoga on hot days. Well you might as well do yoga outdoors. It's the same temperature.

Things to do on hot, disgusting days when the air is breathless?

Make doilies into icebergs, build farms and then get Baby Boomsticks aka Tiny to come and knock everything over at every whim.

Blogtoberfest Day 7: Ak-tee-va-tees

We're in the midst of holiday hullabaloo. Help me! Save me! Throw me a buoy!

Really, it's not bad. How bad and batty can I get when the Doctor only goes to pre-school two days a week anyway?

Here's a list of activities we've been getting stuck into, because it keeps the Doctor busy, and keeps Mama happy:

- bubbles - outside letting the wind blow the bubbles willy nilly. What child, or mother, doesn't dig on some sweet bubble action?

- baby-cinos a-go-go - out in the wilderness, no one can hear the screams, getting out with the smalls does me wonders, particularly when we get a sweet treat

- drawing - the Doctor is hitting his stride and going through a new phase of drawing. Layers and layers, people are being added to with new features (saucer-like eyes are the feature du jour), while Tiny loves working with one colour. And ahem. Different materials. Ie books, the couch, the table, the walls, her own body.

- tidying - the Doctor has a real knack for messing up his room, certainly doesn't get that from me *ahem*, so we're honing the fine art of tidying. Every single afternoon.

- walking - we indulge in a morning or afternoon walk. Each one offers up different specialties. Morning times, we escape being rained on. Afternoons, we dart through rain drops, laughing, together.

- baking, it's so freaking cold here right now (hello 30 degree days, where art thou??), baking is exactly what's needed to add another layer to our winter coats. Cough. Cough. Coughcoughcough.

What are you doing to keep the kiddios busy?

Go Forth And Craft

I had another great afternoon at Stitches and Craft. This time with both the Doctor and Tiny in tow, so I didn't take any pictures, wrangling two smalls was enough for this lady. I also met my sister and niece and we went forth and conquered. An ice-cream at the end was the clincher for the smalls (though Tiny couldn't give a toss about icy treats, she just wants to walk everywhere).

We spent quite a bit of time in the Incubator section. Full to the brim with talent on the verge, it's a hive of activity and a veritable Aladdin's Cave with absolutely something to suit everyone. I could have spent longer there but the smalls had me on a strict clock.

But for what it's worth, I think it's important to support shows such as Living Creatively's Stitches and Craft. Where else do you get to find such a wealth of stores in one space, get some tips, and also support Australia's burgeoning crafty crew?

I've worked in the fashion industry, and I can see parallels even if it was years ago, it's still just as current. I worked with young designers to help launch them onto the international market - a couple of names that you'd recognise in high-end magazines. I did it because I believed in them. Because I wanted them to succeed.

But because the young designers were just starting out, it was the big guys who allowed them to share some of the limelight. It's an important cycle, and one that, without patrons, without vision, would fizzle and flop. It was always exciting to see the young designers mix it up with the doyennes of fashion. How else would the greats of the fashion world such as Yves Saint Laurent, Phoebe Philo and Donna Karan ever get a crack into the industry?

And if you think fashion isn't an important industry, then just think about the world-wide industry it creates (from designers, to seamstresses, to cleaners, to magazines, to textile designers, the publicists - the list can go on and on) - and includes people from all walks of life. Then apply that to crafting, and think about all the local (and by local I mean Australian traders) who are no doubt aching because sourcing from overseas has suddenly become de rigueur and so much more accessible. They're suffering. They're closing down. And in my eyes if we don't support local, we won't be able to stay local and that's a pretty sad place to be.

So while some of the stalls weren't up my alley, they might be exactly what someone else is looking for. If everyone was the same, well, there wouldn't be any need for a Stitches and Craft, would there?

After all, life would be pretty naff to the max without arty, crafty stuff. Support your fellow crafters!

Image via

Bright Lights: Fresh Talent

Today I did something wild. Spontaneous. Crazy. I threw caution to the wind and drove Tiny and myself to the Stitches and Craft show to meet one of my all-time favourite bloggers. I've not met very many real-life bloggers as I usually feel a little shy. But I couldn't wait to meet Nan.

Of course she did not disappoint. She's got a beautiful, abundant stall there and I urge you to shake your tail feather and get out there to show support for the exhibitors at Stitches and Craft. There is absolutely something to suit everyone. And loads of free activities to keep you busy.

I had a wonderful afternoon meeting awesome crafty, cool, inspiring bloggers/crafters. Kind of like Young Blood, but I didn't get turned away at the door. Oh and I got to see my sister too (she was working here).

In fact, I loved it so much, I'm going for another dip into the Stitches and Craft show tomorrow. Shall I see you there?

PS - The above are just a sweet sample of Nan's beautiful craftiness. She's a genius I tell you.

Stuff That Mummies Do

It was a cold and blustery Winter morning. The rain was coming in steadily. It was cold. It was blustery. It was bunkering down weather. It was toe-freezing weather. Certainly not the time to be galavanting around town. Absolutely not the time to go swimming. But as a dedicated Mama, she packed all the stuff ready to roll and arrived, for once, promptly at 9am.

And there starts my story for today. Swimming. In Winter. Yuck. Walking into that aquatic centre is humid and stinky and - it's cold outside, and there's the mother who wants to tell me her daughter's at home quarantined with swine flu. And there's me steadily sliding down the bench away from her, a metre per minute - I'd give Thorpey a run for his money.

The Doctor went swimming. Tiny sat sidelined and ate yet another banana. Another sandwich. Everything in sight. Then we went home. In the rain. Quel surprise!

We then went to the Doctor. I know how to have a good time. Four year old immunisations. Yeeehaaaaar. Told you I knew how to have a good time.

And then home again, home again jiggedy jig. Do I have anything of interest to share with you? Do I? Do I? Ergh. In case you're interested, I mopped the floors. This is no mean feat. You can now eat off them. But anything of interest?

Well I was interested in building a gold mine with the Doctor while Tiny slept. We built some platforms, we shunted the trains around the track. We brought the animals out for a walk. It was fun to spend that time with him. Shut away from the computer, the TV, the phone - everything, and just hang. I love when we do that.

Like A Bike

Amy at Badskirt has been talking a whole lotta bike lately. A while back I mentioned I was gunning for a bike for my 30th. A sweet little cruiser. Though my choice of bike must be practical. I have to dinky the smalls around town too. What about this sweet lady? Look at her curves. Look at those classic lines. With a twist! A twist people. It's in the twist! It's not just a bicycle built for two, it's got two seatbelts in the back! You see that Matt?

(via the delectable Mrs. French)

Autumnal Afternoon Walks

The smalls and I have been enjoying afternoon walks. We make our way, late afternoon, down to the park, in time for the smalls to play for a while, the Doctor scoots around the path on his scooter, Tiny goes crawling off into the crisp leaves. It's clear from her expression that she's having a hoot.

Tiny loves the swing, and it's usually at this time that Matt rolls in fresh off the train.

We've been enjoying the fresh Autumn air on our faces, watching the trees shift from greens into golds, reds, leaves crunchy underfoot. Sometimes the smell of someone's fire, the Doctor asks me why they have a fire. Conversations transpire, conversations evolve. The Doctor shows us his break dancing, begs to go and play leaf races. Alas, there's been no rain lately, so leaf racing is off the walking menu. But we make our way through the second park and watch the dogs prance around on their evenings walks. We greet strangers. And those who divert their eyes - as though we're imaginary - I make sure I say an extra jovial hello. What am I, cellophane??

I don't think I've ever enjoyed Autumn as much as I do now that I have children. It's like rediscovering each of the seasons all over again.

An Eggy Update

Have you ever had eggnog? I've not, I used to think it sounded terribly romantic, until I read a recipe and realised that it truly involves eggs. Ik! Eggs are not so romantic in my book. However, the Doctor and I have been getting into our Easter crafts with great aplomb, there goes my house cleaning for the morning. Oh well. We've got results peeps, and they're quite cute.

First up for this morning: foam eggs. We painted two of these babies with a mix of acrylic paint and PVA glue. This seals the foam and allows for an optimum work surface. We also stuck a wooden skewer in them to minimise paint/PVA mess, and fingerprints on the egg. This is just the first step on this egg craft journey. Stay tuned.

Second egg craft activity: foam eggs with fabric scraps. PVA glue is required again, wooden skewer is optional (I went without, the Doctor went with), I chopped up small scraps to make them even smaller, then we went to work sticking them randomly onto the foam egg. I wonder if you can guess which is mine and which is the Doctor's?

Third egg craft for today: as blogged about earlier, this one's straight from Amber's idea factory. It's easy and quick to realise your Easter egg dreams. All you need is some cardboard, an egg shape (I used a cookie cutter and drew freehand because my middle name is Matisse - ok ok, it's not, but it could be if I changed it by deed poll), some foil, some paint and some cotton tips, or the end of your paint brush. Here's where my key learning comes in for today. Don't put out more than 2 paints, unless you dig on the colour brown.
You know brown is great if it's chocolate, dirt, cake or a little cat or shaggy dog, but I am not a big brown fan. I saw a woman on the weekend dressed head to toe in brown. I'm talking, dark brown hair, brown sunglasses, brown top, brown skirt, brown tights, brown shoes, brown handbag, everything BROWN. Hey lady, you're not a gigantic walking, talking poo, stop with the brown.

Back to the crafting at hand. A good time was had by all.

Oh we did manage to do one other crafty eggy thing. I picked up this neat little pack of dyes from the local IGA (for international readers, that's a small, independent, local supermarket) for next to nix. We popped some boiled eggs in the dye mix and look at those colours. Loving them.

And now friends, it is time for the small fry to sleep and for me to make hay.

Just Look What I'm Filing This One Under

Today we've been busy despite the omnipresent heat.

We nipped down to the nursery at lunch time to pretty up the front of the house. I was in need of colour. Some pizazz. Unfortunately I neglected to get a photo of our colour. Though it's not been potted up yet - it's going to be - yes, dear reader, I will finish at least one of my projects. Amazing I know.

Tiny kept escaping out our kitchen door. That baby sure loves to get filthy. Rather than the softest of pinks, I should really be dressing her in sand, chocolate and any other natural kind of shade so her escapades are camouflaged. Napisan and I are firm friends.

To keep her in one spot I popped a saucepan of water outside with her, along with mandatory wooden spoon, and her favourite - a pint-sized ball. Kept her still for - oh - two minutes.

My hot weather wear is one of my very favourite dresses that I picked up at the markets yonks ago - just a little cotton number with Steven Seagulls (or if you prefer, they can be Jonathon Livingston Seagull). Thongs - compulsory (sheesh, just realised that if you're a US reader, you may be thinking that I'm saying g-strings are compulsory - for you dear US reader, please read flip-flops).

And here's where I am expecting MENSA to come knocking. Matt, for some reason, felt the urge to buy not one, not two, but four loaves of bread on Tuesday - AND a dozen small rolls. Given this sudden influx of carbohydrates, I am currently going gang-busters trying to use it all up before it becomes at one with penicillin. On the menu tonight - individual serves of garlic bread. Nigella, need a sidekick? Talk about genius.

We Are A Lucky Country

For visitors not in Australia, today is Australia Day. A celebration of our country and all who live here and make our country what it is. Truly lucky.

We went to visit my sister and her family who are staying at Darling Harbour at the moment. I am not usually a fan (and you'd never really catch me down there) of this area of Sydney. It's very touristy. BUT today they had all sorts of fun going on down there to celebrate Australia Day.

Lots of street performers including this ride 'em cowboy who taught the Doctor how to pat a bull (in case you're curious, pat, stop, pat).

The Doctor got to rock out to Bananas in Pyjamas, Jay Lagaia* and Fifi and the Flowertots. Talk about rock 'n' roll baby! The only thing missing was my very special air guitar.

And what happens after all good rock concerts? You run into two very large marsupials, that's what. The male marsupial was sporting some very over-sized appendages.

* Sorry for the Jay Lagaia link - eek - I can't find anything else, and well I thought this was kinda cute anyway, for nostalgia. And Jay's cute no matter.

Activities...

I am quietly attempting to steer the Doctor away from playing with trains all day. Why, you may well ask...? Simply because I've said it once and I'll say it again, I can't stand playing trains all day, and PS - the Doctor starts pre-school next week and can't play trains for the hours he's there. Well maybe he can, but I'm trying to bring him back to doing a range of things rather than just pushing the trains around and around.

So today we got stuck into our activity box. The Doctor is 3 years and eight months. Here are some things he's been enjoying lately...

- Gerald the Giraffe: My sister gifted this gorgeous puppet to him. He LOVES it. I mean love, love, loves it. Gerald eats all his toys. Gerald tries to eat him. I have never seen anyone laugh as manically as the Doctor when Gerald starts to rumble him. Even Tiny thinks Gerald is the best - he's super dooper soft, and realistic. A real asset to our home.

- Cork Pictures: My other sister gave this to the Doctor for Christmas. Good for hand-eye coordination and imagination, this is a definite winner. We lie on our bed and construct pictures for long spurts of time (ok twenty minutes is a long time for him).

- Quiet Time: I've been setting his little alarm clock so that when his quiet time is up, it goes off and he knows he can come out of his room. Very good for my sanity.

And while I think of it here's a cool resource for mamas with small fry... In fact, there's heaps on this site for you to do with the smalls..

Something To Disturb-ya: The Lizard Man

nature lovers from way back, here's a friend we found in our house over the weekend, it's easy being green in our house - you just get tossed back into the garden.

First up, I've converted my two wee ones to love this song. Sick I know. Not that they've seen the clip. We've been indulging in a little bad dancing about the house. Well one obliges, the other merely surrenders in my arms. She is after all ten months and really has no choice. She squeals with delight though, so I'm guessing she digs it too.

I've been spiralling out of control this weekend. I keep driving past the bin. Can't stop thinking about it. I even take detours well out of our way to scope it out. I should be employed by the FBI, ASIO, someone even a private investigator could use me. I should certainly be earning points for stalking, or should I say, staking out my prey. I've been wondering what I'm missing out on. But each time I do succumb and do a drive-by, the bin is empty. They're playing mind games with me. Again.

This brings me to The Lizard Man. I caught a small lizard in our bedroom this weekend. This is a normal occurrence, we seem to have some type of reptilian museum going on in there. I often find them curled up near the doorway in Winter. I'm not such a mad keen lizard fan, but The Doctor is pretty well into them. I often look up to see him walking around the garden with a small lizard in hand. He must be quick to catch them, cause they are wiggly, squiggly things, but he loves it.

So The Doctor came in to remove the lizard for me. He took it outside, but I was pre-occupied trying to thwart my ironing pile from growing any larger, and Matt was otherwise occupied with the contents of the fridge. A few minutes later I asked The Doctor what he had done with the lizard, and if he had popped it back into the garden. He usually does and tells me they've returned to the 'Mummy wizard'. He told me he'd put it in his sandpit and that he'd play with it later. We were on the way to get new sand, so I figured - great the lizard will have time to escape from poking, prodding small fingers.

As we were getting ready to go out, The Doctor was toting a small gardening bag that he keeps his tools in. I asked him what he had in it. "Oh it's a secret." I was a little dubious, "Is the lizard in there?"

"No, Mummy, it's a secret."

Fair enough, I've got loads of secrets in my bag. But usually I call them C.H.O.C.O.L.A.T.E. Each to their own. The Doctor isn't at the age where he knowingly fibs. I trusted him and off we went to the nursery - where they have a small cafe. We had a drink, bought our sand and hopped back into the car - I then had the genius idea that we would just nip up to the sewing centre as I still hadn't picked up my sewing machine from being serviced. All was good in the world.

On the drive back I noticed The Doctor peering into his bag. "Is the lizard in that bag? What's in your bag?"

"It's a secret, Mummy. Just a secret. It's not a wizard."

I thought fair enough, I'll stop hassling the little dude. I then decided to shift the responsibility elsewhere. As all good managers do.

"Matt, do you think The Doctor has a lizard in that bag?"

"No, he doesn't have the dexterity to pick up a lizard."

Ah. That's clearly where he's wrong. I've seen The Doctor pick up more than just one lizard. And not just on slow, cool days when they're travelling at half the speed. No. I've seen him with lizards on steaming hot days. Wiggling in his hands. With tails still intact.

I gave up. But not for long. Once we pulled into the driveway, The Doctor peeked once more into his bag (the secret one) and then I saw it. The small lizard. The 'tired' lizard (as The Doctor once called it). I freaked. I told Matt to get The Doctor and the lizard out of the car, pronto.

If you've ever met my husband, he's a supercruiser. As titled by my sister. He is. I don't deny it. I don't even think he denies it.

To cut a long and slightly cranky story short, the lizard freed himself of the secret bag, and is now loose in our car. Matt and The Doctor left all the car doors open in a bid to release him back into the wild.

And now, while driving, I have complete paranoia that a small lizard is going to poke its head out. I even felt a phantom lizard crawling across my toes in the car.

"Oh yes officer, sorry, a lizard crawled across my feet while I was driving hence the rapid acceleration. Oops."

A likely story.

Let's just hope that when I next go driving, one of these doesn't pop out from under my seat.

Kiddie Craft:: Spring Lambs

Because we're housebound (it's even hotter today) we're doing a minimally messy kiddie craft activity today.

When I think Spring time, I think flowers, butterflies, bees all a-buzzing, sunshine, the promise of Summer, and baby animals. Cute, fluffy, baby, snooky, snuggly baby animals. Who doesn't love a baby animal (and I'm not talking Suze deMarchi)?

So I came up with this genius idea. Well I am sure it's not new. In fact I know it's not a new idea. This is another of those fail-safe craft activities to do with the smalls.

Spring lambs. Just the name excites me. I love baby lambs. So cute. So clumsy. So fragile. So we set to making some. I googled lamb stencils and found a couple of different ones. I set about printing them out (which took longer than the whole crafting experience itself). The Doctor (my son who calls himself Dr. Sanchez will from herein be referred to as The Doctor) organised the cotton balls. I organised the glue and paint brushes and we set to.

If I had an artistic bone I would have drawn my own lamb and bypassed the printing experience. There's a special note in that for crafty mamas. Save yourself from wrangling the printer. Draw your own I say!

I usually don't really give The Doctor strict instructions. I let him see what I am doing, and he can either do the same, or something similar. No hard and fast rules.

But for this one, well, perhaps I should have set some more guidelines. This was the end result. Enter the Spring lamb. So woolly it can't see whether it's Arthur or Martha. Poor baby lamb.