this could end badly

so, it's been at least three years since I've updated the appearance of this blog (probably longer, actually), and I'm thinking it's about time I did some work on it. Just becasue I'd like a fresh start, it being a new year and all. The truth of the matter is, my computer skills are pretty rusty, I do a lot of internet browsing and not much else. Thank goodness for google, I say, in helping me navigate through problems such as how to download new fonts and actually be able to use them, how to get around blogger glitches like not being able to upload photos (switch to html, in case you're wondering too), and lots of other little things that I would never be able to work out on my own. So, with only a small amount of trepidation, I will try to make a few changes here, and hopefully come up with something new and good. Or, it could all just disappear, in which case I will probably throw the computer out the window and end up with a different kind of "fresh start".

a christmassy, new yearish kind of birthday

 still getting over christmas, barely noticed the arrival of the new year and hey, now the littlest boy is five. There weren't many birthday requests, much like last year it was turning a new number that was most exciting. Apple juice, brocolli, some lollies and a chocolate cake with a love heart would be nice too.
I'm just so happy that I'm finally five, he told me this morning. So am I, little man, so am I. Just in time for big school, where all of your questions will be answered and all of your energy put to good use. There's no denying that 4.5 to 5 is the most trying time of all, so much going on in that little head.
The happy birthday bunting that's been on my to-do list for a few years now finally happened, so I can cross that one off. Just need to make everyone else's names when their birthdays come round, because you know, they need birthday bunting.  I'm sure they'll thank me for all this one day, when I'm hanging bunting at their 21st birthday parties. I think I'd better make the most of it now, while I can.

surfing with children

it's ridiculous how much is going on in our lives right now...the end of year is always a trying time as kids become tired and christmas approaches, but this year is extra crazy. We are sending one boy off to high school next year, another one starts primary school, and throw in a year fiver and a baby as well and you have one big busy family. And one very emotional mama. Lots of changes going on around me, I feel like we're on a giant wave being pushed along, and there's no getting off. You just have to go with it and try to keep your head above water. And try not to panic.
The pre-teen is handling the whole thing with so much maturity (more than me, I have to admit). He did us proud at presentation night, taking out the academic achievement...a lovely way to finish off primary school. He blitzed it in maths, willow took home the poetry award. Chalk and cheese. And now we begin the whole cycle again, with jasper just starting. We'll be riding this wave for many years yet.

twenty four weeks

 it's been six months since we brought this tiny wee babe home. Yes, really. And she's not quite the tiny wee babe anymore. Not so snoozy now, awake more and more and calling mama more often. Watching all that goes on around her (and that's a lot), biding her time till she can join in the fun. Gooing and gaaing and trying to roll (not quite all the way over yet) and straining to sit up and see what's going on.

(jasper's vintage) bassinette served her well, it was just so cosy in there for the winter. But when little hands started banging on the sides I had to concede that it was time to move into the cot, still next to mama though. I really can't imagine throwing her in with the boys just yet.

Six months, and now we're onto food. It's bittersweet, knowing she needs more than just me now. Exciting too though, as we all crowd round her and watch her little face as she tries the new stuff. You'd think that after four kids the novelty would have worn off, but it hasn't. Every little thing is still just as fun, just as special as it was with the first. Maybe it's knowing that this is the last that makes it all the more so.

golden

the black wattles that are so abundant around here are out in full bloom, showing off for a brief but glorious little stint as they do each august. It's true they are considered weeds, but they are lovely nonetheless, and the bees are going nutty over them. Besides, I'll take whatever I can get when it comes to flowers. Not to mention welcome shade in the coming summer months.

and the view from my bedroom window isn't too bad either.

winter, be gone now

please. You've wowed us with your frosty frosts that numbed our fingers and toes. Our second time round, and we are still impressed.We have stayed so warm in this little shack of ours, but still there have been too many cold baby fingers and little boy coughs.
 now the august wind, it makes my ears hurt and my head ache. The august wind is no friend of mine, never has been. It's all blowy dust and static electricity and dry skin. I need to stay indoors at this time of year, or else I become unbearable. The dreaded lurgy is upon me, runny nose and stinging throat. Feels like razor blades when I have to talk, which is a problem when there are so many that need talking to. Thankfully, the weekend brought precious gifts of honey from a neighbour with bees and lemons from another neighbour with trees. So fresh and so good. Just what I needed.
so, winter, you can be on your way now, I'm sure you are needed elsewhere. I want to see blossoms on bare branches and free baby toes. And a little splash in the ocean wouldn't be so bad either.

the omg cake

ok, so a food photographer I am not, but every now and then I manage to make something that justifies my many years spent toiling in the domestic science industry. Now, the likes of nigella and jamie have been trying to tell me for a long time now that baking cakes is indeed a science, the ingredients needing to be carefully measured and baked for a specified time in order for it all to work. But I'm here to tell you they are wrong. I have proven (to myself and my family at least) that it is indeed possible to take directions from several different recipes, mix them all up, alter the quantities to suit what you have on hand and also add whatever else might take your fancy, bake the concoction in your very old and very slow (but oh so good) caravan gas oven, and come up with a cake that not only defies the odds, but is absolutely delicious. I served it to the boys when they returned home from school.  "Aww mum" they said, "this is awesome". I served it to the mister in the sunshine on the front verandah for morning tea, "oh my god" he said, "this is amazing". I baked another one just to be sure. It rocks.
My totally awesome almond and berry cake.
175g softened unsalted butter
2/3 cup raw caster sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 free range eggs (straight from the chook if you have them)
3/4 cup whole almond meal (I buy the stuff with the skin still on, makes for a nuttier cake)
3/4 cup self raising flour
about 1 tblsp. milk
a good handful of frozen mixed berries, a handy thing I have found to keep in the freezer although most of them go straight in my kids mouths before I have a chance to cook with them.
a handful of chopped almonds
ok, you know the drill, this isn't rocket science (although nigella and jamie might argue the point). Cream the butter and sugar (living with solar power has meant that I have become an old school hand mixer of late, this may have some effect on the cake texture), add vanilla and eggs, mix well. Stir in the almond meal and flour, add milk, mix well. Add the berries, pour into greased and floured tin, sprinkle with the chopped almonds and bake until your particular oven decides it's had enough. Enjoy!