I was inspired a couple of months ago by Treena-Marie’s lovely striped beanies that she had crocheted for her yummy boys and decided to give one a go myself (in quite ugly rugby club colours but that’s what was called for!). It turned as well …
Oh Lordy. How’dya like that 8 pound bump o’ baby? At this stage it’s like I’m carrying a bowling ball around, he is SO heavy. I am; – Exhausted – Uncomfortable in bed, ergo not sleeping well – Worried about how how big this kid …
The New Zealand Post Children’s Book Awards celebrates annually the depth and range of talent our home-grown authors can offer kiwi readers.
I pre-read a chapter of My Brothers War by David Hill before I unleashed it on Ethan and I’m glad I did. This book is definitely better suited to a reader aged 12+. In saying that, I couldn’t put it down and finished it in one sitting.
Hill offers a graphic, historical novel set in a young New Zealand torn between colonial allegiances and a new mind-set exploring a peaceful anti-war feeling that will persist to the current day (thank goodness!).
Two brothers write home of their very different experiences both before and during the war. William and Edmund, once divided and estranged by their polarising stance on the conflict find themselves on the French battlefield, each reconsidering the views held by the other and finding respect and validity where there was once only animosity and anger.
Make no mistake, the war is in no way glossed over, it is described in all of its gory, heart rending detail complete with imagery that pays tribute to the lives lost in Europe.
My Brothers War is a perfect novel for parents and young teens to read together and discuss. There is so much historical value in this beautiful novel it should be prescribed reading.
Five stars for sure.
I haven’t (yet!) experienced any mad pregnancy cravings, though there is still 6 weeks remaining before I am full term! There were a couple of weeks when I spent a LOT of time thinking about cream doughnuts, with real cream of course, but I can …
Ooohhh, this was one element of my Grand Nursery Plan that eluded me for quite some time, I couldn’t find the ‘just right’ mobile anywhere. Until I scrolled though about 70 pages of nursery mobiles on Etsy that is. I love it. See that blank …
My darling Mother’s Day began earlier in the week when Dave asked me what I would love to do on Sunday; my reply surprised him as it did not involve either he nor Ethan, and it did not involve shopping (technically)! I had RSVP’d to a morning celebrating the arrival of ALAS Women’s Sleepwear at The Department Store.
We were treated to a scrummy brunch by Little Bird Organics whilst we got the chance to get acquainted with the gorgeous organic/Fairtrade textiles used in the sleepwear range and the inspirational ladies behind the ALAS brand and philosophy, Kelly and Betony.
After the eats and greets concluded {actually, if I’m being truthful the eats continued throughout the morning!}, we settled in to our crafting, and whipped up some beautiful dream catchers. I had been wanting one for the nursery so was quietly chuffed that I made my own and was able to incorporate some special bobs and beads from broken jewellery that I had saved over the years – for no good reason until now!
Crafting is good for the soul, as is beautiful, soft sleepwear {you wouldn’t believe how soft}. Thank you ALAS for a lovely Mother’s Day with some fab ladies x
Mother’s Day was perfection this year. Textbook even {until 1am when I finally conceded that sleeping in our bed was a battle I had lost and it was time to try semi-upright snoozing in the Lazy-Boy. Belly-too-big!). Ugh. Back to perfect Mother’s Day. There was …
The New Zealand Post Children’s Book Awards celebrates annually the depth and range of talent our home-grown authors can offer kiwi readers. Ethan devours books at a rate that is hard to keep up with, so we were so happy to receive a package containing …
I’m writing this on Saturday evening, the night before Mother’s Day, thinking about what it means to me this year, 7 weeks (hopefully less) away from becoming a Mama of two.
I just read Ethan a chapter from his book, snuggled in my bed, Dave is now reading him a second chapter, snuggled in Ethan’s bed. They are giggling at Dave’s brave attempts at rural NZ place names and 1950’s colloquialisms, they are planning Mother’s Day breakfast and sneaking gifts in and out of rooms…..
Mother’s Day is Ethan and Dave. Without Dave, there is no Ethan or baby hippo on the way, and for him I am so grateful.
Mother’s Day is also about listening to Dave and my Mum conduct their morning ritual – weather analysis; double checking of iPhone apps and arguing about who’s is right when cross-referenced with the weather outside…….. They love it, and I love them both for living together so easily. Happy Mother’s Day Mum, thank you for everything xx
So, so much to do and so, little energy! Todays few pain free hours were spent yelling on the sidelines of E’s rugby game {I’m told this can induce labour so am vigorously practicing for the opportune moments coming in the next few weeks}. I …