Calender Make Over

Every year we get a new calender from the mosque . There is page for every day with the prayer times as well as the important days of the Islamic year. They are kindly sponsored from businesses around the local mosque. As we are not fortunate enough to live close to the mosque my father in law always gets us a calender .

 

With a little bit of scrap booking paper and a scapel and the trusy computer I converted the calender into a pretty picture that hangs in my kitchen. Very easy but what a difference it made.

 

Dolls clothes

My little girls preschool kindly let me leave my craft flyers at the preschool and bought some of my heat packs. Thank you very much.
During the conversation and noting my ability to sew asked if I could come up with some easy to take on and off  dolls clothes. I scanned around the web. Not really finding anything I could make and that would suit the kids.
That was until i spotted a pretty peaseant top that had an elastic neck line. I thought thats it. So after a bit of tweeking I have made the dress version in several colours and a top and matching shirt, Even a nappy to match. Hope the preschoolers enjoy.

Autumn is Here

Autumn is here. We are talking crisp cool morning. Days where the blue sky goes forever and cool nights to snuggle and sleep tight.
We are slipper shopping today and i have started my first scarf of the year. Love love Autumn.

My blog name

My blog name is a play on my husbands and my names. His being Gem and mine Julie so it seemed perfect to call the blog Gems and Jewels and as that aptly describes how precious my children are,  it seems the perfect fit.
Each of us precious but unique. Each of us shining and sparkling but with our unique characteristics .

I've Been a Crafting

Over the last couple of weeks I have been busily sewing. Making aprons, skirts, colouring in folders. However my greatest obsession has been paper mobiles. It started at Terrigal over Christmas. I saw them in a gift shop and said I could do that.

I found a great butterfly y template  at  http://bugsandfishes.blogspot.com she does a great mobile tutorial as well.I also did heart and stars and birds. It took all week to make them. Cutting, sewing  in and around the general chaos that is my home.

 

My Before and After Photos

This is me before along  side my little girl and wonderful husband

This  is me three years later again with my angel. Enjoying our summer holidays

A Busy Week

My son has returned from his stay at his Nana's farm refreshed, very tanned and full of the animals he saw or touched. he rode his motor bike. He loves the freedom of the farm and not competing for attention from his little brother and sister. Mudgee is about 4hrs from here and even at 8 it is a long way. so in years to come the little ones will go but for now he has the monoply.

Monday was our running around day appointments for Billal gym for me and the rest household duties ie grocery shopping bill payiong . I am sure you all know the drill.Then some crafting i made fabric covers for note books they look great and aprons. I am planning a mother's day stall to sell my wares maybe at the markets. not sure or just a garage sale.

Tuesday was gym, then off to meet my friend at Lollipops which is like a funland for kids climbing equipment dress ups etc. Sometimes i think Allah sends someone your way just when you need them. We were talking about budgeting  and being mindful of your money, but also the blessing we have been given with our wealth. She also mentioned that she has only being eating Hillal food and even travelled 30minutes to go to a MacDonalds that only serves hilal. It has inspired me to do the same. How simple is it!Thank you Allah.

Wednesday starting with appointment for OT. we are working on thinking two steps ahead.Stopping and thinking what the outcome of a decision might be. It isn't a dramatic therapy but i know over time it will help. It gives him food for thought and allows him to apply different strategies to help  him cope better at school.Then gym and then home. Where my eldest daughter shouted lunch subway for us and Macca's for the kids very generous and much appreciated. She loves to spoil us and we enjoy it too.  The rest of the afternoon was a massive dust, clean and sparkle. which was exhausting but when i woke up this morning to smell the freshness. it was worth every minute. Whilst cleaning i take breaks by reading books to the kids and helping my son through a level of BEN 10 on his playstation.Its nice to be home.

Today  my plan is gym again and then home for lunch and then onto lollipops again to meet my mother in law and foster son for a fun afternoon with the kids. I know lollipops twice. Last week we had nothing on this week we haven't stopped. Luckily the kids love it there and they make great coffee.

There is a theme in my week which is the gym. Prairiewood leisure centre in fact.I try to do at least 7hours a week of classes. This week i will get to 10Hrs. WHOOO HOOO!!!
 My obsession for the gym has stemmed from me losing nearly 50kg. It took me 37weeks and i have now kept it off for two years. It is one of my greatest accomplishments. I always wish i had done it sooner but Allah knows best.
I used the weight watchers programme and still do. I count points and use portion sizes. I do fall off the wagon but always get back on. There is no going back.

I was going to upload photos but its not working this morning so stay tuned....