Four

There has been much cause for celebration around here this week. Four years ago this little surprise appeared out of the universal ether. It may have seemed like I had a day off to spend it with her but her Tuesday carer was away and I was a bit of a wreck after Monday so it was meant to be.

There was supposed to be a party but one thing I've learnt after five is that it takes very little to make them truly happy at this age. Time alone with Mum is high on the agenda.

Anyhow she had several celebrations in her birthday frock from Aunty Kath.

Cake 1

Location: Playgroup

Cake type:  Choc fudge with freckles and 30 second flag.

We followed playgroup with a quick run to the shops to buy some birthday paper, sushi and Irish Princess crown from the dollar shop.

She got a ride on some wildlife. Amazingly this is the first time in months we have found a shopping centre ride that wasn't "broken"!

 There may have been a quick stop at the oppy on the way home. It's been weeks I tell you! Op shop kharma had accrued. The Universe threw me a bone.

She really does love it there as much as I do. Really! She is my BEST op shop buddy.

Somehow I walked away from this immaculate 1975 setting with original spotless white leather and teak chairs and extendable table. $100!!! Somebody got a bargain!

 Cake 2

Location: Home

Type: Other half of choc fudge cake with strawberry crushed into whipped cream on top.

She was so happy that her Irish Princess crown fell off, a tendency which proved to be a problem later when she was having a quiet moment on her Irish Princess throne and the crown fell in. One of those pleasant motherhood jobbies.

Happy Days. There were another thirty pink sprinkly cupcakes for kindergarten next day and she did wear her crown there too. I refrained from telling them where it had been. There may be hygiene rules about crowns de toilette.

 The Universe threw us a very big bone with this one. Thanks, lovely Maya for joining us four years ago and making every day a delight. You made joy since the day you were  born. 

Happy Birthday!

Redhanded

Sometimes when they take photos they foolishly leave evidence not only of who was messing with my phone but what other wickedness was afoot. That would be my pristine bedding in the background!

Lala was caught red (and green) handed this time, identifying bangles sealing her guilt!

Shorty gazed into the cup of destiny (previously known as the vase of geraniums) but failed to see the next 24 hours of excitement ahead.

A freckle cake arrived on Sunday from a wonderful mother of seven who has only her last two still at home. They are the same age as my oldest two. I may be the moistest chocolate cake I have ever eaten and the icing is divine. She has promised me a recipe. I promise to share. The little beasties demolished it before I could get a pristine photo of it.

A couple of weeks ago I went to a birthday party and met Bron who was wearing a necklace similar to mine. I received my big blue heart from a dear friend on my birthday the week before and the same friend had also given me the ceramic dove I wore throughout my hospital stay in March.

ornaments and fridge magnets

When I described them Bron told me that she was the artist who had made them and invited me to come to her mum's for afternoon tea and see more of her work the following week. 

Happy pendant

                            Of course, I took my friend who may be Bron's keenest collector.

wall plaque

Bron's mother is a bit of a collector too, it seems. She rescues dolls from op shops and gives them a new home in her doll community. There was even an original Shirley Temple doll there! Shorty and "the doll nanna" got on like a house on fire. 

"The doll nanna" had a few other treasures in her home too! 

We all had a delightful time running our fingers through the ceramic lovelies, drinking tea, walking the dog and feeding dolls. It is lovely to find such creative and generous people in your own neighbourhood and interesting what a small world it is that links us all together.