Scraps of my Life

And Again

2011-09-23T17:36:00.000+10:00

So I didn't get very far before the whole thing fell over again. I have been looking at pretty things and making cards and taking photos, but just not combining them into ongoing projects. My current project that is keeping me busy is actually me, I have put in place some changes to get myself in shape. So far so good, just have to keep it up and not give up if I trip up, see its all up.

The photos I have put up today and to show how sometimes the simplest things are often the best. I held a linen party a few weeks ago and when the items arrived in a huge box my daughter was beside herself. I was a meany and told her she had to wait till everyone had their linen and the box was empty before she could have it, this took nearly a week with her checking everyday s soo as she got home. As well as playing in it, she actually slept in it for 3 nights, with my husband dubbing her the hobbo of the house. Simple pleasures.

Stalled Again

2011-08-23T15:52:00.000+10:00

Ok so obviously its not a photo each and every day challenge, at this rate its once a week, sorry about that. I have taken some photos today but the challenge topics did not inspire me, so just enjoy some pretty things I found in my garden.

I have had sick kids since last week and am truly ready for them to be back at school, I love them but I am going a bit stir crazy being stuck at home with them.

On the fun side of things I have new toys, my tax return allowed me to buy some Apple products that will make the digital side of my life much easier, I hope. My challenge now will be putting them down to do some real life creating. On that note I am off to clear the table to attempt some scrapping, hopefully I will have more pretties to share later.

Uncooperative Models

2011-08-14T21:11:00.000+10:00

So my next photo challenge is clouds, and I know I am days behind but its not all my fault. Thursday I was travelling for work and although the clouds down south were beautiful and menacing, I couldn't really stop on the side of the freeway with work colleagues in the car to snap a pic. Then Friday when I had all the time in the world, there was not a single cloud in the sky, I did toy with doing some pics of that but it lacked a focus point. Saturday was the opposite and the whole sky was one big nondescript cloud so I gave it a miss too. So finally this afternoon I was able to get out with some nice whispy clouds at the beginning of sunset.

I also tried to do the next challenge today, which is a from above perspective, unfortunately none of the kids, dog or cat were particularly cooperative so I shall endeavour to try that again soon.

Tainted Eye

2011-08-10T20:03:00.000+10:00

My photo challenge has been somewhat affected by a tragedy, I have taken photos but they are not quite with my usual eye. I took my self portrait yesterday, but I could not capture my mood without it being dark and angry and I know that is ok considering what has happened, but it is also not me at my core.

Today's challenge was a photo of what I am wearing. Easier but I must confess I did not put my full effort into it. Forgive me I will become more dedicated.

Self Portrait

Self Portrait take 2

What I Am Wearing

Photo Challenge

2011-08-07T17:00:00.001+10:00

In the quest to inspire myself I have been hunting for a photography challenge, I stumbled across this one at Clair Bremner's blog and thought I would make it my challenge as well.

So day one "Something Blue" in order to kick start it I actually did 3 blue things.

Blue Love

Blue Planet

Blue Sky, (as seen through my beautiful blossoms in the back yard)

Now the real challenge will be to keep it up. Stay tuned.

Achievment

2011-08-06T13:42:00.000+10:00

I am feeling a sense of achievement and gratitude for help from a lovely friend. Audrey's bedroom project is close to completion (except for paint and carpet which will happen at a later date). All furniture is rearranged to its new space, art work up on walls, and 4 bags of crap removed (honestly the things I found in that girls room made me close to tears, some in laughter) the dolls house just needs some sprucing up to make it fit in to its new environment. I also have some flowers and butterflies to applique onto the curtains but that seems like the last thing that needs doing.

I am now in the mood for some making over; the lounge room will be next but not as drastic, as my options are limited for furniture orientation. More family photos are going up on the wall, a new TV unit may need to be purchased (stage one of buttering up the hubby is in progress) and scrapping corner needs a cull and rearrange (then I might actually use it). Hubby thinks our bedroom needs a going over too so that might be part 3, lordy what have I started?

So as promised, as embarrassing as they are here are the before photos.

Yes this is how my daughter was choosing to live sigh.

Now for the much improved after pics

Project Decided

2011-08-02T12:22:00.000+10:00

It may be because I am watching too much The Block/The Renovators/Grand Designs and the combination of the state of my daughter's room, but I have decided that her room is my new project. I can see the potential for this to be a case of biting off more than I can chew, but that's just how I roll.

I will post before photo's in a bit, that is your warning, they will be shocking. I had done some planning previously but had not had the incentive to put them in place, when it is finished it will be Lauren Child inspired.

I love the use of different fabrics and simple shapes and Audrey has always been a Lola fan so it fits. Here I go, wish me luck.

Inspired

2011-07-31T21:55:00.000+10:00

Wow so I skipped the first few steps of my list and have spent more than half an hour online but look at the http://www.sublackwell.co.uk/portfolio-book-cut-sculpture/. How fantastic?

Welcome back

2011-07-31T18:04:00.003+10:00

So my blog has been decidedly neglected for so long I am surprised my little bit of the web is still here.

I have decided I need to get back in my creative space and as good as Facebook is for socialising, its not so great for inspiring me or getting me off the computer. So I am making a pledge on here to be more creative in more ways, hopefully someone will hold me to it.

Creative To Do list:

1) sort photos

2) clear desk

3) sort papers and get rid of ones I will never use and can't remember why I bought

4) get sewing machine serviced

5) spend up to 30 minutes a day on the interwebs looking for inspiration

6) at least once a week make something, anything no matter how small

7) share

And so I begin.

Guest DT

2009-06-05T12:43:00.003+10:00

Just updating with my little bit of exciting news. I am on the guest DT this month at Scrap Therapy. I am in charge of Challenge One for the June cybercrop come over and play.

Below is my sample LO.

Unexcusable Absence

2009-06-02T18:03:00.003+10:00

So I have not updated this for months, my apologies.

I have been to Cairns for the Scrap Therapy retreat (had an absolute ball) done some scrapping at home, worked, planned the next holiday to the Gold Coast and got the central locking on the car fixed lol. Audrey turned 4, Sam turned 8 and Mum turned 60. Bought new MATCHING chairs for the dining table and timber blinds to go in the living room. Carpet and paint is on the way and I am dreaming about the kitchen.

Make Believe Masters is on at Scrap Therapy again this year and I have committee to completing all the challenges this year. My LOs for challenge one and two are below.

These are just another couple I have done recently.

Cyber cropping again

2009-03-11T20:59:00.001+10:00

Just sharing some scrapping.

Not So Much Really

2009-03-06T10:41:00.002+10:00

Well the scary weather day was not, really. It was cool we had rain we had a bit of wind but nothing like what was predicted here. Some areas of the state were more severely hit but in the end it actually had a positive effect and the real danger from the fires appears to have passed for the time being.

Seeing as the weather has got a bit cooler and a lot of babies have been born (mostly girls) I have got some scrapping in.

Warnings

2009-03-02T20:10:00.002+10:00

All Victorians received a text message this afternoon that was

"Msg from Vic Police: Extreme weather in Vic expeted Mon night & Tues. High wind & fire risk. Listen to local ABC Radio for emergency updates"

So I guess we are in for another day of it. Hope other Vic people stay safe, the kids and I will be staying inside and hope nothing serious comes our way. School and kinder is closed along with some 330 others across the state. They are expecting current fires to jump containment lines and winds of up to 150km/h so should be a lovely day in Vic.

Catch you on the other side of it hopefully ;)

Ages and Ages

2009-02-16T21:49:00.003+10:00

So its been ages since I posted anything. The last week in Victoria has been sad, heart breaking, over whelming and inspiring. Last Saturday was a very stressful day, the fires did not really come near us but the temp was so high and there was smoke in the air from surrounding fires which had us on high alert. Hundreds of lives lost thousands of homes destroyed, it is almost too much to comprehend, yet the giving of so many people in many number of ways also brings tears to my eyes. For all the wrong reasons this will be one of those days you look back on and remember, the 22nd has been set as a national day of mourning, but I think most of us have been doing that for over a week now.

This is a pic I took last Sunday night facing east at sun set, beauty from disaster I guess.

On the home front Sam has gone back to school, Eth has gone back to kinder, and Audrey has started prekinder. So everyone has somewhere to go this year. On the flip side it means my 2 days off from work are now spent in the car doing drop offs and pick ups.

New Year

2009-01-06T22:54:00.002+10:00

Well it has been ages since I posted anything here. Christmas and New Year are very time consuming. We had a nice Chrissy and have had a couple of weeks off work as well, we are both due to go back on Jan 12th. Sam got a great school report and Ethan and Audrey are both looking forward to kinder next year.

The house is coming along, at least in my head if not in real life. I have plans a-brewing now I just need to cash to make it happen :) Picked up my friend Julie at the airport last Friday as she is staying in town while doing a rotation for her pharmacy course, she was one of my best friends in Kansas and I havent seen her since 1995. She is fitting in well and is already in with the kids.

I have some scrappy stuff to share, which has really only been produced inthe last couple of days as my mojo seemed to have gone away on vacation while I stayed home.

I Won

2008-12-08T21:46:00.004+10:00

Yay Yay Yay I won the monthly challenge at Scrap Therapy, actually I came tied first with Scrapmanda which I take as a huge compliment.

This is my winning LO, the colours are not tru to life the page is actually white

Damn Kitten

2008-12-07T16:52:00.002+10:00

This a pic of our new kitten Tom at the top of my newly decorated Christmas tree, this is not the first or last time either. I am getting tired of picking the baubles up off the floor.

Home Quiz

2008-11-28T07:40:00.002+10:00

I came across this while browsing Belinda's blog and thought I would give it a go.

What Your Home Says About You

You come across as very intellectual. People take your wisdom seriously.

Your hygiene is passable, but you may be hiding some dirty secrets.

You are a very domestic person. You enjoy decorating, cooking, and making things homey.

You are a very nurturing person. You find meaning in taking care of others.

You feel settled in your life. You have enough time to focus on little details.

You are a somewhat self sufficient person. You can do fine on your own if you have to.

Your friends see you as insightful, encouraging, and progressive.

What Does Your Home Say About You?

Not too far fromt he truth lol.

Youniverse

2008-11-25T22:26:00.001+10:00

Relsi suggested I give this a go, and to my surprise we did not come out the same lol.

Why don't you give it a go?

Hmmm Been a While

2008-11-23T20:55:00.002+10:00

Nothing too exciting has been happening here to update you on. We have bought some floating floor and underlay, but havent put it down yet. Bought a new washing machine and dishwasher today, so that will be good for me but not very exciting blog news.

Just updating really to put up some scrapping.

A New Baby

2008-11-04T10:35:00.003+10:00

Before you all say it, no I do not want any more human babies, this is actually Sam's kitten. His name is Tom, and we adopted him from the RSPCA on the weekend. He has made himself right at home, Sox on the other hand not so impressed.
Havent managed much scrapping lately, but maybe this weekend at the Scrap Therapy CC. Don't imagine I will get much done today, as I have 2 sick chicks here.

Scrapping At Last

2008-10-12T17:52:00.002+10:00

Well I have finally set up my scrap space, and done some scrapping. I finished a swap that was overdue and have managed 4 LOs so far. I have pics of 3 that I will share now and will come back with the 4th and maybe more if I get a chance tonight.

Kinder Birthday

2008-10-09T21:42:00.001+10:00

Just wanted to put up these couple of pics of Ethan at kinder with the birthday hat and cardboard cake.

Playgrounds and Parties

2008-10-07T18:55:00.003+10:00

Bit overdue for an update. A couple of weeks ago we went to Mooroopna to pick up an ebay purchase, we figured while we were there we would do some Ardmona shopping and take the kids to the cool playground there. A couple of shots of us at Kidstown.

It was also a certain little man's birthday, can't believe my baby boy is 5. We had a Superhero training camp party which seemed to go down well with everyone. Some pics of the cake and Ethan seeing as I don't want to post pics of other peoples kids without permission.

We're In!

2008-09-26T21:46:00.002+10:00

Well the house thing has not gone quite as smoothly as I would have liked but we are in. We finally got the finance sorted out and settlement happened on time, the bank did forget to mention that they would take the the amount of the First Home Owners Grant out of our account and then reimburse us, nevermind that that put our account in serious overdraw and the funds didn't clear for 3 days. We got the keys at 3pm on Friday and came around that afternoon and with some help from family mowed lawns, tidied gardens and brought round some small stuff. On Saturday my gorgeous friend Narelle came up and helped us clean walls and paint ceilings. Monday the removalists came to move the big stuff and while that was happening our dog got out and went missing. After a dark and stormy night she reappeared on Tuesday, smelly and hungry.

Since then we have been moving the small stuff, cleaning, and unpacking. We thought we would avoid the stress of having to go back and clean and tidy gardens, so we got some people in to do that for us. So much for stress free, neither company managed to do as we asked, even after 2 attempts each, the house is still not how it should be. So this weekend we have to go back and finish the job then argue about the fee we have been charged for an unacceptable job. Grrrrrr.

The good news we are here and its ours. On other good news front Dad had some scans done and got the results on the tumour he had removed from his bladder, no cancer. Further surgery in about a month for prostate but all in the clear otherwise.

Finally!!!

2008-09-10T21:24:00.002+10:00

YAY YAY YAY we finally got full approval from ANZ for 95%, so the house is full steam ahead. Settlement is in 1 1/2 weeks, so it was not before time, but it has happened.

Dad had surgery to remove a tumour from his bladder today and came through so well they sent him home instead of keeping him over night.

This is the Kaiser clock I decorated for Phil for fathers day.

Snake Warning

2008-09-07T20:46:00.003+10:00

As it is Fathers Day we went to see my Dad where he is staying with a mate. Dad's mate Dale is a snake guy (can't think of the official term), he has about 60 snakes and lizards in a big shed at his place, he was cool enough to bring quite a few out to show us.

Obviously these are the non-venomous ones a couple of children's pythons, and a carpet python. Dale did bring out some adders, a baby tiger and I think a cobra, but they stayed in their boxes or Dale had them with his stick. I was so proud of Sam, as you can see he held all the pythons, as did Dad, Phil and I were a bit more wussy and just patted them lol. The littlies were interested for the first couple but when they had to stay away from the poisonous ones they lost interest.

Notice Given

2008-08-26T20:07:00.001+10:00

We gave notice in this place today so we are another step closer to moving to our own place.

And So It Begins

2008-08-23T23:42:00.002+10:00

Well now that we are officially on track to the house, we have to start packing eeeek. I put some manchester in a bag today so I guess that counts as making a start. We also went to Bunnings and they were giving away a heap of boxes so we grabbed about 5 of them and may still go back.

So with less than 4 weeks to go we better start getting organised, sigh, I hate moving.

I Wish I Were Joking

2008-08-19T19:53:00.002+10:00

Ok, so you know you have got a great deal on a house when there are no comparable sales, anything like our house has been selling for much more, hence nothing comparable, seems simple right? Well not according to the Lenders Mortgage Insurance company, because there are no "comparable sales" they will only lend 90%, never mind that the reason there is noting comparable is because we have got a fantastic bargin, nothing comparable to them means no 95% lend. I am so blown away by the whole lack of logic behind this argument I don't really know what else to say.

We are still going ahead but it has just become an even tighter race against time and finances. Like I said I wish I were joking.

Life Wasn't Meant To Be Easy

2008-08-14T23:15:00.002+10:00

Ok I knew the buying of the house was going too smoothly. We are still waiting for our full finance approval, I was expecting the phone call last Friday, instead we got a call asking for more income information, updated pay slips etc. So we did that, Monday night I got a phone call, the bank can't confirm my employment because HR won't release the information without my written consent. I have no idea where they even got the number for HR I gave them my manager's name and number, they ring my manager but she couldn't take the call, the next day she spends hours trying to call the number that was left, where no body answers. Finally get her to make contact with someone on a different number yesterday. Phone goes today, I was sure this was it. No due to laziness of valuer, who claimed that there was not enough comparable sales data to include in the report LMI company will only approve a 90% lend. So our mortgage broker is trying to round up the data to support the purchase price of the house so we can get 95%. Unbelievable! I am starting to get a wee bit stressed, we have extended the finance clause 3 times now, once was the vendors solicitors fault and the rest from our side. I can't give notice here or pack a box until I know for sure we can move, so frustrating. So like my manager claims she is doing can you send some positive affirmations out into the universe for us, please.

I'm Not Packed

2008-08-06T20:25:00.003+10:00

Its retreat time again in 2 days and I'm not packed eeeek. I have printed photos, but I'm not finished, my PJs are in the washer, but nothing is in my bag and I haven't packed any scrappy stuff yet. So I need to put this laptop down and get on with it. I took tomorrow off work so I could have more time to get ready but that is quickly filling up with other things that need doing, I catch a train at 7:30pm tomorrow to head to my bestie's place in Sunbury, then our flight to Sydney leaves at 9:45am (I think) on Friday again I say eeeek. Ok I am going, I am going.

Looking For Some Inspiration

2008-08-01T19:58:00.002+10:00

Then pop on over to Scrap Therapy its Cyber Crop weekend. Plenty of challenges and games to be had. The theme this weekend is "Everything Old is New Again".

Grab A Bargain

2008-07-27T20:23:00.002+10:00

One of my lovely friends is closing her wholesale scrapping business so, if like me, you usually have to pay retail, pay Nic a visit and grab your self some bargains. Visit Acacia Papercraft and register to go shopping.

A Picture Speaks a Thousand Words

2008-07-22T10:30:00.001+10:00

Promised Pics

2008-07-18T23:26:00.004+10:00

Ok so I got a bit side tracked with the house stuff. But here are the pics from our trip to Dunkeld, doesn't it look cosy?Phil and I in the freezing cold outside our cabin.

The view of Mt Sturgeon from our cabin

The bedroomOur cute and cosy cabin
The comfy chairThe living room with open fire place.

It was a lovely place to escape, the only down side is everything still smells of smoke including my camera bag lol.

So Much Easier

2008-07-17T21:09:00.002+10:00

Last night I checked realestate.com.au just "in case" anything had come up, and discovered a new listing in the suburb we wanted, with 4 bedrooms (which I just told Sam we couldn't afford), close to school, brick, so many things we wanted. Being that it was 10:30pm we thought calling the agent might not be taken well Phil texted and emailed her lol. This morning she called, we viewed it at 4:45pm, made her an offer on the spot. A second man was coming to view it just after us, so all we could do was cross our fingers. Well I am gobsmacked at what happened next. The next man wanted to make an offer as well, the agent explained that we had made an offer and were pretty keen, she explained we had missed out on 2 others and that we were first home buyers, we had chatted to her obviously. Well the man, who was an investor, said "oh let them have it", he didn't make an offer he walked away so we could have the best shot at it. How gorgeous is that?

Long story short agent called back, said our offer had been accepted. We have a house!!! Mind you my husband was with us for 15 minutes before he told us, how rude, said he wanted us all in the same room before saying anything and couldn't exactly round us up without giving it away. Bugger!.

So this is it here

The Wait is Over

2008-07-12T11:23:00.002+10:00

But the news isn't good for us, after two weeks of mucking about with this house, the agent tells us he has had a higher offer. He claims he left a message on Phil's phone on Friday (but he didn't), in conversation he tells Phil he doesn't trust the guy that made the offer, which is ironic considering I don't believe anything the agent tells us anymore. The guy is meant to be going in to pay his deposit today, so if he does exist and is trustworthy we have to start our search again, if none of that is true or he doesn't turn up the house will be ours. Its guys like this that give real estate agents a bad name I am sure.

Anyway our 4 days away were lovely, no kids, no TV, no internet, no phone. We read, talked, slept, and watched some movies on the laptop. It rained nearly the whole time we were away, but you don't go to Dunkeld expecting warm weather so that was ok, thats what the open fire was for. Will upload some photos later, so you can see how cosy our little cabin was.

And So It Starts Again

2008-07-06T20:16:00.002+10:00

We upped our offer today, mind you we had to chase the agent. Dad went to the open on Saturday and played up at being an interested buyer, the agent told him there had been 3 offers for the same amount we had offered, but that $5000 would buy it. Getting a bit sick of him really, the last agent we dealt with was awesome, so not what you usually hear about agents, this guy fits right in the mold. So we are waiting again.

We are going away for 4 days tomorrow, leaving the kids with grandparents. I know I will miss them by the end but I so need a break right now, Audrey and Ethan are pushing every limit they can find and Sam is always trying to discipline them, so all in all its angst everywhere here at the moment. Not to mention I have had a cold for a week and it has turned into a sinus infection, yeah I need a holiday.

And Still Waiting

2008-07-01T18:01:00.002+10:00

So the vendor has rejected our second offer, she is holding out for $5000 more. They are having another open house this weekend, but we will wait till next week before we discuss going any higher, regardless we won't be going that high. I hate waiting, so this is really testing my patience, we do really want it but we have to be sensible too. Waiting waiting waiting.

And We're Still Waiting

2008-06-30T19:38:00.002+10:00

We are now waiting for the vender to decide if our offer is enough. The other "keen" couple haven't put in an offer and there have been no other "competitive offers" so I guess we are still in there with a fair shot. According to the agent she will make up her mind tonight or first thing so hopefully tomorrow I will have some news.

The Waiting Game

2008-06-28T21:28:00.002+10:00

Well we found another house we would like to own this one We have made an offer, and now we are waiting for the agent to get back to us, seeing as its 9:30pm it won't happen until tomorrow now. There is at least one other couple who were very interested and we are expecting them to also put in an offer, but seeing as we haven't heard from the agent we are guessing they haven't yet. So cross your fingers for us.

A Cute Funny

2008-06-25T21:40:00.002+10:00

I got this from a friend today and it was one of those cute things that tickled my fancy

Red Belt

2008-06-23T19:32:00.004+10:00

I am so proud of my big boy, he went for a grading session at karate and came home with a new red belt.
Sam is not usually a risk taking so I am proud of him for just attempting it but I am also not surprised he passed it he is very serious about his karate.

PS. Audrey is fine, I'm not sure if she was extra clumsy the next day or if it was just because I was so on edge about it. She had a nice blue tinge in the corner of her right eye the next day but other than that no signs of any trauma.

Never Been So Scared

2008-06-20T18:17:00.002+10:00

I have just got back from the ER. Audrey was mucking around on the couches, like I have asked her not to do about a million times, she jumped towards me and hit her legs on the front of the couch and I guess her head on the arm. Next thing I know she fell over backwards, her head landed in the bottom shelf of the bookshelf, I grabbed her hand to help her up but she was rigid and her eyes rolled back. I picked her up and she was out of it. That was it, boys packed up, everyone in the car. I was shaking so much and could barely think straight, all the literature tells you that if you knock your head the signs to watch out for are vomiting, drowsiness and seizing, I thought we had gone right to the worst case scenario. I have never been so scared I was going to lose one of them, Sam had a febrile convulsion when he was younger but I knew it was from the fever .

Luckily we got in quickly at the ER, it was obviously earlier enough on a Friday. The Dr seems to think she had a fainting episode not an actual seizure. She was dopey for about 10 minutes but then perked up. She didn't bite her tongue, she didn't wet herself and she wasn't as tired as she should have been for a seizure. So I guess fainting is the best option, I have never been so happy to over react. She is over it, I am not entirely, she is back to jumping off the couch but my nerves are shot, I just want to put her to bed so I don't have to worry about her bumping her precious head again. But I would need to strap her down she is not one to be deterred.

8-12 Years

2008-06-17T08:50:00.003+10:00

Well this time 8 years ago I was getting my hair done and getting into a big white dress. Yep its my wedding anniversary today, its also the anniversary of when we started seeing each other, that was 12 years ago. Sometimes it feels like yesterday sometimes not so much lol. Phil has just told me this morning as my (our) present we are going to stay at the Royal Mail Hotel for 4 days, child free. Should be lovely, quiet and relaxing, can't wait.

Oh yeah I am also the Cybercrop Superstar at Scrap Therapy, this really just means I talked the most amount of crap and did a few challenges lol. But I will wear my blinkie with pride, and I get to host a blind challenge which I better get prepared for.

Not Much

2008-06-07T19:57:00.002+10:00

Well I haven't posted much news lately but I have some more scrapping to share. I have done these today for the Scrap Therapy CC.

We have had a couple of hiccups in the buying of the house. We have found one we like and the owner is very keen to sell we just have to find a borrower who will consider Phil's commission seeing as he hasn't been there 2 years yet. Otherwise we will have to wait till October and most likely start the search all over again, sigh.

CCing

2008-05-20T18:15:00.004+10:00

Well I haven't posted or scrapped for a little while but here I am doing both. Just a couple of creations I did for the LSBS Birthday CC this past weekend.
And these 2 are from the ST CC.

We Are Close

2008-04-22T09:26:00.003+10:00

Wow, we thought it would still be a while till we could afford to buy our own house. Turns out we were wrong. We like to check out the market every once in a while just to see what is available and for what price. So we checked out some open for inspections on the weekend, fell in love with the cutest little house, worked out numbers and we can do it. Unfortunately the way the Bendigo high schools are zoned makes the gorgeous little house in the wrong area (the boundary runs down the middle of the street and it is on the wrong side), but we are now seriously looking around for something else. How exciting?!

Finally Some Scrapping

2008-04-15T13:00:00.003+10:00

My mojo must have gone walkabout for a while there but it is back and has possibly brought friends, so if yours is missing let me know lol.
This first LO is for LSBS April CC, based on one of Cath's sketches.

This one I did a couple of weeks ago , finished in about half an hour, love the quick LO just before pack up.

These last 2 are the first album I did for Scrapbooking n' Craft DT. Photos of Melinda's daughter, Bella papers and embellishments. Hope she likes it : )

What a Weekend!

2008-04-13T20:46:00.004+10:00

Its been a fantastic and busy weekend.

Friday - Audrey the ballerina. Audrey went to her first ballet class, she waltzed right up and chatted away, however half way through the dancing bit she decided she didn't like it and wanted to go home. When we left she told me she had fun and one of the other girls was her friend, we will see how she goes next week.

Matchbox 20 live! Phil and I had promised ourselves when we missed out on tickets 5 years ago, that the next time MB20 came to town we were going to go. And we did. Floor seats, clear view of the stage, fantastic. Loved every song they did, well I love all their songs really so that wasn't hard to achieve. Only down side was the scrubbers that sat behind us, I know there is one at every concert but why did they have to sit behind us? One of them spilt her drink in Phil's seat, the other whacked me on the back of the head with her tacky hand drawn sign, they continuously whistled, and yelled obscenities, honestly even if Rob Thomas could hear you he wouldn't take you up on the offer eeeew. Anyway fantastic concert, opening act was Thirsty Merc who were also fantastic, just loved it so glad we went.

Saturday - Audrey's birthday. Because we spent the night in Melbourne after the concert, Mum bought the kids down to meet us at the zoo. Also joining us were Relsi and kids, MIL and FIL plus nephews, and my sister and Wayne. We had a lovely picnic lunch and a cupcake birthday cake, present opening, then the zoo, nearly all of it. Left at nearly closing time, we had to wait for the closing announcement as apparently the lions either really like or really dislike the Scottish accent of the announcer and they roar every time he speaks, very cool, Phil had to be there to watch it. Ok now the photos.Just a note on this last pic, Narelle and I have decided that the easiest thing for the future will be for Sam and Meg to marry, so we are bringing back arranged marriages lol. Shouldn't be too hard they get along really well.

Yay Me!

2008-04-05T15:19:00.002+10:00

Well I am officially on a DT. Melinda at Scrapbooking 'n Craft in Kangaroo Flat offered me a position on her DT and last night I was given my first assignments. Will show you when they are done. This is a very quick post to share the news, will update more later, there are dishes and scrapping to be done.

Easter In Bendigo Day 4

2008-03-24T22:37:00.003+10:00

Monday is the day of the Gala Parade. Narelle, Steve, Tom and Meg joined us today to watch the parade and have some lunch. The parade is not what it once was, what has happened to the quality of floats? when I was a girl they were impressive, well thought out, well constructed pretty even. Today not so much. The kids enjoyed the first hour or so then it all got a bit much so we went to find a quiet, yummy place for lunch.

After lunch we let the small and big kids have a go on some rides.
Fun was had by all, they are all asleep now lol.

Easter In Bendigo Day 3

2008-03-24T22:32:00.002+10:00

Today we went to IL's for a BBQ lunch, my mother was also invited. It was nice to just sit around and eat and talk without needing to be anywhere. Kids very tired, parents much the same. Fireworks skipped.

Easter in Bendigo Day 2

2008-03-23T19:07:00.004+10:00

Kids Zone here we come. In the park today they had kids activities, but really the only thing the kids wanted to do was run through the wind tunnel, again and again and again.
We also took a ride on an antique fire truck, and walked through the fernery which would have been quite peaceful if it weren't for the kids lol.

Easter In Bendigo Day 1

2008-03-21T22:19:00.003+10:00

We went away for Easter last year so decided this year to hang about town. Bendigo has a large Easter festival starting with a family fun day at Lake Weroona, which is where we spent today. We had a lovely time, kids all had a go at the Vision Australia Easter Egg hunt, they all came away with some impressive booty bags.

We decided to forgo the expensive food van lunches and actually ate at the restaurant that is situated at the lake, much nicer and not that much more moneywise. Finally Sam and Audrey wanted to have their faces painted (Ethan very definitely did not) and Phil wanted a spray on tattoo.
It was a fun way to spend the day and the kids are pooped no mucking about at bedtime tonight, must try that more often.

3 more days of the festival to go, giant puppets on the schedule for tomorrow, fireworks on Sunday and the parade in the best company of Narelle and family. More photos to come.

Spoke Too Soon

2008-03-01T22:10:00.002+10:00

Well I have been tagged again from Shan this time. Good to see you blogging again girl lol.

Here are the rules...You must post the rules before you give your answers. You must list one fact about yourself for each letter of your middle name. Each fact must begin with that letter. If you don't have a middle name, just use your maiden name. After you've been tagged, you need to up-date your blog with your middle name and answers. At the end of your post, you need to tag one person for each letter of your middle name. (Be sure to leave them a comment telling them they've been tagged and need to read your blog for details)....

Married - to Phil for nearly 8 years

I am - 31 already how did that happen?

Love - my little family

Learning - to relax a bit about being right first try for everything

Speak - English and American lol, also learning a bit of sign at work

Overseas - I spent a year in USA when I was 15

Mum - to Sam, Ethan and Audrey

Ok I hope that counts, I don't have a middle name so my maiden name is it.

I tag Relsi, Steph, Jodie, PT, Tara, Celeste and Meg

Haven't Been Tagged For Ages

2008-02-21T13:27:00.002+10:00

Now, here are THE RULES...
1. Once you are tagged, link back to the person who tagged you.
2. Post THE RULES on your blog.
3. Post 7 weird or random facts about yourself on your blog.
4. Tag 7 people and link to them.
5. Comment on their blog to let them know they have been tagged.

1. Today I am wearing yellow for the first time in about a decade
2. Growing up I had pet mice
3. I found out yesterday I have an allergy to some antibiotics (I'm itchy)
4. I have to read in bed to fall asleep
5. I am not impressed with the current selection of TV shows
6. I am about ready to toss this laptop out the window (keeps crashing)
7. I spend more time talking to online friends than in real life

I tag Amanda, Meg, Jodez, Tara, Mezz, Helen and Relsi (even though she won't do it lol),

Perfect Way To Spend a Sunday

2008-02-18T18:47:00.003+10:00

We had a lovely day on Sunday. We traveled down to Kyneton and Narelle, Steve and kids traveled up. We took picnic type stuff and spent a glorious afternoon just hanging out, the kids played, the adults chatted, the weather was perfect. Narelle and I shared a couple of bottles of Pink (which may partly explain all the photos we took). I couldn't think of a better way to spend a day or better people to have spent it with.

Sophistication?

2008-02-16T09:59:00.003+10:00

It appears the time has come in life to admit I am not perfect lol.

I have been noticing for a while now that I need to get closer to my computer screen and the pages of books, so I thought it might be time to get my eyes tested, sigh. Well I failed the test, the good news is its not part of a disease process and its not because I am getting old, its just the shape of my cornea doesn't allow the light to focus properly. So I am now outfitted with a new pair of specs. Its been kind of nice actually I have had so many compliments, and told they suit me so well that people don't notice them after a very short period of time.

My husband thinks its funny to tell me I look more sophisticated and intelligent when I have them on, but honestly how you can you improve on what I already had? rofl.

Start of New Things

2008-02-03T21:00:00.001+10:00

The first new thing to talk about is Sam started year two. He was so excited and it was really nice to see his best mates run up and give him a cuddle when we arrived.

Secondly Ethan started 4 year old kinder, he had decided he didn't want to go but he had a good time and has decided he will go back next week.

And thirdly Sam lost his first tooth tonight. He has been wobbling it for weeks I am astounded that it hung in for so long. He was brushing his teeth when it finally came out, he came running out with tooth in hand.

Introducing Kenny

2008-02-01T21:46:00.000+10:00

Well we have a new addition to our family, no no more babies, well not from me anyway lol. We bought Ethan a guinea pig today, he has been entitled Kenny (I have no idea how that boys brain works). I have to limit cuddle time or they may love him to death, poor little thing.

He is very cute black and brown with a white tufty bit on his head. Phil and I have just been having a cuddle to teach him that human contact is not all about shrieks of delight and laughter.

Updates on Us

2008-01-29T21:13:00.000+10:00

My American Mom reminded me that people actually read this, so I thought it was time for an update.

Christmas has come and gone and we are into a new year already, well almost a new month too. We had a family Christmas at the IL's with my parents in attendance as well. The kids were very happy with their presents from Santa, Sam got a Nintendo DS and it is the envy of his little brother. We gave the kids a trampoline which did not take the suggested 45 minutes to construct. To start with my sidekick was coming down with a bug which rendered him well useless. We then discovered a couple of screws missing, I had to raid my FIL's stash to find replacements. The last debacle occurred when the last arc of the round tramp needed some persuading to fit into its partner, my husband in his infinite wisdom decided brute force with a hammer was the answer, for all the men out there, brute force is hardly ever the answer. A gentle tap on the ajoining piece was all that was required, what my husband had done was smoosh the pipe where the upright leg went, so we were not going to finish putting the tramp together at 11:30pm Christmas eve. Luckily Phil's brother is more adept at handy man type stuff and came round Christmas day to help me out. Needless to say my husband is banned from construction.

We spent a couple of days at the beach at Seaford. It appears to be tradition that we visit the beach on the first night and no matter how many times we say "don't go in too far you're not in your bathers" they end up in up to their necks or over their heads on occasion, soaking wet cold, but having a ball.

Mum and Dad have almost sold their farm, unfortunately settlement has been delayed but its only a matter of paperwork. Dad is a bit unsure where he is going, well after sailing up north that is. Mum is moving here, to Bendigo, she bought a house as an investment a couple of years ago, and now she will be living in it. Also she will be doing some of the babysitting which will be nice for her and them (and I'm pretty sure MIL will like the break too).

Phil and I are back at work. Sam goes back to school tomorrow and is very excited, new teacher, best mates in his class group, books contacted and named. Ethan starts kinder on Thursday but he has decided he doesn't want to go, that may be a problem but hopefully after his first day he will remember how fun it is. Audrey well she doesn't haven anywhere new to go but she will make somewhere, thats what that girl does paves her own way.

Christmas Miracle

2007-12-22T19:00:00.000+10:00

Well it finally happened! We got a tear free Santa photo! Every year we have had at least one child in tears, sometimes 2, this year they waltzed up and sat on the couch next to him without being asked, in fact I think it was a good thing there was not a que or they would have been in someone else's photo. Ethan even sat on Santa's lap without hesitating, now obviously every other time of year that would be a worry but I'm pretty sure Santa has to pass a Working With Children Check.

Anyway hopefully the pic will attach itself I have been having some issues with that lately, fingers crossed here go.

Very Proud

2007-12-14T18:30:00.000+10:00

On Wednesday I wagged work to go and see my best friend Relsi receive her MAS Community Hero Award. On Father's Day, Narelle and her family were first in the scene of a rather nasty car accident, another driver had suffered an epileptic seizure and collided with a car containing a father and his two sons. One of the boys was trapped in the car with extensive injuries, Narelle stayed with this boy, comforting him till the MAS arrived and continued to comfort him while they freed him from the car. Even though she down plays her effort it is not something everyone would do (unfortunately) she remained calm and involved when many others would consider only themselves.

I wanted to surprise her at the ceremony and with my Secret Squirrel buddy Steve we managed to pull it off. It was so great to see Narelle receive the recognition she deserved and I am so glad that it has made her pursue her dream of being a paramedic with more gusto. Go for it Sweetie, you would be an asset to any ambo team, Ballarat Uni here we come (well you , not me lol). I truly am proud of you, and blessed to have you as my best friend.

Feels like Christmas to Me

2007-12-11T16:27:00.000+10:00

Well I dont know about anyone else but it feels like Christmas to me. First I got my new camera and a video camera and today my new fridge arrived, I'm so excited!!! It only just fits in the spot in the kitchen but it fits so thats all that matters. The freezer itself is nearly as big as my old fridge /freezer combined so I wont know myself with all this space woohoo!!

Christmas Card Photo Shoot

2007-12-09T10:27:00.000+10:00

Well the time had come again to attempt to take a nice photo to put on our family Christmas card. Lounge set up, new camera in hand, Santa hats on children, everybody in place, go. 2 photos in Audrey is in tears, whats new really. So we carried on between fights over places, Audrey's hat coming of after EVERY photo and the boys playing tug-of-war with the beads. I wont show you the one I am going to use as it may spoil the surprise but I will put some of the others up so you can get an idea of exactly how many usable shots we got lol.

My New Toy

2007-12-06T19:42:00.000+10:00

Im so excited, I picked up my birthday present today. I am now the proud owner of a Pentax k100D digiSLR.

Sam had his drama class concert tonight so I took so shots there and just some general muck around shots, going to have a more serious play tomorrow, but here are some of the ones from today.

Changes

2007-11-20T22:17:00.000+10:00

Ok so after all that the original ticker stopped working, so as you can see I have a new one which only has days no hours, minutes, seconds.

Nothing much else to post about a few changes happening I guess. Mum and Dad are in the process of selling the farm. This is the place I grew up, and mum too, so it will be a bit sad to not have it in the family but as dad always says the only constant is change. I also moved cubicles at work not quite so lift changing but I now have a window lol.

The Problem With My Ticker

2007-11-14T10:23:00.000+10:00

I added the Christmas ticker last night, no problems, took me a while to find one I liked, but adding it was easy enough. This morning of course I notice that it says 41 days 0 hours, I didn't realise Christmas officially began at 11am lol. The problem of course is that its an American based ticker so, not to freak you out or anything, but here in Australia we have about 17 hours less till Christmas. Hope you are on Santa's nice list.

I've Been Scrapping (I know shock horror)

2007-11-13T11:37:00.000+10:00

Well I haven't scrapped properly since the retreat (my husband kindly pointed out I didn't get much done there either). Just haven't had the inspiration I guess, but there have been a couple of CC's lately so I jumped back in, actually I started with a couple of OTP projects but I haven't photographed them yet.This is my first LO for the Scrapping With The Stars Comp over at Scrap Therapy. This LO had to be all black and white except the photo.

This is my second Scrapping With The Stars LO. You had to include something red and heartfelt journaling.
All the above LOs are from the CC at Scrap Therapy the weekend before last.

And finally this is the only LO I managed to produce for the LSBS CC this weekend, but I am pretty happy with my self-portrait.

Birthday Present

2007-10-18T17:49:00.000+10:00

Don't you love it when you get to the age where you just pick out your own present and tell everyone to help you pay for it? I will be 31 in 9 days, my mother kindly reminded me this morning, when asking me what I wanted. I drew a blank, now its certainly not that I have everything a girl could want, but I just couldn't think of a price appropriate request. Then wandering into Big W I had a brain wave, the Pentax K100D, now its not a Canon, but I am excited none-the-less, a good starting point. So I put it on layby and when anyone asks what I want I can just request money to put towards it. WooHoo a digi SLR, can't wait.

A Real Tag

2007-10-09T22:39:00.000+10:00

I have been really tagged by Steph. I think I am supposed to think of 5 terms to describe myself so here goes.

1. Friendly
2. Loyal
3. Bossy
4. Planner
5. Good Listener

I tag Narelle, Tara, Amanda and Meg

Stolen Tag

2007-10-09T22:06:00.000+10:00

I wasn't tagged for this but saw it on Jodez blog and it looked fun.

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet, current car)
George Magna

2. YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (favorite ice cream, favorite cookie)
Cookies n'cream Monte Carlo

3. YOUR FLY “GUY/GIRL” NAME: (first initial first name, first 3 letters last name)
BGUT

4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal)
Pink Pussy (lol)

5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born)
Cohuna (how appropriate I don't have a middle name so my Soap Star self has only one name)

6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (first 3 letters last name, first 2 letters first name)
GutBo

7. SUPERHERO NAME: (2nd favorite color, favorite drink and add” the”)
The Purple Zero

8. NASCAR NAME: (first names of your grandfathers)
Clarence Walter

9. STRIPPER NAME: (favorite perfume, favorite candy)
Romance Malteser

10. WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s and father’s middle names)
Joyce Albert

I tag Narelle, Steph, Amanda and Lisa

2 Posts in 1 Day

2007-10-07T23:26:00.000+10:00

Well now that I have vented about my day I can reminisce about my baby boy. My Ethan turned 4 yesterday at exactly this time (how cool is that?) 11:27pm on October 6th 2003.

He has been soooo excited about his birthday for months he has been asking, well that is not quite right, he has been stating (it was a foregone conclusion as far as he was concerned) that he was getting a big Lightening McQueen. We couldn't get him anything else now could we? So he got the Lightening McQueen, big one, and the joy on his little face was so gorgeous.
I don't know where 4 years has gone. He is such a funny little chap, nothing like his siblings. He just plods along in his own little world most of the time. We had a little party for him which was his first little friend party really, it was really lovely to see him with his little friends, he and Sei were so sweet together and I can see why they are friends. He is growing into a real little boy and although I sometimes find his dreamboat manner frustrating he is a refreshing presence in our family.

I Can Fly

2007-10-07T18:15:00.000+10:00

Well not really but I definitely feel like my feet aren't touching the ground at the moment. I am now working 3 days a week (the money is nice lol) and every weekend has at least one thing on, sometimes something on both days. Weddings, birthdays, trips to Melbourne for numerous things, I am tired. I don't want to cancel or flake out on anything because they are all fun or exciting in their own way just as a collection.... phew, a bit much.

I have caught up with friends new and old each weekend. Some times this has been wonderful and sometimes like today, just makes me feel like I am back in high school. Why is it there is always one person from your past that can make you feel that inferior again, I don't need her approval, my life has been far more successful than hers. I sooooo want to be able to let it go, so breathing in.........breathing out, chanting I am better than her, I don't care what she thinks. On a positive and sentimental note, to all those who are my true friends thank you for not making me feel that way, and I certainly hope I don't do that to any of you.

Gee this turned into a downer post sorry, am now going to bathe the children and do some scrapping to catch up with some swaps.

Kids Favourite Things

2007-09-07T10:50:00.000+10:00

Why is it the kids favourite things to do and watch have to be the most annoying thing possible for parents. My kids favourite thing to do in the lounge room at the moment is to flip themselves over the arm of the couch onto their little fold out sofas. Now this annoys me for a couple of reasons 1) they are going to ruin the couch 2) one of them gets hurt every time they do it, then they get straight back up and do it again 3) I have asked a thousand times (no I'm not exaggerating for the story) to stop doing it because a) they are ruining the couch and b) they will get hurt and I am blatantly ignored every time. What's a mother to do I ask you?

As for their TV viewing preferences, why do they have to make kids characters with the most annoying voices, has anyone ever sat through and hour of Dora the Explorer without their ears imploding? And don't get me started on the Telly Tubbies and Boohbah, I'm sure they are trying to recruit my kids to some sort of alien cult, what the hell are they meant to be anyway? Ethan's new favourite is Puzzle Place, I've watched it, I don't get it? Its a cheap Australian production with bad graphics and a game with rules even I don't get let alone a 3 year old.

Ok so obviously I needed a vent. I am upping my work days to 3 from next week on maybe that will be a good thing for my mental state, less Dora can only be a good thing.

I'm a Rockin Blogger

2007-08-22T22:28:00.001+10:00

Wow thanks Manda, I have been nominated as a Rockin Girl Blogger.

Here's the deal.....

Ok, ladies - proudly display your Rockin' Girl Blogger Image on your blog and nominate 5 gals who you think are great bloggers! Be sure to let them know they have been nominated via email or a comment on their blog.

My nominations are:
Celeste
Helenj
Stenja
Meg
Jodie

What a Fantastic Time

2007-08-22T21:44:00.000+10:00

Last weekend I went to my first scrapbook retreat with LSBS it was fantastic. Spent 3 days with the girls and did some fantastic classes, also attempted some scrapping. It was so nice to actually spend "real time" with my cyber friends, I chat to the girls most days online, but to actually be there and be able to hug them and hear the sounds of their voice and laughter was well worth the trip.Lisa Pate

Scrapmanda

Owl

Shann

Helenj

The best part was getting to spend so much time with Narelle, even though we didn't really know each other when I lived in Sunbury through the wonders of technology we have become really close and I now consider her one of my best friends. I enjoyed every minute in her company, she is just a lovely generous, beautiful person, and I am very grateful that she considers me a friend.

Relsi

On Holidays

2007-08-12T13:10:00.000+10:00

Well I am officially on holidays, I have taken the week off to get ready for the retreat, well that and to just relax a bit. I have almost finished all my pre-retreat tasks now I just need to figure out how and what to pack. I think its going to be the best time, scrapping, chatting and solidifying friendships.

On the work front we have some major changes coming up. We have a new Premier in Vic and in his first week he announced a change of cabinets, ECIS will no longer fall under DHS, we will be part of the new Dept Education and Early Childhood Development. Nobody is very sure what that means yet, we will be moving over with kindergartens, maternal child health and early childhood services, so basically most of the Office for Children. We don't know where we will be housed, we don't know what funding or resources we will have, we don't know much at all but it will be interesting.

I'm So Excited

2007-08-03T09:28:00.000+10:00

Well now I feel like the Cat in the Hat with the cupcakenator but nevermind lol.

This time in 2 weeks I will be on a train headed to Sunbury, what's so exciting about that? I hear you ask, well from there Narelle and I are getting on a plane to go to Sydney for a scrapbooking retreat. Can't wait, its going to be so much fun! I haven't met any of the other girls going in real life but I feel I know most of them pretty well cause I chat to them everyday at LSBS.

So with that in mind I better get a wriggle on with all the prerequisite activities and get packed.

One Thing to Say

2007-07-31T10:12:00.000+10:00

16 days till the retreat!!!!!

A Bit Bruised and Sore

2007-07-26T15:49:00.000+10:00

Fiona and I went to Swan Hill yesterday to do some screening assessments. All was fine (only 2 of the 4 turned up for their appointments) until we were returning one of the screening kits. We were near the high school waiting to cross a road, but giving way because there was a little red car coming, coming the other way on our road was a silver car, which we are sure slowed, but he mustn't have seen the other car and went. Naturally the red car hit them and they hit the front of us, brand new work car damaged, stuck in Swan Hill, bit stunned and seat belt bruised. Police everywhere, ambulance because the girl in the back of the silver car whacked her head on the window. We thought we did really well at the time we organised a car from the Swan Hill office to drive home in, we got the damaged car towed and we bought heaps of chocolate and lollies to get us home. Turns out that we forgot a few minor things like the getting of the regos of the other cars for example and filling in the log book in the car we drove home in, we just wanted to get back.

So I thought I was ok, bruised across my chest and hips where the seat belt went and my shoulder blade is sore cause I must have hit the door pillar, but emotionally today I have been such a sook. Have come home from work early cause I have a headache, had a Dr fiasco my GP won't see me anymore because it has been so long since I visited I am now considered a new patient and they are not accepting any new patients currently (but they accepted my kids). So I went to ER to get checked over for WorkCover stuff, I reckon I had a shorter wait there than if I had got into the GP. My real breaking point is between work and home I have had 3 near misses and none of them were my fault , my nerves are shot, I don't want to get into the car for days really. Shame I have a meeting tonight and a Parent Teacher interview tomorrow, get back on the horse I guess.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (no spoiler)

2007-07-21T23:53:00.001+10:00

Well I was lucky enough to receive a preordered copy of the new Harry Potter for mother's day this year. So I got up early this morning and trotted off to line up at about 8:50am Phil took the kids to McDonalds while I waited in line. The line went from the front of the shop around the corner and past at least 6 more shop fronts (I was about in the middle). At 9am they opened the doors and the first few people appeared with their books. One incredibly annoying woman knew the guys 4 people ahead of me and came back to talk to them with her copy, she opens the back of the book and to all surroundings horror reads out the last line. I ask you what sort of kill joy is this person who has no respect for the reaching the end of a story by living through the adventure itself. Luckily it didn't give away too much but the rest of us were appalled. Anyway so at 9:20am I finally held my copy in my hot little hands and with little regard for my own safety read it while walking to join my family at McDonalds.

Although some annoying tasks (like eating and peeing) have made me put the book down for short periods during the day I have finished it. I loved it as I have loved all the books before, I am sad for the end of my peeks into Harry's life, and a bit lost as to what I am going to enjoy reading now, but it was a great adventure and I loved every minute of it. I think it is a wonderful talent to be able to make your reader laugh and cry, to gasp and sign just through the magic of your words and JK Rowling does it brilliantly, I am going to miss Harry but at least I can still reread all the tales even if it is not quite the same as the first time.

My hint of excitement comes in the form of Kathy Reichs who has a new book coming out next month. Not the same genre or style but I do so love a good book none the less.

Sneakily Tagged

2007-07-20T11:09:00.000+10:00

I was casually reading through Bex blog when I discovered that just by reading it I had been tagged, more than once. So I thought I would start with this one.

A-Z's of Me

A - Age: 30
B - Bed size: Queen
C - Chore you hate: Dishes!
D - Dessert you love: Sticky Date Pudding
E - Eggs, favorite kind: Easter, they're chocolate derrr.
F - Favorite actor(S): Hugh Jackman (yummy)
G - Gold or Silver: Gold
H - Height: 175cm
I - Instruments you play: None really played guitar for a while but can't really remember how now
J - Job title: Occupational therapist
K - Kid(s): 3, Sam(6) Ethan(3) Audrey(2)
L - Living arrangements: Renting, residing with DH Phil, 3 kids, 1 dog, 1 cat
M - Mum's name: Jill
N - Nicknames: Bon
O - Overnight hospital stay other than giving birth: Not since I was a kid got dehydrated due to bad case of gastro
P - Phobia: Not real keen on small spaces, tunnels that go under water
Q - Quotes: Everything happens for a reason
R - Right or left handed: Right handed
S - Siblings: 1 younger sister
T - Temper: Yep doesn't stay lost for long though
U - Unique habit: I can bend the top of my thumbs right back
V - Vegetable you hate: Capsicum really upsets my tummy
W - Worst habit:
X - rays you've had: wrist, ankle, cat scan of my head, numerous ultrasounds
Y - Yummy food you make: DH hasn't complained about anything yet
Z - Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Alright I am tagging Meg, Relsi, Amanda, Tara.

LSBS CC (scrapper code for did some LO's)

2007-07-15T23:23:00.000+10:00

I haven't added any LO's for a while and seeing as its a LSBS cyber crop this weekend I have done some new ones and thought I would put them here too.

The "Serious Play" one with Ethan is my fave, really simply but quite striking I think.

Slack

2007-07-10T21:40:00.000+10:00

Well I have been slack haven't I? Going back to work has sure put a dent in my idle computer time.

I don't really have anything exciting to say, its school holidays and Sam is constantly looking for "something to do". I went to a conference/workshop for work a couple of weekends ago which was really interesting, am currently working 3 days 2 as the OT and 1 on the intake team. Some of the kids just break my heart what they have been through, I just have to focus on what I can do to help make their little lives better, I couldn't work in child protection, I know someone needs to but I would just want to bring them all home, thats why my mum has banned me from visiting the RSPCA, same principle I am a big softy.

Changing subject, I am getting very excited, Harry Potter! A new movie tomorrow and a new (and last) book 10 days after that. We already have our movie tickets and Phil bought the book for me for mother's day so all I have to do is cue up and pick it up at 9:01am on Sat 21st YAY! I really want to read it but part of me doesn't as it is the last and there will be no more Harry adventures, yes I am aware they are meant as children's books but I am not nearly the only adult who is this excited. Have to go I need to reread Half Blood Prince before the 21st.

Wedded Bliss

2007-06-18T00:15:00.000+10:00

The first thing I should say is that I probably shouldn't post when I am this tired, but if I don't do it now it will be another couple of days before I get a chance.

Today (well technically yesterday its past midnight) was our 7th wedding anniversary (and 11th all up). Sometimes it feels like last week I met Phil and others its feels like its been all my life. I love being able to feel so comfortable with someone, knowing we belong and being a team with our little family. I also feel proud of the fact that we show our kids what a good relationship is and how it works, so that they will know one when they are in it lol.

Even though I know my parents love my sister and I, and in some strange way love each other they weren't the best example of a loving relationship. I took my inspiration from a family I used to baby sit for and it is my intention before the end of this year to let them know that they provided something priceless to me, in the form of an example of a living, breathing, loving, affectionate and equal partnership.

I always find the divorce rate disturbing but even more so when it happens close to home, and especially to a couple you would never expect. Friends of my parents have just split, although it sounds like it hasn't been working for quite some time. I guess sometimes you really do just grow apart.

No growing apart happening here though, we are well and truly in the finish-each-others -sentences-know-what-each-other-is-thinking stage. Of course we have changed in 11 years but fortunately we seem to be heading in the same direction and are holding hands the whole way there.

Tagged

2007-06-11T20:33:00.000+10:00

I got tagged by Narelle, so here goes.....

Name three things that scare you ......... confined spaces, spiders, something happening to my kids

The daggiest thing in your music collection.... New Kids On The Block

Your three favourite clothing items........ jeans, mary janes, hmmm jeans

Your partners most annoying habit.....he snores, and he has interactive dreams, which involve talking, leaping out of bed, stealing my pillow all manner of annoying things.

What stresses you out.... being late, hate it, hate it, hate it

Your favourite household chore…I really don't have a favourite but I love it when my house is clean and tidy

If you had fifty bucks to spend at Target which section would you head straight for….. Kids clothes

In my next life I would like to come back as….cat, eat, sleep in the sun, what else do you have to do

Your least favourite celebrity… something about Catherine Zeta Jones bugs the crap out of me

I tag my sister, Bex and Stenja

WooHoo

2007-05-27T23:33:00.000+10:00

Wow 2 posts in one day huh! But I just had to come and say I won my first ever prize at a CC (cyber crop for the uninitiated). I won for my Digital LO, very exciting, thought I would show it off here too.

Sunshine

2007-05-27T18:26:00.000+10:00

Well I have been a bit slack lately haven't it? I have actually been scrapping a fair bit which has been good, finally finished my 12 LO's for the Little Book of Big Memories comp at LSBS. Also did a CC at LSBS and a couple for the Make Believe Masters at Scrap Therapy. These are a few of my faves.

Was lucky enough to get (free) tickets to see Opera Australia's The Pirates of Penzance. Its been ages since I have been to a live stage show, it was great. Loved how effective the simple stage sets were. Going in hand with that I have definitely decided I am a clean and simple scrapper, I just can't make busy or freestyle work on my LO's, so I am just going to go with what works for me. I will always make an effort to challenge myself but I am comfortable in my style.

Not that I suffer from depression or anything usually, but I am feeling very content at the moment. I know I need to lose some weight and get serious about that (having gym membership in itself won't help me lose it, I will actually need to go lol) but overall things are going well, for the first time we are not struggling financially (and things are looking better all the time) the kids are getting more independent and I am finally happy with the thought of not having anymore. I guess in simple terms there is lots of sunshine in my life at the moment.

Things I have done.

2007-05-15T09:10:00.000+10:00

I saw this on Virginia's blog and decided to give it a go. Those in red are the ones I've done. If you want to put it on your blog too, copy and paste and do the same, change the colour to black, then change the colour of the ones you've done to a different colour.

1. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
2. Swam with dolphins
3. Climbed a mountain
4. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
5. Been inside the Great Pyramid
6. Held a tarantula
7. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
8. Said "I love you" and meant it
9. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby's diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 8 states/Territories
41. Taken care of someone who was **** faced
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched wild whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger's table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your CDs
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Posed nude in front of strangers
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River (any river will do)
82. Been on television news programs as an expert
83. Got flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Eaten fugu (pufferfish)
89. Had a one-night stand
90. Gone to Thailand
91. Bought a house
92. Been in a combat zone
93. Buried one/both of your parents
94. Been on a cruise ship
95. Spoken more than one language fluently
96. Performed in Rocky Horror Picture Show
97. Raised children
98. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn't stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn't have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds (45.5 kilograms)
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Petted a stingray
110. Broken someone's heart
111. Ridden a bike
112. Won money on a T.V. game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a body part of yours below the neck pierced
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Petted a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad and The Odyssey
135. Selected one important author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someone's life

There are some I wish to do and some I will definitely never do lol. But there are some fair chunks of red in there.

Not much happenin'

2007-05-09T15:12:00.000+10:00

Well now all the birthdays are over life seems very quiet. I know never happy am I?

I am actually having a rare Wednesday at home, had to swap my work days and Sam has an after school play date so I don't have to go anywhere, bliss. Have spent some time on here and actually got caught up with some scrapping for my LBOBM and some swaps I am holding up. On the scrapping front I have been very lax in not bragging on here (could be because I bragged everywhere else and didn't need to publish here lol) I am going to be published in Scrapbook Creations, so excited, my first time. Will be in Issue 46, so a little while to wait as issue 42 just came out, has given me a big confidence boost in my creative ability.

Getting very excited about the LSBS retreat that is coming up in August too. Can't wait to meet the girls and spend the whole weekend uninterrupted scrapping. I bet now I get a major scrap block that weekend, but at least I will have lots of other addicts to chat to. Right girls?

Where Does the Time Go? Mark 2

2007-04-25T21:37:00.000+10:00

Well my boy turned 6 yesterday. I won't go into his birth story cause its long and arduous, let's just say it was 38 hours and quite stressful lol. Its funny how my kids seem to continue on in the same fashion as they come into the world. Sam is sometimes slow to start (did I mention he was 12 days overdue) but then he gets a burst on, its not always coordinated or graceful but he gets to the goal no worry lol.

He is so thirsty for knowledge, he loves to read and amazes me with how quickly he picks words up. He says maths and art are his favourite subjects and he doesn't really like sport and writing (sounds very much like me). He seems to be a real mix of both families appearance-wise, whereas Ethan is a little Phil and Audrey is a little me, Sam sits somewhere in the middle. He is a great big brother and is very protective of the other two, he loves to give them cuddles and most nights Ethan sleeps in Sam's bed for at least part of the night. He keeps talking about when he is 16, I can't even fathom that thought just yet 6 is spinning me out lol.

2007-04-25T21:13:00.000+10:00

My good friend Narelle has tagged me! So here is my list

Each player starts with 7 random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to write on their own blog about their seven things, as well as these rules. At the end of your blog, you need to choose 7 people to get tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them that they have been tagged and to read your blog!

1. I was an exchange student to Kansas where I lived 20 minutes from the geographical centre of the USA.

2. I like being on committees, its my way of making a little difference

3. I have hyper-extensive thumbs so I can't click my fingers properly

4. I was named after some hippy singer chick from the 70's

5. I suck at netball but I'm pretty good at tennis

6. I am the eldest of 2 girls married to the youngest of 2 boys

7. I can't watch the bombers play on TV cause I get too fired up for the home setting, I either have to be there or just find out the result later.

I tag.... Celeste, Missty, Meg, Jodie, Wayne,

Ok so I don't have 7 yet will think about it some more.

Where Does the Time Go?

2007-04-15T10:57:00.000+10:00

Well my little baby girl turned 2 on Thursday, I have no idea where those 2 years went. She was born at about 3:30am and I was in the shower the night before thinking this is what I was doing 2 years ago too, only I was on all 4's lol. Her birth was an interesting experience, the boys labours had been rather drawn out and I wasn't all that sure how things were progressing, whereas with Audrey I knew where she was the whole time (not that the midwives believed me). I told them I just needed my waters to break and she would be out, but regardless of this warning one left to have her tea break. Then when I told the only remaining midwife I needed to push she went to answer the phone. So I pushed my waters broke and Audrey's head was born. Phil left to get the midwife off the phone, I pushed again and she was born, the only person in attendance was my sister and she was standing at my head.

But that was over 2 years ago now, mind you she is still the same head first in without worrying what anyone else is doing or thinking lol. I love having a girl (I love my boys too obviously, but even though I married one I still don't understand males lol), I love how she is so interested in everything, how she speaks so clearly about what she wants, and how she snugs up and gives big sloppy kisses. Yes we have some terrible 2 tantrums but that comes with the territory (and she does them more for her father than me lol).

The only sadness I feel at this time is there is no more baby and will not be anymore babies. The maternal part of me needs to let go and enjoy the next stage of motherhood, I can't just keep having babies because I can, can I?

What a week!

2007-03-23T15:58:00.000+10:00

Where do I start on griping about my week? I guess with last weekend, I was sick, I had a tummy bug and a constant headache grrr. On Monday I had to go to Melbourne on the 6:36am train for training for work, I thought at 5:30am I was feeling better so decided to go, shame that wore off at about 6:40 when I was on the train with no option to turn back. Spent the whole day trying to stay awake and taking pain killers constantly. Spent Tuesday morning in bed then started to come good int he afternoon thanks to Claratyne and Nueophen. Wednesday I had to travel an hour to see a client who lives in a caravan on a farming block of land int he middle of nowhere. Knowing this I checked with the girls at work exactly how to get there and set off. Turns out they didn't live in the same out of the way place that they used to and I had to follow the ex-next-door-neighbours directions to the new out of the way place which turns out wasn't right. So I have to use the pay phone near the pub in this "town" (it only has a pub and service station), every time I tried to call, for various reasons I would run out of credit before getting to speak to anyone. So I dash over to the pub to get more change for the phone it takes a dollar then jams and won't accept anymore, so I accept defeat at this point and head back to the office. With all the cuffuffel of trying to figure that out I am then an hour late for my dinner out that night. Thursday was alright just boring as I had to do grocery shopping, Ethan went to kinder and Sam has drama after school so absolutely knackered by the time dinner is supposed to be on the table. Today I decided to see if my head ache would stay away without the neurophen , answer "no". Kids are at each other constantly, ran around the library laughing at the top of their lungs instead of sitting quietly like they had been asked 6 times, grrr again. So now we are home and I have just finished decoding the message on my answering machine from MIL about going to a school fete. Hubby was meant to tell me about it on Wednesday but because I was "flustered" he decided it could wait, I informed him that now I was flustered on Friday because I am meant to be taking 3 non behaving children to a school fete with an hours notice. He is coming home from work early to come with us, isn't he sweet?

Sorry about the long negative post but I need to unload this week and move forward.

Fire and Friends

2007-03-10T21:26:00.000+10:00

Had the chance to catch up with Narelle (Relsi) and family tonight as the State Fire Brigade Championships were in town this weekend. Was very nice to see her and kids again and meet Steve (who looked very professional in his uniform). The boys were very excited to see and meet the firemen. Of course as scrappers we had to take photos.

Yay Mum

2007-03-04T22:58:00.000+10:00

Well I just read through some comments and discovered that my mum left me a comment. That is very cool and I am very proud of you mum. XOX