kazscrapz 'n thingz

Look what I found....

2010-04-10T17:16:00.004+10:00

I was doing a bit of a blog hop this afternoon and found this great link from Jodi's blog. Scrappin Bridge is having a great give-away. I love these gorgeous flowers. Have a look at her blog and you might be a lucky winner.

Valentine's Day

2010-02-15T08:24:00.003+11:00

John and I have never really fussed about the day. I made him a card (so he can share the chocolate) - and he gave me a tattslotto ticket which I must check today.

I was up at 6 to take Em to RSPCA for work placement. She is nearly half way through the course but this week will be stressful as there are several things for presentation on Saturday as she has difficulty talking in front of others. Today the kennel girls thought she was a hero for stepping in to assist when two dogs were attaching another and they were having problems separating them. Her supervisor was amazed and so pleased with her quick(and safe) reactions when she saw someone in trouble, The smile when I picked her up at the end of the day would have lit the MCG.

Bec is away on her "Independence Holiday" with Beth. The girls decided to avoid schoolies and go to the Gold Coast when everyone else has gone back to school. The week was fully organised, booked (and paid for) by the girls - including all their attraction tickets - so all they needed to take was spending money. They have been cooking their own dinners and have survived. Pity that Bec was unwell once she got there but a phone call to mum solved that! Now she has gigantic mozzie bites. Look forward to seeing the photos.

A stitch in time....

2010-02-01T23:01:00.008+11:00

I have been searching for a bag of dress patterns - some of which I bought in the early 70's, there are a few girls dresses with matching cabbage patch doll clothes that I bought when Kate was about 5, and smocked baby dresses. I emptied out the big cane basket and found a skirt pattern that had been lengthened with pieces from the Green Guide (Nov 17, 1975 - announcing the first episode of a new current affairs show - 60 Minutes), many other odd patterns, recipes and knitting patterns cut from magazines and a number of unfinished embroidery projects.

I knitted and sold many of these cat jumpers - each cat I made had a different colour colour, mine naturally was a diamante one.

A collection of recipes and knitting patterns from magazines circa 1983

A DIY cabbage patch doll pattern - I made one for Kate but from a different pattern with a pre-made head from Cleggs

The patchwork quilt - started in 1978 after I broke up with Mark - wonder what ever happened to him? The colours are quite disgusting and I have no idea why I picked them at the time and I have no idea what I am going to do with it.
The Willow Pattern cloth is a long way from finished - this was started in about 1985. My mother in law worked for Semco and had rooms full of linen, threads and lace and I picked out many pieces along the way which I used to do on the train trip to and from work.

The basket was like a time capsule. I loved fine embroidery and have done many pieces over the years - even finishing a tablecloth my mother started before she got married in 1954. My hands can no longer hold a needle for any length of time so I can't see these being finished.

I didn't find that pattern bag.

Its been a big week.....

2010-01-25T08:35:00.003+11:00

Emily has started her course and completed the first 4 full time study days. Its meant leaving at 7.15am, dropping her at the RSPCA in Burwood, going on to work in St Kilda then picking her up at 3.30pm to return home. It is a fabulous experience for her and the assignments and work placement days will continue during first term.

Bec is excited as she is now accepted for Deakin University. She will be doing Bachelor of Environmental Science (Enviromental Management).

Sarah has been accepted for Bachelor of Science at Monash.

It's been a big and exciting week for the girls!

Holidays are over.....

2010-01-17T08:22:00.006+11:00

They seem to go much faster when I don't go away. I did manage to catch up with Wendy for coffee and didn't even touch the surface of what has gone on in our families since we last saw each other - we'd better not leave it so long until the next time.

Going back to work was fun - 40+C and I don't have airconditioning in my office and my old computer hates even warm days. Luckily as the place (1900's terrace house) had been closed up the heat didn't really hit straight away. Boss has airco in his office...

Yesterday I went and saw Avatar with John and the girls - I can't remember the last time John and I were at the movies together. Em was seeing it for the second time - and Bec the third!

I have also done about 50 pages for the albums given to the kids at Southern Cross Kids Camps. Seems a lot but when each album needs 20 pages heaps more are needed. If you can help, the details are in an ealier post.

Tomorrow will be an exciting, although very scarey day for Emily as she starts her course in Animal Welfare at the RSPCA. We are hoping it is a great experience for her.

Imagine...

2010-01-06T09:15:00.008+11:00

When I was a consultant for TLC they produced a line of Wall Art and discontinued it due to lack on interest in the US (this was years before House of 3 or any of the others started making it). While sorting through my boxes I found my wall word "Imagine" so guess what my word for this year is. It is now on the wall above my scrapping table.

I also managed to finish a page for Arabella

I've made something, after last year's lack of creativity - who could have imagined that!

It's SCKC 2010 time!

2010-01-05T13:04:00.004+11:00

It is time for me to start making pages for the Southern Cross Kids Camps again. Usually I do these before Christmas but as there were so many generous scrappers out there Julie had enough pages for the first couple of camps. But now its time for action! These pages are 6 x 6 - and really simple. A spot for a photo, room for some writing - very little decoration. See the above link for more details.

This is a little from Julie's email to me today:

It is hard to fully explain the importance of these books to the kids. we have started a pilot Mentoring club for 14 of our local SCKC campers and their carers, parent or case workers always mention how much the kids look through them. It is a wonderful thing to think by getting together to do all this the children have beautiful books as keepsakes of their childhoods!

If you can help either contact me or send pages directly to:

Julie Stone

C/O SCKC Memory Books

PO Box 290

Unanderra

NSW 2526

2009 is over.....where did the year go?

2010-01-03T10:03:00.004+11:00

Its been a busy year. During 2009 :-

Sadly.....

I farewelled my mother in law Bessie, and Sarah's mother Toni, Lydia and Jen - and I miss them all
We emptied my MIL's house
We moved house after 5 years - packing and moving 2 houses in one year - not recommended.
Em tried to return to her old school
Em said goodbye to Molly and Nat, her rats
My income reduced - but my blood pressure hasn't!
My creative mojo went missing

BUT .....

We celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary
Bec represented Australia at the Oceania Championships
Emily and Bec went to the school formal
We LOVE the new house (and I love that over 20 cubic metres of rubbish didn't come with us)
Em turned 16 - and now has Abi and Ziva the rats
Bec and Sarah both turned 18 - and neither have their P's yet even though they both have cars!
Sean turned 20 - and now has a new car to play with
Em completed year 9 and is much happier thanks to Alison
Bec passed her VCE and is wants to go to Deakin University
Sarah passed her VCE too and wants to do a science degree at Melbourne Uni
Sean has almost completed his course.
Em has been accepted into a Cert II in Animal Studies at Victoria University - this will be done at the RSPCA in Burwood.
We have a new nephew - Lachlan
John now has 3 grandchildren with the addition of Arabella and Emma and appreciated Kate's comment on what a lovely big family we now have at our Christmas gathering - and is so happy their relationship is now so good.

And for me - most of the time just taking life a day at a time was about all I could manage.....

Let's see what 2010 has in store for us.

Sweet 16

2009-09-13T23:04:00.003+10:00

Left one thing off my list of 'happenings" - Emily turned 16

Where has the year gone?

2009-09-09T08:55:00.003+10:00

It's been so long since I posted that I think this will be a dot point of what has been going on and I'll post some pictures later. Better grab your coffee...

Sean's car was stolen the day after Toni's funeral and later recovered missing everything he owned from inside - including his rubbish
He had his first accident in Sarah's grandfather's car which he was given when his was taken - and has now 2 months later received an invoice for $13,000.
Bec skated in the State Championships - silver for figures and precision
Bec skated in the Australian team at the Oceania championships and her team won gold and has now retired from the team
She is studying hard for VCE exams and only training 3 days a week now.
Emily made a decision to try to return to the high school that let her down so badly. It has not been successful yet - but she is now going to a psychologist to help with her anxiety disorder.
She won an award from her school for attendance - a Pet's Paradise voucher - so now Ziva and Abi have a lovely new wheel to run around in.
John has been working non stop and emptying his mother's house - a huge stressful job - at the same time. He coped well until the night we finished and it really hit him that he no longer has his parents. His sister as usual did almost nothing except complain.
I have been working and spent my 2 week break fighting off a lung infection. Bit stressful when you are really not sure what your major client is up to and you know you are deliberately being left out of the loop. At least we can claim "plausible deniability".
The girls went to the Senior Formal - the theme this year as Masquerade - Bec's friends hired a Hummer limo and had a great afternoon preparing for the night. Emi went too - she and her friend Elissa had spent many afternoons shopping for the "perfect" dress and Em made an elaborate mask.
Our house has been sold and we are about to pack and moved again - we have accumulated a lot of junk in the 5 years we have been here. so its clean out time.

I'll be back later with the pictorial version...

So sad....

2009-06-07T21:17:00.004+10:00

The update I had planned to write this weekend will have to wait for another day.

Tonight the beautiful Sarah and her two younger brothers lost their mum, and Gavin his fabulous wife. Toni was diagnosed with breast cancer fourteen months ago and was doing well. Her secondary cancer was discovered about 12 weeks ago when she fractured her hip. In the past few weeks after radiation and re-starting chemo her body started to shut down. Two weeks ago we were told she would be lucky to last 2 days. But after being highly sedated and giving her stressed body a rest, Toni amazed everyone by waking up and although the cancer was in her brain by this stage and she would sometimes hallucinate she recognised her family and Sean. They were able to then spend time talking with her - something Sarah though she was going to miss out on. Gavin left the hospital only twice from the time Toni was admitted - once last week while she was stable and asleep - and tonight to come home to tell them of her passing. Toni's father has been staying with the kids. He has now lost his wife and daughter at a young age to breast cancer. Toni's sister and brother in law have also been staying when they can.

I have been very proud of Sean during the past few months. He has taken Toni to doctor's appointments if Gavin was busy and as Toni was unable to drive he and Sarah took on the job of household shopping, picking up her brothers and taking them out with them and generally being a 'big brother' to them. I can always remember him inviting Sarah to his 17th birthday and asking me if I minded Toni ringing to check the details of the party and coming in to meet us when they arrived. Three years later they are still together and he is as much a loved member of their family as Sarah is of ours. Toni used to thank us for letting Sean go away with them - I always thought it should be the other way around.

She was only four weeks older than me.

Bye my friend.

A happy Mothers' Day - my little man is now 20!

2009-05-11T13:54:00.004+10:00

Yesterday was one of those special ones when Mothers' Day and Sean's birthday are on the same day - he was 4 days old (and I was still in hospital) on my first one. I made my own coffee - as there is no way I am going to wait nearly 4 hours for them to make me one - and pancakes for everyone. Bec didn't have to work so there was no rushing around which was really lovely. I received a new pair of slippers and vouchers to buy some more Pandora beads for my bracelet from the kids and Sarah bought me some chocolates and beautiful flowers. John and I went out for coffee - and he bought me a lovely new red coffee machine. Sean thinks that we really bought it for him! We went out for dinner with my mother and brother and came home for birthday cupcakes. I was told that if I took the cakes with me - he wouldn't eat with us...lol...Isn't embarrassing your kids part of the job description. Luckily about 10 minutes before we left for dinner I remember that I hadn't made my mother's day card so quickly put one together - and forgot to take a photo.

Looking at my gorgeous children (and I count Sarah as one of them) last night, I feel privileged to be their mother.

April in review...

2009-05-01T09:31:00.006+10:00

I think the last month has gone by in a blur... and it is time to find the winter woollies.

We have spent a large amount of time trying to sort out MIL's house - and it still doesn't look like we have done anything. We filled a 6m rubbish bin and think we will easily need another one. There is a huge supply of wool, jewel cottton, embroidery thread, lace to find a home for - and boxes of doilies Little Granny made (John's grandmother died at 107!) seems such a waste to throw it away. Hopefully it will be on the market after this weekend.

Bec still splits her life between school, training, working and coaching so enjoyed a bit of a break through the holidays. Sean doesn't seem to do anything much (unless Sarah is around...lol). And Em is in a really happy place most of the time now - and loves her newly cut black hair. We did a trip to the Werribee Zoo - nice day out but was a bit disappointed with the lack of animals - seemed even less than when we were there three years ago.

I am still exhausted and by the time I get home from work don't have the energy to do anything much . Not much scrapping happening - only managed one layout for a recipe challenge

Sarah's mum has now started chemo again - after battling breast cancer last year, mets have been found in her hip - causing it to fracture. Still playing tricks on the kids though - she likes to drop a crutch down the stairs so they all start running. Too many friends are battling cancer, either by living with it or caring for someone who is. Your strength is inspiring.

May is birthday month....

And then there was one.....

2009-03-31T07:40:00.003+11:00

It's been a rough couple of weeks around here. My mother-in-law passed away unexpected. She was troubled by her heart flutter and the heart specialist suggested that she be taken to hospital by ambulance as a precautionary measure to have tests done. She had her dog picked up by her niece, chatted to the neighbours and headed off. She had a lovely day there chatting to all the nurses , especially the Irish one - they talked about "home", while they did her tests and at about 3pm they rang John to come and take her home as there were no problems and her specialist would just adjust her medication to keep the problem under control. John arrived at the hospital, parked in the 10 minute spot and went in to collect her to be told to wait outside as she was in resuss. She was being taken to the toilet and collapsed - apparently an embolism had moved into her brain - she never regained consciousness and died around 3.30. John had rung me when he got there so I rushed out from work - but it is still almost an hours drive. His older kids dropped everything and rushed to the hospital to be with him and we all waited there until his sister and nephew arrived at about 7 so we could break the news to her and take her to see her mother.

The funeral was last Tuesday, with over 150 family members and friends there - she was a well liked woman. This day was also John's 55th birthday - so a hard day for him. After the service and afternoon tea at John Allison all 5 of his children and their partners and his sister and nephew came back to our place and we had a birthday cake to end the day on a positive note. I cannot remember the last time everyone was together for his birthday.
At this stage we are planning on sending her home to Nthn Ireland.
There will be huge amount of work to empty the house and sell it but for now it can wait.

We have now lost 3 parents in 3 years and that is enough!! My father was sick but John's parent's were fit and healthy and both died suddenly.

My mother has been warned - play bowls, go to Tai Chi, babysit your new grandson but more than anything else - enjoy every minute, we want you here for a longtime yet.

A quick catch up....

2009-03-14T17:26:00.008+11:00

I don't think that anyone drops in these days so if you do let me know.

The month so far:-

Bec has had her first comp for the year and got bronze. Back to the physio though to try and keep her foot in one piece. She is still training five days a week, coaching and put every waking minute into her year 12 studies.

Sean and Sarah went to her year 12 formal - and both looked fabulous.

Emily now has two new baby rats - Abi and Ziva. They are so tiny but bundles of energy and love to trash their house at night.
I just seem to work and play taxi. I have only managed to do one layout recently.
Bazzill cardstock, Heidi Swapp Masks, chipboard heart and clear bird, Tim Holtz Distress Ink, Autumn leaves flower stamp, TLC rub ons, Kaisercraft jewels, Paperdoll letters, Green tara flower, kindy glitz & scrap felt.

And Lachie is getting bigger and more cuddly every day!

Bye Nat...

2009-03-02T22:18:00.003+11:00

I have been to the vet tonight with Em - and we no longer have Nat. Julie our vet was amazed at how old she was - getting to 3 is a rare achievement for a rat. Looks like she had either pneumonia or a tumour in her lungs and Em made the decision for euthanasia. She wasn't going to stay in the room as she was so upset but decided to stay with me and hold Nat as she was sedated. She is so good when it comes to her animals - and Nat's welfare was more important than hers at that time. I am very proud of her.

Our new little angel...

2009-02-22T12:40:00.006+11:00

Meet Lachlan Robert Maxwell Hawting born last Friday at Newcastle Private. 3.27k and 51cm long. The guy with the big grin is my baby brother Peter who has waited a long time to have his own little footy mate. No doubt the Essendon jumper has already been bought. Stephanie is doing well. Can't wait until they get home for a cuddle.

The last week has been a write off - bacterial gastroenteritis or food poisoning. Pro-biotic drinks are supposed to fill your stomach with good bacteria - this one did exactly the opposite. For 4 days I had 40C temperatures, a permanent booking on the loo, total dehydration and lost 4 kg. I haven't been at work for over a week and been too sick to enjoy the time off. I am pleased to report that I have missed absolutely nothing on Days of our Lives since I last watched it 15 years ago. Just can't figure out why they keep looking younger!

I have made a new recipe file - I used a Martha Stewart flip photo album and the recipes will slide in the plastic pockets to keep them clean. Maybe oneday I might even cook....

By the way did I tell you - I'm an AUNTIE!!!!!!!!!

A FIERY DAY IN FEBRUARY – JO-ANNE MATHESON

2009-02-09T21:51:00.004+11:00

There came a day in February
That had us all in shock
A time when the south east of Australia
Was hit by a fiery rock

The country just exploded
Into a huge fireball
And in its path spared nothing
Intent on taking it all

The CFA and others
Were there to fight the fight
And we at home were watching
The devastation and the fright

One cannot imagine
What folks are going through
As they wait for news on loved ones
And the others that they knew

They are always believing
That they will soon be seen
Some are already grieving
Where the hell could they have been?

Sometimes the word is positive
Often it’s not so good
Some have lost a place to live
Where every family should

We pray to God for strength and hope
As they face what lies ahead
How the hell are they going to cope?
So much fear - so much dread.

Australians we know how to fight
As we observe the strife
So dig in deep with all our might
To give them back their life

Monday – 9 February 2009

It has been an horrific week in Victoria with fire raging all over the state. John's ex-wife and her husband - a member of the local CFA - are in Murrundindi and have been isolated on their property by the fires - it is worrying for his children. At this time they are safe. Luckily Emily doesn't have to go to her school in Yea for another couple of weeks - this of course may now change depending on the fire activity.

The poem is written by my friend Jo in Queensland, thank you for allowing me to post it here.

The photograph credit is seven.com.au

To all the firefighters, and others putting their lives on the line for us. Thank you.

January has nearly gone...

2009-01-25T17:15:00.010+11:00

And I haven't posted since the first...

Em and her friends have been to Luna Park and had such a fun time. I dropped them off and went into the office to have a cuppa with Euan. They all got matching tattoos and Em was quite disappointed when hers finally washed off.

Bec has been working, training and had a brilliant skating seminar with Jodie Johnson-Garufo - a fantastic coach and former coach of Skate Australia - our World's precision team. Her team has been selected to skate for Australia at the Oceania Championships to be held in Melbourne in July.

I managed to get a few layouts done for a cyber crop at Chookscraps

Last Friday I spent the morning in hospital for tests as there were some disturbing signs on my last CT scan and my doctor suspected that I may have cancer - the good news is that all is fine and nothing a few (well quite a few really...) kilos off and a total diet change can't keep under control. I just have to be reviewed every two years now. I have to now get my achilles tendonitis (probably Nintendo-itis) and arthritis under control so I can go back to exercising properly again.

A big happy 40th tomorrow to Jen and a happy 20th to Sean T.

WELCOME To 2009!!!!!!!!!

2009-01-01T11:36:00.001+11:00

Wishing everyone the best for a happy and healthy New Year!

The month that was...

2008-12-27T08:56:00.015+11:00

I haven't updated for a while with the usual end of year rush so here are a few highlights of the past couple of weeks. Better grab your coffee first....

Create 08 - OMG - in all the years I have been scrapbooking I have never done a live class and now I have really been initiated. I haven't been to Wattle Park since I left school and I refuse to say how many years ago that was. Some things don't change - especially the Chalet. The classes were fast and furious and Heidi Swapp was a delight. Loved the techique class! And its always more fun with friends - spending time with Wendy, Leeanne, Willisa, Susan, Kim and Deb was great as I rarely get to see the PD girls these days - not that there was much time for chatting. Susan won the door prize - how typical! Hit the ProShop at the golf club for a real coffee to recharge the batteries and I came home with a new driver - well who could resist the lovely pink shaft...just got to get out and play.

I have been cyber cropping - gives me a break from working. First one was for Scrapping Around . We had to "Scrap your Stash"

Old photos (10 years or over): -

Old supplies: - Use up all our old chipboard:-
Then there were some fun step by step decorations -

And the bonus was that I won shop prizes for the layouts so now I have my inks and mask to do finish my Heidi calendar.

Next one was for Chook Scraps - using Christmas colours for this challenge.

That's more scrapping then I have done in months!

Emily had her school presentation day at Fun Fields in Whittlesea - I am loving Eastlink - saved me nearly half and hour each way. And so different to last year - this time she was off with her friends as soon as we got through the gate. She was rapt that Nat - who moved to Healesville earlier this year - was there too. She loved driving the go karts. And I loved the report and the comments from her teachers!

Bec did really well with her Year 11 subjects and passed Year 12 Further Maths. Yeasterday she spent the day in the city with a friend and they went to the aquarium (appropriate for a future conservation biologist and zoo keeper!) and went up to the Skydeck at Eureka Tower. They thought it was so cool.

We had the usual Sunday before Christmas with John's family - his 2yo grandson James was hilarious and we given the exciting news that Chris and Tamara are expecting their first - so he will have another grandchild in June.

Our Christmas was lovely - Bec had gone on a huge present buying spree this year but the nicest thing was what she had written on cards to John, Em and me. Very thoughtful. We went at watched a light show at a house on Olivers Hill on Christmas Eve. Christmas dinner was at my mother's - only 11 this year with my brother and partner, Sean and Sarah, and Kathy away and Tom no longer with us - she did a fabulous job.

Nanny playing Santa:-

The pudding made to my grandmother's recipe and bought to the table to be lit:-

MIL, John, Em and Bec:-

Sean has been in Qld for a month with Sarah's family. Her mum has finished chemo now and wanted a holiday to celebrate. Pity she picked up a really nasty cold which she gave to everyone except Sean and Sarah. They got back yesterday so we made the girls wait until last night to open the last of their presents - a Wii and Wii Fit - and it wasn't to be set up until today - I am such a mean mother!

Congratulations if you have made it his far - I am on holidays now until the 12th Jan so now the mad rush is over I can hopefully relax and recharge the batteries.

Its' nearly 2009!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL....

2008-12-25T09:03:00.001+11:00

Hope you are have a wonderful day and if you are travelling take care.
I'll be soon with an update - its time now to open presents!!!

Lasagna

2008-12-10T08:33:00.001+11:00

Another show is over....

2008-12-08T21:23:00.005+11:00

Last Sunday Christmas Show finished for this year. Bec has skated the past 7 years with her team and in full cast items. This year she offered to choreograph a "filler" so that the younger ones had time to change their costumes. Typically it was comedy - she and Karissa skated to "Lasagna" by Weird Al Yankovic complete with chef's outfits, moutashes (when they didn't fall off!) checkered table cloth and her fabulous fake lasagna. Certainly had plenty of laughs and the funny thing is that Bec hasn't freeskated for over 2 years and the only times she landed on the floor it was deliberate.

I finally did some scrapping - other than for SCKC. Haven't done a blind challenge in ages.

Maybe I'd better start the Christmas cards....

Its only 6 more sleeps to Heidi!

It's Christmas Show time....

2008-11-26T10:04:00.002+11:00

Almost time for our skating Christmas Show (December 6,7) so I seem to have spent all my time lately organising and making costumes for other people. Muchkin boot covers for Wizard of Oz, witch dresses for Wicked, headpieces for Lion King, basic white leos for Christmas theme. I wonder what some of the other parents are doing? They certainly are not doing anything to help. (That's my whinge for the day!)
This year is Simon's 20th show so it is a mix of diferent items from previous shows. They are also doing Thriller, Grease, Dirty Dancing, Little Mermaid We haven't started looking for Bec's things yet and dress rehearsal is Saturday. This year she is only skating for part of the show and the rest she will be the MC.
I will be so glad when it is over for another year - then maybe I can play in my scraproom....

Calling all scrappers....

2008-11-17T08:11:00.003+11:00

Do you have left over scrapping supplies, a little time and the willingness to make a difference in a child's life? Southern Cross Kids Camps are again asking for assistance to produce 6x6 pages for the children's camp albums. These children have suffered abuse, neglect or other problems. Each child is given a 20 page album as a record of their time in camp and for some these are the only photos they have. The links on my sidebar will take you to Julie's blog and the SCKC site. The target is 6300 pages for the year but as the first camps are in January it is time to get started.
The pages should be simple - space for a 5x3.5" photo and a spot for some journalling. The layout is best if it can be used for both landscape and portrait photos as this makes it more versatile and we need pages for suitable for girls and boys (not really "girly" pastel layouts)
My first batch is ready is ready to send.....

Wow - 24 years.....

2008-11-10T16:20:00.003+11:00

It's our 24th wedding anniversary today so I am posting a photo taken by Helen Vella at our team dinner in Perth. This would probably be the only photo taken of the two of us together for at least 2 years.

Bye Molly....

2008-11-09T09:10:00.007+11:00

It has been a sad week in our home - one of our rats lost her battle with cancer. Em is so devoted to her little friends and they love her just as much. Molly was her "special" one and was usually found tucked under her pony tail or in the hood of her jacket. We knew her time was close on Cup Day so between Em and I we held her for several hours until she passed. Although Em was extremely upset I was very proud of the way in which she acted that day. I would love to see her working with animals.

Em took this of the girls playing with Bec - Nat (the black and white one) is such a little fatty, she must have been eating Molly's share of their food. Looks like ratty diet coming on.

Big brother's sympathetic comment - "when can we get a cat?"

Halloween - part 2.....

2008-11-09T08:50:00.004+11:00

Thought I should show you Emily's Halloween effort - her t-shirt says it all "Good Girl Gone Bad"

She had a great time skating with her Bad Fairy friend, Elissa. It is lovely to watch the changes in her lately - although I don't know whether my wallet is going to survive the shopping trips...

Happy Halloweeen....

2008-10-31T10:42:00.009+11:00

I am a slack blogger....

Not heaps happening around here atm, Bec has just started training in her new boots and is finding it a huge adjustment. The physio is really happy with the them - exactly half the weight of her old ones. I made some bags for her to store them in - her skates cost me heaps so I would prefer she didn't just throw them in her dirty case. Don't you love the unicorns, so appropriate for a 17yo...lol

Bec went to her friend Kat's 17th birthday last Saturday night - it was a goth night. She did a fabulous job with her make-up. It looked even better irl. She borrowed bits and pieces from Em to wear. Kat's dad looked hysterical dressed up in his corset and fishnets a la Rocky Horror - he definitely didn't have the Charles Atlas seal of approval! Kat was an axe murderer's victim. They all had a great time.
Sunday was an Elementary skating comp and Bec was coaching her first skater. Courtney did well for her first figure comp and in her other events won 2 silvers. I made her leo the day before and it hadn't been tried on so there was a bit sigh of relief when it fitted perfectly. It looked really elegant on the floor - love my hot fix crystals!
Tonight is Halloween fundraiser skate at the club so Em is busily deciding how ghoulish she can look. I have orders to pick up black lipstick. I just need to get John to finish mounting my skates - especially if I want to start lessons again. Shhhh.... don't tell him I am planning on competing again after Christmas...he thinks I am too old.....never!

Stunning...

2008-10-12T08:33:00.007+11:00

Just thought I'd show some proofs of the photos of Rebecca taken at Nationals during her figure event. The photographer is Bryan Lloyd-Jones (who is also a top level skater) and although he took only half the photos of Bec as he did of the others in her event every one of them is great. It was lovely to hear the photographer, judges and officials comment on how elegant and relaxed she looked.
Have a look at Xtreme
Don't try this one at home...lol

The power of prayer...

2008-10-09T11:47:00.003+11:00

As most of Jenni's friends are aware, today she is having her major surgery. Let's send her as many prayers as we can to carry her and family through this difficult time.

We are home....

2008-10-05T09:12:00.004+11:00

Got home at 2am Saturday from our week in Perth so had one 2 hour time zone adjustment - and now another last night for daylight saving.
Bec skated really well and placed 5th out of 11 (places 3-5 were decided on countback). She was very happy as it was her first Australian titles as an individual. Her team event was incredible - they have had sickies, injuries and rarely trained with their full team of 16. The opposing team - also from Melbourne skated really well but when ours started the entire audience were holding their breath. Their speed and technical difficulty set them apart. They skated the best routine they have ever done - the coaches were in tears at the end of it. Now she has 2 Australian Champion medals for precision - last year for Open level and this year for International level and has retired from the team event.

The best bit for Bec was being able to cut the strapping tape off her foot after 5 days. It worried us that she became quite depressed over the first weekend - we weren't staying where her friends were, and even if we were there she couldn't swim or do anything that might damage the tape as it was a public holiday in Perth on the Monday and we could not get a physio to redo the strapping. A trip to AQWA (Aquarium of Western Australia) fixed that - the touch pool was so therapeutic. Especially when she was playing with the shark and starfish. It was fabulous to watch my young biologist explaining about the creatures to Em (who normally she wouldn't want to be seen with!) and any young children around her - Bec was right in her element. She has been behind the scenes at the Melbourne Aquarium to had some prior experience.

We managed to fit in a trip to the Zoo, day at Fremantle, breakfast at Hilary's Boat Harbour, a game or two at Burswood Casino and plenty of driving along the coast. None of this was too far from the lovely little unit where we stayed in Scarborough. Bec went to Kings Park with her friends and managed to fall of a swing and get a lovely bruise on her face.
We were also able to buy her new skating boots (on sale - only $600!!!) made with carbon fibre which weight a quarter of what her old ones do so that will also help her foot recover. We had planned on throwing the old ones out onto the Marmion Reef to make a house for some fish but didn't have the tools with us!
Emily enjoyed her first flights and wants to do it again.
Better go and get Bec up for work.

Organisation....

2008-09-25T11:22:00.002+10:00

I am afraid that word and I are not very compatible! I am flying out to Perth for a week tomorrow and feel like nothing is ready. In reality flights and accomodation are booked, costumes are made and in their bags, I just need to pack(or re repack) clothes and organise how many cases we are taking. Bec has to take 2 pairs of skates (13kg!) so they will be in one, so we can only take 3 others plus carry on. And fit them into the small car John has hired to go out to the airport. Fun. Can't wait to get there - our unit overlooks Scarborough Beach. Bec finishes competing on Tuesday night so we have a few days to explore and catch up with friends.

I withdrew from Battle of the Scrappers and So You Think You Can Scrap this week - I was putting myself under too much pressure with so much else to organise that I wasn't enjoying them.

Final results can back from CT scans and there are some major concerns - not as simple as first thought. This time its gastrolenterologist and colonoscopy - what a fun thing to come home to. Looks like a change of lifestyle might be in order.

Better get back to work......

Round 2 Scrap-eography

2008-09-16T22:16:00.005+10:00

- A mixture of at least 3 patterned papers in various colours, patterns, brands and textures

- Ink (lots of it!)

- Journaling strips

- Everything a little off centre and generally weighted to one side

- Dimension

- One large photo

PP - Daisy D's, MM, Kaisercraft, BG (cut out) and something out of scraps box for journalling strips Cardstock - Prisma; Letters - Heidi Swapp; Inks (black and white)Pen, Kindy GLitz, Kaisercraft pearls.

I really didn't think I was going to do this one as I couldn't sit for more than a few minutes at a time but managed to get this done and unploaded in 1/2 hour - must be a record for me.

Voting finished tonight and I have made it to Round 3.

I have been given some lovely blog awards too - I will post those when I get some time.

Where has this week gone?...

2008-09-13T08:19:00.009+10:00

Seems no time since last weekend. It has been a stressful week - after being in incredible unexplained stomach/pelvic pain for a few days - ended up yesterday with my whole day being taken up with doctor's visits, ultrasound, CT scans. And if I get asked one more time if I could be pregnant I will scream! But then maybe I should be flattered that they think I am much younger....lol. My mother offered to come with me but I chose to go by myself. The sitting around, delays with the reporting finally took its toll once I got back to doctors and I fell apart. Luckily I had time to go and get a latte from Macca's next door - maybe it was just caffiene deprivation and not having eaten much for a few days. Luckily the results showed up a problem that a week or two on 2 antibiotics should fix. We were all very relieved.

During this I still managed to do my Battle of the Scrappers layout for 3 Angels. This weeks cryptic clues translated to white, black or brown cardstock, green papers, green or natural embellies, nature photos.

Materials used: Prisma cardstock, PP, blings, wooden flourishes - Kaisercraft, Green Tara flowers, skeleton leaves, American Craft and CM letters.

Round 1 Scrap-eography

2008-09-07T09:19:00.006+10:00

1. Hand cutting of pp designs

2. Edge Distressing

3. Layering

4. Use of white/negative space

5. Texture

6. Non-standard size photos (not 4x6, 5x7 etc)

7. Clustering

That's all fine but I needed a photo first. I am not one of these lucky people who can put together a layout - then find a photo to fit. Flicking through the 5,000 or so on my computer I found this one taken of Emily at Sovereign Hill a couple of years ago - just before she started high school and all the problems that went with that. I love the look of concentration as she tried to use the manual potters wheel. I often went there when I was at school and always had to be dragged away from the pottery - no surprise to my family when I did ceramics as part of my VCE art course. Finally at 1.30 this morning it was finished. Doesn't help when you get called out to look at things of TV every 5 minutes!

Materials used: Cardstock - TLC, Prisma; PP - Cloud 9 -Razzberry Heaven, Chocolate Chalet; Rub-ons - Cloud 9; Letters - Chatterbox, PD Originals; Flowers - Green Tara, Prima; Kaisercraft Pearls;Pen.

HAPPY FATHERS' DAY

This will be my first fathers' day without mine - at least the Swans won for him last night.

It's weekend again....

2008-08-29T22:20:00.003+10:00

Is it me or do the weeks seem to be flying? In 4 weeks I will be in Perth, updating from there. I had better get my sewing finished or Bec will have nothing to compete in.

This week I have been working on my layout for Battle of the Scrappers on 3 Angels.
Heike is setting fortnightly challenges and luckily I have survived the first round.

Next week we start So You Think You Can Scrap I wonder what tricky scrap-eography will be set. This weekend Scraptac is having a cyber crop so if anyone has some spare inspiration please pass it my way!

This weekend is the final league competition before the National Championships but as Bec has a serious foot injury she will only skate in the team event and hopefully with heaps of physio she will be right before we leave for Perth. It has really disrupted her training at the wrong time.

Emily has had her first sleepover with friends - and didn't get home until after lunch the next day - a huge step for her. She came home wearing make-up, multi coloured nails, a big grin - can't ask for much more than that.

I have fractured my foot again - I felt it "go" a couple of weeks ago and now have to have the bone scans again to confirm it. Its the second stress fracture in this foot. The timing is lousy - I have just bought new boots and shoes with heels. I won't be wearing them for a few weeks.

Catch you soon...

Today is.....

2008-08-22T19:00:00.006+10:00

Daffodil Day.

I usually buy my daffodil each year and this year could not resist the bling. The day is a great fundraiser for the Cancer Council and as I have too many friends and family who have been touched by this it is one I always support.

Did you know that you can post a message of hope on the online Field of Hope.

And the bump is....

2008-08-12T07:51:00.002+10:00

SEAN!

Who is now 19 and almost 6 ft tall and was the smallest of my three babies. The photo of Siobhan (a family friend) and me was taken at my MIL's at John's 35th birthday.

John's grandson James had his 2nd birthday party on Sunday - I don't think he stopped laughing and running all day.

Sneak preview.....

2008-08-07T09:18:00.002+10:00

I have done something this week....now guess who is hiding in the bump!

Where have I been......

2008-07-29T22:42:00.003+10:00

Working! My little mid year break is finished and now I am back to a huge pile of BAS's, tax returns and demanding clients. Only 5 phone calls from my boss last Friday - my day off.

Last Thursday was first day of the garage sale at Fiskars in Port Melbourne. Got done there are realised that the cash I had to spend there was back in my office in St Kilda and didn't have time to race back. Picked up a heap of bargains - rubons for 50c, paper packs 50c, brilliant embroidery scissors $2. Look at what I bought for $15!

I would have loved some of the gardening tools - but I will have to get them next sale.

I am trying to get some layouts done but my head still isn't in a really good place right now. It is really time I started to put some priority on my needs and get to meetings and do some daily reading. It is way to easy to put everyone else's needs first. My new plates should be ordered this week and I can get back to skating and my four legged personal trainer is ready and waiting for me.

Christmas Show rehearsals start next week - I haven't decided whether I will skate in it this year - it's our coach's 20th show and he is doing a "best of" show so it could be fun. This will be Bec's last one - she doesn't want to do any more and Em may join in the items she was in a few years back. Bec is training hard for Nationals - I wish some of the others in her team were putting in the same amount of effort.

I am trying to get used to being a passenger in my car again - Bec is driving whenever she can as she needs to get 120 hours on her L's. I must relax....I must relax...I must relax......lol. Actually after a shakey start I organised lessons for her and she is doing really well.

A few friends could do with some extra prayers right now, Connie has just had her first chemo and moved house, Jen is waiting on MRI results, Toni is about to have her last chemo, Lidija is finally NED, Os is having family issues and Fay is unwell. Thinking of you all (((hugs))))

My baby is 15!

2008-07-17T22:04:00.006+10:00

Seems hard to believe that my little girl is now 15. We spent the morning at the hairdressers having a cut and red foils, did a little shopping and then just hung out at home.

Its been a strange couple of weeks - I am supposed to be on holidays but as yet have not had any time to myself apart from time for a quick lunch with Wendy last Monday. I feel like I am going back to work as tired as when I left. I did not need extra furniture brought into the house that has resulted in major rearrangements in other rooms, boxes of videos/dvds with no homes and a mess for the two weeks I have off. Not happy Jan.

I managed to actually scrap a layout - I haven't done one in ages. Felt good to be cutting and pasting again.

My MIL has flown to Belfast - her first trip there in over 25 years - and a big journey for an almost 89 year old. She will have her birthday while she is there and apparently they are organising a big party for her. She is staying with relatives of her first husband (who died when she was about 30) in the house that she grew up in. I packed her case for her and just happened to hide a birthday card and some scratchie tickets in it.

I think I am going back to work for a rest........

We are off to Perth.....

2008-06-30T22:13:00.005+10:00

Bec has just finished skating in the State Championships over the weekend. A top 3 placing was required to be invited to skate in the Victorian team at Nationals in Perth during September/October and Bec won Bronze in her figure event. There are seven in her group- which is open age and she is the second youngest - so it was an awesome placing (1st and 2nd placing went to women who have been selected previously). We were very proud of her effort and it was lovely to have other skaters from her club (and their parents) so happy for her.

Her precision team skated in the International grade this year - a 5 minute routine rather than the 3 minute one from last year. They automatically gained selection for Nationals. After sewing 180 buttons I am happy that they looked OK on the new costume s. A friend of one mum is a makeup artist and did the dramatic silver and black faces. Bec drove through the Macca's drive through on the way home(the joys of L plates!)then suddenly wondered why the girls serving were looking at her in a strange way - must have been the heavily made up eyes and the black lips.

I am still exhausted from all the last minuted costume making and finishing Bec's leo. Time now to file, finish time sheets and niggly things at work, clean up my office and HAVE 2 WEEKS OFF!!!!!!!!!! Can't wait to see if my mising mojo returns.

I am off to celebrate New Year's Eve with a coffee and early night. See you next year.

Busy weekend...

2008-06-17T23:13:00.004+10:00

Yet another weekend spent around skating rinks. Bec coached on Saturday morning so dropped her off, raced to Mentone to source fabric for her competition leotard, back to Dandenong and the Bec drove home - first time through the busy highway traffic. Dropped her home and off to Jodie's to check on costume sewing - State Championships in 2 weeks and 17 costumes to make. A quick coffee then take Bec back to Peninsula for lesson and training.
Sunday was competition day.

Bec competed in 2 events - Figures and Precision. She skated well in Figures and won Gold in the Preliminary grade. Her team won Silver in Precision. They did well considering the routine was only finished on Wednesday.

I took Monday off work as I have been off colour for several days now and cut and partially sewed Bec's new leotards so feeling a bit less stressed about getting them finished.

Back at work today but still exhausted and can't get rid of the headaches. July cannot come soon enough - can't wait for 2 weeks off.

I can see the stars....

2008-06-08T09:11:00.005+10:00

and the street signs, and the house across the road, and the TV from bed, and the whiteboard at school.

We have had another major confidence boost his week - glasses. Em picked the frames herself but even after we collected them she was unsure about them, wanted to take them home in the little carry bag and wanted to know if she had to wear them all the time because she would be teased again . This lasted until we got to the carpark. They came out of the bag, she put them on - and the look of amazement and joy as she realised she could see the signs on the other side of the road. The whole way home I couldn't stop laughing at her discoveries.
She has had lots of comments about her glasses - all positive!

So guess what - they only come off to sleep or work on the computer!

Mind you, there has been a lot more preening in front of the mirror as we work out which hairstyle looks best with them.

And these self-portraits turned up on my camera.....

Way to go Em!!!

Old enough to have done it once....

2008-05-28T21:43:00.008+10:00

and young enough to do it again!!!

It's been a big birthday week - I am now 49 and 374 days! It sounds very strange saying 50 - that's the age my mother was when John and I got married.

On the day (Tues 20th) I got a book (Fifty is not a four letter work) from Em and a Pandora bracelet and some charms from John, Sean and Bec. John and I went out for dinner and the kids had a mud cake for me.

On Thursday my boss gave me a cake from Le Bon in Acland Street and gave me a generous cheque which I promptly spent picking up my Pandora beads off layby.

Friday was getting Em's eyes tested and finding out that she is very shortsighted and picking out her glasses. Then it was off to lunch with Wendy - and Vesna was there too. A lovely surprise! And I was given a beautiful begonia and some proteas and lovely handmade cards. I could get used to this!!!

Saturday was the usual run between skating rinks and a Stampin' Up party at Connie's.

Sunday was spent worrying about a sick rat and then another birthday celebration - this time with my family. 12 of us went to the Langwarrin Hotel for a lovely meal. Peter's partner Stephanie and her son Oscar were with us, they have just moved here from Newcastle. The playroom was just the thing to keep a 4 year old happy! More lovely cards and presents. I have been very spoiled.

Molly seems to have brightened up again - she has tumours which is typical in rats of her age, and repiratory problems. The only treatment for them is tamoxifen which would mean we couldn't handle her.

Molly loves to sit on the back of Em's neck while she in on the computer but couldn't resist climbing through the towel to find a more comfortable resting spot!

This week is back to normal - flat out with tax returns. The end of the year cannot come too soon for me.

Another week gone......

2008-05-17T08:23:00.009+10:00

It's been such a busy week I have hardly had time to come up for air. You might need a coffee!

Sunday was Mother's Day - got up made my own coffee and breakfast which, after talking to Jen, wasn't necessarily a bad thing! John went into work early and the kids slept in until late. Bec also worked in the afternoon so I didn't get my presents until then. We went to the chinese restaurant at Patterson Lakes for dinner with my mother, MIL, brother, uncle (from Tassie), the 5 of us and Sarah, Sean's girlfriend. The service wasn't good, but I don't think they have had that many people in for a long time. Didn't stop us enjoying the night together. MIL was not at all well and managed to give her bugs to Em - the world's worst patient. Hopefully by Monday she will be OK for school.

My presents!

I framed my Mother layout for her - she loved it.

My mother's card

Mother in law's "Scratchie" card

Sarah turned 17 this week and she and Sean celebrated her birthday and their 2nd anniversary with her family at their favourite chinese restaurant in Springvale. Toni (Sarah's lovely mum) has had her first chemo finally. Yay - one done, five to go. She went back to work this week for the first time since her surgery - a great morale booster.

Work was frantic and I spend half my time keeping my boss from stressing out. Major tax lodgment deadlines and our major client group was incomplete due to stuff ups on their end. When you are dealing with tax bills of $1.5M due to be paid by Thursday it has to be right. The sign off meeting went really well - a major shock to him! Don't you just love it when they can just turn around and order their minions to just pay it! Got all my extension applications in for other clients on time - so all in all it was a productive week.

Let there be light! After about 10 cancelled visits from one company, the agent arranged a different electrician and Em has a light in her bedroom - she has only had a lamp for 2 months. Now let's see how quickly the range hood gets done - I've only been waiting 3 years.....

My mother and uncle dropped over yesterday for morning tea . Amazing how quickly you can clean the house when you need to! (and how ten minutes after Dh gets home the dining room table is covered in **** again!!!). Whipped up some yummy banana mini muffins.

You made it to here - well done! Now I'd better get ready to spend the day driving Bec between skating rinks - and I think I will need the jumpers and coat - doesn't look too nice outside today.

Catch you later......

Happy Birthday Sean!

2008-05-11T00:07:00.004+10:00

My little boy isn't so little any more - 5'11" tall, a lovely girlfriend of nearly 2 years and he's now 19! Where have all those years gone?

Where is April going......

2008-04-22T21:31:00.010+10:00

I can't believe it is the 22nd already - this month is really flying. And I haven't posted for nearly 2 weeks so you'd better grab a coffee.

Bec's had another skating competition (but not done as well as she had hoped) and is studying hard. Sean is doing well at TAFE but not having the same luck with his car. It was broken into out the front of our place - they only took some coins he had in a hidden compartment leaving huge quantities of CD's and other things in the car. We have noticed 2 other cars in the street have been broken into since them - they always go in through the drivers door and leave it ajar. Today he had the valve caps stolen from his tyres. Em is still loving her school and is off to Yea again next week.

Survivor competition finished this week our last 2 layouts were to convert our 6 x 12 from the previous week into a 12 x 12 and to do a layout on mothers using no photographs.

The winners were announced on Sunday and I didn't place but had a great time.

Wendy dropped in for a coffee on Friday - it was lovely to see her. Friday doesn't quite seem the same without having a coffee and chat with her.

Emily and I cybercropped on the weekend. I only got one layout done - a blind crop - very strange working with instructions and no idea what the end result will be. Em had to do a layout about me.

Sunday Em and I dusted off the bikes, attached the rack and drove to Chelsea Park. We then rode to Patterson Lakes via the bike track through the wetlands, along the river bank then stopped at my mother for a drink (and to give the poor body a bit of a break) the rode back again. I haven't been out on my bike for nearly 18 months so I was happy that I survived. Could be the gel seat I have - poor Em wasn't so lucky so I think I had better get her one too.

Today it is Sarah's (Sean's girlfriend) mum, Toni's birthday so sent Sean over tonight with a card and he bought her some flowers. She was supposed to start chemo tomorrow but it has been postponed as she hasn't healed as well hoped from surgery. We are praying for a full recovery.

All done for now, congratulations if you made it through!

April so far......

2008-04-10T21:16:00.008+10:00

It's so long since I posted. Life here is busy as usual between work and running kids around. We are in countdown to the end of financial year mode so have 2007 tax returns, BAS's and financial planning to get through before then. And - as usually happens - I can feel the exhaustion, both physical and mental setting in. Bec is off at her coaching accreditation course tonight when really studying for her chemistry test might have been better. I really didn't need another hour of driving after an hour coming home from work. Yay - day off tomorrow.

Cybercropped last weekend on Julie's Scrapping Jewels and I even used bits from my Dolly Kit for one of them.

Last fortnight Survivor layouts were a double page and a 6x12.

This fortnight I have to turn the 6x12 into a 12 x 12 and do a page on mothers - with no photos. Then its over and its point counting time.

One of those days.....

2008-03-28T14:33:00.003+11:00

Every have one of those days when you haven't seen anyone for ages then......

Drop into Wendy's to pick up kits and see Merle (and kids and Bowie!!) then....

Find an elusive table in the food court at Frankston and who is on the table next to me but
Leeanne and Madeleine then......

Drop into Lincraft and see Sarah at work then.....

Go next door to Gloria Jeans and say hi to Cindy and Vesna (and kids)!!!

Poor John got left to fend for himself...lol

And my Ski layout has won the challenge and I can look forward to a present in the mail

It's been a good day!

Easter is over for another year.....

2008-03-24T14:09:00.004+11:00

The break seems to have gone quickly - with John and kids working during the weekend it doesn't seem much different to a normal week except that it is now school holidays.

It's John's 50-something birthday today so we ducked out for a quiet coffee after we dropped Bec to work. Haven't decided what to get him yet so just put some scratchies in his card.

Last night did a surprise challenge layout on Chookscraps - it was a sketch and we had less than a day to upload.

My last Survivor layout won the Castaway prize for the week - this fortnight we are getting distressed. Double page, at least 3 photos and 5 forms of distressing. Sounds fun.

Can't to pick up my new Dolly kit. The colours look fabulous this month.

Back to work tomorrow - it will be frantic for the next couple of months but then I am planning to escape with friends!

Some new layouts....

2008-03-16T21:21:00.005+11:00

I have finished this week's Survivor layout - I am on Castaway now but we still do the same challenges and get points for them. We had to use black and white - including photo and one colour. I finally scrapped the photo of Carol and I at Deveroli's in Acland Street - the lovely girls on the next table took it for us. We have known each other for years - but this was the first time we had met.
TLC Salt & Pepper papers, Bazzill and CM cardstock, HS chipboard heart and red flower, Green tara flowers, SEI button, pens

This was a challenge from the previous weekend - brown, mustard, green cardstock and autumn colour flowers.
Cardstock - TLC and scrap Bazzill, brads, misc flowers and pen

This is a combination of 2 challenges - Wendy's sketch layout and Scrapping Around's Leaf printing challenge. I had cut the photos for the sketch challenge and never got around to using them. The printing on the green card is done with a skeleton leaf and white and gold ink. And yes, it is a sushi mat. Love the simplicity of it.

Otherwise a quiet weekend. It was nice to get the rare opportunity to sleep in.

Yea Day...

2008-03-11T21:48:00.003+11:00

I am waiting for Emi to crash - she has been on such a high since getting home from her day at school. The 2.5-3 hour bus trip each way was very tiring but its her first time at Yea and she loved it. They only do the trip there twice a term so they can use science labs, kitchens, sports gear etc. The rest of the time her school group meet at local footy club rooms(which are really lovely - airco and views over the bay).
The best bit was when she rang me at lunch time then told me that she couldn't talk, her friends were waiting! This is such a different girl. She is starting to get some confidence in her abilities and has now decided she likes wearing red. Em has been writing (and now her story so far has 5 chapters) and she has been doing her homework happily. She believes she can achieve.
And all because, when she was bullied out of school early last year and couldn't even walk into the room where she goes to school now, one special lady would not give up on her. Kevin and Miriam, two of the AYCE teachers that worked with Em last year, sometimes cannot believe what Annette has achieved for the kids (and how she gets it funded!) but it works.
We know it is working for one girl who just wants to go to school.

Survivor 3 layout.....

2008-03-06T14:30:00.004+11:00

ETA: I am now officially a resident of Castaway Island - the final 10 are left on Survivor. This week's challenge B&W photo, B&W and only one other colour on layout - must have been a week ahead of myself!

This one was a sketch layout. As I am concentrating on old photos this year I have used one from my mother's wedding.

Trivia time - as was often the habit then the dress was cut to evening dress length and dyed so it could be worn again. It was worn once and she regretted doing it and never wore it again. I made my dress to match the colour of the veil (it was a magnolia satin not white) and my mother made my garter out of the remains of her dress.

Is it time for a rest yet.....

2008-03-05T12:10:00.003+11:00

Being a bit naughty here and ducking in from work as I don't think I have have had 5 minutes to myself at home for the last week - so photos will have to wait.

Due to problems with the lady who was to meant to be making the costumes for our littlies teams - and incorect measurements done by someone who should have know better - a week before their first competition for the year there were no costumes! Time for a sewing bee - and naturally the ones who did all the work were not the parents of those children it was a few of us from the senior team who dropped everything (including making my own daughter costume) to get these done. I finished remaking the last 2 on Saturday and made Bec's but didn't have time to finish and fit it as I would have liked. Luckily she wasn't too fussed. The whinging from some of the parents though was totally unacceptable and wouldn't make me want to do anything for them again in a hurry. I did get given a lovely box of roses by the committee which was a nice gesture

Bec didn't feel that she had skated particularly well, and because I can never be fussed with writing down all the scores as we go we thought she may have placed 3rd. Imagine our surprise when she was announced as the winner - her coach was very happy. This is her first individual win in a Championship grade. All looks good for making Nationals this year.

Em is loving school still and even wants to do homework. Next week she has a "Yea Day" and gets to spend the day at Yea Secondary College - her first time in a "normal" school for 12 months.

Tonight I have to do my Survivor layout as it needs to uploaded by tomorrow night. Nothing like a last minute job to spur creativity...lol

Weekend round up.....

2008-02-24T17:17:00.009+11:00

Over the last couple of days I have completed 30 - 6x6 layouts for the Southern Cross Kids Camp.

Julie Stone is calling on kind-hearted scrappers to create the simplest, most basic 6" x 6" (Photo size is 5" x 3.5") background LO's for the kids at SCKC. In total they need about 1600 layouts for the kids' books, so every one that you can donate will be a huge help ! Not only is this for a great cause, but it will help you use up your scraps and not-so-new supplies (which means you can then go and buy some lovely new stuff !)...so get scrapping!!

I have been speaking to Julie today and she is amazed at everyone enthusiam. I have also been speaking to friends in NZ and they are busily making pages too. If you look at Julies blog, Cindy's pages are shown.

To read more, visit Julie's blog HERE or contact her via email.

I also found out that I am still on Survivor Island - there are only 20 left from the orginal 47. We have a sketch challenge this time.

I have had some great news this week about Rebecca - my 16yo. She is in Year 11 this year doing a nice light course of English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Maths Methods and Year 12 Further maths. This is on top of her skating training 5 days a week (she will be skating in her team and as an individual at Nationals in Perth this year), and having a weekend job.

Bec has been nominated for a Women in Leadership course - to be held in Sydney for a week in April. We thought that was a big thing until she came home later in the week with a place in Monash Universities High Achiever program and an application to undertake a 6 month research project with the CSIRO, working with their scientists/researchers. She is not brilliant by any means - but is a hard worker. She is learning all about filling in forms!

I had better get back to my sewing - we have Bec's first comp for the year next weekend and she needs new costumes. Can't wait to start playing with the Bejeweller - hot fix crystals sound far more fun than sewing sequins.

I've been tagged, again....

2008-02-21T07:50:00.004+11:00

I've been chased everywhere this week...lol.

I've been tagged by Jen this time.
The rules are: Pick up the nearest book, turn to page 123 and copy down the 5th sentence on that page and the 3 following sentences. Now tag at least 5 other people. Sounds easy - now wheres my book?

"The Ferrari was important; not a brand new one, which I suspect, using his mother's social barometer, he sensed would be not altogether in good taste, but a Dino, a machine which empitomised Enzo Ferarri's genius before he compromised his engineering soul and started building cards for rich, coke-snifing hairdressers, advertising men and the new breed of Wall Streeet bratocracy.
As Damon grew into his late teens he lost the ambition to be a doctor. While, if he applied himself, he certainly had the brains for medical school, he may have known that his body would let him down."

This is from April Fools Day - by Bryce Courtenay. He writes the longest sentences around. I have known Bryce for many years, I worked for George Patterson Bates - one of Australia's largest and oldest advertising agencies and he was the Creative Director of the Sydney Office. This book tell about his family's life with Damon , a haemopheliac.

I tag Vesna, Connie, Amy, Ingeborg and Karen

SOOOOO much in common....

2008-02-20T14:38:00.002+11:00

I had to laugh at my youngest Emily this week. She is attending a new school program this year but although we think she's doing better she still gets into the car at pick up time grumpy. This week she bounced into the car and rang me at work.
The conversation went along the lines of:
"You know that new girl Natalie that started last week....we have SOOOOO much in common"
Em doesn't mix well with anyone she doesn't know. They were sitting at a table working and Nat (not to be confused with Nat rat!) told her that sometimes she has little tics - because she has Tourette's Syndrome - so of course Em says me too. And yes they both have/had rats and Nat has a ferret which Em think is great, they like You Tube and Habbo Hotel on the computer.
Em has never met anyone like her before. Since then she has been happily doing things for me around the house and doing her school work - a different child.
It's a great feeling to be accepted for who you are, tics and all.

Another layout done and tagged....

2008-02-17T21:55:00.004+11:00

Just finished my second Survivor 2008 layout. No patterned paper and flowers - can't complain about that.
Prisma/bazzill cardstock, Hambly transparency, BG rub-ons & stamp, HS letters, Prima flowers, bling, kindyglitz, pens.

TAGGED:-

I've been tagged by my friend Wendy
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).

My middle name is Anne... here goes:
ARTISTIC - Used to be seen regularly with a paint brush in my hand
(and I still have a heap of them on my kitchen windowsill)
NACHOS - Yummy
NIGHT OWL - Always liked the time when everyone else is in bed.
ENTHUSIASTIC - Well usually when I am doing something I like

I think most people have done this - if you haven't done it and would like to share... I tag you too.

15 Key Points to a Happy Life

2008-02-15T11:50:00.002+11:00

I have been attempting to clean my office/creative space this morning as the clutter in my half, thanks to everyone else liking my space too, is causing me stress and almost panic attacks. I am reclaiming my space, and when I have finished I can get back to what I love doing. In my culling of mountains of paper clutter I found the following and thought that I would share it:

15 POINTS TO A HAPPY LIFE

. Compliment three people everyday
. Watch a sunrise
. Be the first to say Hello
. Treat everyone as you want to be treated
. Never give up on anyone; miracles happen
. Pray not for things, but for wisdom and courage
. Be tough minded, but tender hearted
. Be kinder than you have to be
. Don't forget that a person's greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated
. Keep your promises
. Learn to show cheerfulness even when you don't feel like it
. Leave everything better than you found it
. Don't rain on other people's parades
. Be honest about your emotions
. Don't waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them

Who's that girl.....

2008-02-10T22:09:00.001+11:00

Another old photo scrapped for a weekly challenge. Not allowed to use flowers or bling again this week and had to use striped or paisley pp - so I used sheet of Kaisercraft pp and some scrap cardstock and my pen. I am still on Chook Scraps Survivor Island and round 2 suits me - FLOWERS!!! but no patterned paper.

It has been a very quiet weekend, mum's taxi hasn't been too much in demand yet I really haven't got a lot done. And I am happy with that. I need to have that quiet time to recharge and just hang out with the kids. My office/scraproom is one of the smallest rooms in the house but we seem to gravitate there - the girls on John's and my computers and me at my scrap desk. Sean's room is next door - so there are alway interjections from the peanut gallery!

Tomorrow is another day.

I did it....

2008-02-05T23:55:00.000+11:00

I really did! I have resigned from my treasurers position. I did say I would complete the financial year and write an appeal letter I can feel the load lifting - the end is in sight.

My Survivor 2008 layout - had to use green, blue, white and could only use black or brown for ink or journalling.

Em started her new school group yesterday and loved it which is a huge relief. Its good to hear her feeling more confident in her abilities.

Emily has been busy...

2008-02-02T15:06:00.000+11:00

Just thought I'd post Emily's layout from this week - she hasn't done one for a while. Em is 14.

A special note to Amy - remember your red circle! Em was looking through my scraps for colours and your paper was the perfect match.

February.....Already?...

2008-02-02T09:39:00.000+11:00

Looks like this year is off and running as fast as the last one - and left me behind somewhere in the rush. Ever get the feeling that even though you never stop - you never seem to get on top of things. I look at my friends who are extremely unwell, and the death of my father and think that I don't want that sort of reality check to make me reassess my priorities. It is time to take care of myself and look at what is best for me and my family.

. I need to work so I am lucky to have a (usually) caring boss which is so important when there area only two of us in the office.
. I need to be there for my family - and specially for my youngest who is now home schooled in conjuction with her AYCE (Access Yea Community Education).
. I need to take better care of my body. It's time to put my skates back on and use the services of my four legged personal trainer - I hadn't realised how much I have missed exercise - and get rid of some body clutter. And make those doctors appointments I have been putting off.
. I need to create. I am happiest when I am making things - I have been since I was little. I am not going to allow myself to become too busy to play. So far this year I have done at least one layout each week - not as many as I would like - but enough for now. I even dragged out my beads last night and made an ameythst and gold necklace - first time in ages.
. I need to nuture my spirituality. In my rush I am neglecting to take care of that important part of me.
. I need to resign from my voluntary work with a charitable/community service organisation. As much as I owe my life and sanity (literally) to the members of this fellowship my role as state treasurer is getting harder for me to fulfill. There is a city office to run, payroll, gst obligations and now it is really feeling like another part time job to me. We do three year terms and I have done two years of someone else's term when they dropped out and nearly 18 months of mine. I am burnt out.

Funny - I am not into making new year resolutions...

Happy Australia Day....

2008-01-26T11:12:00.000+11:00

Wow it's nearly the end of January already. A special Happy Birthday to Sean T who's 19 today and to Jen - may all your wishes come true when you blow out those candles.

I am having problems with my scrapping assistant - no matter what barriers we put between my computer desk (where Nat and Molly usually hang out with Em) and my work table Nat is getting over it and has to be on top of my work. Kindy Glitz and little feet are not a good combination. We have now supplied, at great expense to the management, a home away from home so maybe Nat will sleep instead of "helping".

I have done 2 challenge layouts this week

This is one of the January Challenges for Chook Scraps (Challenge 2 - sketch)

This one is for Scrapping Around - we were able to use flowers this week - but no patterned paperI am really pleased that so far this year I have done at least one layout a week. Now I am off to Survivor Island to work on my next layout.

My baby brother has just turned 40 - very scarey for me - especially when you know our age difference. But what do you buy someone who doesn't need anything (and definitely wouldn't appreciate something hand made!) Better head to Bunnings.

With a little help from a friend....

2008-01-19T22:58:00.000+11:00

Today I did a layout for a challenge on http://www.scrappingaround.net.au/ . We were given the title - Back to Basics - and had to use black cardstock, purple and jade/green paper, ribbon, stickers, eyelets, rhinestones and pearls. We could not use chipboard - fine, I could handle that. The other no no was FLOWERS!!!! NO FLOWERS AT ALL - now that is a major problem.
This left me only one option - call in help!

Select the paper:

Cut some cardstock:

The eyelet is in here somewhere:

Nat's job is done:

The finished layout:In the process I had to rescue my sanding disk, ink, eraser and ribbon from Nat rat - apparently they are quite tasty!

Another layout finished...

2008-01-15T21:09:00.000+11:00

I have just finished another layout from our old family slides. The photo was taken at my grandparent's house in Seaford in 1962. I would have been four, Brett three and Michael a few months old. There is a hidden journalling tag under the picture.

Product used: Bazzill cardstock, Basic Grey Oh Baby paper, Green tara flowers, misc flowers, brands, ribbon, Delish Bistro rub ons, Kaisercraft gems, Carolee Creation letters, MM rub in letters, misc photo corner, Autumn leaves stamp. The butterflies are stamped on acetate.

My holidays are over :( ...

2008-01-13T20:24:00.001+11:00

I can't believe I am back to work tomorrow. It was very strange to be at home for the holidays. The only good thing was that I was home for the big sale at Paperdoll and actually got to go to coffee morning on Thursday. It was a special week with both Merle and Vesna's birthdays. Glad your dog is improving Merle. Vesna's car was sitting inconspicuously in the car park - very difficult when it is bright pink! I rarely get there on a Thursday so it was great to catch up with everyone. I even got most of a layout put together - might even finish it tonight and post it. Then it was off to the vet with Molly - the rat - who sounded wheezy and rattly. $58 later she has had a shot of antibiotics and Em has to give her antibiotic liquid twice a day for a couple of weeks.

Early Friday morning John and I drove up to Mulwala - not as good as our usual 2 weeks up there but better than not getting up there at all this year. Our favourite band - The Kamis (http://www.kami.net.au/) -was playing at the water ski club so we left the kids at home for a couple of days and booked into an executive suite at Club Muwala (the services club). We have been members there for about 20 years. The show band is made up of 6 siblings - 2 sister and 4 brothers from Tonga and they have the room jumping. The ski club was packed.

The view from our spa room wasn't too bad:
During the afternoon there was a massive dust storm which covered the lake - we found out later that there had been a tornado at Nagambie and the dust and gale force winds we had were caused by it.

The sunrise is always spectacular.

Now I am over the other side of the bridge at the pool - can you see my room and the people skiing??
Whoops close up time - second room from the left upstairs!We always hate leaving the lake - we have been going there for so many years now. With the short time we were there this year (and various injuries) the golf clubs were left at home. Maybe next year.

The kids coped on their own fairly well - Em rang at 11.20pm on Friday to say hello, at 6pm Saturday to find out what I was doing for tea and at 12.30am this morning because there was a spider in her room (a big ferocious daddy long legs!) She has done a good job of playing nurse to Molly, who seems to be much better. Bec worked 2 of the days and Sean came home to sleep! I've come home to clean up.

Back to the grind tomorrow.

K x

Christmas is for little kids....

2008-01-08T19:04:00.000+11:00

I forgot to post some pictures of the Sunday before Christmas where we celebrated with John's family at his mother's house. John's grandson is now 16 months old and knows exactly what happens when the pretty paper comes off! His favourite present of the day was a slide from my sister in law.

He was trying to climb up the slide before Sean and Joel, my nephew, had put it together.

Welcome to the New Year....

2008-01-02T11:44:00.000+11:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

I hope this year brings peace and joy to you all.

My resolution for this year is to find my lost creativity - and sometimes not think - just do it.

To start the year - I have already done my first layout. My goal is to work through my own childhood photos - many I haven't seen as they are on slides.

This is my mother at about 16

And I finally finished the layout I started before Christmas

I am not over flowers yet...lol

Hope to catch everyone soon - still got 11 days left of my holidays YAY

Karen x

A new addition to the Jones family....

2007-12-30T11:04:00.000+11:00

Just had a very exciting text - my friend Kirsty and husband Davin are the proud parents of Cooper Aeron, born yesterday. Corey is now a big brother!
You don't have to worry about stocking up on pink bits for your scrapbooks now!

K xx

A little quiet time...

2007-12-27T09:46:00.000+11:00

I am sitting writing this in a lovely quiet house - John is at work and kids are asleep.

The one thing I notice about holidays is that I never seem to get "me" time. Everyone is home and wanting things - I can't even go to the shops by myself. It seems very strange to be in Melbourne - usually on Boxing Day we head to Lake Mulwala for a couple of weeks. Now I have 3 teenagers who don't want to go there (no broadband internet!!) so John and I will go by ourselves for a few days before I go back to work.

Christmas Day was great - the kids loved their presents. Sean got a 20" flat computer monitor, Bec got a Ninendo DS and Emi a new MP3 player and other bits and pieces. Pancakes for breakfast then off to my mother's for lunch. As usual we had a seafood entree, turkey and trimmings and finished with a huge pudding made to my grandmothers handwritten recipe. There were 16 of us - my family and the Maskreys (who are near enough to family!) - and the day was filled with fun and laughter. I missed my father not being there but we gained Ben. Tom was very frail but was able to be with us. My mother did an amazing job - she does the majority of the work. No wonder she was tired at the end of the day!

I am thankful for a family that can enjoy being together.

Boxing day sales - that's a whole other topic (now I know why I don't like being in Melbourne...lol)

Not many days of 2007 left now.

Karen.

Looks like Santa has been...

2007-12-25T08:34:00.001+11:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!

Karen

My flock have landed...

2007-12-16T17:53:00.000+11:00

My birds have landed on their branches now - there's about 12 of them in the tree. It must be time to start buying presents to put under it.
Crop/party night at Paperdoll was fun as usual Friday night - got a great little paper bag album from Leeanne in the KK. I have made such a great group of friends there - we will have to stay in touch in the New Year (especially as we need to borrow Vesna's stamps...lol). I am having withdrawal symptoms on Fridays already - coffee beats housework any day.

Off to the movies with Em tonight to see Mr Magorium then only 4 more days at work. YAY

K x

Countdown to a break...

2007-12-13T08:14:00.000+11:00

Isn't it amazing how the thought of 3 weeks off keeps you functioning. Gradually the "must do" pile is reducing. Christmas Show is over for another year - and I did not take one photo for a change - Bec had no training last night so I didn't have to go out (except to do three loads of washing - must get washing machine fixed one day!). One Circle Journal layout to complete and they are finished - and on time. More birdies to sew but I need to buy more ribbon so they will have to wait. I can see the top of my desk at work - just - but now its down to getting my easy client accounts done so boss can do tax returns while I am off. Do you think I should tell him I am having holidays????? Bit depressing though that first December BAS's are already arriving in my PO box. Anyone told Michael D'Ascenzio that he needs a break too! (Not until he deposits my tax refund into my bank account though...lol)

Em's gingerbread house is looking a bit...mmm...eaten!

Better think about Christmas shopping soon too.

Karen

Look what my girls have made....

2007-12-05T07:43:00.000+11:00

This year I have been lucky - my girls have been cooking at school. Look what they have made for me!

Rebecca decided that "Spot's First Christmas" was her favourite story when she was little so instead of Santas and snowmen she put him on her cake. Emily came home with this on Monday. I am so happy she has settled into her new school so well and cannot thank AYCE enough for giving her hope.

The only problem is that they want to start eating them now!

Karen

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas....

2007-12-02T14:51:00.001+11:00

Tree is up and this year I have decided after years of putting everything on the tree that I want a more "elegant" look. Maybe its just because the kids are older and don't want to do the "decorating" any more. I have been watching the influx of little birdies (Ngaire Bartlam's project from Crop for a Cure http://scrapblogmebaby.typepad.com/) at PaperDoll and decided that they would be perfect. I loved Amy's cuttlebugged wings and just happened to have some gold sheets left over from my Christmas cards. They are such fun to make.

The outside lights were switched on last night - I think after being left up for 5 years that some new ones are needed, they are a bit faded and some of the wires have come apart. Might take the kids out on a light hunt tonight.

Karen

Weekend reflections...

2007-11-26T17:03:00.000+11:00

I have been away at Mount Martha for a couple of days for meetings and fellowship and feel spiritually refreshed.

A slight challenge on Saturday when we confirmed that there were no caterers booked for dinner. I did a quick trip to the supermarket and within half an hour dinner for 40 was organised. Everyone enjoyed it far more that the catered meal last year - and the bonus was that it cost heaps less. Roast chicken, pasta salad, coleslaw, tossed salad, baked potatoes, hot bread rolls (we had 2 large catering ovens so it made it very easy) - and enough cold chicken left to contribute to our lunch on Sunday. I had also donated a box of handmade Christmas cards and sold around 30 of them. Can't wait until next year.

Might have been nice to come home to a clean kitchen...but then my front verandah had been tidied and I could get past the boxes at the front door so I can't have everything.

Only 1 more BAS to do and I have finished for another quarter YAY!!!!

Dolly is having a makeover....

2007-11-21T12:59:00.000+11:00

My home away from home is closing :(

Very sad for me, but in the scheme of things, the best decision for Wendy and her family. I have been so lucky to have found this little haven - I walked in on the day it opened and met Leeanne - who at that stage hadn't even done a layout. Booked in for the shop's first crop night and stayed ever since.

Wendy has made Paperdoll more than a shop - it is a community of friends. I have met so many wonderful ladies there. Friday mornings have always been drop kids off, clean up at home as quickly as possible then off to have coffee with Wendy.

No more running around the corner when I need a piece of cardstock or something else I have forgotten (or when family are annoying me!) and no more Harry's cheeky smile on a Saturday.

See you after your makeover Dolly xx

Karen

Thought for today....

2007-11-19T22:43:00.001+11:00

Downhill run...

2007-11-17T22:36:00.000+11:00

Today I had to be in the city at 9.30 with Bec as her rollerskating club were participating in the Myer Christmas Parade. It was huge and the organisers did an incredible job. It was a brilliant way to showcase community groups. The parade started in Spring Street and went down Bourke Street to the Mall and Myer Store. For anyone unfamiliar with this street - it is on a hill. This is fine for all the groups dancing or marching but when you are on rollerskates AND have to negotiate trams tracks and drains it is very scarey -and quite dangerous. Luckily no one fell.

Their coach doesn't want them to do it next year

Bec got a bit sunburnt on her back - where we put the sunblock. The Mall was packed and the parade was televised on Channel 7 tonight.

Tomorrow I plan on a sleep in! Then need to prepare some audit work papers - and write annual reports for printing on Monday - fun! I really want to be making my last batch of Christmas cards and finishing circle journals. I know Emily will want me to do other things with her.

Just for today - I will take care of myself and have an early night.

Karen

The week has ended....

2007-11-16T23:39:00.000+11:00

Today we farwelled my father. The service was lovely - bright, cheerful and full of memories. We decorated with his footy scarves and the flowers were Swans colours. I was very impressed with his minister - when he spoke it was clear that they knew each other well. Two of my brothers delivered the eulogy and my daughter Rebecca stunned everyone with her clear and expressive scripture reading. I caught up with relatives and family friends I had not seen in a while. My boss gave me these lovely flowers yesterday.

Thank you everyone for your kind messages. The support I have received has really helped during this week.

Karen

A long 3 days.....

2007-11-13T22:07:00.000+11:00

In the last three days my world has been turned upside down. My father was diagnosed with leukemia and we were told that he would probably only be with us for two or three days. One of my brothers raced here from the country and my uncle flew over from Devonport to join my mother, me and my other two brothers. Although he was very weak we had a lovely day with him yesterday - one that we will all treasure. He even spoke to Bec on the phone. He knew he had a difficult road and spent some time with his minister. The doctor kept telling us how brave he was. He deteriorated rapidly over night and passed away this afternoon with all his family around him.
The care and dignity shown to him and the family by the doctors and staff on 33N at Monash was wonderful - a room change away from a noisy door, making sure we had enough chairs and keeping him as comfortable as possible the whole time. Palliative care staff and social workers dropping in to look after all our needs and queries. We were kept informed at all times and nothing was too much trouble. I thank you all.

23 Years....

2007-11-10T09:02:00.000+11:00

Wow - is it that long since I was young and single! Where have the years gone?

Don't think I would fit in the dress anymore as I was only 55kg then - and thought I was fat! I took a week off work to make it - and I still use the same sewing machine. Thanks to my mother all seams were either french or neatened properly and I used a pattern - she doesn't cope with me just laying material on the floor and cutting it! John came up a treat in a formal suit.

Life and partnerships have ups and downs - but they are worth fighting for.

Happy anniversary John xxx

Kaz

A work in progress......

2007-11-08T15:21:00.000+11:00

Sounds just like me.

I know it will take me time to get everything I want in here - and then I am sure I will want to change it all again. My 3 not so little computer experts are all offering help to write everything in Html, give me pretty colours, and probably put their You tube and Sketchfu links in. Thanks guys, but.....

I was excited to hear my American Crafts layout for Paperdoll won this month's challenge. So were Sarah and Sean - which was lucky as I pinched the photo out of the shared folder on my computer.

I haven't done many "normal" page layouts lately - I seem to have been doing 6x6 and 8x8 circle journals forever. Not many left now and they are all done. Next time someone wants to start another group I am going say no - well try at least! I received my pages back today from my Boxx of Pages group on Scrapboxx - now I have to do mine and make my journal.

Better go and do some work

Check out my Slide Show!

2007-11-06T22:08:00.001+11:00

Beginnings....

2007-11-05T15:15:00.000+11:00

Today is the first day of the rest of my blog.......