I've been Quiet....

Sorry about that - totally out of character for me! Actually, I've been working on a new product for Scrapapple. Can't say too much about it, but here's a sneaky peak! He he he - I LOVE it!

Still haven't finished my Xmas shopping - looks like another last minute one again lol! I try so hard to be organised but it just doesn't seem to work out for me!

Hopefully will get some more scrapping done this week!

Special "hello" to all my new friends on the Scrapapple forum - what a happening place - LOVE IT!

she's Beautiful

This is the layout of my gorgeous neice Saskia which features in this month's SC.

Photo's a bit dark - sorry about that!

OMG!!!

I just received my Contributors Copy of Scrapbook Creations Issue 37 and I'm in the Top 6 for the Ultimate Scraproom Makeover!!!!! What a thrill!

I have also got my first Step by Step in there of my gorgeous neice Saskia! And a layout of Jonah!

There is also a wonderful article by the talented Sarah van Wijck - her first time in SC!

And...one by Kirsten Butts!

And...a gorgeous layout by the even more gorgeous Susan Johannes.

For those of you who don't know, we are all members of the Scrapapple Design Team so its a real hoot to have us all in there together!

Well, I'm off to see my next husband (Robbie Williams) in concert tonite - it looks like its going to rain! Oh, well, I can handle it if he can!

The Drought Breaker

I did this little book last nite and this morning - I find that sometimes when my Mojo's en vacance that it helps to do an altered "something". I think I like it! (Although it really may be just terrible and I'm desperate to actually do something lol!)

Please be kind!

Hello to all my new friends on the Scrapapple.com.au Forum! If you haven't had a look yet, try and pop in - we'd love to have you on board!

DANG!!!!

Dang Mojo's gone again. Grrrr. I think its retired for the Christmas Holidays.

Easy Peasy

I finally did it! I made something that took less than one hour, yes, less than one hour from start to finish. Ok, so its not really flash but I will use them at Christmas time!

Sarah look out....I may go minimalistic lol!

Also, SCRAPAPPLE have now gone LIVE with their Forum and we want to turn it into one of the active Forums! Please take a sec and go and register and start chatting girls!!!

And another.....

Did this one a while ago. Heaps of Magistical Memories chipboard stars - gotta love them!

Different than originally planned but four little hands got into it and I had to add a few extra pieces lol!

He's Got ALL the moves!

A layout I did today using the gorgeous Stemma papers! I love this photo of Jonah doing his "dancin'" thang! He just thinks he is soooooo cool - I love it!

Christmas Windows

As a child, every year, my Mum and Grandma used to take me into the City and the Valley to see the gorgeous Christmas windows - I will NEVER forget the excitement of that!

Yesterday, Mum and I took the little boys into the City (on their first train ride!) to see Santa and look at the Christmas windows! Although there were only two windows done up in Myer (btw they were absolutely gorgeous!), the boys thoroughly enjoyed themselves! The train ride was so exciting for them...AND... they went to see Santa!!! Of course, we got the obligatory Santa Photo! They are at such a beautiful age for Christmas now and are VERY excited!

I'm so glad we went this week so as it wasn't too crowded! We were ALL exhausted by the end of the day but I'd do it again tomorrow just to see the looks on their little faces.

A Question

Question: What's square and yellow and hangs from the wall of the twins' bedroom?

Answer: Why, its a piece of dried up cheese, of course!

Don't ask me how it got there, but it got there last nite - and I had the joy of removing it this morning! Don't you just love boys?!?!?

Same old, same old.....

Another gorgeous Monday morning! Kids at kindy/school - aaah, bliss!!!

Didn't do any scrapping over the w/end but finished this one off on Friday nite. Very basic but I think that kinda' suits the photo! Anyhoo...see if I can come up with anything exciting this week lol!

Had a gorgeous day 4WDing yesterday and ended up at O'Reilly's - found a fabulous 4WD spot and camping grounds. Might try and take the boys away for a couple of nites over the Xmas break. Not much else to report!

Hope everyone has a great week!

An oldie...

I did this one ages ago but never got around to posting it!

Looking at my work, I have decided that I really don't have a style yet - I'm a bit all over the place but I do know I love chipboard and I love stitching - both machine and hand. Other than that, I guess a style will develop over time!

He, he, he!!!!!

I just LOVE taking photos of my kids being goofy!

A couple of layouts

A photo of Jonah in his Superman cape - experimenting with colour here!
A photo of the very intense Levi

This one's for you Susan!

OK. I haven't posted in a while.

The reason - I'm starting to feel like all I post about is kids being sick....and yes....it happened again. Last Thursday nite, Levi came down with high temps 39.5C and he was like that until yesterday. Honestly, this has been the WORST year for kids being sick! I can't believe it and I am soooooooo over it! Actually I burst into tears when his temp soared - I just thought "not again" but, hopefully, next year will be better.

A LO for Me!

I did this layout last nite - just for me! I am trying to teach myself about Photoshop and this was a bit of a play with a photo I took of Jonah at Bribie Island last month. Very subdued layout but I kinda like it!

Kids are all well (woo hoo)!.

BTW huge congratulations to the gorgeous and extremely talented Sarah van Wijck for her appointment to the For Keeps Elite Team 2007. Honestly, if you get a chance, pop over to her blog - her work is just AMAZING. I am sooooo happy for her that I feel like its happened to me lol!

I'm back!!!!

Woo Hoo - after a hellish couple of weeks, I feel like I'm back in the land of the living (touch wood!). Zane's at school, twins at kindy, me at home - scrapping today (so much to catch up on) - might even think about getting the housework up to date (maybe tomorrow but no promises).

I'll even put up a layout to share - this is using the Magisitcal Memories November release chipboard frame and also the gears - they are fabulous for boy layouts.

Keep checking in - I might even put up a RAK later in the week!

Not much news

I haven't been blogging much lately because, in all honesty, not much happening here!

Jonah's still not well - off to doctor again today - so we're all very housebound - mama's going a bit stir crazy I'm afraid - aaargh.

Here's a layout I did the other day.

Another Day in Paradise.....

Good news - Levi is better. More good news - he is learning to share! Not so good news - he has shared his sickness with his twin brother. Bad news - Jonah is now vomiting and has gastro. Aaaargh!!!!

When I checked my email this morning I had a laugh at this one... (SPAM of course!).

"Hello to you!
You gape for shooting like you had seen in those films…
Tonight you’ll prove your volume"

ROFLMAO! I just LOVE this! I think its terrific!

Layout is of Jonah - does anyone remember this song or am I showing my age - it actually used to be in a Levi's Jeans ad in the 70's.

A Layout !

Not too flash but haven't had much time to scrap. Levi is still sick.

Things just ain't goin' my way atm....

Nothing much to say except I was supposed to be working with Dawn and Kelly at the Craft Show today. Right on cue, Levi woke up with SEVERE gastro. I know he can't help it but I am soooooo disappointed. I think I will be happy to see the end of this year - a year of extreme contrasts and personal conflict.

This is a little box I did for my mum a while ago. I haven't done much scrapping this week so not much to share. Trying to look on the bright side but struggling today.

Laying Low

Well, I've been laying low over the last few days - nothing much to report. Been doing a little scrapping (not much though) mainly working on DT work so nothing to share at this stage.

A little grizzle for today though:

Does anyone know how to stop all those bl**dy unwanted emails (I think its SPAM)? How do I tell them that I personally don't suffer from erectile dysfunction, my penis doesn't need enlarging or that I really don't want to invest in some South African share portfolio????? Grrrr!

Layout Share

I did this the other day but haven't gotten around to uploading it yet. I love this photo of Levi (he's got such a great character face). Hope you like it!

On the home front, I've got Round 2 of my chest/sinus/ear infection so I'm not feeling particularly chirpy! Kids are well atm (touch wood). DS1 back at school again this week and he's loving it! He can't believe how much more school work (and homework) they do at the new school - kinda makes you wonder what the heck goes on at most public schools doesn't it?

Hopefully (if I can stay awake) I'll get some scrapping done tonite.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Slack Blogger!!!!

It was bound to happen again! Sorry about that!

Now girls, I really would love to see some more Aussies on the Magistical Memories boards! There products are available over here now (if you need to know where email me and I'll fill you in!). PLEASE join up - they have some fabulous comps and challenges going on - too good to miss out on - and the girls are just BRILLIANT!

OMG!!!!

The fabulous girls at Scrapapple have just announced some new members of their Design Team. Get a load of this....they are:

Julie Love
Rachelle Minett
Kirsten Butts

WOW, wow, wow, wow, wow!!!!! Talk about talent!!! And inspiration!!! Take a look at Julie's Blog (I'm still trying to get details of Kirsten's and Rachelle's) and breathe in the inspiration!

So please keep an eye on the Scrapapple site - they have some BIG things coming and, truly, you won't want to miss out!

{methinks I'd better remove thine finger and start creating...and fast!}.

Magistical Memories -NEW MESSAGE BOARD/GALLERY!!

Wooo Hoooo! In time for their October product release, Magistical Memories are celebrating their brand new Message Board and Gallery!

For those of you who aren't quite sure who they are (where have YOU been hiding???) Magistical Memories made the most SENSATIONAL chipboard!!!

They really are a fabulous bunch of girls and some AMAZING talent. Go over and register as a member and lets get some Aussie talent over there!

Altered Sugar Cube!

For our first real DT Challenge at ARTYPANTS, we got one of these fantastic Sugar Cubes and some gorgeous Urban Lily paper.

These are so much fun!

Our Garden Angel....

I took this photo of Levi earlier this month when we had some rain - he was running thru the puddles in the backyard for about 30 minutes when he had, of course, a spill! Instead of freaking, he just calmly took off his wet clothes and spent about the next 30minutes running thru the garden nude - just gorgeous!

Fab Sunday!

We had such a lovely day yesterday - we went off-road driving on the beach a Bribie Island - gee it has changed so much over the years. Went with Tim's Mum and Dad, so it was a real family day - weather perfect, little ones as good as can be expected!

It seems so long since summer has been here and it is so good to have this gorgeous weather back (even though I know we need the rain). Got some great photos of the day.

Not a scrapbook was touched yesterday and Saturday, I just did my class - that was fun. I'm really enjoying teach and the girls all seem to enjoy themselves which is the main thing.

A Layout !

I actually did this the other day but decided it had waaaaaaay too much white space for me lol! I've either fixed it or totally ruined it lol!

I have no life....

Just thought I'd let you know.

BTW what has happened 2 every1 in Blogland? I MISS U!!!

Croc's Rule Steve and a Layout to Share

I hadn't planned to watch this morning's memorial service for Steve Irwin but I'm sooo glad I did. Cried like a baby!

What an incredible man - surely we can all take just a little piece of him into ourselves and learn to really LIVE life. Wow - to have that gusto and love to life - something it is way to easy to take for granted. I think his adored daughter, Bindi, will also be a very special person.

Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.

Jill's Parenting Tip for the Day

NEVER EVER leave a full jar of Vaseline (or similar) in a 4yo's bedroom unattended!

Levi came down with a high fever 39.5 degree last nite and, as he won't take medicine, we have suppositories on hand to do the job (charming, I know!). I have really got it down to a fine art BUT after doing the job left the Vaseline in his bedroom.

About 30mins later, temperature starting to drop, he comes out with his head completely smeared in Vaseline (as well as some books, his bed, toys, etc., ete.) AND he had also smeared his sleeping brother's hair.

TODAY I have washed everything that can be washed!

Unfortunately, after using Baby Shampoo, Adult Shampoo, Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, Soap AND Kitchen Detergent (not to mention two screaming 4yo boys) we have not been able to shift the Vaseline from the hair!

Any tips would be appreciated!

Scrapapple Blocks

I don't know if anyone knows too much about them, but I've just done a set of Scrapapple blocks - they are just fabulous - they require alot of tenacity but are really worth it!

I've "themed" these on Important things in my life. Hope you like them!

Here's a sneaky peak - the rest are here

A Layout !

I actually produced something yesterday! Hope you like it!

Back to "Normal"

Children well
No. 1 son started new school and loving it
Kindy 2day and 2morrow
Scrapped a little 2day
A little more sleep needed
But alive and well!!!

Is it just me or
is it VERY quiet in blogland atm?

Missing every1!

Tagged!

Thank you MarniT! What are friends for?

1. If you could build a house anywhere, where would it be? I would LOVE to live in Mt Nebo in Queensland - a very small little down with magnificent views. Just far enough away from the City.

2. What’s your favorite article of clothing? Jeans

3. Favorite physical feature of the opposite sex? I like nice hands - long fingers and nice naturally shaped nails.

4. What’s the last CD that you bought? Robbie Williams Greatist Hits.

5. Where’s your favorite place to be? Anywhere where its quiet.

6. Where’s your least favorite place to be? I HATE cities - too crowded, too noisy, too dirty.

7. What’s your favorite place to be massaged? Like Marni and Trist, I HATE massages. I find it an invasion of privacy.

8. Strong in mind or strong in body? Mind

9. What time do you wake up in the morning? Usually at 5:00am. its the only time I have to myself, if only for 30 minutes or so.

10. What is your favorite Kitchen appliance? Dishwasher

11. What makes you really angry? People who can't genuinely celebrate another's success.

12. If you could play an instrument what would it be? I can already play piano, flute, piccolo, guitar, and a little violin, so I would love to play the cello.

13. Favorite color?. Orange/Purple

14. Sports car or SUV? SUV - I think sports cars are REALLY wanky!

15. Do you believe in an afterlife? It is a comforting thought but we'll have to wait and see!

16. Favorite children’s book? Huge fan of CS Lewis Chronicles of Narnia series

17. What’s your favorite season? Spring.

18. What is your least favorite household chore? I hate wiping the "sink salad" out of the sink - yuk!

19. If you could have one super-power, what would it be? The power to heal. Its probably a bit cliche, but it would be great to be able to take people's pain away.

20. If you have a tattoo what is it? I have a little one on my right shoulder - it is of 3 hearts.

21. Can you juggle? Only the kids lol!

22. The one person from your past that you wish you could go back and talk to? I would actually like to have known more about my Dad - we really didn't get on too well and I would love to really get to know him.

24. What’s in the boot of your car? A bloody Lego car that zooms across the boot every time I take a corner - I keep forgetting to take it out - grrrr!!!

25. Which do you prefer, sushi or hamburger? Definitely hamburger - I think sushi is REVOLTING!!!

Done! Now I tag SusanJ and Sarahvw.

Busy Day

As No. 1 son starts a new school on Monday - just decided to book him in yesterday - we had to go an have another tour of the school, get him fitted for uniforms, buy books, etc., etc. today. Mum came over and we all went as she was buying his uniforms. We literally just got home and now I'm exhausted - wow, I'm getting waaaaay too old for this! BTW he looks so gorgeous in his uniform - he is only 12 but is just under 170cm tall - what a spunk!!!

Now to work out how we're going to pay for all of this lol!! His last term at school is twice what we paid for his whole year at the other one!

Oh well, at least he'll be prepared for High School next year - this school goes from Prep to Year 12. Mind you, we certainly won't be sending the twins there for Prep - I really can't justify $5,000 each for Prep - that's alot of Playdough and Paint they'd be using!

While Jonah was sick.....

This is what Levi and I did during our (rare) rainfall!

Jonah is DEFINITELY getting better - the attitude is coming back, they are fighting and being obnoxious!

Wow, maybe I might even be able to do some scrapping soon! (its been over a week now - the longest ever!)

On the Mend (albiet slowly)

Finally it looks like Jonah has turned the corner. He is actually keeping water down now and was even starting to stir Levi up a bit which is a great sign! Ahhh, how I miss the sounds of them terrorising eachother. No kindy for the boys this week though - I really don't want to risk another illness just yet!

I forgot to mention that I taught my first class on Saturday. I was expecting about 3-4 ladies but instead there were 13 of us! We had great fun and apparently everybody raved about it! The funny thing was that I wasn't even the slightest bit nervous. As I'm a real "solo" type of person was a REAL personal challenge for me.

But I took the attitude that I would just be myself - I was showing them MY creations and, on that, I did know what I was talking about. The girls couldn't believe I've only been scrapping for just over 9 months and also couldn't believe some of risks I made them take.

But congrats to all of them because they all took the risks and ended up loving what they did. They have all booked in for next weeks class already and some of them will be bringing friends along as well - looks like it'll be an even bigger one next week! I'm looking forward to it - (wow, I can't believe this is ME talking - 42 and still learning about myself!)

I got another acceptance from Scrapbooking Memories today which was nice but I'm not sure whether to send it off - I really don't like the fact that you send things to them and you don't really know if and when its actually going to get published. Oh well, I'll think about it.

A New Day (thankfully!)

Poor Tim had the Father's Day from Hell yesterday.

If you've been reading my blog, you will know that I had Jonah sick last week with a really severe gastro bug. Well... he seemed to get slightly better on Satuday, but yesterday it hit again...and even worse than before. To cut a long story short, I spent the day with him in hospital yesterday - trying to rehydrate him. He looks skeletal (12.8kg) and has no energy. We got home about 11:oopm last nite. The difficult part with twins is Jonah and Levi have NEVER been apart before and little Levi is acting out because he really doesn't know what's going on. Very difficult.

Anyway, they are still asleep now, so hopefully they will stay asleep for a while yet. They must be exhausted.

And...I have been surviving on about 3hours a nite sleep for the past two weeks and feel about ready to collapse.

Oh well - hope you all had a great day yesterday and that this week brings good things for all of us!

Spare a thought....

I know it is Father's Day, but please take a second to sends thoughts and prayers to this family today.

Basic Grey Gallery Acceptance

Wow - that's a surprise! I just got notified that my layout "Not too Seriously" has been selected for display on the Basic Grey Gallery! What a hoot!.

{edited for SusanJ - you can't please all the people all the time can you????? Here is the link for the Basic Grey Gallery. click here}

Spring has Sprung!

Welcome to September! Let this be a season of new beginnings! In Brisbane we have FINALLY had some decent rain (none in the damns though) and today the sun is shining and it looks to be a glorious day!

On the home front, poor little Jonah was up all nite vomiting and now he has severe gastro. Poor little fellow. The old washing machine will get a hammering today. Its difficult with twins when one is sick as he seems to get all the attention and poor little Levi is being a demon just to get my attention. I guess I can only do what I can do and (hopefully) not lose the plot with him. I only hope Levi doesn't get it as well. He seems to have a stronger constitution than Jonah though (which is bizarre as he is the smaller of the two and is the one who had so many problems in utero), so fingers crossed.

Anyway, gotta go - Jonah is calling!

Aussie Dare #5

The topic for this one was my interpretation of "Focus". Looks a little like the ramblings of an insane woman lol!

Yesterday's Effort

Wow, I can't wait for this month to finish! I'm really having trouble getting out of my head IFKWIM. So frustrated, so scatty and so down. I can't seem to put things in their place. I think I'll treat September as a new beginning.

Too many ideas, too many things to do, no confidence.

Still Struggling!

Finally Levi & Jonah have gone back to Kindy! I haven't done much scrapping - none on the weekend - and no time during the last few days of last week. I sat down today and, naturally, I forget how to do it!!!!! Aaaargh - not again!!!!

Anyway, thought I'd try my hand at an altered item and I've altered an old pen box into somewhere I can keep my safety pins, etc.

Better than nothing lol!

DT Challenge

My first Artypants DT Challenge - using more than six photos (aaargh)!. I did do another one but it was accepted for publication in SC (I think issue 38).

Woo Hoo

Scrapapple Gallery has finally gone LIVE. Have a look here.

Now for other news - when is the Chicken Pox not the Chicken Pox? When its the German Measles!

After having a good look at Jonah's rash and trusting my gut feeling, I took Jo back to the Doctor and, no, he doesn't have chicken pox but he has German Measles!

Before you ask, YES HE HAS HAD HIS IMMUNISATIONS! Grrr, apparently they only work in 98% of cases! He is absolutely covered in this red rash - poor little mite.

Scrapping wise, I am so tired and unmotivated that I haven't produced a single thing - very inspiring!

Oh well, there's always next week!

Hope everyone's having a great weekend

The Pox

Well, today I have two little 4yo boys home with the dreaded Chicken Pox!

After spending the day yesterday mopping and washing up vomit (bewdiful!), today I have two very spotty and itchy children!

I also have my gorgeous 12yo Zane home after a late nite last nite at his Choir concert! So should be a testosterone filled day all round.

Hopefully, I'll have some time to scrap tonite - maybe even the Friday nite Challenge with my gorgeous friend Marni.

Once we have decided what the challenge, I'll let you know - please join in if you wish.

OK, OK, so I've been a bit slack.....

Sorry about that, but I have been a bit dodgy in the blogging department !!!! I'll try not to let it happen again.

Now she's gone I can tell you - I had a sneaky visit from my
{dearest} friend
the fabulous MarniT!!!

I picked Marni up from the Airport on Monday morning and she went home this afternoon - it was so fabulous to see her. For those of you who don't know me personally, Marni and I used to scrap together regularly on a Friday nite until she abandoned me (how rude, I ask you!??!?!??)

Anyway, we had a terrific time together, catching up, etc., etc. - lots of laughs, lots of scrapping, lots of fun. I guess its my turn to visit her next! Can't wait. If you get a chance, pop over to her Blog to have a look at her work and to offer an opinion on a rather interesting topic - crediting inspiration - you can do that by clicking here.


I finished my DT Project for Artypants - our first challenge was to use six or more photos! Aaargh. But what fun! I'm not sure if you've heard about Artypants...but its really worthwhile having a look at it - the DT has some mega talent and really worthwhile keeping an eye on.

Wow!

I have been offered a teaching position of a Saturday at one of my LSS! How exciting!!!

The funny thing is that I have never been to a class so I will have to go to one of their classes this Saturday to see what they actually do lol! It will sure be nice to have a couple of hours "grown up time" and maybe be part of the real world for a couple of hours a week. Yay!

Grrrr....

Thought I'd have a little whinge on here...as no-one listens at home lol!

I HATE WATER RESTRICTIONS...... For those of you who don't live in Queensland, you may not be aware, but we in Brisbane and Ipswich City Councils, we have Level 3 water restrictions which are a pain in the butt!!!!

With Level 3 water restrictions we are only allowed to water our garden by bucket - no hose must be attached to your outside taps. The over 70's CAN use a hose for ONE HOUR on a Sunday.

I said to Mum today, we are thinking of hiring her out at, say $100.00 per hour on a Sunday (because that is cheaper than a fine for hosing). I think that makes perfectly good sense.

Apparently in October they are going to introduce Level 4 Water Restrictions which means no watering gardens at all! Great! That means we spent nearly $10,000 on our gardens, etc. for diddly squat - think of all the scrapbooking products I could have bought for that!!!

Like I've got time (or inclination) at the moment to be filling @#$*! buckets of water up and watering our plants and our grass!!!! Hello!!!

I can't believe in this day and age and in a Capital City that we have water restrictions - great work Peter Beattie and the Labor Government for your forethought in canning the damn projects that were in place nearly 20 years ago by the previous Government. I say big raspberry to you!!!

It Never Rains.....

Had a great day at the Ekka yesterday - ate heaps of junk food, bought sample bags for kids, etc., etc., etc.

Got home to find an acceptance for a couple of layouts in SC and another one for FK. Unfortunately I had to decline the FK one as SC got in first - aaaargh!

Mum is over today which is just lovely. Levi and Jonah are now dressed up as cowboys and Mum and I are wearing Indian Head-dresses - nothing wrong with our family lol! Hopefully will get some scrapping done tonite!

Monday again again!

Well after being possible one of the worst bloggers on the planet last week (except maybe for you Marni lol!) I thought I'd try and blog every day for a while and see how I go with that!

Only problem is I've got such a boring existence lol! Maybe I can create some scandal or start some malicious rumours......LOL!

The most exciting thing that happened to me today was that I actually got a hair cut - woo hoo - looking gorgeous now - hang on to your husbands girls (pmsl)!

Tim's got a couple of days off this week so we'll probably take Zane to the Ekka tomorrow. I've been trying to get out of it (waste of good scrapping money, I say!) but alas to no avail! Never mind - I'll just have to think of the Dagwood Dogs and of all those wonderful germs I'll be picking up and bringing home! Gotta love that!

Back in the Land of the Living!

Firstly a huge
{THANKYOU}
to all who visited my Blog and your messages of support!

It NEVER ceases to amaze me the support from people and I am sooo grateful to you all. A special, special, special {THANKYOU} to Marni, Crissy, Lusi, Sarahvw and SusanJ for your personal support. I can't tell you how much it means to me.

Well, I'm back in the {Land of the Living} again. Its quite amazing but every year, for about two weeks prior I seem to sink into the black hole - not a conscious decision but afterwards I realise what has happened.

I woke up yesterday and it was like the dark cloud had moved and I could see the sun again. Wow - it looks good and it is sooooo great to be back!

I scrapped with Alicia and Sara on Friday nite - not a particularly productive evening for Sara and I that's for sure lol!

Last nite I actually had an attempt at Freestylin' which I really enjoyed. I am really enjoying playing with all different styles of scrapbooking. It is all such a wonderful learning curve.

All's Well....

Thank you everyone who has wondered if I'm okay - I've been a bit quiet blogging this week!

To be honest, I've been a bit down this week. Today, five years ago, my daughter, Billie-Lee, died. She actually died before her birth today, five years ago.

After having Zane 12 years ago, I had six miscarriages (all between 12 and 18 weeks) and one ectopic pregancy. When I fell pregnant (aged 37) with Billie, we were again absolutely terrified that this one would go wrong too.

The pregnancy progressed perfectly and when I passed the 28 week mark we were so sure everything was fine. We even set up the nursery, because she was such a wanted child. Actually, I even relaxed about it all and started getting very excited about her arrival. We had even put the capsule in the car.

This was my first pregnancy that went to full term. I went into labour two days before my due date. Tim took me to the hospital. We went into the labour ward and the midwives did their usual stuff.

When a doctor finally arrived, he failed to find a heartbeat. It was then we realised that our darling, much wanted daughter had died. As you can imagine, we were absolutely devestated.

At 9:00am on August 11, 2001, I delivered naturally a perfectly "healthy" newborn baby girl weighing 6 pound 7 ounces who was dead. The pain of delivering a child who will never take a breathe, who was silent, was almost too much for me to bear.

Whoops, getting a bit teary now. Send a thought my way during the day and hug your babies, no matter how difficult they are during the day. I know I will be doing that to my little handfuls today!

A Few Questions...

I am still trying to search for my long lost mojo! From what I've been hearing, its not alone - maybe there's some really wierd "mojo meeting" going on somewhere and all the mojo's are sitting around laughing at us all, seeing us question ourselves and struggling to put anything down!!!

Well, I've had enough now and, to quote Peter Finch, "I'm as mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore". Mojo (and friends) put that drink down now and come home where you belong!!! I'm not happy with your carrying's on and it can only lead to TROUBLE!!!!

Now, I have a few questions for everyone....

1. Do you scrap better alone or in company?
2. What do your layouts start with? (ie. photo, papers, etc.)
3. Do you ever sit down and produce ABSOLUTELY nothing?
4. Do you ever look at your work and think "blah"?

Just wondering if I'm normal (no smart-arse comments please lol!).

A Layout to Share....

There, its up now - my Aussie Dares Friday Nite Challenge. Hope you like it!

Friday Nite Challenge

Well Marni and I did our second Friday Nite Challenge! This week it was a Black and White layout for the Aussie Dares blog.

With no mojo and no patterned paper, a girl has to do the best she can on the nite lol!

Dang - Blogger won't let me upload photos atm - I'll try again later!

I Need some Serious Help!!!!

Still no mojo! Not good!!

Tonite I will be doing the weekly Marni & Jilly challenge - yes, we are going to attempt the Aussie Dares Black & White challenge - should be interesting with no mojo AND no black and white patterned paper lol! Hmmm, thinking cap on for me! Please join us if you wish! (if I could work out how to put my email link in my sidebar I would so you could email it to me - any tips?)

I think I need an injection of {NEW PRODUCTS} - I am so sick of waiting for new CHA stuff - it seems like its taking forever to come here! What is a girl supposed to do I ask you?

No Mojo!

Oh no, my Mojo is Low! (I hate it when that happens!). Please send creative vibes my way!

Aussie Dares #2

Oh, I forgot - this is my first attempt at an Aussie Dare - I had so much fun doing this - found it hard to start but then powered thru it lol!

Talk about stepping out of your comfort zone - but I guess its all in good fun!

The best laid plans ......

Some things just never seem to happen! I couldn't make Friday nite's crop because Tim didn't end up leaving Ballina until 6:30! So I didn't get to catch up with anyone! You know, I have only ever been to ONE crop in my whole 8 and a half months of srapping!!!

Anyway, I talked for ages on the phone to my dear friend MarniT and we have decided to do our own Friday nite challenge so it still kinda feels like we are scrapping together! This week, we both did the Aussie Dares Teesha Moore challlenge which was a hoot!

Off to pack up and post off some layouts today! Hope everyone has a terrific week!

{Time Waster}

I really do think that I am losing my mind - I have got the concentration of a flea - I really DO have good intentions but, for some reason, I am the Queen of starting things but never getting around to finish them. On the positive side, my DH and I seem to be losing it at the same rate lol!

If you get a chance, have a look at Scrapping the Scraps blog - there is a little comp running there at the moment.

DH is working at Ballina today - I hate him having to drive home in the rain - too long after a day's work - especially after the accidents lately.

Anyway, just got to go and start something else!!!! Have a great weekend!

Scrapping the Scraps!

Wow! I have been invited and have proudly accepted the offer to join Crissy's group, Scrapping the Scraps.

This group is created by the fabulous Crissy Gaylor and includes such fantastic talent as Lusi Austin and Sarah van Wijck. It was created to show people how to get the most out of their leftover pieces - too often we just throw these out and it is such a WASTE. There are so many innovative ideas on the site and it is really worth having a look at!

Oh, my very first Tag (or is it a card)?

I made this from the leftover BG paper and stickers. TFL!

Scrapapple DT Project - Basic Grey

Not 100% happy with this but had to do another BG layout as my last Scrapapple one got accepted for publication! Thought I'd share it with you anyway!

By the way, Scrapapple have finally got their fabulous Projects Section up and running (ok, mine is the first one lol!). Take a peak here.

Get a load of this child!

What is a mother supposed to do with this?

Tuesday again.

Twins were at kindy today! I had to pick up poor Zane from school with a migraine (dodgy genes for migraines I'm afraid) but other than that, Milly came over today so we did some scrapping which was lovely.

I was working on another Scrapapple DT Project (as my original one was accepted for publishing - oops!).

I've also been working on an OTP project for SC which I have to send down tomorrow.

Sometimes things seems all over the place don't they?

Anyway, child free day again tomorrow so I'll be able to get some more scrapping done - I haven't really completed anything for what seems like ages!

Finally - a For Keeps acceptance!

Today I actually received my first acceptance from For Keeps! I have never been able to get anything in there and the funny thing is that I really didn't like the layout lol! Isn't that always the way lol?

Mum came over today and we popped over to Forest Lake to do a bit of shopping and just to get out of the house with the boys. The boys were actually fairly good (it is so hit and miss with them lol!).

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Day from Hell!

No details will be given except to say that whilst I love them to pieces, I am NOT particularly fond of four year old boys LOL. A couple of clues though....

.....Chocolate Ice Magic does not set in a child's hair, even in winter;

....I have actually managed to locate my ONLY set of car keys (in the catcher of the mower);

....it takes four pillows and two blankets stacked on the floor to climb over the raised gate in Zane's room;

....it takes 1 kitchen stool and a pouffe to reach the top shelp of our pantry;

....a child simply cannot eat dinner after devouring 10 Freddo Frogs and half a jar of Nutella.

A Quickie {for today}

I've finally got a layout to share - did this one yesterday when kids were at kindy - very simply and bright - but I just LOVE the Magistical Memories arrows and heart.

Not much happening on the home front today - about the take the boys shopping (hmmmm - fingers crossed) and then come home to do the ironing - wooo - what a wild life!

Woo Hooo - A {me} Day 2Day!

Sounds dreadful, I know, but boys are at Kindy 2day and I'm lovin' it! {I wonder if our mother's felt this way?}

Tagged!

Thank you Sara P! Very kind of you!!! Here goes.....

Four jobs I've had:
1. Marketing Manager for Birch Carroll & Coyle
2. Marketing/Promotions Manager for Radio 4BH
3. PA to President of Australian Law Council
4. Manager Cue Store

Four movies I can watch over and over:
1. Lord of the Rings (1st one)
2. In Her Shoes
3. Harold and Maud
4. Fight Club

Four TV Shows I love to watch:
1. Law & Order SVU
2. Frasier
3. Law & Order CSI
4. Mythbusters

Four important things to me:
1. Family
2. Scrapbooking
3. Photography
4. Memories

Four tunes that play in my head:
1. I Like to Sing (a bl**dy Playschool song that gets stuck lol!)
2. Watching Me Watching You (Rogue Traders)
3. Life (Desiree)
4. Veronica (Elvis Costello)

Four favourite Food dishes:
1. Thai Chicken Yum Salad
2. Veal Pizzaiola
3. Vegetarian Lasagne
4. Falafel

Four websites I visit daily:
1. Magistical Memories
2. Scrapapple
3. Blue Bazaar
4. DP Challenge

Four Scrap Companies I Like:
1. 7 Gypsies
2. Scenic Route
3. Basic Grey
4. Li'l Davis

Four favourite colours:
1. Purple
2. Orange
3. Black
4. White

Four bloggers I tag:
1. Marni T
2. Milly
3. Lusi
4. Viv

Done.......

{Finally} A Layout to Share

Well I actually have a layout to share today - I did this on the weekend and used the new 3 Bugs in a Rug paper. Its VERY feminine for me but I don't often get the opportunity to do a "fluffy" layout. It is of my niece, Sassy, who is 10yo. Hope you like it.

Try again today.....

Well it seems as though I'm back in the land of blogging again (hopefully otherwise all this typing will vanish!).

Yet again I have the twins home from Kindy today - they both now have chest infections (again!). It seems this first year at Kindy is dreadful for picking up new bugs, etc. but I guess it will toughen up their little immune systems.

It sounds dreadful and I really struggle with guilt from it, but I so look forward to my days at home without the little ones. They only started kindy this year and only go two days a week. This has become my "sacred" time for just me. It is usually my days that I scrap and I relish those days. I know that the boys aren't well, etc., but I really feel like I am missing out on "me" time. (I sound a bit selfish don't I?.....I'm really overtired so I guess that doesn't help things).

I get really angry with parents that send their children to kindy when they have green snotty noses and chest colds, etc. Surely, these children should be at home - I always thought that "green" meant infection and, if infectious, shouldn't the child be at home?. (OK, so now I'm sounding judgmental!).

Better get off this trip now lol!

Can Only Do Titles - so no update for now!

xxxxxxxxxx

Quiet Weekend

Child Free Day!

Well today I've actually had a day without the children! As much as I love them, two four year old boys are very hard to handle and sometimes it seems as though I'm never getting anywhere.

Mum came over today and did the school run for me (which takes about 1 hour and a quarter!) this morning AND she is off doing it for me this afternoon! That is such a treat for me and I really don't know what I'd do without her.

So this morning I popped over the the lovely Kelly's place from Scrapapple and got a few goodies - it was so lovely catching up with her.
Since then, I've been scrapping all day and loving it!

Tonite I'm off to the movies with Zane, who wants to see The Da Vinci Code. Knowing me, I'll fall asleep....I wonder if I can go in my jammies and take my blanket with me? As you can see, party, party, party! (And to think I used to be a bit of a wild child!)...ah, the joys of getting older!

Busted!

Don't you hate it when you're the only one up late at nite, you're blog surfing and you're eating chocolate chip icecream - all by yourself - and the next morning your DH discovers chocolate chips on the keyboard?!?!?!? I am sooo busted!

Scrapbook Creations

Well I am now officially a "published" scrapbooker! Woo Hoo - what a huge hoot!!!

This is one of the layouts that was selected for publication. Its a bit wierd because by the time they're published they seem so old!

Today I received my official "contributor's" copy of Scrapbook Creations Volume 32 and two of my layouts are in there! I'm a bit embarrassed about one of them as I'd only been scrapping for about a month when I'd done it (its the little one of Levi - haven't even got a pic of it to show you lol!).

Haven't had the chance to have a good look thru the mag yet but it is my very favourite scrapbooking magazine.

Tim's Nan

I've done a very "traditional" layout of this gorgeous photo of Tim's Nan aged 89. I love this photo of her - I took at at the twins' 4th birthday party and it really is just what she is like. Of course I have used some of the gorgeous Magistical Memories chipboard - lovin' it!

what's Your Style?

Does anyone else find it hard to define their "style" or do you think there really is such a thing? Just wondering.

What exactly is "Freestyle" and are not some "collage" artists doing Freestyle with more texture?

As I've only been scrapping for 8 months, I really don't understand the "style" question. Mind you at 11:50pm on a Thursday nite, I really don't understand much at all!

Well, that's my little snippet for the day. Sleep well!!

Chipboard, chipboard, oh I love chipboard!

As promised yesterday, I have finally managed to get a photo of some of the chipboard from Magistical Memories. It is absolutely stunning.

Actually, I am now lying naked on the floor rolling in it!

{Hmmm, I really have to get out more}

A Better Day!

Well, who could help but feel a bit cheery when you receive a parcel from the US full of the most DIVINE chipboard ever! Yep, my first shipment from MAGISTICAL MEMORIES arrived! I've taken a photo but can't get the bl**dy card reader to work so I'll have to wait until Tim gets home so you can all have a look! Meanwhile, better get off to play with my goodies (he, he, he!)

{Hmmm}

Having one of those "blah" days today unfortunately - you know the ones - can't concentrate on anything, can't manage to finish anything, severely lacking in motivation, etc., etc.? What is also annoying is that I know only {I} can do anything about it but just can't seem to get on top of it!

Anyway, took the little ones to the Playground the other day - very cute. I've popped up a couple of photos - plus one of them dressed as "Super Dags" (its such a funny age isn't it...four?)

Zane came home yesterday which is fantastic - I really missed him but I'm glad he had a good time up the coast.

Oh well, back to try and tackle yet another load of washing, more ironing, cleaning toilets, etc., etc.! {Sounds bl**dy exciting doesn't it lol!!!}