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!!!}

Quickie for the Day!

I did this layout of Levi this morning - I set myself a challenge of 15 minutes and this is the result - very basic but I got it done!

Sassy

I did this layout (very quickly for me lol!) of my gorgeous neice, Saskia, when she was over the other day. She is only 10 years old and is going through that "looking really beautiful" stage. She had just hopped out of the shower and had combed her hair and was watching the television - I just love this photo of her. I am not sure if the layout worked, but I kinda' sorta' like it (I think!).

CONGRATULATIONS!

A HUGE congratulations to MarniT and Sara P for winning the For Keeps A to Z competition! I am so proud of you both - a brilliant win and much deserved! Yippppeeeee!

A True Gift

Sometimes in this life, I believe, we actually are witness to a true gift from God. Last nite, Maggie (my sil) and I went to the Mandy Patinkin concert at QPAC. I spent half the concert with tears of disbelief rolling down my cheeks.
Musically, the man is an absolutely genius - a term that I think is overused nowadays. It is a rare occurrence that I am left speechless, but words completely fail me on this one.

I Never Forget a Face!

I have actually done a layout! It is a photo of my goofy Levi - our boy of a million faces and I will never forget a single on of them!

Sassy and I will be scrapping today which will be nice - she had her first try at a sewing machine yesterday (she is only 10!) and I think I've got her hooked on scrapping!

Zane has gone up to the Sunshine Coast with Nan and Pa for a week so he will have a great time - its so funny how much you miss them when they're away - even though sometimes you fight like cats and dogs, its amazing how much they really are part of you isn't it?

Scrapapple DT Project

I have completed my latest DT project - a dear little keepsake tin with some inserts on a keyring. I have made it for my son, Zane, for his summer of 1995/96. Very cute baby - I could have just eaten him!

Happy 4th Birthday Levi & Jonah!

Well today is my babies' fourth birthday! We have had a wonderful day. Mum came over and stayed last nite as did Saskia, my niece (10yo).

The whole family came over today for birthday lunch which was just terrific. The boys were a little overwhelmed with all the presents and attention but they had a wonderful time. They got a scooter, Superman suit, Buzz Lightyear (for Jonah), Fur Real kitty cat (for Levi), a mix master, kitchen scales, a Leap Pad and other bits and pieces each!

I took some snaps and will upload a couple now - they haven't been edited at all so I hope they turn out alright!

Sassy and I will spend the day scrapbooking together tomorrow! Woo Hoo!

Bye-Bye Marni

Last nite I had my last scrap (for a while at least) with the fabulous MarniT. I am going to miss her so much as she really has become part of our family in such a short time. She did this gorgeous layout for my birthday which I absolutely adore. Thanks Marni (not bad for someone without talent lol!)

I, on the other hand, am suffering from the dreaded scrapper's block! Not good but hopefully it will pass SOON!!!

HUGE NEWS.....

I am absolutely bowled over by this news! I have been appointed as a member of the Design Team for MAGISTICAL MEMORIES! This is a US company specialising in gorgeous, gorgeous chipboard products as well as other things. Their stock is DIVINE and I would love to see it available in Australia!

This is really turning into a great scrapbooking year for me and I am so excited (although a little overwhelmed!).

What is it with 12 yo boys?!?!?!?

My gorgeous boy, Zane, has obviously been abducted by aliens and been replaced with this testosterone-filled, smart-mouthed, dirty, smelly, argumentative, parent-hating monster!

Puberty has reared its ugly head in full force in our house and I'm not happy! How dare he grow up and turn from a cute little boys into a hairy-pimply monster - surely this wasn't meant to happen to my dear little boy?!?!?!

I really have to learn to cope with this because otherwise he and I will probably end up killing eachother - we both ended up in tears on Friday nite (sorry about that Marni) so I'm going to have to research some new parenting strategies. Yuk.

Wish me luck everyone!

Aaah, Monday!

Had a lovely nite scrapping with the gorgeous MarniT on Friday. We have decided to scrap again on Wednesday as we really don't want to have to stop scrapping together! I'm really going to miss her when she moves to Mackay on Saturday morning. What am I going to do on Friday nites?!?!?!?

And, in a first, we both finished a layout on Friday nite! (Will upload when I get the opportunity).

Jill's Weightloss Secrets (guaranteed success!!!)

Well I have finally discovered the absolutely foolproof way to lose those unwanted kgs! And the secret is..........hang around with a bunch of (almost) "virally" four year olds!!!!

Yes, this weekend, after my brief soujourn to the much awaited Australasian Scrapbooking Convention, I returned home with a 39 degree temperature and severe vomiting and gasto!!!! Yeh!!! A weekend spent in bed or sitting on the toilet with a bucket in hand - glamourous stuff, I know, but why haven't I marketed this weightloss secret?!?!? Surely I can load a pill with some rampant gastro virus or something (or has that been done before?). I'm sure Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie would be into it - who needs an uncomfortable colonic when, with the simple pop of a pill, you could induce an automatic "rid your body of every single ounce of goodness it could possibly contain" response - too easy. Could be a marketing frenzy - each pill comes with its own bucket and disposable undies - great stuff (and oh, so tasteful!).

Needless to say, I haven't even touched my scrapbooking stuff for a whole week now (first with sick children and now with me!). Very frustrating I can tell you. Hopefully all will be back on deck later this week so I can catch up on some housework, washing, ironing, etc. and start scrapping!

Oh, Tim bought a new toy on the weekend - a Dyson vacuum cleaner! (I know, many men would prefer something more "butch" but he's wanted one of these forever and it was HALF PRICE! Gotta be happy with that! I have now nicknamed our new vac "Lady Dy" and Tim shall now be known affectionately as "Dodo" when he is seen in her company! (Its a bit rough when that's about the most exciting this that's happened over a long weekend isn't it?!?!).

Hopefully more to report later in the week - take care of you and yours.
XX Jilly

Mandy Patinkin!!!!

I just received a phone call from my SIL Maggie asking me if I would go with her to see Mandy Patinkin in Concert on 27 June!

I am soooooo excited as both Maggs and I have been HUGE fans of Mandy Patinkin for many years! The only thing is, as I said to her, "I think we are the only people in Australia who know who he is! (lol)!". She replied, "That's because we're wierd!"

Hmmm, I'll have to think about that one! Anyway. I'm sooooooooo looking forward to it!

On the home front, now Levi seems to be on the mend but now Jonah has a high temp and gastro! (Oh, the joys of twins!). Never mind. Poor little fellas!

Politically Incorrect!

I've have actually done some scrapping today which feels good.

I have done a photo of Jonah that I took about a month ago which I absolutely adore BUT I have been hesitant to scrap it as it is playing with a GUN! He is a real little boy and has been making them out of his hands, with a stick, with a torch, etc. since before he was two! He finally got his hands on one of Zane's old guns and absolutely loves it!

I think its a pity that, as parents, we feel guilty when one of our children enjoy something that is politically incorrect. I know I used to LOVE playing with guns when I was a little girl - for years! Anyway, its done and in my Gallery if you're interested!

Monday, Monday....

Had a great weekend...birthday and all! Got fists full of cold hard cash for my present so headed to SAM sale on Saturday morning and went wild! It was so nice to be able to spend on supplies without feeling guilty!

Had a birthday dinner Saturday nite with family which was so lovely.

Also, I have found out that I actually won Round 5 of the SAM Weekend Cyber-Crop which is unbelieveable - yet a few more dollars to spend on scrapping goodies!

Can't wait until tomorrow so that I can start using some of my new stash!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Wow. I'm 42 today - I can't believe it! I am heading to the SAM sale today to spend my birthday money - I can't wait!

I have been up since just before 5:00am with Jonah sick. With a family of 5 it seems that we have one thing after another - particularly in winter!

I got some great news yesterday - I got an email from Scrapbook Creations saying that they have chosen one of my layouts to go on display at their stand at the Scrapbooking show at the Entertainment Centre in Brisbane next weekend - what a thrill!!

Tuesday

So I didn't quite reach my 3 times a week goal for my blogging - I tried, but nothing too exciting has happened!

On Saturday we went to SDU which was great - Actually I have NEVER been to a show even remotely to do with scrapbooking so I thought it was great - picked up some great bargains. I finally caught up with Dawn and Kelly from Scrapapple - their shop was soooo busy which wonderful (picture above),

I also FINALLY managed to catch up with Sara and her three gorgeous children. We will have to arrange to get together sans children so we can actually talk like grown-ups (I think I remember how lol!).

I have also been tagged for the first time! (thanks Sara lol!). So, I guess I just do what must be done and get on with it before I forget! Here goes -

I AM: actually a very private person and fiercely loyal
I WANT: just 4 more hours in each day
I HATE: crowds and injustice
I MISS: sleeping in
I FEAR: being the centre of attention
I HEAR: the washing machine in the laundry and the hum of the computer
I WONDER: what the future holds for me and mine
I REGRET: not having my children when I was younger
I AM NOT: very organised but I am constantly trying to get better!
I DANCE: with my three boys and my DH
I SING: loudly and constantly (and probably quite badly lol!)
I CRY: when I see injustice
I AM NOT ALWAYS: using my time constructively
I MAKE WITH MY HANDS: just about anything I put my mind to
I WRITE: as I speak
I CONFUSE: wants and needs sometimes
I NEED: to go to bed earlier!
I SHOULD: really being doing my housework!
I START: getting cranky when I am tired
I FINISH: projects that interest me

There....so my first ever tag! Now its my turn to tag LEONIE, JENNY and MARNI! So...off you go girls!

Hmmm...I'm a Time Waster!

It has finally dawned on me over the past week or so that either I'm the most hopelessly disorganised woman alive or that I'm just a "time waster".

Wanting to shirk all responsibility, I blame, wholeheartedly, my computer. If it wasn't for the cyberworld, I would probably be doing something more constructive with my life!

On the other hand, I have made some wonderful friends in cyberworld and we all seem to catch up on what's happening in eachother's lives and see what we are creating. Egad, I hate a double-edged sword!

I have actually been exercising this week - 4 days in a row (yippee!) and eating better (although I did weaken at the chocolate ice-cream with Choc-Honeycomb Ice Magic (but what's a girl to do?)....but only once!

I did some scrapping today and will upload the layout on the weekend. Marni is coming over tonite which I am REALLY looking forward to. (Mind you, we spend half the nite catching up on what's happening in eachother's lives!).

Hoping to catch up with Sara and the girls from Scrapapple on the weekend at Stamping Down Under (hint, hint, Sara!).

That's all for now!

Brrrrr....Its getting cold!

Winter is in the air! A chilly 2 degrees here this morning - but what a gorgeous day! I love snuggling up under heaps of blankets....almost time to get the electric blanket out!

Last nite, we had two little visitors to our bed. At 12:30am, Levi jumps in. At 3:30, Jonah wakes me up talking about Freddo Frogs! Sure enough, he had turned every light on in the living room and kitchen, moved one of the chairs over to the cupboard and raided the pantry for Freddo Frogs (definitely his mother's son lol!). So ended up with two extra people and the cat in bed last nite! Needless to say, I'm a bit weary today.

I have stuck with my "no junk" policy for two days (what a feat!) and, although I haven't done my walks as yet, I did 30 minutes on the exercise bike yesterday - very proud of myself. (Only hope I can keep it up!). Would love to lose 15kg, but my willpower is shot!

I have a few scrapbooking projects on the go at the moment - I'm doing a small album for Tim's proofs and started doing a layout yesterday of the most gorgeous photo of Levi. Will upload it when its finished.

Have a look at these - aren't they gorgeous? I got one for mother's day and it is just gorgeous!

I am a Dodgy Blogger!!

On no! I have finally come to realise that I am indeed a dodgy blogger! I don't blog often enough. I always go search through my fave blogs and get disappointed when there isn't an update BUT I don't blog often enough! Maybe my life is just a little to dull ATM (which is soooooo true) but I really should have enough creativity in me to make it at least SOUND exciting....Any tips from anyone?

My creativity is low, my children have been a little "off" with one thing or another, my back has been driving me nuts (but is slowly getting better), and have had a rotten cold! On top of this, I have been eating terribly (think of me hunting down long lost Freddos in the pantry lol!) and discovering Turkish Delight Ice-cream (absolutely divine!) and the bulk pack of Turkish Delight Iceblocks (only available in Woolies!). My God, they are soooo good!

So, today is my last hurrah (until the next time!) and after today, I shall remove thine finger and try and become a little more disciplined in all departments!

Perhaps it has been the change of season, (sounds pretty lame doesn't it?!?!) .

I shall challenge myself to do the following:-

1. Cut down (severely) the junk food;
2. Produce at least 2 layouts a week and add them to my Blog;
3. Go for a 30 minute walk AT LEAST 3 times this week;
4. Go to bed earlier than 11:30pm every nite (and then complaining that I'm tired all the time!);
5. Add SOMETHING to my Blog AT LEAST 3 times a week;
6. Eat more fruit and veges;
7. Stop wasting so much time sitting on the computer, surfing the net and never really accomplishing anything!

Does this sound familiar to anyone else? Would anyone else like to join me?

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Had a lovely day today! Mum, Scott, Maggie, Saskia all came over for brunch and left at about 3:30pm. Exhausting but lovely day! House full of family and children.

I actually did my first ever All About Me project for the SAM weekend cyber crop. Found it difficult to work on a layout about me (HATE having photo taken but I managed to crop a photo that Tim took the other day and its come up well!).

I am really thrilled with the result and had a great time with it!

On the Home Front....

We took the little ones out to the park of Sunday for a bit of fun and a photo shoot. We had a ball! Check out this photo of Levi munching on some cheezels!

My back is still playing up which is driving me nuts. I feel like an old woman (no rude comments thanks lol!) and to top it off I have come down with a head/chest cold so all in all I'm a picture of health and glowing with happiness...not.

Life Goes On....

A week of not much excitement...but you get that in life don't you!.

I finally got to meet Kelly from Scrapapple on Sunday when I collected my first DT project. Their stock is stunning - really worth having a look at and the prices are soooo cheap. My first project is an All About Me layout which is a subject I have never touched on - so I am freaking lol!!! Also, the colours I have are in the pink/apricot which are colours I have NEVER used and are just not particularly me! Should be interesting...out of that comfort zone already! I am so looking forward to the challenge!

The Secret's Out......

Yes, I can tell you! Last Sunday nite, whilst surfing the net, I came across a new site Scrapapple. The were calling for Design Team applications and I had JUST finished my first BTP project, so I bit the bullet and submitted some layouts. I got an email back on Tuesday from Dawn and Kelly saying that I had been chosen for the DESIGN TEAM! I just can't believe it!!!! Scrapapple have huge plans so check out their site and keep your eye on them!

I am really looking forward to their challenges and to working amongst some of the best in the business, namely Melissa Duffy, Melissa Goodsell, Sara Pearcy, Sarah van Wijck, and Renee Bizek. I have soooo much to learn from these girls.

Shhhhh, I've got a secret!!!!

I have got THE most exciting news ever!!!!!!

BUT I can't tell (yet)!!!!

AND LATER....

I've only just realised that I haven't posted a picture of Zane yet! This is a layout I did about 6 weeks or so ago. Isn't he gorgeous - my big 12yo boy! This layout titled "Slowly My Precious Son" is my message to him not to hurry...he has so much time to grow up. I guess all mothers think that about their children most of the time. (The rest of the time we're wishing they were older lol!) Ah, the irony of parenting!

The Boys are Back in Town!!

Well last nite Tim and Zane arrived home from their weekend expedition to Fraser Island. They had an absolute ball and Tim took some terrific photos! It was so good for Zane to be able to do some "blokey" things, i.e. he had a turn at driving Uncle Scott's 4WD, (probably heaps of belching, swearing and f*rting, etc. went on!).
A real testosterone-fest! (Eeeewwww). Not like us women at all lol!

Mum came over on the weekend to help me out as my back is STILL not right (two weeks now and I am, to say the least, getting a little tired of it! Never mind.

On the scrapping front, I had a chance to have a play a little and came up with this very basic layout - it is of a gorgeous photo of Jonah (that kid is sooo photogenic). This was another one of those rare occasions I didn't use printed paper! I also wanted to bring pink and green into it as I really don't get the chance to scrap those colours because, with a family of boys, I have to keep things as "butch" as possible! I always find it a challenge to use something "girly" on my layouts and yet hope they still have a "masculine" feel.