Shades of Brown

Stay Tuned!

2011-10-22T13:10:00.001+11:00

House Rules

2011-04-17T20:09:00.004+10:00

I'm currently reading House Rules by Jodi Picoult. I'm up to page 225 and I've got to say it's very hard to put down.

Today I was reading it and I have an overwhelming desire to share this part of the book.

Emma

From Auntie Em's column:

When did they stop putting toys in cereal boxes?

When I was little, I remember wandering the cereal aisle (which surely is as American a phenomenon as fireworks on the Fourth of July) and picking my breakfast food based on what the reward was: a Frisbee with the Trix rabbit's face emblazoned on the front. Holographic stickers with the Lucky Charms leprechaun. A mystery decoder wheel. I could suffer through raisin bran for a month if it meant I got a magic ring at the end.

I cannot admit this out loud. In the first place, we are expected to be supermoms these days, instead of admitting that we have flaws. It is tempting to believe that all mothers wake up feeling fresh every morning, never raise their voices, only cook with organic food, and are equally at ease with the CEO and the PTA.

Here's a secret: Those mothers don't exist. Most of us - even if we'd never confess - are suffering through the raisin bran in the hopes of a glimpse of that magic ring.

I look very good on paper. I have a family, and I write a newspaper column. In real life, I have to pick superglue out of the carpet, rarely remember to defrost for dinner, and plan to have BECAUSE I SAID SO engraved on my tombstone.

Real mothers wonder why experts who write for Parents and Good Housekeeping - and, dare I say it, the Burlington Free Press - seem to have their acts together all the time when they themselves can barely keep their heads above the stormy seas of parenthood.

Real mothers don't just listen with humble embarrassment to the elderly lady who offers unsolicited advice in the checkout line when a child is throwing a tantrum. We take the child, dump him in the lady's cart, and say, "Great. Maybe you can do a better job."

Real mothers know that it's okay to eat cold pizza for breakfast.

Real mothers admit it is easier to fail at this job than to succeed.

If parenting is the box of raisin bran, then real mothers know the ratio of flakes to fun is severely imbalanced. For every moment that your child confides in you, or tells you he loves you, or does something unprompted to protect his brother that you happen to witness, there are many more moments of chaos, error, and self-doubt.

Real mothers may not speak the hearsay, but they sometimes secretly wish they'd chosen something for breakfast other than this endless cereal.

Real mothers worry that other mothers will find that magic ring, whereas they'll be looking and looking for ages.

Rest easy, real mothers. The very fact that you worry about being a good mom means that you already are one.

For all the beautiful mums I know x

You Could Have Heard A Pen Drop!

2011-04-13T21:26:00.003+10:00

I'm working away yesterday (at work) and the kids are pretty quiet. YAY! Then there is a massive burst of laughter, followed by more quiet... then another massive burst of laughter.

I'm thinking I really should get up and check what's going on but I'm in the middle of processing... next thing, William comes running into me, turns around, drops his pants, lifts his top and shows me this...

Caitlin is standing just to the side of the door wondering if I'm going to crack it or laugh. I laugh. Not just a little giggle, but a big belly laugh. It's too funny. The tongue makes me laugh more than anything. So, thinking they are in the clear and mum isn't going to crack it if Caitlin continues to draw on William, I'm presented with this...

It's a bit hard to see, but Williams nipples have been transformed into eyes pmsl.

Then we have drawings on the inside and outside of his hands...

And his beautiful face! Complete with an 'L' on his forhead, a goattee, earings and assorted other random marks.

His legs were quiet a treat too! Got to love these kids!

Creating for Scrap Girls

2011-04-11T18:49:00.002+10:00

I love getting little packs of joy from Kylie to prepare samples for the Scrap Girls Challenge Kits. There's always many interesting 'bits' to play with as well as gorgeous co-ordinating papers and cardstock. Here are my samples from the March challenge kit.

I've received my May kit to play with... it's so pretty!

A Front Door View

2011-04-11T18:41:00.003+10:00

New home... new view from the front door! Jump on over to the Little Scrapbook Shop Forum and share a photo of your front door view. It's so interesting to see the world through someone elses door!

Mow, Mow, Mow the Lawn...

2011-04-11T16:25:00.002+10:00

A new backyard, a new lawn mower and a new lawn mower man! William decided that he should now be responsible for mowing the lawn. The backyard at least. It was a cack watching him pushing the mower... zigging and zagging, ducking and weaving all over the place. He did finish the job... not quiet to our usual standard, but I can live with some areas not done if he's going to have a go.

Let's see if he has the same enthusiasm next time the mower comes out of the shed...

Grandpa Ray, Christine... and the motorbike!

2011-03-24T21:21:00.002+11:00

The kids love having Grandpa Ray and Christine come to visit. They get lots of attention which of course all children love.

But... they especially love it when they come on the motorbike!

Grandpa Ray lets them sit on it, start it up and rev away. The kids think this is tops!

Grandpa Ray has promised that next time he comes he will bring a small helmet so he can take them for a quick ride around the block. He'd better not forget cause the kids sure won't!

4-7-11 @ Little Scrapbook Shop

2011-03-07T20:47:00.002+11:00

At Little Scrapbook Shop we are running a year long challenge, 4-7-11. We've broken up the year into 4 parts, each of which has 7 challenges.

The first parts challenges are inspired by the 7 Wonders of the World. I chose the Northern Lights for my inspiration.

If you're looking for some inspiration or a challenge that's a little bit out of the box, pop over to the forum and join in all the 4-7-11 fun!

My Son's A Destroyer!

2011-03-07T20:39:00.002+11:00

William is so determined to play NRL and AFL this year. He has resigned with the Kellyville Magpies for AFL, and he's signed up with the Quakers Hill Destroyers for NRL.

Ask him which he likes best, and he replies "NRL and AFL". He loves them both!

On Saturday he had 2 trial games against the Penrith Warratahs. Here's a few of the 123 photos taken!

Very excited to have a jersey on

On field

mmmm... pondering what will happen next

Going in for a tackle

The chase

He only had one complaint after the games... he didn't score a try!

Missing Teeth

2011-02-21T20:01:00.003+11:00

Suddenly William's mouth has decided it's time for top teeth to just start falling out. They're dropping like flies!

Sadly his bottom teeth just won't budge. It's off to the dentist this week to have another 2 pulled out as the new ones are already up behind them.

Regardless of any toothy action in this snap, check out those eyes! Bloody beautiful!

Too Soon

2011-02-21T19:54:00.002+11:00

I love school holidays. Not just because you don't have to 'rush' so much, but simply because I love hanging out with the kids. Sure there are times when they drive me insane, but overall, I really enjoy having them around.

This is the best photo I got on their first day of school for 2011. We were all tired after the big move and no-one wanted to be posed and snapped... and we couldn't work out the best place to take the photo either.

Not that it matters cause I love this photo of them.

The holidays went way too quick and I would have loved another week with them. Why do the holidays always end too soon?

Moving Out...

2011-02-21T16:20:00.004+11:00

From signing contracts and paying deposits, it certainly didn't take long for the 28th of January to come and the trucks to roll around and move 12 years of living from Oakhurst to Hassall Grove.

No moving day is ever short of a drama, and ours was not an expection to the rule! It was a long, long, long day.

I did manage to get some photos of us moving out on the day, but I didn't get any of us moving in! It was just too hectic, too stressful and there was way too much going on.

Here's a few from Radford Place before we left... note Tour Guide Caitlin!

Finally I can say YES! We are moving today!

William was very excited by it all.

Sweet & Sassy Caitlin

Ta-da! The garage!

Nope, nothing left in here!

Packed up and clean as a whistle.

So many bathroom antics took place here.

No more using this toilet.

It's been scrubbed clean too!

Nothing left in this wardrobe...

except Caitlin of course!

Not a spare square of space in the front room.
Packed to capacity!

Thank you Radford Place for 12 unreal years x

January... where have you gone?

2011-01-26T14:12:00.004+11:00

And what's happened to the school holidays? In a blink of an eye it's almost over!

Sorry for being slack Grandad & Grannie, here's a photo overload just for you!

~ Christmas Eve ~

Evan, Caitlin & William putting our reindeer food

~ Christmas Morning ~

Happy hugs alround!

~ Christmas Day ~

Spending it with Grannie Annie, Grampy and a whole lot of cousins!

~ 27th December ~

A visit from Poppy & Granma on their way home from Brisbane

Santa left a reindeer behind in Caitlin's bed!

~ 31 December ~

Cooling off

~ New Years Eve ~

Taylor and Racquel

Evan & William

Shanice & Caitlin

Caitlin's sparkler action!

~ 2nd to 9th of January ~

Holidaying at Lemon Tree Passage

A drowning cuddle!

Fun at the park

There's no place higher than daddy's shoulders

So brave!

Holiday Hair

Will try not to slacken off so much in the future... x

This one is for Larn x

2010-12-23T18:39:00.002+11:00

Here you go honey... now stop whinging!

I Really Don't Deserve A Blog!

2010-12-23T18:23:00.003+11:00

It's been almost 2 months since I last updated my blog. In my defence, they have been a very busy 2 months and the chances of it slowing down any time soon are slim.

Footy season has well and truly finished... in fact, the kids have also completed the MILO In2Cricket program since then!

Here's a couple of shots of the kids at footy for the Grandparents wondering what's been going on...

Do you think William watches a fair bit of footy? Check out the body language!

10 Pin Bowling

2010-10-27T21:17:00.002+11:00

As an adult it's easy to forget the excitment of your first bowling experience. William was invited to Riley's birthday party which was at AMF Bowling. Caitlin came along too, and by golly they had some good old fashioned fun!

Both the kids absolutely loved it and continue to beg to go back again. They didn't do too bad either on the score front. Not too many in the ditch!

It's all about those sexy shoes really!

Toy Story 3

2010-09-14T21:32:00.002+10:00

Still in the holidays, and it was decided that it was time to take William to the movies for the very first time! Toy Story 3 was showing, and Connor, Shanice and Kylie came too.

The kids decided to sit in the row in front of us 'oldies' which was fine as we could keep an eye on them.

At some stage during the movie, Will got a bit restless and had a walk around the dimly lit cinema. This wasn't a problem as it was a kids movie and there were heaps of little ones there making noise and the like.

Wasn't a problem until William came running down the aisle yelling 'run away... run away'... it was a bit naughty and a bit funny all at the same time.

Still, all the kids were really well behaved and I will be taking them back. It didn't scare me off lol.

Big Day Out with the Sydney Swans

2010-09-14T21:20:00.002+10:00

In the July school holidays, the Sydney Swans had a day for sponsors kids. As Russ works for MSA who is a major sponsor, we had 2 very excited kids up early and ready to go on the 6th of July!

Caitlin and Will had an absolutely ball (excuse the pun)! They loved everything about the entire day, and it was made even more special by getting their hats signed by assorted players afterwards!

Caitlin is just about to kick the ball in this shot. It was hard to get photos of them on the ground.

Of all the activities they did, both kids agreed that 'speckys' were the best!

BOG 4th of July!

2010-09-14T21:04:00.002+10:00

On the 4th of July William received the Best On Ground award at AusKick. He was so pleased with himself and held on to that trophy day and night for the week that he had it!

Cousins Calling

2010-08-13T21:59:00.002+10:00

We were so lucky to have Andrea, Jess and Grace come to visit. And the added bonus was Poppy and Granma came the same weekend too.

That meant Poppy and Granma had all their grandkids in the same place for the first time in years!

One of the best things, the main attraction really, is Poppy....

Followed by comparing DS and iPod Touch games...

And then it's always a treat to go to church with Granma (even though they always come home saying it's boring!)...

I wish we could have more weekends like this. It was fantastic just hanging out and catching up with my beautiful nieces.

Love you girls xxx

Happy Birthday Miss Caitlin!

2010-08-13T21:40:00.002+10:00

I know! I know! I have been a slacker on the blog front. It's not my fault. Honestly. It's my damn slow computer. It takes forever to upload photos... and then I kind of got busy with things... and then I realised that I hadn't even wished my baby girl a birthday wish here!

So... HAPPY BIRTHDAY MISS CAITLIN! For the 28th of June no less! I know you had a great one, and you are loving being 9!

You are so so so beautiful xxx

Welcome to Holland

2010-07-23T09:28:00.000+10:00

Slow Dance

2010-06-17T16:49:00.002+10:00

SLOW DANCE

Have you ever watched kids

On a merry-go-round?

Or listened to the rain

Slapping on the ground?

Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?

Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?

You better slow down.

Don't dance so fast.

Time is short.

The music won't last.

Do you run through each day

On the fly?

When you ask How are you?

Do you hear the reply?

When the day is done

Do you lie in your bed

With the next hundred chores

Running through your head?

You'd better slow down

Don't dance so fast.

Time is short.

The music won't last.

Ever told your child,

We'll do it tomorrow?

And in your haste,

Not see hissorrow?

Ever lost touch,

Let a good friendship die

Cause you never had time

To call and say,'Hi'

You'd better slow down.

Don't dance so fast.

Time is short.

The music won't last..

When you run so fast to get somewhere

You miss half the fun of getting there.

When you worry and hurry through your day,

It is like an unopened gift....

Thrown away.

Life is not a race.

Do take it slower

Hear the music

Before the song is over.

This poem was emailed to me. It's writer is believed to be that of a young girl dying of cancer. I don't know if that is true or not, but the poem speaks to me in volumes so I thought I would share it here.

Disco Night!

2010-06-05T16:58:00.002+10:00

If you're a parent, you'll know the excitment that comes with the school disco! The glow sticks, the poppers, the chips, the music so loud that even the funkiest parent is wishing they would turn it down just a little bit... please!

This was William's first 'official' disco. He had been dragged along before, but this was his very first and in the days leading up to the event he kept telling me he couldn't wait for the 'dance fever' lol.

Here's a few snaps of them before we left for the social event of the year (well, there will be another later on, but for now, this is it)... stike a pose!

Little Scrapbook Shop May Cybercrop

2010-06-05T16:35:00.002+10:00

Our May Cybercrop also coincided with Little Scrapbook Shops 5th Birthday. Our CC theme was 'Whiskey & Wine'... quiet appropriate for a celebration!

I was on Challenge 1, the sketch challenge, and here's my sample for...

The twist in my challenge was to have a play on words with the title. Look at those 2 kids... having the time of their lives, and getting nice and clean as well.

If you happened to have missed our May CC, don't panic... we have another one just around the corner...

Would love to see you there!

Feeling Peachy Keen!

2010-06-05T16:11:00.003+10:00

Feeling Peachy? Maybe a little bit keen? Then the Peachy Keen range from Kaiser Craft might be right up your alley!

I seriously feel in love with this range. The colours, the patterns, the embellishments... and oh the stamps! I couldn't wait to get working with it, and I think the proof is in the pudding with 5 layouts and 7 cards and not a scrap of paper left!

When I sat down to start creating, I also decided that it was time I pulled a few older photos out of the box. These certainly aren't the best photos lurking around my place, but they do tell stories and record memories, and that's the most important thing.

~ ROSE ~

This photo is a poor copy of the original. My Nan, Grandad, Uncles, Aunty and Mum. No-one is looking at the camera... I can imagine on the day that there were several going off and no-one knew which one to look at. I can see the pulling of the chairs together, getting everyone into position, flashes, smiles, laughter, and 'hurry ups' 'will this take long' as well. So many thoughts and feelings when I look at this photo... all beautiful.

~ ROYAL CASTLE ~

I bet my mum washed out my terry towelling clothes back at the motel and they were fresh and ready for me the next day! In fact, it is possible that I only had this one set of clothes while we were away lol.

The Royal Castle is in Ballarat, and I was there... can you see my brother and I standing by the horse? If you look hard you will see the proof! I wonder how far back they had to stand to get that giant horse and us in the photo?

~ SOVERIGN HILL, BALLARAT ~

I just don't understand why terry towelling outfits are no longer available. They are true wash and wear, and if you should ever be in need of a towel to dry your hands, well, you just wipe them off on your clothes. Bring them back I say! Especially the all-in-one numbers... very special!

In the top photo, you will notice a lady in pink shorts with a white top giving the camera a little wave... that's my mum... you often find her in the background of photos doing that... it makes me laugh!

~ MEET ~

This photo was snapped in the carpark at Panthers in 1993. It was my first meeting of my maternal grandparents and my half brother and sister.

You would think that we could have found a nice grassy noll to take this photo, but no... a last minute thought in the car park.

Thank goodness none of us clash with the cars... and luckily we weren't run down by a crazed poker machine player who had just done their dough!

Scrap Girls May Retreat

2010-06-05T14:50:00.003+10:00

How can we possibly have had the May Retreat already? It seems like only yesterday we were doing the March one!

As always, my Scrap Girls Retreat experience starts long before the actual day... it starts when Miss Kylie gives me a challenge kit and asks me to create samples. Here's 3 layouts I did using one of the challenge kits:

~ Jan and Sadie 1953 ~

Jan is Russ' mum.

~ Birth Place ~ This photo is of my Aunty Rene, Aunty Les and Aunty Pam out the front of the house they were born in.

~ The Puffy Shirt ~

What 6 year old boy wouldn't love a puffy shirt?! Just as well his mum brought him 2, cause Russ 'accidently' ripped the first one lol.

I also made 4 cards with the challenge kit. It's amazing how far you can stretch a challenge kit with a bit of imagination.

~ The Scrap Girls Retreat Goers ~

~ Typical! Kylie tries to take a photo of the room, and some fool pops her ugly mug in! ~

Not long now and Little Scrapbook Shop will be hauling it all out to Merroo for the Scrap Girls Christmas in July Retreat. Can't wait!

Happy Birthday William!

2010-05-02T13:07:00.003+10:00

A little bit behind getting this up, since it was Williams birthday on the 23rd of April! Better late than never don't they say lol.

Will woke up only slightly earlier than usual, and dove straight into Poppy and Granma's bed, which saw them both get out lol. Caitlin joined him and then it was on as he ripped open not so carefully wrapped gifts.

He has been playing Shanices' Super Mario Bros DS game and wanted his own... do you think he was happy when he received it?

It was Mufti Day at school on his birthday... here he is waiting for Poppy and Grandma to walk him and Caitlin to school... he'd had enough of me snapping at this stage...

Finally, off they go...

As luck would have it, the Bulldogs were playing the Broncos on William's birthday, so Poppy and Granma took the kids to the footy too! They had the best time, and the Dogs won which made it even better!

Finally after they arrived home from footy it was time for cake. It's never too late to eat cake is it? Apparently not!

Some Quick Makings...

2010-04-26T14:08:00.002+10:00

Cards using Kaiser Craft Pina Colada and Fiskars Border Punches...

Thank You cards using Basic Grey Sugar Rush...

Layout featuring Miss Caitlin and Basic Grey Sugar Rush...

Easter Time

2010-04-26T13:41:00.002+10:00

Caitlin was very lucky this year and got to attend the Royal Easter Show with her cousin Hannah and Grannie Annie.

They were there for 12 hours! Grannie even had to buy a nana trolley to help cart everything home! So many show bags and goodies.

Caitlin loves to get her face painted, and the show proves to be a great opportunity to spend $15 on being transformed into a blood sucking vampire!

Easter morning was very exciting. The Easter Bunny left more eggs than the kids could carry so they made themselves a quick paper bag each to put their stash in.

And once all eggs had been accounted for, the kids decided to play 'worms' in their sleeping bags. They had such a great time together... many many laughs.

Kindy Easter Hat Parade

2010-04-26T13:20:00.002+10:00

If you think you recognise this Easter hat from last year, you'd be right! I put it away safely after Will's pre-school parade so I wouldn't have to make another one this year. It stood the test of time and looked as good as last year, so off to school it went for the kindergarten Easter hat parade...

William was a tad over excited at this event and was... well... a bit naughty! He was still very cute though!

Caitlin & the Half Time Game

2010-04-26T11:31:00.003+10:00

Swans v St Kilda - 27th March - ANZ Stadium - 31,300 in attendance - and Miss Caitlin takes the field at half time to play AusKick with her team!

Was so exciting... the lead up to the night, and of course running on to the ground. Sadly the Swans were beaten, but we all left the game on a high after watching the kids play like demons!

P.S. Everyone around me where I was taking photos knew that Caitlin was my daughter! I was cheering her on like a mother possessed, and she could hear me lol.

Layouts of My Little Man

2010-03-28T17:02:00.002+11:00

Loving the Cosmo Cricket Joy Ride range. It's so cute!

This photo of William speaks volumes to me. His little face is covered in sand. He's sweaty. He's oh so happy. His eyes are so bright. I've captured him at a moment of pure joy.

As many of you know, William's life has been full of obsticles... he's had a real struggle on his hands, and through this we have been more inventive as parents... more tolerant... more patient... more open to ideas that we previously would not have considered.

I wanted to put that message across with this photo, but without saying all of those things. After much thought I came up with a simple, yet perfectly summed up one line... because of you, I've been to places not found on any map.

Easter is on the horizon!

2010-03-28T16:46:00.005+11:00

Easter is coming, the geese are getting fat... hold on, that's not right... geese have something to do with Christmas, which I believe was only yesterday and suddenly, in a blink of an eye, it's Easter!

Here's some very quick and easy Easter gift ideas for you I made over at Little Scrapbook Shop...

I really wanted to make a cute Easter basket, so I gathered my thoughts, made my own template and within 30 minutes I had one ready to fill with eggs. I used a thin piece of chipboard so I could easily score, fold and manipulate it. I did paint the inside white and spray with Glimmer Mist, which probably isn't necessary, but it does look very pretty!

Glass jars are so handy to have around. I keep a small stash of cute ones, and I particularly love the ones mustard comes in. They aren't too big, aren't too small, and when they are decorated and filled they look adorable. I decided not to put a sentiment on my jar so the recipient could use it for something else once they've eaten all the eggs!

And of course, one wee Easter card just because I could!

Visit Little Scrapbook Shop for all the details, and a template to make that cute little basket.

New Season... New Boots

2010-03-28T16:35:00.002+11:00

We had to take Caitlin shopping for new boots a couple of weekends ago. She was pretty keen on some pink ones, but they didn't fit. So in the end she chose these. I think they're tops.

William scored her old ones, and he was thrilled as he thinks they are beautiful!

We're Cybercropping at Little Scrapbook Shop

2010-03-13T18:56:00.002+11:00

It's all happening at Little Scrapbook Shop! We're cybercropping this weekend, and the challenges are all fantastic.

I choose to scrap 'ugly'... here's my challenge...

What can I tell you? I don't wake up pretty. In fact, I wake up pretty damn ugly!

My hair is always sticking up, sticking out and occassionally pressed to my head in some kind of bizarre swimming cap fashion.

My eyes never really open until I've had a shower. Until such time they appear droppy, and the bags underneath them... well, a picture tells a thousand words!

The skin pores on my face always seem larger than life in the morning. At least until I've showered and given it a good old fashioned wash.

Quiet frankly, I feel rather limp when I wake up... and plain old ugly!

I'm not going to ask you to put yourself out there at your ugliest for this challenge, although, if you want to go right ahead! Your challenge is to scrap a photo of something or someone in an ugly state.

Some ideas to get you started... obviously you could be brave and do yourself in all your morning glory. Perhaps a child throwing a big tantrum or pulling an ugly face. Or what about an old photo where the fashion left something to be desired. Maybe a car you once owned that was ugly. Or something around your house that is so ugly you can't wait to change it (bring on Powerball!). There's heaps of opportunities to scrap ugly.

But wait! There's more! I also want to see at least one piece of patterend paper cut into a circle on your layout. I have't seen enough circle work lately!

If you have a weak stomach, I suggest you look away now before you see my sample lol.

If you're looking for some inspiration, pop over to the Little Scrapbook Shop forum and grab some!

More Variety Than A Bakery!

2010-03-12T21:35:00.003+11:00

Over the past 18 months I have baked all the sweet treats for the kids (and Russ and I!). All the biscuits, slices, cake, muffins and more. I really do love the baking and the kids love pitching in to help out too.

I always get a big thumbs up from Caitlin... as seen here lol...

And they love the variety they get. From Sweet Weetbix Slice to 3 different types of biscuits to choose from, they say it's better than a bakery! It's all good... all low in fat... and the best bit, no additives or preservatives.

2 Cheeky Kids

2010-03-12T21:23:00.001+11:00

He declares... "I love HAM!"

She says... "I was born messy!"

The Seasoned Scrapper - Summer - Week 6

2010-03-10T14:15:00.002+11:00

This weeks challenge was set by Tracy Wyldman. We had to use a line from Billy Thorpes song 'It's Almost Summer'.

Here's my sample...

52 buttons, and every single one of them sewn on!

The Seasoned Scrapper - Summer - Week 5

2010-03-10T13:56:00.004+11:00

Deanne set the challenge for week 5 which was to make some cards inspired by summer colours. I took it one step further and also added summer foods to each one of my cards.

My Everday Romeo

2010-03-10T13:39:00.000+11:00

Love you babe x

But Wait! There's More!

2010-03-10T13:25:00.003+11:00

Even more layouts using Loire Valley... and I can feel some cards coming on with the scrappy bits I have left over!

I just love love love this range!

Loire Valley = Gorgeous Layouts!

2010-02-14T19:23:00.001+11:00

I've been on a Loire Valley rampage over the last week. I have been so surprised at how versitile this range has been, and how many things I have been able to create with it. I've used it for layouts across the board and on many different themes and it just seems to work.

Here I've used it to scrap a photo of William ready for his Easter Hat Parade at pre-school last year. I really loved the photo of him, but the background was a drab wall of nothingness. Not being a digi girl I wasn't really sure how to fix the problem... then I thought, and thunk, and thought some more and bingo...

Solution! Grab a dart or other sharp implement and scratch the background away! I love the way it makes William POP out of the photo.

Don't be scared to attack your photos I say... they are so cheap to get printed and you might just love yourself sick once you've done something a bit crazy!

Cybercropping at Little Scrapbook Shop

2010-02-14T19:16:00.002+11:00

It was my turn to set challenge 5 this weekend and whether you love it or hate it, Valentines Day does give everyone a prompt to stop and think about the people we love. Not just our significant other, but all of those that we are close to and care about.

I remember at school making up the most ridiculous 'Roses are Red' poems, some would make you laugh til your sides hurt, and others were just plain old stupid! I'm sure you all know what I'm talking about.

So my challenge this cybercrop was you to create a layout about someone or something, and you have to make up your very own Roses are Red poem to reflect how you feel. It can be funny, thoughtful, silly, romantic... whatever feelings it evokes that's what I want to see.

I choose to do this gorgeous photo of my 2 favourite little people...

If you're floating around tonight, why not pop over to Little Scrapbook Shop and check out the other challenges. The deadline for uploading isn't until midnight on Monday, so you still have a chance to win a gift voucher!

Arty Farty Tuesday

2010-02-10T20:11:00.004+11:00

Sometimes you just need to do something a little bit different and a little bit out of your comfort zone. So last Tuesday Aunty Rae, Kylie and I all did a Twiddleybitz Shadow Box just for fun.

The boxes were painted, crackled and Glimmer Misted to within an inch of their lives lol. So easy and so much fun to do.

Here's mine...

And here are the 3 of them togehter. Aunty Rae's, mine then Kylie's.

I could so easily sit down and do another one... in fact I think I just might!

The Seasoned Scrapper - Summer - Week 2

2010-02-09T09:10:00.002+11:00

This weeks challenge was set by Deanne Stewart-Mills. Our challenge was to create a gorgeous concertina card file. Here's my example...

And just because I could, I made some cards out of the scraps....

Want to find out more and participate in The Seasoned Scrapper Challenge? Visit the Little Scrapbook Shop forum to find out more.

It's time for BIG School.... William!

2010-02-03T12:57:00.002+11:00

What a big day it was yesterday. Sending off my baby to BIG school! I promised myself I wouldn't cry in front of William, and I didn't, but damn it was hard keeping those tears back.

It's amazing on so many levels... that we got him through these 5 and a half years alive, especially those first 18 months of his life when we almost lost him 3 times blows me away.

He's just looking too grown up in that uniform for my liking... love you little man with all of my heart x

Back to school... Caitlin!

2010-02-03T10:38:00.004+11:00

Caitlin went back to school on the 28th of January. She was up so bright and early, dressed and all those things with absolutely no drama (here's hoping it lasts all year!).

Caitlin is now in 3W, primary... it's so exciting for her, and she can't wait to do the Naplan test lol.

TSS ~ Summer ~ Week 1 ~ Challenge

2010-02-03T10:33:00.003+11:00

Our first challenge is up, and you can find all the details here.

~ Journal example by Tracy Wyldman ~

~ Journal example by Deanne Stewart-Mills ~

~ Journal example by me ~

The Seasoned Scrapper

2010-02-03T10:25:00.003+11:00

Our major challenge for 2010 has been launched. Join us at Little Scrapbook Shop for all the details!

Time Travel

2010-02-03T10:24:00.002+11:00

Mmmmmm.... it seems as though life has gotten rather busy and I've failed to keep this wee blog up-to-date.... so I think we should time travel to the present and move on. Yep, that's what we shall do.

Wednesday 23rd of December ~ Quick Bits

2010-01-16T22:14:00.002+11:00

Here's how the eve of the eve panned out...

~ The kitchen got an overhaul.

~ I made Raspberry Swirl Ice Cream Cake for Christmas day desert.

~ Santa's special chocolate chip cookies are baked and ready.

~ I also made Christmas Crackles which look so cute!

~ The Fire Brigade came round with Santa, and lollies!

Tuesday 22nd of December ~ Quick Bits

2010-01-16T22:13:00.001+11:00

~ Aunty Rae comes over for a cuppa

~ Kylie & Shanice pop in for a visit

~ I finished my challenge for the Little Scrapbook Shop January CC... woo hoo!

Monday 21st of December

2010-01-16T22:03:00.001+11:00

Happy Birthday Mum!

Sunday 20th of December

2010-01-16T21:00:00.005+11:00

Today we celebrated Christmas at Grannie & Grampy's. The kids (young and old) just love being together.

Caitlin & Hannah

Mitchell

William

Lara

Ryan

Thomas

They are all too cute!

A tad behind...

2010-01-16T21:00:00.001+11:00

But I'm about to go on a massive updating blog spree!

Stay tuned!

Saturday 19th of December

2010-01-02T22:06:00.002+11:00

~ Russ braves the shops to do our final grocery shop before Christmas. God love him.

~ Hang out at home... pottering about

~ PT's Party! And here's some snaps from the big event...

The birthday girl - Princess Tamara

AT & PT

Dennis & PT

Russ & I

Cath & Jason

Friday 18th of December

2009-12-24T16:02:00.002+11:00

~ William has his final Speech Therapy of the year. He will have 1st term off next year so he can settle in to school and then we will re-evaluate how he is going.

~ It was pouring with rain most of the day so we had a very lazy afternoon watching the Dark Knight.

~ Last swimming lesson for 2009.

~ And... Miss Katrina comes over for the family hair cut.

Does one ever look more attractive then when they get their hair cut?... I think not. Well, as it applies to me anyway.

And that was the Friday that was :)

Thursday 17th of December

2009-12-17T21:33:00.004+11:00

What a day... Williams last day of pre-school. There is no turning back now. Next year he is off to big school whether I like it or not. I know he has to go (apparently it's the law lol)... but a piece of me wants to keep him right where he is... safe, protected and loved.

Try as I might this morning William wouldn't participate in any of the photos I had planned. It was only after much bribing that he posed with Helen and Rebecca who have been his 2 main teachers for the past 2 years. I am grateful for those.

When I picked William up I was a big sook... I cried as I said my goodbyes & thank yous to each of the teachers and staff... they also shed their tears. It was hard to walk away, and now it's time to think of what the future will hold and how best to walk through what lies ahead.

It was also William's pre-schools Christmas party this evening... so it was back to the scene of the crime! As usual the staff did an amazing job with a bbq dinner, jumping castle, show bags, raffles, and of course Santa!

Once again I've uploaded all the photos in the wrong order... I will get it right one day... until then, here's a look at what went on today...

Refreshing & recharging!

The disinterested older sister

All action stopped and Russ had to read his new book to him right there and then

YAY! A book! About a fish!

Loving Santa

Waiting patiently for Santa to arrive

Catherine, Anna and Natalie

With Rebecca

With Helen

And a new chapter begins....

A post by Miss Caitlin....

2009-12-16T17:58:00.002+11:00

Hi Everyone

Welcome to my mum's blog. Plese tell this joke to everyone you know...

"Doctor, Doctor, I been feeling like a frog"

"How long have you been feeling like this?"

"Since I was a tadpole"

I wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year!

from Caitlin

Wednesday 16th of December

2009-12-16T17:07:00.005+11:00

Caitlin's last day of school... her last day in year 2... her last day in Infants! Where has the time gone?

A massive thank you to Mrs Rainert... you simply couldn't ask for a better teacher.

Tuesday 15th of December

2009-12-16T15:25:00.006+11:00

The kids took their presents in to their teachers today. They just couldn't wait until the very last day of school.

I made Caitlin's teacher a recipe book and included 20 of my favourite recipes to bake. All year she kept asking me to make her copies of the recipes for the yummy things Caitlin would take her and I kept telling her to wait until Christmas. She loved her book and it totally blew her away... she even shed a tear! Now let's see if she actually does some baking!

After I dropped William off and he handed out his pressies of handmade Christmas ornaments, I went back to Caitlin's school and did craft with the kids. We made these awesome paddle pop stick ornaments, which are a really crude take on these gorgeous ones I found on this blog http://vivikas.wordpress.com. The kids had an awesome time... regardless of the outcome lol.

Caitlin also found out she will be in 3W next year and have a teacher who is brand new to the school, Mrs Bergman. I hope she is nice and has a sense of humour!

When I was putting Caitlin to bed she started to reflect on her time in infants... she got all teary talking about all the great things she'd done in K, 1 and 2. She really should be so proud of herself and her achievments. I know I am.

Russ took the kids out for a quick drive to check out some Christmas lights. I love that the kids still love going to look at them. They get so excited. Especially when they were on both sides of the road! lol.

Monday 14th of December - Quick Bits

2009-12-16T15:23:00.002+11:00

~ Attended Caitlin's end of year mass, followed by the parent helper morning tea.

~ Caitlin received her Premiers Reading Challenge Certificate for the 3rd straight year.

~ Sharon has shingles!

Saturday 12th of December

2009-12-16T13:53:00.006+11:00

Today we had a big gathering at PT and Carolyn's to catch up with the 'mob' before Christmas. It was a great day, and the highlight for the kids you'll be surprised to learn was the pool. I think they were both in the water for about 6 hours! They loved it.

Here's a couple of snaps from the day....

The Babies...

The Brides...

The Blokes...

2 soggy kids...

Thanks PT & Carolyn for hosting a great day x

Friday 11th of December - Quick Bits

2009-12-16T13:51:00.002+11:00

~ My car clocks 100,000 kms while taking William to school. It's a 1997 model so it really was about time!

~ Russ walked Caitlin to school and she had a much looked forward to lunch order.

~ I brought my very first maxi dress... woo hoo!

~ Caitlin gets 'Star of the Week' at swimming lessons. YAY Caitlin!

Thursday 10th of December

2009-12-16T13:41:00.002+11:00

William has been begging to wrap presents so he could put them under the tree... the only problem was that I didn't have any gift tags! So with some quick thinking, a piece of cardstock, a stamp, some glimmer mist, kindy glitz, my trusty stapler and trim I solved the problem in 15 minutes!

Tuesday 8th of December

2009-12-13T22:18:00.002+11:00

You've got to love Tuesdays. Aunty Rae comes over... sometimes we are joined by Kylie or Sharon or a number of other people depending on what's going on... and we scrap... well, sometimes we just end up talking! Either way I love Tuesdays.

Today I finally managed to get my Cybercrop challenge done for Little Scrapbook Shop. The Cybercrop has been on all weekend, and you have until Midnight Monday the 14th to upload your work, so if you want to know more about my challenge or any of the others, jump on over to the forum and check them out.

The other great thing about Tuesdays is the Bachelor is on Go!, and following that is Tool Academy. OMG! I laughed so hard watching Tool Academy I fell off the lounge! If you want to see some reality TV at it's absolutely best, then this is the show for you!

Sunday 6th of December

2009-12-13T21:44:00.002+11:00

You've got to love a hubby that lets you have a sleep in... and takes the kids out to buy your Christmas pressie while you're still tucked up in bed.

What you've got to dislike is that your gorgeous hubby who thinks he's doing a top job buys the kids Playdough!

I did actually ban Playdough from the house many many years ago, but sadly it has made a return. I can only hope it dries out soon and they loose interest.

On the other hand... the kids have spent a lot of time creating all sorts of things together which is really nice... but then I had to get all those little bits off the floor and table cloth and chairs when they had finished... not so nice.

Ah the joys of Playdough!

Just Hanging Out...

2009-12-12T19:51:00.004+11:00

Some photos from our day at Tracys on Saturday the 5th of December. Love hanging out with Tracy and Kylie... scrapping... eating... scrapping... swim.... eat... scrap... and so on and so forth.

Williams Graduation

2009-12-12T10:58:00.003+11:00

The 3rd of December... and we are off to Williams Graduation Ceremony. It was such a special night... both for him, and for us.

I didn't just shed a tear... I sobbed and filled my handbag with soggy tissues!

William did so well. He sat still... when his name was called he walked up to centre stage and collected his scroll and graduating Koala. He shock hands and then took his place on the stage.

When all the kids had been presented they sang us a song about going to big school. They were awesome.

Here's a few snaps from the night... in the wrong order, but it doesn't matter...

A massive thank you to the teachers and staff for putting so much effort into this wonderful evening. You will never know how much I have appreciated everything you've done for William.

And the Christmas Tree is up...

2009-12-12T10:41:00.002+11:00

It did go up on the 1st of December, as always. As if the kids would let us get away with not putting it up on the 1st!

The kids helped Russ build the tree, and then we left them to it with the decorating. It's quiet spectacular!

It was Caitlins turn to put the star on the top. A prized job to have in the decorating of the tree!

And so the season begins...

Kaiser Advent Calendar

2009-12-06T19:13:00.006+11:00

I know, it's missing a finishing touch in the bottom corner. I have played around with a few different things, but just can't seem to get anything to work.

I loved making this. It was so easy and it looks so good! The kids bust at the seems to open the little drawers each morning to find a little choccie and a note.

Thanks to Sue Lowe for the inspiration with the Nutcrackers... they look tops!

End of Year School Disco

2009-12-06T17:36:00.002+11:00

Is there an event more anticipated than the end of year disco? The fashions, the music, the glow sticks, poppers and chips! I think not, and Caitlin definately thinks it's the place where the 'cool' kids go!

Here's some quick snaps taken out the front before we left....

'Strike A Pose'

When I asked William to get ready for a photo, he took it upon himself to pose like this... I have no idea where this pose has come from, but it seems to be his favourite lol.

Little Scrapbook Shop Cybercrop - 11th December

2009-12-01T10:02:00.000+11:00

Graphic 45 - Domestic Goddess

2009-11-29T22:04:00.003+11:00

I love love love Graphic 45, and the Domestic Goddess range is unbelievably beautiful. I think I could scrap, scrap and scrap with it for quiet some time.

Here's 2 layouts I've done with it already, and I think I can feel a 3rd and 4th coming on soon!

Memories of Yesterday

So not happy with the title of this one, but I just couldn't come up with anything else.

The photo was taken at my Grandparents house. It's of my Nan and Pop, and my Nan's brothers, sister and their partners. I don't know which one of them brought the caravan and plonked it in the yard.

To make this flourish stand out, I used dimensional magic to change the look only slightly.

Domestic Goddesses [NOT]

A bit of tounge in check action here lol. I originally was going with the title 'Circle of Friends', but changed my mind as soon as I picked up these papers. I made this flower embellishment out of and old sewing pattern I picked up at an Op Shop for 50c. A quick spray with Glimmer Mist and it came up a treat!

So there you go... 2 down, and many more to go... I love Graphic 45, just in case you didn't already know that!

Graphic 45 - Renaissance Faire

2009-11-21T23:15:00.002+11:00

I love papers with maps on them. I have no idea why I do, but I do. Now the tricky bit... I never quiet know what to do with them. I don't want to cover up the beautiful images on the paper, but what's the use of having them if I don't use them?

When I saw the Triumphant paper by Graphic 45 I set myself a challenge to use it. It took me a minute, but once I found the photo I instantly knew what to title it and how I was going to put it all together.

The next really tricky thing was matching it up with some cardstock. After having 3 people head to the cardstock tub on my behalf with varying degrees of success, I was 'awakened' to the fact that Graphic 45 had the perfect match sitting there waiting and I didn't need cardstock after all.

So in the end I managed to come up with this...

The photo is of my beautiful cousin Fraya (who is now a young lady at Uni) and her dad, my Uncle Terry on the Harbour Bridge. It's such a sweet photo.

And if you are looking for Graphic 45, then head over to Little Scrapbook Shop and grab some. It's so yummy!

Quick Bits

2009-11-21T23:07:00.004+11:00

~ Shoe shopping... with Caitlin... omg! 2 and a half hours of my life I will never get back! It is almost impossible to find a sensible, yet appealing sandal for an 8 year old. We did it... not quiet what I wanted, and not quiet what she wanted, but a great compromise in the end.

~ On the upside of the shoe shopping, we popped into Best and Less and I picked up a pair of Bulldog pjs marked down to $10! When I brought them home Will was a bit upset that they weren't for him lol. Mind you, he already has a pair. I love a bargain!

~ I bit the bullet today and went through all of the school clothes I've been given for William. It made me a little bit sad... especially when he donned a winter uniform and was so handsome, and looked so grown up! I discovered I have no summer uniforms in all those hand-me-downs so it looks like I'm off to Lowes to do a bit of uniform shopping. Does he really have to go to school?

~ A busy week coming up with Caitlin's school disco on Wednesday night, and I'm off to the ARIAs on Thursday night with Dannii. And why am I going to the ARIAs?.... Cause Robbie 'the Hottie' Williams will be there! A girl can hope... can't she?

The 45 Minute Challenge

2009-11-15T19:49:00.003+11:00

I love a 45 minute challenge... it's amazing what you can do in that time, and it's always great to see what the others taking part in the challenge do as well.

At the recent Scrap Girls retreat we had a 45 minute challenge on Saturday night. Here's my creation...

The photo is of my Aunty Rene, Aunty Les and Aunty Pam outside of the house they were born in. I even had time to sew around the edge!

If you're looking for a scrappy retreat to attend, you have got to get on to Scrap Girls and book one in now! The 2010 schedule is up on their website ready for your viewing pleasure!

It's Cybercrop Time At Little Scrapbook Shop

2009-11-15T19:36:00.005+11:00

We kicked off and Friday night, and as there's not 1, not 2, but 8 challenges, plus one for the juniors the cybercrop is running until midnight on Tuesday so you still have plenty of time to join in all the fun!

I set 2 challenges for our Crafty Christmas Cybercrop. Here they are...

Challenge 8: create a layout that reflects GIVING

Challenge 5: decorate 4 individual canvases in a Christmas theme and join them together to make 1 canvas wall hanging.

Want to know more? You'd better pay a visit to the Little Scrapbook Shop fourm to find out all the details.

Oh, and there's a special Carol Christmas offer too!

I Hate Midgies!!!

2009-11-06T18:33:00.003+11:00

You can't see them... but they're there.

It's only after the event that you realise you've been attached by a swarm of them. Red bites all over your body that seem like they will never go away!

It's almost 2 weeks and I still have lumps and bumps... the red dots on my legs look disgusting.

I hate Midgies. The end.

Gorgeous Gear

2009-11-02T16:00:00.004+11:00

This post is for my gorgeous cousin Sandy who I am missing so much after our catch up in October... in fact I'm missing everyone!

This layout is of Sandy's boys, Callan and Kyle. They are all grown up now, but how cute are they here!

This is Callan and Kyle all grown up with their dad Lachlan.

And here's their gorgeous mum, Sandy.

Miss you guys x

A Bingo Card Card!

2009-11-02T15:39:00.003+11:00

I love designing for Scrap Girls, and in the last challenge kit I got there was a bingo card. I've used these before on layouts so this time I wanted to do something different, hence I created a bingo card card!

This time with the kits, Miss Kylie asked us to do mini project sheets for the ladies on retreat so they could take them home and have some very handy ideas at the ready. A great idea and the ladies loved them.

So if you want to make a bingo card card in 3 easy steps, here's how...

Step 1. Decorate your bingo card.

Step 2. Cut a piece of cardstock twice the size of your card, and score down the middle.

Step 3. Adhere your bingo card to the cardstock and add a sentiment inside the card if you would like.

That’s all you need to do to have a unique, and very cute card! Too easy.

Just a boy and his dog...

2009-11-02T14:12:00.003+11:00

William adores Abbie, and she loves to chase him around the yard. There big game is for Will to run, and Abbie catches him by the bottom of his pants. Sadly, a lot of Williams pants have little holes in the bottom of them lol... thankfully not his good ones!

I wonder how this game will pan out now the weather is heating up and William is wearing shorts? Could have a few tears I think!

Something cute...

2009-11-02T11:53:00.002+11:00

Last months Cybercrop at Little Scrapbook Shop was all about Spring. When I started thinking about Spring, I though of spring cleaning, which lead me to think about our home, which lead me to setting a challenge where everyone had to build their own house from scratch.

All of the ladies did gorgeous work. The homes were so cute!

2R Assembly

2009-11-02T11:17:00.004+11:00

I love going up to the school to watch Caitlin and her class put on an assembly. The kids are so enthusiastic and excited to show off what they have been learning.

Here's Caitlin in the big finale singing the 'Brush Your Teeth' song...

Here's Caitlin with her teacher, Mrs Reinert, talking about the environment of the Duck Billed Platypus and why she likes them...

Sitting patiently waiting for the show to begin...

Great job 2R!

Quick Bit...

2009-10-19T13:47:00.002+11:00

I know, I know.... I've been slack and haven't updated for a couple of weeks. There's so much going on, and I've heaps of photos to share, but just right now I've got so much else to do.

So while your waiting, why not join Little Scrapbook Shop and get ready for Christmas?

Right... got to go... no rest for the wicked!

Still miss you Grandad...

2009-09-29T15:54:00.002+10:00

A grandfather is someone with silver in his hair and gold in his heart. ~Author Unknown

Miss you everyday Grandad x

You're how old?

2009-09-20T16:26:00.003+10:00

The 19th of September, and the big fella turns another year older. Most people think Russ is much younger than he really is... often people say he's in his late 30s which up to 10 years his junior.

Here's the truth, he just turned 46! Starting to get a few wrinkles, but the most tell tale sign is those whitish-greyish hairs appearring at a rate of knots on the sides... becoming slightly distinguished he'll tell you lol.

He was woken by 2 little children exciting as anything to be giving their daddy presents... William was so excited that he had let one cat out of the bag on Thursday. Still, Russ acted as surprised as if he didn't know.

We dined at the Allroy Tavern for lunch which was very yummy, and then went on the search for a certain pair of shoes that Russ has been wanting for quiet some time, and despite all efforts we came home empty handed.

The disappointment was short lived when we put as many candles as we could fit on the cake and sung Happy Birthday in some kind of tuneless manner and tucked into one of Woolies finest Chocolate Mud Cakes.

Caitlin had decided that she was cooking dinner and she put a lot of thought into what we should have. Corn & Bacon Pizza, followed by Chocolate Sundaes. Caitlin did an awesome job and dinner was really yummy. I think she can cook for us again anytime!

Of course, there's really only one way to finish the birthday day, and that's with a couple of Jim Beams, and a whole lot of footy. Sadly, the kids and I fell asleep around 10pm and Russ was left to continue his celebrations all on his own.

Happy Birthday Honey xxx

Athletics Carnival

2009-09-20T13:39:00.004+10:00

It's a beautiful day, the sun is shining, and the season is right for the annual athletics carnival. All the kids are out in their sports house colours. Caitlin being yellow for Newcombe.

It starts with the 90mtr age race. Caitlin lines up, takes her mark, and when she does cross the line, she gets a ribbon for having a go. Good on you honey!

Then it's time for the much anticipated novelty events. Bring on the sack race, the egg & spoon race, the relays and tunnel ball. I was a very proud mummy when she crossed the line first in the egg & spoon event. Caitlin was focused, concentrated, and walked like an Olympic demand! You go girl!

Apparently though, the best thing about Athletics Carnival day is not the race, the novelty events, or the ribbons... it's getting to go home early with your mum!

Please don't touch the iron...

2009-09-07T19:54:00.007+10:00

Most of you probably know that Aunty Rae, god love her, actually does my ironing. Well, she's been rather sick the past couple of weeks and this afternoon I thought I'd do the right thing and get stuck into it.

I get out the ironing basket... get out the board and the iron... plug it in to get it hot, and say to the kids "Please don't touch the iron, it is very hot and will burn you".

I turn around and what do you think happens?... Yep... William puts his entire hand, palm side, on the iron.

I put his hand under cold running water, and at first all I could see was a mark near his little finger. After about 5 minutes, I gave him a cold face washer to wrap it in.

He started screaming and crying and repeating "It hurts! It hurts!".

I take the face washer off to find his entire palm is showing signs of a burn. I pulled the ironing cord out of the wall, locked the back door, put the kids in the car and to the doctors we went.

By the time we got there he was out of control with pain. Dr. Bartlet asked us immediately what was wrong and put some special burn cream on it. He was called in pretty quick, thank goodness, not just for him, but I think some of the other people waiting weren't coping very well with his pain.

The Dr. put more cream on and dressed it. We have to go back again tomorrow for more cream and dressing. Will see how it is going and how long we will need to go back for. The Dr. thinks it should be ok cause the skin didn't break.

And he has his first transition day at big school tomorrow! At least he'll have a conversation starter! Poor little guy.

Quick Bits

2009-09-07T19:49:00.003+10:00

~ 29th of August Russ and I went to the Swans V Brisbane game. We were guests in the Chairmans Lounge which is a top place to be. Five star dining and a great place to watch the game.

Not normally an autograph chaser, but I did score one from Matt Preston of Master Chef fame. I also bailed up Barry Hall as Caitlin thinks he's the best, and last but not least Brett Kirk was right there so I just had to get his too!

~ Father's Day weekend actually saw Russ head to Melbourne for Hollywood's 50th birthday bash. He came home on Sunday afternoon a simple shell... when are these boys going to learn they aren't as young as they used to be and staying out til 4am (and then having to fly home) isn't as attractive as it used to be lol.

Swans V Geelong

2009-08-16T19:56:00.004+10:00

Because the kids were part of Auskick this year we got free tickets to the Swans V Geelong game. Caitlin was so excited to be going to the game she could hardly wait. William on the other hand didn't quiet understand that we were just going to watch the game, he thought, actually believed, he was going to play footy!

What would the big adventure be without mum and her camera shooting 97 photos? Here's a sample...

Here's Russ as we head down the M4... all the skill of a precision driver lol...

I highly doubted that I would be in any photos, so I took the opportunity to take one of myself while we were cruising down the M4... note kids also appear in photo...

Try as I might, no-one wanted to co-operate so I could get a nice photo of Russ and the kids at the ground. This is the best of a series of ordinary shots...

After several attempts to get a nice photo of William, he finally smiled for the camera. What happened to his top row of teeth is a mystery to me! At least I got one...

And Caitlin, well, she just loves the camera. Many great shots of her enjoying the night...

I took many photos of the boys on ground, the huddle being the best cause they were standing still!

William hardly stayed still throughout the game... up and down the aisle, chatting to everyone and anyone. Caitlin cheered and watched, picking up some ideas for her own game.

Unfortunately they don't allow kick-to-kick at night games, and William was so disappointed cause all he wanted to do was get out on the ground and play. It took quiet a while to drag him out of the ground. Then he suddenly had a mystery leg pain which required Russ to give him a shoulder ride back to the car lol.

A top night which we all enjoyed and should do more often.

Caitlin & the Kellyville Magpies

2009-08-03T20:29:00.002+10:00

Both the kids did an Auskick program during Term 2. Caitlin loved it! Heaps better than netball she says.

So, we signed her up with the Kellyville Magpies and on the 25th of July she laced up her very first pair of footy boots for her very first AFL game!

She did so well. Having a run in the forward and back lines during the game. Didn't get a touch of the ball, but she followed it everywhere.

And what does a little brother do who isn't quiet ready to play as yet? Sit on the side lines and have a cry! Next year mate.

Caitlin played again on Sunday just gone, and she was team captain. Way to go honey!

Quick Bits

2009-07-21T11:02:00.001+10:00

~ Took the kids swimming on Friday... for 3 hours! Shanice and Connor came too. They had a great time, but in the middle of the night Caitlin woke up screaming in pain with an ear infection.

~ Have just taken delivery of our new fridge and clothes dryer! WOO HOO!

Quick Layouts

2009-07-21T10:48:00.004+10:00

I can not believe how big I am in this photo with my brother taken in December 2004. It's out of control!

Thank goodness I am now back in control and don't look like a bloated balloon anymore!

Caitlin so desparately wanted Mary-Jane's for her first pair of big school shoes, but we just couldn't get them in brown so she got lace ups in stead. They lasted her all year, but by the last day of school they were trashed and went straight into the bin.

Quick Bits

2009-07-05T20:51:00.002+10:00

~ Caitlin received her school report on Friday and it was brilliant. One A, two Bs, and the rest Cs. Way to go Caitlin!

~ William is finally better and WILL be going to school tomorrow. Regardless of his claims that he is still very sick.

~ The Bombers were flogged on Friday night. Very disappointing!

~ Today I wore a pair of size 10 cargo pants! Who knew I'd ever be a size 10 again? I certainly didn't!

Dance Fever

2009-07-01T10:03:00.002+10:00

This term at school K-2 have been doing Dance Fever. Yesterday parents were treated to a mini-concert so the kids could show off some of their moves.

It was a hoot. Especially when the kids all asked their parents to get up and have a dance with them! I was actually grateful for the offer to dance cause it was really cold and it helped warm up the bones.

Caitlin and Kyle have been friends since kindy. He's such a sweetie.

Next year they'll be at it again... Caitlin can't wait for the next round of Dance Fever.

Creating for Scrap Girls Christmas in July Retreat

2009-07-01T09:34:00.002+10:00

The Scrap Girls Christmas in July Retreat is just around the corner, and Miss Kylie sprung another challenge kit upon me to do samples with.

I loved working with this kit. The colours are so warm and everything worked so well together.

From the contents of the kit, pictured below, I managed to create 4 layouts and 5 cards! Not a bad effort at all. I've still got a few bits and pieces left over and my mind has been ticking as to what I can do with them... we shall see!

Here's my card set....

And here's my layouts...

Will we be seeing you at the Scrap Girls Christmas in July Retreat? I hope so!

Happy Birthday Miss Caitlin

2009-06-29T20:53:00.004+10:00

Happy Birthday gorgeous girl x

Turning 8 is a big deal... don't we know it! Caitlin's birthday wish list included a laptop and an iPod Nano. She didn't get either, but was quiet happy with all the gorgeous gifts she did get.

Swimming in the morning. Cooking in the afternoon courtesy of her very own Cooking 4 Kids cookbook. And of course, birthday cake after dinner!

Poor little William was so sick he didn't even eat any of your birthday cake. You know he must be really unwell if he knocks back chocolate cake.

Beach Mini Album

2009-06-29T20:41:00.003+10:00

These photos were taken over 2 years ago. I always enjoy going back in time... comparing how the kids, and Russ and I have changed too. Sometimes it's good to get reflective.