Some very exciting news

I have some very exciting news. You can see all the details HERE.
I am thrilled and honored to be included in this amazing team. Congratulations to the other amazingly talented ladies, on this team. I look forward to working with you.

Missing in Action

I am back - well sort of!! For those that don't know, I had surgery on Monday for really bad varicose veins, it was something I put off for a long time and they got so bad, I had no choice but to get them fixed.

All went well and I am slowly getting around. I am wrapped up from groin to toes on both legs, until late Monday. I look like a waddling penguin -can't bend at the knees. I have to get up every hour for 5 minutes. It takes me that long to get to the toilet LOL!

My family have been wonderful. I am not used to sitting back and letting them do everything for me. I could get used to it!!!

Meet Cadet Ams

This morning I dropped Kayla at school in her sports uniform. This is the Cadet, I picked up from school this afternoon. Cadets is compulsory for Years 9 and 10. It was so funny to see my girly girl, all dressed up like this. She said it was hard work but she really enjoyed it. Today they did a lot of water safety activities.

It's a PINK ONE!!!! My gorgeous friend Michelle and her partner Andrew had a little baby girl this afternoon. I am an AUNTY - well not officially, but my children have always know Mish, as Aunty Mish. I just wish, I was a bit closer to give this little one lots of cuddles and to help her very special mummy out.

I have been creating but unfortunately nothing I can share just yet.

Have a great weekend

'

A is for Ant

Here is our little ANT. Jarred was learning the letter 'a' last week. This week it is the letter 't'. He is loving school.

Everyone else has settled back into school really well. I am loving only having to do, two drop off's and pick up's - not four, at all different times like last year.

I quickly made this for Kloe's teacher. Jarred gave his teacher the red heart, I made a while ago. They were both very excited, to give them to their teachers on Friday, for Valentines Day. Teachers do a wonderful job and it's nice to give them a little something.

We have visitors at them moment. My Dad and his mate are here from Cairns. The arrived very early on Thursday morning. They went to the All Ford Day in Geelong over the weekend. They will be here for another few days and then back on the road again.

Scrapbooking Memories Card Drive

(Copied from http://www.scrapbookingmemories.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=12570)

The teams at Scrapbooking Memories and Australian Cardmaking, Stamping and Papercraft are deeply saddened by the news of the devastating fires in Victoria. Over the past few days we have been inundated with emails and phone calls from readers searching for a way to reach out to the people affected by this disaster. As magazines dedicated to inpiring people, especially through hard-times, we have created a special card drive for you to send your personal message of hope and support to these unfortunate vicitms. We'll help spread this message of support through our CARD DRIVE FOR THE HARD TIMES.So please, join us in making inspirational cards to send to those affected by this tragedy. We would like to have them personally written in, with thoughts of sympathy, condolences and support. We want to aim to make at least 1000 cards to send to the families in these fire-affected areas.

Our thoughts are with the victims and those affected by the horrific fires burning in Victoria. While we know it will take more than a card to help the families affected by this terrible disaster, we do know how a small, token gift or card can mean a lot to someone in times of trouble, and so we encourage everyone to make a card, with a personal message inside, and send it to the following address:

CARD DRIVE Scrapbooking Memories magazine
50 Silverwater Road
SILVERWATERNSW 2128

Please remember to put your full name and contact details on the envelope or card so we know who to thank.We will have your messages of hope, sympathy and support sent to the areas affected by these dreadful fires. Please send all cards in before close of business on Monday 23rd February. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask any one of the SBM staff.

It's heart breaking

The bush fires have affected so many people. I haven't felt like blogging this week. A community near us, lost 14 homes, the local school and the golf club on Saturday. It is so sad. I can't even image, what it would be like to lose everything. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

And something to smile about - Jarred took this photo of himself. I think he has been watching his older sister!!


** Page removed for publication**

Sharing the love

Kayla wanted a to give her friends parents, a little thank you for taking her away with them. She wanted chocolates, wrapped up special. Apparently the box of goodies she gave Kerry and Stewart at Christmas time, looked to nice to open.

I used some scraps of Teresa Collins Crush PP to wrap around the chocolates.




It's a lot cooler here today. Hopefully it will help with the massive fires that are burning. It was so sad to hear of, the loss of life and homes this morning. It was so hot yesterday and the wind gust were so strong. We are extremely lucky, the closest fire to us, was 20 minutes away.

3 AS Uni

3AS Uni comp started last Sunday - here is my sample for Home Ec. All my students have to make a recipe holder. It was something I had been wanting to make (for a very long time!!) I have used a clear insert, 3 ring binder. Slipped the decorated pages straight in. That way I don't have to worry about messy hands, it can be wiped over.

Thank you to everyone for your concern about Zac. News about the accident was reported on the radio, TV and it's on the front page of today's paper. Seeing the pictures, makes it a little easier for us to understand, what he had to go through. He seems fine - he had, a very big week. Starting a new school, first year in high school and then being involved in the accident.

Have a great weekend - we are expecting a really hot one today and we are on extreme fire alert. The wind is howling.

Never a dull moment

*** All is fine ***


Yesterday I received a phone call, that you never want to get. Zac left for an overnight orientation camp with school. The school rang about 11am to say that the bus was involved in an accident, non of the students were seriously hurt, but were shaken and bruised. My heart sank, I was covered in goose bumps - I was told all the relevant authorities were on the scene and there was no need to panic, they were ok. A young 'P' plate driver tried to do a U turn in front of the bus and the bus tried to avoid it and couldn't - slammed straight into the car. The kids couldn't get out of the bus. Emergency services took 1/2 hour to get the guy out of the car - he was flown to Melb from the scene. They then, got all the kids out of the bus via the emergency exit. They had to wait for another bus to bring them back to town. As the afternoon went on we found out more information about the driver of the car that was involved in the accident. He was a local who Kayla knew and his brother plays in Chris's cricket team. Unfortunately things don't look good for him. They are praising the bus driver, for his efforts in keeping the children safe. The police were amazed the bus hadn't rolled - I don't want to even think about that.

They canceled the camp and all the students were returned to school at 2pm. All I wanted, was to see my boy and know he was ok. He is fine and didn't know what all the fuss was about (that's Zac!!)


The school is having a counseling session for the students today, followed by some fun activities. Zac doesn't say a lot but he was definitely affected by this.


Give your kids an extra special hug tonight, tomorrow and always - because you just never know, what might happen.

Teresa Collins

Hello to everyone, popping in from the lovely Teresa Collin's blog. I am a huge fan, of all the beautiful products Teresa brings out. I was very lucky, to have Teresa show some of my recent creations HERE. Thanks Teresa.

School Time

and so, another school year begins....................

These two little darlings were up very early, dressed and ready for school. They were so excited.



The big and the small

The older two had a few nerves. Zac didn't want us to take him in, he wanted Kayla to take him. Apparently it's not cool any more to be seen with Mum and Dad anymore!!!

They all had a great day and came home very happy.

Jarred doesn't go to school on a Wednesday, during February. They are doing individual assessments during this time and it also give the little ones a chance to have a little rest.

Zac is off for an orientation camp tomorrow - they are going to Port Fairy, to surf, swim and get to know each other.

My calendar is looking very fully already!!!

Fun new Challenges

Scrapbook Divas has 5 new, fun, challenges starting today.

You get the chance to 'Scraplift' me.

Come and have some fun
http://www.scrapbookdivas.com.au/

A few more to share

If you pop in say HI - I would love to hear from you!!

Love is in the air

Some more 'love' from DIVAS

And some more pages for the use up your stash challenge.

Yesterday the lovely Di and I got to catch up. Di is a Stampin up demonstrator and showed me how to make this cute card using the round scallop punch.

I had never thought to use my punches like this..............this got me thinking

So last night I used the square scallop punch and made this card.

It is still very hot here. Another 40+ day. I'm not going to complain, because it will be COLD very soon. I just wish I could bottle up some of this heat and keep it for later!!

The kids are all back to school on Monday. Kayla will be in Year 9, Zac starts high school Year 7, Kloe Year 3 and my baby boy Jarred starts in Prep. He is so excited he is counting the sleeps. Mummy is so sad and will be needing the tissues.

Have a great weekend.

Love, love, love

Love is in the air at DIVAS. Go and check out the shop. It is filled with 'Love'. All projects made using, new Teresa Collins and Little Yellow Bicycle range. Check out the free online class BLOG for instructions for the heart pouch. It is filled with chocolates ready for someone special

Hot, hot, hot.........

Bring it on I say!!! It's going to be 39 today and about the same for the rest of the week. I am loving not being cold!!! Ok, maybe 39 is a little too hot - but I will take the hot over the cold any day. Everything is going brown. We desperately need some rain.

I am very happy to report that the front of the house is DONE!!!! All painted and finished. We even cleaned down and oiled the deck. I have to take some photos. I started on the back - everything is undercoated. Only problem is we need more paint and the paint shop in town won't have anymore until tomorrow. With the hot weather - it will have to be put on hold for awhile.

Almost back to school time - the kids all go back on Monday - lucky us we have a few extra days.

And some more 'Use up your stash pages'

Come and join the Team

Scrapbook Divas is looking for a new member of their team.

We are currently taking applications for a forum/blog/advertising coordinator.All applications need to be sent to michelle@scrapbookdivas.com.au by 31st January 2009 outlining how you, the applicant, would best suit this position and what you can bring to Scrapbook Divas.

Please note that this is a non-scrapbooking position, however the coordinator would be expected to have an active gallery account with Scrapbook Divas. Be aware that to complete this role, the successful applicant must be able to commit to daily interactions on the Diva site and have access to email on a regular basis.

Forum/blog/advertising Coordinator Role includes:

1. Compiling new topic threads in the forum, as well as keeping all those of current interest, bumped to the top of the current topics list

2. Update the forum and Diva blog on regular basis with a ‘whats new’ update. (weekly)

3. Inform sponsoring blogs and competition sites of the current Diva challenges and other
exciting news that is going on over at the Diva site. (weekly)

4. Assist the Design Team and Michelle in general duties as required, at times attending a general Design Team meeting.

The successful applicant for the role of forum coordinator will be offered a generous discount in the Divas shop and have the opportunity to be a part of some of the behind the scenes roles of a scrapbooking site.

We have been painting

or should I say..............attempting to paint. I am forever whinging about it being cold here. Try and paint and the weather decides not to cooperate. It has been hot and windy. Not the best conditions for painting outside. It has been start stop, all week. Yesterday was the best day and we got a lot done. We still have so much more to do. We bought this house from a young couple, who decided to save some money and do the painting themselves. They ran out of steam LOL!!!The outside was never painted. It has only taken us almost two years to get around to it.

Out the back - you can see the raw timber under the gutter and the gal post.

The painting begins - out the front. The timber work and gal posts are now painted to match the corner feature bricks.

And when we get bored - we have all the timber work under the verandas to keep busy with. We are both liking the 'raw' look more and more LOL!!!




- 20 Gal posts out the front have been washed down, sanded, primed and painted twice.
- Timber work has been washed down, sanded, primed and one coat. Second coat was due to go on today, but we had really strong winds and dust storms.

And that is just the front - thankfully we don't have as much veranda out the back.
Chris will be begging to go back to work for a holiday - Real soon!!!

A busy few days

Our two big babies are home. Three weeks is a very long time. We missed them and they missed us. They had a wonderful time in Sydney. Thank you to everyone, for having them. It's very much appreciated. It's nice to have them home. The music is blaring again, the bathroom is messy, there is no juice in the fridge, apparently there is no food in the house (Zac asked me when I was going shopping, within 5 minutes of coming home LOL!!!) Our house just wasn't right without them!!

Yesterday was my birthday. Thank you to everyone for their birthday wishes, cards, emails and presents. Kayla and Zac bought me the lovely 'I Love you'. They went out and bought it especially for me, while they were away. I felt very special.

And here I am - in my very finest clothes LOL!!! They are my oldest, daggiest ones. We had just finished doing some painting out side. Yes, yes on my birthday - my choice. It has to be done!! I wasn't allowed to get changed!!


And tonight we had another cake for Miss Klo - we promised her, we would have another cake for her when Kayla and Zac got home. Kayla made a chocolate and vanilla swirl cake with chocolate icing and fairy dust.

And a kiss for hitting the bottom!!

Chris has heaps of things coming in from the garden. Zucchinis, onions, garlic, lettuce, peas, carrots and potatoes. We even had our first cherries.

Zucchini Cake - Baked today

Peas


The best carrots we have ever tasted.

*** Warning ** Image may offend!!
And a little boy carrot, that got us all laughing!!!