Deb's Deliberations

My new diary arrived from Korea (and a spare apparently) - 18/1/12

2012-01-18T21:56:00.000+10:00

It has been a long day and I am looking forward to sleep - 17//1/12

2012-01-18T21:54:00.000+10:00

Jan 16th - Grandmas Tea Set

2012-01-16T18:01:00.000+10:00

Jan 15th - Time for a Cuppa

2012-01-16T17:59:00.000+10:00

Jan 14th - Little Master Chef?

2012-01-16T17:57:00.000+10:00

Jan 13th - Guess who loved his birthday balloons?

2012-01-13T18:57:00.002+10:00

Jan 12th - hopefully this fruit will stay on the tree and ripen

2012-01-13T18:56:00.000+10:00

Jan 11th - Someone wanted to be in the photo

2012-01-11T19:52:00.003+10:00

Jan 10th - Waiting for these to freeze

2012-01-11T19:51:00.005+10:00

Jan 9th - It is hot!

2012-01-11T19:51:00.002+10:00

Jan 8th - At the pool

2012-01-11T19:50:00.002+10:00

Jan 7th - One shelf down four to go

2012-01-11T19:49:00.005+10:00

Jan 6th - A good mail day

2012-01-11T19:49:00.002+10:00

Jan 5th - DJs new laptop

2012-01-11T19:48:00.005+10:00

Jan 4th - At the Uni

2012-01-11T19:48:00.002+10:00

Jan 3rd - Little man and his friends

2012-01-11T19:47:00.005+10:00

Jan 2nd - A blast from the past

2012-01-11T19:47:00.002+10:00

Jan 1st - My fave flowers

2012-01-11T19:46:00.001+10:00

I have had a dreadful track record with blogging for the last year so for 2012 I decided that, rather than try and find time to write posts, I would share a photo a day. So here is the first post in what I hope will be my year in pictures, documenting the everyday.

A different sort of creating today

2011-03-19T18:30:00.000+10:00

It is wet wet wet outside today and, despite having plans to be outside all day doing gardening related tasks, we have been stuck inside all day instead.

Rather than deal with housework, which had no appeal for me what so ever, I decided to take the opportunity to make a big mess in the kitchen.

The results - a basic loaf of bread, blueberry apple and lemon muffins, and a cheese and chive round.

Yum!

Some of the unshared pages from last year ...

2011-03-17T11:57:00.001+10:00

Don't faint

2011-03-15T16:22:00.000+10:00

Yes I know it has been a very long time, there are no excuses but life got in the way. I am finding that more and more I am using Facebook as it's easier to make a quick post and harder to find time to blog.

Anyway, for the first time in months and months I actually scrapped a page. I took inspiration from the A2Z scraplets sketch for the month and this is the result. It'snot fantastic but not too bad after almost forgetting how to scrap. Hopefully the next post won't take so long.

How is it possible?

2010-05-01T12:03:00.002+10:00

Have I not posted anything here in the past few months?

Sorry about that. Much has been happening, most of which I shared on facebook but didn't get round to posting here.

The main things since last update ...

Eldest ds has been diagnosed with Cluster Headaches, not good
XH bought eldest ds a car, good

Car in for service and came out with list of repairs needed, not good
Car now transferred and registered, good

Had to say goodbye to our dear old German Shepherd Jafar, not good
Rescued a Husky from an animal shelter, good

2nd ds not doing so well in English, not good
2nd ds doing extremely well in Maths, good

I have not scrapped anything in months, not good
Today I might find my desk and remember how to scrap, good.

That's it in a nutshell. I will see if there are any layouts I haven't shared yet and if there are I will upload them shortly, together with a few recent pics as soon as I get them off the camera.

Thanks for dropping by,
Deb.

OOPS

2010-02-22T11:55:00.001+10:00

Guess who all but forgot about this poor neglected blog ... sorry 'bout that.

Oh well, I am back now and although too much happened in the past how ever many months to recap I will post a few bits and pieces shortly.

There are giveaways and there are GIVEAWAYS ...

2009-05-16T13:56:00.002+10:00

This has to be one of the best ones I've seen for a while ...

do yourself a favour and check it out here

http://passionforcrafts.blogspot.com/2009/05/birthday-blog-candy.html before May 23rd.

You never know you just might win!

Here it is

2009-05-13T12:20:00.005+10:00

As promised, here are some of my recent Lo's. I have tried to upload these twice already and am not going to push my luck and try to add some more. I hope you like them.

Apologies

2009-04-28T09:39:00.006+10:00

A few weeks back I wrote a very long post to catch up on all the happenings around here since my last post, but before i hit the save now button my pc crashed and I lost the lot. I told myself I would go back and do it again later but I never did, I just don't have the time. Apologies to anyone who may have been interested, lol, but it's just not going to happen. I will upload some of my latest scrapping creations shortly but that will be it.

See ya soon!

Book Worm!

2009-02-22T12:54:00.002+10:00

It seems I've become a bit of a book worm since I got some reading glasses. I have always loved reading but the difficulty I had actually seeing a page without glasses made it almost impossible. I hadn't tried to read a book in years but I got myself some glasses at the end of 2008 and oh how that has changed!

Over the summer I have read -

The Dream Seekers, Patricia Shaw

City of Bones, Cassandra Clare
City of Ashes, Cassandra Clare

Twilight, Stephenie Meyer
Eclipse , Stephenie Meyer
New Moon , Stephenie Meyer
Breaking Dawn, Stephenie Meyer
The Host, Stephenie Meyer

I am currently reading My Sisters Keeper, Jodi Piccoult and I have a stack of books here to read once I'm finished.

It seems the habit is rubbing off on the other kids too and even DJ (who has not read a book in eons) is engrossed in the Autobiography of Slash, former Guns & Roses guitarist. Not the best reading material perhaps, but he is reading and for that I am grateful!

Have you read any good books lately?

I would love to hear about them ...

Monthly Challenges (Part two)

2009-02-22T12:44:00.002+10:00

As promised, here are the last two of my February challenges ...

February Monthly Challenges

2009-02-04T09:51:00.006+10:00

In my earlier post I mentioned the February Monthly Challenges for aussielayouts.

In case you haven't heard about them every month there are a set of challenges to do and from the list you can choose 5 layouts, either the members challenge or monthly snapshot, as well as the three aussle packs for the month.

These are the challenges for February

1. Complete a layout with a black and white photo, a heart and something red

2. Complete a layout with at least three small photos and some brackets

3. Complete a layout using school related photo or photos

4. Complete a layout about someone with a one word title to describe their personality

5. Complete a layout with shaped paper or cardstock, stitching and a sticker title

6. Complete a baby layout using non traditional baby colours…no pastel pinks, blues or lemons!

7. Complete a layout with water photos

8. Complete a layout with three different Making Memories products

9. Complete a layout with the title “Favourite Things”

Members challenge from Tracey M - a layout using eyelets, punched shapes and chipboard pieces

I have already completed the aussles (as posted earlier), challenges #2, 4, 5 and 7, and I only have #9 and the monthly snapshot to do and I am done! I like getting them done at the beginning of the month as I find I have more time and I don't have the last minute rush to get them completed.

Here are the ones I've done so far ...

I will post the last two layouts as soon as they are done.

Thanks for popping in!

February Scrapping

2009-02-03T09:40:00.004+10:00

I took January off from The Scrap Heap Inspiration Team but I am back now and the newsletter went out on the 1st so I can now share the Aussles I did for this month.

I have to say that girl LO's are hard for me, not having any girls of my own, but I am thankful my niece always seems to visit when I am in need of new photo's, and she's not camera shy either. Thanks Brooke!

I'll be back soon with my monthly challenge layouts. I know it's only the 3rd but I am almost done.

As they say, when inspiration strikes ...

Thanks for dropping in

He's 3!

2009-01-14T21:15:00.005+10:00

Is it really three years since this gorgeous little soul came into my life?

A little 'surprise packet' who continues to surprise me on a daily basis.

A very special little man who brings sunshine to my day, every day.

My world is so much better for having him in it, and that truly is reason to celebrate!

Happy birthday little man ...

More Scrapping

2009-01-12T23:19:00.002+10:00

While I am here I thought I would share a few more pages I did between posts, lol ....

Overdue Catch Up

2009-01-12T22:12:00.019+10:00

Please don't fall off your chair, I've finally got around to updating my blog and yes I know it's long overdue! Sorry! The weeks leading up to Christmas are always a mad rush, with end of school festivities and celebrations, but this past year even more so. The school holdays are just as busy, and worse if you decide to do a major rearrange of kids bedrooms and living areas (what was I thinking?).

Well here goes ...

The Primary School said farewell to a very special teacher, Mrs 'Darling' C who has been a teacher at the school since it opened. She is a fabulous teacher who has always gone beyond the call of duty, and is loved by students and parents alike. I am so glad she was a part of our school community and I hope she comes back to do some part time teaching in the not too distant future.

We had 2nd ds's graduation from Primary in December, yay, although you had your moments you made it through! There was excitement at the new opportunities that the future holds, but also sadness at the end of this chapter, very much a time of mixed emotions!

Yes ds#2 had another broken wrist (same place as last time) and it happened only 4 weeks after the previous cast was removed. This cast came off Christmas week, thank goodness, I couldn't have faced him missing out on swimming etc. during the holidays.

Christmas brought much joy to the boys, and me too. Simple pleasures and family traditions made it a very special time (although rather hectic).

Christmas dinner was a quiet family affair at home, and we enjoyed round two on Boxing Day when we went to my parents house for dinner!

New Year was a quiet one for us, fireworks on the TV, but New Years Day saw us sweltering in the heat.

A trip to the lake to cool off was in order but unfortunately a lot of people had the same idea. Eventually we squeezed into a parking spot (a km or so away) and spent a few hours cooling down and enjoying the surrounds. Even a stingray swimming just feet away from us and heading in our direction did not deter us. Oh, and the little cafe by the lake makes the best hot chips ever!

I finally bit the bullet and booked into an Optometrist to get these old eyes tested. Aa few hundred dollars later, I now have two pairs of reading glasses and I can read again, even fine print. It's been a while since I could read properly and so I jumped at the chance to read again and picked up Stephenie Meyer's Twilight. I loved it, only problem is everywhere has sold out of books 2, 3 and 4, so it will be well into next month before I get my hands on the next one.

We have done most of the back to school preparations, having backpacks, shoes, lunch boxes, some uniforms and extra stationery items already sorted. I still need to get uniforms for ds#1 and ds#3 once the school uniform shops open but then we're done, yay!

Tomorrow is my little man's 3rd birthday, hard to believe, and I know he is going to enjoy himself and the celebrations. Still haven't decided on what cake he's going to have but I'm sure we'll come up with something! Photo's will follow in the next few days.

I have been taking a break from scrapping this month, I think I scrapped myself out last year, and although I am not due to return to the IT till next month I did scrap a few pages yesterday. Before I scrapped I had cleaned up and rearranged my scrap space (thanks to Chrissy shaming me into it, lol) and I couldn't wait to make a creative mess again. I can't share yet but will share a couple I did at the end of last year and haven't shared yet.

Oh, and I got an OTT lite as a bonus with a magazine subscription and it's fabulous. If anyone is thinking about getting one I would say go for it, it really makes a huge difference!

If you've got this far you've done well, thanks for hanging in there! I promise once the holidays are over and the kids are back in school I will update on a regular basis, well I will try :)

Have a nice day ...

2008-10-28T09:46:00.002+10:00

Sorry there is not much time for a post today, I am just sharing a few of the most recent LO's I've done. Life seems to be more hectic than ever at the moment, as the lead up to Festive Season always does. Thanks for popping by!

Have a great day,

Last Months Scrapping ...

2008-10-09T18:03:00.004+10:00

I've been a bit slack and haven't uploaded any LO's for over a month, sorry about that, but here are some of my favourites ...

They won!

2008-10-09T17:38:00.003+10:00

OK so it's old news now, but last Sunday our favourite NRL team won the Grand Final, by a whopping 40 - 0. Yay Manly!

Today the boys and I got the change to see the NRL trophy and better still had the chance for a photo op., which if course we jumped at. Manly thought their 'second home' should have a chance to see the trophy too and celebrate their win, which was great for us!

You won't see many photo's of me, but today I had to make an exception. It's not everyday your team wins the Grand Final and it's not every day you get a chance to hold the trophy. We also got to see Norm Provan, yes the taller man featured on the trophy, but it's a shame there were no Manly players there, the kids were hoping to see them.

Oh, and if you live in Sydney you may (or many not) see a photo of me, my son (well his back) and my mother with the trophy. One of the photographers took a liking to DJ's t-shirt (which he swiped from me) and wanted a shot for the paper. I guess we just have to wait and see if it goes in or not?

They're done!

2008-09-06T22:04:00.004+10:00

I have been busy doing some scrapping this week, I have completed all the Monthly Challenges for September and squeezed in a few Daily Challenges too.

Spring Has Sprung

2008-09-01T12:30:00.001+10:00

and the azaleas are in bloom ...

A challenging weekend

2008-08-24T17:33:00.006+10:00

It was another SWIG this weekend for The Scrap Heap and as I couldn't go (there never are any takers to look after 4 lovely children, lol) I thought I would take the burden off Christine and arrange the non-swig challenges for those that couldn't make it to the getaway.

Instead of the list of things to include on a LO we decided to create challenges themed to co-incide with the jungle theme of SWIG, but they left loads of room to be interpreted in many different ways.

OK, so I set the challenges but just like everyone else I did them too! Best thing is I managed to incorporate another 5 daily challenges into these layouts, and that's always a bonus!

The bug hit (hard)

2008-08-02T19:47:00.006+10:00

Yes, of course I'm talking about the scrapping bug, there have been way too many of the other kind around here lately!

My house is a mess and there is washing piled high, but when inspiration strikes there is no holding it back, a scrapper must scrap, and that's exactly what I did. I can't believe it is only the 2nd of the month and I have almost completed all my monthly challenges for aussielayouts, just one more to go and I have just printed the photo's for that and have paper choices running through my mind. Goodness only knows what I am going to do for the rest of the month, I am already in front with IT stuff.

Anyway, I can share the August Aussles and one of the POM LO's I have done for THS as well as my monthly challenges and a few more. So here they are ...

These are a couple I did last weekend

These are the monthly challenges

This month's Aussles and the POM (Bo Bunny)

I have some more done but they're for upcoming newsletters so I will share them later.

Thanks for popping in,

A few fave pages ...

2008-07-14T15:10:00.002+10:00

Where?

2008-07-14T14:53:00.003+10:00

I know, you've heard it all before, but just where does the time go? One minute the kids are just back at school for term two and in the blink of an eye their holidays are almost over and term 3 is looming. At this rate the end of year activities will be here in no time at all ...

We've had sick kids, kids away on holidays, more sick kids, sleep overs, shopping expheditions, movie marathons, and goodness knows what else it's all gone by in a blur!

I have had very little me time but I did manage to find time to do some online browsing and came across this little beauty, which I am happy to say should be arriving at my home in the next week or so, yippee! I've been wanting a new camera for eons and this one, although not a digital SLR, is quite a step up from my 5 meg 3x zoom. I won't know myself with all the new features but I am sure I will have fun trying them all out. The only hard part is the waiting ...

I've been scrapping now and then and managing to keep up with scrapping committments for both TSH and A2Z. I don't have time to upload any LO's now, I am awaiting the arrival of a locksmith (argh), but will upload as soon as I can.

Thanks for dropping by, sorry it was such a boring post, lol.

Has it really been that long?

2008-06-01T16:03:00.007+10:00

I can't believe it's over a month since my last post. Where has the time gone? I must be getting old, the days are passing faster and faster all the time!

I can't remember everything that's happened since my last post (again that must be the age thing, lol) but I will try and post a catch up later, for now here are just some of the scrap pages I've done in the last month or so.

I have done a few pages for Julie @ A2Z Scraplets but the newsletter doesn't go out till today so I will post them later, together with the Aussles and POM Lo's I've done for The Scrap Heap again once that newsletter is out too.

Thanks for popping in, hopefully it won't be so long between this post and the next!

Have a great day,

Anzac Day

2008-04-25T11:50:00.002+10:00

IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing,
fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved,
and now we lie In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep,
though poppies grow In Flanders fields.

by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae,
MD (1872-1918) Canadian Army

Scrapped

2008-04-03T08:25:00.006+10:00

Before I go and hopefully get some rest, I will share a couple of LO's I've done recently.

and a clock I made that was in last weeks newsletter for The Scrap Heap.

My Week

2008-04-03T08:19:00.003+10:00

I've had a relatively good week this week ..

The kids were all back at school after being sick over the past few weeks
I received a rebate from Symantec which meant the Norton AV I bought a few months ago was free
S/M accepted two of my LO's for their teen gallery, and
I received a parcel from Fiskars with a t-shirt I won and some scrapping goodies
The tradesman I called to do a job for me only charged me $10 to repair something instead of the $109 quoted on his charge sheet. Gee there are some good people out there!

Everything seemed to be going well until ...

I had to collect Jesse from school at first break, he was pushed over while playing and hurt his btm
Late this afternoon the kid next door threw a skateboard at Jesse and hurt his leg (Jesse accidentally hurt him when they were playing so he thought it was OK to deliberately hurt him in return) argh kids.
And the pleurisy (which can recur every time I get a bug or virus) has finally taken hold despite my efforts all week to beat it. I am taking antib's and pain killers, but so far no relief and it hurts like he**.

I want to scrap (and finish the IT challenge LO sitting on my desk) and Jesse has a model due for school, but the body is simply not willing. I'm fine as long as I don't move or breathe. It's a shame Mums can't take sick leave, I could really do with some time off. Oh well, we soldier on ...

Have a great day,

Virtual Crop for Easter

2008-03-23T07:45:00.004+10:00

Christine is holding a Virtual Crop over the Easter weekend on aussielayouts.

I have done 2 of the 4 challenges that have come through so far, this LO and a card (which I am not sharing as I am not happy with it). I was busy completing a project for The Scrap Heap newsletter, but now that's finished and uploaded as well as my theme page(s), I don't have any more due till next week.

Hopefully I will get some more VC's or Daily Challenges done over the weekend, we are only planning a quite weekend at home so I should be able to fit some scrapping in. Whatever you are doing today I hope you have a great day,

Hoppy Easter

2008-03-23T07:38:00.002+10:00

I hope the Easter Bunny has left some goodies at your house, but no little brown ones on the floor!

Have a Hoppy Easter ....

Getting Organised ..

2008-03-16T10:07:00.008+10:00

Last weekend saw the start of challenge #10 for the Getting Organised challenges at Aussielayouts. The challenge was to sort and file away all your photographs and layouts and, although I knew it was coming, I was not looking forward to it. Anyone who knows me would know that I scrap a fair bit and I take zillions of photographs, so this challenge wasn't going to be an easy one.

Well I've done it, as much as I can right now anyway. I have run out of albums and I can't find the photo storage I want, but I've worked with what I have and done my best. All my empty ablums are now filled and I have LO's in plastic sleeves waiting for new albums. My printed photographs are together in the same location and my digital photo's have been copied to disc.

So that's a start!

I wonder if Christine has any other challenges in store for us?

Monthly Challenges

2008-03-16T09:42:00.007+10:00

I am pleased to say I have finished my monthly challenges for Aussie Layouts, and it's only the 16th. YAY!

I have also managed to double up with 6 of the daily challenges too, so I only have another 4 dc's to go. I am again aiming for 10 done this month, I know there is no way I'd get the whole 31 done!

You will have noticed that some of the LO's are using the same papers. Instead of putting the scraps straight into their folder I now leave them at the side of the desk and see if I can use what's left to create another LO. It seems silly to pack them away and, more often than not, totally forget about them. I am surprised at how far 3 or 4 pieces of patterned paper can go!

I challenge you to give it a try. When you create your next LO see if you can use the leftover pieces to create another one, or a card, or a little OTP. It's ok to add other bits and pieces but use something that was leftover from the first LO. I would love to see what you do so please leave me a comment so I can check out what you've done.

Have a great day,

Sometimes I wonder ..

2008-03-05T09:35:00.006+10:00

How can someone you have lived near for years, someone your son thinks the world of, someone he looks up to, someone you always thought were caring genuine people, turn nasty overnight?

This is how...

Their car (old work ute not the family car) is vandalised (words scratched in to it by young girl living next door) ...

Your son (who happens to be Intellectually Impaired and only 9 yo) is not near the car when it happens but does see it occur ...

The owner of the car blames your son for not stopping the vandalism for happening ...

What the? I didn't realise that my son was responsible for a kid living next door!

And as a result the owner of the vehicle will not let my son play with their son (who just happens to be in his class as school), has threatened to call the police and have my son charged (I have already spoken to the Police and she's can't do that, he has done nothing wrong), and she has totally devastated my son this morning by the words she spoke to him. He has gone to school in tears and I can't stop crying I feel so sad ...

I can understand they are upset and disappointed, but it's not our fault their vehicle was vandalised, it's not our fault their car is not insured, and it's not my fault my son is intellectually impaired and doesn't always understand what it going on around him.

I am most upset that they have no compassion or understanding about intellectual impairment and the implications that can have. Apparently he is 'old enough to know better' and 'should have done something'. Well, in a perfect world maybe, but he is not perfect and neither is the world we live in. He is a 9yo boy with an intellectual impairment and impaired reasoning ability, but he does his best!

Because their son is in the same class as mine I rang the school to speak with the teacher and let her know what happened. Her response was, oh dear he wouldn't have known what to do, I bet he just stood there and watched ... and yes that's what he did, he doesn't know any different!

Sorry for the long post but I am so sad for my son and what he has gone through this morning, and saddened also by the fact that he is the way he is and that people with 'non-impaired' kids don't always understand what we go through. I love my son to bits and knowing that he has enormous struggles ahead of him, and he will be facing them with so little compassion in the world, just tears me apart.

It leaves me wondering ... why?

I hope if you see someone with any kind of disability when you are out and about in the street or shopping centre you don't look away, but you look them in the face and smile.

Sometimes a little compassion and understanding goes a long way!

Layouts

2008-03-02T15:23:00.009+10:00

Here goes ...

Hopefully blogger is playing nice now ...

Newsletter Pages & More

2008-03-02T14:14:00.013+10:00

The newsletter for The Scrap Heap came out yesterday, so now I can share a few LO's that I had done. I have also done a few challenges too. I know they are mainly (ok all) EJ, but the other boys have learnt to run from the camera and EJ is (so far) an easier target.

I spent the morning mowing and tidying up the back yard, I gave up on doing the edges after the snipper ran out of nylon cord. The kids have a friend playing with them in the back yard so I'm off to grab a cuppa and put my feet up.

I am still suffering with this cold but I am not going to let it stop me, well not yet anyway.

OK Blogger is not playing nice, I can not get it to align the LO's the way I want them no matter what I do, so I'm deleting them and will try to re-post them on their own. Argh!

A mission and a half ...

2008-03-02T13:35:00.004+10:00

I was reading the Fiskars blog the other day and I came across a post here about a special camp for kids. There will be about 80 kids attending camps soon and the organisers, god bless them, want to create a special 6x6 scrap album for each of them to take home. These albums have 20 pages each so they will need 1600 pages in total. That's quite a mission ...

If you check out some more recent posts on the Fiskars Craft blog you can see some of the pages the girls have created since the original post. I reckon they're doing an awesome job!

I couldn't help but be moved to do something too. I know my kids love seeing their photo's and reading the story behind them, but I know a lot of the kids attending these camps probably don't have anything like this to look back on, which is quite sad. I can only begin to imagine what a treasure these albums will become for these kids.

As far as what is needed ... the albums are 6"x6" and the one photo per page will be approx 5" x 3.5", the rest is up to you, simple is by far the best. If you like you can include a mat and a journaling spot so the buddies can Journal. I found last year that they were so overwhelmed by just creating the pages that they didn't have much time left to Journal, as scrappers we understand the importance of including personal journaling and I know these children will benefit so much more if its there. The pages will be slipped into an album so there's no need for punching holes etc.

It doesn't take long to make a 6x6 page or two, or three, or however many you can manage ...

I spent a big part of yesterday creating enough pages for one complete album. It was nice to work on something girly for a change and I think they came together quite well.

I've done another 4 pages besides these and hope to do quite a few more in the coming weeks.

Julie did say there weren't many girly girls but I hope there is at least one who will like these pages, I just couldn't help myself. The rest I intend to do won't be so 'pink'. (sorry for the bad pic)

If you would like to join in or need any more information please check out Julie's blog here (I've fixed the link so it should work now).
Have a great day,

Grab a cuppa ...

2008-02-26T10:36:00.010+10:00

I haven't posted in a month so this will be a long one ...

Despite the boys being back at school for weeks now things on the home front don't seem to have slowed any. There is more than ever that needs doing and I don't seem to be getting far with anything, but I guess that's to be expected with 4 boys. I am however making sure as much as possible is done through the week so weekends can be spent with the kids doing fun stuff.

Yesterday I did about 9 full loads of washing, thank goodness there are no water restictions here, and today it's all folded and away where it should be. I gave up ironing as I washed clothes a long time ago. Seeing clothes put away niceley to go back a few days later and see them all rolled up in a ball after the boys were looking for something made me realise that it was a waste of time. I iron what's needed when someone wants to wear it, this works for me and saves standing at the ironing board for hours on end.

I still have a huge list of things I want to get done today but I am hoping I can get them done while EJ is playing or 'helping' me, so that when he goes to sleep I can have a little me time and possibly get some scrapping done.

This past weekend was a scorcher. We've had a wet and mild summer and yes it's raining again today. but Saturday was something else. The official temp on the news was 39 but it was already 37 here at 10am and I know it got a lot hotter during the day. There were reports of temps around the Coast of 41+ and I think that's closer to reality!

In search of some relief from the heat I took the kids to the pool and we spent the day there with my sister and her youngest. I thought it would be packed but everyone must have gone where it was air conditioned instead, there was hardly anyone there (which was great). The boys had a ball, especially EJ. He has no fear of the water (unlike the other 3 at his age) and he has so much confidence and bravado he thinks he can swim, which of course he can't yet. It's great to see him trying to swim though and hopefully this love of the water will continue and he will learn to swim easily once lessons start.

Sunday the kids went to Maze Mania for their cousins birthday party. DJ is too old to go in the maze but he found himself a computer with internet and occupied himself there.

Ryan and Jesse had a ball running around expending energy as did EJ, who was very reluctant to leave the little kids area when it was time to go. He really enjoyed running around discovering new things to play with and interacting with kids his own age, and he loved the red car. He was moving too fast to get many pics, but I did get a couple!

I have been busy scrapping this past month, doing pages for The Scrap Heap newsletter and some Daily Challenges.

I have another 4 DC's to do before the end of the month but I don't like my chances.

EJ has caught the cold that's doing the rounds up here atm and he is being very clingy today, which is pretty normal when a toddler gets sick, but it makes scrapping a little difficult.

We are into week 8 of the Getting Organised Missions for aussielayouts and I am pleased to say I have completed each one before the weekend deadline. I know what the next two will be, but I'm not telling (yet). I will say this though, for me the last one is going to be a real challenge and Im not particularly looking forward to it, lol, but I know it will be good once they are all done!

This week's challenge was flowers, buttons and plastic embellishments. These are my tidy flowers, you didn't think I was going to post the messy pics did you?

EJ has settled down in front of the tv with a DVD and a bottle, so hopefully that me time might be just moments away ... or not!

Have a great day,

Quick Update

2008-01-25T18:49:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone,

I know I haven't updated the blog much lately but with the school holidays and four energetic and bored boys to keep amused I have hardly had a moment to spare. I promise to do an Summer Update once the boys are back at school and it's quiet enough to think!

For now I just want to let you know I have added a blinkie to the side bar. I recently joined up as a Fiskateer (and received my membership box with engraved scissors this week) and I often check out the Fiskars craft blogs to see what is happening.

If you don't already visit, go check it out, you might find something you like!

Have a nice day,

New Do!

2008-01-02T12:21:00.000+10:00

The older boys often get their hair cut and Ej has had his done recently, but I'm afraid mine is usualy forgotten. 95% of the time my hair is brushed, tied up, and left there.

Yesterday I actually stopped and looked at my hair and was quite shocked to see just how long, frizzy and heavy it had become.

I took a radical step and gave myself a haircut. It was very easy and I am quite pleased with the result. My hair is about 10" or more shorter, it's so much lighter and in heaps better condition with all the frizzy ends gone.

It was most definately time for a change!

Wild, Wet and Windy

2008-01-02T12:11:00.000+10:00

We've had rotten weather here since last week!

A very large tropical low has been lashing the coast with high seas and very gusty wind. The kids and I are sick of being stuck inside the house but it's just too unpleasant to go outside. I feel sorry for holiday makes who have come to the coast for some fun and sun, it's been anything but!

The forecasters said it will ease off today and then the low will head back towards the S/E coast, great! I am keeping my fingers crossed it doesn't make a bee line for where we are. I hate cyclonic weather, as do the boys, so we are all praying it is gone very soon!

Here are some images from the media. I wasn't going out to take any!

First Haircut

2007-12-28T18:43:00.000+10:00

Well it was long overdue and, although I didn't want Ej to lose his gorgeous curls, I bit the bullet and gave him a haircut last week. He's had his fringe snipped many times so he could see, but this is the first time he's had any length taken off the back.

I didn't realise just how long it was until he'd had his bath and I combed his hair straight. Omg it was down near his shoulder blades! So, with the little man refusing to sit still, I did my best and snipped a good 3" off the back.

"Before"

Once his hair dried I was so pleased to see that he still has those curls. I'm not ready to say goodbye to those little boy curls just yet!

"After"

Hopefully now the "Oh isn't SHE gorgeous" might be a thing of the past. I know he's gorgeous, lol, but he doesn't look like a girl!

Have a nice day,

Catching Up

2007-12-28T17:23:00.000+10:00

I know it's been a long time between posts. It's been all systems go trying to get ready for Christmas and keeping the boys occupied since their holidays began, and I haven't had a lot of time to update. I tried to post earlier in the week but blogger wouldn't let me, so here I am trying again.

The colours on our tree ...

The boys in Santa hats ...

A few pics of the boys on Christmas Day ...

Some yummy donuts Dj and I made this afternoon ...

and finally a couple of scrap pages I did for last weeks newsletter for The Scrap Heap

I hope everyone had a fabulous Christmas and you all managed to spend some quality time with your loved ones. If you're travelling during the holiday period please stay safe!

Thanks for dropping in,

Pool Pics

2007-11-27T12:31:00.000+10:00

There is nothing like playing in the fresh air and sunshine to run off some of their endless supplies of energy!

2007-11-27T11:43:00.000+10:00

We had a great day at the pool on Sunday, the kids had a ball and EJ has had a complete turn around (thank goodness).

EJ was scared of the pool last time we went but I think having a little splasher pool in the backyard for the past few weeks has allowed him to grasp the concept of playing in water. He had a wonderful time in fact it was hard to get him out. He went in the babies pool first but Mr. Independant was soon in the next size pool, trying to go where he couldn't even stand and not letting anyone help him. He was also in the full size pool, his brothers, uncle and cousin all taking turns to hold him, but he wanted to do it himself and was using his arms like he was trying to swim.

I am so pleased he is not scared of the water and look forward to him learning to swim, but I will be looking for a swim vest before our next pool outing that's for sure! I will post some pics shortly.

Our lovely day was spoiled late in the afternoon though.

There was a knock at the door and I saw one of the boys from down the road holding Jesse in his arms, and when he said "you'll be a bit shocked when you see this" and immediately I knew something was very wrong.

Picture this ... 4 boys, a rather energetic game of tackle, a collision and subsequent head knock to ds#3.

When I saw his face I was shocked. Within a few minutes of it happening his face was already swollen and bruised, but the worse for me was when he said he couldn't see properly. It was a quick dash to the hospital, a long wait to see the doc, a full set of x-rays, and another wait to see the doc, before we got the all clear. No breaks to the cheekbone or the eye socket and no damage to the eye, just some burst blood vessels, lots of swelling and brusing and a considerable amount of pain. He had Monday of school on doc's advice, but has gone back today with quite a tale to share for Show and Tell. The joys of having boys !

It's a bit hard to see the damage from these pics, the swelling had subsided slightly after the ice packs but all the bruising hadn't yet come out.

Ouch!

Now on to scrapping.

I failed miserably last the Monthly Challenges for Aussielayouts, but this month I have done much better, in fact I've finished them with days to spare!

As well as finishing the Monthly Challenges I have already done the POM and Aussles for December, which I can't share yet, but I am feeling a tad pleased with myself. It's so good to have them done early and not be rushing and worrying about meeting deadlines.

I am amost done with the Christmas shopping too. It's back to the shops on Thursday for a few things and hopefully, besides collecting some laybys later on, I'll be finished.

Then I will have no more excuses, I will have to get all this housework done (not one of my favourite things).

Have a great day,

Busy Busy Busy

2007-11-22T08:06:00.000+10:00

This time of the year is always hectic, but throw in 4 kids and a Mum all suffering the dreaded lurgy and it seems near impossible to keep up. Life is always throwing us challenges and this week has definately been challenging.

Ryan's birthday was earlier in the month and he is now only a year away from the dreaded 'teenage' years, gee that happened fast.

I'm not sure I'm ready for two teenage boys (and attitudes) in the house but I guess I've got a year to get used to the idea!

I have, amongst all the chaos, managed to get a bit of srapping done and I can now share the pages I had in the last issue of The Scrap Heap newsletter.

I've also made a start on the Monthly Challenges, these are the two quick pages I've done so far. There are another three sitting 1/2 done on my desk, so I might actually get them all done this month!

Thanks for visiting,

Have a nice day!

D Day

2007-11-06T16:46:00.000+10:00

Well tomorrow is it ...

"D" Day

Some time between 2:15pm and 3pm I will legally be a free woman ...

And it's about time too !!

Latest Scrap

2007-11-04T17:53:00.001+10:00

Here are the layouts I promised to upload the other day, some aussles, theme layouts and some monthly challenges. I hope to get more done this month but what with everything going on here and at school, ds #2's birthday next week, and Christmas fast approaching, it will be anyone's guess as to what I will manage to fit in, but I will try!

I am having trouble getting these images to stay where I want them so I'm giving up for now and I will try and fix it later (when I have more patience and I am not trying to cook dinner at the same time). Have a nice day,

Yet again

2007-11-03T20:08:00.000+10:00

I am finding myself hardly able to keep up with everything, time is going too fast, things are piling up, and I'm getting way behind (again).

Halloween was fun, school camp has been and gone for 2nd ds, swimming lessons have started for ds#2 an ds #3, amd ds#4 has swimming 3 days a week from now till end of school. I am trying to get everything organised for Christmas before I run out of time and before school holidays start, but it's creeping up way too fast!

With all the Spring Cleaning the house looked great (for a few days) but then all the work and walking took it's toll and I have been paying for it ever since. My feet are so painful it's difficult to get around and it looks like new shoes and inserts from the podiatrist may be on the cards (argh). I can't stand (excuse the pun) being this uncomfortable and not being able to run around with the kids, it's just not fair on them. I am hoping I can find some relief soon and I hope it doesn't have to be the painful injections the Doctor has promised if nothing else works, so fingers crossed! It's horrible feeling 'old' ...

Anyway enough of the moaning, I have not been scrapping much lately and even failed the monthly challenges for TSH (first time in ages) but I have done some aussles and other pages. Unfortunately blogger is not letting me upload them atm, so I will post them later.

Thanks for dropping by,

So over it

2007-10-24T15:50:00.000+10:00

It seems like forever since I started the Spring Cleaning, OK I know it's not that long it just feels like it and I am so over it. I have pushed myself as far as I can and I will be calling a stop to any more Spring Cleaning for now. I am not done but the house is at the point where if anyone walked in the door I wouldn't be mortified and that's a good thing!

This problem with my feet (plantar fasciitis) is getting worse. All the extra activity of the the past few weeks hasn't helped and now I am in constant pain in both feet. Walking is becoming more difficult and I'm moving around a lot slower too, which isn't great when you have a 21 month old bundle of energy to keep up with as well as the other 3 tearaways. Such is life!

Anyway, today I've finished the bathroom, laundry and loo, swept and mopped all the tiles (the whole house bar the loungeroom and bedrooms), washed a few more walls, cleaned the oven and cooktop, vacuumed all the carpets, and done two loads of washing. That's the way it will stay for a while now, apart from the day to day stuff, the cleaning of outside walls and windows can wait for another day (or week). If I find the energy I might do some painting in the next few months but I'm not in any hurry!

I have been in a bit of a scrapping drought this week only doing the canvasses on Saturday morning. I'm looking forward to taking it easy over the next few days and getting some scrapping in where I can, which means when the kids are at school and EJ is asleep, or after they go to bed. I have to do a couple of theme layouts for The Scrap Heap before the weekend, and also 3 aussles and a POM before the 1st, so I better get myself into gear.

At the moment one son is at camp, one is hammering some nails in the cubby house (don't ask), one has a mate over playing their computer games, and little one is in the lounge room watching Hi-5, but that's about to finish so I better get in there and keep him amused. I might just get a cuppa and put my feet up for a while too (?)

Thanks for stopping by, have a great afternoon!

2007-10-21T15:11:00.000+10:00

I wish I was scrapping but unfortunately I've got a pile of things to do here and the end is not yet in sight. The delightful Cassie is leading a group of Non-Swiggers to do as many challenges as they can this weekend while some of the Aussielayouts girls are off at Swig. I would love to be joining in but I'm afraid I am too busy here.

Today I have mowed the backyard, swept out and tidied the garage, cleaned my ensuite, washed the dishes, washed the kitchen cupboard doors, cleaned the insides of 2 sliding doors (doing outsides later), cleaned 3 sets of bedroom windows and the loungeroom windows (again only insides), washed down the front door (a white door when it rains is not good), washed some clothes, cleaned the light switches, washed a few walls, taken down and cleaned the dining room light fitting, put meat out to defrost for dinner, and kept a toddler and 3 big kids fed, watered and occupied!

I still have on the agenda to put clean clothes away, do the insides of my bedroom windows, store winter quilts away, get rid of the junk on the patio and give it a sweep, put garden tools away, and a zillion other things that will probably still be on my list tomorrow!

I will be so happy when all my spring cleaning is done and I can sit back and enjoy it.

I did manage to finish this set of 4 floral canvasses yesterday for my bedroom. They were quick and easy but it will make a nice change to a drab and boring empty wall. The best thing is once I get tired of them or change the colours in the bedroom I can take off the flowers and repaint the canvasses and create something else, too easy.

I got the canvasses from Crazys, added some MM paint, drew circles with white gel pen to create a trail for the flowers, added a mix of Green Tara, Heidi Swapp, and Bazzill flowers, put a button in the centre of each, then added some doodled swirls.

I haven't hung it up yet because I don't have any hooks, so for now it's just sitting on the bed head. I am quite pleased with the way it turned out, I wanted something to add colour and be a bit girly but not OTT, and I think that's what I got.

Anyway that's all I have time for now I better get back to those jobs ....

Backyard Fun

2007-10-05T11:40:00.000+10:00

The Museum & Church

2007-10-05T11:33:00.000+10:00

Playing in the Park

2007-10-05T11:18:00.000+10:00

A few pics from Dylan's Birthday

2007-10-05T11:11:00.000+10:00

14 already !!

School Holidays

2007-10-05T10:37:00.000+10:00

The holidays are nearing the end now and, although there have been moments, we've survived. lol.

The kids have been pretty busy, which is totally necessary to avoid the "I'm bored" and the silly arguments starting, and although it doesn't sound like a lot there hasn't been a lot of down time. They have been to the Abbey Museum and Centenary Lakes at Caboolture, the movies to see Evan Allmighty, and spent the day at Underwater World and Mooloolaba Wharf. They have been riding new skateboards, shopping, playing new Wii and DS games, and hanging out with their friends. Dylan also had a birthday to celebrate in there too ...

This morning I put up a little pool I bought yesterday for Ej (one of those with the pictures on the side, $10 from Big W) and he and Jesse had a ball playing in it for an hour or so. I wish I had it earlier in the week though. It was quite hot a few days ago and today it's pretty cool by comparison (only heading for 29) but they didn't seem to mind. He is just chillin' in his bouncer watching the older boys playing Wii and, after tackling the mountain of dishes that have once again appeared in the kitchen, I hope to get some scrapping done.

So far this month I have already done the aussles (using some very old pics for two of them) and I have a monthly challenge ready to put together on my scrap desk. Once that's done it's another page for The Scrap Heap newsletter and then hopefully I can start thinking about some more challenges.

I hope everyone is having a great day,

Scrapped

2007-09-26T08:53:00.000+10:00

Well it's busy here, as the school holidays always are, but I managed to scrap a couple of monthly challenges yesterday. I only have my Monthly Snapshot to do and the challenges for the month are done, yay. I always feel like I've achieved something when they are done before the end of the month. I think I have a bit of a 'white' thing happening at the moment ...

I have not done so well with the daily challenges this month (but what's new). I have only managed 6 for September so far, and they were doubled up with monthly challenges. I don't think I'll get many more done with the boys wanting to go here there and everywhere while they're off school but I will try!

Here are a couple of pages I did for The Scrap Heap newsletter last week. EJ's Top 10 was the theme Lo and the other was the magazine cover challenges set by Jackie. Jody has set the challenge for this week and it really is a challenging one, it might just take me all week to decide how to scrap it! Thanks Jody ...

Thanks for dropping by, have a nice day!

What a Morning !

2007-09-22T14:06:00.000+10:00

There is a family visiting friends around the corner from us and they are not familiar with the area. They all went out for a bike ride this morning but when they got home the youngest son (only 4) was missing. The mum thought he was with the older boys and the boys must have thought he was with the mum, but he wasn't.

I heard her in the street asking Jesse if he'd seen a little boy riding a bike on his own, she was obviously very distressed (as you would be) and in need of some help. As soon as we knew there was a little boy missing everyone flew into action. Ryan stayed here to look after Ethan, Jesse and Dylan went out on bikes, and I got in the car and drove up and down all over the place.

The family called the radio station and the police and I am sure that everyone who was able was out there looking. There were people on foot, some on bikes, and more in cars. I am guessing there were at least 50 of them, plus six or so police cars and a helicopter. I have never seen so many people around these streets in the 12 years we've lived here, but it was fabulous to see such a response to someone needing help.

Anyway, he managed to get himself turned around and ended up with an older couple in the next suburb. They called the police, who in turn called the parents, and the little boy was back safe and sound within the hour oblivious to all the fuss but much to the relief of his family and everyone else too.

So, my day has not been at all what I expected but I'm glad it had a happy ending.

9 years ago today

2007-09-18T09:59:00.000+10:00

Look at him, he's growing up so fast, I can't believe that 9 years has gone by already.

It seems like yesterday I was holding him in my arms, amazed at how much he looked like his two older brothers, and here he is 9 already!

Happy birthday J...

I visited Tess yesterday, had time for a coffee and chat while Ethan played happily, and then it was on the the search for pressies for Jesse. It wasn't easy but I found the elusive item he was after and managed to get home and assemble it before he came home, phew. I don't know what I would have done if I couldn't find it, he only wanted the one thing (he's sitting on it in the photo). I got some little pressies from his brothers and he was very pleased with them all.

There hasn't much else going on here in the past week, just the normal Spring Cleaning stuff. I've given the linen cupboard a good clean out and freecycled a lot of stuff I don't need, and also gave away a lot of Ethan's baby clothes. It's silly them sitting in a cupboard taking up space when someone else could be using them.

I have a lot to do today but if I get it done I would like to sit and scrap for a while. I have some ideas floating around for the theme LO for next week's newsletter, and I want to start before I forget what I was going to do, lol.

I haven't scrapped a lot lately, just this month's aussles from The Scrap Heap (below), a theme LO for the newsletter (squares), and a members challenge. My hopes of getting some daily challenges done this month seem to have flown out the window, there is just so much to do around here. I guess that goes with the territory though ...

Thanks for dropping in ..

Scrapped

2007-09-10T18:08:00.000+10:00

Just sharing a few recent pages, a couple from The Scrap Heap newsletter and one of my monthly challenges. Have a great night,

Not so quick catch up

2007-09-10T16:07:00.000+10:00

Since my last post there hasn't been much happening around here, well no more than usual anyway.

The kids and I have all been sick, yet again. I had hoped that we'd had our fair share and we'd seen the last of it, but I was wrong. Oh well, they're all fine now and I am keeping fingers crossed it stays that way. I am almost over it too, just a sore through and cough remaning now.

Dylan had his parent teacher interview and has selected his subjects for Year 10. The careers advisor and his home room teacher were both pleased with his subject selections. At the moment he is looking towards a degree in Law with a minor in Japanese. I am so pleased he knows where he wants to be and if he sets his mind to it I don't see why he can't make it.

He's chosen extension maths, extension english, science (he will choose one area of interest for 11 and 12), geography (but will change to History for 11 and 12), Japanese, and computers. If he stays with computers he will have two IT certificates before he leaves school. He is not locked into anything though and can change his mind if he doesn't like any of his choices. I was very surprised at how flexible the school is in this regard, but it's great they want the kids to be happy with their decisions.

Against my better judgement I have started the spring cleaning. It's not one of my favourite things to do but the satisfaction of seeing everything 'just so' is very rewarding, but that will be some time away yet, there is so much to do and the lists of jobs seem to be never ending.

Today was the kitchen's turn. I still have to do the oven and above the cupboards, but that's it and that's the first room done.

My lovely 3rd born knew I wanted to mow the back yard but I was too sick to do it on the weekend, so he did it for me yesterday. We have quite a big back yard and with all the rain we've had in the past few weeks the yard was very overgrown and looked awful. It was very heavy going but he persevered and ploughed through it all and he did a tremendous job too. Sometimes I forget he is only 8 years old, god bless him.

I am still in the process of de-cluttering too. After being in this house nearly 13 years I am always finding something I don't need, you know those things you "put away just in case you might need them one day" but never do and they just sit there collecting dust. I am sure one day I'll be through de-cluttering but, with 4 boys and years of stuff in the house, I have no idea when that will be!

I had a couple of pages in this week's newsletter (will post later as upload isn't working for me atm) but I just couldn't finish off the aussles in time. I will have to get my self into gear and get them finished this week.

I think that's it for now, thanks for dropping in

It never rains, it pours ...

2007-09-03T17:53:00.000+10:00

This morning the gardener from next door came over to say there was a lot of water on the ground between our place and next door, and it was possible there was a leaking pipe. I had not even noticed a problem as there was no more water on the ground than was usual after torrential rain.

Anyway, I had a load of washing on when he came over so he said he'd go and mow the grass and do the edges next door and come back when the machine was finished to check the meter and see if water was still running. I don't know what time it was when he came back but we checked the meter and it showed that water was still running even though everything was turned off. Oh dear!

I immediately came inside and rang the owner. I told him what the gardener said about the water meter etc. and he came straight over. It was a bigger job than he anticipated, the pipes were down near the sewerage pipes instead of the 30cm below ground where they should have been, but after lots of digging and being covered in mud the problem was fixed.

There was one downer though. Michelle from next door came over to ask Mark his name and phone details as she said she is going to claim on her insurance for 'damages' to the fence. What the !!

The fence is fine but her gate is broken and has been for ages. The pin is not fixed into the support post at the top (check the pics below) and it's held together with rope. If it was fixed to the support post correctly the gate would be sitting about 5cm above ground level and couldn't possible be wet. I don't know how she expects to blame this on a leak we learned about today. Some people have a nerve!

It will be very interesting to see what happens ...

I've been tagged

2007-09-02T16:59:00.000+10:00

I have been tagged by Tess ...so now it's my turn.

Rules are: copy and paste this into your blog and tag 3 bloggers to put it on their blog.

If you're TAGGED go to scrap the stuff leave a comment AND submit a page or OTP.

Tag 3 friends and leave comment on their blog to let them know they've been tagged

I tag .... Wendie, Julie and Bev .

Have fun girls!

What fun!

2007-08-30T19:22:00.000+10:00

Today Ethan and I descended on the Youd residence and we both had a wonderful day.

I am the first to admit that I don't do much stamping. I have a stack of MM alphabet stamps that sit under the computer desk and should be used more often than they are, and a couple of assorted flower and other stamps, but you can count them on one hand (ok maybe two). I wasn't sure what to expect today as I'd never been to a Stampin Up class before, but it was fun playing with things I don't usually use and despite a few hiccups (not naming any names, Tess, lol) we all successfully made three pretty and very cute little cards.

I was amazed at how well Ethan got along with 3 of Tess's grandies. Although there were a few little accidents (so sorry about the vase Tess) I am thankful there were no major incidents! Ethan was totally wiped out, he refused to miss anything and would not have a sleep while we were there, but less than 5 minutes down the road he was out like a light. He had his snooze and is now running around once again full of energy. Me on the other hand I am still exhausted.

I would love to do some scrapping tonight but I have a sink full of dirty dishes, Dylan wants me to help him tune a tv antenna for him (argh), Ethan wants me to play, and the other 2 need help with homework. So scrapping tonight? I don't think so. I might have an early night and get onto the scrapping tomorrow morning once sons #1, 2 and 3 are at school. I have some September aussles, a theme Lo and my challenge LO all due for TSH in the next day or so, so I not only want to but I need to scrap!

Have a great night,

Catching Up

2007-08-29T14:47:00.000+10:00

The boring stuff ...

I am slowly catching up with the mountains of washing that seemed to appear from nowhere while we had all that rain last week.

The house is looking a little tidier and cleaner, but with 4 boys to mess it up it doesn't stay tidy for too long.

The fridge is a little fuller after another shopping trip, but it won't stay full for long either these kids eat like there's no tomorrow.

Divorce papers arrived from the ex today to be signed but I've had to email his solicitor as there are so many mistakes in dates and spelling of names it's almost laughable! I have no idea why there are so many errors, I wrote down all relevant dates and spelling of names and they still got them wrong. Doh!

Scrapping ...

Not much happening here I'm afraid, I did a LO for TSH newsletter (on the job) and I've done the last of my monthly challenges for August (Love My Boyz), the last challenge LO is nothing flash but it's done. I have only done 6 daily challenges though, so I don't think there's much chance of me getting many more done this month.

Oh well, I better get back to putting away the groceries before the kids fly in the door and devour it all.

See ya,

Finally

2007-08-27T18:56:00.000+10:00

My new bed and side tables arrived on Saturday and, with help from my brother, it was assembled. I love the little slide out thingies in the bedside tables to put a cuppa on while I have a read, just too cool.

I dressed the bed in what linen I had, which wasn't much as the old one was a smaller bed and nothing fitted, so I had no other option than to go shopping, lol.

Today I found a quilt cover set I like. It was not what I was looking for but how could I resist when it was so heavily discounted and had matching European pillowcases (I have another, just need the pillow to fill it), and I found the cutest little matching scented candle too.

I also spotted some wall art I like but that is on the wish list for now, along with a new shaggy rug for the floor and a few more bits and pieces, but it's starting to feel more 'me' every day.

Have a nice day,

This week

2007-08-26T16:40:00.000+10:00

I have been incredibly busy with lots to do and the enormous amount of rain we've had hasn't helped either. The rain in the dams is very welcome but there could not have been a worse week for it to be wet!

I have been trying to empty 13 years of stuff out of my bedroom, disassemble the old bed, clean the carpets, wash the walls, go and buy new bedding, go back to the store and pay for the furniture, and get the room ready for the delivery of a new bed and bedside tables.

I managed to get 2/3 of the carpet clean and dry but the rest will have to be done some time this week. I did get all the walls, doors and woodwork washed but I didn't get to the windows, so that's another job to do. I only managed to find sheets and pillow cases, the quilt and cover I want has eluded me so far. I did give away some things EJ no longer needs (play mat, cot light, bottle steriliser etc) but still have lots of stuff we don't need, it's just finding the time to sort it that's a bother atm. That reminds me, the wardrobe needs emptying and a good throw out too.

I was also hoping to get some new prints for the walls and a rug for the floor, but as for a ot of things these too will have to wait. For the first time in years my bedroom will actually look like it belongs to me and not somewhere the baby shares or the kids dump stuff there is nowhere else to put, and I can't wait till it's all done!

On top of all this we turned off our computer one night before the storm and in the morning the monitor decided it was not going back on. So, there started the search for a new computer monitor I could afford and the ensuing shopping trip with EJ in tow in the pouring rain. There went another chunk of a day. Add to this people all wanting to be wherever they were going and out of the rain quickly, a lack of parking spaces, and roads filled with pot holes, it sure did make an interesting shopping trip.

Anyway, as well as all the normal stuff a Mum with 4 boys has to do I have had little time to sneeze but I did manage to scrap my page for the newsletter and get the bed built (with my brothers help). I've just been to the shops so the kids have food for their lunches tomorrow, and now I have a mountain of washing to do that has been sitting waiting for the weather to clear, oh and I suppose I better start thinking about dinner if we don't want to eat at midnight.

Have a nice day,

Yesterday

2007-08-21T08:54:00.000+10:00

I had a real mixed bag of a day yesterday, some good and some not so good, but the good far out-weighed the bad.

The boys (with help from their father) gave me a voucher so I can go on a 'mini' shopping spree and get myself something I want, thanks boys. I might do that next week when I have more time.

My Mum and Dad gave me a rose quartz crystal pendant and matching charm for my bag, which are both lovely, and the first edition of the stones magazines with the matching rose quartz stone. Thanks Ma & Pa. Mum also went to the English Lolly Shop and got me a Walnut Whip and a Yorkie Bar as a special treat. OMG they were so yum!

My brother and niece gave me a box of the oh so yummy Lindt chocolates too, thanks guys.

I also got lots of emails and messages from my family and friends, thank you all.

It was raining cats and dogs last night so I didn't go out to get a birthday cake, but I might grab a chocolate mud cake when I'm out shopping today.

Can you tell I love chocolate?

Last night after the kids were all asleep I sat and perused all the new goodies on The Scrap Heap . I ordered a HEAP of the new BG papers and other stuff and I can't wait for my pizza box to arrive. Hopefully it will be here tomorrow.

I only have one monthly challenge left to do for Aussie (#2 to scrap a page with a school photo) and the new Recess papers and monograms will be just perfect for it, talk about great timing! When that last Monthly Challenge page is done hopefully I will be able to get through some more of the daily challenges, but I'm not making any promises!

Well now it's back to life as normal and also to decluttering, cleaning and emptying out my bedroom in preparation for the new bedroom furniture arriving this Saturday. I would like to get the carpet cleaned too but with this weather it's not looking very promising (too wet). I am so looking forward to it arriving though, I haven't had a new bed in the longest time and to actually have bedside tables will be a real treat.

The three eldest boys are all back at school today (first time in 10 days for Dylan) but EJ is still sick so it looks like today will be another juggling act, but hey what's new.

Have a great day everyone.

Deb.

Sharing ...

2007-08-20T11:54:00.000+10:00

I am sharing some pages that were on display at the LSS ...

and a few more ...

I have added some more pics but in the process I lost the text. Bogger is not playing nice for me today, it's leaving gaps where I don't want them and not letting me line things up as I want but, as the boys would say, Oh well! I don't have time to do much with it now.

Oh, I forgot to mention, today is my birthday!

Have a great day, and enjoy!

Scrapped

2007-08-18T09:35:00.000+10:00

Just posting a few challenge LO's I have done ...

and a LO from last week's newsletter ...

Can I have a different one please?

2007-08-16T09:29:00.000+10:00

This is what my world is like at the moment ...

EJ has once again got this horrid flu but this time he has it very bad. He also has an inner ear infection and a high temp that's making him vomit, probably too much information there. He slept on me (well not really slept just laid there crying) from 1:30am this morning so I didn't get any sleep either. The doc has him on antibiotics, painkillers and electrolite replacements. If the anti-nausea medication wasn't out of production he would have been on that too. Do you know how hard it is to get all this into a 19 month old toddler? Poor little man he is so miserable.

I have Dj at home for the 4th day with the flu, he has a horrid cough and isn't getting much sleep.

Jesse has enlarged glands in his neck but the doc assures me it is nothing to worry about, he picked up those dreaded buggies at school and apparently he is sensitive to them, argh. Did you know they can result in enlarged glands? I didn't! So now I have to treat everyone and strip all the beds etc. just what I need with everything else going on, not!

If that isn't enough the doc confirmed yesterday that I have plantar fasciitis (otherwise known as a heel spur with a torn or ruptured ligament) which is very painful and makes walking difficult. There is little I can do but whenever I am standing I have to wear runners and not go around in bare feet or flip flops, take painkillers, buy orthotics for my shoes, and if worse comes to worse the doc can stick a cortisone injection right into the sore spot and that should ease the pain for a while. This could be temporary or permanent condition, there's no way to tell. Just what I need when I have 4 boys to try and keep up with!

Ryan (touch wood) is the only one that is fighting fit.

I would love a different life at the moment, anyone want to swap?

Fun, fun, fun

2007-08-13T17:33:00.000+10:00

The weekend saw my niece Brooke celebrate her 10th birthday with a party for some 37 kids and about 20 something adults. Brooke's Mum (my brothers ex) and her new other half put on a great party in a park at Palmwoods. The park is huge and has great facilities, even electricity to plug a cd player in!

They had organised everything you could want at a party and more, even bringing a portable fridge trailer stuffed to the rafters with food and drink.

The kids had a play area to keep them occupied between the egg and spoon races, balloon races, pass the parcel, football, volleyball, sack races, and lolly toss (with some water bombs thrown in for parents revenge, lol).

They were kept busy though, only stopping for a drink or to grab some yummy food, and they were off again. They all got along so well and had a fabulous time.

Jesse grabbed my camera and took a million pics, OK not quite a million but he did take a lot. I am sharing just a few pics now and I am guessing a lot more will be shared on scrapping pages in the non too distant future.

We got home late afternoon and were all exhausted. The dog loved the sausages Kylie sent for him, and the spare cake and chocolate spiders brought home didn't last much past dinner time. Ethan has had a really long daytime nap today, I think he's still getting over it.

Thanks for dropping by,

Splurge!

2007-08-13T16:57:00.000+10:00

I went window shopping today and I decided to splurge and buy a new bedroom suite, LOL.

In the past year or so the boys have all got new beds and mattresses and I thought it was about time I got something too. I've had my bed (with different mattresses over the years) since I was 15, so I think I am well overdue for a change.

I got the best bargain today and, although it wasn't in stock so I will have to wait 2-4 weeks for it, I couldn't be happier. I have saved myself an absolute packet as everything I wanted was 1/2 price. I even managed to get a great mattress for less than I was originally going to pay for a good one. Yep, I'm a happy camper!

I had been searching the shops online and found one I liked, but when I saw the bedsides in the shop they were wider than I expected and it didn't look as nice. So I decided to buy the other one I'd seen online and I am keeping my fingers crossed it will look OK once it's here. Now all I can do is sit and wait till it arrives, oh and go shopping for new bed linen as the new one is a size bigger than the bed I currently have. Great excuse hey!

Last Week's Scrap

2007-08-11T18:05:00.000+10:00

I tried last week to upload my scrapping pages once the newsletter was out but blogger was not playing nice, so I'm back to try again ...

These are the August aussles, and the theme and challenge pages for last week.

Have a nice day,

This week

2007-08-08T13:36:00.000+10:00

Do you realise just how much 'stuff' can accumulate in a house over 12 years? Way too much!

After Ej moved from the cot in my room to the bottom bunk in Ryan's room I realised just how much stuff had landed in my bedroom over the past 18 months or so. I took the opportunity to do a huge declutter as soon as the cot was gone and the room 'feels' lighter, but it hasn't stopped there ...

After getting rid of the obvious stuff I started to dig deeper and get rid of some of the excess stuff that is just taking up room. We have so much stuff we don't need and enough is enough it's got to go!

Today I given away 8 bags of stuff to charity, clothes of mine and Ethans that will never be used again, and I hope someone will get some use from it. I still have more to do in my room but I am getting there and it feels good. This week I spied a new bedroom suite I would like and I think I might reward myself with it once the room is finished. All the kids have new beds but I've had my brass bed since I was 15 and I think I am long overdue for a change, lol.

In the past week I have also freecycled or given away the cot, a huge oriental plaster chess set (I don't know what ever made me get that but anyway it's gone now), records, some glasses and my old printer, and there is so much more to go. I never knew that getting rid of stuff could feel so good.

With all this decluttering and regular housework (as well as the last cold episode and various kids off sick) I haven't had a lot of time to scrap but I did manage two pages for The Scrap Heap newsletter and a couple of challenges as well. I tried to upload the LO's but blogger is not playing nice, so I will try again next post.

Have a nice day,

2007-07-30T11:50:00.000+10:00

The Scrap Heap newsletter came out a little while ago so now I can share the pages I did for this week. Cherish everyday was my theme LO for the week and the Grub LO was for Bev's challenge to use arrows and text.

Thanks for visiting,

I'm a winner ....

2007-07-30T11:47:00.000+10:00

OK, so it wasn't the lottery but it was a prize, lol.

I just received a parcel delivery with some goodies from Scrapbooking Memories. It seems I was a winner in the Brother P-touch competition. I've got a pretty new pink labeller and a couple of rolls of tape to play with.

I guess I will keep entering competitions now, I was starting to think I wouldn't ever win anything!

The whole night ...

2007-07-29T07:48:00.000+10:00

Yep last night bubby spent the whole night in his new Big Boy Bed.

I didn't hear him stir at all, once he went to bed that was it. The first thing I saw this morning was a very happy little man coming into my room giggling, and climbing onto the bed to give me a kiss and cuddle. He seemed so proud of himself.

What a lovely way to start the day!

Last night was ...

2007-07-28T08:57:00.000+10:00

Interesting!

Ej has his own ideas and I guess sleeping in a new bed is not one of them. He was great for the first 5 hours or so, but in the early hours of the night he decided it was time to get up and watch tv. Despite efforts to get him back to sleep and back into his bed I ended up putting him back in his cot about 2am and letting him babble away and talk to his soft toys. I have no idea what time he eventually went to sleep because as soon as my head hit the pillow I was out like a light. Oh well, tonight is another night and we will try again ...

Last week's scrapping

2007-07-27T21:11:00.000+10:00

I have done a couple of things for the The Scrap Heap newsletter (layout and OTP) this week but nothing much more besides, I've had another dose of the flu and just don't feel like doing much of anything.

Anyway, these are the pages I did for last week's newsletter and I will share the other ones as soon as I can.

Thanks for dropping by,

Where did my baby go?

2007-07-27T21:09:00.000+10:00

I wasn't sure when would be the right time but, my little man has gone to sleep in a big bed for the first time.

For the past 18 months he has been sleeping in a cot in my bedroom but tonight he is in the bottom bunk in Ryan's room, it has a bed guard so he should be safe.

The boys new mattresses arrived this week and as he's been climbing all over the bed for days I thought we should give it a go. He looks so tiny in the big bed but he's fast asleep and hasn't moved since I put him there. I don't know how successful it will be, but you have to try at some stage don't you.

On one hand it's so very sad as he is growing up way too fast for me, but on the other hand if he sleeps there without any problems I will be able to have my bedroom back and will have some room to move.

Time will tell ....

Today

2007-07-16T17:23:00.000+10:00

Surprisingly enough I had a very productive day today. Mondays are not usually my best day but I started early and got a move on. After a busy weekend and yesterday spent out and about with the boys there was plenty to do, as per usual, not to mention the endless task of keeping a very energectic toddler occupied and entertained. Housework was on the agenda first up and I got a fair bit done. I even managed to mop through all the tiles and get them dry while EJ had his midday nap.

Have a great night,

Deb.

What fun

2007-07-15T19:10:00.001+10:00

Today was a lovely day, it was already 20 degrees by 10am, so I decided to take the kids to one of the parks for a few hours.

Usually EJ and I go on our own while the kids are at school, but today he had his brothers, as well as kids around his own age, to play with and he couldn't have been happier.

I was the only Mum there with a camera, obviously they were not scrappers. I'm not sure what the other Mums thought of my going around following my kids with the camera, but the boys took it in their stride and even played up a bit for some good shots, lol. I would love to scrap some of them straight away but as my printer seems to have decided it needs a break I will have to send them off for printing elsewhere. I just hope it doesn't take too long to get them back!

After the park we went to visit my parents and my brother. They don't live that far from us but I don't get up there to see them as often as I should, the boys love going there though. Ethan gets heaps of attention from Mum and Dad and the boys go off to play XBox or PS2 with my brother, so I get some much needed breathing space. A lovely way to spend an afternoon.

The Scrap Heap newsletter is out tonight so now I can share a couple of pages. Christine has held over the aussles for another issue so I will share them some other time.

I hope you all had a great day, I know we did.

Deb.