I think it might be time to do it. I've been avoiding it for the last 2 or so years.
The "A" word.
Funnily we haven't come out and said to Mackinley, "Your brother has Autism." I had seriously over-estimated my ability to work around it, and Mackinley's willingness to co-operate in my "therapy-disguised-as-play" sessions.
Although we've seen great progress in both boys over the holidays, I really think the constant, "What's wrong with him?", "I don't have a brother!" and the best one, "Why can a 2 year old speak better than Rainer who's 4??". It's just wearing me down to a point of no return. Not only that, but other kids have started saying that Rainer has Autism, and I know that Mackinley will hear and question, so it has to be said.
Some people disagree with it, but for me and some others, if the Devil has a name then you can deal with it better. In this case, we need to explain this condition to Mackinley and emphasise that Rainer WILL GET BETTER, but it'll involve constant management. I'm scared as hell because if I don't do it right I'll have a very pissed off 7 year old to deal with! I'll be contacting AQ and AEIOU this week for some helpful hints.
Australia Day Grand BBQ today. Watts over again (same as last year), backyard cricket (same as last year), chooks trying to avoid the balls (something new). I'll need to make more of an effort with decorations for the kids next year. It's starting to get a bit ho-hum ... I even fell asleep today watching a DVD with Rainer!! Great day but Watt kids and Rainer to school tomorrow .... YAHOO!!
And very little FINISHED scrapping. Lots of bits here and there and experimenting with colours, shapes, textures and generally torturing ribbon, flowers, chipboard - it's been fun!!
Here's what's FINISHED.... 123 entry for January and some mucking around for one of my Feb classes at Inkredible. I think I'll frame this one.
and for the CC at Forever Always "Do you See" - trying out some cool colour combos and painted backgrounds and altering photos. I do love teal cardstock!!
HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY HOLIDAY. Brighter and buoyant.....
Yep, and it feels good!!! I couldn't stand it anymore. I had sooo many ideas in my head, I thought I would explode.
So here's a sneak peek at a sample of ONE of the classes in February. It's a step-up from the Texture Paste class last year, so if you're feeling more adventurous, keep an eye out for the updated class list in the side bar.
It's collage-inspired, but you know I'll never go completely nuts with the collagey stuff (heehee).
Lots of to-ing and fro-ing with the boys and play-dates because it's back to school next week!! Can I be more excited???
Still waiting on word from Rainer's speechy (grrr, hate waiting!), Michael's already doing more short trips, ordered some cool crafty and ASD books from Amazon for the first time (that was a little freaky) and had a wonderful time at Inkredible's VIP night last Friday.
The "poofy" shirt has not been altered yet (thanks for asking Tamara LOL!!). I have to resurrect my sewing machine from the nether-regions so hopefully soon.
Went to Molly's baby shower yesterday which was a fantastic extended break from the kids. Naturally Kelly couldn't help herself and we had 3 games. Normally I don't like these kinds of events where you play insipid, gender-defining, clap-trap, but the competitive streak in me just burst forth!! The first game was "Who's Your Daddy?" and I'm sure you had to be a trashy-mag-junkie b/c I had NO idea who these celeb kids' dads are!! The next was more up my alley! 20 songs with BABY in their title. One point for artist and another for title. Did I kick proverbial ARSE or what??!!! 26/40 - way too much time clubbing in the 80s and 90s.
Just for fun....here's one that NO-ONE BUT ME got correct!! Ah, I miss Countdown!! and nice to see skinny jeans back in fashion.....NOT!!! Some 1979 goodness!!
Well, it's been an interesting and crazy/beautiful few weeks but, let's face it, I'm still playing Mum/taxi/activities co-ordinator/house-slave/blah blah blah - until the boys are back at school (very VERY soon!!) and so won't be able to do a proper update until Feburary.
I have some very cool classes in February at Inkredible that I'm super-excited about. More of "me" in them and I've had time to chill and take in some inspiration from heaps of other scrappers and multi-media artists (which should be a clue). Haven't scrapped a thing since around Christmas Day, so really should get a wriggle-on, eh?
I've had a few more layouts accepted by Scrapbooking Memories which is also something to get excited about!! My first published layout comes out in the next issue of SM, so I'll buying out the newsagency of that issue. Had my first acceptance into the Basic Grey gallery. I was joking with Tamara that it's always the layouts we "least" like that BG accept PMSL!!
It's already shaping up to be a very jam-packed 2008. Have the 2008 resolutions written and 2007 resolutions evaluated and I didn't do too badly by the way!! Lots of milestones on the way in 2008.....Mum's 70th, Michael's and my 40th, (and all my school friends' 40ths - yikes), Darren and Amy's wedding in Sydney, Rainer's last year at AEIOU, looks like I'm going back to Uni for a wee bit to do a subject on Special Education (I know, slap me down now!!).....
More details to come of course. Still deciding on a new WORD for 2008 ....perhaps MULTI-TASK or STUPIDITY or OVER-COMPENSATING or PERSEVERE.....
Couldn't resist the corny title for this entry.....sorry to the more Learned colleagues reading this. Yes, they are out there reading, just must be too darn "common" to leave a comment (haha, you know I'm stirring. Let's see who bites first!!)
ANYWAY.......back to me/us/we.
We decided long ago that some kind of animal needed to grace our home in order to teach the boys all those alturistic values that one attains from caring for something which cannot for itself. One neighbour has guinea pigs, but they seemed a little too boring for our active boys; we'd been thinking of a dog, but I don't think Rainer, or the dog, would be ready for that yet. Then Mackinley's school had the old "egg hatching to a chick" experiment this year and of course, they had to be adopted by some families. We declined but the flyer popped up in a clean-up and Michael and I decided we could do it.
We rang Ingrid at City Chicks and look what finally arrived on Monday.
Two of the most gorgeous brown hens I've ever seen. Mackinely quickly called them Mimi (the darker brown) and Misty (the lighter brown). We spent most of yesterday reading all the literature and checking the coop and mostly being very nervous and unsure about how it was going to pan out.
This morning Mackinley couldn't wait to take Michael out to show him the hens and give them their morning vege scraps. But no eggs :( So I took the kids to the Sloman's for a play, came home for lunch, then let Mackinley out to the hens again. Followed him out and LO-AND-BEHOLD.......
I'm sure I let out a squeal....I was so bloody egg-cited. They were so warm and a decent size. To be honest, I wasn't sure they'd be that big or lay so quickly. I reckon the birds must be about 6 months old. Well, we must be doing something right.
French Toast in the morning (as usual) with freshly laid eggs. I wonder what we'll get tomorrow???
Class went well on Saturday. We had lots of fun and Jo bought enough for 2 more similar layouts. I've got her hooked now (her words, not mine) and even Will likes what's she's done. No more classes booked for me until February but always DT projects on the go.
Here's what I managed to finish for the 123 Challenge layout. Christmas photo, mixed alpha title and hand stitching. Used Buzz & Bloom tubby alphas for 'MY' and painted the mixed alphas with Derivan Matisse Structure Acrylic paint mixed with their Iridescent Medium.....love the look. Paper is Kaisercraft - so good for cutting and layering.
Much goings on. Turning another year older soon and so I always get a little moody this time of year. Unfortunately it sorta co-incides with Christmas so people think I'm being a Scrooge. Well, I'm not. I just have a thing about BECOMING a year older. I'll be a Tragic Diva when I begin to LOOK a year older LOL!!! I have this whole "Dorian Gray" thing going on. Loved that movie. Should find it again!!!
Well, it's stuff that's happened the last 10 days or so....
Last Friday we said "good-bye" to Nicole ("the" Craft Queen) at a great, relaxing, private crop session at Inkredible. The lovely Tina and Dina invited me along and Tamara and Kathleen stayed ALL NIGHT despite being at the shop all day and needing to open up next morning!! Shared some wonderfully juicy stories (not to be repeated on the WWW - LO*very*L) and I just loved watching other people scrap - cards, off the page, gifts - it was a great experience.
Thanks girls and farewell to Nicole. Enjoy being back in Orange. Hope to see some photos of your fab-0 craft room soon!! ;)
Made the trip up to Moffat again so Mackinley could give Sarah her Christmas present. Needless to say, her mother was NOT impressed PMSL..... ...but what else do you give a girl who LOVES putting on concerts for her appreciative and encouraging parents every night after dinner?????? And I didn't tell them where the volume control is for the microphone!! (heehee)
Mackinley had his swimming carnival on the 27/11. About to turn into TRCC when I saw all this glass on Waterworks Rd. The bus the kids were on had a little crash with a truck and the front door of the bus buckled in and glass was EVERYWHERE!!! All the kids were unharmed and apparently Mackinley was "high 5-ing" everyone. I'm sure he was a little shaken but he hasn't spoken about it except to say it was pretty cool!!
In his 3 races, he got one 2nd and 2 3rd places!! Onya buddy. Maybe next year you'll manage the length of the pool (here's hoping). (yes, crappy photos from the mobile phone)
One thing I have learned from Dad's death is that you MUST send flowers to someone who is feeling down. I can't say enough how my mood just lifted each time I walked around the house and saw the rooms filled with gorgeous Summer blossoms!! Now I know how it felt to receive, I will remember always to GIVE. And thanks to Raquel and Mandy for the lovely cards. There's something quite special about a card in the mail.
The AEIOU Bray Park Christmas BBQ was on Sunday. Thought all the kids would freak seeing a HUGE Santa Claus but they all took it in their stride and happily accepted whatever was given to them. Rainer, however, still hasn't quite got the concept of receiving gifts and insisted on giving the gift BACK to Santa. The to-ing and fro-ing went on for a couple of minutes accompanied by raptuous laughter from parents and siblings (it really was funny!!) until one smart cookie grabbed the present and took the paper off for Rainer. I think he got it then!!
Caught up with Alan, Kathy, Jake and Sophie on Saturday at Noosaville. Kathy lost her Dad a couple of months ago so we chatted about how we think our Mums are going to cope. It was probably the best chat I've had with Kathy in 10 years. Kids had a ball in the pools and naturally had the odd barney. They are so cute together but really challenging. Alan and Jake came to Brisbane on Sunday night to go to the Roar game with Michael and Mackinley on Sunday night and slept over. I could tell Mackinley was really upset that Jake was leaving so soon - Jake's the only cousin he has to himself when we see them and they both love Rugby League too. I hope we'll see them again at Easter.
Caught up with the old Pre-School/Cubby Mums last night at The Grove downstairs. Lots of laughs, a few drinks but the food was CRAP!! We ordered some platters because Loretta had done so for a work function a week or so ago, but what we got was mostly party pies, sausage rolls and potato wedges!! I'm sorry, but we're done with the kids' parties for the year and actually wanted GROWN-UP FOOD!! The food upstairs from the menu is fantastic but we won't be having a function there if that's what they offer for nearly $20 per head!!! Got better value for money at Hotel LA with the SPC Mums' Night Out.
Lastly, heard this on the radio today on the way home from Indro (my "escape" at French Twist.....mini quiche and coffee....ah, alas, not again till next year). But the first time I'd actually listened to the lyrics. Damn bawled my eyes out!! Good thing I know the road. Here's to anyone who wants to cry out loud or at the top of your voice scream STOP!!
Who's gonna pick you up? Who's gonna bend your rules? Who's gonna be your prop? Who's gonna play your fool?
Nobody know just how it feels today Nobody sees how our hearts break
Who's gonna watch your back? Who's gonna reel you in? Who'll make surprise attacks? Who's gonna be there at the end?
Nobody knows just how it feels today Nobody sees how our hearts break
Who's gonna bring you round? Who's gonna let you sleep? Who's gonna break your frown? Who's gonna fall down at your feet?
Well, it's been a draining couple of weeks, capped off by the death of Clint's Dad one week after mine. That was incredibly freaky as Clint's and my birthdays are exactly one week apart. Yes, the parallels are too disturbing to continue. The funeral was as I expected. Jenni was there and we're catching up next week. Can't wait. I cried more last Friday than I did at Dad's funeral which I thought I might. Was anonymous at Tony's so could weep my little eyes out. It was good!!!
Here's the layout from last month's 123 Challenge. I doesn't look finished but enjoyed playing with the KindyGlitz. Still working on December's in between Inkredible projects.
I got some KaiserCraft paper and some Scrapabet chipboard and did this for the shop. I love the weight of this paper. Reminds me of Basic Grey, Fancy Pants, Scenic Route....all my favourites that don't mind taking a beating!!
And here's another (with detail)
Also got some KaiserCraft stars and used one as a stamp. Nice and simple.
Joined a Christmas Card swap over at Bon's last month and this is my effort. The ones that came back were great and so varied. The family is going to love receiving them.
AND LASTLY, here's what I'll be teaching this Saturday. BG Infuse paper, some dry embossing, Iridescent Medium, lots of cutting and layering and PAINT, naturally.
Mackinley has finished/survived Year 1 and we are suffering "post-school-traumatic-syndrome" or as I'd like to call it "Mr Cranky Pants Returns"!!!! I think he's just exhausted.....I'm exhausted. Thankfully Rainer has another week so we can catch up on sleep before he tires us BOTH out.
We have so much to do in the coming weeks but I'm glad we finished one project....
THE TREE!!! Bought a brand new one from Myer. It's over 2 metres high but we had to squish the branches at the back a little so it'd fit in the house LOL!! It'll look FABULOUS in the new house (whenever that happens). Haven't quite got all the decorations I wanted but we can add to it each year. Lots of hand-made ones are up, as well as monogrammed baubles.
And of course, "Nonno Angel", as Mackinley calls it.
be strong....
Thursday, 6 December 2007
I heard this again on JJJ the other day and was fluctuating between laughing my head off and doing the "hmmm, yeah" nod. Must have look like a nutter in the car!!
So quirky. Love Joshie!!
There was a wait in the water, A weight in the air. If I'd waited any longer an additional fare. And they can keep you around like a head on a stake, I guess the industry found a use for my name sake. I built my calluses up, from fooling on the guitar. I keep them hard in the midst of what seems soft and bizarre. And ephemeral notions like a song are a curse, offering a return but making me feel worse. If you want to quit, you should quit like a winner. Cut your losses and extricate yourself from the bidding. And tell your friends that you could've if you'd wanted to, And tell yourself that it's strong to make a hard call. And if you want to try you should try like a loser, Who keeps on betting their life on a slow horse, And every year well she gets a little more tired, You're still betting, cheering her on. By then I'll bet you'll be gone. Sometimes I get to a point where little problems seem too big for me. And then I let them unravel like a line in the ocean sinking down into the density. And when the pressure becomes the same amount as what's inside of me. Well I can sink and explode or hold my breath until I float, I gamble on my own biology. The barnacles on the ladder bleed my feet while they set a good example in tenacity. If you want to quit, you should quit like a winner. Cut your losses and extricate yourself from the bidding. And tell your friends that you could've if you'd wanted to, And tell yourself that it's strong to make a hard call. And if you want to try you should try like a loser, Who keeps on betting their life on a slow horse, And every year well she gets a little more tired, You're still betting, cheering her on. And when the others are all fed and watered, You're still betting and cheering her on. You're still betting and cheering her on. By then I'll bet you'll be gone.
