Egg-cellent!!

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!!!

Be strong.....

Weekly Catch-Up

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?

Nobody knows......


be strong....

Big Catch-Up Post...cold drink at the ready......

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....

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.

be strong!!

For Nonno

I've been trying to get Mackinley to write something all week. Finally tonight he sat and wrote this all by himself. What a beautiful son I have. Mackinley was so proud of himself, "Look Mum, I didn't even use my finger for the spacing!" Some days I just love being a Mum.

Mum thought it was the most beautiful piece of love...ever!! We tucked it under Dad's lapel with a Holy Card of the Sacred Heart. Dad always had his mother's rosary beads but Mum couldn't find them. She and Nena went to Pelligrini's today and bought a gorgeous black set for Dad and Mum bought herself a beautiful red and silver set and each bead was a mini love heart!

He looked so peaceful tonight and very smart in a grey suit and wearing the tie he was married in. A lovely rosary and farewell, just with the family.

FINALLY
Thank you everyone! Your messages of love and support have been overwhelming. I will reply to each of you next week. {{cyber hugs back to you}}

For Dad

Sunday afternoon at 1.30pm, Dad had a massive heart attack at home and couldn't be revived. Poor Mum was alone with him and couldn't get in touch with any of us "for once". We were up the coast, Rita was down the coast, Nena was at her in-laws and Lil was pottering and didn't hear the phone.
I just can't imagine what it would have been like for her, feeling helpless and watching your husband of 42 years just "leave" in an instant.

However, true-to-form, it was a memorable day for them. Mum went to Mass while Dad went to the shops and bought some lamb and made a beautiful roast for lunch by the time she got home. He'd rung Delfino and made plans to go over after lunch. He'd prepared the roast and some beans and even cleaned the kitchen and stacked the dishwasher!!!! He'd commented Mum on the lovely purple top she was wearing and made them both coffee after they ate lunch. Dad worried that there was too much lamb but Mum assured him that they would see us all during the week, so it wouldn't go to waste. He'd made batches of pepperoncini and beans during the week to last them through the Christmas visitors and celebrations.

Mum then watched the golf after their coffee and Dad went into the bedroom. Mum noticed that he was behaving strangely and went to ask. It was then that he grabbed her, hugged her and took a very large breath. He collapsed in her arms and she lay him on the bed and dialed "000". She commenced CPR and she thought he'd come back because he drew another huge breath but the paramedics couldn't revive him.

It was surreal to get the news on the road through Caloundra and we couldn't discuss it until the boys were asleep in the back seat. We got home, I showered and Michael dropped me off at the PA Hospital. We were taken to the viewing room and it was really strange but quite nice seeing him lying there, looking at peace, knowing he no longer had to think about all the medication for his heart and diabetes; feeling frustrated about not being as mobile and active as he used to be. In a way, he died exactly how he wanted -- quickly, painlessly, and without becoming bed-ridden.

Mackinley seems okay with Nonno going to Heaven and hunting crocodiles with Steve Irwin!! All the little ones will be at the Mass, not sure about Rainer yet.

It's sad, but all is good. I'm glad he's finally at peace and free of a body that was seriously letting him down!!

Bye Dad....GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN!!

Thought I'd have a date today...

I was hoping to post a date for next year's fundraiser, but the planning meeting had to be postponed (DRAT!!) but I think I might start the ball rolling anyhow. I know some have offered help, but could you email me or leave a comment here (just make sure I can contact you) if you would like to come to SCRAP THE SPECTRUM next year sometime (don't you just love certainty???) in Brisbane.

Thank you to the SPC Mums who came out on Friday night to celebrate the end of another year. I know the photos I took when we were at The Caxton (getting spacko at the Cacko...it never loses it's appeal!!) are priceless. Photos later (hehe!!)

In the meantime, here's a song I can't get out of my head. Possibly THE best lyrics I've heard in a while..

"let me breathe the courage of your actions...." I know there's a layout in there somewhere!!! And they're Australian. Home-grown poetry is too good!!

Enjoy The Potbelleez!!

DOME : Double : Don't make me Cry

It's been busy and until today I never really appreciated how much TIME I used to have on my hands each day. Yes, we have successfully shared the driving to Bray Park; Yes, the boys (including Michael LOL) have been easier to control of late; and I've scaled back participating in a lot of my favourite forums.

So why do I feel SO DAMN TIRED???? I remember feeling this way, this time last year, wondering if I was ever going to make it to my birthday in one piece....or would my children have to visit me at the Psych Ward with my cake!! Health goes to pot, emotionally a little out of whack and generally FEELING my age.

But I know this feeling passes and I'll feel like a new woman come January!!! It's always been like that.....this too shall pass.

So the DOME RETREAT voucher was a great "rescue remedy". Michael gave it to me, but I can't remember for which event....birthday? anniversary? Mothers' Day? No matter, got in before it expired....WOOHOO. Had a Balinese massage this time around. No oils (handy if you need to go back to work in a hurry...but that didn't bother me....don't work), with firm, circular movements and just short of a deep tissue massage. Felt really relaxed but energised!! Quite nice.

Double Layout class at Inkredible yesterday. Worked with some cool papers from Sandylion. Not a brand I'd usually gravitate towards but these caught my eye in the shop. Surprised me by being a little harder to work with; couldn't employ the same "tricks" as with other papers, so found myself working really hard with these.


Thanks to Kathryn for sharing her interpretation of the class.

Next week Ngaire will be at Inkredible all day for 2 classes. I'll be back the following week with MORE Sandylion papers (yes, I love a challenge!!) and another double layout that you can easily convert into a single. Most of the Inkredible ladies love their doubles, so I might be doing a heap more of these.

AEIOU approached me to write Rainer's story for their website. It's for the Child Sponsorship Program so I was really conscious of not getting too emotional but wanting to convey the frustration of living with a child who won't/can't communicate with you. I was shedding a few tears writing it all down, but it took me about 2 hours (with lots of tissue/coffee breaks!!)

It's 2 pages long but I know some people who read this blog, or who know me via forums are interested (but maybe too nervous to ask) so if you would like to read, please email me. I'd love to share.

Likewise, if YOU or an organisation/company you are involved with, have a strong social philanthropic ethos, please have a look at the AEIOU link in the side bar. Every little bit helps....believe me!!

Have also been blog-hopping!! Mostly looking at who you all list as inspiration and I end up in the most AMAZING places. I tend to end up in ARTSY blogs and look at the amazing work some people do and crave to be there again. I know I can do it but just don't have the time or the physical or head space to get there. I know I will one day...just not right now. Have to do other things for myself and my family first.

Re-reading this blog. Is it a little sombre????? Too serious? Do I have a birthday coming up???? You betcha!!

And something else is a-coming!!

Check out Inkredible's next newsletter via their blog. There are Christmas projects there from the other DTers too in PDF form...nice and easy!!

BE STRONG.....

FA Newsletter & Today's the Day

Here's the latest from the November Newsletter at Forever Always.

My DT pack had these gorgeous papers from Blue Cardigan Designs, Jenni Bowlin rub-ons, AL "PERFECT" clear stamp and VersaCraft Cool Gray inkpad. I didn't think I could DO heritage, but with the right photos (had to raid Mum's stash) and some photoshopping, I'm keen to do more.

This one is of (L to R) ME, Nena and Rita in 1972 at Newmarket sitting on the ol' Merc that Dad had bought the previous year. They STILL have that car! She's a little temperamental now and constantly needs a service, but she gets you there...slowly at times. The photo is "nearly perfect" because Lilly was just born and fast asleep upstairs, so it must have been after September.....so 35 years ago! OUCH!!



This is Mum in 1962, she was 24. I've always loved this photo of her! I altered the colour a little in photoshop and I think it suits the papers really well. The photographer was Edmund Burke who was one of THE best in Brisbane at the time. She couldn't really afford it (having only just arrived in Australia in 1958) but she wanted a nice photo of herself. Lucky for us, she did!!!


And Last Scrapper Standing is still going strong. Official registration has closed but there's a "Just For Fun" gallery with some cool prizes.

Today is my FIRST class at INKREDIBLE. I had a really long, uninterrupted sleep last night and I feel like a million, trillion, kazillion bucks this morning. The boys took me to Cafe Tara for a delicious breakfast and beautiful Merlo coffee (the BEST coffee!!) and now they've given me a couple hours to myself.

My good friend Charmane Kock has just started her own design business called FUNKY FREESTYLE DESIGNS {CLICK HERE} this month featuring the cool new kits from Bon's Scraps.

All the best gorgeous girl!! Start making some $$ instead of spending it (that's a private joke BTW...have to put it in context - haha)

Looking forward to the class!! Lots of Cyber Cropping going on, as always. So many cool challenges to participate in, I wish I could fit them all in. I guess now I'm the one having to challenge others. What an intersting twist!!!

BE STRONG....

Halloween and classes

Not that I really expected it, but we had a couple of groups of kids around tonight. Pretty funny actually. All they get from me is Chuppa Chups, but they didn't seems to care.


The littler kids wanted to get in on the action, so Andrew took Harmon, Hannah and Mackinley at the last minute to a few houses in the street. Aren't they cute? Rainer enjoyed watching from the deck and actually ASKED to go to bed tonight!! Will miracles never cease with this boy???

My first class at Inkredible is this Saturday at 1.30pm. I'm really excited to have this opportunity but terribly nervous too. I didn't want to bamboozle everyone so the Texture Paste techniques are pretty easy. I might suggest an advanced class and get really messy on a canvas or mini book.....hmmmm, mind is ticking away already!!

The schedule is up on the website but here's some sneak peeks. You'll have to subscribe to the newsletter to see the whole catastrophe (heehee).


I wanted to do layouts with 4x6 photos because there's nothing worse than realising at 10am on a Saturday morning that you don't have an enlargement for a class that day!!

My GDT spot at FA finished today. Sonia's been a great support and I'll miss her guidance terribly (but she knows that). Very buoyed by the success of the online class, that I feel I can achieve anything at the moment.

Easy girl!!

Here's my layout for the FA CC challenge 3. Working off a sketch by the talented Louise.


Working on some stuff for Xmas with the Kaiser range. Nearly finished!!

BE STRONG.....

10 dAyS...caution LONG POST (grab a cuppa)

What a ride the last 10 days has been!
I thought it would all calm down after the buzz from Alex Perry, but life has just gotten better....and busier.

Firstly, Mackinley's play-date with Bridget went superbly!! When Mum came to collect, she reminded me that sometimes it's hard to find a group of Mums you can be yourself with, especially if you've moved interstate. From now on, I'm going to try to include those who feel out of place and welcome them with open arms. If they decide to accept my offer GREAT...if not, no harm done. Naturally another playdate has been set and Mum will be there too for a few champagnes.

LOVE MAKING NEW FRIENDS!!!

Nena and Simon's 40th was a hoot. Mum made the funniest pyjama pants for us girls. It was nice to see just about everyone in fancy dress and the late start (8pm) meant we could get the boys to bed before we left. I think I drank too much...not sure....very hazy the next day.

Michael's company turns 30 this year and so to celebrate we had a lovely cocktail party at City Hall. The company sponsors the Australian Chamber Orchestra (among other people/organisations) and so I was thrilled when Richard Tognetti came out with his very expensive violin, followed by Tim Freedman!! The most beautiful arrangements of "Blow up the Pokies" and "No Aphrodisiac" I have ever heard. I have pics but I look frightful (as does Tim) -- the hair flopped, the dress was twisted -- seriously, you'd think I got dressed with my eyes closed!!

THAT PROMPTED a spending spree at the Myer lingerie department.....and a stop-over in JacquiE (heh).

Met the lovely AngieB (Scrap Therapy). Thankfully she lives close to Rainer's school and she's so easy to chat to. There may be more scrapping than chatting next time.



I blew my knee!! You would think I'd be more careful. I can't believe it's now been the ankle, the ribs and now the knee. Thank God it's my bad knee (soccer injury circa 1989) so I only have one to repair down the track. Lots of ICE, COMPRESSION and ELEVATION saved the day. Now it's just tender and a little purple.

SING FOR KIDS on Friday night!! Awesome is one word to describe it. Turned up with hair that stayed up slightly better than last time, better fitting underwear and a new cocktail frock -- gotta love the frock -- was going to go red but realised just about every dress I own is red....so black it was.



Sang 3 songs on stage -- pretty funny actually. I think the trick is to hold the mic a little further out. Saves a heap of embarrassment....but soooo much fun. Ricki Lee Coulter was a trooper. I never got to thank her for being there and staying so late. These artists are really busy so I'm grateful when they spend time at fundraisers.
Re-acquainted myself with Ian Skippen and Peter Couples....such lovely people.

Finished the week with my online class at Forever Always. Thanks to Sonia, KylieB (first to upload...what a trooper), Belinda, PaulaP, Jazkit, Royaldaughter and Kye for registering. I was super-prepared but it paid off in the end. Forgot about Daylight Savings Time starting so everyone was hanging around for an hour before I got there....ooops!! See how much bother DLST is??? It seriously should be scrapped (heheeee).



Bittersweet really because now I have a regular teaching gig at Inkredible and on their Design Team. It means I'll be even busier - preparing for classes, articles, etc and not enough time for scrap-chatting (sniff). I've already told Natalie (Scrap Therapy), Sonia (Forever Always) and Bon (Bon's Scraps) how grateful I am to them for supporting me this year and helping me through some rough patches. The ladies on their sites are fantastic and encouraging scrappers.

THANKS LADIES. Glad to call you "friend".....(hmmm, there might be a layout in that!!)

First class is this Saturday at 1.30pm. Gettin' messy with Texture Paste!!!! Well, not too messy, don't want to scare them on the first day LOL.

BE STRONG....

Online Class at FA - postponed, Playdate

Quick update (and timely reminder from Belinda!! Thanks gorgeous) that my Online Class at Forever Always has been postponed because I fell behind with the instructions while my breathing was interrupted by my ribs!!!

I still can't believe how far behind I got being sore for a few days. Just brought to light just how much I do in a day!

Still time to register at FA. You need to be a registered member of Forever Always to look-see at the instructions, so ensure you do that too please.

Forever Always is having their CyberCrop on the 26th October which would have been excellent for the online class. BUT Sing for Kids is on that night (shucks). I don't think the Greek Club has cable access or I would have run the class between songs ... (now THAT would have been funny!!)

Mackinley is having a friend over to play this afternoon. It's a girl from his class and it's a really special moment because he's been in this "I don't like playing with girls" mode for over a year now. She's beautiful so I'm madly cleaning the house (it's truly embarrassing...and I don't say that often) so we can move without falling over (yes, it's THAT bad!)

I need to upload a trillion images so it may be "Image Overload" next week (ah, the visual stimulation is all I need and a good Red).

Be strong....

EIGHT DAYS TO GO

Just a quick post to remind me to remind everyone.....


Why am I reminding everyone?? Because it's not a government centre all fundraising goes directly to reducing our fees and make it more affordable for every family with an Autistic child to access FULL-TIME Early Intervention. Two or three days per week sometimes isn't enough for our babies to be SCHOOL-READY and ultimately become independent adults.

Always looking at the BIG PICTURE!!

BE STRONG....

p.s. the ribs are fine now. A little stiff but "normal" (LOL, what's that??)

Ribs, Nick and sweet FA

Well OUCH!!!

Went to the Chiro today but instead of having a normal adjustment it was hell on earth. It all began a few days ago when I was having trouble breathing and doing normal activities like looking over my shoulder, breathing, sitting and standing....you know, regular stuff.

It seems I have popped a couple of ribs and put my diaphram out. Nice one!! No wonder it was hurting when I breathed... in or out! When I got out of bed this morning, I thought I was dying. Never experienced such excruciating pain since childbirth. Will have to go to the GP if it doesn't get better by next week.....hate going to the GP. Always feel rushed.

Last night I went to the ABC Radio studios. I was invited to be a panel member for a discussion group on "Raising a Child with a Disability" hosted by the wonderfully charming author Nick Earles {HERE} and 2 other Mums who were equally inspiring! We spoke for one whole hour and it should be available on the ABC Radio website {HERE} as a podcast or something like that - don't quite get the hang of that technology....yet!

Funnily I didn't feel uneasy even though a couple of ribs were out of kilter. Maybe it was the nerves - who knows.

And so, because of the rib thingy that I had no idea about, I haven't been scrapping since Tuesday. I did manage to get this layout finished for Forever Always's Random Challenge. Mine criteria was
hand stitching
NO flowers (easy), buttons (double easy) or doodling (not so easy)
stars



Luckily I had this stuff left over from the Loretta Grayson class over a year ago that I never completed for one reason or another. The frame for the photo should have been made into an actual photo frame, and the star paper and spotty paper was alread stuck to the cardstock. Because I couldn't doodle I decided to use some rub-ons as a sub-title across the top and finish it with sequins. I hand stitched along the sequins but you can hardly see in the scan. Also used paint instead of doodling.

Great challenge!! So I decided to punish DebbieB who won my "Spread the Lovin'" comp to complete a single page layout with 7 photos and the other 2 criteria are to use ribbon in an unconventional way (hint=Scrap Creations) and at least 3 journaling spots!! CAN'T WAIT TO SEE!!

More news to follow - the breathing is getting easier but sitting at this desk is hardly taxing LOL!!

Thanks for dropping by

BE STRONG...

Today

TODAY
the boys have returned to school....{jumps}

TODAY
I should have got home sooner from drop-off {had coffee with AEIOU parents instead}

TODAY
I should therefore be cleaning the house {on my backside blogging instead}

TODAY
I have thought of a name for the fundraiser {but can't confirm anything yet....doh!}

TODAY
had a really interesting telephone conversation and I'm excited {but can't reveal...yet...heehee}

TODAY
I finished my entry to Last Scrapper Standing at Forever Always.

{Meggy-Moo looks so adorable in her tu-tu hammering the nails in a stump}

My super-dooper technique was altering prima flowers with Opals. Glad to find out that not a lot of people have worked with them, so worthwile in the end. Was getting really disheartened that all my techniques were uploading in the forum before I could get started. :( But very happy with the overall result of the flowers and the layout too.


Thanks to Loretta Grayson for the template of the birdie and leaves. Was a left-over from her class about a year ago. Never actually finished anything from that session but all the bits and pieces have ended up somewhere in my work. Funny that!!



Here's another layout I did for the Forever Always October newsletter {HERE} based on a new Becky Fleck sketch. Didn't realise it was a mini map so did it on 12x12 after being very confused with the measurements for a long while!!



Trying to be a good blogging-gal-pal lately. Missing out on too much in forums because I'm spending too much time with the family and actually scrapping....fancy that!! I'm having so much fun lately, and Michele (naturopath) is a miracle-worker. I feel like a more confident woman and clear-headed and less anxious about the little things in life. Occasionally I'll spack right out but mostly it's been level-headed GiGi for a few weeks now....LOVIN' IT!!

Be strong (and thanks to the chikkies who still drop by and read!!)

Counting down....

Yep, it's nearly here. The END OF SCHOOL HOLIDAYS!!! (Yay, moment of relief)

A quick glance at the mess that becomes my house during these special weeks - empty pantry/fridge/freezer/2nd fridge/drawers of clean clothes - reminds me that although we're busy and things never get finished, each holiday gets easier and easier. The boys are more settled and conditioned to the concept of "school holidays" and their behaviour just encourages me to go out more, try different things and just RELAX!!

Today I took the boys to Moffat Beach ALONE and although it's un-patrolled the boys didn't venture too far in. It drops into a channel quite quickly but today it was good. Naturally Rainer freaked when we had to go inside at about 10.30am and today I was really aware of the stares from others. What are they thinking? Do I really care? Better still....do I have TIME to care what they think!!

We got to Mez and Sarah's by about 11.30am and had a ball! Nice coffee, nice lunch, nice water play (no water restrictions on the Sunshine Coast!) nice drive home, although Rainer did crack up again when he figured we drove PASSED the beach! He gets so much of what's around him but says soooo little. He's a bugger alright!!

And this is on soon - Sing for Kids - another event raising funds for AEIOU.
This year Ricky Lee Coulter is the "talent" while the rest of us just use this event as an Up-market Karaoke Night!! It's hilarious fun. Can't wait.

Also, (drum roll please)..........

My first online class EVER thanks to Sonia at Forever Always. As you can see from the sneak peeks, it's a fun layout but you can do a serious topic too. Promise I won't make you all look like a fool....as I do in these photos LOL. Should be in a couple of weeks, so make sure you're registered at FA.

The October newsletter is up with a mini-album feature by Kye. Here's a mini I did for the altered tin.



And another for the joint celebration for my Dad, Oskar and Rainer's birthdays in July this year.



Have also entered the Last Scrapper Standing competition. (yes, sucker for punishment!!) 6 month contract up for grabs and some guest spots too. Wish me luck!!

Finished up at Bon's with my Guest DT spot. Had a ball. Off to announce the winner of the Patterned Paper Challenge. Was waiting till the dust settled from Bon's brother's bike accident. Unbelievable really! There are just some things that shouldn't happen in life...but he's good now. Relief all-round.

Here's Bon's Paper of the Month for October. Urban Lily.


Such a cool bit of pp to work with and Bon threw in a pack of Deja View boy rub-ons for me so I went to town! Mackinley "helped" too. I went to answer the door and he decided to keep going. Ooops!! He was so apologetic, I couldn't get mad at him. I think he did an okay job for someone who doesn't like scrapbooking!! Won't tell Michael though PMSL.

Cyber Crop challenges are due this Sunday. Really want to finish a couple of these too.

I'm just wondering where I'll find the time??????

BE STRONG....
p.s. Didn't make it through to the last round of the Scrap Therapy DT competition but the ladies that did have done an awesome job with their final round entries. Good luck and thanks to Nat for an awesome competition. Well run and the girls on site are great supporters of EVERYONE'S work - newbies and regulars! Thanks to all.