Time again to share!

I joined the Recipe Scrap at Forever Always last week. I love that place but never get enough time these days to be everywhere. I did manage this layout....

And then got inspired to create a layout for NO PARTICULAR REASON except to use up my mish-mash stash.

And I FINALLY got one done for 123 Challenge. I love the new format Charm and Kars have but I also enjoyed the total illogical, chaotic combinations that used to happen. It's good either way girls!!! Keep up the good work.


A lot of highs and lows for our family in the last week.

Michael was back in Woolongong and he absolutely HATES traveling and I swear he puts on weight each time - even an overnight trip. Must get onto that!

Mackinley has been an absolute delight and some days I wonder what I'd do without him. He's smart, articulate and has a very sharp tongue (which gets him into some trouble) but I'd rather have that than totally quiet, submissive children. It would drive me insane!!!!

Rainer is improving every day. Settling at both schools. We had the Doctor appt last week and have a monster list for the pathology! There's a lot on that list that won't be covered by Medicare or Private Cover, so once again, OUT OF POCKET!!! But WORTH IT!! Who wouldn't do absolutely anything for their child's health? We also had another scan on Tuesday and I'm pleased to say that he's improving but have to "de-vaccinate" him. Don't worry, it's not painful, but it will take some time.

And I've been cooking up a STORM. My camera's battery has died so no pics, but I promise to share all the gastronomic delights here soon.

Kelly and I are attending the Boyce Debate on Friday night on Inclusive Education. Senator Boyce is on a mission to fully integrate all children out of special schools and into mainstream. Hmmmm, not sure about that one, but the debate should be a CORKER!! And I get to pop a cork or two with Kel afterwards!!!

I have some exciting news to share with you soon.
Until then...

busy week

I had a sick boy on the weekend.
(how precious...all huggy with Buzz on his Thunderbird pillow...awwwww...)


Yeah, not if you've had 3 consecutive nights of a coughing boy and no sleep yourself!!!
Last night I slept for 8 hours (thank you God) but with only one SHORT interruption. Managed to score a free facial at Ella Bache too so that was on the agenda this morning....feel much better now.

We had the magnificent Rory for a sleepover Saturday. These 2 have been buddies since Day Care and now they're in different schools we make sure they have regular sleepovers and outings together.

(nice how Rory gives HIMSELF the little V!!)

BBQ lunch at Rita and Marc's on Sunday. Cooper, Mackinley and Xavier goofed off all afternoon and Rainer wouldn't stay out of the pool. He loves his "blokes" (so much like Mackinley at the same age).

And I scrapped!!
For the WRITE NOW challenge at Bon's. Needed to scrap the YOUNGEST something/someone/anything and at least 5 words of journaling hand written and buttons (which I nearly forgot)

I officially have no more of that Fancy Pants range - phew!!

This is for the sketch challenge by the divinely talented Emily Pearce at a2z scraplets.

Ran the Maya Rd clear flower through the Bug and used 3 inks to colour the chip alphas (got that one from Ngaire...thanks muchly!!)

I can't think how else I can use corrugated cardboard!! Any suggestions out there?

Went to the Art Shed for some inks for Vivian's workshop. Doc appt tonight. Lots of paperwork still happening for Dr Neubrander's appt next month. So over the whole "tell me your story" question.

must must must

My wordy lordy

It's been a while (2 weeks??) and for good reason.
MASSIVE MASSIVE headache from all the Rainer-crapola since the beginning of the school year. Now someone has volunteered to take this problem off my hands and "voila", headache GONE!!!

Despite all this, I have been creating. Hiding in my corner and getting busy; trying NOT to think why it's all been so very very VERY bad. I was joking to some friends about putting my head in the oven - then realised it's ELECTRIC!!! Damn that water source that surrounds my suburb!! NO gas mains...grrrr...... The only thing I'd gain is singed eyebrows....way cool.

I've begun watching the videos for Vivian Bonder's Art Journal Online Series. So very exciting and Viv is generous with her time and so encouraging. I have the thingy in my sidebar so will add pages as they're done. Yipeee...excited.

Also, I've re-activated my FaceBook account. I figured I will have a FaceBook Friday LOL. Only go there on Fridays to update, catch up, stalk, etc..... Molly's already missed me. That's something.

Anyhoooooo......
In chronological order (hopefully) {man, how long does Blogger take to upload these days????}
Ngaire Bartlam classes at Inkredible



Tam's online class at Bon's


White With One - white, navy, stars


Scrap the Boys - journal min 50 words with "YOU ARE" (or variations) in the title/journaling


Bon's Monthly Layout Comp (some creative licence with the colours - hehe)


Tam's sketch challenge


forget what this one was for (LOL)
I think Charm's sketch from Bon's CC?????


and remember.....

(even though I may forget sometimes...)

thank god for MAMBO!

It's such a wonderful part of the cultural landscape in Australia, that I'm sure our family's t-shirt stash will be much smaller if it was no more!!! We are unashamedly PRO-MAMBO here. We love the very delightful "middle finger" attitude they have to authority and their no-holds-barred approach to their art. We love the shirts and this summer, Mackinley got to choose his own. In our house, Reg Mombassa is a creative genius!!!

A major milestone for me today. It's Ash Wednesday and I sat through the entire Mass today without crying and having to leave. It's been about 18months now, but I think I've got it all under control. Toward the end of the Eucharistic Prayer, when it all goes quiet......realising the true meaning of sacrifice and suffering......that's when it all goes pear-shaped for me. Today I got a little choked up but held it together.

Fantastic.

My next test was going to be tomorrow at a Babes in Arms moving screening with Cara and baby Zac. Emotionally, I don't do very well in a room full of new babies. So clearly I'm not ready because I've been called to Rainer's Principal's office at that time. See, replacing one battle with another.

Rainer had a Bio-Energetic scan yesterday. Very non-invasive but very confronting when she began telling me all that was "chronic" in Rainer's system. Ouch. Needed big shoulders for that hour!! On the positive side Terri did say Rainer is the best autistic boy she's seen so far. Happy, engaging, smiling........was it relief or joy I was feeling? Not sure.

Have Bon's CC challenges all typed up and ready to tackle. Scrapping with Ngaire B this Saturday. I'm taking time out to be creative for the next week.....so lots of eye candy coming up.

Remember....

February so far....

Much creative stuff and lots of family stuff. Have been neglecting BLOGLINES for so long, that I'm scared to even look at how many posts I've missed out there. Please accept my most humble apologies for not dropping by and leaving some love.

First the creative...
Charmane's online class using Bon's Feb Kit. How very groovy is this kit!!!!?




Spent a lovely Friday evening with Dina, Tina and Nicole

a while back and managed to actually, really truly get some scrapping done!!



Used some of the new Autumn Leaves background stamps on this one and Twinkling H2Os. Luminarte are going out of business so if you want some Blue Bazaar are currently having a sale ;)
Much love to Nicole who showed me the power of ribbon for this layout. Just the perfect finishing touch (thanks Nic!)

And this of Mum, me and the sisters. Love the Sandylion border stamps. I seem to be using them all over the shop at the moment.





Despite my serious attempt to use much of my stash, I couldn't resist this oh so cute paper that Nicole had on hand. October Afternoon (thanks Tash ;)) and some of Bon's Nov Kit. Nicole also had some new Ali Edwards journaling stamps. We had a fantastic time playing!!!




I finished this layout today. I'm only showing a sneak because I really really want this one published. I just love it.


Family stuff.....
It rained, nay, BUCKETED down on Friday afternoon and the boys just couldn't resist racing outside and basking in all it's wet, humid glory.

It doesn't look like it but Rainer really was enjoying himself!
We're having a summer shower now as I type this, and there is blue sky past Taylor Range. This is the BEST suburb ever to live in!!

Where to begin?

We've had many challenges beginning Prep for Rainer. I won't re-hash the "week that was..." here. I've done so with my family and friends and just on one forum.

Now, we are happily settled and despite my disappointment and frustration with the school, I'm not changing his routine and they will just need to play "catch up".

Thank you to my support network! I truly cannot thank you enough for your encouragement and understanding.

And I've been creating.

Man, it feels soooo good!!!

Bon's Cybercrop that finished Tuesday.
Peta's Blind Scrapping Challenge




Tam's Sketch Challenge


and a WINNER....
Bon's Colour Challenge




PINK!!!! I know! And I can only reveal here how this layout took me only ONE HOUR to put together. Mind you, it'd been brewing for a week and then it just spewed forth (as is my way LOL)

Thank you ladies, for another wonderfully creative, supportive and challenging week.

Remember this book?

I've also heard a number of other scrappers rave about it and it truly is a wonderful collection of ideas. Available in Australia only through Amazon.com (as far as I know).

I made this for the AEIOU staff.



I loved putting this together and it was easy and so much fun!! Looking forward to starting many more of her projects soon! Photo is by the wonderfully creative Rachel Richter.

Tam's Online Class at Bon's a couple of weeks ago (?)



mostly from Bon's November kit
i love her kits
i've ordered February's....i'm a tragic....

Another busy day of cooking and freezing today. I love having the days to myself again.