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I've Moved

2007-11-02T20:54:00.002+13:00

I've moved to typepad......You can now find me here:

http://www.kellystamps.com

Long Weekend

2007-10-23T10:28:00.000+13:00

Well, the weekend has come & gone & now, we're well & truly on the way to Christmas.

Although Christmas is on its way I'm still not feeling the Summer vibe...overcast & chilly here...although its a bit milder outside than inside.

But I have been in the mood to create...although it hasn't been scrappy creating - I've decided to use for sewing machine for SEWING ...imagine that- my darling was kind enough to buy it for me to use for scrapping & I didn't think I would use it to make clothes - but here I am with 2 patterns - a skirt for Taigy & pants for Ravey & I have actually created one of each - I'm really quite proud of myself -

and am even tempted to make myself something - but don't want to get too carried away, cos I know what I'm like...will buy the pattern & fabric & then make another thing for the kids & the novelty will wear off before I get to me LOL!

Ravey cracks me up - he's got a thing for bread at the mo...Wayne was working on one of the cars & I was sewing Taigy's skirt, so Rave goes to the pantry & grabs the french stick & starts to have a munch...his portable picnic.

We went over to Mum & Dad's yesterday for a family dinner - nice to catch up with everyone & get some photos of the kids together.

I'm going through a weird feeling flat phase at the mo - I'm thinking its the meditation CDs I've been listening to ...messing with my brain...well, more like spring cleaning my brain, but its like all the crap is swept into a pile, that has to come out somewhere, somehow & its coming out in the form of a bad attitude - so I'm kind of trying to hibernate a bit so that as few as possible people are affected by it...but with my mind focused on its cleansing, there's little room left for creating at the mo - so I'm feeling kinda flat in the scrappy arena.....but this too shall pass - so I guess I'd better get on & get over it aye!!

Well, I might share some pics later, for now I feel like giving Rave a bit of a snuggle :o)

Congratulations!!

2007-10-18T20:20:00.000+13:00

The 3 new members of the Scrapbook Studio DT have been named....so a huge congratulations goes out to:

Faye Gregory

Monique Darge

and last but certainly not least....

Louise Williams

Welcome aboard ladies. I'm really looking forward to working with you :o)

If you haven't heard there's a cyber crop on at Scrapbook Studio/SBD this Friday night...so if you're staying home for the long weekend, be sure to join us for some great challenges & delicious prizes ;o)

Soooo Much Fun!!

2007-10-16T13:23:00.000+13:00

OMG these books are just tooo cool!!!

Now, if you know anything about me - you'll know I LOVE to have new stuff...but I must confess that I had been a little intimidated by these new see-thru acrylic books...I just thought they were a bit out of my league...my let me tell you - that are AWESOME FUN to play with!!

Lisa dropped a kit off on Friday night & by 1am I was 80% done...but bed was calling...the acrylic albums are just DIVINE!!!

I was fortunate to have quite a few 3x4 pics lying around (that were destined for LOs) of our weekend up North & so I just played with them

The kit has the most DELICIOUS DaisyDs rub-ons in it & those puppies go a looooooooong way

After I finished my album I still had rub-ons & bazzill left over, so I managed to whip up a couple of LOs too.

So these goodies are in the October kit over at Scrapbook Studio.

A Bit Slow on the UPtake

2007-10-13T16:40:00.000+13:00

Well, the first of the month has been & gone & although I gave you some sneak peeks of my Embellished DT work, I forgot to post the pics so here you go.

Quite the delicious kit to work with...lots of patterns on the pp that can be played with hundreds of different ways..check out what Maz did with hers...just gorgeous!!

And because they're all double-sided pps the variety of LOs you can create with them is endless!!

With this one I've managed to start Nanny's album (my mum) hoping to fill it with pages of nga mokopuna (the grandkids)...just 10 more to go hahahahahahaha.

These papers are such a gorgeous weight & because I'm totally into tearing lately they are just PERFECT...just give a nice torn edge - love it!!

I'm so enjoying scrapping older pics too - Ravey was only a couple of months old when we went down to Napier to visit my bro & SIL - I thought I'd lost all these older pics in a corrupted drive on the laptop...but after almost a year of the laptop sitting dormant (due to a screeching fan noise LOL!) we got it repaired & hoked up the wireless network & I pulled all the photos I could off it to burn onto DVD (cos the DVD writer is ka-put on it)

My Phoenix LO is all about my Sissy - she's so fabulous, a never-say-die kinda gal.

She's the kid of girl who takes whatever life throws at her & looks for ways that it can make her a better person - she's freakin AWESOME!!! Love her so MUCH!!!

This pp was begging to be cut out - so I obliged, added a bit of stitching & grunged up the Bazzill...I also beached the background of the pic & sanded & inked it for a nicer look than 80's wallpaper & brown cupboard doors LOL!!

And finally we have little Reign with his Wise old Eyes & a grubby little face - he is just sooooo cute!!!

It's not too late to grab yourself a kit..the first mailout was done on the 11th - but the next one is due on the 20th.

Well I can smell delicious aromas wafting from the kitchen as my darling is cooking something delicious....so I'm gonna go scrap before I get summoned LOL ;o)

++ooohhhh just tried spell check for the first time...must remember to do that more often ;o)

Told Off

2007-10-10T19:54:00.000+13:00

This crazy lady went nuts at me yesterday in Countdown...seriously man...I've never seen anything like it......

So, I'm at the bakery section & there's a lady getting bread rolls, so she's using the one set of tongs that was available there, so I grab a pair of tongs from the muffin cabinet next door, thinking nothing of it & go to get some bread rolls myself...anyway this elderly lady starts telling me off...she says "You've taken those tongs from the cake cabinet & you're using them for bread" & I say "yes, I am"...then she starts getting quite aggressive at me & starts going on about how I'm not allowed to take the tongs from there to get bread with them & that I should just wait for the lady with the bread tongs to finish & that I'm impatient & rude....well, I think this may be the first time I've really stood up for myself to a stranger & I say to her EXCUUUUUSE me lady, the tongs are there so that people DO NOT HANDLE THE FOOD, so its perfectly fine for me to use these tongs to get bread rolls"....well, like a bloody dog with a bone - she wouldn't let it go.....she huffs & puffs & says something about me taking the tongs that she was going to use to get a cake..so I pointed out to her that there were 2 other sets of tongs in the next cabinet over that weren't being used & that she could use them.

By this time she was just furious at me for taking "her" tongs..."Well you're just young & selfish and very RUDE" so I said back to her "NO, you just don't have the iniative to take two steps over & pick up a set of tongs that aren't being used, there is NO problem with me using these tongs to get bread rolls" Then she huffs & puffs & storms off!!

Anyway, the lady who was getting the bread rolls says to me "was that your Mum?" and I said "No way!", then she says "Oh, if I had've known that I would've ripped into her - but I thought she was your mum"

Turns out this lady (bread roll lady, not the psycho one) works in a retirement home with 300 old folk & a heck of alot of them are like this...OMG how sad is that?

So, in the post match analysis I was wondering what the universe was trying to teach me ...and although my heart was racing & I felt guilty for making an old lady angry - I think the point was that I should stand up for myself more - cos at the end of the day you've only got one life - so you might as well live out loud!!!

So, that was yesterday's drama LOL!

In other news, if you're looking to give your mojo a kick in the pants check out the Two for Tuesday weekly challenge.

This week's challenge is 2 pps + buttons.

And if you're keen to give your weekend a scrappy kick start be sure to join us in Friday Night Live.

Oh & I had a great week last week publishing-wise - I got 4 acceptances YAY & a confirmation of a project in For Keeps #61 !!!! So keep an eye out for me in the Aussie mags :o) You can say "that's my friend Kelly" to your DH cos that's what I do when I get the mags LOL ;o)

I'm going to try a little harder to get into Up2Scrap starting this week- just got to pull my socks up...no piccys to share at the mo cos I've been doing DT stuff - oh but I can share with you some pics from our weekend away...we went up to visit my bro & his partner somewhere past Dargaville...about 3 hours north of Auckland, the kids had a ball...they were free to roam, there were chickens to feed, the weather was beautiful....Ravey's so funny though - despite having a great time, when the sun went down he says to me "Lets go home Mummy"...Then 5 minutes later, with his hands clasped like a beggar "Home Mummy.Please please please mummy" too cute!!

*** Can't share pics cos pc is being unco-operative :o(

Oh & I haven't given you the back to school update...Taigy is right back in the swing of things, loves her school...Ravey on the other hand, doesn't like his mummy to leave him - but I promised Taigy that I'd do mother help this term cos Ravey is at pre-school 2 days a week from 9-3.

So on Monday I dropped Rave off & he cried - my precious little prince - sucks to leave him - but I guess he'll get used to it. I rang pre-school after I did my mother help stint (which I LOVED...sooooo staying for morning tea next week) & they said he was all good, settled down OK & was enjoying himself - so I relaxed & went about what was left of my free time.

Then when I went to pick him up in the afternoon he'd been upset on & off for the last hour, so I've decided to pick him up an hour earlier until he's better settled...poor little tacker is sooooooo glad to see me when I get there

Might share some pics tomorrow.

Ohhh & did you check out Mrs Frizz's post about the Maggi Herb Roast vegetable bake...I managed to remember to pop some in the trolley yesterday despite my drama ;o)

Can't wait to try it!!

OK I've gotta go - I want to scrap

YeeeHAAAAA!!

2007-10-03T08:22:00.000+13:00

Its official!!

Lisa asked Heidi & I to be part of the permanent Design Team for Scrapbook Studio/Scrapbooking By Design & we were absolutely thrilled to accept the 12 month position, the announcement went out in yesterday's newsletter & we are soooooo excited!!!

There are 3 remaining places on the DT & the call is open til the 15th of October so email Lisa or Lianne to get the details.

We have an exciting 12 months ahead of us....here are a few sneak peeks of what's in the pipeline ;o)

Scrap Pink Pic

2007-10-01T21:03:00.000+13:00

As promised the lovely Ann sent through the pics she took & here's one to share with you :o)

And I thought I'd share the tutorial for making your own journaling cards...that's just over here.

I think I actually managed to get everything done that was on my list today...we got some DVDs, went out to lunch, dropped in to Scrapbook Studio & I managed to get a little bit of scrapping done - might work on some more now :o)

There's a good chance I'll be blogging again tomorrow & I might just share some sneak peeks...but first I'm going to head out & get some groceries...I've promised to get some ice-cream to make the kids banana smoothies...need some more carrots & fruit for the juice machine & probably should add meat to the list...oh & I'll be getting a pack of betty crocker's vanilla cake mix to make these with my little princess.

Well I'd best get off the computer & woosh myself over to the scrap desk so I can get some scrapping done.

ScrapPink

2007-10-01T08:30:00.000+13:00

What a delightful Day I had yesterday at ScrapPink with the Paper Pesto girls!

Sad to hear Steph wasn't feeling well & couldn't make it, but there was a great turn out & lots of lovely ladies keen to scrap for a cause!

Living Doll is the LO class I taught - its so great to see how others take the LO & change it up - there were some gorgeous improvements on my version LOL!

Now, you'll have to forgive me cos I forgot to take my camera - but Ann took some snaps & has promised to share.

Kate's lovely hubby Dave was on photography duty too so there's bound to be some happy snaps up on the Paper Pesto blog for you to check out.

Dave was also o set-up duty, coffee duty, baby-sitting duty - he was absolutely fantastic.

So a HUGE thank you to Dave!!

I left the event early becasue my little Princess came home yesterday - Oh man it was soooooooooooooooo good to see her.

She decided that she wanted to sleep in our bed last night & I couldn't resist..Wayno lasted about 20mins with her wriggling & went to sleep in her bed & Ravey joined us half way through the night & thought it would be good to sleep sideways with his feet on my head...so tonight its everyone back to their own beds!!!

Well we have a big day ahead of us today...I need to get some scrapping done, we're going to get some DVD's for the kiddies to watch while the rain comes down & we're planning to duck out for lunch with Daddy-Boo & duck into Scrapbook Studio for a visit too.

So far we've managed to paint our nails this morning, clear the inbox, blog & now it's time to have brekky :o)

The Weekend Has Arrived

2007-09-28T20:46:00.000+12:00

Yay!! only 2 more sleeps til Taigy comes home!!!

I saw her yesterday & she got all upset & wanted to come home..OMG it was heart-breaking!!!

My poor little angel was bawling her eyes out & wasn't brave enough to say in front of her father that she wanted to come home with me - anyway he had to take a call, so we had a chat while he was away...then when he came back she says to me "Mum can you tell him why I'm crying" So I said "she's crying because she wants to come home" and his reply is "I know that"...gee lots of compassion there NOT!!!

But he promised her that she can come home early on Sunday - so here's hoping!!

I must admit I feel sooooooo crap making her stay when all I wanted to do was wrap her up in my arms & take her home...I know she's not that upset when I'm not around - so I actually don't ring her while she's away so she doesn't get upset... I thought it would get a bit easier as she got older... I thought she'd just accept that this is the way her life is - but she's not silly, she knows it sucks & is totally boring at his place - even though its boring here too, at least she has company.

Oh this wasn't meant to be a bleat post - so I'd better pull my head in LOL!

Tonight there's a new Friday Night Live challenge over at Embellished its all about simple pleasures.

This is my take on the challenge...I just love the kids jumping into our bed for morning snuggles...so, despite the fact that we need a new bed its still a haven of simple pleasures ;o)

The Embellished Kit for October will be up on the first of the month, so here's a sneak peek at some of my work.

On Sunday I'll be at Atomic Coffee Roasters in Kingsland for Paper Pesto's ScrapPink event...I'm sooo looking forward to catching up with the girls!!

I had planned to scrap tonight - but it's really quite cold in here - so I might just call it a night & see if I can find my darling for a snuggle ;o)

10 Days Later..she posts again ;o)

2007-09-23T07:00:00.001+12:00

Man oh man times flies!!!

I have been kind of busy...sort of ;o)

I have been teaching begginers classes at Scrapbook Studio & ABSOLUTELY LOVING it...the ladies are just soooooo lovely & enthusiastic - I get such a buzz from it each week!!

Its so funny to think I get paid to do something that is just soooooooo enjoyable - I have a chuckle to myself every time I say I'm going to "work" cos its soooo not like working LOL!

Well I suppose its time for a bit of a share...Growing Up is a class I taught last week at Scrapbook Studio & 8 Days a Week is my sample for the final round of Embellished Idol - to scrap a LO without pics, using a quote or lyrics...after uuummmming & aaaahhhhing for a couple of days this actually came together really easily & quite quickly - using none of the ideas I was umming or aahhing about LOL.

I've been having fun creating samples for Friday Night Live at Embellished...if you need some inspiration for your weekends be sure to head over & check out the challenge posted each week - with great prizes ;o)

FUN was Julie's Frame it With Words challenge.

Sare's posts a funky new technique every Friday & her challenge was to use 2 techniques on a LO - I used the lady writer & rub-on wash techniques - love them both & can't wait to get stuck into some more ;o)

This week Kirsty posted her sketch challenge & this was my take on it - love these pics of Ravey chasing a bird at Cornawall park a couple of weeks ago.

You still have time to get the sketch done..til 7pm tonight...that's nearly a whole 12 hours ;o)

Next week Maz is in charge of the challenge, so come on over & get your mojo revved up for the weekend :o)

Well, school holidays have started & wouldn't you know it - the first day of the holidays Taigy scoots off down the road for a little play date & next thing you know she's ringing to ask if she can stay for a sleep over & can I please bring her stuff down!!!

Hopefully she's had a good sleep & is bright & chirpy cos she has a birthday party to go to later on today for a school friend - this is actually her first school friend party ever & I'm sooo excited!!! hehehehehe

Tomorrow she's off for a week & then home for the 2nd week of the holidays - so I'd better plan something...bit of a bummer that all her cuzzies have been shipped off while their mums go to work...but maybe there'll be a friend at the party that we can organise a play date with.

I'd like to go to the pools - but its a bit much having to keep an eye on both of them at the same time & them wantingto do different things - might see if Wayno can wrangle a day off work & come play with us ;o)

Well, that's about it for now I think. Ravey is summoning me so I'd better skeddadle ;o)

Maaate...it's been ages!!!!!

2007-09-13T01:46:00.000+12:00

Its been like 10 days since I last posted...what's up with that???

So, what's been happening...well my mojo went awol - I was in the mood to read, so I grabbed a book & really enjoyed it, then grabbed another & another & another.....I really should know better - last time I read a book mojo went awol, and so it has happened again.

But, I finished my reading buzz yesterday with an epic novel of 1200+ pages....it took a week to get through.

The books read were completely different to what I usually read - they were all set in medievil/ancient times...usually I'm a action/conspiracy kinda girl.

But holey moley after reading these books I am soooooooo grateful that I live in these times...I've been thinking I sooooo wouldn't cope if I went sent back in time, the TV, PC & all the gadgets I could live without...but electricity & a sewage system OMG I can't bear to think about it!!!

And, can I just say I can't believe that it is so recent that women have been acknowledged as equal to men...I mean that's just in the last century - so a big shout out to all the ladies who have gone before me & made my path smooth.

So you can see why I've been distraced from scrapping...one thought leads to another & another...which leads me to the anniversary of Sept 11.

Reading through some blogs I see the profound effect that Sept 11 has had on people....I can vividly recall being told of the events & I was like "no WAY!!"

I was pregnant with Taigy & was temping at Telecom in the city....I was covering for a lady on maternity leave & she planned to come back to work pretty quickly, so didn't think it was necessary to train me in the "hard" stuff...so I pretty much read novels for 7 months (cos she ended up not wanting to come back after all) and I had recently read a novel about a plane crashing into the pentagon - so I just couldn't believe it was possbile for this to REALLY happen.

And now here we are 6 years on, still feeling the effects...

But onto happier thoughts....

In my absence I had the pleasure of meeting Hetty in real life...can you believe neither of us had a camera on hand!!! So Hetty's lovely sister took a pic with her phone :o)

And on the scrapping front I did these 2 samples for Embellished Idol.

Round 6 was a challenge to use hybrid scrapping - a combination of traditional & digital elements.

I got my public domain images from here & here & used the butterflies from JulieH.

This was actually alot of fun & really easy once I decided what I wanted to do....the hard part was setting aside all the brushes & things & actually going with one idea.

And challenge 7 of Idol (the current challenge) is to use scrapbook packaging on your LO. In this one I used the "wrapper" from my Fancy Pants 12x12 stamp set - when I got my stamps a few months ago I couldn't bear to throw out the wrapper & had planned to use it on a LO - so I absolutely loved this challenge - the other thing I used was the round dividers from the Heidi Swapp decorative tape - they're like acetate donuts LOL & I had these sitting around as well - no wonder my scrap space is a bit of a bomb site if I can bear to part with anything "just in case".

Man oh Man there is some AWESOME work in the gallery this is why I no longer need to buy mags LOL!

Alrighty I'm off to do a spot of scrapping, I'll share soon.

OH yeah, before I go...I've completed the LO for the Paper Pesto Scrap Pink class...it's a nice quick & easy one.

If you're coming along, bring a 5x7 pic *wink*

An Invitation

2007-09-03T12:09:00.001+12:00

I noticed blogger has added a video upload facility & I just couldn't resist trying it out.

Hopefully it works :o)......aaahhhh no - it didn't

So if you know how to convert a VGA(?) video clip from a fuji camera to an avi, MPEG, or windows media file for free - please let me know ;o)

Anyhoo, As part of a worldwide scrapbooking for breast cancer weekend at the end of September, Paper Pesto has decided to join Kiwi Scraps’ initiative and host a day to support this worthy cause.

The event will be held on Sunday 30th September from 10am -4pm at Atomic Coffee Roasters Cafe in Kingsland.

Cost will be $20 for the day.

All proceeds will go to the NZ Breast Cancer Research fund.

Paper Pesto will be donating all materials for the classes.

I will be taking a layout class, and other members of the Paper pesto DT will be taking card making class and make ‘n takes.

There will also be some great prizes and competitions running throughout the day.

Paper Pesto will provide ‘real’ Atomic coffee and some refreshments, but you will need to bring or buy your own lunch.

It’s going to be a fun and fantastic day and a chance to raise some money for an important cause.

Places are limited as the space is not huge so please pre-register your interest by emailing contactus@paperpesto.co.nz . A schedule of events will be posted shortly on the Paper Pesto blog.

If I can get this video thing working I'll give you a personal invite ;o)

Feeling Green

2007-08-25T21:41:00.000+12:00

not as in ill...just have been stuck on green backgrounds this week..well, you've seen Mal (below), but check these out...do you ever get stuck in a colour rut???? check these out!

Don't get me wrong - I love them...but what's up with all the green?? Oh, perhaps I'm out of blue bazzill...hmmm something to look into LOL!

Hmmm wondering if there is any post-worthy news......OH, get this - how scatter-brained am I? (rhetorical question) I completely missed the dealine for the SE challenge - scrap a LO with no pics...I had all these ideas buzzing around in my head..and then Wayno buys me some Kahlua which came in this GORGEOUS packaging - totally tropical with a beautiful butterfly fit for Urban Lily rub-ons...and I was going to use this on my LO - well that was the plan anyway, so I'm happily contemplating sketches in my mind, then Tuesday night off I go to work - somehow thinking i still had a few days up my sleeve...and Wednesday morning at about 9am it finally dawns on me what day it is & that I have totally missed the dealine.....what an egg!!!

Oh well, you live & learn.

On a brighter note my goodies arrived from the US - yeehaaa!!!

I got my SiStv kit - delicioso!! and I made this puppy with it using my old pics...this is Tai & Creedy when they were about 3

Oh, I went & got my missing pics printed today too & did as Hannah suggested & asked for my 2ups (2 on a 4x6) to be printed onto matte paper...and they did - well the girl kind of made out that it might not work & that the paper may have to be changed over - whatever!!

Let's not get me started on the level of service at Harvey Norman...fortunately I love their prints ;o)

In other news, we were meant to go out for brekky today - we did a deal with Taigy that she could skip her bath if she had a shower in the morning...well, lets just say that didn't happen - so we didn't go out for brekky - she was happy to have a bath though & apologized for her behaviour (she LOVES supernanny!), luckily I was in the shower when she had her performance so it had no ill effect on my day ;o)

We ended up having a pretty good day - I went to the $2 shop witht he kids to get me some tattoos to try out Sares tatoo technique - flippen AWESOME, while Wayno & Dad went looking at cars.

Taigy had some spending money, so she was happy to shop & ravey was pretty well behaved..actually he was really good...so good that I took them to whitcoulls ( a stationery/book shop where they have lego, colouring, mini playground & things for the kids to play with for free) I did manage to lose him for a minute while instructing Taigy on where to give the Thomas train back...but next thing you know, there he is strutting around the corner with a big grin on his face...man he's cute!! And I really should know better than to take my eyes off him - even for a second!!

OK now its getting late...but before I go I just want to let my Pay It Forward girls know that their goodies will be in the mail on Monday..sorry for the delay - but I wanted to add something handmade & it took me a while to clear my desk to find the stuff I needed LOL, so my kiwi girls will have it by the end of the week & my aussie girls should allow two weeks (hopefully it'll arrive sooner).

Alrighty then, I'm off to see if I can conjure another LO before I hit the sack.

Nighty night.

NZ Dares - 100% Scraps

2007-08-23T19:04:00.001+12:00

Alrighty..I am doing another post today - can you believe it???

This LO of my cutie-pie nephew is made of 100% scraps...all the pps came out of my off-cut box...the title is from a pack of Heidi Swapp plastic alphas which was already opened & used..the sad little embelly is made from a scrap of felt, fibre, scrap of Q&Co felt & staples - so sad...and yet so appropriate LOL.

I found a CD of pics from dec 2003- oct 2005..so I toddled off to Harvey Normans to get a bunch printed today - VERY HAPPY with the bundle I came away with...but do you ever find when you're looking through your pics after having them printed that there are some missing...now I don't know if they went missing at the exporting from my pc stage or if I somehow completely skipped them while going through the whole printing process...but they ARE missing...OH but I found out something wonderful today...if you are on the printing options screen & you hit the bottom arrow you get more options - 1 of the being 2 pics on a 4x6 - although this only comes in gloss finish I'm happy.

I actually did try this option the other day - but ended up getting 2 of the same pic on each sheet, so I was thinking - OK that's actually good, cos it means that Taigy can have the extras -I'm limiting her to 6x6 LOs at this stage ;o), but when I was looking through my prints I saw that each 1/2 pic was different (if you know what I mean)...so if you need some 3x2's (like fro an Idol challenge or something) that's an easy way to get them :o)

Anyhoo, now I have pics of Taigy's 2nd & 3rd birthdays to scrap....but I just remembered one of the missing pics was from the 3rd birthday series...ahhhhh may need to make another trip...lucky its only 5mins away!!!

OK...I'm going to try to keep away from the PC tonight & scrap, scrap, scrap...I managed 3 LOs last night...so we'll see what I can do tonight with fresh inspiration in the form of old pics ;o)

Have a good one :o)

** Oh, forgot to mention that the bazzill was scrap too - I cut it to 8x8 for a CJ entry...but the colour just didn't happen LOL

Rockin' Blogs

2007-08-23T18:14:00.000+12:00

Holey Moley!!! It's Thursday already...almost Friday...I had planned to post this later on Sunday - but you know how it is aye??!!!

So, anyhoo I've been tagged by the lovely Michelle & Julie & now that I have been bestowed with the honor I get to choose to tag some lovelies...so I would like to award the Rockin' Girl Blogger to the following ladies - I really enjoy reading their blogs:

Time For a Big Share

2007-08-19T09:56:00.000+12:00

If I can fit it in before I get summoned....Wayno is cooking brekky (bacon & eggs - YUM!!) & he's got this thing about me coming to eat it as soon as its ready....which is probably a good thing, cos if I let it cool a bit while I finish my post it may just end up being a cold lunch LOL!!!

OK just got the call - be back soon :o)

OMG - he sooo knows me...I go out there & its not even ready, so I ask what's going on & he says "every time I call you I know it'll take another 20 minutes" hahahahaha

So, looks like I have 20mins up my sleeve LOL!!!

OK, so I had a SUPER FANTASTIC DAY yesterday!!

I "worked" at Scrapbook Studio.....had an 11year old birthday party & the 10 girls (9 girls & a mum, cos 1 girl couldn't make it) made a super gorgeous canvas. They all loved their finished product & all had a great time....they were an absolute pleasure to teach - such a nice group of girls..sweet as pie with just a touch of tween attitude - perfect...that's how I imagine Taigy to be at that age ;o)

Anyhoo, if you're in, or coming to Auckland check out the classes at Scrapbook Studio, there's going to be some cool kids classes in the holidays, so keep an eye on the calander & if you haven't already go & sign up for the newsletter so you can keep up to date with the goings on.

Speaking of goings on, Lisa is now running crop nights fortnightly - next one is August 31st - always a great night, there's a door prize & a challenge prize - the challenge packs are fantastic & its so awesome to see what people do with them....me I'm a bit of a cut & stick kinda girl...but after eying some of the other ladies' work I was thinking "Oh man! I could have made a couple of 6 x 12's" - not that the other ladies did - but something triggered the thought in my head LOL!

Speaking of Lisa, I've been trying to get a LO done using fibre (without buying any) & last night tried (and failed with) a couple of ideas....I think the real problem is that my fibre just ain't the right colour...so I might just have to ask Lisa if she has some bright stuff in her stash that I can borrow (forever) LOL!

Oh and I have some more super duper news.....I made it onto the Embellished DT..so proud to be working with the likes of Julie Heard & Sarah Gladman (SC colour comp winner) and ScrapperMaz (Marnie) & MessyHappyFun-K (Kirsty) are the two other wonderful ladies that are joining the team Yeehaaa!!! (links are to their galleries)

I suppose I'd better share some pix..as entertaining as my life is (LOL!) I'm sure you'd like to give your eyes a break from all that reading!

Summer Hats is created from Lianne's sketch for the SBD August Sketch comp...awesome sketch & entries are due 31st Aug - so go & check it out there's a $20 voucher up for grabs which can be used online at SBD or instore at Scrapbook Studio.

The monthly challenge is to use fibres creatively, stitching & a scalloped edge on a layout & the prize is:

One set of Fancy Pants Clear Stamps - Simply Stated $39.99

One set of Autumn Leaves Foof-a-la Rub-ons - Journaling Panels $9.99

How awesome is that!!!

Next, we have my Embellished DT entries...my single, this was a self-scraplift - I only realised on Wednesday that I hadn't missed the cut-off so I had to whip something up real quick...so I lifted this idea from one of my CJ entries...I always planed to lift it, just didn't know when LOL!

Next is my double LO entry - very simple, but I had fun placing the pics & loving Heidi Swapp masks at the mo.

I wanted to add something more to it, but just couldn't see that it would enhance it....meanwhile someone may recognise their RAKs being put to good use...I was rakked the photo anchors & flowers on "She" & on "Museum" I was rakked the little plaques.

And you'll notice HS tape on all three...when I'm on a good thing I obviously stick to it LOL, so slowly, slowly the stash is getting used.

I feel like I haven't bought anything for AGES...but in fact I splurged on a GORGEOUS tool tote on Friday. Lisa showed them to me on Wednesday night after class & I was thinking I'd like a hot pink one, or orange even...but then she mentioned "camo" & I had a look at my baby & fell in love - but was trying to resist, but I went up to the shop on Friday asked Lisa if she was still there, well, she hadn't been put out in the shop yet - so I was in luck!!!

Then I decided to get the little lady bugs, which are infact hole piercers for stitching...they come in a pack of two - single stitch & double stitch (like your levis ) Oh, and I got some Hambly transparency & a stunning piece of Anna Griffin pp which I have an idea for, but no pic...so we'll see how long that sits in the stash for :o)

On to other news...I was lucky enough to get my hot little hands on a Paper Pesto kit this month - man they are selling like hotcakes!!! Well done to Steph, Fi & Kate!!!

No, I haven't created anything as yet....I need to get some more pics of my niece & cuz...I have one - so we'll see if I can have something done by the end of the week.

Oh, the reason I feel like I haven't bought anything is because I'm waiting on an ebay purchase - which is taking FOREVER!! And also my SIStv kit got lost in a techno glitch after I ordered it - but that's now on its way too - so once again I am going to be inundated with kits - So I had better get my groove on & get soem serious scrapping done.

I was saying to Lisa the other day that I haven't been doing many LOs of my little Taiga-nui...poor little princess I just don't have many pics of her...she's always at school, or maybe its just that she's choosing her own clothes now & has lost her two bottom teeth - could I really be that shallow????

I don't think so...I've been taking more pics of her & Rave together too - and I think there's the fact that we always go to the same park & she always plays on the monkey bars - I mean how many times do I want to scrap that???

No doubt, when we get to the swinging from her legs phase that topic will be revisited - but until then that puppy can rest.

Meanwhile she's away this weekend, so no pics again - she went to her cuzzy's birthday yesterday - but I wasn't there - so no pics.

Oh well, this may give me incentive to scrap her baby/toddler/preschool pics...if only they were printed, or I could find the disc.

I remember one day when she was about 3, we got out all her dolls, put up a backdrop & had a cool photo shoot of her & her babies...I'd love to scrap those (if I could find them) and another shoot, with the tripod of her & I when I was 8 months preg with rave...some cool picks I can recall which woudl be awesome to scrap - IF I COULD FIND THE DISC!!!

OK, it seriously lunchtime now....I did stop for brekky...but I want to go out & buy something (don't know what yet) so we'll catch up later & I'll do the rocking blogger thing - cos that's another thing I was hoping to post about today....but at some stage I'm going to have to get off my widening butt & leave the house LOL!!

Have a fantastic day :o)

PIF Draw

2007-08-17T16:43:00.000+12:00

OK I have printed all the comments & Taigy is drawing 3 names as I type.....

And the names drawn are:

Nicole said...
Gosh chick where do you get the time, I'm flat out getting two pages a week, and here you are doing two crops in a weekend. Love what you did for DT call at Embellished. Nicxx
12:51 AM

Siany said...
Congrats!! Ive already done the Pay It Forward on my blog! I think its such a great idea!! xx
10:30 PM

Lynda said...
Kelly how many albums do you have now?You are a layout machine.LOL.
3:56 PM

Roo said...
I love the pay it forward idea. Always cool to give and receive.
8:02 AM

So girls I'll pop by & let you know so you can send me your addresses.

Pay It Forward

2007-08-13T20:18:00.000+12:00

I had a lovely little surprise today.

I got an email from Jess telling me that I was the winner of her PIF lucky dip from her blog - YAY!!

So it's now time for me to Pay It Forward

***copied from Jess' blog****

So.. here's the idea...I will send a gift (something handmade or something bought) to 3 random people who leave a comment on my blog!! The only thing you have to do in return is "pay it forward" by making the same promise on your blog. So, if you like this idea and a bit of 'happy mail', please leave a comment on my blog!!!

*****

So if you're a visitor just say hi & I'll add you to the draw :o)

Where did the week go????

2007-08-10T12:49:00.001+12:00

So here's some more CJ love...apparently the Whirlwind Romance entry was for the wedding CJ - you may have guessed that I don't actually keep a record of what I create ;o)

So, today's CJs are: Romance...I think that may be Debbie's ...I loved this one & decided to try a red/green combo...I quite like how it turned out....wish I had done one for me too LOL!!

And the KMD was for LouLou's when I was a girl CJ...so much fun!!

Now I'm thinking I'm going to have to recreate some of these LO's for me...I really love them.

Oh, taking a closer look at the romance one I'm having a memory flash....I was wondering what the grey stuff is behind the photo...But I recall Ravey getting creative with this one morning (I left it overnight for the kindyglitz to dry) & he tried to ehnace the B&W photo that was originally on the LO, so I had to add the coloured one over top :o)

I don't have any more pics - how slack is that!!!

So, I'm hoping the girls take some good pics to share - cos I'm dying to see the Dessert Recipe one I did...I loved that one...xmas 2006 turned out better than I expected. I can't remember what I did for "this Word"...oh actually I do have "when I grow up" around here somewhere...I'll share that next time.

Going to go work on my SBD sketch now

CJ Share

2007-08-07T13:18:00.001+12:00

OK, the CJs are on their last round, ready to be sent home...some have already made it...so I'm going to share some of my pages...now the CJ round started in February, & I forgot to take pics of some of my entries...but I'll share what I have :o)

All up there were 14 participants in the round & we had a two week turn-around & used couriers to cut down on our postage time...the girls who set it up had it running like clock-work (I was the cuckoo hehehehe)

The first CJ theme was friends, and I did a LO about Heidi & I...can you believe that we have lived in the same street for 3 years????...but it was only through the SE forum that we actaully got to meet each other...what a crack-up..the sad thing is I still don't know any of the other neighbours :o{

The second CJ was a Wedding Day theme...I totally LOVED this one

This was a 6x6 double about our whirlwind romance...yes I know you've all heard the story before but I love the fact that I got it right this time - even after knowing him for only a week before agreeing to marry him...anyone who tells you it takes a year to arrange a wedding ain't serious about tying the knot!!

I had my dress made from scratch, my bridesmaid & flower girls dresses too, arranged a photographer & venue, did the invites myself (yeah, that was stressful), made a wedding CD with songs to be played at the ceremony & during the reception, got a celebrant & wrote my vows all within 6 weeks....anything that wasn't done didn't need to be done...and to top it off I met my step daughter on the day...now any wedding day prep will give you some stress...but no point in draggin' it out over months I say ;o)

Well, I'd better change Ravey's sticky butt...will share some more CJs tomorrow :o)

Cyber Weekend

2007-08-06T11:57:00.001+12:00

Friday night kicked off my weekend of Cyber Cropping.

Over at Embellished there were 3 delicious challenges.

Ang set challenge 1, which was to scrap 8.5x11 with "star" in the title & embellies...now I have only ever done 1 other LO this size & I gotta say it sucks LOL....not enough to toss or anything - it's probably just my least fave LO...but I think that's beacuse I had this notion in my head that I "had" to scrap it portrait style so that it sat right in the album (an imaginary one that I don't have LOL)...but that was quite a while ago & the limitations I put on myself seem to be falling by the wayside (ever so slowly)...so I got cracking with "singstar" (the LO, not the game ;o)) & I LOVE it!

Heidi printed off the transparencies for me a while ago & they have been sitting in my stash waiting for the right moment...and now it has arrived :o)

Challenge 2 was to change the use of a coaster....I had some double-ups of pics from Harvey Norms & I had these magnet coasters sitting around for a while..now I haven't done much to them in the way of embellishing cos I didn't want to take away from the pics, so I have turned them into hanging pics instead - too cute...I showed them to Rave & said "who's this ravey" and he says "cheeky Taigy"

And for challenge 3 JulieH gave us an awesome sketch to work with and I came up with this LO of my cutie-pies wating for the train at Glenbrooke station.

a big thanks to TRACE from SE - she sent me the Rhonna Farrer rub-ons for my b'day & I have finally cracked them open :o)

While I was waiting for the crop to start I finished off my CJ entry for Karen's CJ...When I Grow Up. I might have a big share later of in the week of the entries I did (that I remembered to take pics of) oh & get this...I'm SUCH a DORK!!! It wasn't until about 2/3rds of the way through the round that it "clicked" that the pages are totally small enough to scan, so I didn't need to be waiting for decent light, fighting with flashes or anything dramatic...I tell ya the lights are on, but nobody's home sometimes!!!

Oh, I must say this round of CJs has been super-well organised, everyone has been on time- or pretty close in my case ;o). So a super huge thanks to tanyaleigh for the organisation & to Karen for hooking us up with the spreasheet/schedule - that was a life safer!

I'm really looking forward to getting mine back..no rush Michelle ;o)

Oh & while I'm on the topic of challenges...Lisa has some awesome prizes to give away this month at SBD....the monthly challenge gives you the opportunity to win some Fancy Pants stamps AND a set of Foof-a-la journalling panel rub-ons...YUM!!

And Lianne has whipped up a gorgeous sketch for the August sketch challenge...prize: $20 voucher which can be used in store (Scrapbook Studio 62 Lunn Ave Mt Wellington) or online at SBD .

You gotta be in it to win it ;o)

I'll be back later with a post about the SBO cyber crop :o)

Cyber Weekend pt 2

2007-08-06T11:50:00.001+12:00

Now, my 2nd cyber crop for the weekend was Saturday night at SBO, it was great to catch up with the girls & meet some new ones :o)

First challenge up was Lara's...she always likes to dish out a doozy ;o) The challenge was to create 2 cards: 1 birthday & 1 wedding one, using the same pp.

Not sure what I was thinking here...but I REALLY liked the pp..it was a big off cut & I thought it could do the trick...well for the birthday card part at least LOL ...now, someone asked what pp it was & I didn't know because the name had already been chopped - I said it's bound to come to me in the middle of the night - and sure enough, just before I was about to fall asleep "Fancy Pants, Key Lime Pie" pops into my head...so I'm thinking its from that collection ;o)

Anway it turns out that my niece is turning 6 in a couple of weeks, so I decided to make the birthday card for her...although the thought never even entered my head when I started the challenge - don't you love how some things just work themselves out!!!

Rach had a FABULOUS challenge of scrapping a diffferent size & suggested giving a 6x12 a go...so I did that & I've gotta say I LOVE it - it was soooooo easy & such a great way to use up off cuts - I can see my box of scraps rapidly diminishing over the next couple of months!!

Donna's challenge was just perfect...the theme was Names...your name, nick names - whatever name turns you on ..I loved it because its one of those topics that I always intend to scrap - but never actually do..and so for this challenge I did Taiga's name...well I managed to cover one aspect of it - what the name conveys to me ;o) (click for bigger pics)

And finally there was Vicky's challenge, which was to use just cardstock, rub-ons, alpha stickers & pens...I saw a waaaaaaay cool LO the other day which used American Crafts stickers as a photo matt & was going to do something similar..but as luck would have it I couldn't find the stickers (so we'll save that for another day)...but I had printed off these 1/2 size pics of Rave when we went to trial playgroup & to be honest they're making my piccy piles a little bit messy, so I wanted to get them scrapped...I was thinking of doing a double...but then once I put them all down they seemed to fit OK...actually they worked perectly the first 2 times I put them on the page - but when it came to sticking them down, they went a bit haywire & I ended up with the gap where I have the stars LOL....I'm actually realy happy with how this turned out becasue as much as I love to buy rub-ons, I'm not all that good at placing them, so this was a good practice...I think I'll do some more LO's with these elements.

Oh, i just had a thought then...but I lost it..so I'll change the subject LOL

The first round of the Ultimate Scrapper had us creating our own embellishments & I really enjoyed this...I would say I had fun - but that'd be stretching the truth...it was frustrating & fiddly - but I love the end result & I could be tempted to do it again & then I'd have no more of those thing-a-mee-jigs that have been sitting in my stash wondering if they're ever gonna get used :o)

The LO's are under wraps until Tuesday night I think...this is actually a pretty interesting comp becasue its Meg & the DT who get to judge - not the voting public - I kinda like that, just because its different.

And over at Embellished Idol the gallery is rapidly filling with AMAZING works based on Ali's sketch... like this little number from Binxy, this one from Michelle W, Maggie's entry is just precious & Hetty's is just sooooo pretty - I love pretty things...don't you??

My LO is of my Bro & SIL...they were over the other day & I managed to grab some snaps before they left...don't you just LOVE willing subjects.

Well I think that about wraps up this post...I'm going to get to work on my SBD entries soon & then I might work on some class layouts for the shop.

Time to pick Taigy up soon - so I'd better get little Prince ready :o)

I've Been Tagged

2007-07-31T09:00:00.000+12:00

By the lovely Donna so here goes...

1-post these rules
2-each person tagged must post 8 random (... hopefully interesting) facts about themselves
3-taggees should write a blogpost of these facts4- at the end of the post 8 more bloggers are tagged and named and released back into the wild5-go to their blog and leave a comment telling them they're tagged*

1. I have broken both of my big toes (on separate occassions)

2. I can't stand celery...its the one food that I simply don't like

3. I lived in Australia for 15 years: Sydney & Gold Coast

4. I failed high school english through lack of confidence - I didn't do any oral presentations (lots of convenient sickies)

5. I was a virgin when I married my 1st husband

6. I received a cheque from Scrapbook Creations yesterday

7. My 2 kids unintentionally have animal names: Taiga (tiger) & Raven

8. I have lived in this house for 3 years & its the LONGEST I have ever lived in one place

So there you have it - not all that interesting.

I'm not tagging anyone, butif you would like to share some random facts, consdier yourself tagged :o)

3 Days in a row

2007-07-27T12:22:00.000+12:00

I might just be back into the swing of things :o)

I've got a couple of LOs to share that I did yesterday.

OMG was done for the warm up challenge for the Ultimate Scrapper Comp over at Scrapbook Essentials

And Winter Delight, is my entry for the July challenge at Embellished.

It was quite fun to do the OMG one...I was thinking my scrappy space looks like a train wreck, so I added the choo choo ribbon & then I had a closer look at the photo & there was actually a train wreck there - tooo funny - a train & plane have collided on my desk LOL - so that worked out even better than I had hoped.

Looks like I may have a full on time over the next 8 weeks - I've signed on for both the Embellished Idol 2007 Comp & SE's Ultimate Scrapper..I think it'll be fun to have a play with the challenges & hopefully gain some more skills & techniques along the way.

Now, I picked up some Adirndack Paint Dabbers from Scrapbook Studio the other day & i've gotta say I'm in LOVE!!!!

The paint on both these LOs comes from a dabber - red & pearl white - they are just soooooo easy to use, mess free & no waste - sure they cost a little more that a tube of paint - but I figure that there's so little waste that it probably works out to be the same price if you compare the quantity of paint actually used...did I mention there's no paint brushes to wash afterwards???? Yeah, now I'm convincing myself I'm saving time & money hahahahahaha.

OK, just one last thing before I go..just want to send my thanks out to the universe for giving me an fantastic year....I've had alot of awesome things happen this year & I just want to say that I am completely grateful for them all.

xxxx

I'm Baaaaack!!

2007-07-26T10:30:00.001+12:00

Yes another post!

Yeehaa, I may be getting back into the swing of things :o)

It'll have to be a quickie cos I just got a text from Mum saying she's on her way :o)

So, I had my first teaching night last night & it was sooooo much fun - it was a beginner class with a lovely bunch of ladies.

It was so refreshing to see people embracing the craft with beginner's eyes...man I feel so invigorated & honestly, so blessed to be able to share my love of scrapbooking with these ladies..I can't wait for next week!!!

So, I thought I'd share some stuff that's been sitting on my desk for a week or 4 LOL, I had to go to spotlight & grab some more page protectors...I swear they disappear!!! That's about my 3rd 50 page pack for the year!!!

So, first up we have have a Ravey page...I got these Junkitz papers from Scrapcamp LOVE 'em - but think this is a bit busy & too plain at the same time LOL!!

Next, we have one of the free online classes that comes with the SBD kits....I think this was JO's class - I couldn't make it on the night...and mine has gone off on a tangent quite far removed from the original....but the cutout heart remains :o)

I did this one at scrapcamp...I'm obviously VERY behind on my sharing!!

This was a very cool kit...very pretty & lots of wee embellies that are waay cute...must get around to using them!!

And finally a little number I did at the Scrapbook Studio crop the other night, I used a left over frame from piece of French Twist paper & then added some bits & pieces from my Embellished kit & my SE kit...do you get the sence that I'm a kit junkie????....might need some therapy for that - retail therapy hahahahahahaaha

I have another little confession - but we'll save that for another day ;o)

OK...so not as quick as I thought I could be...Mum's here with my little Mal Mal (malakai) so I might just grab some pics of the boys playing together :o)

Its Been A While..

2007-07-25T16:04:00.001+12:00

but here I am & I realise that I have not shared my Pesto work here yet...of course you may have seen it over at the Paper Pesto Blog, but sharing it here give me that chance to say how much I LOVED this kit.

The textured paper was delicious to work with...the paint is a surprisingly versatile colour...suits me just fine...there were plenty of embellies & the stickers were absolutely gorgeous...I'm on a bit of a sticker binge at the mo...they are soooooo much easier than rub-ons ;o)

The whole kit was sooooooo well put together....I'm thinking I must see if I can get in quick for the next kit, which is shaping up to be pretty darn gorgeous too!!

Back to the subject of stickers...I have a little confession to make (Wayne close your eyes)...I have had a little ebay splurge...you see, the thing is that the exchange rate is just so damn good at the mo it really would be criminal not to take advantage...so I have succumbed to the call of the mighty greenback.

So that's one thing that I've got up to date...I'll share some more layouts soon..I'm just scattered at the mo...been busy doing nothing & spending waaaayyyyy too much TOTALLY unproductive time on the PC.

OK I can see rain clouds forming, so I'd better get my damp washing off the line & throw it in the dryer...see sometimes I do actually leave this office to do housework...Oh, I'd better cook some dinner & feed the kids while I'm at it :o)

.......And Another School Term Starts

2007-07-16T11:31:00.000+12:00

Wow!! Where has the first half of 2007 gone????

Taigy headed back to school today - happy as Larry.

Rave & I are hanging out together at home in this wet weather - YUK - not looking forward to the school pick-up ;o)

Had a fantastic get together yesterday with the local forum girls from Scrapbooking by Design - way cool bunch of chicks & Lisa is just so fabulous & generous for opening the shop for us to have our get-together.

I played with beads yesterday...haven't finished the LOs so nothing to show just yet.

I have been quite slack with the sharing of late...hmmmmm it may have something to do with getting used to my new camera & the "15 step process" of taking pics & uploading - was MUCH easier with my little canon.

Then again, I'm at a different place with my scrapping at the mo - I have still been doing quite a few challenges, but not necessarily uploading - just enjoying the challenge really.

This morning there was a thump at the doorstep & I opened the door to find my contributors copy of Scrapbook Creations #44...Ravey's LO got a full page on pg100 - pretty stoked with that.

And last week I received my 2nd ever cheque from SC...I think the LO was published back in Feb...but I kind of enjoy the seeming randomness of payments - makes for a lovely surprise when it does arrive & keeps the anticipation alive every time I go for the mail LOL ;o)

This weather is not very conducive to positive thinking...I'm feeling more inclined to tuck myself up on the couch with a good book rather than scrap at the mo...but I have a few unfinished bits & bobs that I would like to get done - so I might just work on them today.

I have delved into the world of wearing make-up over the last couple of days....scored tickets to the L'Oreal friends & family sale & there were some serious bargains to be found....LOTS of anti-aging creams, hair dyes, lippies, nail polishes, self tan products...so this summer I'll be glowing with youth & looking superbly tanned while casually flicking my lightened locks rom my dazzlingly beautified eye lids & lashes...oooh I can't wait to see those pics hahahahahahaha

Well, I think Rave needs to be feed, so I'd better prioritise my afternoon :o)

One last little link to share with you before I go....a one-stop shop for CHA 2007 Sneak peeks

Embellished Idol is BACK!!!!!

2007-07-06T11:07:00.000+12:00

Yeehaaaa!!!

Embellished Idol is back!!

Check it out here

You have to sign up before 31st July & the comp kicks off on 1st August.

Last year's winner was Melissa (poppysmum) & she highly recommends getting on board.....so what are you waiting for???

RAKKety RAK - where's it at??

2007-07-05T12:43:00.000+12:00

I am having a bit of a tidy up at the mo and got to thinking that over the past couple of months I have received some awesome RAKs but haven't had the chance to use them.

So what I would like to put to you is....if you have RAKed me & have been wondering if I 'm ever gonna put your goodies to use, please leave a comment giving a description - however vague (cos I know you probably can't remember exactly what you sent) and I will do my best to put your goods to use.

I honestly do appreciate the thought that goes into your RAKs & while I do get to use some, others get set aside for "one day" or "the ideal LO" so I just want to honour all my thoughtful friends who have sent me something & give you the opportunity to give me a kick up the butt ;o)

Back From ScrapCamp

2007-07-03T21:56:00.000+12:00

Man!! those girls (Yolande & Lianne) really know how to put on a scrapcamp!!

I had an absolute blast.

The scrapping...the shopping...the classes....the inspiration...far out I LOVE SCRAPCAMP!!!!!

It was sooooooo great to catch up with some girls from the Nov '06 camp...I don't want to name names (Sandra) in case I miss somebody out.....but it was great to chat to Tracy & Lee...although I didn't get to chat to Ruth, I know who she is now...so I'll be hunting her down next camp to have a chat ;o)

Awesome to meet Andrea from SBO, also Rach, and to see Trina & Donna again after a brief meeting at SENZ...always awesome to see MichelleTW - she's just plain cool!!

And of course it goes without saying that it was an absolute delight to meet Chris & to hear her beautiful aussie twang - dang that makes me want to move back to QLD!!! I'm telling ya queenslanders are just pure sunshine & joy!!!

She taught a sensational class using mod podge...I'm hooked!!!

It was fabulous to spend time with my roomies, Kirsty, Kelly, Kirstin, Ilka & Heidi-Hi...I really enjoyed getting to know Kirsty better - she was at our table last year, but had a little one, so went home @ night ...so this year was just better having her there fulltime.

Then there was the fabulous Ms Walker & her posse...its always good to see Lisa & I'm so glad Tracey joined her - it was AMAZING to see Nicky in action...she tutors at Scrapbook Studio & her work was just GORGEOUS..actually the finishing to the SJ binder's that went on at Lisa's table was inspirational... then there was also Rachael & Kate at the table & another lady who's name I didn't get but she was waaaayyyyy cool and had a funky hippie outfit on, like a 70's undercover cop who was toking LOL! Rachel the big sweetie-pie gave me a little felt needle holder...one of the MANY highlights of my weekend!

I didn't get to chat to any of the girls on Faye's table....I'll put that on my list for next camp...and there was another table or two that I didn't have the pleasure of chatting with, I think it was the girls at Sandra's table...and one other table had a couple of the challenge winners on it - so I'll get off my tooshy a bit more next camp.

Now, I haven't forgotten my PESTO peeps - those chickies are soooo cool...Kate's all sweet & innocent looking - fabulous disguise for the outrageous rebel that lies within!! Steph is just a delight...I get the impression that she's the quiet one of the bunch..but with Fi & Kate at her side I don't think she stands much hope of staying uncorrupted.

I took my July pesto kit (Ruby Razzle) down with me to work on & it is GORGEOUS...I know I'm biased...but I'm telling you it was sooooooo easy to work with - I popped out 3 layouts no sweat...problem is it was so damn easy to use that it's almost all gone already.

The whole kit is just gorgeous...your senses will be reeling when you get it...you'll want to paw everything...I fell in love almost instantly ( I don't so anything instantly anymore...I'm always being distracted LOL).

There were a couple of ladies who came up & had a look at the kit & they fell in LOVE, so I get the feeling that you'd better be in quick for this month because a little birdy told me that the numbers are definately limited on this baby.

I just popped over to Nic's blog & she mentioned that this is the first scrapcamp she's missed - poor bugger.

I'm telling you girls start saving your pennies for next year because it is an AWESOME weekend...and it keeps getting better!!

Oh I should mention that Ms Heidi-Lucky-Pants & I were hoping to score some sequins a la Rachel's on the way out of town & as Hiedi-Hi's luck would have it we arrived at like 1.59 & the shop shut at 2pm - so we were in like Flynn - yeah baby!!! And we knew Lisa was heading that way too so we grabbed a couple of extra packs before they closed the till & locked us out :o)

Time to Share

2007-06-22T10:53:00.000+12:00

These are from last week's scrapping efforts.

When I was in Australia I picked up a sheet of the Scenic Route arrows & they sat & sat & sat util last week...then all of a sudden boom, boom, boom I was in an arrow frenzy...these are 2 from the frenzy...actually the "eyes" one isn't from the actual sheet, it's a traced one mounted on chipboard cos I used the orginal on another LO.

I must admit I haven't been very organised over the last couple of weeks (months, years LOL).

But I guess its like everything in life, it has a cycle...something changes & the cycle changes.

I've moved away from challenges a bit & have looked at submission themes - perhaps that's what's thrown me - I no longer have a challenge deadline - whatever it is it's all good :o) I'm still scrapping & enjoying myself so no dramas there.

Only ONE week til Heidi & I hit the road to scrapcamp I can't wait!!!

My Paper Pesto Kit is Due to arrive on Monday & I CAN'T wait to have aplay with that!!

I went to Harvey Norman to get some pics printed the other day & their printer was playing up - so I ended up getting a 2nd set for free - sweet as! Now I can do some LOs for Mum's album of the grandkids ;o)

The problem is deciding which to keep & which to give LOL.

The purple & yellow one was done for a colour challenge over at Embellished & the pink & green was just a play around one - I wanted to try LesleyC's technique of using a flourish stamp to create a butterfly & it worked brilliantly with one of the L'il Davis journalling stamps - until Rave came & stamped on it with an ink pad - hence the flower on top & a nicht so gut 2nd attempt.

I've been using up the left over pp's from Kelly Rotherham's SENZ class too & the Heidi Grace pps are just LOVELY to work with :o)

OK, as always, click on the pic for a closer look & we'll catch up again real soon :o)

Just checking in

2007-06-17T21:40:00.000+12:00

Not much to share...still have the feeling that I haven't been creating - but I think that's because I haven't been creating "as much as I'd like".

I usually tally up my LOs & post my total over at Embellished on a Sunday, then put the LOs into protective sleeves & semi-sort them into who-ever's album they belong in.

I had a bit of a slow start to the week, but on Tuesday I did an online class with Jacqui Jones & that was great...you can see it sitting on my desk in the pic...if you can't distinguish it from the mess, its the red square at the front LOL, or you can see the finished product here.

I gotta say I LOVE classes, online or otherwise - not necessarily for the LO produced, although that is always good - but for the tips & techniques you pick up along the way from the tutor & also fellow scrappers - its just wonderful...I'm on a bit of a class buzz at the mo having done one a week so far this month & I have another coming up on Tuesday night with Jo Kneller - so I'm looking forward to that one too :o)

For some reason I haven't been taking pics of my LO's very regularly since getting Smoochy...and my "routine" has been kinda out of whack with Taigy being off school a bit over the last couple of weeks & Raven has developed a cleaning fettish (gets it from his daddy) & he's constantly been in the cupboards over the last couple of days & has discovered squirty bottles like spray 'n wipe...so the house is *smelling* fresh but a few wet patches have been discovered here & there...so I've been trying to get out more with him - but that's a catch 22...now he wakes up at 5.30 saying "walk, walk" - yeah , whatever son!

We went to playcentre for a visit the other day to check it out...I'm thinking of taking Rave twice a week...it was a bit of a shock to the system, but I figure as long as I'm there with him he can't go too far astray (or get maimed).

They did a little excercise with balloons filled with various things like glitter & paint...strung them from a sock clothes line thingy & then wondered what to pop the balloons with...they came up with the idea to poke a nail through a piece of scrap wood (or mdf ish stuff) & have the kids poke at the balloons with that.

Now, I'm not exactly sure what would be a suitable child-friendly tool for popping balloons, so I can't really criticize the choice of item, but you know how balloons popping can be a little frightening to a kid, yeah well some of the littler ones didn't want to be too close to the "pop" & so they kind of let go of the nail bearing wood & it sailed over to the group on the other side of the balloons - now, personally I consider that quite dangerous (meanwhile I didn't even get rave to look at what they were doing with the balloons cos he was off in his own world in the sandpit) but the other mums were just like "Oh be careful" and handed it to the next kid (who did the same thing)

But there are a whole heap of positives about the place...like the music area, ravey just LOVEd the drums & the piano...and if it wasn't rainy I don't think he would've even come inside - but I was freezing my buttski off.

So, once Tiggedy-boo is feeling 100% & is back at school, Rave & I will head back for our 2nd of 4 free visits & see how we go from there - I'm hoping to go twice a week til the end of the year & then look at something next year where I can leave him...will have to do some budget juggling for that to happen ;o)

Anyway, back to scrapping : I shall share my tally for the week before hitting the sack....

6 single layouts (12x12)

2 gift bags

1 anniversary card

1 CJ entry (double 8x8)

3 micro canvases (10cm x 10cm)

That's all..I have 3 other micro canvases ready to go & a half finished LO on my desk

Exciting News

2007-06-15T11:03:00.000+12:00

Well, here is my very EXCITING news....

Lisa from Scrapbook Studio/ Scrapbooking By Design has asked me to be a tutor at the store.

Well COLOUR ME STOKED!!!!

My first class starts in July.

I am sooooooooooo excited..I guess I'll have time to get nervous a little closer to the date LOL.

So, no I'm not having another baby....although sometimes I think I wouldn't mind another, I have already had Wayne eliminate the possibility because the reality is that my body doesn't recover from pregnancies well & as much as I love my babies I don't like the feeling of stress & helplessness that new borns bring- selfish I know, but it allows me to put a whole lot more effort into loving the two little angels that I do have.

Oh, and I'm going to be a granny again in November, so I'll get to play with a newborn & take photos & all the good stuff without the stress - YAY!!!

I wonder if it'll be a boy or girl hmmmmmmm, I can't wait!

On this day....

2007-06-14T13:43:00.001+12:00

4 years ago Wayne & I tied the knot after knowing each other for 7 short weeks.

This is an old LO, a lift of Ali's but I love it!

So happy Anniversary my honey.

I love you!

I have some other exciting news to share - but it'll have to wait for another post ;o)

My New Baby

2007-06-13T13:10:00.000+12:00

OK, I figured this deserved a dedicated post...but just haven't got round to it til now.

Here's my new baby "Smooch"

He's just totally adorable, but unfortunately only spoke japanese when he arrived LOL!

He gets his nickname from his little birthmark ;o)

So far not much jealousy between the kids - they all want to play with him.

The first night he was home he didn't have a bed (bag) to sleep in & was just sitting on the desk...next thing you know Raven walks into the loungeroom with the strap over his head & handling like he's his own - whatever babe!!

Daddy caught him & then the lip dropped, the frown appeared & Ravey wasn't a happy camper - but did learn his lesson - phew!

In an effort to get to know my baby better I will be joining the embellished girls in a 10 week online (free) photography course starting the first week of July..feel free to join us :o)

OK, I'm making this short & sweet cos I lost an hour in the supermarket today...I could have sworn I'd be home by 12...but when I checked the clock it was 1pm...still 1 when I double checked LOL.

Its Been A While...

2007-06-07T19:38:00.000+12:00

Sorry about that - I have been meaning to post...had topics running around in my head, but just haven't had the time.

Did I tell you that a couple of weekends ago we went to a Trivia Night at my niece's primary school??

Well, it was a total blast & at the silent auction we bid on (and WON) a lot that had family passes to Glenbrook Train station (steam train rides), Mt Albert Water Park (I think this is the place with all the water slides) & Mini Golf.

So, on sunday we used our family pass to Glenbrook Station & I tell you, its lovely..it was a trifle crowded for my liking...but I think there were 2 birthday parties going on, so the rest of the carriages were a bit chokka & it was a little rainy so nobody wanted to be in the open carriages - fair enough...but next time I'll be sure to check the weather forecast & get there early LOL!

On Friday night we had the cyber crop over at Embellished with progressive challenges each day based on "memories" so my layouts above are for that (just click for a bigger looky)

This week I've had Taigy at home all week..on Monday we headed over to Mum & Dad's fpr a family dinner & Taigy just wanted to lie on the couch with a blankie - a dead giveaway that she's not feeling well, so Tues we headed off to the Dr & he put her on antibiotics...something about her glands & tonsils, anyhoo she hasn't been to school this week - she's trying to get herself all better for an excursion tomorrow LOL.

Last night Ravey did the ole powerchuck in the hall - fortunately Wayno was carrying him & not me LOL, he's feeling a little better today...they're both tucked up now so hopefully I can get some scrapping done.

OK so we're up to date now except for one last thing...I'm hanging out for my Paper Pesto kit. Ann, Danielle & I are this month's DTers - very exciting!!!

Oh & Wayno bought me a new Canon 400D...I'm sooo in love - but I'll save that for another post :o)

Heidi Changed Her Mind

2007-05-30T17:45:00.000+12:00

I've been playing with the Paper Pesto kit again today.

I have to say, well actually I don't HAVE to say...but I really do LOVE it.

It's surprisingly easy to use.

I'll confess that when I first saw the kit I said to myself "nice, but I've already had those pps"

But at SENZ I couldn't resist picking up a kit, because I hadn't actually had all those pp's & to be honest I didn't actually have a clue what I was going to do with it...but I knew it was GORGEOUS & I can work with gorgeous!!

I was talking to Heidi this afternoon & she was like hhhhhmmmmm the kit was nice but I just didn't know what to do with it.

But now that she's seen it in action she loves it too.

I've done all these puppies, plus a secret one & I still have heaps left over...heaps of bazzill left to cos I can't resist using the pp's as a background.

I have added a few embellies that weren't in the kit (the words HONEY, forver & True Love)...I picked up a $2 pack of KB chipboard wedding accents at SENZ & they are doing a splendid job of coordinating with the kit.

Oh, did you know that you can click on any of the pics for a full size view...so if you want a closer looky just click.

OK, time to feed my boy & put him to bed before I have another quick play before CSI & PrisonBreak...yes scrapping stops for TV hahahahaha.

Oh & if you're wondering where the shape is from - its brackets, so have a play :o)

Paper Pesto's Maiden Kit

2007-05-30T08:06:00.000+12:00

For those of you that went to SENZ, you would have seen how gorgeous the maiden kit from Paper Pesto was.

Personally, I was unable to resist & from what I hear alot of you couldn't resist the "Taste of Pesto" mini kit - the girls sold out YAY!!!

So I've had my kit for a couple of days now & I have created this layout.

I hear there are only a few kits left, so head on over to Paper Pesto & grab one.

I'll be doing a little more creating this week - so keep your eyes peeled :o)

Quick Update

2007-05-28T22:43:00.000+12:00

Just a quickie.

Had a great time at SENZ.

Heidi & I went to the crop on Friday night & then we did Kelly Rotherham's 1 hour workshop on SAturday & spent the rest of our time shopping.

I can't believe how many scrappers there are out there - holey moley they all come out of the woodwork at SENZ!!!

Mind you, my scrappy world is almost exclusively online...so its a bit of a shock to see real life crowds LOL!!!

Met up with heaps of cooly cool chickees....Meg & the Scrapbook Essentials members.

Lisa & the Scrapbook Studio/SBD girls.

And last but not least Kate & the Paper Pesto Crew...man the kits are FABULOUS. They sold out of the mini kits - these are an AWESOME idea for those who have a strict budget & they're bloody great value!!!

I got myself the June kit & it is delicious...I've made one LO but can't share cos I'm subbing to Up2...I must say that the lastest up2scrap was looking very fresh, not so much the earthy tones that I'd become accustomed to & the Heidi Grace pins on the front are super cute....I've used quite a few of those puppies already.

Speaking of Heidi Grace, Fiskars sponsored Kelly Rotherham's class (above) & all the pp's/ embellies are Heidi Grace...I've becoem an admirer of Heidi Grace over the last coupl of months , but have never actually bought any of her products (cos Heidi Swapp keeps getting the lions share of my scrappy budget)...I always thought Heidi G's stuff was too pretty for me to be able to use - but now I'm converted!!!

I bought some pretty buttons & some alphas hmmmm I can see this developing into a beautiful friendship LOL!!

I did manage to do some scrapping on the weekend... my final LO in the Beyond the Blue challenge...this week's challenge was "your life's motto"

It took me all week to come up with this one...I had actually printed off a pic to do a different motto - but then it hit me...when I had about an hour left before the deadline (I was a little late) Let Love Rule...hmmmm is that Lenny Kravitz I hear??? And I also want to have fun along the way & I really have been doing that this year - so it was a perfect fit.

Those cute die cut journalling tags are from the Paper Pesto kit.

And I just have to give a shout out to the Country Papercraft girls for hosting the Biggest User, becasue they really have made a big difference in my scrapping - I am putting alot more on a page with alot less effort - but I could still do with a bit more practice.

OK, I can hear Wayney making a move for the bedroom, so I'm gonna go get some toasty snuggles.

Sale at Embellished.com.au

2007-05-25T07:21:00.000+12:00

The Embellished girls are having a sale on 16th June & we all get the work for the discount.

They opened their shop in Rocky eariler this month & have a HEAP of new stuff.

Ang is updating the website shoppe, so all the goodies will be available online.

Now to work out our discount we need to get the ranking up on the Scrapbooking Top50 Australia,

Here's the deal...

If they are in:
The top 30 stores – we get 10% off for 5 hours
The top 20 stores – 20% off for 4 hours
The top 10 stores – 30% off for 3 hours

All you need to do to help is visit here, or you can go here to find out more.

BROWN

2007-05-24T21:07:00.000+12:00

I'm killing two BRown birds with one stone here :o)

I got knocked out of the last round of The Biggest User...clearly I need to encourage Taigy's creativity to help me use my stash & justify buying more :o)

Then again, have you heard the saying less is more??? hehehehehe

Back to the point aye.....I was knocked out of the last round, but this round was a "monochromatic" LO but your pps could have small amoutns of colour in the pattern - I quite liked the sound of that AND after getting Rhonna's newsletter & doing the purple challenge I realised that I had missed quite a few weeks of colour challenges...about 6 LOL, so anyway the previous one to purple was a BROWN challenge - so I thought I'd combine the two...and Bob's your Uncle - here's the result!!

The pic of Taigy & Emma was taken back in the Christmas Holidays & printed then too...and although I LOVE the pic I just wasn't able to do anything with it... that is, until yesterday...I'm quite happy with how it turned out...can you believe there are 31 eyelets in this puppy???

Gotta love my girl Ali's fabbo technique of popping them on with some dimensional magic or pritt - such a clever chick that one!!!

OK, I think that's all i have to share for now...like I said before - if you're at SENZ come & say hi to Heidi & I...we got our SE pins in the mail today & can I just say they are SUPER CUTE!!!

Tanyaleigh made them up & Oh my giddy Aunt!! They are totally adorable!!

Thanks Tanya & Thanks Meg for supplying the cool pins!!

Well that's me for the night, have a good one :o)

Beautiful!!!

2007-05-24T18:18:00.000+12:00

I've been working on my beautiful layouts.

I made matching ones for Taigy & I, cos she's beautiful too.

I'm very fortunate to have grown up being told that I'm beautiful.

Mum always told my sister & I that we never needed make-up because we're already beautiful.

I remember when I was about 14 being soooo jealous of my cousin because she was allowed to wear make-up - she had the works, foundation, powder, eyeliner, blush & all the other bits & bobs....

Well as it turns out it was a blessing in the end cos now I'm rather low maintenance..I know Wayne will laugh his butt off when he reads that hahahahahaha.

So, as a result of my mum's teaching I'm quite confident with myself....well in my looks anyway..to the point that I don't care if others don't think I'm beautiful - they're just looking with the wrong eyes LOL!!

I did a layout for Taigy too...because I want to pass on the confidence that my mum gave to me...and well, there's just no denying this girl is gorgeous hehehehehe!!!

I need a new camera - my shots are soooo not what they used to be...then again I could try reformatting my memory card....I'll give that a go tonight.

I'll test it out tomorrow, my photos of layouts have been turning out quite crappy of late & the journalling is really blurry compared to a few months ago when it was all nice & crisp.

Oh well, birthday coming up soon.

Quick change of subject before dinner burns...Heidi & I are off to SENZ this weekend, we'll be at the Crop Friday night & in the Up2Scrap workshop on Saturday...the rest of Sat will be spent shopping.

So if you see us please come up & say Howdy.

We'll be stopping by the Paper Pesto stand to see Kate, Steph & Fi, can't miss Scrapbook Studio & Lisa & so tap us on the shoulder OK

New Additions

2007-05-22T11:20:00.001+12:00

How cute are these guys!!!!

June, Quincey, Annie & Leo arrived today & we're still waiting for Rocket (from a different ebay seller)

Ravey is a bit of an Einsteins freak...some days he wakes up in the morning with a sleepy "wocket, annie quince, june, leo" too cute

Other days its "1..2..3.. wake Mummy" gotta love that at 6.30 - Not!!

So while I was having a scrappy relapse at e-bay I decided to even the score & buy the kiddies some toys...yeah, I know...Wayne didn't get a look-in my poor darling!!!

So, Taigy is anxiously awaiting the arrival of Dora & some Dora tattoos...I sneaked a Strawberry Shortcake in too while she wasn't looking.....so I guess I'd better go & have a declutter of their toys so that there's room in the house for these new babies :o)

Ahhhhh Peace at Last

2007-05-20T15:15:00.000+12:00

I've dropped Ebby home & now all is quiet again - Taigy has been quite tired and was a real pain with Ebby around trying to be Ms Bossy Britches..so although I'd love for Miss Ebby to stay more often I've decided that there will be no more sleep-overs until Taigy is 6....which I will probably change my mind about come next school holidays - cos I love to have my nieces & nephews around...its just the noise & attention they require that gets me hahahahahahaha

Well, I guess I should share my Beyond the Blue LO as promised.

I also did the Embellished May sketch - I actually did two LOs off the sketch but I'm going to sub one for Up2Scrap & they will only accept never seen before stuff - so sorry gals I'm not sharing - but you'll recognize it when you see it in print ROFL!!

Can I just say that I'm in love with the new Scenic Route pps..you may have noticed this already...but man-oh-man they are just GORGEOUS!!!

Fortunately I accidentally purchased more than one of a couple of sheets & its a good thing too, cos I've almost forgotten how to use Bazzill - these pps make such a nice background.

I've managed to scrap quite a few of my Embellished Retreat pics lately so I'm pretty chuffed about that.

But on the trip I lost a battery...one solo battery - so I'm one short in my set of 4 re-chargables, which is a pain in the butt - I guess they can be relegated to remote duties & I'll pick myself up another 4 pack - cos I don't like to mix my batteries - I'm a bit funny like that hehehehe.

OK, well I'm off to do a little more scrapping - see if I can get my To Do list done & I'm sure I'm due to send a CJ off tomorrow - I think I've got that one covered - concept in my head all ready to go...so much for my intentions of doing the CJ's as they land...I'm better with deadlines on them...well actually, no I'm not - I will get this one doen tonight though....I'm sure the embelly I want is under the pile on my desk - I'll have a little dig :o)

I'll see if I can keep my blog more up to date...aiming for short & sweet, rather than long & irregular.

Til next time :o)

Are you Beautiful??

2007-05-19T23:16:00.000+12:00

Did you know that you are??

No ifs, no buts - you are beautiful!!!

Come with me on a little journey & discover the truth!

Colour Challenge: Purple

2007-05-19T15:37:00.001+12:00

Well, who knew purple could be so pretty!!

Admittedly I added some pink & a splash of blue...but I blame that on the dress in the pic :o)

So this layout was created for Rhonna Farrer's PURPLE challenge & I'm pretty happy with the result.

After competing in a couple of rounds of the biggest user I find I am getting better at putting more on a page...that is in my humble opinion ROFL!!

See those pretty heart pins...they're the freebie that comes with Up2Scrap this month..a pack of Heidi Grace heart pins - VERY cutie cute!!

I'll probably be back a little later to share my Beyond the Blue LO...need to upload it shortly.

I have Ebby Webby over at the mo & we girls are scrapping together this arvo...Ebby is the other princess featured in Bare Foot & Beautiful, so its time for a cuppa while the paint dries on Taigy's LO.

Escape

2007-05-18T18:57:00.000+12:00

I've come in here to escape from Taiga.

I've got PMS & she's swinging from angel to demon in the blink of an eye...best we stay clear of each other wherever possible :o(

So let's see what I have to share.... "Catch" is a pic of my Bro & his son Kohatu...I just LOVE this pic!! I used some of the delicious Piggy Tales pps from the SBD/Scrapbook Studio kit....we're heading off to catch a train this weekend too so I can get some pics to fill the OTP booklet...Ravey is totally into trains at the mo...what with Thomas, Jo Jo & the funky alphabet train on Playhouse he's just a train freak - so the chipboard book is perfect!

This next little number is my round 3 entry in The Biggest User comp over at Country Papercraft.

I've used some of the sensational new Scenic Route pps - man-oh-man I'm in love with double sided pps & this range from scenic route is the schiz! Loving it for the boys!

Now, can anyone recommend a good white paint for painting raw chipboard??? I'm after something that's smooth & easy - 1 coat preferably....but let me know. I used the L'il Davis marshmellow on the stars in this LO & well, like the name suggests it turned out like marshmellow -putting the colour on it (pen) was a mish - as in mission LOL

Well, that's about all I have to share on the scrappy front..on the home front I'm looking at puting Ravey into kindy one or two mornings per week...ideally I'd like him to go to montessori just because I like their philosophy...but the local one only does full days & I'm not sure if I'm ready for that...and then I'm thinking if I sent him to the local kindy he'd most likely make friends that would go right through to school with him...sooo I'm just not sure...ummming & aaahhhing at the mo... I don't want him to start until next term, but figure I should get him on a waiting list somewhere..I thought about playgroup...but I really want him to gain some independence...although I don't think he'll have any trouble letting me out of sight, as long as there was something to climb on..but then again when I took him to gym kidz one day he went all sooky la la on me - don't know what was up with that??!!

OK, I've managed to put Taigy down without a hitch, so I think I deserve some quiet scrapping time...I'll share later :o)

*****NEWSFLASH!!! The Paper Pesto site is LIVE, so go have a sticky-beak - you know you want to ;o)

And to keep up to date with the haps go to the Paper Pesto blog, the girls are doing an amazing job of keeping it up to date.

WOOHOOO!!!! It's Official!!

2007-05-15T09:54:00.000+12:00

Guess who made the Paper Pesto DT???

Yep!! Me!!

Being a kit freak 'n all this is such a cool opportunity!!!

I had the pleasure of sitting next to Kate in Rhonna Farrer's class @ CC07, she's a sweetie! Can't wait to get started working with the team.

For those of you who haven't heard yet, here's the team - a cool mix of Australiasians ;o)

From New Zealand:
Ilka Adam
Kelly Slattery
Hannah Blair
Christi Nelson
Ann McLachlan
Dione Evans

From Australia:

Nikala O’Brien
Celeste Vermeed
Marni Telford
Danielle Quarmby
Michelle Perry
Sharon Manning

Anyhoo the official Paper Pesto site launches on May 20th...don't bother clicking the link til then :o)

OK - gotta dash..shopping to do..a little prince to entertain, not to mention scrapping...oh & I suppose housework should factor in there ;o)

An a Week Flies By

2007-05-11T11:03:00.000+12:00

Well another week has flown by & although I don't really fel like i have scrapped, apparently I have.

Shopping Expedition is my entry in round 2 of the Biggest User over at Country PaperCraft. A big thanks to Lorrie for the "shopping" buttons :o).

I didn't realise that the entries had to be single LO's so my original entry was "Brotherhood"...but when you see how much stash some people can fir on their page - it makes sense to limit the entries to singles LOL.

I love my Brotherhood page, cos it's about Wayno's relationships & although we don't get to see his brother/BIL all that much (and the pic of Wayne & Harmy was the first & only time I have met him) these people hold his history of a life "before me" & these guys are just absolute gems..lay down their life for you kind of brothers..I love them & I love that Wayne is that type of guy too.

Next we have "An Embellished Journey" this was the sketch challenge from the Embellished cyber crop last weekend..I used some of my pics from the Retreat...ahhhhhh to be back in sunny queensland with the girls!!!

On Staurday night I did the Doodling Delight Class with Chris Millar over at SBO, can't wait for Ms Chris to make her way down to ScrapCamp Rororua Woohooooooo!!!

This class was great!! I love the end result!

"She Taught Me Compassion" is another one of the challenges from the Embellished Cybercrop - a LO about something your mother taught you. Mum was around the other day & saw this - she had a tear in her eye, bless her!!

If you look slosely you can see some eyelets Ali style - loving them...they're also on the shopping LO ;o)

OK that's it for my update.

I just finished my OTPs for the Paper Pesto DT call this morning & they are awesome if I do say so myself...will share those next week.

So that's about it from me...haven't done my Beyond the Blue LO yet - cos I struggle with sooooooooo many aspects of myself...I'm trying to narrow it down to just one to focus on.

Well I promised Wayne I'd take Rave to the Dr...his tonsils are up AGAIN...so we'll see how we go.

Ciao

Retreat OTPs

2007-05-04T22:53:00.000+12:00

First up we have the gorgeous little foldey outey mini album by Sares...pronounced "sairs" & not sa-res as my mind keeps telling me - d'oh!

this was such a fun little thing to do & surprisingly easy when you let go of attempting to perfect it...the trickiest bit (for me) was figuring out which way the knots had to go LOL!

I love it & so does Taigy!!!

Anther class was the cover to a mini album by Tammy - at first I couldn't for the life of me think what to use the book for (I'm real quick like that LOL) but having used the same book for Duncan's album a while back I knew I'd definately put it to use - cos they're so easy to fill & just so delicious to look at when completed - so I thought I'll use this one for Taigy for 2007 & just add bits & pieces as I go...get what she said to me yesterday "Mum, you're expensive aren't you?" holey moley - who has she been talking to??!!

There is one more class that we did - but I'm ashamed to say I haven't completed it as yet...its a good'un so I don't want to rush it - its an awesome shadowbox frame by JulieH...using pics 17 & 19 from the aforementioned sequence ROFL!!

When I complete it I'll share - it really is gorgeous.

I tell ya you don't want to miss the next retreat - I'm going to take the whole family next time!!!

Time to Share

2007-05-04T22:35:00.000+12:00

OK time to share some LOs from the retreat.

These ones were all class LOs.

Just Add Water was Ali's 1 hour class - just fabulous - only 2 pps used in this = both double-sided - just GORGEOUS!!!!

Next, we have JulieH's class (very generously) sponsered by Urban Lily - heaps of left overs ;o)...sparkly paint, felt, doodling & transparenices used on this puppy - love it!

Then we have Mickey's awesome class (sorry for the crappy pic) I just LOVE the clean lines of this - absolutely beautiful...and if you're thinking you've seen these pics before just hush your mouth...they're different.this is no. 27, 34 & 36 from the sequence ROFPMSL

I'll save the OTP's for another post ;o)

For the Boys

2007-05-03T11:30:00.000+12:00

A huge thank you to all our men for making the Embellished retreat a stress-free event.

Glenn you're an absolute sweetheart!!! All the effort you put into to making the retreat a success did not go unnoticed, thanks for looking after Lukey so Ali & I could spend time together - I think you're an absolute gem!!!

Noel, what a precious surprise to arrive at the shop on Sunday evening to find you had been slaving away getting the painting done for the girls...you're an angel!!!

To Steve for taking care of the kiddos so Jules could be there for us - a HUGE thank you.

And to all the dads that took on the role of mum for the weekend....kudos to you...

To my wonderful husband...thank you for waiting up for me to arrive home, thank you for having the washing up to date, the house clean & a meal in the fridge so that I didn't have to think the next day.

Thank you for bathing & feeding the kids on Tuesday night when I had flaked out on the couch, thank you for being so absolutely wonderful - its no wonder I adore you!!!

So, A big shout out to all the Embellished men..thanks for your support!!!

BLOODY MARVELOUS!!!!

2007-04-30T19:46:00.000+12:00

I am on my way home...I still haven't slept & I am totally wrecked but it was alll worth it.
You'll have to excuse any errors - I can blame it on the lack of sleep this time LOL.

The Embellished Retreat was maginificent...sensational...bloody marvellous.

The following words are a pathetic attempt at describing what a wonderful time I had -- at this time I cannot article anything really - much less how great the retreat was.

I have FINALLY met THE Ali Russell & let me tell you it was all I dreamed & more...she is wonderful & beautiful & has a heart of gold!!!! What an absolute priviledge to call her my friend!!! Love you Ali!!!

And the sensational women I met at the retreat OH MY GOD!!!! These ladies are incredible...an absolutely precious bunch of ladies...and the men I met - Glenn & Noel - these guys are treasures I tell you - absolute treasures!!!!

I am making sure that we make it a family affair next year - all the Slatterys will be jumping on that plane & heading towards the light hahahahahaaha

In anutshell - I have had VERY little sleep - but it has been well worth it...as Aerosmith said " I don't wanna close my eyes, I don't wanna fall asleep & I don't wanna miss a thing" and that was 100% true.

In typical Embellished fashion the classes were GORGEOUS, there were laughs galore & an incredible sense of comraderie - DAMN I love those girls!!!!

Unfortunately I am posting prematurely - so there are no pics to accompany my ramble...if I wake up tomorrow I might post after I have caught up on what feels like a month full of snuggles that I have missed from my darlings.

Well I've got a while before my flight boards - so I'm going to head over to the Embellished forum & check out what the girls are up to.

See you when I get home.

I Should Be Packing

2007-04-25T18:52:00.000+12:00

I really should be packing for the Embellished Retreat...but I've been doing some last minute scrapping before I pack my goods up.

I'm sooo excited about meeting the girls...a bit sad about leaving my family...but what thinking about missing my return flight after the performance at the park today - OMG poor mummy wants to get some last minute photos & do you think I could get some co-operation??? Not even!!!

Little buggers!

Oh well, they'll keep - got some great ideas for pics when I get back from OZ.

So I got my Beyond the Blue LO done today & Country Paper Craft had a wee Anzac day Cyber crop. I managed to get 2 challenges done - but I've got a serious migraine & 'm not going to get theother one done - so I'll let it slide.

But, now that the challenges are done I can clear my desk & pack my tote..and then back my BAG.

The shuttle is picking me up at 4am tomorrow for a 7am flight...I spend most of my day in Brissy & arrive in Rocky at 4.30..so I'll see if I can get out & about in Brissy for a little bit.

Okay I'm going to make this short & sweet cos I want to google Rocky's weather.

Sorry to Lali for not doing the tag...but thanks for thinking of me :o)

We'll see if I get to update while I'm away.

Rocky ....here I come :o)

Beyond The Blue Catch Up

2007-04-20T17:55:00.000+12:00

Just catching up on my last 2 entries in the Beyond the Blue challenge over at Embellished

Week 6's theme was regret & I used the delicious Rouge De Garance pps to create the "My Choices Led me Here" LO - basically I don't have regrets because all my choices led me to where I am today.

And Week 7's theme is "If I could Turn Back Time", for me I'd like to take back all the mean words that I have spoken - I have used the Audrey Hepburn quote which says...."For attractive lips, speak words of kindness....."

So now I am all up to date - PHEW!!!

I can't wait to see what next week's challenge is & hopefully I'll get it done before I jump on the plane on Thursday to meet the Embellished girls at the Embellished Retreat - WOOOOHOOOO Rocky here I come!!!!!

Before i go a big shout out to Delys who is back in the race for SBO Dt Survivor - go Delys!!!

And a big aplology to anyone if I spoiled their surprise for the Freestyle weekend by posting my LO's - sorry girls!!

Guest Designer Share

2007-04-16T10:06:00.000+12:00

Wel I had a fabulous time being the Guest Designer for Scrapbook Essentials for April.

Meg sent a DELICIOUS kit as I metioned before...I gotta say I'm IN LOVE with the Rockstar range from Autumn Leaves..although very funky & playful, I also managed to do a "serious" LO with it (Reunited)..seriously GORGEOUS stuff!!!

I've finished another LO with the kit since these & have another LO on my desk waiting for me to get off the computer & finish it.

Now, I must say that I got the feeling of "sameness" about all the LO's cos I was using my 5x7's..so it is really time to shake it up & I really wanted to use only items from the kit...I just had the thought that I could've added some stamps - but too little too late LOL!

All in all I love them - it was a very easy kit to work with & although I wouldn't ordinarily use the HS tags -they were quite cool to play with, same with the L'il Davis chip words. The Scenic Route alpha is always so good looking - its a shame they don't have more letters in the set.

I think you can click on any of the pics for a closer look.

Well Ebby Webby is coming for a sleep over today, so I've got to dash out & get something for lunch as well as some veggies for dinner.

So I guess we'll catch up later ;o)

Time to Share

2007-04-15T18:28:00.000+12:00

Well what a fabulous weekend....

A big thank you to everyone for their conratulations...makes it all seem more real ;o)

Well my mojo came back in force today.. I managed to finish off my "Oodles of Doodles" Page as well as my "Wildflowers"

Actually I started the morning with a bit of a clean up of the scrap space (not that you'd know looking at it now)

Then I had a wee browse of the forums & made a little (not literally) to do list of challenges that I want ot do/catch up on.

Then I decided to start with my outstanding Elsie Challenges from Embellished...Alter a Floral Embellishment....a bit of a pathetic effort - but I added a rub-on to a flower I made a la prima whispers...a bit of organza & dimensional fabric paint & voila!!

After that it was time to finish off the Fresstyle LOs...then I moved on to my April Guest designer Kit from SE.

Well I managed to create 4 LOs from the kit so far & I haven't even touched the crate pp that was in there - Oh la la

Meg sent me some delicious Autumn Leaves Rockstar paper, Bazzill, Crate, Scenic Route Alphas, HS flowers & some really cool HS chipboard tags oh and some L'il Davis chipboard labels...man it was EASY to knock out one layout after another with this stuff...helps that I took advantage of the Digital Max 35c promo for 5x7's...but tomorrow I must try to scrap another size!!!!

The layouts haven't been approved yet, but when they are you can check them out here.

Loved doing my doodles - its quite easy to disguise boo-boos - but I definately need more practice......same can be said about my beading skills - I need more practice - I don't know how Nic finds it relaxing...perhaps she's long sighted - me, I'm short sighted, so I find myself leaning over the LO & by the time I'm done my neck & shoulders are begging for mercy LOL!!

But I must say - the result is beautiful!

Well , bath time is behind schedule due to a scrapping frenzy so I'd better go & fix things up.

Will see how long this inspiration lasts - cos I've got quite a few kits to delve into yet & my Embellished kit is due any day now...Oh I can't wait for that one..cos I added a bit of shopping to it ;o)

The Lucky Streak Continues....

2007-04-14T21:25:00.000+12:00

As another fabulous week bites the dust I find myself pinching myself....

On Thursday I get an email from the Lovely Ms Rhonna Farrer explaining that the winner of her free class is unable to make it & that a re-draw has been done, with my name being selected...WOOOHOOOOO - so I book myself in for "Oodles of Doodles" yeehaaa & had to grab a pic ;o)

Then yesterday I get an email from For Keeps with an acceptance of my Flower Boy LO...wooohoooo

And the cherry on top this week ......drum roll please....

I am the winner of the SBO Get Real Competition & have won my very own, brand-spanking-new Cricut!!!

Oh my giddy Aunt - somebody pinch me again!!

Will share my class layouts tomorrow...sad to say its the only scrapping I've done this week...I started reading a gigantic trashy novel (Riders) & it drained my mojo for the week...just finished it tonight - so I should be full steam ahead tomorrow :o)

Happy Easter

2007-04-08T08:29:00.000+12:00

Happy Easter everyone. Well I've been a busy little beaver this Easter weekend.

Embellished had a cyber crop on Friday night, with challenges going all weekend.

I whipped up these wee bags for challenge 2 & the kids LOVED them - well, maybe they loved the egg hunt - but hey I love these little bags & Ravey didn't want to let his go.

I also did my take on the Erica Glover LO over at aussie scrapjacked - fabulous prize up for grabs & you have until the 25th to get your entries in - so hop to it ;o)

I have also done a LO for my SIL, the Embellished April Sketch challenge & challenge #1 - but will uplod those a little later.

Also manged to pop into Scrapbook Studio yesterday & say Hello to the fabulous new owner Lisa Walker of Scrapbooking By Design.

Well brekky is calling so I'll pop in later ;o)

My LUCKY Day

2007-04-03T21:10:00.000+12:00

Holey Moley what a lucky day I have had today.

The day started with the courier delivering my April Kit from SE - man its cool!!!

Oh, and my costume for Dave's 40th arrived from China too - funny story I bid for this on ebay.com.au - had the winning bid of 99c, buit the postage was AU$29.50 hahahahahaha

All good though - still works out cheaper than hiring ;o)

Then I was browsing the forums as I do every morning & lo & behold....my "Family" LO winning the March comp over at SBD.

I've posted it before - but its a pic of my sis & her family - that album is growing, slowly but surely...will defiantely be full by xmas ;o)

Then later, Heidi rings me to tell me that I won the draw at SE to be April's Guest Designer - WOOHOO!!!!! Can you believe it!!! How cool!

Now, the SE kit is just absolutely GORGEOUS, so I couldn't resist creating a LO...then I upload & check the forums again & there in back & white (actually orange) on Embellished is my name as the winner of the combined March LO/sketch challenge - so I am the proud winner of an Embellished kit...YEEEEHHAAAA!!!!

Oh what a fabulous day this has been!!!

I will be having sweet dreams tonight :o)

Beyond the Blue

2007-03-30T08:40:00.000+12:00

The journey this week was down Definition Lane - looking into the moments in life that have defined us.

For me, one of my defining moments was leaving Tim, my first husband.....Oh my goodness after "Flying Solo" its starting to look like I'm leaving a trail of discarded men LOL!!

Here's the journalling:

One defining moment for me was when I decided to leave my first husband.

We had been married almost 3 years & oh my god! What an emotional struggle that was for me.

At the end of the day I decided to follow my Aunty’s advice…she said to me “Kell, there’s always going to good days & bad days – what you have to ask yourself is if the good days outnumber the bad”

Her advice made sense to me – from that day I took notice of how my good days compared with my bad – and to tell you the truth it was about 20/40/40 good/neutral/bad.

That was a real eye-opener for me…I did talk to Tim about it & we did try to make it work…well we had a lot of make-up sex LOL!!!

The thing about it was Timmy was more focused on his music – but that’s not to say he was to blame for our problems – I’ll confess most of our problems came from my expectations – I wanted to be a wife & Mum, settle down, buy a home & live a happy little life.

Tim, on the other hand, wanted to be a rock star, jam with his band & play gigs – which in itself isn’t bad & I did have a lot of fun at quite a few of the gigs…ahhh the good ole Lido Shuffle brings back some fond memories :o)

The strange thing is, that when I found out he was in bed with another woman it was kind of a relief – it gave me a “valid” excuse to leave & I’m ashamed to say, it also meant that I could blame him for the failed marriage.

But on the day that I told my family it was over I felt like a failure, I was embarrassed & I felt like I was letting them down & that I’d be causing them embarrassment.

I felt like there was something wrong with me because I couldn’t make the relationship work – no matter how hard I tried.

Today I have no hard feelings towards Tim, in fact, he remarried about the same time as I did & now has a little girl about the same age as Raven…he has the wife & family that I wanted – but now I have the husband I was looking for.

The brilliant thing about the whole experience was that it taught me sooooo many things – not necessarily all at once, but as I look back I can see that this experience has made me a better, wiser & more compassionate person.

Some of the lessons I learned:
· I am in control of my life – I don’t have to be miserable, I can change my circumstances.
· My family will always love me, no matter what.
· You can’t change a man – go into a relationship with your eyes wide open, don’t love a guy for “his potential”
· I am strong
· Forgiveness is easy – after a time LOL!

On this LO I knew I wanted to tear the photo & I also wanted to use a broken frame & florals at the sides of the frame as hinges & for the 2 sides to open to reveal the hidden journalling...it didn't quite come together how I envisaged, so I ended up using transparencies to create the "cover" for the hidden journalling....I'm quite pleased with how it turned out.

I was chatting to Tim on MSN yesterday & told him about the LO & to go check it out - he thought it was pretty good...just goes to show he really is a good guy :o)

OK just thougth I'd share that one with you...I've got a busy scrapping time ahead...end of month sketches & challenges to complete LOL!!!

I ordered some 5x7's for 35c from digitalmax...but they probably won't be ready until next week...that'll give me a nice start to April's challenges LOL!!

Now there's only 28 days til I head over to Aussie for the Embellished Retreat - Oh man I soooooo CANNOT WAIT!!!!

Colour Challenge: Blue

2007-03-29T19:24:00.000+12:00

The colour therapy challenge over at Embellished is BLUE & when I went to visit Rhonna's this morning site to check out how to score a free class at Freestyle 2007...I found out that you need to complete the colour challenge there, which just so happened to be BLUE, & send her a link & let her know you want to win a free class.....

Sooooo, guess who was motivated today???

Moi of course..

so here is my BLUE LO...I'm thinking of doing an album for Mum of all 11 Mokopuna (grandkids)...so I have started with the youngest, Reign..I've used a touch of brown, cos those are the pps I had ;o)

Oh man he's a cutie!!!

I also got my Beyond the Blue Lo done...but I'll share that in another post...bedtime for the school girl - so I'd best be off ;o)

Freestyle Giveaway

2007-03-29T08:31:00.000+12:00

Have you heard about the CC Freestyle give away??

Check out Nic's blog to find out how you can score a free class or 2 :o)

Another week bites the dust

2007-03-27T08:23:00.000+12:00

Wow, this year certainly is flying by!!

School holidays are just around the corner...hmmm must think of some things to do with the little chipmunks!

Well, Scrappywise I've been a little productive...but still feel like I haven't scrapped - why is that????

On Friday night there was a cybercrop over at Lisa's (SBD) & I made these creations for that.

Mutual adoration was a 1,2,3 challenge: 1 hour, 2 words in the title & 3 peices of pp had to be used..I just love this pic of my bro, Lee & baby Reign just adoring each other - too cute. Oh I added a bit of ribbon to the frame since uploading for the challenge.

The Easter card was to a sketch & we had 30mins to complete it & the "create" ATC was another 30 min challenge to make a card/ATC/art journal entry using the word create.

The awesome butterflies you see came from the fabulous Julie Heard..but you can find out more about them here. I have been using them quite a bit lately - thanks Jules!!

Well, on Sunday we had a farewell lunch for my cousin over at mum & dad's, I made him a little album of us all to take with him & once it was made I dedcided that I would try out for the SBO design team...we had to create 2 LOs & an OTP.

One LO had to be new & the other could be an oldy....well that's where I stopped reading & went & uploaded my entries - further down in the conditions of entry it said that none of the items could be previously published on a blog - BUGGER!!! I'm a cyber scrapper - EVERYTHING I create gets shared - so I was almost of out of the game before it began - but Andrea let me know & so I whipped up a quickie to qualify for elimination hahahahahahahahahaha - where's the logic in that??

So, it looks like there's about 20 girls who tried out for the DT, and by the end of the week it'll be down to 10 & then the challenges start - so we'll just wait & see I guess.

There's some great stuff & some pretty well known girls trying out, so I'm not holding my breath.....even if I am checking the forum every half hour ROFLMAO!!!!

I'd love to share the album I made for Duncan & his family, I can't put the pics up here...but if you click here you can have a peek..and the other entries are of my Little Prince & our gorgeous little Malakai who is Finally Walking.

I think that's all the sharing I have for the day...the next Beyond the Blue Challnge is up...so I'm gonna work on that this week - there's also a colour therapy challenge, using your stash challenge, the new Elsie challenge, and I've still yet to do the March LO challenge & Sketch challenge for Embellished - so I'd better get my skates on....only 32 days til the Embellsihed Retreat...I can't wait to get on the plane & go & meet these girls!!!! The countdown is on!!

Oh & have you heard that the next Scrapcamp has been announced - there's no way I'm gonna miss this one - just gotta get my pingas together!!

Hmmmm actually I could borrow from Peter to pay Paul...will see what the week brings ;o)

Fabulous Weekend

2007-03-19T15:34:00.000+12:00

Well I had a fabulous weekend... I spent Friday night & Saturday morning scrapping.

The latest Elsie challenge at Embellished is to use decorative scissors...so on "Mother Hen" I played with a couple of pairs...I was planning to do a JulieH flower with a strip of pp trimmed with decorative scissors - but that never eventuated...so I'll keep that wee idea for later ;o)

I just love this pic of our Ebby - she's such a mother hen always making sure her cousins are OK & that everything is running smoothly - such a sweetie-pie!!!

Then both SBO & SBD had a St Patricks Day challenge...SBO was to use a green base/cardstock..I delved back into my BG Phoebe pack for this "Mama's Princess" LO...I'm getting sooo much milage out of these pps!!! I used an old pic of Taigy - but its a fave :o)

Then Lisa's challenge for SBD was to do a monochromatic LO using a B&W or Sepia pic...again I was in the Phoebe pack for "reach"- not sure it would qualify a monochromatic at a scrapping olympics LOL! but I'd call the pp green - looks kinda blue in the pic but you get that LOL! Lisa gave a gift to all the entrants - man that chickee is GENEROUS!!!

"Brothers" is for another Elsie challenge (#19) at Embellished - to scraplift a colour combo..I lifted the fabulous Ms Ali Russell with her black/blue/green combo - I love it! A nice addition to E's or Creedy's album

And I finished the weekend off with my entry into SBO's MArch challenge of using a speech bubble...this is more of a thought bubble - but I just love this pic of Kohatu when I told him he wasn't allowed to draw on the computer...he looks totally perplexed as to why he's not allowed to do that - damn he's cute!!! Just wanna smooch those fat cheeks!!!

OK so, that was the scrappy front...the truly fabulous part of the weekend was getting to meet a new cousin.

When my aunty was young she gave a baby boy up for adoption & he came out from Australia to meet her & we all got together for a BBQ lunch at her place on Saturday.

He is absolutely LOVELY!!!!

He has a beautiful wife & 2 gorgeous daughters..they are here for 10 days - so I'm hoping to catch up with them again...BUT...

I took Ravey to the DR today as Wayne saw some ulcers in his mouth & I noticed a rash on his leg/bum - but it was blistered...the DR says its hand, foot & mouth disease - poor bubba!!!!

So we're going to be anti-social until it clears - bummer!!!

Beyond the Blue

2007-03-16T11:44:00.000+13:00

Well this is my entry for round 2 of Beyond The Blue.

I popped in to Lisa's yesterday & picked up a pack of the BG Phoebe - now ordinarily I'm not a fan of packs...but there wasn't one pp I didn't LOVE in this pack - so it was well worth it!

I got some pieces of Stella Ruby too & some boyish Cherry Arte...might be seeing some nephew LOs popping up LOL!

On Tuesday night when all the whanau was over for Ravey's b'day they were looking at the "albums"...all ooohhhhhing & aaaahhhhhing & begging for me to do ones for them - ahhh they're funny buggers - I don't have a problem scrapping pages for them - but for goodness sake meet me halfway people - how's about giving me a photo or 2 to work with LOL!!

Ahhh bless them - they love my stuff!!

Anyway back to me hahahaha challenge 2 was The Road to Aquisition....to scrap something you are proud of...and well, i think I spelled it out in last night's post - but choosing to go it alone with Taigy is one of my proudest moments.

In some ways I can seem kind of callous..because I really do have a low tolerance for crap..but to be fair I also have a low tolerance for my own crap..I mean I get sick of hearing me bleat the same story twice - I know that if you don't like a situation you have the power to change it - or at least change your perspective of it.

One thing that has changed though is I don't think I give 2nd chances anymore... Timmy J got a 2nd chance even though he was found in bed with another woman while married to me, Steve got a 2nd chance out of fear & pity...but with Wayno we're working at making it right the first time & forever - so there won't be a need for a 2nd chance - isn't it marvellous how the universe gives you the right person when the time is right.

My little Prince is sleeping at the mo, so I think I might just try to whip up a LO :o)

Busy Doing Nothing

2007-03-15T21:54:00.000+13:00

I'm not sure what's been taking up my days - but I'm not acheiving much & the days are flying by.

Her's one LO I did - but I think I created this last week, just didn't get around to uploading.

Made mostly with the FABULOUS kit I got from Lisa..Rouge de Garance pps - YUM!!!

I managed to finish off a CJ that was meant to be SENT on Monday - what a slack-bum!!

Oh, Ravey turned 2 on Tuesday & I had nothing planned - in fact I still haven't got him a birthday pressy...maybe I can wrap up the DVD's I bought the other week & the new Buzz Lightyear shirt - do you think he'll mind that I'm late.

Anyhoo, Tuesday morning arrives & Wayne tells Taigy that it's Ravey's birthday - then he shoots off to work early cos one of his staff is sick & he has to open - fine & dandy, but Taigy says to me "Are we having a party?" and I say "no" & she says "well then its not Ravey's birthday if we don't have a birthday party" so I do a quick ring around the whanau & hello we have 20 people for dinner!!

So I spent the morning getting groceries & wouldn't you know Countdown doesn't have something I need - so I have to go to Pak n Save - what a mission, Ravey was an angel for me though...didn't have a sleep though gggrrrr

So time comes to pick Taigy up from school & wouldn't you know it - just as the bell goes the rain starts, by the time we get to the gate it is POURING. I don't think Taiga has ever been rained on like that before & she DIDN'T like it - Rave had dozed off only to be rudely awaken by freezing cold rain & wind driving into him - poor bubba and to top it all off we weren't going straight home - Taigs had swimming lessons, so we picked up a birthday cake on the way - I figured its not likely to melt in this weather & off we went to swimming & Taigy did fabulously!! So proud of her wanting to go under & practise her big arms - what a champ (compared to the first few weeks of term with sooky la-las!!)

Then we go home & start to get ready for the party - no decorations (I've just realised now hahahahaha) just food - then we don't have enough custard powder for the custard to go in the trifle - so another quick trip down to countdown - which naturally means loading the kids into the car - what a pain in the butt!!! Surely someone is going to introduce drive through grocery shopping one day..anyway we eventually get home & Nanny & Poppy turn up YAY!!

Ravey was soooo cute he just got his pressy & was happy to play - unfortunately I didn't get any pics cos I was in the kitchen - now I realise the importance of letting Wayne do all the catering - must bear that in mind for next time LOL!!

When Aunty Lisa arrived Ravey saw his pressy & starts to sing Happy Birthday to Me - too cute!!!

OK I think I'm waffling here - was I trying to make a point????

Oh yeah busy doing nothing - so Tuesday I did something, Oh & Monday we went to see the lawyer - the law has changed since Taigy was a baby - basically the courts try to get you to work everything out amicably, or give you free counselling work towards that end.

So you don't really need a lawyer, from what I gather you just call the family court to get info - kind of a good thing.

But we're beyond that - not that there's any animosity at the mo - but the issues we face are ones that we know Steve has a bee in his bonnet about so we'll have to do it the expensive way LOL...man you think you'd get over the fact that she has a stepdad that she calls dad...as the vogels ad goes "its been 5 years micheal - get over it!!"

Oh...speaking of that - I did my #2 Beyond the Blue LO tonight - the theme was something you are proud of & I must admit that I am damn proud that I dumped that loser & moved on with my life -after seeing the lawyer it brought back a few memories - can you believe I was only with him for a year & in that time we had a break???

So, I honestly can't understand why he can't move on!!

And then there's the fact that he has 2 other daughters that he doesn't even acknowledge - apparently they were a mistake cos he was only 18 & 19 at the time...and get this - its OK to let them get on with their lives because "their mother was married & in a stable relationship" ummm so what was she doing screwing around with an 18 year old??? Meanwhile the girls would be 19/20ish by now.

When we were going through al the crap back in 2002 he tells the judge "there's no blood test to prove that they're mine" - yet he kept photos of them that the mother gave him - but the silly judge brushes those girls off as an act of youthful folly - one maybe, but 2 to the same mother ???? whatever!!!

The other memories that were stirred were of his pathetic little fits - tantrums really - if I phoned my friends, if I spent time with my sister/mother/SIL - he was jealous of me having any friends - any communication outside of the relationship - it was disgusting.

And I have a vague recollection of something about the car...he took it so that I couldn't go out or something when he knew I'd made arrangements to meet a friend - something like that - I think that was the straw that broke the camels back - I rang mum & told her to come get me I'm packing my stuff & moving home LOL!

God! What a loser I can't belive I wasted a year on him - but then I've got my Taigy I guess - but what a price to pay & to think that she has to put up with him - poor baby!!

OK I've rambled enough - I really should go hit the hay.

Nighty night

WARNING: Rant ahead...

2007-03-14T11:37:00.000+13:00

OK fair warning :o)

Today's rant is about the anti-smacking law - what is up with that??

Yes, I think we all know that it is not good to use violence against children...and I am going to rant on with limited information- so this is a SAHM who caught a glimpse of the news & did a little google kind of rant...totally uninformed & based on the sensationalism of television journalling :o)

Let me just start by saying I don't really smack my kids - I'll confess to threatening the "smack", but the naughty chair usually suffices.

But the problem I have with this "law" is that they are trying to stop violence against children without seeking the cause of the violence.

I want you to post a comment if you agree or even if you disagree with this opinion.....

My opinion on the matter is that rather than pass an anti-smacking law (which I'm thinking would be ridiculously impossible to enforce) PERHAPS the governement should rather ENFORCE parenting classes for ALL parents.

Don't you think the children would be safer if parents were equipped to deal with rebelliousness, tantrums, disrespectful behaviour, lying, cheating & stealing, bullying etc???

I just think they are barking up the wrong tree.

Yes, there are children being abused & yes, we need to do something about this...but if parents who smack their children are breaking the law, then shouldn't they be punished???

And if they are to be punished - how so?? Are we going to send all the smackers to prison?? Then who will look after the children???

And if not - then what's the point of the friggen law??

So, really all I want to say is if the government wants to envade our homes & tell us how to raise our children - they should be part of the solution, not add to the problem.

I say, teach the parents to be better parents - ENFORCE that...give every abuser a super nanny for a month.

Here's an idea for the government....take some of their infamous surplus & put it towards parenting programs - firstly for people already convicted of abuse, then teen parents, then whoever else.

OK, well that's my wee rant...have to put my cheeky boy down for a sleep now - wish me luck hahahaha

White Pens

2007-03-09T16:12:00.000+13:00

I managed to get some of those funky Signo Broad pens & I'm selling them on Trademe (memoryfairy).

I've only got 8 for sale, but apparently they're pretty hard to come by.

So if you want one let me know - cost is $10 including courier..or you can go through trademe if you prefer - but I'm using NZ Post for Trademe :o)

Friday's Update

2007-03-09T12:08:00.000+13:00

Well Ravey & I went of to music this morning - I had fun, not sure if he did LOL...he's quite like Taigy in the fact that he'll sit back & watch, take it all in - then join in...so it's been our 3rd week today & he's still not quite there - but look out once he clicks!!!

Taigy tells me that school is boring...at the end of the day she is absolutely shattered but still wants a playdate LOL!

Her behaviour was just disgusting for the first couple of weeks...its getting better, but I think we've got a way to go yet.

I've been spending alot more quality time with her after school & this seems to be helping alot - but I really need to nail down some serious house rules...today we started with no TV in the morning...which is probably normal in alot of households - but the first thing Wayno does inthe morning is flick the TV on - so its not just the kids I have to train for this one LOL!

Some of the other mums at school commented that the teacher doesn't seem very happy - which I must say I agree with - mind you, its only her 2nd year of teaching - but something doesn't seem quite right - she gets impatient with the kids & comes off as quite strict - which is OK - but I wanted my baby to have a "Miss Honey" (like in the movie Mathilda).

I actually think this teacher would be suited to older kids...unless she can relax a bit more...one of the mums was saying that her little boy said "Miss XXXX doesn't smile very much mummy" which is quite sad - for her as well as the kids - cos she's only quite young - mid 20's maybe.

Well that's about her update...off to the lawyer on Monday - so we'll see how that goes.

Some layouts to share..."Raven's favourites" is another entry in the SBO Get Real Comp.

The pps are from the SBO February kit..and I'm really into circles this week...inspired by this LO from MM Idol.

And JulieH's journalling note swap over at Embellished has me totally in love with making my own journalling spots... on this LO I used my sassafrass lass brackets stamps & on my Beyond Today LO I used my L'il davis journalling stamps flourish..I just drew the circles onto index cards with a template :o)

My Beyond Today LO is #1 in a series of 12 weekly challenges set over the next couple of months at Embellished.

Ali's such an angel, she's raising funds for Beyond the Blue - a campaign to raise awareness of depression in Australia & over the 12 weeks we'll be taking a journey of our own - so far I'm LOVING it!!

OK, that's it for now...my precious son DIDN'T go to sleep when I put him down - so it looks like we're in for another adventurous afternoon :o)

A Quick Share

2007-03-07T22:42:00.000+13:00

Nothing happening on the Taigy front...off to see a lawyer next week..seems like nobody was willing to listen to steve's patheticness otherwise I think I would have heard soemthing by now...but then again he's the kind to smile to your face & stab you in the back while handing out chocolate to others, so that he looks good hahahahaha

Anyhoo I have been scrapping - not so much cos I'm spending alot more time with my little princess.

There was a cyber crop over at Embellished last Friday night.

Oh & last month I won an awesome liquid chalk pen from the fabulous JulieH...check out the "Now & Then" it's done with my pen & laminated.

The laminator has been getting a workout lately...I use staz-on with my Heidi Swapp words like cherish, family, forever, love etc & whack them through the laminator & they come out like silhouettes...once you cut them LOL!

Lisa has a SBD challenge up for March - using die-cuts & stickers - quite pleased with my effort :o)

Megan has set March's challenge over at SE using a list of items she often scraps with:

Buttons

2 pp's

journalling

chipboard

rub-ons

ribbon

brads

I think that's all on the list...Love this pic of Baby Reign & I..he's such a chatterbox - too cute!!

I'm still working on the Get Real album for SBO - just one more page & then an intro page for the album...I have an idea for this one I think LOL!

I finished another page for the Get Real comp today..will take a pic in the morning & pop it in my gallery over at SBO. I must confess it has been a bit of a mission for me to keep to the rules at least 50% of the products available at SBO - but I have managed - lucky they started selling kits ;o)

And I'm trying to keep up to date with my Elsie challenges over at embellished.

Okie dokie - this was meant to be quick, so I'll sign off now & hopefully be back in the next couple of days :o)

Holey Guacamole!!!

2007-03-01T22:26:00.000+13:00

I went over to Lisa's today to pick up my March kit - cos I'm too impatient to wait & FAR OUT!!!!!!!!!! I cannot believe how awesome it is!!!

By now you may have noticed that I like a bit of bright...well the Rouge de Garance pps are right up my alley & Lisa has got a kit choc full of them along with some delicioso rouge de garange rub-ons....not to mention the ScrapFX alpha or the Go West monogram, let alone the Everlasting Keepsakes Framedango flourishy thing-a-mi-jig as well as some of the new primas and the little extras for the project (that's gonna be a heap of fun )- I can't believe you get a free class with the kit. AWESOME!!!!!!

I tell you it is SENSATIONAL value.

Sorry for the crappy photo I didn't think to take a pic during daylight - d'oh!

Yes indeedy, I think this calls for some new pics.

So girls it looks like I'm going to be a busy girl this weekend :o)

OK it's getting late & Taigy has decided that she wants me to drop her at school from now on..so it looks like I'm going to have to get up early... I'll try to convince her we should start our new routine on Monday hahahaha

More Scrapping

2007-02-27T16:33:00.000+13:00

Haven't quite hit "the zone" but I'm still scrapping LOL!

I think these are going to show in reverse order - sorry!!

"This is Love" is for the SE monthly LO comp - we had to use the title "this is Love" - I love thispic I took of Wayne & the kids while we were on Holiday - he's freezing his a** off - but that's just the kind of dad he is - do anything for his babies.

"Splash" was the one I did for Lara's SBO challenge - I managed to get it done YAY!

"The Jab" is for Lisa's monthly challenge at SBD...the requirements for this LO was no people or animals...a bit of a tough one for me - but happy I got it done...all about Taigy being brave when she finally got her before school jabs.

"Flower Boy" is for the 17th Elsie challenge over at Embellished...no. 18 was posted this week & I'm trying to stay on top of them LOL! The inspiration for this came from Vicky Gibson's "Rain Warrior" LO here - I absolutely adore this LO!!

And finally a wee sneak peek at Scrappydo's CJ entry :o)

Well little Miss is having another whinge...so I'd better dash - see if I can get her to have a little nap - yeah right!!

Scrapping Again

2007-02-25T15:11:00.000+13:00

I have wasted too much time & energy on El Freako - so I'm letting that go & getting back into my scrapping.

Haven't heard from his lawyer & he's acting all nicey nice at the mo...so we'll just carry on with our life.

So, did you hear about the CC at SBO with Elsie Flannigan as the mystery guest???

Well, naturally I was there - don't think I've missed an SBO CC yet ;o)

There were a heap of challenges...which reminds me I must try to get Lara's one done - so I'd better make this a short post.

Thanks you to everyone for your comments - you are absolute darlings & have helped immensely.

You words really did lift my spirits - so a big kiss & hug to you all mwah mwah mwah!!!

I'll share a couple of Get Real LOs that I did for the CC, cos I'm really trying to get them up to date & I must say it has been a bit of a mission...but only a few more to go & then bob's yoiur uncle - I'm done.

I had this idea of using the "inners" of the Heidi Swapp alphas floating around in my head for a while & "Valentine" turned out to be the perfect LO to use them on...these are the bitty bits from the insides of a's, g's, 0's, 9's, p's, q's etc - very happy with the result there :o)

And "the Dora pack" was an opportunity to use some of the new Rouge de Garance pp's...gotta say I LOVE THEM!!!! This LO was a bit of a challenge...because the pp's are so delish, you don't need much in the way of embellishment - but there's a 50% rule for the Get Real comp which means that 50% of the products on the LO need to be available from SBO...I was at a loss as to what to add...but then I stumbled across my Queen & Co sassy sequins & voila - the finishing touch.

Well I'd best be off to get Lara's challenge done.

Thanks again for your kind words..."thanks" seems so inadequate because your comments really did make a big difference to my days...I really really REALLY appreciate that you took the time to post a comment & send me some love :o)

Just Venting

2007-02-16T16:46:00.000+13:00

WARNING: If you don't want to listen to me vent you'd better not look :o)

OK, so I'm just going to have a little rant & rave to myself to get the hollow feeling out of my stomach.

Yesterday Steve (Taigy's Dad) sent me an email accusing me of abusing my power as Taiga's guardian & filling her head with lies by letting her call Wayne Daddy & allowing her to go by our family name of Slattery & not the name on her birth certificate - which is in fact my maiden name.

So he's decided that its in Taiga's best interests for him to file for interim custody i.e. she should go & live with him.

Now, I'm not one to talk negatively about others - but I am willing to make an exception in this case.

What an absolute friggen fruitloop.

He has been to Taigy school & caused a fuss over her being enrolled under the name of Slattery....fair enough you may say, what's the fuss Kelly, after all its not her birth name....but my friend, here is the point:

I have been married to Wayne since Taiga was 17 months old - she has never known anyone else as a full-time Dad..so in her precious little mind her Dad is a Slattery, her Mum is a Slattery & her little bro is a Slattery - so why can't she be a Slattery???

What pisses me off is that Steve is just doing this out of pettiness & jealousy - I mean, its been 5 years man, GET OVER IT!!! Seriously - it HAS been 5 years - he was kicked out when she was still a newborn.

I'm not sure what he's trying to do, but he gave the school the impression that it was his last name on the birth certificate & they thought that's why he had a problem with the name - ah no - he's just an insecure freak who hasn't had a relationship in 5 years cos he hasn't got over it!!

I went up to the school today to give them a heads-up about how the situation has escalated (from him wanting her name to be MY maiden name) to now that he wants custody.

Anyway the teacher that I spoke to was raving on about how lovely Taiga is & what a lovely nature she has etc & said something to the effect of it coming from the both of us...so there again he has given the impression that he has been an influence in her life....WELL REALITY CHECK - I kicked his sorry ass to the curb when she was EIGHT (8) WEEKS OLD & she has NEVER spent more than a week at any given time with him - so I will take FULL credit along with Wayne for her being the precious little girl that she is today thank you very much !!!

Actually, now that I think of it, one of the teachers asked me if it was a recent marriage & that's why he has a problem with her name - ahhhh no, Wayne & I have been married nearly 4 years...and the thing that sucks the most is that I was only with steve for ONE year - what a bloody price to pay!!!

Even crazier is that he has 2 daughters from when he was 18/19 who he doesn't see & has never had anything to do with - these girls get passed off as a youthful error - yeah, whatever.

His justification for not seeing them "they already have a dad as their mum was married at the time & they had a stable relationship" ahhhhh yeah - then why was she screwing you mate???

He's such a tosser, he's playing the poor steve card as if we broke up yesterday...what is up with that????

Anyway - he says to me in his last email "I am confident that you will lose custody of Taiga"...I mean how delusional can a person get???? He honestly thinks that a court of law is going to take Taiga out of a happy, safe, secure family environment & hand her over to a single male with no support network based on the fact that she calls Wayne Daddy & goes by MY last name.

What a friggen waste of money, effort & energy...honestly if there is a lawyer in NZ who takes this case he/she has either got to be a straight out thief, or steve is seriously pulling his/her chain - which may be the case - I think the school fell for it & until they heard the other side of the story were quite willing to listen to his demands.

OK I probably haven't finished my rant but Ravey-boo has dragged food from the fridge along with a spoon - so he seriously wants to be fed LOL!!

BOUNCE!!!

2007-02-14T17:52:00.000+13:00

Well I have bounced back...been quiet for a little while cos I had a bit of crap to deal with - all to do with Taigy starting school & her anal retentive turdksie of a father causing trouble.

Trouble is still brewing - but I'll wait to hear from his lawyer before I worry about it anymore.

Anyhooo I see today is the deadline for NZ Dares Hot & Cold challenge...actually in 5 mins - so I'd better make this snappy.

here is my entry - Taigy & Emma @ Mangawhai last weekend.

Big shout out to Heidi for being there for me all week - you definately made a difference buddy!!!

Start of the Month

2007-02-06T22:26:00.000+13:00

So a whole new round of challenges have been posted.

Dad's Boy is my entry in the SBO Feb monthly challenge - Donna's Sketch :o)

A HUGE thank you to Lisa for my prize of Autumn Leaves Stamps for winning the January Challenge over at SBD. I have used the stamps below in the LO of Ravey digging.

You ought to check out the feb challenge - its a doozy - got my thinking cap on for this one & I have a few ideas up my sleeve - but am going with just one ;o)

Well, we got home last Friday & Embellished had a cyber crop - I know what you're thinking - I'm mad!!! But only halfway so...I missed the chat cos I was seriously tired - but I did do the challenges - cos they were simply irresistible....& I actually only combined one of the challenges.

There was another challenge to create a card - might upload tomorrow...I really like how it turned out - but to be honest I'm a little tired & blogger adds all these extra lines when I add a pic - which then takes me another little while to edit the post and I'm not really feeling like editing at the mo (you've probably noticed my horrific typing & sadly I have edited quite a few of my errors - so can you see where I'm coming from??? hahahaha)

Oh, if you have a solution for the adding lines when I add a pic please share it...cos I'm thinking of having a look at a typepad blog...only thinking at this stage - cos the grass may be greener :o)

OK back to the topic:

For the last couple of days (it seems) I have been dying to scrap LOs but I've got a couple of CJs on the go & really need to get them sorted before post-off date & then I had a couple arrive from a current circle..so I have managed to do one & conceptualise another..I've got my SE CJ nearly 1/2 ready & my SBD CJ 1/20th ready LOL!! But by the end of the week they will be good to go I promise ;o)

OK I was just popping in for a quick share before I hit the hay to wake up as the mother of a school kid - I still can't believe that...all of you who have been there know what its like, so I shan't keep raving on about it ;o)

The enjoy/happy LO was fun to do - I got to use my new stamps from Lisa & combined a couple of Elsie challenges - JulieH's create a funky photo mat (it transparency stamped & painted) & Meg's Use a white background...sometimes combing the challenges just gives you a little something extra - I'm really quite happy with how this turned out - I probably never would have done the pp strips otherwise.

And "we've got a Groovy Kind of Love" was another JulieH challenge from embellished to "work those words" so I used Phil Collins' song to go with this pic of Wayne & that i took while we were on holiday :o)

Back From Holiday

2007-02-03T18:44:00.000+13:00

Oh we had an awesome time away...was just fab to get away from it all...even though I took my scrapping with me LOL!

We went to Matata, which is about 40 minutes from Tauranga & 30 mins from Whakatane. Stayed in a friends caravan at Murphy's Motorcamp & we were just 100 steps from the beach - it was wonderful, well...stinkin hot but in a good "I'm stinking hot on holiday" kind of way...I guess Summer finally arrived hahahahaha

I managed to get quite a few LOs & cards made while Wayne spent some "quality time" with the kids ;o)

I also visited the lovely Delys

I got the latest Ali Challenge from Embellished done (Friends), but I concentrated on getting my "Get Real" comp LOs up-to-date & I'll share my faves :o)

The rest are in my gallery at SBO.

I just love how "My Bliss" turned out..its about my Wayno..he's such a honey-pie!!! Just love him to pieces! I was STOKED with my doodling on the paisley - go me! hahahaha The cool wee hearty metal embelly was a RAK from the super generous Mrs Frizz

My gorgeous "Little Gardener" is another fave...borrowed the tape hinge idea from FK 49. Man my boy is a cutie!!! Perhaps I'm biased - a little, maybe LOL!

And "Good Times" is all about good friends & good food. Took these pics when Heidi & Richard came for dinner the other night - God I love scrapping - who knew Heidi lived in my street???!!!!

I think I may be a bit unbalanced in that area - I should spend some more time with my darlings LOL!!!

Well I'll just make this a quick one...even though it's probably taken an hour to post - considering I had to pause to give Rave a bath LOL!

Update before our Holiday

2007-01-28T13:23:00.000+13:00

Oh my goodness...we are off on holiday tomorrow & I can't wait...I have been hanging out for this hol since October when Wayne's mate said we could use his cabin any time we wanted...I said "book it Babe!"

So we're off to Matata...but I'll have no computer access - how will I cope????

Not to worry, I'm a survivor hahahahahahaha!!!

Well I haven't been as busy scrapping as I had hoped to be...to many forum distractions I think ;o)

But I have managed to create something at least...."Forever Mine" is a combo of Jacqui J's weekly challenge at SBD & JulieH's Elsie challenge at Embellished.

Jacqui's challenge was to select a theme from an upcoming magazine call & scrap it, Julie's challenge was to take inspiration from fashion...found a cool men's T-shirt on the 2 for $15 table at JayJays the other day...with a tatto print on it - so that was my inspiration.

The photo of Wayne was originally colour...but I took it into the GIMP & desaturated it & then posterized it (at 2) then added a Jason Gaylor tattoo brush...simple, but not necessarily easy ;o)

So I guess I'd better submit it to fulfill the other half of the challenge :o)

"Hitchin' a Ride" is another page for Mal Mal's album...I used Ali's January kit for this - the papers are just sooooooooo YUM!!! They're Piggy Tales - Frog Prince range.

This is for the Embellished Jan/Feb sketch challenge.

I trimmed some Heidi Swaap alphas down for the title...jeepers they are BIG!!

Gotta say I am loving these pics of the boys & I love that I can scrap them over & over cos they're going into different albums.

We had a lovely dinner last night, Heidi & Richard came over for dinner - so Wayne whipped up his entertainer's special: Salmon - YUM!

And after dinner Wayne & Richard discussed the many virtues of having scrappy wives hahahahahaha.

And I even managed to get a good pic of Heidi & I together - woohooo.

Well I need to sort & pack all my scrap gear for my holiday & Taigy is whinging about a sore thumb - so I guess I'd better get off here...and no I haven't sorted the clothes to be taken yet - I've got my priorities LOL!!

SBD Monthly Sketches Have Started

2007-01-26T10:32:00.000+13:00

Well Lisa has started the monthly Sketch Challenges over at Scrapbooking by Design. She's made an early start on February's Challenge & this is my take on the sketch - the original has only one photo...but I had to use 3 cos these boys are so freakin cute!! I am also making a point of using my RAK's/swaps this year - no point keeping them for "someday" so I have used some of the Heidi Swapp chipboard letters I received from Janine & also the "cousins" down the bottom is mostly made up of ribbon letters that I was RAKed by Lorrie...I gotta say that using these products brings a certain sense of specialness to the LO for me...so thanks ladies :o)

The rest of the LO is mostly from Ali's January kit...which I am in love with...also if you want a sensational kit for Feb you simply have to check out the sneaks of Embellished's Lush & Lavish kit

My other little share is a sneak of a CJ entry I whipped up last night - forgot that I ought to get it off before I go on holidays..so this is for Nan Jule's Christmas CJ...yes I slipped a concho in - only one left now hahahahahaha.

I also recycled my poinsettias from the xmas crackers I made - they were just too gorgeous to toss, so Nan Jules has managed to score one LOL.

Well my boy isn't feeling too well today , so I'm going to see if he'll have a bot-bot & moe nui.

If not maybe he'd like some snuggles while I try to finish my book...its such a good book (The Janson Directive) - but I haven't had the chance to just sit & read...so its like I've been matching a movie for 2 weeks & hitting pause after every 10 minutes...meanwhile I discovered that I just love to munch while reading...and I always reach for choccy bikkies first...well once I realised this I made a change...the first day I got myself a huge bowl of sprouts (YUM!!) and the next I got a bowl of grapes...OK the 3rd I was back on the bikkies...but today I'm heading for the grapes again :o)

Ok geting the summons...better dash :o)

Latest Creation

2007-01-24T15:57:00.000+13:00

Here is my latest LO...its a double...WOW!!! I can't remember the last time I did a double that wasn't actually a double LO challenge LOL!!

The inspiration for this puppy came from a few sources....Embellished Monthly LO comp - theme "What Summer Means to You", NZ Dares challenge and the SBD & SBO challenges of late getting us to use our old stash...I think I only have 2 conchos left now ;o)

I'm actually quite pleased with how this turned out.

Journalling on the left talks about how different kiwi summers are to the summers I grew up with on the Gold Coast, and on the right it talks about how Rave & Tai love the wet sand - but Rave is always 1st to get his hands dirty.

Well this is just a short & sweet post - Tai is home after 4 nights away & she's ratty...woke Rave up from his nap {{gggrrrr}} with her performance about not wanting a bath - BELIEVE me she needed one - and is need of lots of snuggles to settle her back down.

So I'm off - but before I go...I got my kit from Embellished theother day & it is SENSATIONAL!!! I soooo can't wait to use it - I thought I would have by now - but I keep getting distracted....so perhaps tonight when the kiddies go to sleep...or does Prisonbreak start back tonight??? hmmmmm we'll see

Busy Weekend

2007-01-22T09:07:00.000+13:00

Well I scrapped & scrapped & scrapped this weekend.

I received my Jan kit from SBO & had to create some LOs...I'll share a sneak of that...made 4 LOs, 3 cards & still have left overs...so pretty happy with that & the MM paint is just delicious to paint chipboard with.

On Friday night I went to scrap at Heidi's - SBO had a chat 'n challenge to get any 2006 projects completed.

Well I had 2 CJs sitting on my desk from December..so I managed to get them done & dusted....One CJ from last year went missing - so I re-did my pages for that...and they are winging their way to Ilka as I type - PHEW!!

I should be receiving another CJ in the post today..so I'll try to get that one off my desk within a week ;o)

I've popped up sneaks of the CJ pages too cos I don't want to spoil the surprise for the girls (just incase they stumble across my blog ROFL!!)

SBO also had a couples of challenges on top of/combined with getting to projects done:

1. scrap a pic older than 6months

2. use embellishments older than 6 months

For each of my CJ entries I used old embellies...conchos, vellum heart, clear tag thingy etc.

On my old pic challenge I used a sheet of index prints that had been sitting on my desk since Jorjy was a baby...2004 & on that puppy I used some photo corners, a bottle cap & an old puffy sticker in the centre of the cap...I used Sares1's (Sarah Gladman) ribbon technique very cool!!

I'm very happy with how this turned out..looks like Jorjy's album is well under way for the year :o)

And finally, JacquiJ has posted her weekly challenge #3 over at SBD..it was to use white cardstock as your background.

I took this pic of Mal Mal & his Grandma at the beach when we went to Army Bay a couple of week's ago...I love it!!

I used BG blush pps & mini monos... I think its a great start to Malakai's album :o)

The stamps along the side are Rhonna Farrer Autumn Leaves Flourishes V2....if you can get your hands on a set - GET THEM!!! they are divine...I borrowed these off Heidi..she got them from Lisa's Shoppe...seriously, if you don't have a handy dandy neigbour down the road with a set of these puppies you really ought to treat yourself!!!

OK, so far this year I have done pages for Jorja, Malakai, Ebby & the Pace/Renata clan...so I have Kohatu, Reign, Ethan, Creed, Jordan & Keziah left...and if I manage to get some pics of Troy & Lexi I'll have another 2 albums to do :o)

I think somewhere I said one of my resolutions was going to be to NOT do every challenge I see...ahhhh who am I kidding???

Now that I've freed my mind to double up on challenges, perhaps I can do twice as many hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!

Elsie Challenges

2007-01-17T18:16:00.000+13:00

Well I'm back up to date with the Elsie Challenges over at Embellished. JulieH is doing a FABULOUS job of keeping us all inspired...I sooooo can't wait to scrap with her (and all the other Embellished girls) in April!!!

Challenge 10 was to use a photo that was large inproportion to your LO...Love this pic of Rave & I'm running a little low on colour ink so I've been printing quite a few B&Ws..loving them!!

Challenge 11 was to group 4 pics - I took these pics of Raven at Taiga's birthday party on the weekend - he's just so irresistible - all the girls love to kiss him...think that could become a bit of a problem later..but for now its super cute LOL!!!

So looks like this is just a quickie post...my darling went away last night so I scrapped the night away cos I missed him - got to bed at 1.30 & thought I heard the courier at 7.15 this morning...talk about an optimist!!!

It was probably the neighbours cat - cos there was no delivery & I couldn't go back to bed gggrrrrrr!!!

Anyway had to have a nana nap today...and I ordered some nappies - just to make sure I'd get some sort of delivery to brighten my day LOL!!!

PHEW!!!!!

2007-01-15T19:23:00.000+13:00

It's 7.20 & Taigy is fast asleep in her bed after 4 days of excitement & 3 late nights.

She has been having sooooo much fun with Emma..but today she was just dog tired & I was copping the short end of it - NOT fun!!

But hoooray she's FINALLY asleep!!

It just occurred to me that I have been staying up late just to get some peace each night & man I am stuffed!!

But have been busy scrapping, so I must share cos its been a while ;o)

OK - it's out of order cos I didn't think to upload in any order & I'm not in the mood for rearranging (sorry about that).

Well "LollyScramble" & "Poppa's 80th" are both part of my Get Real album entries for the comp to win a Cricut over at SBO.

"Little Man" was done for Jacqui J's "use up your stash" challenge over at SBD..

I should mention that Taigy had her 5th birthday party on Saturday & the kids had a ball.

At the end of the afternoon they had pulled the helium balloons down & were singing Happy Birthday to taigy in their chipmunk voices - too cute!!

There was some action & adventure, a little bit of mystery (where did the $20 that was in Taigy's card go???)

We had pass the parcel, statues & pin the horn on the unicorn, follwed by a lolly scramble, barbie cake & goodie bags stamped with my new Autumn Leaves journalling stamps - I just HAD to use them LOL!

I made sushi for the first time & I think I'm hooked!! We had the delicious Tomato & Basil Dip that Heidi & I discovered at Tracey's when we went for a little crop - fast becoming a family favourite!!

Ok - back to the point LOL!

"Wish was done for Embellished's DT challenge for December "use hinges" & "School Shoes" was for Elsie Challenge #9 at Embellished.

I can't believe my baby will be going to school in a couple of weeks!!!

OK now I have to give some credits & I'll probably forget some.

The eyelet technique on Little Man was from Ali Russell.

School Shoes was inspired by popysmum (Melissa)

Wish I only managed to complete cos I was lacking motivation & Heidi gave me a kick up the bum challenge to get it done.

And Iborrowed Heidi's Sassafrass Lass border stamps to do the border on School Shoes - they are FAB!!! Will definately be borrowing them again.

Ok that's the update on the LO front - YAY!

Now, life's update - cos despite what you may think I do occassionally leave the scraproom LOL!!

Last night we went for a BBQ over at Heidi & Richard's and had a fabulous time.

The men watched cricket & had a good ole chinwag while Heidi & I perused mags & discussed the economics of scrapping while having a glass or two ;o)

Emma & Taigy played nicely together, but were mean to Ravey & Abi...& Abi was a sweet angel & looked after Rave for most of the night - she is just PRECIOUS!!! Love that girl!!

OMG the chicken we ate was DIVINE!!!!

Yep...we'll definately be back (if we're invited hint, hint, nudge, nudge).

Well embellished have the new monthly sketch & theme challenges up - so I'd best be off to make a start on them :o)

Will try to update more regularly...might be easier when sweetie-pie, huney bunny, sweet-cheeks little princess is off to school.

Waiting for the Postie

2007-01-10T11:16:00.000+13:00

Not sure why I'm waiting for the postie- I'm not really expecting anything til late in the week (if then)- but I'm ever-hopeful LOL!

Anyhoo I've got a few minutes up my sleeve before I get summoned so I thought I'd share my latest creations.

The first is a double up of Lisa's challange & Embellished's January's Sketch challenge.

Lisa wanted us to use a clock & the word time in a LO & here is the January Sketch for Embellished - I was struggling with what to do until Lisa's challenge came up & then I was going to use 4 pics of Tai...but I couldn't find a 4th & these just seemed perfect.

I'm completely stoked with how this turned out....I used BG Blush papers from the SE January Kit .

I wasn't sure if I liked them at first...they seemed sooooo brown..but after completing 1 LO I'm quite pleased & I should be able to churn out some more ---oooooohhhhh an idea just popped in my head for a LO of Mal Mal with his Nanny Paki...hhhmmmm definately a blushable pic :o)

The 2nd LO is for the SBO "We want to see you Xmas Photos" challenge - this was another sketch - glad I got this one done I really wanted to scrap the pic of Tai with her camera..so that's done - phew!!

The 3rd pic I took yesterday of the car that stole my park...seriously rude - I gotta tell you I was fuming (blame it on the PMS) I had waited for the (previous) ladies to get in their car & pull out (at least 3 minutes) then this "woman" just drives straight in as I was about to turn in...anyway I just wanted to share that with you in case you ever see her in a parking lot - make sure you're quick!! LOL!!

If she had've had little kids I could have forgiven her (cos anything is forgivable to a mum with little kids - I can empathise LOL!!)...but she had like 10 year olds...here's hoping they don't grow up to be car-park theives - what a bad example to set...meanwhile - mine was just as bad for getting mad at her...but I told Taigy I was a naughty mum for getting mad & there's always another car park..and just then a lady came along who was going to her car - so we got that one & taigy was like "be quick mum we don't want anyone to steal your car-park aye" LOL!!

OK going to check the letter box.

See ya

My Big Girl is Home

2007-01-07T22:39:00.000+13:00

Wooohooo my 5 year old arrived home today!!

Seriously, her hair is longer & she is taller...she also looks older - its amazing what you notice after a few days apart.

She is just so lovely I'm so glad to have her home.

Wayne & I went out to grab some last minute pressies for her today & who should we see sitting down eating an ice-cream at the shopping centre - our very own little Princess.

She had already told her Dad that if she sees us there she'll be going home with us...so sweet & independant - already calling the shots.

Oh man I just love that girl!!

All afternoon she's been "Love ya mum" "Love ya Dad", "Love ya Rave"...just adorable!!

Well, to keep me occupied while waiting for little Miss to get home I've been scrapping...Had a mini crop at SBO & a cybercrop at Embellished.

These are the creations from the weekend.

There is one other - but I'll save that for tomorrow.

I have doubled up challenges on "CAT" & "Beach Babes Boogie"

This year I'm going to continue to do a heap of challenges - but I will double up on challenges if I need to - I just want to make that clear.

I'm in the challenges for the motivation they provide & to support the sites that I'm active on...last year I felt really guilty about doing any doubling-up...but 2007 is a new year & I got a little frazzled at times last year trying to keep up - so this year I'm letting the guilt go & just getting on with scrapping.

My buddy Heidi is back at work tomorrow & her girls are off to Holiday Club so we're going to be a little lonely here...no more popping down the road to share LOs & have coffee..or borrow a stamp - but we're getting together at the weekend - first for Taigy's party on saturday & then we've been invited for a barbie on Sunday wooohoo - I can't wait!!

Oh & a big shout out to Janine & Paula for the RAKs I received...you'll notice them being put to use on "Beach Babes Boogie". I was absolutely thrilled to receive them ladies - thanks again!!!

New Word

2007-01-07T22:29:00.000+13:00

The first newsletter of the year from Ali Edwards suggested starting the new year with a word to focus on.....I have seen some very cool words selected by other people but my word is ROMANCE.

I thought it was a little strange when it popped into my head...I'm usually more of a strength, determination or focus kind of gal...but I love it...really starting to warm to it. PMS is getting in the way a little, but once I'm through the next couple of days I'll be sailing on romance LOL!

To me romance encompasses so many things...the romance between a man & woman, the romance of seasons...summer loving, winter wonderland, the undeniable romance of leaves falling from the trees in Autumn & the promise of romance when the blossoms appear in spring...then there's the romance of childhood memories & I really want to take the time this year to capture some special memories for Taigy & Raven.

I think it will probably take all year to discover the many facets of the word...and i think you'll definately see it influence my work.

So here's to a year of ROMANCE :o)

Back in the Saddle

2007-01-04T20:41:00.000+13:00

Well its official - 2007 challenges have started!!

Over at SBD (scrapbooking by design) Jacqui has started the weekly challenges...this week's was to use 2 pp's - a nice easy one - I used this gorgeous pic that Heidi took when we went to the beach the other day.

We had such a great day...the weather was actually perfect - a little overcast, so it wasn't hot.

We slathered the kids in sunscreen - but I forgot to do myself & ended up a little tender - but fortunately it settled nicely & I'm lookin a little golden :o)

I was so excited about the outing I got up early & made a bacon & egg pie for our picnicy lunch...seriously EXCITED!!!

The girls had a blast & we took heaps of pics...perhaps I went over board with 225 - but nevertheless a great day was had :o)

Yesterday Ali hosted the famous One Hour Challenge over at Embellished...the only stipulation was that the LO had to have red on it - so I used my MM Holly that I received in my December Embellished Kit. Also used one of the red bookplates from the kit - quite glad that I used it - cos I don't think I would have without the challenge...I had the Holly inked & ready to go - just sitting there, but inspiration wasn't forthcoming LOL!!

In the "One fine Day" LO I used the pp's from Embellished's November Kit - loving kits at the mo!!

And I got the gorgeous green flower from Heidi - love that!! And the tags are inspired by Ali - I have a heap of them to use - so you'll be seeing a few of them around ;o)..if you see them stapled - its a Rach inspiration.

Tomorrow morning Lara is host a mini crop at SBO & Tomorrow night Sarah is hosting the Embellished Cyber Crop...so guess who will be in for a busy weekend.

Taigy turns the BIG 5 tomorrow - but she is away on holiday with her Dad, so we'll be having a party next weekend when she's home...man-o-man where did those 5 years go???

Oh, I don't want to think about it I'm getting a teary thinking about my baby growing up!!!

Well, I just wanted to have a little catch-up with you all.

Oh...got some good news today...an email from Scrapbook Creations they want one of my LOs for issue 42..waaahooooo what a way to start the year...just so you know you're looking for the name Kelly Slattery hahahahahahahahahaha.

So, now I guess we're caught up...I'll hopefully see you at the SBO mini crop or the Embellished CC tomorrow..if not - no doubt you'll seeme lurking somewhere ROFL!!!

Keeping In Touch

2007-01-01T21:29:00.000+13:00

I find it quite time consuming to keep up with everyone's blogs....when is a girl to get time to scrap & post on forums - let alone take pics & raise 2 little angels???

So to make it easier for you to keep up to date with me I have added a subscription service by feedblitz.

You'll see a little sign-up thingy in my sidebar.

All you have to do is enter your email address & click the button & when I update my blog a little blog checker comes along in the middle of the night (much like Santa) & voila in your mailbox in the morning is a message telling you that there's a new post by me :o)

Then you have the choice of reading it in your inbox or clicking over here & reading - easy peasy.

Now, this feedblitz thing is quite handy to sign up to if you like to keep to with blogs because it not only tells you that there are new posts, it actually has it all there for you to read in your email.

I discovered this while at Hannah's blog (thanks Hannah!!) and its taken me a month to add it to mine - but in the mean time I have been adding blogs to my "subscriptions" & it makes it sooooo easy to keep up with everyone - I've only got 17 in my list so far cos I keep forgetting to add when I get carried away reading LOL!!

Just one LO to share tonight...it's my November entry fro Embellished's Biggest Comp Yet - I just love this photo of Wayne & Rave...I tell you if that boy grows up to be anything like his Daddy he's going to be a mighty fine catch!!!

Oh and on a final note I would just like to say a HUGE Congratualtions to Nan Jules on becoming the proud grandmother to a Brooke - a beautiful little Ray of Sunshine!!

Happy New Year!!!

2006-12-31T23:56:00.000+13:00

I have just completed my last LO for the year & entered it into Embellished's "Biggest Competition Yet"

This pic was taken the other day when Heidi & I tokk the girls & Ravey to the beach.

Well 2006 has been extremely good to me...I can vaguely recollect some goals from a year ago.

One of the things I definately wanted was to make new friends - who knew they would be this wonderful????

To all my peeps at Embellished, SBO, SE & SBBD you have made 2006 an incredible year for me.

The girls I have met in real life are just absolutely sensational.

I discovered an awesome friend in my own back yard, well almost - in my street - now I don't really want to move- but I still want to get out of this house LOL!

Looking back on 2006 I have had a superb year - but the best is yet to come...bring on 2007

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Just A Quickie

2006-12-29T23:29:00.000+13:00

I really should be in bed - but have been meaning to update for a while now.

Finally completed my 12th entry in Janine's 12 Days of Christmas Challenge. I was missing Day 10 (I think) about entertainment/Christmas arvo.

I decided to do my LO on our family pics - its a great time to get the group together to get a snap...although in the big group shot people are missing (not that you'd know) & I didn't get our family shot - cos Taigy had been picked upby then - but got great shots of my brother, Kane' family & my sis, Lis'a family - so I'm very pleased - I also took the tripod along so that I could be in the pic ;o)

I'm still working on my entries for Embellished's "biggest Comeptition Yet", completed November's LO (Daddy's Shadow) & just have December's to do.

I also managed to complete the LO for the SE swap - where I got "baking" buttons - I'm quite pleased with how it turned out...lifted the flower & tag/bookplate from Ali Russell . Heidi gave me the inspiration & motivation to get this one done - thanks chick!

Merry Christmas!!

2006-12-26T13:30:00.000+13:00

Merry christmas everyone!!

What a wonderful day we had.

Woke to the delightful sound of Raven snoring, but when we walked past Taigy's door she was already awake...although not coherent.

When she got up she folloed her trail of chocolates out to the lounge room & when she saw the presents her face was priceless!!!

I think she got a bit caught up in the unwrapping of the presents cos she just wanted more & more LOL!!

But we had a fantastic morning & then headed over to Mum & Dad's for the big family lunch..man that was an awesome day...the kids got spoiled some more & we just ate, drank & were merry...so merry in fct that Wayne & I ended up staying the night over there...Wayne cos he had a feww too many & me cos I was thinking that Shaton & Ezybuy was just up the road & more convenient than going to them over our side LOL!

So, I managed to get myself a new outfit & some fitness gear for my new spin bike that Wayney got me - he's such an angel!!!!

Well, not much time to share. taigs will be getting dropped off soon & then the big kids & mokopuna are coming over to share their christmas, so I'll just share some pics.

Hope you all had a fabulous day :o)

12 Days of Christmas

2006-12-18T10:59:00.000+13:00

I have managed to do another LO for the 12 days challenge set by Janine...this one is about Christmas Eve...so there is only one more to go...the entertainment/xmas afternoon LO..I want to get some fresh pics for this one - so that'll be a whipped up after the event.

I got the idea for this pic from this pic by Missymuh at Embellished....thanks miss!

Had a fabulous weekend....got some scrapping done - completed a canvas from Chris Millar's class on Friday night & got a LO done for the xmas swap @ SE...I'm going to have to do another LO for his one though - I got a packet of buttons..like the jesse james buttons - it has gingerbread man miniature cookie cutters, rolling pins, buttons, gingerbread men & had the word "believe"... I managed to use "believe" but will do some baking with Tai, take some pics & do another LO to use some more of the goods I got...I think I'll take a wee break from the swaps for now - so I'll try to make the next one delightful LOL!

I got the idea for the tag through the bookplate from the fabulous Miss Ali of Embellished, the stars were done using Nic Howards beadiful technique...I think I need to practise this...I didn't have a pencil handy, so was using a needle...note to self - get a pencil sharpener & pencil!!!

Well Taigy had a fabulous weekend.. she had a play date with Emma (Heidi's daughter) gee its lovely having them in the same street...we've been doing a bit of popping over lately & its been really nice.

Tai's play date went really well - the girls made cars out of big boxes & Taigy insisted on driving her's home - too cute.

She wanted to sleep over at Emma's, but we had Lexi (our grandaughter) coming for the night..I have to say I am a bit of a mean granny...we went shopping on Sunday to get some xmas shopping done & Lexi is going through a dress phase - so she was wearing a gorgeous dress - naturally Taigy wanted to wear a dress too (cos she's such a little sheep at times) - well she doesn't own any dresses so I said we'll buy her one while we're out - all good.

Now she has 2 dresses & just loves to twirl LOL!!

Yippeee, her watch arrived in the mail today...we bough a $2.50 digital watch off trademem the other day & she has been checking the letter box 5 times a day ever since I hit the buy-now button...tooo cute!!

OK, so no more pre-school & its raining...better feed the kids & try to get Ravey to have a sleep (fingers crossed) then Tai & I can do some scrapping :o)

NZ Dare #13

2006-12-13T14:39:00.000+13:00

OK, so this dare was set by Nic Howard & it's based on the old wedding rhyme of "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" except we didn't need the blue - for the challenge.

My something old was the film strips

something new: Heidi Swapp arrows

Something borrowed: the stripey pp with 3 pics was borrowed from Brook Setwart's "Sweet Boy" LO from here, aslo "borrowed" the light & dark blue cs from Taigy's stash..which covers the blue ;o)

The pics were taken by Taiga when she went on holidays earlier this year with her Dad. The went to Rotorua & he bought a disposable camera to take pics.

Oh, I've used the word "pix" cos I didn't want to use my precious c & s when an x would do the trick LOL!

Journalling is about how she must like action shots cos if you take a closer look none of the pics are the same. The centre one has her lion with a mini puppy, then the left one he is rolling over & on the right he looks ready to pounce. Pics are crappy - but we've bought her a digi for xmas...a bit OTT for an almost 5 year old??? perhaps...but the plastic toys break & I toss them, she's got plenty of babies, a swing set, trampoline, bike & little castle - at least this will be something she'll use & treasure ;o)

12 Days of Christmas - Day 12

2006-12-13T13:27:00.000+13:00

Well, I haven't done day 10 & 11 yet...but day 12 is done. I went with boxing day - cos it was an easier option....I'll probably do another LO with 12 items as there are 11 kids in the family & I think Troy (my sis's stepson) will be joining us this year (that'll make 12) - so it will be awesome to get a pic of each of the kids on the day...which reminds me, that's day 10's (?) LO...we always do pics in the afternoon - so that one is sort of half sorted - just the xmas eve one to nail down.

I lifted the idea of the 2 big photo anchors (different shapes) from Ali...she's a gem! her work is just gorgeous!!!

I seriously need to get some more white cardstock!!!

Rave is having his sleep at the mo, Taigs is at pre-school - last day (except for the performance on Friday)

Well I'm going to go see if I can knock out a LO for the NZ Dare.

Might be back later :o)

12 Days of Christmas - Day 9

2006-12-11T20:33:00.000+13:00

Ok - I hope Day 9 is the Cards one - cos that's what I've done today.

Ravey finally fell asleep when I got home from picking Taigy up - about 3.30 - then he slept til 6...so guess who's running amok with his Dad.

Oh, Wayne just told me that he walked into the lounge room, gave Taigy a poppa-jack & said "I love you"...how adorable!!

Ummmm is anyone out there thinking "Oh, she's such a candiate for Honey we're killing the kids"???? - the thought just crossed my mind :o)

So, anyhoo here is my day 9 LO...I'm thinking Rave will have a huge sleep tomorrow (did I say thinking - I meant hoping LOL) - and then I'll be able to cacth up with day 10, 11 & 12

the card does open to reveal journalling & another couple of pics...but I'm pulling my hair out with a wide awake 20 month old & a non-stop singing 4 year old (adorable as it is, she should definately be in bed) so I'm going with the simplest version possible.

that'll do for today I think...I have a couple of LO's to share tomorrow.

Still a bit behind

2006-12-11T14:34:00.000+13:00

OMG - I cut Ravey's hair yesterday & now he thinks he's big enought to not have a nap - WHATEVER!!!

<<<<< before & after

So, 11.30 was my first attempt...he knocked on the door like a wide awake boy - so we went out & had a swing & then had some lunch 12.45 comes & I think I've got him for sure, so I put him in the room - 1.00 I hear knocking but think it'll pass....1.15 more knocking - but no crying..I let it go, 1.30 random knocks....1.35 maybe he needs a new nappy (even though I changed him just before I put him down) I open the door "Mum!" & out he struts....1.50 "I'm serious, you need a nap!"....2.20, is that him humming or the TV????

And right now I can hear knocking on the door again!!!!

Well, take a look & tell me if you could resist this face????

Meanwhile - my challenges haven't been done - I know a little boy who'll be going to bed VERY early tonight!!!

Here's hoping he falls asleep when I go to pick Taigy up!

12 Days of Christmas - Day 8

2006-12-09T20:31:00.000+13:00

Oh, I'm a little bit behind the 8 ball at the mo.

I had Creed & Jorja to look after for most of Friday & that threw me out of whack - 4 under 5's - that was fun.

Jorjy is just an angel...so easy going...Creedy & Taigs - that's another story if one's not telling on the other they're usually playing nicely & my litte Prince, Raven well he's just perfect.

So, I didn't get round to doing the 8th day until today...and then we went over to Mum & Dad's - so I missed Donna's challenge from the SBO cybercrop on Friday night....nevermind.

On a brighter note we went to have a look at a Canon 400D today...but I've decided against it: ::SHOCK::

A couple of things don't suit me...I've become accustomed to using my LCD screen for taking shots & I can't seem to go back to the old school of looking through the viewfinder. Also it seems I'm not cut out for SLR at the mo - cos I really like my little movies of the kids...I love how on hollywood movies "happy families" always have footage of kids playing in the yard & stuff & I sooo want movies like that for when my kids are older.

So, at the end of the day it comes down to convenience over performance for me...so I'll stick with my little A620 for now....a bit disappointing cos Wayno had already made secret arrangements with my SIL who works at Harvey Normans for the hook-up...nevermind as a consolation he's going to get my laptop fixed on Monday :o)

Oh, now back to the point of this post......the 8th day's challenge was all about who you hang out with on Christmas Day.

In the morning, its family time - just the 4 of us. Lunch is the whole whanau ie Mum, Dad, bros, sis & the mokopunas.

Tai gets picked up by her Dad & goes off to do her family thing with Nan, Grandad, Aunty, Uncle & cousin

Then we come home & have the adult kids over & our mokopuna...a few drinks, a little reminscing...kicking back...oh & maybe just one more helping of trifle ;o)

Challenge 9 & 10 have been posted - so I'd better get my A into G tomorrow & get them sorted, along with Lara's foodie LO challenge from the SBO CC.

There are still Tarisota RAKs up for grabs for posting a comment on Janine's blog...gotta be in it to win it my friend:o)

Give Santa a Call

2006-12-08T16:43:00.000+13:00

I've had my niece & nephew over this afternoon & together with Taigy we've been mucking around with the age old question of "what do you want for Christmas?"

So I got the phone & checked if the Santa's 0800 number is working yet...and sure enough he's back online.

So if you need to entertain the kids call 0800 222 222.

Apparently Creed is getting a motorbike & Taigy wants a "bird that goes tweet" (what's that????)

Ravey's latest word is "draw"..he hangs around my scrapbooking table or the office desk eyeing up the pens saying "draw, draw, draw" in the tone that means business.

I'm not one to limit a child's talent....but I'm thinking of the walls.

At the moment he's happily colouring in with Tai & Jorjy...except that he's put his whole body on the page.

Well my sis is here to pick the kids up YAAHOOOOOO!!!!