Just Reflecting on 2007

I sit here at this time of night with one eye on Pretty Woman on the TV and the other on the neighbours fireworks and think about what I have done in 2007. Its been a busy year and seems to have gone really fast - perhaps too fast.

Personally I think I have stressed less and relaxed more about things. Andrew might say otherwise! Since giving up work 18 months ago it has taken me until about half way through this year to get to that point. I want to set some goals regarding family, home and finances. I want to address the imbalance of scrapbooking versus everything else especially housework. There are things around home that I meant to do when I finished work and they still haven't been done.

Scrapbooking wise it has been a fantastic year. I decided at the start of 2007 that there was more to it than sitting at my desk and doing it alone. So I joined the SE forum (after being a lurker for a while) and have met some wonderful people there and in real life too! Made a great new friend in Tanya. Loved meeting lots of SE ladies at SENZ. The biggie for me was taking part in the SE Ultimate Scrapbooking Challenge - something I never thought I would do and even got a 3rd place for one of the layouts. I have taken part in challenges - again something I didn't feel confident about. Its a big thing to put what you are doing on display for others to see and judge. I made a blog and have surprised myself with the technology side of things including learning how to upload photos into galleries. Its been a big learning curve. I now know what a RAK is and what ROFL is - among others.

In reflection it has been a good year and am going to sit down with everyone tomorrow and see what they want to accomplish for 2008.

So Happy New Year everyone and many thanks for reading my blog and encouraging me along the way.

Secret Santa Revealed

Its.....Julie B from Invercargill. Many thanks Julie - its been a great Christmas.

Got a bit carried away today in packing up some of the Christmas ornaments and before I knew it the kids had taken the trees down and packed them away. So, it would appear that Christmas is well and truly over for us in this house this year. Still have the outside lights up though and they might just stay up until Andrew remembers to take them down as I can't reach them. LOL.

Did some of the sales today and got some more lights and candy canes (ready for making into reindeer and sleighs next Christmas). Aaron bought himself a soft toy penquin which we thought was half price and I'm sure when I went to school half of $8 is $4 not $5. If I had paid for it I wouldn't have worried about it but because it was his pocket money, I queried it and it turned out that they actually had 75% off. That made his day because he got a bigger refund! Was our bargain of the day. Got Alexia some new togs at Millers. She was a bit reluctant at going into an "old ladies shop" and hoped none of her friends spotted her, but was really pleased with the togs once she tried them on.

Starting to think about what is going on my list for 2008 - don't really do resolutions as I don't usually stick with them but lists I can do! Off to do some comments on those of you still blogging at this time of year.

Secret Santa

Just have to put up a photo of what was in my Secret Santa gift from someone in Invercargill. I know that because they put a post office box address on it. Theres about 5 of you down there but all will be revealed once Debbie posts the list on the SE Forum. Love everything about it from the bag and card (very clever with those by the way and going to copy that for next Christmas) that "SS" has made to the contents. It will all be used in due course. Thank you so much - just loving it.

I feel very lucky this year to have met such wonderful people through the SE Forum and am glad that I came out of lurkdom to join in. Got lots of happy mail this Christmas as a result. Thanks everyone.

Happy Birthday Mum

Caught up with Mum in Oz this morning for her birthday - her first in Oz. She is off to a picnic at the beach with my sister and her family while we snuggle up indoors from the rain and freezing wind. Happy Birthday Mum and hope you enjoy your first in Australia.


This is what Aaron left for Santa. Would appear that Dad missed out!!!




Well, Christmas is over and done with for another year. We had a very relaxing day with breakfast here and then round to Andrews parents for lunch. Was so stuffed couldn't face tea so it got flagged. We all got very spoilt and the kids were very happy with what they got. We gave them all a DVD player which they are busy charging up ready to go. Aaron loved his electronic rubiks cube and must say it is very cool to play with and Alexia is very taken with her rabbit mushabelly which sounds more like a chipmunk than a rabbit. They all loved their coupon books that I made and also the canvases for Andrew and Aaron. We all thought of our poor old Jazz and really missed having him amongst all the wrapping paper in his antlers. The dog album that I made for Andrew has been looked at numerous times and has been put in a special place!! Certainly the odd tear was shed. I got a label maker for my scrapbooking and some money which may go towards something for my cricut machine.


Heres Alexia and Aaron sussing out one of the presents. Very cool.



Christmas Lunch

Today is very quiet and we are watching DVD's before we head out this afternoon to my brothers place for a BBQ tea with his family. Sort of a Christmas catch up I guess - still it was nice not having to travel anywhere yesterday like we usually do. We are not bothering with the Boxing Day sales this year although would like some more outdoor Christmas lights but will suss it out later in the week.

Merry Christmas everyone.

Twas the Day Before Christmas

The big day is nearly here. The teenagers are just out of bed but they assure me that they will be up earlier tomorrow!! LOL. The veges have been bought - was there at 8.30 this morning and it was really busy. The music is playing and the lillies have just opened. So it is sounding and smelling like Christmas. Aaron is about to bake some lemon tarts (his speciality) with his friend Megan. Rebecca is wanting me to help her with the cricut so that she can make the placecards for breakfast and Alexia is making hers for the lunch table. So everything is just about done. Andrew is at work and hopefully finishing early. Rebecca still has to go to work but only from 3pm to 8pm. We will have fish and chips for tea and the kids are organising munchies for afterwards. Its a tradition!!

Just want to say to everyone who reads my blog and has left comments over past couple of months for a newbie in blogland - many many thanks. You have made me laugh and just made my day. I have been introduced to many new blogs and my list on bloglines gets longer everyday.

Merry Christmas to you all and have a very special day with your family and friends. If you are out and about - be safe in your travels. Will catch up with you all after Christmas and will reveal who my Secret Santa is (have a sneaky suspicion). So have a good one from all of us here.

We Are Such a Tragic Pair

For the first time in I don't know how long - we were childless. Aaron was at a party, Alexia swimming with her friends and Rebecca at work. So what did Andrew & I do? We went to the dump! After having a cleanup in the garden this morning - you know the getting everything ready for Christmas look - we went to the dump and queued for about 20 mins once we got in the gate along with half of Christchurch. How exciting!!! No, tragic is more like it. We have forgotten how to be adults and do nice relaxing things and make the most of having no children for a few hours. We didn't feel like facing the malls and the carparks just to get a coffee somewhere and all our shopping is done anyway. Talk about boring! I think this may be a New Years resolution in the making - learn to do things that are not child orientated in preparation for our babies leaving the nest, especially as Rebecca will be 18 and leaving school at the end of 2008. We came home from the dump and got some nibbles and drinks and watched Wild Hogs. So it didn't all end too badly but by then we had one return home and now the other two are gradually drifting in. Gonna have to work on this one.


Here are photos of the last coupon book. Lots of pink, bling and teddies - all are Alexias favourites! My desk has been cleaned up and not looking very creative. I think I'm done with it all for now. Am not feeling very inspired to anything.

My Lucky Day

Yay - got my December Kit from SE and boy is it a doozey. Just fabulous - don't know when I'll get around to using it though! Also got some bits and pieces to finish off a couple of projects and also a birthday present for one of Aarons friends - the K & Co Doorhanger which I'm sure she will love doing. Also got happy mail from Tanya (pink tags & chocolate) and Michele (flocked brads). Thanks guys - will email you later. These are two ladies I have "met" this year through scrapbooking - Tanya through the shop and lurking on her blog for a while, and Michele is the one who I send the circle journals on to and "talk" to on the computer.

My kitchen has been invaded by teenagers. Rebecca has a friend here in full chocolate production. I don't mind SO LONG AS THEY CLEAN UP THE MESS!!! She has also made truffles and lolly cake ready for Christmas. We made the mallowpuff puddings and also Santas sleighs yesterday. So nearly everything on my list is done. Still deciding about a cake - bit late I know - but who cares! Check this out - sorry not the best photo in the world.

Am off to Tanya's tonight for a bit of cropping and Christmas cheer!

Rarotonga - NOT!

Today I "did" Christmas with my friend and neighbour Heidi. We went out to Rangiora for the day - did the scrapbook shop, lunched, opened presents and shopped. One of her children thought we were off to Rarotonga - didn't we wish! Many, many thanks Heidi for a really good day out and my present. She gave me a DVD of The Holiday and some Provocraft black and white lettering that I soooo needed. LOL. It was so hot again today but windy with it. Was so tiring that I even had a nana nap around 4pm. Aaron woke me at 5pm wanting food - what else!

Have been working on Aarons volcano power point presentation which is being presented to the class either tomorrow or Wednesday. Who does this sort of thing in the last days of school - I thought it was time to be winding down? My brain is just not up to this sort of thing at this time of year. I have a sneaky suspicion that he has known about it for a while and been working on it in class and just not managed to get it finished. He is neither confirming or denying. Got his school report and its pretty good although he has to focus more on finishing things (haven't I just mentioned that) and also work on his presentation. No surprises there - his handwriting for a 12 year old is appalling and who cares how many times he crosses things out, spells wrong and leaves out capital letters!!! Just basic stuff that I would have thought he would know going into Year 8. He doesn't care. But I do, unfortunately for him. On the whole though, he has had a really good year - is with a great bunch of friends and maybe even grown up a little bit and become a bit more responsible. (At home its a different story though). Am very proud of him and its a bit hard to think of my baby being in his last year of primary school next year.

Shhhh...

Teddies are asleep!! Look what we whipped up today and they are now safely hidden away so they don't get munched too quickly (like my mince tarts which are nearly gone). Should have used the chocolate flavoured ones to make them stand out more on the bed but this was all they had at the supermarket AND they have chocolate on the back. Thanks Beverley - did go on the forum and also really like the little cups as well but am so running out of time for all these new ideas. Have started a new file on the computer for them all for next year!

It is soooo hot today - would have to be well over 30 but silly us had to go out in the middle of the day and put up our outside Christmas lights around the house. Bought them in the Boxing Day sales last year so it is a first for us. Aaron is very excited and can't wait until tonight for the big lights on. Have got a couple of lots of hanging icicles and a string of clear. They don't go very far but must admit to being just a tad excited about it all myself.

Forgot to add...

For Annelie - the books are from one of our local scrapbook shops where she does them in the shop. Also got the paper cut there too!

Must also share this email - very funny.

Hiya...Parker Family

I see again that you have let Andrew come to work with running shoes on while he is wearing jeans again!
I wonder if as his children you could explain to him the fashion tragedy that this is, an explanation now may save you future fatherly embarrassment.

Compliments of the season.

And our reply:

Dear Mr ....
Thank you for your concern in this matter. It would appear to be a problem that we both seem to be concerned about. Please believe us that we have tried very hard to rectify this matter but as you can see we have failed. We are doomed to receive the unwanted attention and embarrassment that our father causes by wearing such clothes and combinations of clothes.

We had such high hopes that your own personal style would rub off on him but it would appear not to have worked either.

Our compliments of the season to you as well and we thank you again for your concern for our wellbeing.

Parker Family.

It would appear to be Andrews turn to be "got at". It is a bit of a family joke about his lack of dress sense. He does dressy and grunge really well but sort of gets the casual wrong. Apparently I am not his mother!!!!

Its a Mess..

A creative mess, that is! This is what my desk looks like at the moment. Have just finished doing Aarons coupon book and was eventually left with a little space on my desk big enough to do his book. Two down - one to go. Here are the photos of Rebecca and Aarons books. The vouchers include $1 scratchie, $2 Shop, Date with Dad, Date with Mum, Subway. The girls have Glassons and a chemist voucher for photo developing. Aaron has a Warehouse voucher as well as Time Zone.

For Rebeccas book I have used the Daisy D girlfriend range and there were some rub ons that matched her exactly saying - I am a dancer, creative, a friend, unique and a dreamer. For Aarons, I have used Crate Paper Zoom Collection. Has been a great way of using up lots of bits and pieces hence my desk looking the way it does! Warning - lots of photos coming up!

If I get time I might decorate up one of my many $2 Shop tins as these fit perfectly inside one of the sizes that I got.

Have been updated on Janine W's blog and am really impressed with what she has done with this months kit so am off to check out the SE gallery to see what everyone else has done. Can't wait to get mine this month and also waiting on the Queen & Co red felt stars just for a couple to put in Aarons book.

Happy Mail

Yahoo! Today was the day for lots of happy mail - both sorts - the hand delivered sort and the mailman sort.

Tanya delivered some Christmas presents for the kids - really really cool santa suit bags filled with chocolates and lollies. Lucky me also got a beautiful Christmas box with a gorgeous decoration and a pressie inside but am going to be real good and leave it under the tree until Christmas. The mailman brought me a lovely tag card made by Michelle (mich) and also my Secret Santa gift. Now this one, I have looked at, but its Tanya's fault as she made me!! Its also very cool with lots of goodies and will do a photo later probably Boxing Day when my Secret Santa is revealed.

Had a "Just 'Cos" day out with Tanya. First up we went to a scrapbook sale. Yep, thats right and it was a closing down sale!! Had 50% off everything except papers which were all $1.00. So got 30 Basic Grey papers, Jenni Bowlin journalling cards, Tombow, 2 refills for my sticker maker, 2x Queen & Co felt fusion and a wooden album cover, all for the grand total of $60. Really wanted some cricut (anything would have been OK) but there was none. We ended up at Cobb & Co for lunch followed by a bit of Christmas shopping.

As for Shortland Street tonight - what a let down. Talk about it all happening in the last 5 minutes but must admit did not think it was Joey. Hope Tania gives him what for - right where it hurts!

Our Thursday

Thursday already - where has this week gone? Seem to have been out and about most days getting bits and pieces (and I thought I had finished my shopping). Am nearly finished Aarons coupon book for Christmas and will do a photo tomorrow of Rebeccas finished one. I am really pleased with them and hope that they like them.

Aaron is not doing anything at school except watching DVD's, playing on the computer and playstation. Yes - someone did bring it to school. He is in a composite class of Year 7 & 8's and the Year 8's have gone on camp so it would appear that the rest of them are largely unsupervised in the class!!! I thought they were having a reliever but it would appear not. Will get Andrew onto the case as he has a board meeting at school tonight.

Rebecca went off to her dance class only to be returned home as they apparently finished last week. Wouldn't you have thought that someone could have rung and told us. She has missed the last couple - one because of an exam and the other because she had huge weepy yukky blisters on her heels but still it would have been nice to be told. She is happy because she has been asked to do an extra shift at the supermarket. Has dollar signs in her eyes!

Alexia is busy making Tanyas little sequin Christmas pudding decorations from the 12 days of Christmas. Aaron has made one too and they are very cool. Keep having to buy sequins though! It is proving to be a very crafty Christmas in this household this year and now wish that I had started sooner. All "normal" scrapbooking has gone by the by and I am now 6 weeks behind on the CPC 52 Pieces of Me! They are up to week 6. LOL.

Yahoo - Tanyas continuing with another 12 days of Christmas.

From Beverleys Blog

I saw this questionare on Beverly’s blog and thought I would answer it as well for Christmas!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Normally just wrapping paper but I do have some gift bags for the odd special present. I like lots of different coloured paper too.

2. Real tree or artificial? Has to be artificial due to hayfever.

3. When do you put up the tree? Usually around December 1st.

4. When do you take the tree down? When I get sick of it and want my rooms back to normal. Usually around New Years though.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Transistor radio comes to mind. Bit of a touchy point as my sister always got the pretty pink things and I got blue. Even my radio had a blue tag.

7. Do you have a Nativity scene? No.

8. Hardest person to buy for? My father-in-law and the kids find Andrew hard.

9. Easiest person to buy for? I would have to say Me and the kids.

10. Worst Christmas Gift you ever received? Can't recall an actual present although don't appreciate a treasure hunt to find it.

11. Mail or email Christmas cards? Don't do a lot of cards but mail.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? In our family the Die Hard ones come out of the cupboard but also really like the original Miracle on 34th Street.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I start on Boxing Day!! We only do $5 presents so that everyone in the extended family gets one and there are lots of bargains in the sales. Shop throughout the year as well.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Andrew gets given lots of bottles of wine etc and as we don't drink then yes it does get given away - not necessarily as presents though.

15. Favorite things to eat at Christmas? Ham, ham and more ham. Also KFC coleslaw.

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Coloured.

17. Favorite Christmas song? Cliff Richards, Mistletoe and Wine. Also love kids singing Edith the Elf!!

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? This year will be staying put and really looking forward to it too. Am a bit over the travelling around on Christmas Day.

19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and Rudolph.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? On Christmas morning we have the grandparents come round to watch the kids open parcels but until they get here they are allowed to open the ones to each other and their stockings.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? How the schools leave everything to the last couple of weeks to organise trips, camps etc. Also no one seems to have any patience in mall carparks.

23. What is the silliest Christmas tradition you do? Mum made the mistake one year joking about the Christmas toilet paper that is in the shops so now each year she gets given it even if she is in Australia this year.

24. Ugliest Christmas Decoration ever invented? Can’t think of one.

25. Which looks best, theme trees or homey trees? Theme trees before kids and then once they came along with their handmade decorations from Playcentre, Kindy and School I let them have their own tree. Now I don't care.

26. Gingerbread or sugar cookies? Probably gingerbread.

27. Do you like Fruitcake? Definitely.

Have just received two courier parcels. One with Christmas presents from Australia and the other is tinbum Rebecca winning another competition. This time its full of skincare products to the value of $110. About a month ago she won $200 worth of haircare. Gonna be looking good ain't she!!!

End of Busy Weekend

Thats the end of that one! On Saturday we had a Christmas BBQ at Tanya & Neils as well as for Noahs 2nd birthday. He is one cute kid that one! We had a great time although Andrew had to leave with Alexia as she was babysitting and still wanted to come for a while. He did come back though. The kids had a treasure hunt and lolly scramble. Aaron was right in his element and just loved playing with all the boys and especially seeing Jarrod and Leigh again. They had a waterslide but it got very cold - funny thing about kids is that they don't seem to feel the cold! Lots of teeth chattering and goosebumps though. Thanks Tanya and Neil for including us in your circle of friends this year.
Heres Leigh on the waterslide and yes I forgot to turn the photo.

Today we had Andrews work picnic. All three kids are too old for presents now but they still like to go anyway. They put on a BBQ lunch. We had El Gregoe, the Magician, Santa, running races, lolly scramble, pony rides, bungy thing and ride on cars which were Alexia and Aarons favourite. It was really hot for once and was weatherwise the best work picnic we have had in quite a few years. The temperature guage on the car said 27. We actually got a little sunburnt in spite of sunblock. Does this mean its summer??? The swimming pool was open but apparently the water was freezing.

Heres Aaron and Alexia in the wheelbarrow race.

And Alexia on the cars

Haven't done too much scrapping wise this weekend but its nice just to go and sit at my desk and look at my "stuff"!!

Heres the Christmas crackers all done. Used the Basic Grey Figgy Pudding range and have a funny feeling that they are going to be hard to pull apart but not my problem and I'm sure no one else is going to worry about it either.

The plan for this week is to do some Christmas baking, get haircuts and finish the kids coupon books (well maybe finish 2 out of 3), and the Christmas grocery shopping later on in the week. Need to make some dates for lunches out - just 'cos I can!!! LOL.

End of Week

Its now the end of another busy week and I'm had it! Have just about shopped till I dropped today and can say that I have finally finished the Christmas shopping. It is even all wrapped up! It had gotten to that stage where I just needed a bit of this and a bit of that to go with a certain parcel and so blitzed it today. Even sent off my Secret Santa. Bought some tins today from $2 Shop just for decorating up. They had lots of different sizes and it was hard choosing so may yet go back and get some more over the weekend once I work out what I want them for! We did the Farmers sale last night and got some "Nana" presents as well as Andrews Secret Santa for his Te Reo class which finishes for the year next week.

Sorry folks - have been having another play but this time I have joined Bloglines so that I don't have to sit here for ages going from blog to blog checking up on you all. Have just added three of you to my list for starters so will see what happens with that. Hopefully I haven't mucked anything up as per usual! Thanks to Beverley and Hannah for that suggestion. Just wondering how I get notified though!

Have finished my Christmas crackers and will add photo over weekend. Used the instructions from the MM Christmas book and they are pretty flash if I do say so myself (compared to other years anyway). Kids have been giving them a little shake now and then and have well and truly sussed out which one is theirs.

Both girls are now finished school totally. Alexia is busy doing um... nothing and driving me nuts with it. She just wants to sit around all day and watch DVD's and repeats of Desperate Housewives. Rebecca is out and about on the buses doing Christmas shopping and meeting her friends. They are so different. Alexia is going to apply for work at the new Bunnings being built a couple of streets over and due to open in March. They have just started advertising now and it would be so handy for her, and best of all we wouldn't need to take her! Will do her good.

Are off to Tanya's tomorrow for her Christmas BBQ and of course Noahs 2nd birthday. Really looking forward to that and hope that you are feeling better now Tanya.

Santa Parade

Today we went off to the Santa Parade. We found out that there were 150 floats from Alexia's ranger leader who was marshalling. There were a few gaps and a bit of waiting between some of them but it was great. Thought we were going to get rained on but it held off. This year I took lots of photos of all the "old" floats that were around from when I was a kid and will do them in some sort of nostalgia type of scrapbook page. Theres been criticism over the years about all the cultural groups that take part but it certainly adds to the colour of the parade and its really nice that they all get behind it. Both girls recognised friends in the parade from Japan, China and Korea. Aarons friend and neighbour, Megan was also on a float and although we waved madly don't think she saw us.

This is one of the "oldies" and one of the "newbies" (Aarons favourite).

Just a wee note about our white tree - its only the second year we have had it and I'm still a bit iffy over it being white. We had a big green one which finally died (if thats possible with an artificial one) and were without a big tree for a couple of years. Got this one on sale last year for $50. The only thing I don't like is that the white and clear decorations get lost on it and so they have been moved onto the green one. The kids like it and even Aaron thinks it looks pretty!

Now off to finish my Christmas pudding decoration thanks to Tanya on the SE Consultants blog.

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Todays the day! Although both kids wanted to help set it up they soon disappeared when it came to actually pulling out all the branches - thats got to be the worst job. They came back to help with the decorations though. Have left some for Rebecca to do after work.

From this:

To this:

We also have a couple of tiny trees which sit on the coffee tables and also a green 6ft one in the lounge to do as well. Lots of little table decorations to put out and a couple of things to go on the walls and then I think we're going to be done. Oops - forgot about the outside lights which we have never done before and have a couple of sets that we got in the after Christmas sales last year. So thats us - the beginnings of Christmas.

Thats the end of that one

Yay - both girls are finished exams and must say they are very relieved about it all. Alexia is all for burning her years geography work as she is not taking it next year. Now for the waiting game until January. They should both be OK though.

Its the end of another busy week and am exhausted. Am fed up with running kids here, there and everywhere. Am glad that we haven't got anything on this weekend but are off to the Santa Parade on Sunday - one of our family traditions that luckily everyone is still into. Just trying to think of a new angle for taking photos so that my scrapbook pages year after year for this are different.

Am putting up the tree tomorrow and kids very excited about it especially Aaron. Advent calender starts and this year they all want the goodies in my fabric one rather than the chocolate ones from the shops.

Rebeccas job is going well and she has her first pay under her belt but bit reluctant to spend it. Told her that everyone is allowed to spend their first one but she's a bit of a saver so this could be difficult for her!!! Not like her mother at all. One of the bonuses of her working is that now Alexia gets to do the babysitting and she thinks that is really cool. Although we did check up on her on Thursday and she didn't answer her phone. Bit of a worry and we had threatened to come round if that happened but turned out she was reading stories and didn't hear it.

Aaron has just got home from the school disco. No dancing with girls for my boy - he's just interested in playing with the glow sticks and seeing which of his friends can drink the most cans of coke. Six by the way and not feeling too good with it. Five for his friend Tom, and he was as high as a kite. Told his mother good luck as we were leaving!

Off to check what Tanya has been up to seeing as she has challenged herself to blog every day in December! SE December Kit revealed tomorrow - can't wait.

Dog Album Photos

This album is now finished and ready to wrap up for Andrew for Christmas. Was a bit sad doing it but feel good about it now. Hopefully he will feel the same.

And thats half of it but you get the idea.

Not Again

Yes, I've been fiddling with my settings again but seem to manage to "practice" on Julies Blog. Was trying to get rid of the spam in the comments so thought I would alter the settings in the comments so clicked on something in the dashboard but Tanya told me what it was saying and it seemed kinda rude so have deleted that. Now have found the thing where you have to type in the letters that I have come across on everyone elses so that is much better.

Also wanted it to send me emails of peoples comments (on my blog) but somehow on Julies blog I was getting sent emails of everyones comments to her blog. Not what was supposed to happen!!!! LOL.

I think I'm happy with it now and perhaps should leave things well alone. But in saying that want to have the thing where I get notified of people posting on their blogs so that I don't spend ages blog hopping to see if anyone has written anything new. Any suggestions? I think this is what I mucked up on Julies first time round.

Busy day ahead getting photos, scrapping, shopping and a Stamping Up party tonight. Was supposed to be aquajogging today but Judy can't go and its really really boring doing it by yourself so will have a day off from it. Will add some photos here later as have finished the album for Andrew for Christmas.

I Love Billy...!!!

Look what I got today!! Another pair of Billy shoes in my favourite colour. Thanks Tanya for feeding my addiction. I love them.

Well another week closer to Christmas - loving it already. Had Andrews work "do" on Saturday night at Twiggers. It was nice but we were packed in like sardines and it got really hot. Left just as the fireworks were going off from Christmas in the Park so got to see them as well. Next up for us is the Santa Parade at the weekend followed by BBQ/Noahs birthday the following one and the work picnic.

Have signed up for the 52 Pieces of Me at Country Papercraft in Australia but are already 3 weeks behind so will have some serious scrapping to do to catch up. This weeks layout is all about your friends. A good opportunity to scrap Tanya's favourite photo methinks!!! She did challenge us to use it. She has also passed on Beverleys CJ to do before next week and its a lovely bright one all about colour so just have to print off some photos which I will get onto tomorrow.

The girls are on their last week of exams and studying hard. Will be glad when its all over as just seem to be the taxi at present.

Yay - I actually think summer is here. Will whisper it in case I jinx it though. Lots of beautiful weather and hayfever with it! Yep, its summer.

November Layouts

Congratulations to the new DT team at SE - Megan, Neen, Hannah and Janine. Looking forward to what they come up with over the next year. Also picked up the latest For Keeps today and guess who I "found" in there - congratulations Hannah. Its one of my favourite magazines.

Have done a couple of layouts for the November Layout Competition at SE. Had to do a scraplift of one of the "old" DT layouts. The Christmas one is a scraplift of Jo's. I did it because it was simple and used up one of the many Santa photos I have. This is the one being entered. The "Cute" layout is one of Neens. I loved all the circles and it was so easy to do. Am not entering it as it is not exactly as she did. She had stamped the background with circles as well - I tried that but it didn't look right. Used up some of my scraps as well. Yahoo!


Now for a ramble of thoughts.

Tanya left today for Invercargill so "good cropping" ladies and have fun. I'm sure you will. Rebecca is currently in her English exam. Poor thing - its a stinking hot day here and she has to go through to 5pm. Alexia is having a day off study today as her next 2 are both on Wednesday. I have been scrapping finishing the above layouts and also ducked out to the shops to get some rhinestones - me who would never once have thought about including them on a page let alone going out specially to buy them for one!! Aaron has just come home from school absolutely starving - why is it that - there is no hello or anything its just "I'm hungry, whats to eat?" Still tossing up whether or not to go to the Christmas in the Park rehearsal tonight. Can't be bothered with the huge crowds tomorrow and its a lot more relaxed at the rehearsal and you get to sit right up front. Will see what the weather is going to do.

Customer Service - Yeah Right!!!

After working for Bakers Delight for 3 years and meeting their standards for excellent customer service (scoring a couple of 99/100 for mystery shops - just blowing my own trumpet here - LOL), it has really opened my eyes to customer service everywhere. Boy, did we cop it at Spotlight today. After not receiving our discount on an advertised item we waited for about 20 minutes to receive a refund of $1.20. In this day and computer age to have to have them handwrite it all out is archaic. First of all the lady argued that the items I bought were not included, then she had to go and check in the aisle, then had to check with someone else, then the catalogue and finally the refund. I got the giggles as my friend was having the same issue but her saleslady was muttering under her breath about customers wanting refunds and she kept mucking it up while trying to do two customers for refunds at the same time. Meanwhile the queue behind us is getting longer and longer. It will be a while before we venture back there and it definitely pays to check your receipts.

Good luck to those who have entered for the new Design Team at SE. It closes today and can't wait to see what everyone has done and who the new team will be.

Have finally finished my doggie album for Andrew for Christmas so thats one thing off the list. Have just bought some of the Figgy Pudding papers to make crackers this year with - boy are they going to be flash this year!! Have collected bits and pieces to put in them and just need to come up with some new corny jokes. Finished Janines CJ pages and all ready for the courier tomorrow. My first entry for the Kiwi Jack Me Up is also done and posted here. Now just have to sort out a layout from one of the "old" design team to copy for the November layout competition.

Rebecca had her first day on the job on Saturday and had a really good shift. Mostly packed and had a bit of training on the till. Seems like she can pick up some more shifts once the exams are over. She really liked it and keen to go again. Yes, we did sneak a look at her working but she didn't see us. Wondered how she was going all day though.

Exams have started - Rebecca had chemistry today and finished early but she thinks she did as best she could and that is all we can ask. They did get interrupted with a fire alarm though and had to leave their papers there and file out. They weren't allowed to talk to each other either. Nothing like a bit of drama to start it all off. Alexia has maths tomorrow morning. So good luck Lex.

Jack Me Up

Here is my version of the latest Kiwi Jack Me Up.

L o n g Update

Thanks for the comments ladies and Debbie, it was your blog that got me thinking along Christmas lines!!! I think the wee books are Creative Imaginations but Tanya will correct me if I am wrong. Hey Michele, great layout in the latest UP 2 Scrap. Don't quite get the digital thing and what happens to it once you've finished it? Where does it go? Maybe when you have finished doing your Crafting Connection thing you can tell me.

Rebecca found out today that she got the job of "checkout chick" at the New World supermarket in town doing a 12-9pm shift on a Saturday. Yay - I don't have to pay pocket money anymore!! Will be good for her and give her something more to do once the exams are over so hopefully she will get more shifts over the holidays. She has been babysitting this week and raked in $70 over 2 nights. She got paid $50 for babysitting on Cup Night and I had to check with Leanne that that was what they meant to pay her as we decided that they must have been a tad tipsy when they left it out for her or they had a big win at the races. I remember being stoked at getting $10 for babysitting - must be inflation.

Andrew apparently did a good job on his speech and came home at 11.30pm!!! He was buzzing and was sitting on the bed talking nineteen to the dozen. I had to tell him to go away around midnight as I had to go to sleep and he came to bed around 2am!! One down and now just the junior prizegiving to go. He got given a huge bunch of flowers by some of the senior girls which was unexpected and he gave them to me - aw shucks!


Have bought a big tin at the Warehouse today in a mint green colour - its got Housekeepers Box written on the side and I plan on decorating it up to keep some of the crap on my desk in. It has a lift out bit in the top and a big space underneath so should be able to hide lots in it. There was also a peg basket which I might get next time but will probably be a bit flash to keep pegs in! LOL. Finally found the scrapbook frames there as well - spotted them ages ago and then they seemed to sell out but now have them so got a couple as well. Also got my Spongebob Squarepants christmas crackers which are going to look great on my white tree as they are red. So, yes I have had a wee spend today as well as doing the groceries and spending another small fortune there as well.


Also managed to fit in a birthday lunch with my friend Heidi at the Crepe Cafe - YUM.


Aaron went to the Zone Sports today and thinks he got near last in the discus and the team came third in the relay. He was happy and seems to have had a good day out. The bus didn't get back to school until 3.45pm so a few grumpy parents waiting - get over it!!


Off to get Rebecca as have been summoned to pick her up - next on the list - getting her driving!

My To Do List

Yep, its that time of year again. Only 6 weeks until Christmas. Loving it already. Have just about done all the shopping for those in Australia - just have to get a couple of things later this afternoon and then wrap and post. These wee books are what I have made for my nieces aged 6 and 4. They just have about 4 photos and are titled "A Little Book of Me". Lots of glitter and bling and pink!! Have just about finished the dog album for Andrew. Its been a sad one to do looking at all the photos and doing the journalling. Even Aaron said to me "Are you trying to make Dad cry?" I mean, what do you say to that? The kids shopping is all done apart from a couple of DVD's and just have to do the coupon books for them as well. I have made the canvas for me that the ladies made at SENZ - loving it - although its more of a noticeboard for me of when all the challenges are due. Now have to get some more of the papers to do one for my friend in Blenheim. Might just do my Christmas crackers at Tanya's crop next time I go as am a bit inspired to make better ones than I have other years after seeing them in my Making Memories Christmas book. Also now that I have seen Rochelles tree made from the same book would also like to give that a go. Theres baking to do and a cake to make as well as wrap the presents which seems to take forever so I tend to get onto it early. Now thats some list!! But am feeling quite organised this year and really looking forward to it all. Every year we have the big move around on the day trying to accommodate both families but this year is the first one Mum is in Australia for (after moving over there to live at the start of the year) and just feel that it would be quite nice to just stay at home for the day and enjoy it. Thats the plan at the moment anyway. Need to talk to my brother about that - hopefully he feels the same way. It was always stressful trying to organise and co-ordinate.

My girls finish school today and exams start on Monday. They have both done quite well in that going into the exams Rebecca has 74 credits and Alexia has about 67. (They only need 80 to pass). Alexia is not good at exams and tends to panic and then runs out of time. Rebecca just takes it all in her stride. It just seems so early to be finishing school though! The senior prize-giving is on tonight and they have both missed out on getting an award which is good in one way in that I don't have to go but a bit disappointed for them in missing out. Alexia said it was the first year that she wasn't getting anything .

Andrew is stressing big time as being Chairman of the Board he has to give a speech at the prize-giving. But I know he will be fine as he has done it plenty of times and been really good at it. He has been learning Maori all year and said he would be happier giving it Maori because then no one would know what he was saying!!

It is pouring with rain today and the Zone Sports have been postponed - Aaron is a bit disappointed about that as it means he will have to go to Technology instead where they are cooking. Don't think he is liking that as much as the other things he has done this year.

Next on the list is Janines CJ to do. A Secret Santa to think about and more shopping. I love shopping!

Pamper Me

In the words of Spongebob Squarepants "Its the best day ever"!!! I've been well and truly pampered and now have a photo to prove it. Big thanks to Tanya - a very special new friend with a very generous heart. She gave me some goodies as per the photo which smell gorgeous and in her trademark pink of course. We have been out to lunch at La Porchetta and shopped. Then coffee'ed (?) and to finish off we went to Time Zone and played basketball and Deal or No Deal. Now to some this may be no big deal and I have done lunch, shopping and coffee often with friends but no one has ever done it for me "just because". So thank you thank you thank you Tanya - "Its the best day ever".


To follow on from that, when I picked the girls up from school the first thing Rebecca wanted to know was if Tanya gave me the present and when I told her that yes she did and how did she know. She said ITS PINK!!! LOL. They are starting to know you so well Tanya. When I told them that we had been to Time Zone they cracked up and couldn't believe that we played basketball and Deal or No Deal. The fact that I have never set foot in one of these places before has nothing to do with it. I asked did this make me a cool Mum as this was another discussion that we have had over the past few days and apparently I am kinda cool somedays and other days not. They also said we should have done the photo thing at Time Zone but theres always next time!

So Janine, if you happen to read my blog all this started because of your Pamper Me CJ. Its amazing how one thing can lead on to so many different things from the comments left on my blog to my big day out? Now have the inspiration to do the pages and thanks to those who have left suggestions.

Fireworks

Well, we went, we saw and don't think we'll be going again. It was pouring with rain and yes they were great but it all got overshadowed by trying to find Rebecca in the aftermath amongst the thousands. She had gone out with her friends for tea first and then they all got the bus to Brighton but for some reason we couldn't reach her on her cell phone afterwards to arrange for her to meet us for a ride home. She ended up having to walk for miles towards us and we were getting a bit worried. Andrew was fuming that she had her phone turned off but it just turned out that she was in a no service area. Some kids along from where we were waiting, were lighting fireworks in the middle of the road and also setting them off across the road into cars. Really really stupid. Was quite glad to get home in the end.

Wow, you ladies are great leaving comments. Although a bit worried about Tanya's plans for tomorrow. Initially by text I thought she may have just wanted my car to transport trestle tables for the crops. Yes I did think that, but only now after reading the comments am not at all sure. Will have to wait and see. Have got an idea for the Pamper Me pages now and thanks to Janine my newest favourite drink is the Jarrah Chocolate Fudge. Just yummy and no I didn't share!!! Does that count as pampering? LOL.

Have got my bag all packed up and ready to go to the crop tonight. Will try really really hard not to use Mr Visa as we have just paid it all off and it would be really obvious if something went on for scrapbooking and not able to be hidden amongst everything else. You know what I mean! I want to do some more 6x12 pages of the dog album for Andrew for Christmas and also do the canvas with the poppies that was done at SENZ. My friend Heidi is also coming tonight. Am really loving the 6x12 pages as they are so easy and quick to do. Got 120 photos printed off today so will have plenty to sort through and work with.

Will let you all know what Tanya is up to!!!

Circle Journal

Tanya visited today and handed over Janines CJ. Now that is going to take some thinking about. The topic is Pamper Me. I don't really do pampering!!! Am taking more interest in my clothes now that I have lost some weight and even bought a size 14 pants!! I haven't fitted that size for about 20 years. Am feeling real good about that. I hate having my hair cut or more to the point resent forking out the money to get it done. I colour it myself. I have bitten my fingernails all of my life so that is not an option for pampering. Although am considering doing the false stick on things - can't remember what they're called. Don't usually do makeup - mostly lippy. (Be quiet Tanya). Rebecca uses and owns more make up than I do. Have never had a massage or a facial. Am starting to think what a tragic life I have lead. So this one is definitely going to be a challenge.

Have just finished the layout for the Friday night challenge to use a quote, corner rounder and 3 embellishments. Tried to upload it here again but no go - maybe next time.

Been Scrapping

Have had a busy day scrapping wise and have done the Sketch Challenge layout which was a circle. Have been wanting to try one of these for ages ever since Tanya did one for the SE competition. Used a really old paper (from the days when I bought theme papers and somehow it survived the last big cleanout when it all went on Trade Me) and bazzill bling for the journalling. Must say am not too impressed with the bling as it seems to come apart between the layers - learnt that my Cricut does not like it either - what a mess!!! Have also finished my pages for Kellys CJ and am not sure if I like them as they are very plain but hopefully the journalling makes up for that. Must remember to take a photo tomorrow before sending it off on Monday. Also finished the little books for my nieces in Australia and now must get on with sorting out their presents and Mums (also in Oz) ready for posting.

Will try and upload some photos tomorrow as doesn't seem to be co-operating at present.

We have been having a big cleanout at home - I think its called spring cleaning!!! Getting rid of lots of rubbish and finally finding homes for things that have been lying around for a while. Also managed to get rid of the dust in our bedroom - its been a while. Its a real feel good feeling when things like this get done.

My supernanny thing kinda worked. Didn't realise how many times they all wrote down loading and unloading the dishwasher. I wonder if there were that many days in a fortnight!! Have told them they can't count that for this coming fortnight. I now get them arguing over wanting to do the jobs - is that a good or bad thing?

Lucky...

Yahoo, this time its Rebecca's turn. She got a colours award in assembly for rockclimbing. Was the only one in the team to get one. She doesn't say much about these things but was happy to have her photo taken. We are having a lucky run at the moment.

I won the draw for the Sketch Challenge at SE with the 6x12 of everyone wanting to walk Jasper. Lucky me. Now have to think about the next one which is a circle and am thinking I will use the October kit for it as I haven't even looked at that yet.

Went to Tanyas last night for the first SE crop. It was great being able to buy Megs goodies at the time although may have to think twice about taking the Visa card along!! Many thanks to Tanya and will definitely be at the next one.

Proud Mama

Alexia has just received two awards in the Arts Colours Assembly - one was for service to the Zonta Club and the other was for service to the library. The girls think these assemblies are really boring but not this year!!! I got a very excited text from her afterwards and she is stoked. Alexia is one of those kids who try really hard and frequently get overlooked so it has been a hugh boost to her self esteem. Both girls are expecting something in the Sports Colours Assembly for their rockclimbing so will just have to wait and see.

Aaron has just found out that he has gotten into the Zone Athletics Sports for discus and also for the relay. He really tried hard to get in for this year as other years there have been lots of really sporty/competitive kids who have always gone but they left school to go to intermediate leaving the field wide open - so to speak.

Good on ya kids!

All the blue food colouring seems to have cleaned up alright with just a couple of very faint dots on the carpet but not enough to worry about. Just need to find out about magic erasers and where to get it from - sounds like something I need to have.

Counter

Its taken me a while but have finally figured out how to do this so now I will know how many people are reading my blog - mostly me checking comments - LOL!!

Heard of Little Green Men...

Well, we've gone blue! Aaron caused a big disaster with just a little bottle of blue food colouring that he hadn't screwed the lid on properly. It fell on the floor and luckily the bottle didn't break but it went EVERYWHERE. Its amazing how far it went for such a small bottle. I was thinking insurance claim as the grout in the tiles was blue, we had blue dots on the carpet, across the kitchen cupboards, on the oven front - you get the picture! In the process of cleaning up we had blue hands and feet. I was not happy.

Anyhow been playing with my scrapping supplies over the weekend. This layout is for the sketch challenge. Wasn't going to do it as it is 6x12 and I have enough albums but decided to do it for a Christmas present about our Jazz. Have chased round a couple of the scrapbook shops to find some 6x12 page protectors but they only have them the other way and am not sure if that is the way I want the album to go. May have to talk to our Miss SE Consultant and she what she has to say. She has some real good ideas!!

This one is for the Friday night challenge where it had to been from one manufacturer. I chose Sassafras Lass and used the new papers that I bought at SENZ. Not overly happy with it as I really missed using my plain card and its quite busy for me.

This last one is from a series of photos that I have already scrapped but still really like it so have put in into my album of favourites. The layouts in this album are 8x8 and really simple.

Yahoo!!!

Congratulations to Tanya on being the new Consultant for Scrapbook Essentials. From a purely selfish point of view I can get to buy goodies from SE here in CHCH and also get to do crops and classes with a very talented lady especially since I am a scrapbooker with no original ideas!! LOL. Can't wait.

Why Is It That...

Why is that people are not nicer to each other? Why do they not care about other peoples feelings and feel that they can walk all over them to get what they want? Quite some time ago Meg wrote in her blog about something that had happened within the scrapbook industry - I don't know what she was referring to and quite frankly don't want to know. But at the time I thought that can't happen - its scrapbooking for goodness sake however since then I have changed my mind big time after what has happened to a friend within the industry. I find it hard to believe after all this person did that she was treated the way she was and now that she is out of that situation is better off for it. They have lost a very creative and dedicated person who was an asset to the business. So good luck my friend in your new endeavours and be assured that you have one supporter here.

In the past couple of weeks within our school community we have lost two young lives - one aged 10 through illness and the other aged 12 years through a very tragic accident yesterday. My condolences go out to both these families. When you hear of things like this it makes you want to hug your kids tighter and watch their every move to keep them safe in that big bad world. So when things happen like what has happened to my friend it really makes you wonder about some peoples priorities and just what they are thinking. I wonder if it was worth it!

Blinkie

Its taken me all day to figure this out and big thanks to Mrs Frizz for helping me get to this point but OMG I've done it. The blinkie is on the blog. Think I'll try to upload some photos of layouts just to see if that is working now.

OMG - I'm on a roll now - dare I try again for another layout. Nope would appear that is it for now. Will try again tomorrow.

Long Weekend

Its been a bit quiet round here this weekend which is really nice for a change. Have had something on just about every weekend lately. In saying that though took Alexia out to Blue Skies yesterday where we had to put up tents for a guide camp on today. This was the last thing we had to do for the Jamboree fundraising. Now just have to pay for it by the end of the month.

Had done a supernanny on my kids yesterday. Am fed up with paying out pocket money for them doing nothing!!! So now they get a dollar a job (and it gets written down as my memory is terrible). Over the fortnight the girls have to do 20 (for $20 pocket money) and Aaron has to do 10 (for $5 pocket money and his Horrible Science magazine once a fortnight). Aaron freaked out and just saw the big picture and thought it was too much - he used much stronger language and earned a time out in his room (Supernanny would be proud of me). He calmed down once he saw that it wasn't as big a deal as he thought. So, as a result I now have some clean windows, some ironing done, washing bought in, baking and the showers and basins cleaned - all without me having to ask. Just had to lay down some ground rules as to what was going to earn them their money and also pointed out that once they hit their limit they were not allowed to go on strike. Also that there would still be their usual jobs that they had to do as well as things that they would be asked to do that would be done for love. LOL.

Still having problems downloading photos onto my blog. Any suggestions? It comes up with this:

Most likely causes:
You are not connected to the Internet.
The website is encountering problems.
There might be a typing error in the address.

Think I will try Xtra again as it seems to be more of a connection problem than a perhaps a blogger problem.

Computer Frustration

Now, I am not a computer person usually. I like to think though that when I turn it on, it will go. I do not want a message to come up "You are not connected to the internet" or whatever. I am getting it a lot of that lately and are getting really frustrated with it. I can read other peoples blogs but can't seem to comment on them let alone trying to even sign into mine as it takes a couple of times. Its a bit hit and miss and really annoying. I can't seem to download photos onto my blog anymore and I have such a lot that I want to share. We have contacted Xtra on the help line and at least managed to get a connection but all our settings are mucked up and it has affected the passwords. Guess I will have to take what I can get and hope that somehow it fixes itself before I throw it out the window.
Whinge over.

Happy Birthday Aaron

Aaron turned 12 yesterday which in itself is not a problem however when he tells me that next year he will be a teenager I get the heebie jeebies. Three teenagers in one house is a scary thought and I suddenly feel really old. Anyhow he had a really good day but did wake at 4.30am and then was so excited he couldn't get back to sleep. He got lots of "making" things like kite flying kit, glow in the dark skeleton, balloon animals and a big 1000 piece puzzle. He also got a new skateboard. Nana made him a bean bag and got him a new mink blanket - I'm guessing that this is going to be his new bed for a while. He's a good one for sleeping on the floor and I gave up on sheets and duvet for him years ago so hence the mink blanket. It was his choice to go to KFC for tea and I must say I was pleasantly surprised. After our last trip there I vowed never to go back as I really didn't like their food handling but a big rebuild of the place seemed to be for the good. Our kids decorate their own cakes - I just have to make it - so he chose blue icing on a chocolate cake and puts lots of M&M's, jelly snakes and fizzy lollies. He was not happy with his sisters pinching the lollies and called them seagals -get it - instead of scavenging seagulls they are seagals. Very clever and sure to stick.

SENZ

Well, where do I start. I have had the best couple of days. After the last SENZ in CHCH I was a bit nervous about going again as that one was disappointing but I booked the 3 day pass (and got a goodie bag). Didn't do any classes but next time will do so. I spent Friday just going round all the sites and shop, shop, shopping. Went by myself and was there right on 10am. Had a blast. Met up with Tanya inbetween her classes and also got to meet Michelle (Mrs Frizz) and Lynda (lmarie) from the SE Forum. Had the crop on Friday night with Judy, Tanya, Michelle and Lynda. Didn't get much done and lost a bit of momentum in having to do a table challenge in the middle of it. Thanks to Lynda we got a prize for the 8x8 layout she did. On Saturday I was back there, this time with the girls to do the day crop. Spent a lot of time getting them started and managed to sneak away to get some stamps for Judy and do a bit more shopping for me (had a shopping list from the day before). The girls wanted to do some shopping as well once the crop was finished and they got some bargains that they were happy with.

Had the SE get together at the shop on the Saturday night and met Julie, Gaye, Tracey, Mich (who looks nothing like her photo and I'm sorry but thought she was a customer in the shop when I arrived and didn't talk to her - so sorry Michelle) as well as Lynda, Michelle and of course Tanya. Thanks Tanya for organising it all and for the birthday gateau - a yummy Black Forest one best eaten with fingers - and also our pack of goodies. Its nice to be able to put faces to forum names now. Spent my birthday voucher on a Xyron sticker maker, Tombow glue and a lunchbox tin to decorate.

My best buys of SENZ were 2 sets of Autumn Leaves stamps that I have wanted for ages - one was Christmas that I haven't seen before. Also got Nic Howards book which I absolutely love and heaps of fabulous new papers. Lots of other bits and pieces that I am still sorting out and putting away.

Now back to normal life and have Louise's CJ to finish. Might give the Friday night challenge a go as have until tomorrow night for that one and have a couple of layouts needing some journalling which will finish them off.

So that's SENZ for another couple of years - might just start saving now!!

Thanks Everyone

Thanks everyone for your good wishes after my last post. We are getting there although Aaron changed our desktop picture to a photo of Jazz but that was a bit much for me at the moment.

Now for better news - SENZ is tomorrow. Have spent the day making swap pins after thinking I wouldn't have time, have ended up making about 20 odd. Was just having a play with my cricut and before I knew it had the shapes done for them. They aren't flash (like Tanya's - hers are awesome!) but I like them. Swapped one already with Rebecca.

Have the crop night tomorrow night and taking my friend Judy along as well. Neither of us have ever been to anything like it before so looking forward to it. Really looking forward to having a good old nosy around the stands and spending my birthday money.

Its Been a Sad Day

Today I found our beautiful, 4 year old Siberian Husky, Jasper (Jazz) had died in the night. He didn't come in when I opened the door which is usual but when he still hadn't come in whilst I was doing breakfast I went looking for him and found him dead in the garden. It was a total shock for us all as he was young, fit and healthy. Don't know how, when or why. Andrew wasn't keen on taking him to the Vet to find out why. As he was such a big part of our family it has come as a total shock. The kids are all dealing with it in different ways - Aaron is bursting into tears and talking lots about him and looking at the photos. Rebecca is telling Aaron to shut up and acting like nothing happened and Alexia is somewhere inbetween. Andrew is gutted as he wanted a Husky for years and didn't anticipate having to bury him at 4 years old. As for me, I have lost my scrapping buddy as he always lay under my table and kept me company. He was the subject of my first ever scrapbook page. We are all feeling washed out and rather flat tonight. After the highs of my birthday yesterday and the lows of today hopefully tomorrow will bring brighter things for us all.

This is one of the layouts I entered into the SE Ultimate Scrapbookers Competition of our Jazz.

Happy Birthday to Me

Yep, its my birthday today and what a day I've had. I see that Tanya has broadcast it on the SE forum and have had lovely birthday wishes from the ladies there. Have hardly been home today. Met up with Judy for aquajogging first thing and then we shopped and lunched at the Cobb & Co at Northwood. Its really nice and trendy and not at all like the Cobb & Co's of old. Have also been out for tea to Spagalimi's with the family. Just love their pizza's. Also had to stop for a $1 shake at KFC on the way home. The kids loved that!! Got spoilt in that I got my Cricut machine which Andrew bought me as well as a scrapping voucher. Also got some money to spend at SENZ so bring it on - I'm ready now!!!

Four Days to SENZ

Well, everyone is back to school and work today - even the dog came out of hiding and realised that things were back to normal. The girls only have 5 more weeks of school left before the end of year exams and then what are they going to do? Get a job hopefully.

Only four days to go until SENZ. When I first booked the tickets it just seemed so far away and now here we are just days away. Can't wait. Am going to the Friday night crop with Judy. Also taking the girls to the Saturday lunch crop and really looking forward to the Saturday night crop at the shop with the SE ladies. With all that cropping going on, I should get a lot of scrapbooking done - yeah right!!!

This is my entry for the Friday night challenge - had to use 3 patterned papers, strip journalling, bling and ink or paint. Am really enjoying the challenges as it is making me scrapbook and if I stick to just doing Aarons photos then I will be caught up in no time.