Just Me & Mine

On the Move

2008-04-07T11:05:00.002+12:00

Have finally made the move to wordpress and you can find me here http://vickiparker.wordpress.com/

But be warned its still a work in progress.

Look forward to seeing you all there.

Layouts

2008-04-06T14:48:00.007+12:00

Here are the layouts I have finished from Fridays crop.

The "Crazy" one is from Trinas sketch at SBO and the Totally Fascinated one is what I did for Tanya at Stamp In Scrap.

We are in clean up mode outside and the outdoor furniture has been cleaned and put away although it is a beautiful day and we could still be using it!! So much for the grotty weather we were expecting. Off now to clean up my scrap area and sort out what to do next.

Have a great Sunday.

Thanks Everyone

2008-04-05T15:39:00.002+13:00

Thanks all for your kind thoughts. Just to update, I rang the camp this morning and she was off doing "stuff" and according to the leader I spoke to - was perky. Thats enough for me and she was going to tell her that I had rung and that she could ring me back. Haven't heard from her but can imagine she would do the rolly eye thing and mutter to herself about mothers who worry about nothing!!! This is something the doctors are expecting her to grow out of but as you can see we are still waiting. As for the zzzz's have been too busy scrapping.

Just have Aaron home today as Rebecca is at work. He is making the most of it with dibs on TV, DVD and computer, and no arguments. Its very peaceful.

Got a RAK in the mail today - thanks to Michelle W for the lovely ribbon - have been looking at getting that for a while now so perfect timing. Also Julie - the PIF still hasn't come!!! Are you set to do battle with NZ Post?

Not Sleepy Tonight

2008-04-05T04:04:00.002+13:00

OK its now 4.05am and I am sooo not sleepy. Just worrying about Alexia away helping at a Brownie Camp. We got rung to say that she had had a fit (she has epilepsy) and that she was OK and didn't want to come home. They were still OK to have her there as well but still she's not here where I can see her - if you know what I mean. She hasn't had one since the end of December last year and prior to that was June last year so they are few and far between but I know that she is going to be really annoyed/upset and just downright p****d off because she has to have 2 years seizure free before being weaned off her medication and now it all has to start again. So that is why I am sitting here at this time checking blogs, leaving comments, reading the SE forum, checking out Trade Me, reading emails etc etc etc.

Will upload some layouts I did at Tanyas crop in the morning - very pleased with myself as I did about 4 of them. Certainly does help to make up page kits to take along.

From the Blogs

2008-04-03T12:47:00.002+13:00

On the rounds of checking my bloglines found some things that you might like to check out:

1. Joanne - You thought the crime was bad here in NZ check out what is happening where Joanne lives - its the OMG post on 29th March.

2. Mel - Want a laugh check out Mels post on Essential Items on 31st March. Go Mel!!!

3. Lesli - Has some fabulous sketches and check out that give-away.

Closer to home

4. Tanya is doing kids classes over the school holidays. They are just fantastic - some lucky kids there. Also thats my layout up for her sketch for this week - how cool!

5. Trace - yes definitely on the countdown now to our holiday just like you. Getting a tad excited about it all.

6. Hannah - Happy 30th birthday. Who's the spoilt one???

Thats it for now - off to the hairdressers for a long overdue cut. Will leave the colour a tad longer so that I look great for those holiday photos - thats if I can put up with the brown/gray stripey look going on!

Lets Try It Again

2008-03-30T10:20:00.008+13:00

Finally I can put some photos here. Thats our letterbox and driveway at the bottom of the photo and our bark at the neighbours in the top!

This is the garden that Andrew made - check out that straight edge. Just starting to put the bark down.

A layout from Tanya's crop - finally used that Scenic Route paper that I was a bit iffy about.

Alexias excitement over the Westlife tickets. A Page Maps Sketch.

Aaron with his chewing gum and my intense dislike of the stuff.

Have had a good weekend apart from the bark chip drama. Caught up with friends visiting from Blenheim today. Colleen not too sure about the photo of her in my BOM!!! Talked to Mum in Australia who is just getting a tad excited about us coming and worrying that we will think of her as old as she has lots more wrinkles since we last saw her!!! Scrapped a bit. Went across to our new local store - Bunnings - for lunch. Those sausage sizzles are going to be great for Sunday lunches - I can just send Aaron across with his dollar. Today we supported Pregnancy Help, next week who knows? Finally have Rebecca home for tea - she has been out 5 out of 7 nights this last week. Off to watch ER & Men in Trees and guess what, now only three weeks to Australia!

Oops!

2008-03-29T15:31:00.002+13:00

Today we got our bark chip delivered for the garden we created over Easter. Only problem was they delivered it to the wrong house! We were patiently waiting for it as it was supposed to be here between 9 and 10am but it didn't come. Andrew rung them up and was told that it had already been delivered. Turns out he came at 7.30am and dumped it on a neighbours front lawn a couple of houses over. Big oops! We moved it with the help of Andrews Dad and did the best we could to clean it all up off the lawn and the driver came back to check it out as well. The neighbours weren't home and we haven't seen them yet. Not quite sure how to explain it to them as they don't speak much English so might just write a note and pop it in the letterbox. As a result of the mistake they have given us a voucher for $70 off our next order. Yahoo - no excuses now not to do the gardens around the back.

Am getting fed up with blogger as it doesn't like doing any photos at the moment so will have to wait until it gets its act together.

Fireworks

2008-03-28T16:24:00.003+13:00

Have just got back from watching the fireworks across the road for the new Bunnings opening. Was going to try and take some photos but it was pouring with rain. Managed to stay dry though. What a fantastic display - was expecting it to be a 5 minute wonder but went on for about 15 minutes and very different to what we see at Brighton at Guy Fawkes. Well worth the effort and makes up for all the traffic disruption and dust etc that we have experienced over the past year.

Have been trying to upload a couple of photos but blogger not playing nicely so will try that again tomorrow.

Been cropping today and got the beginnings of about 4 layouts that I will finish over the weekend.

Note to Tanya - spit on the screen is not good! ROFL.

A Beautiful Day

2008-03-27T17:08:00.002+13:00

We sure have had a lovely day. This morning I went for a walk around our Botanical Gardens. We are not called the Garden City for no reason. It was just beautiful and with the change in seasons such a lot of colour. Definitely an autumn feel about things with the chestnuts on the ground and did see some lovely pink flowers from late bulbs. There were lots of tourists around taking photos. It seemed like every man and his dog and every mum and her pram were out walking. A few joggers as well - not for me though - too many wobbly bits when I run!!! LOL. This was all at 9am this morning too!

But do you know what I really noticed - that if you smile and say hello to people - THEY DO IT BACK!

Happy Autumn Days everyone.

Layouts, layouts and more layouts.

2008-03-26T13:17:00.010+13:00

Just a couple done over Easter:

And my Book of Me that blogger wouldn't let me do the photos for the other day.

This is the Special Letter one (front view). Have written about how my friend Colleen sends me beautiful friendship cards and how she always signs them the same way. Used a transparency over the top and traced Colleens writing.

My 10 Greatest Joys (Front) - thanks Neen for the quote I "borrowed" from your blog.

My Dream Job: Again have used a transparency for the journalling.

My Bucket List: An acrylic page - starting to get the hang of these now. Just waiting on my new postage stamp pages (hint hint to a certain someone).

My pages are very simple and managing to get all the challenges done as they are basically 6x6 which is really working for me. Roll on April.

Just for Mel

2008-03-25T20:03:00.002+13:00

Hi Mel
Go for it - the Book of Me that is!! We are doing prompts by Janine and Hannah at Scrapbook Essentials. Check out Book of Me Challenge under the Forum index. We started last month and here are the ones for February:

1) What's in a name? What does your name mean? Do you know why your parents chose it? What does your name mean to you? Do you like or dislike your name? What nicknames do you have? If you don't know much about your name or it's origin, there are some great websites out there which have tons of information!

2) All shopped out. Keep your reciepts from the supermarket, petrol station, lunchbar, etc for a whole week, then use them on a layout (pays to photocopy them otherwise the ink will fade over time). Journal about the things you buy and why. Comment on the prices or why you like the brands you do. Perhaps take photos of some of the items on your receipts and use these on your page.

3) A magic carpet ride. If you could go anywhere in the world, right this second, where would you go and why? To a show, to visit friends or family, or just somewhere you have never been? (Maybe somewhere that it is raining, LOL)

4) What would you grab? Okay, so for some reason you have to leave your house RIGHT NOW!! Assuming all your family and pets are safe, what THREE things, yes only three, would you grab and why? Perhaps a photo of each to compliment your layout?

Here are the ones for March:

1) The Bucket List. Okay so it is a movie at the moment and I thought it would be a great topic. List 5 things from your bucket list – that is what would you love to do before you, ummm, are no longer. Maybe like me it is small things like learning to tat or maybe you are brave and adventurous and would like traveling the Kalahari on camel.

2) Dream Job. If you could wake up in the morning and do ANYTHING for a job and the magic fairy granted you the money and skills to do it, what would it be?

3) Letters. After finding 60-year-old love letters my Grandad sent to my Grandma, it has inspired me scan & scrap them! So how about scrapping a special letter or card? It could be one you have kept from your childhood or teenage years. It could be a love letter or card from your boyfriend/partner/hubby. It could be a note or Mother's Day card from one of your children. Or a special letter from a friend.

4) My Greatest Joys. Scrap your 10 greatest joys. Create a layout about the 10 things that bring you joy or happiness. Photos are optional, but could be a neat way to include lots of smaller pics on a page.

Would be great to see what you do as well.

Also here is the Easy Quiche recipe - just about forgot.

3 eggs
1 and half cups milk
1 cup grated cheese
half cup self raising flour

Beat eggs and milk. Add cheese, flour, salt and pepper and options such as bacon/ham, onion, parsley etc. Put in greased dish (I find spray is the best) 200degC for 40mins.

You can put just about anything in the filling - we had it for tea tonight. Just yum.

Good luck.

Easter

2008-03-24T18:58:00.003+13:00

Four days seem to have flown by so fast.

On Friday we got stuck into the garden and planted the plants down the fence line that we had bought the previous night. It is so nice now to look out the lounge slider to greenery and not just the boring brown fence.

On Saturday it was cold and drizzly so I scrapped. Finished off my Book of Me layouts for March. Did my 10 Greatest Joys, My Bucket List, My Dream Job and a Special Letter from my friend Colleen. I thought my Bucket List be easy but it was harder than I thought. My list mostly involves travel as we haven't done much of this. Very funny that Trace is heading to Antarctica whilst I'm going to Alaska on our lists. Would put photos here but blogger not co-operating with any.

Rebecca surprised us with a Cadbury Moro Gold Easter egg after she finished work on Saturday. So totally unexpected and isn't she such a good girl thinking of her parents. My in-laws gave us a family present - a 1kg egg - guess who's going to make a start on it first!

On Sunday we went out to the dog show again but the people and dogs we went to see weren't there much to our annoyance so finished fluffing in the garden - lawns etc.

Today the lawn edges actually got the big chop - this is what I have been waiting 4 years for. Andrew is very fussy and it has taken most of the day for him to do this. I just had to stand there and say he was doing a good job and provide the coffee and lunch. Next weekend the bark chip goes down and then we can finally say the landscaping for the front of our house is finished. Yahoo!

Finally check out what Annelie is up to on her blog - got to be in to win!!!

Circle Journal

2008-03-21T09:53:00.017+13:00

Here is the finished album - hopefully you can all see them OK and doesn't take forever to download.

The instruction page - had to do 2 pages - one to be about your pet peeves, what really annoys you and the other what makes you feel good about scrapbooking. Had to stick to the same colour theme and do a flower on the page which was different to what everyone else had done.

The sign in page:

The lovely creative ladies who took part:

My pages:
Michele:

Julie:

Alice:

Debbie: Donna:

Beverley: Janine: Kelly:
Louise: Tanya:

Happy Day

2008-03-20T19:28:00.002+13:00

Well, we have survived to the end of the school week. Sure has been a busy one.

Aaron got a 3rd at the zone swimming sports. Alexia got sunburnt playing at the estuary on her biology trip. Weatherwise we have had some fantastic temperatures this week - in the high 20's.

Happy Birthday to Avonside Girls High School. The whole school celebrated 80 years today with a fashion parade of the old uniforms by the teachers - apparently really funny especially the principal wearing the current uniform (complete with IPod, sunglasses, cell phone etc). Then each form class had a can of drink, easter eggs and birthday cake. The girls were just buzzing when I picked them up after school - they just loved it. The photos are going to be put on the internet so that should be interesting.

Today I went to a crop at Tanya's and worked on my Book of Me. Tanya worked on my Circle Journal and now have it in my hot little hands. It makes for very funny reading and will share it over the weekend. Am really happy with it and thanks everyone for their contributions. I just love it.

Have been to the nursery with Andrew after work and we have bought a few plants to go in the garden over the weekend. The traffic was horrific with everyone leaving for their Easter holidays and we had to do a big detour round the block for what is normally a 2 minute drive up Marshlands Road.

When we got home it was to find that Alexia had cooked tea for us. Any tea that I don't have to think about, plan and cook is like a 3 course dinner and she was pretty pleased with herself. Is now arguing with Andrew about her cooking the meals versus them all going round to Nana's for meals when I am on scrap camp. Not my problem - they can fight it out amongst themselves. LOL

A special note to our resident "Angelgurl" - have a fantastic birthday tomorrow. Love hearing what you have been up to and look forward to hearing what happens tomorrow. Have a good one.

Happy Easter everyone.

Why Is It that...

2008-03-18T14:31:00.007+13:00

....everything happens in a short week. Have just realised that Rebecca is out every night this week either working or at a friends 17th birthday. Aaron had a school trip yesterday doing the waste thing ie. he visited the landfill, the refuse station and also "The Shed" where they sell recycled stuff. Tomorrow he has the zone swimming sports. Alexia is also on a school biology trip tomorrow. For only 4 days before Easter it just seems like everything is crammed in. My friend Judy would laugh at me and tell me to "just breathe".

Last week I received an email from Telecom saying that I needed to update our email settings to ensure that we could continue to send emails. Yesterday I had a lady ring me to help me do this. Today I get a letter saying it has to be done by the 18th to ensure that we will still be able to send and receive emails. So what happens - I try to do it myself and get stuck so I ring the help desk only to find out that we are OK and don't need to do anything. What the....!!!!

Here are some layouts I have finished. This first one is from the Basic Grey March sketch and have tried to upload to their gallery but don't quite get that either (apparently its not square - bit tricky for me seeing as its a double layout). I am such a technophobe but hey I'm learning. LOL.

This second one is one of Trinas sketches:

And a scraplift of Tanya's. Tried out my new grunge board for the first time - very cool stuff.

Check out what Tanya is up to. Such exciting news - all the best with that my friend and can't wait to see what you will have coming up.

Also saying hello to Five-Browns (Mel, I think) from Cape Town. She "found" me through Lesli's blog. Thanks for visiting. Yahoo - I've gone international. ROFL.

A Busy Weekend

2008-03-15T21:03:00.007+13:00

Yesterday was one of those days spent round home just doing anything and everything. The Christmas lights have finally come down and had the spiders dusted off and packed away. Also been round the spouting and brushed off the spiders and then sprayed just to make sure they stay away. We have quite a few round the place and amongst the plants not to mention the odd white-tail spider found crawling across the carpet. These ones give me the heebie-jeebies.

Definitely an autumn feel about the place now with the leaves on the cherry trees starting to change. Had a bit of prune in the garden and planted up some bits and pieces given to us from my in-laws who have a wonderful garden. Also picked the last of the big tomatoes and the caterpillers can have the rest. Still lots coming on the cherry tomatoes though.

Andrew sprayed the weeds last weekend in preparation for our big thing in the garden over Easter. Are finally going to cut the lawn edging to make our gardens. Every summer I have had the excuse that it is too dry to do it and the edge will all crumble and every autumn/winter I have had the excuse that it is too wet to do so next weekend he has no excuse! Four years is a bit long to wait.

Today Rebecca had the day off and we went shopping. She has worked most weekends and I told her that it was OK to say no as she has been left with no time to actually spend some of the money she has been working so hard for. Today was the day and even then she got rung this morning to see if she could work. She is happy and now owns 2 more pairs of shoes, a big canvas to decorate, beads to make jewellery, beading magazine, book and photos printed off. A good day for her.

Have finished a couple of layouts over the last week.

This is a scraplift. Thanks Tanya.

This is from the SE February Kit instructions. Am quite enjoying doing the odd girlie page at the moment. Thanks Janine. I do appear to have a bit of a thing for striped paper! LOL.

Thats about it for now - off to check my bloglines.

Bits and Pieces

2008-03-11T16:09:00.009+13:00

First up - look what I got today at our LSS. Very cool and there is a postage stamp shape that I will get as soon as I sell some more stuff on Trade Me. LOL. Thanks for the coffee and company today Tanya.

Also here is my take on the Friday Night Challenge. Didn't get it done on time as was a bit confused over what words were to be used as some put them relating to their life so far (which I thought it was) and others chose words describing themselves now. So I did both and have put them in my Book of Me. Part of the challenge was just to do the words with no explanation as to why you chose those words but think words like painful and stressful need a bit of explaining. Painful = 3 childbirths, 1 miscarriage and 2 surgeries over the years. Stressful = the building of 4 houses over the years - no wonder I am going grey!

Left side - yep thats me.

Right side.

Am seriously thinking of changing over to wordpress but have seen Beverleys blog where she did a post just commenting on the comments. So here goes:

To Trace - thanks so much for the offer of a bed but don't really like my chances of being able to get up there for a crop anytime soon. You also get this award because I think you and I are in the same boat when it comes to learning about all the bloggy and computer stuff and we can learn from each other.

To Yvette - should have given you my cell phone number and will email you with it so that we might be able to have a chat over coffee next time you are in Christchurch under nicer circumstances.

To Hay - No. 38 is expensive. Good luck with that.

To Janine W - get well!!!

To Lesli - thanks for commenting on my blog from the other side of the world. Am taking those sketches to Tanya's crop tomorrow night and will share when done.

To Beverley - thanks for the instructions on how to "do a link".

Finally got all the photos loaded - seems to have taken all day and guess what six weeks today, we will be in Australia. Yahoo! The countdown has begun and starting to get excited now.

Circle Journal

2008-03-10T09:48:00.009+13:00

Seeing as Julie, Janine and Michele now have their circle journals back will show you photos of what I did in their albums.

Julies theme was the Wonders of Nature - had to do a nature photo and poem to match. The pages that had been done were just gorgeous and its definitely a coffee table book. It is taken at the Mirror Lakes on the Milford Sound road. We sure do live in a wonderful country.

Janines theme was Pamper Me - what do you do to pamper yourself? Me - nothing! So I wrote about this in a blog post a while ago when I first got this CJ and put that in the pages. Told the story of how Tanya took me out for the day and pampered me. What a great friend. Hope to do more of these "Just Because" lunches this year. What do you say Tanya? This is the left side.

And the right side.

Micheles theme was Ad Inspiration. Had to create a couple of layouts based on ads that she had chosen. Went with couple of photos again from our trip down south. Now one of these photos is the same as Julies but confession time - this one is the right way up. Can you tell? This is the left side.

And the right side.

Will do some more later as people get their ones back and hopefully Tanya will have finished mine off at scrapcamp and will get it at the crop on Wednesday.

More Layouts

2008-03-09T17:40:00.008+13:00

Just another couple of layouts leftover from Tanya's crop.

This first one is Rebecca at aged 18mths. One of my favourite photos of her.

The second is my busy boy. Doesn't everyone have a need to build dams in the river? Again an older photo.

Thanks everyone for your lovely comments of late - just loving it. For all you bloggy people - why does my bloglines list sometimes have little red exclamation marks next to names?

Off to try and do the Friday Night Challenge at SE but not liking the chances of getting it finished in time. Am a bit stuck on the words - have to choose 6 words to describe my life so far.

Glad all you Auckland croppers had a great time - how about sharing those layouts?

Look what I got from Kelly - Thanks Kelly.

Just Sharing

2008-03-08T18:54:00.004+13:00

Heres a couple of layouts. This first one is Aaron taken quite a few years ago. Just loved the look on his face. Thats also Grandad being a big kid. Started this layout at Tanya's crop last Wednesday and finally finished it.

This one is for the SE Sketch Challenge. It tells the story of Alexia and her love for coffee. Not quite sure when I was allowed to start drinking tea/coffee at home but she manages to grab the biggest cup she can because "she needs a coffee".

Happy scrapping to all the ladies at Scrap Camp in Queenstown and also to everyone at Debbies today in Auckland - have fun. Wish I could be there.

My Middle Child

2008-03-04T10:41:00.005+13:00

A few days ago on Hays blog (would add a link here but don't know how - check out hippyhappyhay from my sidebar) she wrote about her middle child and the middle child syndrome. A photo automatically came to mind of our middle child. It was taken a couple of years ago on a holiday at Hanmer and yes the other two had been teasing her and ganging up on her. Says it all really. Its going to make a great scrapbook page!

From an excerpt in a book that she had read it said that middle or second born child often have the sense of not belonging. They fight to receive attention from parents and others because they feel many times they are being ignored or dubbed off as being the same as another sibling. Being in the middle a child can feel insecure. The middle child often lacks drive and looks for direction from the first born child. Sometimes a middle child feels out of place because they are not over achievers and like to go with the flow of things.

Being a middle child would mean they are loners. They really don’t like to latch on to a person in a relationship, therefore they have trouble keeping one due to lack of interest. Not liking to take the limelight for anything, they are not over achievers and just simply work enough work to get by, and typically that goes with school as well as a career. They are however very artistic and creative. If forced to use abilities they will work well, but do not work well under pressure. They often start several projects but rarely keep focused long enough to finish a project. The best career move for a middle child would be along the lines of using their creative. Going into a writing or journalism career, and into a career that they could freely express themselves would be good. Anything that would have hours that are flexible, and projects that frequently changed would be good for a middle born child. Since relationships are not of high importance to a middle child, often times they are alone. However, the best possible match for a middle child would be a last born.

Now Alexia is a lot of these. She is a bit of a loner but would be a fantastic person to have as a best friend - she has lots of acquaintances. She does lack drive and looks to Rebecca for guidance especially more so now that they are teenagers. When she was younger it was the other way round. She is definitely a go with the flow kid and has a who cares attitude. With schooling it describes her to a T - she does enough to get by, is very creative, does not work well under pressure (NCEA was a big drama last year) and has a million things on the go at the same time.

How very interesting - thanks Hay. Just might have to look up now about the oldest and youngest.

On the scrapbooking front I have finished Micheles CJ. It is the last one I had to do. Have really enjoyed doing them and can't wait to get mine back. Will start posting photos after the weekend of those that have theirs back. Everyone else will have to wait - don't want to spoil the surprise. I wasn't going to do another one straight away but have had an absolutely brilliant idea for one so just might - will depend on the costs.

Happy Anniversary to Us.

2008-03-02T20:05:00.005+13:00

Andrew and I have been married for 23 years. It seems such a long time in terms of years but it has gone so fast. Here we are 3 kids later living in our dream home designed by Andrew and finally in a position where just living is a lot easier. We no longer have the 21% interest rate that we started off in our first house with 3 hire purchases on the go at the same time and driving crappy cars that only just made it to work. Life is good and I like where we are now.

In the next few years will see some big changes especially with Rebecca turning 18 this year and finishing school. Who knows where she will be and what she will be doing next year. Also have Aaron in his last year at primary school and becoming a teenager this year. Alexia has big dreams so who knows. It is a time in our lives that we are starting to do things just for us and it is taking a bit of getting used to but the planning has begun and the dreams are big. Who knows!

Here are a couple of photos.

Alexia made us an anniversary cake. It was lovely but had all these little hard bits in it where something didn't get mixed properly!!!! LOL.

Andrews parents provided afternoon tea - cream sponge with a meringue on top. YUM.

We didn't do anything special as we have had a busy day looking at dogs at a show. More on the great doggy debate another time. Will do something a bit down the track when things aren't so hectic.

A big thanks to Trace for the lovely RAK I got on Saturday and have used the rub ons on this layout for the Friday Night Challenge. Not overly happy with it but its done. Had to use a frame, 1 big photo and 3 small and something recycled, so I used the strap cut from an old back pack. These are photos from our first trip to the Air Force Museum when they had an open day. It was a seriously cool place to visit and we were really impressed.

Have a great week.

Day 29 - The Last Day

2008-02-29T18:37:00.006+13:00

Well, when I first started on this challenge I did wonder what I would take a photo of everyday. Some days it has been a bit tricky and others it has just fallen into place. When I look back over them they are definitely a snapshot of our lives - both in what we were doing and the things that are around us everyday.

Here is my Day 29 Photo:

The things we do for scrapbooking! Being Friday, its really my day off from everything. I try to do no housework and generally just spend the day either playing on the computer (did tidy up my blog and added a few new links), scrapbooking or reading. So my photo for today is the BIG coffee mug we got for Alexia for Christmas. I started out by photographing it for a layout in relation to her coffee addiction and the SE sketch challenge, and then thought it would be good to actually make a mocha in it seeing as it was morning tea. Of course I have now have the photo of that as well.

For once tonight we have Rebecca at home and Alexia and Aaron are out. Alexia is babysitting round the road and Aaron has gone to a friends youth group. This does not happen often so will be enjoying the peace and quiet for a few hours at least.

Just for Hippyhappyhay.

2008-02-28T19:45:00.002+13:00

Not sure if I should be calling you Hippy, happy or hay but here is an explanation of what a CJ (circle journal) is, courtesy of Hannah which is rather fitting seeing as I found your blog through Hannahs.

"Basically, a Circle Journal is a small album which gets circulated amongst a group of scrappers. CJ groups are formed by people who get together in real life or on a forum. Each person in the group makes an album (usually 6x6 or 8x8 or similar) on whatever theme/topic they like, and includes instructions for all the subsequent participants so they know what is required. Then, they post/courier/hand over their CJ to somebody else, who completes a page (or 2, whatever the requirement is) in the album, and then passes it on to the next person in the group. Everybody's CJ does the rounds of the entire group, until eventually it returns to it's owner, and it is a finished album with each page done by a different person."

Hope that explains it and thanks for visiting. Just love reading your blog.

Day 28 of 29

2008-02-28T12:28:00.007+13:00

Only one to go now. This month sure has gone fast.

Inside this courier bag is Julies circle journal to send to Michele. Its the last one I have to send so hope I don't have problems with the courier man coming to get it. Have had a few issues over the last 4-5 months with them. Now just have to do Michele's one and thats the last one. How exciting to get my own one back - can't wait.

Right, now for some bits and pieces. Still have Alexia home today and we have been watching 8 Below - what a sad, happy, sad, happy movie - if you get what I mean. She is definitely going to school tomorrow!!!

Have had a busy week with a lot of stuff on in the evenings. Andrew has been re-elected as Chairman of the Board at the girls school at his meeting last night. He has also had a couple of meetings this week talking to the Year 9 parents at the "meet the teacher" nights. Alexia has had rangers and Rebecca has been working so its no wonder I didn't get to Tanyas last night for a crop. Always next week.

Aaron has been selected to go to the Zone sports and he had to choose 2 events so is going for 100m backstroke and 100m breaststroke. He is pretty happy about that.

So who watched Dancing with the Stars on Tuesday? I thought they were all pretty good compared to other seasons. My picks are Monty Beatham (although the joke about not seeing the full Monty yet was a bit in poor taste - as if he hasn't heard that before!), Miriama Smith and Temepara George. I loved the ballroom dances as it just looks so beautiful.

Tonight is my favourite - Survivor and boy are those fans all going for it this time round!

Haha - you ladies are so funny over washing the floors and Beverley I'm really really sorry but you will have to do it yourself.

Off to do lunch now and then tidy my scrap desk. Its an ongoing process.

Day 27 of 29

2008-02-27T16:50:00.003+13:00

Two days to go...

How random is this - my floors have gone into shock at actually getting washed!! LOL

By the way really like the idea of a new scrap shop opening over in the new Bunnings centre. Thanks Beverley. Could be very handy and I know a real good manager with lots of ideas (Hey Tanya). Are you reading this Miss Meg - am happy to help!! ROFL.

Have had Alexia home sick today - yep its her turn for the headache, high temp and sore throat. She will be going to school tomorrow though. Still managed to go aquajogging though and have coffee afterwards. The day has just flown.

Day 26

2008-02-26T15:53:00.005+13:00

Here is my photo for Day 26. It is just a couple of streets away from where we live and if we go through the alley way next to my in laws its only a 2 minute walk. This is taken from outside their back fence looking across 4 lanes. Aaron can't wait until its finished and he will be in DIY boy heaven. Its supposed to be opening mid March. We have to go past it to take the boys to school and its been a nightmare whilst they redo all the roading and realign the traffic lights etc. Must admit its going to be handy and they are building other shops around it all relating to house stuff - carpet, curtains, furniture etc as well as a coffee shop (could be handy methinks).

Guess What We've Got!!!!

2008-02-25T19:20:00.007+13:00

WESTLIFE TICKETS!!!!

Was on the internet at 9am this morning buying them. Did not tell Alexia that you could get them today and this is her reaction after school.

This is the... "This better be what I think it is" photo.

This is the..... "OMG" screaming photo and told her if she does that at the concert then I will sit on her! LOL.

And this is the photo for Day 25. Priceless!

Just between you and me, I might just be a tad excited about it as well. I won't tell her that we are in the draw to meet the "boys" as I don't think my ears could take the screaming again.

Challenges

2008-02-24T21:03:00.009+13:00

Have been scrapping this weekend. Heres my effort for the Friday Night Challenge. Not too sure about all the patterned paper but hey its another layout done.

Have caught up to date with the February Book of Me Challenge as well. Just to explain. I have decided to do an acrylic album but am doing it also based on the gratitude journals where you put together an album with all different sized papers, tags etc. This is the first page. It is a transparency over the acrylic page. Took me ages to work out to do the acrylic and ended up just putting paper over it - will get better as time on goes I guess. Need to do some research on this one. May yet replace the transparency with acrylic as I don't think it is going to stand the test of time.

Here is the second page which was to scrapbook your receipts. I did this by way of a shopping list of what I spent last pay day. This page also has a transparency with the title and rub ons over the bottom half of the page. Please note this does not include any scrapbooking "stuff" as it probably needs a page all its own! LOL.

Here is the title page for a Magic Carpet ride - where would you go?

And the pages it relates to...

And finally for the February challenge - What 3 things would you grab in a hurry? I came up with a long list but narrowed it down to these 3 and then realised that Trace had come up with the same things. Oops sorry Trace - I didn't copy - honest!

Now I realise that there are no photos as per the challenge and I haven't done it exactly as mentioned in the challenges but as I already have a 12x12 and 8x8 album on the go. I just wanted to do something a bit different for this Book of Me. And thats that.

Day 24

2008-02-24T11:42:00.002+13:00

Meet Tala - he belongs to my in-laws and loves to visit. The kids just love him to bits and he loves them as well.

Day 23

2008-02-23T19:33:00.004+13:00

Alexia got this in the mail today for her birthday. Its from my sister in Australia. Its very pink (look Tanya) and very big and she just loves it.

Funky Blog Award

2008-02-22T19:56:00.004+13:00

Thank you Trace for giving me this. How cool. I'm going to pass it on to Beverley because I just love all the ideas that she has, not just scrapbooking stuff but party stuff as well, and to Annelie because she is the Queen of Challenges and how cool is it to write comments on a blog where you can't understand what it says but you get the general idea.

Now have a busy weekend of scrapping ahead of me - life is sooo hard at times. Have 3 things on the go - Julies CJ, my BOM and will have the Friday Nite Challenge. Have been to see Tanya and got stocked up on some new supplies - got some grunge stuff. Usually I am the last to get new stuff and by then its old and going out of stock. LOL. Really must keep up with whats new. Wow - Julies CJ - what a lovely one. Will try and get it done ready for an early post on Monday so that Michele can finish it before scrap camp to give back to Julie. And Michele if you're reading this I've seen your one too!!!

Doing the rounds of the blogs there is a lot going on - Mrs Frizz has a mammoth job of packing up her scrapbooking stuff, Little Moo is going to be a big brother, there are lots of funky blogs and who knew there were so many Westlife fans. Go Mich - that would have been amazing - would love to see a photo of you in your "W" hat.

Aaron is feeling much better after a day off playing with Jarrod, Leigh & Noah this morning and watching DVD's this afternoon. Just a high temp and sore throat that we can thank his father for. Andrew was home Tues, had Rebecca on Thurs and now Aaron today. Hopefully Alexia will get her bit done over the weekend as she has started complaining now.

Day 22

2008-02-22T14:08:00.004+13:00

Here is todays photo - now I must "fess up as I didn't take it. Aaron did. He is home sick today and got hold of my camera and started playing around and got it to work on the self timer thingie. What a great shot.

What is it about kids these days that they are so technologically savvy. Now I just wish he would apply it to instant recall of the times tables. LOL

WESTLIFE IS COMING TO TOWN

2008-02-21T17:13:00.005+13:00

Yahoo - couple of very happy campers here. Am still deaf in one ear where Alexia screamed when she heard about it on the radio. Am definitely going to try and get there. I just love these boys!!! So does Alexia and we have just bought her a couple of their CD's for her birthday so she would stop pinching mine. Just have to do some fast talking to Andrew as we will only just be back from Australia but the tickets go on sale on 1st March. Could hit him up for our wedding anniversary which is the 2nd March. Hmmm lots of thinking and planning to do on this one.

So my Day 21 photo has to be....

Not the greatest photo - thats what happens when you are in a hurry.

One thing I don't like about blogger is that you can't reply to comments unless you do it through the blog - unless someone knows something I don't know?

But for Julie - its the first year we have grown anything successfully and am taking a keen interest in the growth of our tomatoes. Bit of a competition going on with my FIL as he gave me the plants - mine are bigger than his!! LOL.

Day 20

2008-02-20T19:05:00.006+13:00

Here is todays random photo - Aaron spotted this "tornado" and wanted a photo of it. Just clouds - no panic.

Now for those wanting to know the lettering used on my last layout posted. Have used MM rub ons and the word Peace is from Tanya's Opposites Attract for the cricut.

Another Layout

2008-02-19T18:42:00.004+13:00

This is another Fiskars sketch and another one done for Aarons album (and I used up 4 photos from our Glacier trip). I am sending this off to Tanya for the Consultants Showroom http://consultant4se.wordpress.com/. Come on everyone (not just CHCH people) - she needs some layouts and theres a really cool prize to be won.

Day 19

2008-02-19T12:44:00.002+13:00

Short and sweet today. Here is Day 19. First time I have ever grown them successfully. We have tomatoes for China!!!

Day 18

2008-02-18T11:52:00.005+13:00

Day 18 of 29
Take a squizz at what I got today - yep its my kit together with my Periphery papers that I ordered and my Trade Me stuff. Have been hanging out for all this.

Thank you everyone for your lovely comments for Alexia's birthday - she was pretty chuffed by them all.

And as for the washing photo - you are all funny but at least I didn't show the row that had all the knickers and socks!! ROFL.

Show & Tell

2008-02-17T17:43:00.004+13:00

Day 17 of 29

We have had a beautiful day after all the rain and so have had a huge catch up on all the washing.

Have also been scrapping and here is my effort for the Friday Night Challenge. I asked Andrew if it looked like the layout to be scraplifted and he said it was nothing like it! LOL.

And Alison - I don't mind if you want to scraplift, go for it!

Happy Birthday Alexia

2008-02-16T17:07:00.007+13:00

Sweet Sixteen she is today. We have done the opening of the presents on our bed first thing and been out to breakfast at McDonalds as Rebecca is working today and Alexia wanted all of us together for at least one meal on her birthday. LOL. In lieu of a party she wanted money to spend in Australia and I am more than happy to oblige on that request. Have redone her coupon book from Christmas with more vouchers and the Oz money. She loved it. Nana & Grandad have been round and given her a hair straightener which she has been fiddling with and must say from the back she just looks like Rebecca and so grown up. Gran has phoned from Australia and her friends have been texting. We are about to watch the DVD of Ratatouille and she thinks we have a bit of a rat thing going on for her as she got the DVD of Flushed Away for Christmas. She has just told me that she has had a bloody good day in spite of not having a party! Now thats a good thing - right.

My random shot for Day 16 is the Crusaders sword I got at last nights game. With no kids in tow I would guess that this would count as a date with my hubby and wow we have now had 2 in 2 days. It was a real yummy BBQ tea under the stands as well. Was very wet and we watched from inside but did go out near the end when it stopped raining and soaked up the atmosphere. Yay we won - Go the Crusaders!

Finally a layout I started at Tanya's the other night. Its the Fiskars February sketch.

Have used a quote from Mrs Frizz and a couple of your RAK stars as well. Now off to work out what to do for the Friday Night Challenge. Its been a perfect day for scrapping.

Happy Days

2008-02-15T10:06:00.003+13:00

First of all here is the Day 15 of 29 photo. So totally me - notes left on the bench to remind me of what I have to do during the day.

Now for the fun stuff. Had a lovely lunch out yesterday with Andrew before racing off to watch Aaron at the swimming sports. OMG - my camera is just fantastic. I was sitting across the pool from him and could zoom in right on his face. Sooo funny just snapping away as he was mucking about with his friends - until he spotted me. Got some cool photos. After reading in Yvettes blog about the sport - Aaron gave everything a go. He got a couple of seconds and a third which was great considering there were only 3 of them swimming in his age group - he was chuffed. The parents were great and clapped all the swimmers especially the last ones. Great school spirit.

To top off yesterday I got happy mail times two. Mrs Frizz sent me a RAK which was just perfect for a layout needing a couple of finishing touches. Loved the tags and flowers. Thank you so much. Also got one from Trina McClune after commenting on her blog - lots of Heidi Grace stuff - papers, rub ons etc. Thanks Trina.

Andrew went out last night just to get a couple of things for Alexias coupon book and topped up my phone as well (so romantic of him) but he did spend up big at KMart as they had 15% off Lego and he bought a huge remote controlled bulldozer for Aaron for his birthday which he wanted and is now safely hidden away. I thought we were saving money!!!

Just remembered also that Andrew got voted in as Chairman at the primary school on Monday and have the high school in the next week or so as well.

We are supposed to be off to the rugby tonight but it is bucketing down and our seats are outside. We have a meal beforehand under the stands and supper after the game all put on by Andrews work so hopefully the weather improves otherwise we will sit inside and watch the screens.

Today have just found out that my layout of Alexia has made its way onto the SE blog - soo cool. Thanks Hannah for choosing it. So am feeling pretty damn pleased with myself.

Happy Valentines Day

2008-02-14T09:53:00.006+13:00

Day 14

In keeping with Valentines Day - I whipped these up in about 10 minutes this morning for Andrew and the kids. Its just a peanut slab with a scratchie wrapped in Fancy Pants paper.

On the love theme here is a layout I finished last night at Tanya's - a scraplift of one that Ann did. As soon as I saw hers I knew I had just the thing. Its a card that Alexia made me some time last year that I "found" when cleaning up and she had forgotten to give it to me.

Will share some more layouts from last night once they have their finishing touches done.

Happy Valentines Day everyone - Andrew and I are off to lunch today. Part Valentines and part of the New Years good intentions to go on a few more dates.

Day 13 of 29

2008-02-13T11:29:00.000+13:00

Day 13 Photo

A reminder of who I am picking up from school. I share transport with my friend Heidi as we both have boys going to one school and girls going to another. Usually we do week about but sometimes things crop up where we have to swap it round and I do these notes to myself on the steering wheel as to where I am going!!

Aaron now has a new favourite thing to do - surfing. Yesterday for their outdoor education they went windsurfing in the estuary and then surfing at Sumner. He was really impressed that he could actually stand up on the board and now wants one for his birthday (October!!!). Now Andrew and him are searching Trade Me. Yeah right - what happened to saving money for our trip to Australia and how about we just see if he's still serious in October and revisit it then!! But no, we have this gung ho attitude - lets do it now. Well, I've got news for you boys and its all bad!

Still on this subject, I was really surprised that they even went yesterday as it was cold and rainy most of the day. Heidi said that when she picked the boys up Aaron was grey, with blue lips - touch of hypothermia I would say. Must have looked like death warmed up as she said even other parents were commenting on him. Will talk to the teacher about that this afternoon as thats not good. They were wearing wetsuits and he certainly doesn't have any body fat on him (unlike his mother) but theres no reason for him to be that bad. He took a long time to warm up but was OK by the time I saw him.

Off to finish a layout now and going to Tanya's tonight for a bit of scrapping. Need to sort out what I'm going to do.

Day 12

2008-02-12T10:31:00.001+13:00

Day 12 of 29
Here is Alexias teddy that she carved out of Oamaru stone during a kidsfest event about 3 years ago.

Yahoo - I'm up to date putting them on my blog!

Boy, did we have some rain last night or what! Thunder and lightning as well. Had to go out at 8.30 to get Alexia from Rangers and have never driven in rain like it. Was really noisy and could hardly see through the windscreen. Still hanging around today but also muggy with it. Aaron is supposed to be windsurfing and surfing today but doubt whether that is a happening thing.

I'm scrapping today - have done what little cleaning I'm going to do but at least the basics have now all been caught up on from the holidays. Anything extra done now is a bonus!

Days 10 & 11

2008-02-12T09:49:00.000+13:00

Just trying to catch up with putting them on the blog.

Day 10

This is what greets visitors to our front door. It is the dumping place of all sorts - can now say it is no longer there.

Day 11

Trade Me. Spent yesterday morning doing a whole lot of new listings after our tidy up at the weekend.

Day 12 - doesn't want to do it.

Day 9 of 29

2008-02-11T09:38:00.000+13:00

Day 9 Photo

Whilst watching The Most Extreme programme on Saturday morning which was about blood thirsty animals it mentioned the leech. Aaron went and got his which came with his Horrible Science magazines. Quite realistic really!

Doesn't appear to want to upload Day 11 and 12 photos - will try later. They have been taken though.

With everyone back to school today for the proper times it finally feels normal round here. Have worked up a sweat doing the vacuuming and about to list a whole heap of "stuff" on Trade Me. The toilets and bathrooms can wait until tomorrow - no point rushing these things. Also have a very messy scrapdesk to sort out and a letter to write. Alexia needs to take a plate to Rangers tonight and doubt whether she will get time to do it after school so its my list to do as well. Just a normal day.

Heres a layout for the Scrapbox Sketch Challenge.

Please Work This Time

2008-02-10T15:34:00.000+13:00

This is for the Friday Night Challenge and it was a really nice change to do a girlie page. We found this sign at Coolangatta Airport and thought it was soo funny as it is just the total opposite of what we have told Alexia all these years when she worried about her size. Also another site had a challenge for something that tickled your fancy (NZ Dares???) and couldn't find a photo at the time - have since found this and another one which I will do as well. Fingers crossed. OMG it worked and in super fast time as well.

Day 7 - Lets reintroduce Aarons Ping - waving madly at Mrs Frizz. LOL.

Day 8 - Feijoa Flower

Day 9 - Doesn't want to upload this one - might be too big.

Well I missed out on some of the BG Periphery as the website couldn't cope and threw a hissy over stock numbers. So someone got there before me?????? Who was it? Watch out cos Mrs Frizz is on the case!!! ROFL.

Right off to take my Day 10 photo and then I will be up to date. Appears to be mostly working now and don't want to push my luck - must have just needed a wee rest. Don't we all.

Day 8

2008-02-08T15:40:00.000+13:00

Day 7 - Meet Ping. He has had 10 years of loving from Aaron and is now currently living in my laundry waiting for a soak and a wash. Before that can happen however he needs to have a few holes patched up before he loses the rest of his beans.
Day 8 - Feijoa Flower - didn't realise how many flowers I still have in my garden!

Ok - so no one can see the photos - will have to try again.

Day 7

2008-02-07T22:37:00.000+13:00

Having problems tonight uploading my Day 7 photo so will try again tomorrow.

Apparently Andrew did well at the Powhiri and I spoke a little too soon about him not being stressed by it. Miss 17 told him last night "don't worry because nobody listens anyway". Good on ya Becs! From there he couldn't sleep because he was worrying and ended up with a headache this morning. But alls well that ends well.

As for shopping with Tanya - lets just say our kids did well out of us! It was nice to go out just cos we could! LOL. Have also just finished shopping on the SE website and brought a whole heap of Basic Grey Periphery. I think it might just do for my wedding photos when and if I ever get around to it.

Day 6 - Waitangi Day

2008-02-06T22:17:00.000+13:00

Day 6
Just been having a play around with the new camera and discovered macro - its very cool. This is just one of my many miniature roses.

Wow - what a reaction over cheese prices! I think I'm going to just keep my mouth shut and put up with what we are paying. $15 - are you guys kidding! It's just not an option in our house to cut back on it either as its a necessity. LOL. By the way Hannah that was a Pak n Save price. I get to do the groceries tomorrow and without any others tagging along and putting their two cents worth in or "why do you buy that when this is cheaper". I can't wait as I really enjoy doing the groceries.

Have all three back at school tomorrow. YAY - me time. Tanya and I are going shopping!!

Andrew is busy putting the final touches to his speech for the Powhiri tomorrow morning to welcome the Year 9 students. He did really well last year speaking in Maori - so much so that the girls didn't realise it was him. LOL. He's been having lessons for the past 6 months so should be really good this year. For once he's not stressing about it.

It was a pretty relaxing day round here today. Andrews parents brought round a couple of trees that they had dug out and all donations gratefully received here thanks. Fluffed around with a couple of layouts but nothing wonderful. One was of Aarons school photo - why do they have to put the year on it now, its so annoying. Rebecca was at work and Aaron finally got to "spend" his Subway card at lunchtime. Alexia hid away in her cave most of the day listening to Westlife, her current favourites and my CD! Spent a bit of time on the computer going through my scrapbook folder and sorting out and printing out. It was a bit overdue for an overhaul if you know what I mean.

It feels like Saturday!

Day 5

2008-02-05T13:49:00.000+13:00

Day 5 Photo
Colours are not as sharp as they should be - will work on that.

Just some bits and pieces. Have just been to the supermarket for some basics to tide us over to pay day. Whats with the price of cheese - $9.45 for 1kg. Usually we get through two over a fortnight! Wow!

Hi Yvette - thanks for looking at my blog. Have 3 children, Rebecca 17 in Year 13, Alexia who will be 16 next week in Year 12 and Aaron 12 in Year 8.

Been aquajogging this morning and things are slowly returning to normality.

Posting now because I usually leave it too late to do and then seem to be up half the night on the computer.

Day 4

2008-02-04T22:53:00.001+13:00

Here is my Day 4 photo.

I have high hopes for this scrapbook because it is Aarons homework book and already after one day there are at least 6 pages pasted into it to be completed over the next fortnight. He was not impressed but when he really looked at it (and did it) he found that it wasn't as bad as he thought it was going to be. We did wonder why he needed five of them!!! LOL.

He had a really good day at school and his teacher seems nice although Aaron said that she talked all day. They now have budgies and goldfish in the classroom as well as the reintroduction of "the mat" which they all thought they had left behind long ago. His friends have really shot up over the holidays and are now on eye level with me - very scary.

The girls also went this afternoon for an hour and a half to find out their form rooms. Rebecca was wanting to switch from Physics and Chemistry to Classical Studies and Tourism and found out today that this has been OK'ed by the powers that be, so she is happy. Alexia is also happy because the Maori language class that she was going to be in, and then not, due to it being cancelled is now back in it. At least she will now be able to have a conversation with Andrew as he is continuing with his course as well this year.

Have scrapped Alice's CJ today and nearly finished it. Watch out Michele as it may be coming your way real early!

My Photos

2008-02-03T22:38:00.000+13:00

Ok folks - my photos on the previous post would appear to have come out as "sneak peeks". I can view them fine but some of you can't. Apologies, as have been having a play with my new camera and got the pixels wrong blah blah blah. Did always wonder how people managed to do the sneak peek thing and now I know. Will get it right eventually but I'm not a very patient kind of person and want it all done/fixed/sorted NOW without resorting to the instructions (thats Andrews job).

Great to catch up with Janine (Angelgurl) and Michele in the chatroom. Thanks for all the great ideas Janine, on how to scrap "special occasions".

Meant to say also my boy is back to school tomorrow for the start of his last year at primary school. We have been around this school for the past 12 years so am feeling a bit nostalgic about that side of things. He does not want to go but has a teacher who will be new to the school so hopefully things will go ok. Bit of trouble getting my head around "my baby" being the big senior Year 8 around school though and off to High School next year. Am thinking of others at the other end of the scale with kids just starting or soon to start - Alison, Alisa and Mich and any others I've missed. Wishing you all the best and good luck with the transition from home to school.

Day 3

2008-02-03T17:38:00.000+13:00

Day 3

Just a little bit of a picture in my lounge - slighty blurry but thats OK.

Have been scrapping off and on all day and still not overly happy with the results. Its my take on the SE sketch challenge and have done 2. I think its all the little photos that have thrown me and also the very busy background in one of them. But its still 2 more done!

Off to load one now for the challenge and get Debbies CJ ready for tomorrows courier.

29 Day Challenge

2008-02-02T21:29:00.000+13:00

Ok - its on Janine W's blog - a challenge to take a photo for every day in February. I am already a day late as it was too late last night to do one so have taken 2 today to make up for it.

Day 1
I got this little beauty today. Lucky lucky me. Andrew made an impulse purchase!! (Still waiting for the BBQ but more than happy with this in the meantime. LOL).

Day 2
These beautiful flowers actually grow in my garden.

Are there a lot of challenges going on or what? There is SE, Fiskars, and Kiwi Jack Me Up to name just a few - am going to be busy. Just as well I redid my scrap space and had a big cleanout.

Check out what Tanya is up to on the SE Consultants blog - very exciting and I AM GOING! Can't wait.

Those "Duty" Pages

2008-02-01T17:48:00.000+13:00

Just sharing.
The top one is based on Hannahs instructions from the December Kit. The second one is Aarons 10th birthday and the last one is from a sketch I found at http://stucksketches.blogspot.com/.

End of January

2008-01-31T21:45:00.000+13:00

Where did that month go to? Gone in the blink of an eye and on to February.

Its been a muddly week. Dropped off the car to be fixed and boy did it need a lot of fixing – Andrew lost the brakes driving it there! Turned out to be not as expensive a fix as we initially thought but still something we could have done without at this time of year. Now the other one needs a tune up (says Andrew).

Andrew went back to work today for the first time in 5 weeks. He took his long service leave and let me tell you it’s been a very long holiday. He was not looking forward to it and I did not really appreciate the alarm going off at 6am. For me its been a taste of what life could be like when he retires – I think he needs a few hobbies just so that he doesn’t know what I do with mine and how much I spend. LOL.

Talking of spending – had a bit of a spurge on Monday with Tanya, Meg and Megs friend Sharon. Nice to meet you at last Miss Meg. First time I have been near the scrapbooking shops all holidays and was hanging out a bit for it as well. Just bought some papers, stitching templates and Thickers lettering – seem to have a bit of a thing for this at the moment. Afterwards Tanya & I went out for tea and had Thai – very yummy it was too. It was just about the last supper and was happy to get home in one piece – isn’t that right Tanya!!! ROFL.

I had to go and sort out the girls courses for this year and there were a lot of other girls there doing the same - says a lot for exam results. Now its really up to the timetable people as to whether or not they are able to change into what they want and also how many are already in those classes. $300 later and I guess we will just have cross our fingers (and no that wasn't a bribe - just school fees and course fees) LOL.

Have been scrapping but nothing really wonderful - I call those pages "duty" pages. You know, they are the ones that you feel should be scrapped to tell the story ie Christmas and birthday and then it gets to a point where there are only so many pages you can do of kids opening presents and standing by a tree!!! Duty pages!!! I did get some new photos printed today but are definitely getting more selective in what gets scrapped. Might share a layout or two tomorrow. Got some more ink for the printer so can now finish Debbies CJ as there was too much journalling to just write it out. Only 3 to go until mine comes home. Yahoo - can't wait!

Am flicking between writing here and the chat room at SE - talking to Angela and Tanya - hi guys. Well can't really concentrate on both so will be off for now.

From the Blogs

2008-01-27T12:14:00.000+13:00

In cruising around lately have found that Rochelle has some fantastic news to share, Alison has done her first ever sketch challenge and entered it, Mrs Frizz is ROFL over the new SE chat room (as are we all), Elsie has a new book coming out, I have won a RAK on Trina's blog and Tanya has set up a showroom on the SE Consultant blog. What a lot going on and in so many different and interesting ways! I think I am addicted to blogging (you reckon). Either that or I am just damn nosy!!!!

Looking forward to tomorrow when I get to meet Miss Meg.

I have scrapped - not too sure about the background cardstock (Scenic Route from the Oct Kit) and used some scraps, Prima flowers, AL stamp and rub on from the Jan Kit. Also took the quote from Alisons blog - thanks Alison.

Akaroa

2008-01-25T23:02:00.000+13:00

Right, 3rd post today. We went off to Akaroa for the day. Have been trying to get here all holidays and Aaron was busting a gut to go fishing again. We went with Nana and Grandad. Took a heap of photos and are really pleased with most of them. Had a wander round the shops and along the beach. Lunched at the pub and went up to the lighthouse. Finally, Aaron got to do his fishing but ended up being more interested in crab hunting and there were hundreds hidden under all the rocks. Found this really cool painter doing portraits for free! LOL.

Aaron just had to do this....

Andrew and the girls....

Rebecca at the Lighthouse....

Yes I was there too....but for some reason blogger thinks we have enough photos on this post and won't let me put it on here.

Have finally got into the new Chat Room at SE. It is very cool and a bit mind blowing to try and keep up. The ladies just flit from topic to topic and the sounds are sooo funny. I feel I've
done really well today technology wise what with downloading Picasa and joining the Chat Room. Now just need to upload photos into my gallery and tomorrow will try to email some photos to family in Australia.

Alexia is at a 16th birthday party tonight and sleeping over. A bit concerned as alcohol was mentioned but she has had a talking to over it and there is a parent there all night and only 3 sleeping over. I guess sometimes you just have to trust them and let them get on with it. She knows she can phone home and also the consequences with her epilepsy medication. But will still worry about her until she is home.

We took everyone to see National Treasure a couple of days ago and what a fantastic movie. Just as good as the first and maybe even just a little bit better.

Also met up with Tanya, Louise and Michele from the SE forum for coffee. It was really nice meeting Louise and Michele for the first time and hopefully will do it again at some stage.

Second Attempt

2008-01-25T19:17:00.000+13:00

Here is a layout using the January Kit. It is from Janines layout instructions that came with the kit. Had already used the D on another layout and so have used the p instead until I can replace it - yeah right! Gave up on using the crown as a mask as I just didn't get it so have used it as a sticker instead. Now off to see what I can do about getting into the new SE chat room - not having much luck there either.

Just Having a Play

2008-01-25T19:01:00.000+13:00

Have finally done something positive. I have downloaded Picasa and been having a play with my photos. Have never learnt how to send them by email as they always end up too big and I end up giving up in frustration. So been playing with the crop thing on a couple of layouts. This is one based on Tanya's layout for last weeks Friday night challenge and managed to use up some scraps. Thanks Tanya. Have also done one using the January Kit but have to figure out to get a second photo from Picasa to here! It sure is a learning process and I think I am getting there very slowly.

May have to do another post for it and we have had a busy day in Akaroa with lots and lots of photos to share.

Its 3am!!!!

2008-01-22T03:13:00.000+13:00

Its 3am!!! Can't sleep - just tossing and turning and all sorts of things going through my head. I really don't like nights like this and thankfully they don't happen often. Am sitting here drinking a milo and playing on the computer because at this time of night theres nothing on the box. Have already been onto the SE forum and do you know that at this time of night there are 7 people on it! Perhaps they can't sleep either or are from somewhere else in the world where its daylight. Have also put the finishing touches to another layout which I will share tomorrow.

I feel a bit silly sitting here typing away (even though the computer is going super fast - funny that) so will try again for the Land of Nod.

January Sketch Challenge

2008-01-21T20:21:00.000+13:00

Heres my take on the sketch at SE. I love sketches and it is making things so much easier. Am just powering through Aarons photos but can't wait to do some girlie pages. Also using up some of my stash with old papers and embellishments and thats got to be good.

Just a thought on blogger - do I always have to sign into my blog to be able to leave comments on other blogger blogs? Wordpress ones are OK and I can just leave a comment but for some reason blogger does not do the same.

Domestic Bliss!!!

2008-01-20T16:59:00.001+13:00

Yeah Right!! With Alexia home from Jamboree today I now have a mountain of stinky washing to do. Couldn’t resist taking this photo of her with the worst of it! Everything else is either soaking or already on the line.

She has had a blast and talking non stop about everything – what she did, what she spent, what other people did, what other people said – blah blah blah. You get the picture. Am so happy that she had a really good time and feel like it was money well spent (even if I did think she was rather ungrateful about it). We were a pair of worriers about her especially after reading through previous posts but am glad she’s home and the noise level reflects that. Am thinking I might make her up a little album of it all as she has two films to get developed and her unit leader is sending everyone a CD of photos that they have put together. After going round to see Nana & Grandad to fill them in, she is now catching up on last weeks episodes of Shortland Street. Tele addict that she is!!

After reading Trina’s blog about her family growing and then harvesting food from her garden – I can now really relate. Here are my meager offerings – the first of many judging by the triffids growing out the back. They have been carefully tended by staking, watering and pinching out the tops and it’s a first for me. Other years tomatoes have just been left to fend for themselves so its been pot luck whether they even survived. I am off to skite to my father-in-law as he gave me half of his plants and the ones he kept are much smaller than mine!

On the scrapbooking front have finished my pages for Donna's CJ and also finished my layout for the Friday Night Challenge at SE. Had to use blue/orange or pink/orange, old stickers and title of Summer Days. Have used the January Kit.

Now off to finish the January sketch challenge which is half done on my desk.

Congratulations

2008-01-18T20:10:00.000+13:00

Its the best news of the year! My friend Tanya has set a date for her wedding. Go Tanya and Neil. Big congratulations from all of us here. I really think you might be joking that there is to be no pink though!! LOL.

It was a lot cooler today and we have had a lovely day at Hanmer and even saw Alexia. We thought she might be there today and had a big catch up on what she has been doing. Her highlight so far would have to be flying the plane yesterday. She is just buzzing and got a certificate. She did half an hour and apparently it counts towards something later on if she continues and has lessons!! Gulp!! Aaron was looking out for her and although he says not, he has really missed her. Andrew got a bit sunburnt and I have a huge sandfly bite on my foot - the bugs really really like me. I always seem to be the one they go for and its not just a little nip - they take a whole chunk and the whole top of my foot is all swollen. Any suggestions how to prevent it would be gratefully recieved as have struck the same every time we go to Australia and we off there in April.

This and That

2008-01-17T19:53:00.000+13:00

Have had a busy couple of days and boy has it been hot. Been joking with family in Oz that our temperatures are higher than theirs and that was the reason why Mum moved there. LOL.

Have been aquagjogging and am exhausted. Its hard to believe that I have lost my fitness so quickly as I haven't been since before Christmas. Andrew and Aaron came too and just had a swim and a play. Just as well we went early as it got really busy. Today we all went again, this time with Heidi and it was great to have a catch up as its been a while and also makes the time go faster when you have someone to talk to.

Rebecca didn't come with us again and we are slowly coming round to the fact that this is the way its going to be from now on. She went off shopping with her friend and then on to work at 4pm so haven't seen her since 9am this morning. Have heard from Alexia and she has "played in the mud", been surfing and today was up in the plane. She wanted her NCEA results and am glad to say that she has passed. We had strict instructions to text her when we had found out but haven't heard from her since. I am really pleased with her as I think she underestimated herself and has done better than she thought. Andrew now owes her a chocolate fish. More about Rebeccas later as she doesn't yet know her results although Andrew & I have had a sneaky look!!!

Hired a couple of DVD's - latest Harry Potter and the Fantastic Four Silver Surfer. I am sooo over Harry Potter. It was a bit hard going and Aaron really liked the Fantastic Four. I wanted to see Ratatouille(?) - next time!

I got my SE Kit today and can't wait to get started on using it. It is perfect for all the summery photos and in particular will be great for boy pages which just fits what I am doing with Aarons album.

We are off to Hanmer tomorrow - again with just Aaron - and will have a soak in the hot pools. This was his wish for the holidays and he is cashing in his coupon for a Date with Dad/Mum from the book I made him for Christmas. Will try and remember to take some photos that are different to every other time we have been! The weather is supposed to be a lot cooler tomorrow so should be quite nice and are looking forward to it.

The Water Horse

2008-01-15T13:12:00.000+13:00

We took Aaron to see The Water Horse this morning and what a really nice movie. He really enjoyed it and now wants the DVD when it comes out. Even Andrew enjoyed it. Soppy me - I cried!

Here is a layout just for Alison to show that I can 'do' simple!!! My sister bought a Church and renovated it. There was an old organ that may have come with the Church sitting on the stage at one end of the big hall (lounge) and the kids just loved trying to get some sound out of it. Here is Rebecca when she was little - she could barely reach the pedals. Not the greatest photo - sorry.

Have heard from Alexia again and yesterday they did an Amazing Race around Christchurch ending up at Science Alive. They also had a 24 hour Rave going on so hope she didn't stay up too late last night.

Are off now to go and get Aarons school stationery. Much easier for us to do the kids one at a time than to have all 3 reading off separate lists and trying to co-ordinate it all. It can be very stressful.

Been Scrappin'

2008-01-14T11:14:00.000+13:00

Perhaps I better throw a wobbly a bit more often - seems to have kick started the scrappin' mojo big time!! Have done about 4 and also the New Years challenge. Here are just a couple of them from this week. This is when I first got a digital camera and seem to have a huge amount of Aaron taken in April 2005 but am getting a bit fed up with all the yellow and blue. Just had to tell the story of Aarons ducks.

And also about his favourite clothes at age 9.

And here is one of my wooden spoon. This has been hanging around my laundry for the past 17 years. It started out by stirring the dirty nappies in the bucket (yes I actually used cloth nappies in the old days! LOL). Now it is looking a bit sad as it has finally snapped and up for replacement so thought I would take a photo before tossing it out and do a "Nic Howard" and scrapbook it!!

Here is the one for the New Years Challenge at SE and yes thats me. Did an 8x8 as I'm not sure if I want to do a 12x12 Me album but thought that I could alter this if I change my mind about the size of the album.

Just have to get started now on Donna's CJ.

In family matters we left Alexia at Jamboree, a bit nervous and excited - thats both her and us. It was very windy here on Friday afternoon and they had a lot of tents still to go up so left them to it. She texted us on Saturday as we needed to sign a permission form for her to be able to fly a plane - thats a real one - and she was making sure that we would come to the open day to do it and also bring more hand sanitiser. She must have been worried that we wouldn't come as she sent about 5 texts and then rung us!! They are being real vigilant over the handwashing and she had already gone through one bottle of sanitiser in 2 days! We went to the open day and found her OK and even managed to find our wee friend Georgie from Blenheim so was able to let her Mum know that she is having a blast. Forms all signed and now Alexia can't wait to fly. She went rafting in the Avon on Saturday and also abseiling on the Port Hills. She has abseiled here before so wasn't worried. We didn't stay too long as it seemed like she couldn't wait to get back to her friends and the other two were getting a bit bored. They are very well organised although the rangers are a long way away from the Guides and have a bit of a hike to get to their catering tent for their food. Will do her good! We are really missing her and wondering all the time what she is up to.

Its Been One of Those Days

2008-01-10T20:20:00.000+13:00

Today I spit the dummy and threw the toys from the cot and if I was 2 years old I would have stamped my feet too! Have been trying to get Alexia packed up ready to go off to the Guide Jamboree tomorrow. We started yesterday but it was not a happening thing and I told her she had the attention span of a flea and was wound up like the energiser bunny. I ended up leaving her to it and having some retail therapy instead as she was driving me nuts. Tried again today but she argued with me over everything that went into her bags! There were 2 things I was insisting on but she wasn't having it. One was her medication which I thought would be safer in her big bag and left in the tent rather the whole 10 days worth being carried around all over the place. If she lost her pack then she would be in trouble without it but she just couldn't see it. The other thing was just a simple case of denial that she would need something I was insisting on going into her pack. Her reasoning for both was I will do it when I get to camp - YEAH RIGHT! There will be so much going on and people coming and going to even remember what day it is let alone do this for your mother. I may suss out who holds the medication whilst she is there anyway but since starting High School have found that it is the kids responsibility as she has never had it taken off her.

I keep telling myself it is a phase. So you see people, that not only 2 year olds have phases it extends to 15, nearly 16 year olds, as well. I know there is a nice, unselfish, undemanding person inside just waiting to come out as we have been there, done that with her older sister. So, today I am feeling really fed up and wondering why I bothered making her nearly 50 swap pins yesterday, hemming 2 pairs of 3/4 pants today, getting her a disposable camera and giving her spending money for the privilege of spending time with 3000 other people and having a blast doing it. Considering that I was the one who fundraised all of last year for it then perhaps I should be the one going!! Its a phase! Its a phase! I'll just keep telling myself that. Have also realised that I really need to pick my battles.

One good thing though, I took my aggression out on the ironing pile and did the lot. I absolutely loath ironing so its a good thing that its done and I feel better for it. However when trying to stuff Aarons clothes into his drawer, I broke the runners. Haven't managed yet to fess up to Andrew about that yet!

Grandad took Aaron and Megan fishing today around Redcliffs, Sumner and then back to the Avon. Apparently only Grandad caught a starfish. He teased Aaron this morning about whether he had his bucket and knife and Aaron was really worried that he would have to actually kill a fish. (He's not good with blood and likely to faint). Up to now its been a catch and release thing so he was most relieved when Grandad said thats what they would do. Nana said the look on his face was priceless.

Neither Alexia or Grandad have heard about the jobs yets so its not looking too hopeful for either of them.

Thats about it for now - am off to watch the final of Survivor but it is spoilt for me this time round as I inadvertently found out who the winner was a couple of weeks ago when watching another programme. Just a tad annoying!

Its Been a Productive Day

2008-01-08T16:52:00.000+13:00

Finally we have had a huge tidy up throughout the house and especially in the kids bedrooms. We now have 3 piles of "stuff" - one for Trade Me, one for the rubbish and one for the mission. The housework is done and I can see the floor again. The kids have got back into doing their jobs although I'm sure Aaron just gave the dusting a bit of a flick. He has cleaned out his bookcase as it still had all his "baby" books on it and he was running out of room. Bit of shame really as it means he has really moved on from all the old favourites. One thing my kids don't suffer from is a lack of books! I am a big reader and so are they all except to get Aaron into it we had to buy him books that he related to. When he was little anything that had a duck in it did it for him. Still does, I might add. Bit of a trip down memory lane going through this big pile and some of them have since made their way back onto the shelf! Now just have to find somewhere to store them as I am not very good at getting rid of books.

Here is a layout I have done from the December Kit with a Rhonna Farrar paper thrown in. Not too sure about all those little beads though and I'm sure there must have been an easier way of attaching them. Glue and I are not really the best of friends.

Aaron is out with his friend Megan fishing in the Avon River with her Grandad. I hope he doesn't bring anything home! He just loves it but unfortunately for him neither Andrew or I do. Will just do a quick edit here - he has just come home and of course we have the story of the one that got away - apparently it fell off the line!!!

Alexia has a job interview tomorrow morning at the new Bunnings which is opening a couple of streets over in March. It is a group interview and she was schooled up by Grandad today on what to expect as he has also applied and had his interview today. He will be 70 in April and so not ready to retire but thought a little part time job there would just be right for him as its just over his back fence. So good luck Lex and Grandad.

Just realised what a hotchpotch of a blog this one is and also am over the 1000 post mark. Thanks guys although am sure that half of them are me!!! LOL.

Yesterday

2008-01-07T20:33:00.000+13:00

Well, it sure was a hot one yesterday. We went to the Groynes with Tanya and her family and another family, who we had met at Tanya’s Christmas BBQ, for a picnic lunch. The day just got hotter and hotter as the wind dropped. We were in a fabulously sheltered spot right next to the river. The kids all ended up paddling in it and building a dam to eventually getting wet all over. We didn’t take togs so they gradually all started stripping down to next to nothing. Its not really a good place to swim and there are signs up but it was so hot and the water is really cold. Found a mother duck and her 9 ducklings and she allowed the kids to get really close - bread helped. This was all before they started fishing for eels and then they were too scared to go back in. The eels were disgusting – there was about 5 of them in one particular spot in varying sizes. Aaron had found a fishing line in the water with a bit of a hook so they put sausage on it which the eels really liked and then they tried to pull them out of the water. Even Tanya had a go!!! Took lots of photos during the day but none of them really great – am so going to have to get a better zoom. We had a fabulous day out and I guess that is what kiwi summer holidays are all about – a bit of sun, a bit of water, a picnic lunch and friends.

Heres the boys and Alexia in the water. She led the way and they weren't going to be beaten by a GIRL.

The boys across the river.

It takes a lot of people to catch eels!!

Have been catching up on the blogs today and boy has everyone been busy or what. Some excitements that some could have done without (right Michele)! Thanks for the photos Trace - sooo cute and now I know who you are talking about and having seen your photo know who I am "talking to" as well. I like today as it’s really the start of things back to normal. And Alison may just see you one day on the forum. They are a great bunch of ladies and make up most of my blog list. Also I did have a sizzix but replaced it with the cricut. Was not using the sizzix and the alphabets cost a fortune. Much happier now with the cricut and have been swapping cartridges with Tanya so am not stuck with the same alpha on every layout.

I like today. The public holidays are over and done with for another month, shop hours are back to normal and most people are back at work. We have been out shopping for a BBQ today. Those on the forum know this story. Andrew is one of those people who take forever to buy something. He has to study the junk mail, paper, TV etc and then do the rounds of the shops to make sure that he is getting the best possible deal. We have narrowed it down to a couple at Kmart but the one we (he) really wants just had to be the one without 30% off. So, of course have come home without any and will think about it some more!!

Off to find Aaron now. He's out in the street somewhere or at someone's house. Don't panic -we are in a tiny cul-de-sac with about 10 houses so its a process of elimination and he's not allowed out of the street unless he tells us. Usually I find the skateboard leaning up against someones house which is a good indicator.

Review of 2007

2008-01-05T19:27:00.000+13:00

Thanks Michelle. Have also checked out the blogs of Trace, Louise and Hannah. All very different answers and very interesting.

1. What did you do in 2007 that you’d never done before? 
Travelled around the South Island with the family visiting the places that we hadn't seen or seen for a while.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I didn’t make any resolutions last year but did achieve some goals in regard to my scrapbooking and getting out there and meeting more people. This year I have "good intentions" thanks to Hannah - its a cool idea.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth? 
No

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Our beautiful 4 year old Siberian Husky - Jasper died in October. We are all still recovering from that.

5. What states/countries did you visit?
None for 2007 but off to Australia twice this year.

6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007? 
A bit more get up and go. Less weight. Less on the mortgage. No VISA bills.

7. What dates from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? 
Nothing really stands out.

8. What is your biggest achievement of the year?
Joining in with the forums and entering a scrapbooking competition and doing challenges. Lost about 3kg.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Keeping a rein on the VISA card

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No but still have my thyroid condition and always will - no big deal.

11. What was the best thing you bought? 
Cricut machine for me and a second car.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Our so called Politicians - what a pack of babies!

14. Where did most of your money go?
Kids activities, scrapbooking and mortgage.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? 
Getting a 3rd place for one of my layouts in the SE Ultimate Scrapbookers Challenge.

16. What song will always remind you of 2007?
Have to think about this one.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: 
a) happier or sadder?  Happier
b) thinner or fatter?  Thinner
c) richer or poorer? Richer

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Housework and then I wouldn't have to be doing a huge spring clean in summer!

19. What do you wish you’d done less of? 
Stressed about the small stuff intially but got better as the year went on.

20. How did you spend Christmas? 
Breakfast here with Grandparents and then to their place for lunch. Gave up on any tea. It revolved around food.

21. Did you fall in love in 2007? 
Have been for nearly 23 years with Andrew and my cricut comes a close second.

22. What was your favorite TV program? 
Love all reality shows - Survivor and Amazing Race.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? 
Hate's a pretty strong word but no.

24. What was the best book you read?
I reread the whole Diana Gabaldon series again. Lost count of how many times I have read them but just love them. Also Nora Roberts.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery? 
Rediscovered Faith Hill and Dixie Chicks and of course my boys - Westlife have done a new CD!

26. What did you want and get? 
A second car and a cricut machine. Also got a new laptop.

27. What did you want and not get?
Better digital camera and new cell phone.

28. What was your favorite film of this year? 
Cant think of anything right at this moment. Would rather wait for the DVD than go to the movies.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? 
Went out to dinner with family to Spagalimis pizza and turned 44 (yikes).

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007? 
Tried to buy better fitting clothes and not hide behind the baggies.

32. What kept you sane? 
Family and friends. Retreated to my desk and got creative.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? 
None that I can think of but did get fed up hearing about Paris Hilton and Britney Spears.

34. What political issue stirred you the most? 
Anti-smacking got a reaction.

35. Who did you miss?
My friend Colleen in Blenheim. We sort of drifted in 2007.

36. Who was the best new person you met?
Tanya, of course. Also lots of new people through the forums and blogging.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007. 
As Michelle said hmmmm..

Now for a layout finished today. Have used up one of "those" theme papers which I don't really use anymore but kept it because all 3 of my kids do rockclimbing.

Timaru

2008-01-05T09:37:00.001+13:00

Yesterday we went to Timaru for the day - only a couple of hours travelling each day so not too bad. Its a trip we make every year to go to the carnival. The rides are quite cheap and this year the kids favourite - the Chairoplane - was back. Its a $2 ride and goes for a long time - good value. We went without Rebecca as she had to go into work to discuss her hours but I think it was just an excuse not to come with us and have a day out with her friend as I'm sure the work thing could have been dealt with over the phone. It is the first time we have left her on her own for the day with us being out of Christchurch but at nearly 17 and a half (don't forget the half - its important!) she is starting not to want to come with us - a sign of the times perhaps. She got a list of instructions of what times to text us etc and she was really good at sticking to it. We are lucky that she is quite responsible and more than happy to hang out with her girlfriends and is not into the boys etc. Still wasn't quite the same not having her with us as the trip to Timaru is a tradition - as Aaron would say!

We stopped at Temuka on the way down - for me to look at the Temuka Factory Shop (just fabulous) and the kids to get ice creams - another tradition! Arrived at Timaru around lunchtime and got some lunch from Couplands. Aaron had a wander down at the beach at Caroline Bay and found "coral" and "worms" in a mussel shell which turned out to be maggots. Yuk! We thought the carnival this year was the best one that we have been to in a while with lots more rides adding a bit of variety. We "did" the shops up the main street and ended up at the Botanic Gardens for afternoon tea. We went with Andrews parents so it was a bit of a cruisy day. Got home around 7pm with time to spare to watch Titanic. Love that movie.

Heres Aaron on the beach with the port in the background. Also the kids on the Chairoplane. Did take a few go's to get them both in the same photo.

Heres them on the bumper boats - they both got soaked. Just as well we had just bought Alexia some swimming shorts so she was able to change. Aaron made it his mission to get Alexia as wet as possible.

Finally, Alexia got hold of my camera and took heaps of photos of Andrew and me in the gardens unfortunately this is the only photo I liked! LOL.

Off now to spend some time at my desk doing some more scrapping. Hopefully will have something to share later on.

Busy Start to the Year

2008-01-03T10:06:00.000+13:00

We have had a busy few days and started out with good intentions on the exercise - the whole family that is. Went for a walk around the Otakaikino Reserve - its only about 20 minutes walking but was good for a starter for the new year. We haven't been there for a few years even if it is only 5 minutes down the road. May have to go back for a picnic now that we have sussed it out with toilets etc. There is a huge grass area which is just like a bowling green lawn - absolutely perfect.

Have also been walking through Bottle Lake Reserve - lots of pine trees and walking/mountain bike tracks. I think the last time we were here we were walking the dog and Aaron found the tree where Jazz got him all tangled up! We sure do miss having him around and will get another one (just not a Husky) but we can't decide on what to get and will do something about it once we get back from our holiday in Australia in the next lot of school holidays.

Yesterday after we dropped Rebecca off to work we went to Corsair Bay. Again its been ages since we went here. We all went in swimming and Aaron and Alexia had a ball swimming out to the raft and just generally having fun. Had forgotten how salty the sea is - its been a while since I swam in the sea (not the same since seeing Jaws!!). Have decided it would be a great place to go back for tea one nice evening and swim. Its a really hot place during the day with not much shade unless you want to sit way up on the bank area away from the water.

Today is supposed to be 27 but it seems to have cooled off a bit. We were going to go to Timaru for a day trip but are going tomorrow instead with Andrews parents who don't like the heat. It is supposed to be 21 tomorrow. The carnival will still be on and we will visit the gardens and just have a nosy around. We usually go every year for the carnival but thought we would give it a miss this year but the kids still really want to go - well Aaron does anyway!

Have also been scrapbooking. Have done 2 layouts or rather just turned one 8x8 into a 12x12 plus another one. It feels good to get back into it. Am going to make more of an effort to use up what I have and think twice about buying anything new - especially papers. I've got to stop saving them for something special and just use them. Yeah right!

Off to watch the ladies tennis now - we have all got into it. Go the Kiwi girl!

Just Reflecting on 2007

2007-12-31T23:00:00.000+13:00

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

2007-12-29T19:15:00.000+13:00

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

2007-12-27T19:39:00.000+13:00

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

2007-12-26T13:20:00.000+13:00

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

2007-12-24T11:08:00.000+13:00

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

2007-12-22T18:25:00.000+13:00

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

2007-12-19T14:42:00.000+13:00

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!

2007-12-17T21:14:00.000+13:00

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...

2007-12-16T16:50:00.000+13:00

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...

2007-12-15T21:39:00.000+13:00

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..

2007-12-15T14:05:00.000+13:00

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

2007-12-14T20:38:00.000+13:00

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

2007-12-13T18:21:00.000+13:00

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

2007-12-11T11:40:00.000+13:00

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

2007-12-09T21:13:00.000+13:00

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

2007-12-07T21:57:00.000+13:00

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

2007-12-02T19:16:00.000+13:00

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...

2007-12-01T19:45:00.000+13:00

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

2007-11-30T21:42:00.000+13:00

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

2007-11-27T14:42:00.001+13:00

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

2007-11-27T08:39:00.000+13:00

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...!!!

2007-11-26T22:12:00.000+13:00

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

2007-11-23T15:35:00.000+13:00

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!!!

2007-11-19T20:46:00.000+13:00

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

2007-11-19T20:36:00.000+13:00

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

L o n g Update

2007-11-15T16:05:00.000+13:00

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.

Just added another photo from the Doggie Album.

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!