Friday 31 August 2007
My long awaited new....
Today I purchased the Canon 400D digital SLR camera I have been saving and yearning for for so long. I am so excited and am eagerly waiting for the battery to charge so I can play. I decided to go with the twin lens kit and have ordered a 5omm lens as well. I managed to get a fairly good deal bundled with the CF card, bag etc so I am pretty happy. I managed to get it just in time for Father's day which is great. We are having a family picnic with my parents, sisters and families which will a heap of fun. The kids can all run free and the adults can eat, drink and take piccies LOL. Rich thinks I'm a nutter getting all excited over a camera (just a camera!!)but he just doesn't get it. I can bet most of you reading this will completely understand my excitement. I am still thinking of what to get him for Father's day and need to get a move on. The kids have made him al sorts of fab things and I just need something to sweeten the deal. I'm sure he'll adore the calico tie with iron on crayon Mikaela is making him, but I had better get something else too ROFL.
Today was the Father's day breakfast for Ethan's prep class and Rich and I helped out. Yesterday we took in some tents to set up in the classroom and a fake fire that we use for Rangers. It is electric or gas operated with real logs and a cellophane centre that flickers like a real campfire. The kids turned up this morning for breakfast with their Dads at 7am and were just thrilled with the classroom 'camping'. The Dads were so good, getting in the tents with their kids and having a BBQ brekkie before work. I loved seeing all the Dads, from Barristers to builders, all standing around nattering or playing with the kids. It was just fantastic. The tents are up in the classroom for the day and the kids were having a blast when I finally left. We have been so blessed to have a brilliant teacher for Ethan's prep year. She is just beautiful. She genuinely loves each of the kids and is a marvellous teacher. I hope Connor will have her in a couple of year's time.
Monday 27 August 2007
Monday, Monday
This layout is my niece Jenna playing in the rain.
I have jumped back into life today with a bang after my week in Melbourne. Back to school runs, work and domestic drudgery LOL. It sure doesn't take long to get back to normal and for a mini-break to become a distant memory.....wouldn't change anything for a minute really :) Little arms around necks and frequent, slobbery kisses are better than late cafe breakfasts and romantic strolls any day *sigh*....well, almost better. Maybe we can manage to do both more often.
Saturday 25 August 2007
I'm back....
Rich surprised me with a booking to Jamie Oliver's restaurant 'Fifteen' on the Tuesday night. I was so excited and a little nervous about it, LOL, but we had a brilliant night. I had a little peek at the kitchen and got to see how things operate too. The food was sensational! I had high hopes and they exceeded all expectations. We really enjoyed the whole experience and will go again next year. Fifteen, Melbourne..excuse the glare...the little alley is very dark.
The Melbourne skyline from Southbank where we stayed. Gorgeous clear nights and lovely weather.
When I returned home this afternoon the kids were beside themselves and so was I hehe. I was smothered with kisses and told copious stories of the week's adventures. The kids were really good for Grandma and had a great time but were thrilled to see us :) I missed them so much by yesterday so I was ready to come home.
When I arrived today my Qtea kit was here!! These funky embellishment kits by Danielle Quarmby are just divine. I adore her work and am so excited to receive a debut Qtea kit to play with. The other great thing waiting for me was the news that I was the winner for the last Aussie Dares challenge!! I am so stoked. The theme was fantacy (Challenge number 29) and I submitted a digi layout I did featuring Mikaela using Weeds and Wildflowers freebies. Love their stuff! This news just blew me away and I am still doing a little jig LOL. Better go and unpack my suitcase and get some washing on. Back to reality I guess hehe.
...Friday 17 August 2007
Huuuuuge Day!
This is my take on the sketch challenge set by Tara. The sketches are by Cath from LSBS and are gorgeous! I had a blast making this layout and used a pic I had actually ruined...well thought I had until I splashed some paint across the face of My DD hehe. I initially smudged ink on her face on the photo and went to throw it out. Taking another look at it gave me the idea to turn it into a feature and I masked the smudge with some warrior stripes. Love the Scenic Route PP's...they are so funky.
Looking forward to a great weekend of fun and challenges...hope to see you all there!
Thursday 16 August 2007
New digi and other stuff
This next one is Connor at my Aunty and Uncle's property in South Australia last year. I love this pic of him too :
The kids have had 2 days off school - the Brissie show holiday yesterday and a pupil free day today - lovely to have a change in routine, but I really do appreciate the fact that 3 of my kids go to school :) It has made me realise that next year my routine will be insane! 1 child in highschool, 2 in primary school and 1 in kindy...yikes! That's 3 drop - offs and pick-ups every day. Well, 2 days a week for Connor and every day for the others. I might pick up some extra hours at work but I am seriously contemplating going back to study. We'll see. Everyone says "oh it must be easier now the kids are getting older and they are off to school" but it is actually more hectic and busy. I feel that all I ever do is drive and pack lunches LOL. Better fly and get some more washing on....it never ends.
Sunday 12 August 2007
The week's end
Today we all wagged church (um ahhh) and went to the Queensland Police parade in the city. Rich used to work for the QPS so we felt to go and give our thanks and support for our Police Service. It was also a good exercise in instilling respect and thanks in our kids for what our police do for our communities. The kids were great and really enjoyed it. QPS are campaigning for better wages (our bus drivers are better paid than some of our police oficers). We also need a helicopter here in Queensland...we are the only state to not have one...not good enough for the fastest growing state in the country.
Our police officers marching today -
Mikaela getting a good view of the assembled officers near parliament house.
The kids on some steps waiting for Daddy....aren't they excited ? LOL.
And then because it hadn't been a big enough weekend already, we decided at the last minute to head into the Brisbane EKKA. The kids were over the moon and besdie themselves. We spent half a day walking around eating greasy food, corn on the cob, fizzy drinks, buying showbags and having a great time. They all behaved so well and we didn't lose anyone - always a good thing. Besides the big hole in our wallets, we had a great day and were really glad we went.
Rich and the kiddies -
Another big week this week. Must get everything in order for when Rich and I head off to Melbourne next Tuesday. I can't wait to see the OHG girls and catch up. It will be great to have a mini -break together too without the kids...they will be at Rich's Mum's house and at school so they will barely miss us. They love being at Grandma's house and she spoils them rotten :)
Tuesday 7 August 2007
Tricky Tuesday
Speaking of domestic duties, this is the new sig I made for EB last night. Hehe...sure!
Back to domestic duties I guess. My MIL has Mister C for the morning as I had an early meeting, so I need to make the most of the time left. My Mum is coming this afternoon so best be sure everything is done so I can sit and have a coffee...BBL.
Monday 6 August 2007
Just another Manic Monday
This is the layout above that I entered for the 'Spirituality' theme and below is the layout I entered in the first round of Embellished Idol. I am still not convinced I'll do it all but it is fun for now ;)
I am making the most of this week with Rich away to catch up on some spring cleaning and sorting and purging! Time to stocktake the kid's summer clothes and to do an op-shop donation. We are still working hard on the 'one in, one out' rule when it comes to purchases...except for scrapbooking stuff...that would be ridiculous LOL. It makes a difference to how much you buy and then also makes you stop and think exactly what you will throw out/give away when you buy something new. We really don't need half as many possessions as we tend to accumulate. No wonder Ikea is cleaning up the storage market! We buy more storage to fit more stuff we don't really need. Off my soapbox now :) Better fly...Mister C wants his tuna...as you do.
Friday 3 August 2007
TGIF
Thursday 2 August 2007
Big week and big news!
This is a layout I did a couple of days ago. I started it weeks ago and couldn't manage to finish it properly. Now it is done and gives me a giggle. Classic Houdini moment from Mister C.
Another funny one...this time for the LSBS kit challenge for July. I love this photo of Lethal E...hilarious! Not the greatest layout but it makes me smile. And the big news for the week is the announcement over at Little Scrapbook Shop of my addition to the Design Team :) I am thrilled and nervous and honoured...and all that. i am looking forward to working with the brilliant team over there and of course Cath, who is just a gem. Big congrats to Tash Allen who is coming aboard too...so good. I have been sitting on this news for so long and can finally let it out hehe. Can't wait to get started.