My long awaited new....

Camera :)

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, Monday

This digi layout is created with the debut digital kit by Clair Bremner for the newly taken-over digital scrapbook store Designs in Digital, run by new owner, and amazing digital artist, Pauline Rossi. I love Clair's scrapbooking and was excited to see her foray into designing digital elements.
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.

I'm back....

....and so excited. I have just returned from Melbourne after 5 days away with just Rich and a few friends. We had a children's worker's conference to attend and also booked a day either side for a little mini-break. We had a great time exploring Melbourne, eating out, catching trams, walking, shopping and spending time together. It was so much fun. This is the view from the flight from Brisbane to Melbourne. I am not the best flyer and had shocking sinus pain this flight. The weather in Melbourne was fabulous though with sunny, warm days and mild nights...gorgeous!

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.

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Huuuuuge Day!

Well the Little Scrapbook Shop retreat is on this weekend in Sydney and I have no doubt that the girls are well and truly having a blast right now....I am so jealous! In consolation to those not able to make it to the retreat, the design team members that are left behind are hosting a 'Clayton's Retreat'. There are a stack of challenges and games happening all weekend with custom made retreat avatars and lots of chat. Head on over for a look and join the fun. Below is the digi layout example I have set for the retreaters...it is a layout featuring your little retreat. It may be a bath like mine, a long walk, going to the gym or shopping...whatever constitutes a little time out for you.

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!

New digi and other stuff

Here are a couple of new digi layouts I created using some Shabby Princess kits I bought this week. I love their stuff. This is my niece with Mikaela...love this pic with their matching tops.

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.

The week's end

What a week and what a weekend! I am shattered. I did a 10 and a half hour catering gig last night and am so sore and tired today. It was a wedding, so lots of pressure and focus, but it all went well and the bride was happy and gorgeous...that makes it all well worth it.
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 :)

Tricky Tuesday

Some funnies from an email this morning...thought some could relate :) Tuesday today - trickiest day of the week. Lots of after school driving today. Miss M has dancing lessons until 5:30pm so I am determined to be super organised today...yes I know I am on the computer, but the beds are made, dishes done, washing is on and I can see the carpet in every room..I figure I am doing OK. I am really meant to be doing some invoices, but that can wait.





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.

Some new digi layouts of the Divine Miss M

Just another Manic Monday

Yep...it's Monday..and manic! Rich is away for a week and I am already feeling the pressure :( I have such a big week with work and other committments but we will find the way...we always do. I entered the Aussie Dares comp for the first time but forgot to show you what I entered....

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.

TGIF

Very happy to get to Friday this week. Had a meet up with the girls from our little online Mum's group today and had a ball. We met at Maccas and let the littlies play. It was lovely to see everyone again and especially to see Emma on her holiday from NZ and her new twins...they are just amazing! My uterus was truly throbbing LOL. I have entered a challenge over at Aussie Dares for the first time a couple of days ago. It is a spirituality theme and there are some awesome entries as usual. Thought it might be fun and stretch me a little to try some new things. I have also signed up for Embellished Idol on a whim the other day. I have no idea if I will even do it but I might have a go LOL. The first challenge is a sketch and it is lovely. We'll see...more stretching. Big weekend as usual coming up with birthday parties, church and family committments. Looking forward to having nothing to wake up early for though tomorrow. I might even get a little sleep in.....might ;)

Big week and big news!

What a big week in this household! First of all was the arrival of our new car...finally! It's the 2007 Kia Grand carnival 8 seater people mover. Such a 'Mumsy' car as one of my school Mum friends told me LOL. I love it...smells great, lots of room, clean, shiny...until the smell of Happy Meals and school socks takes over anyway ;) I also managed to win a CC challenge from last month at LSBS..it was the black and white challenge and my fave layout from that CC. Thanks Cath and the DT!


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.