Living my dream

Last few days

Have been full on again. Gotta love this time of year.

The weather has been so lovely and warm. Poor kids trying to sleep. Doesn't really work so well.

Thankfully as I sit here there is a breeze blowing in from an open window which is helping cool me down. Lovely.

We've been doing lots of 'parks' with the kids and the obligatory accessories of scooters, trikes and hats.

Also spending some much needed down time with friends while kids had fun with their cousin 'big' Jess (they have two cousin Jess's one much older than the other so she is 'big' Jessie - very cute!), Abby and our neighbours.

While doing that I managed to start and finish 1 double LO (OMG! First one in many months!), 2 singles and a card! I can't believe it! Very happy with that!

Before I go, here's a wee look at something that tickled my fancy the other day.....

 

Matt and Sarah waiting at the crossing with Andy and Dan each holding part of Dan's little trike thing.

Ok, gonna go, had a couple of very late nights the last couple, so even though its New Years eve, might have to see how I go. Am looking forward to the fireworks off the sky tower though!

Have a good evening.

T

PS: Seems my email is playing up, I'm not getting all my emails, so if you've sent something through and not heard anything back, please try again.

PPS: Same goes for my 'new' phone. Its now getting serviced. I've had it about 3 weeks and its been back twice now! Not a happy camper! So try me at home, or email (if it works. LOL).

Secret Santa

At the beginning of December I put up a post right here about being part of a Secret Santa. 9 people replied and we all set to and got presents ready and sent them to our recipient.

I've got to admit, I was a little worried, what if it didn't work? What if someone missed out? What if.....

But it worked beautifully. All the ladies were lovely and we even chatted a little off the blog.

So I thought I'd show part of my beautiful Secret Santa. Thanks so much to Heidi!

 

I think this will have to become an annual event! Someone remind me next year ok?!

So to all the wonderful ladies who made this possible, thank you......

(in no particular order) Krislyn, Rachel F, Nancy, Debbie, Sandra, Jo, Heidi, Kellie, Mandy.

Where to start?

Wowee. Xmas has come and gone. I'm really relieved to have survived. LOL. Just teasing! It wasn't that bad. In fact kinda cool. Having children that are now very much 'getting' the whole present thing has made a difference this year. And it seems that both Santa and us got it spot on. Wheweeee!

Although I have to admit to a mad dash out at 6pm on Xmas eve when we found out that there was something missing that really really did need to be included for Sarah. Eeeeeek.

We had a fabulous time at the McClunes on Xmas eve with the 'Ashby' Xmas at our place on Xmas day itself. What with traveling to Sydney and having Xmas dinner there, then the daycare Xmas party etc, we had 6 days of parties in a row.

This meant that by 5pm Xmas day our kids were toast! Matt totally lost it which he hasn't done in a very very long time. We knew it wasn't really his 'fault' as such, but it still wasn't acceptable behaviour. The party wound up pretty quick after that. Oh dear.

But all in all it was a wonderful day. Truely wonderful.

Some highlights:

1. Andy crumping

2. Cricket - Matt got a cricket set from Santa and we played all day and afternoon. Magic. For a family who have only ever had girls it was such a noticeable difference to have boys in the family!

3. Sarahs new scooter.

4. Dans bike - not a real bike, but like a pre-bike. Its wooden and doesn't have brakes or pedals. You just kinda ride along on it with your feet and use it to get used to the balance thing.

5. Andy's ipod. It was a total surprise and he was rapt.

6. My Thomas the tank engine chicken trains. Too cool!

7. Food, food and more food. Like I really needed any of it! LOL.

8. Chocolate Santas - Sarahs favourite part of the day.

9. Cricket - Matt & Daniels favourite part of the day.

Since Xmas we've been hanging out at home. Its been nice to be able to do some digging, gardening, and playing in the backyard. I also gave the chickens a bit of a 'makeover'. It seems they had mites. Very common, and they had them before, but they had come back. So we're trying something else. Cross fingers we've got rid of them now, cause we're not getting eggs from the littlies cause of it.

Have a very busy time scrapwise coming up. Exciting stuff which will be revealed in due time. But for now I'd better go get to it.

Have a great evening/day.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

 

M E R R Y   X M A S !

Hi to all my blog readers!

Wishing you and your families a very safe and Merry Xmas on this wonderful day.

May it bring you many new and special memories.

May you spoil your friends and family rotten,

and be spoilt in return.

May you enjoy many smiles and much laughter.

May you find joy in your heart for a year nearly finished, and

peace in your heart for a new years beginning.

 

Have a fabulous day. T

We have a winner....and a catch up

Ok, so I'm not going to leave you in suspense.

This time round I thought I'm not going to be tricky. I'm just going to pick my favourite number and then that person is the winner. But that actually became tricky in itself. See my favourite number is 2, so the more 2's there are, the better, so I thought 22 would be the winner, ie Lyn S

It sounds like you had an awesome trip!

My 5 month old grand-daughter makes me smile every time I see here!

This made me smile today!

Twas the night before Christmas, I'm glued to the tree.
I'm wondering what Santa has brought just for me.
Could it be cardstock or chipboard or lace?
Or a Cricut, I said, with a smile on my face.
And that's when I heard him."Hi Santa, " I said.
"You know....good little girls should be in their beds."
"I know I should Santa,and now I've got caught.
But I was just so excited To see what you brought."
"Well, let's take a look in this room where you work.
He shook his head quickly,And left with a jerk.
I heard him exclaim as he put it in gear.
"You've got enough crap,I'll see you next year"

Posted by: Lyn S| December 22, 2008 at 07:14 PM

then I thought, but hey, number 2 is my real favourite number, so really I have to give a RAK for that number too. LOL.

So I've gone for a RAK for Tracey too:
Great pictures!! Glad you had a great trip!

What makes me smile?!?! That's easy - my baby girl!! She comes out with the craziest and cutest things!! Sure to brighten anyone's day!!

Posted by: Tracey| December 18, 2008 at 12:31 AM

Congrats ladies. Send me an email (above link) and I'll get it out to you just after Xmas.

So hey, thought I'd tell you about something that made my day this evening. I went to do our food shopping. I waited til evening as I thought it would be less crowded. Good move. I was right. Yeah! I got to the counter and saw a magazine I wanted. A foodie mag. But it was really tattered. Obviously a few people had thumbed through it. Anyway, I asked if there were anymore and there weren't. So I asked for a discount. She went off to talk to her manager and came back and said "Merry Xmas" you can have it free. I was gobsmacked. They so didn't need to do that. So thank you Foodtown. You rock.

Hey, talking of food. Here's a picture of our early Xmas dinner's desert at Janes on Sat night. Talk about YUMMO!

 

I haven't changed this photo at all. This is how it came out of the camera. And it tasted as good as it looks! Sigh. LOL.

There were two reasons to go to Sydney.

1. To see my oldest and dearest friend Jane and her family and

2. To see the wiggles. Check out these pics. They aren't the clearest, but by golly I love them......

 

Wiggle watching. Man that place was HUGE. And almost totally full. We were right up the back so the stage was still a way away, but it was amazing. The girls looked absolutely stunning in their special 'rose' tutus.

 

And here are the wiggles 'doing their thing' on stage. Boy it was by far the best kids concert I've ever been to. I know they are coming in March to NZ. If you have young kids and you have the opportunity to go. Take it. Grab it with both hands and get there! You won't regret it.

And last, here's a pic of all of us.

 

Gosh I love these guys! And just look at the kids. They look totally happy, relaxed and enjoying life. That's how it is when we're with them. Without sounding whimpy or whingy, I just wanna say I miss my buddy! Wish she was living back here. But hey, she knows that. Aye Jane? hehehe. Thanks so much for the weekend. You know how hard the last week or two has been and you were there for me as always. Dude you rock.

Speaking of hard weeks. We went to Gary's funeral on Friday. I cried then cried some more. Then realised this was real. He wasn't coming back and cried a bit more. It was the perfect funeral. Organised by him. But I had a huge headache at the end of it. I hate knowing that I can't call him up. But I learnt some valuable lessons from him, his family and mutual friends. I will miss him enormously. No, I already miss him enormously.

So moving right along. I don't want to end on a sad note. Today was the kids daycare Xmas show and party. It was the twins last one, and Dan's first. It was wonderful. We had 3 enthusiastic participants. Including a very gorgeous 'Mrs Santa'.

They made us so proud. AGAIN. We are blessed to have a wonderful family, and lots of supportive friends.

So, on that note I'm gonna head off. I've got one very special Xmas pressie that still needs wrapping and putting under the tree.

Falalalalalalalala.

T

 

I've escaped

the kids and am sitting at a computer at Sydney airport. I'll be home later tonight. Yeah! Looking forward to seeing the chooks and the cat and the tree and well being in my own bed. But as always its sad to say goodbye to my buddy Jane and her family.

Gosh the kids get on well. They see each other maybe once or twice a year? But play so nicely without too many fights or tears. In fact the only tears this time were when we were saying goodbye. Sigh.

So just wanted to say a quick hello and to remember that the post below has a draw happening tomorrow. So get your comment down quick to be part of it. Only 19 comments so far, so pretty good chances you'll win.

Will come back tomorrow with some pics of Sydney and The Wiggles - boy they were AMAZING! and the rak winner.

Have a lovely evening.

T

Brisbane catch up...and a RAK

Brisbane was crazy. I mean super crazy. It was hot. 35 degrees! We met up with a heap of girlfriends, we shopped til we literally couldn't carry anymore. And we saw Heidi and did some classes.

Here are a couple of pics from our time there

  

  

We sat on Santas knee (well Nic did!) and had a photo taken, golly Santas these days are a little naughty, or was that us?! LOL.

And Nic had a very interesting encounter with the customs people coming out of Brissie. Lets just say palm reading is not what you expect when you get a 'pat down' for explosives. What the?

It was nice to get away for a weekend, but I was glad to get home to my babies. I'm a sook at heart. LOL.

One thing that was reiterated while away was how useless my mobile is. Lets say not being able to turn the snooze button for the alarm off could have made the day quite interesting. Thankfully I worked something out. I also couldn't make a call without it nearly running out of battery. So it means that I now have a new phone. Yeah. Bumma is we lost some of my numbers in transferance. I'm hoping Vodafone can help us find and restore them tomorrow. Cross fingers ok.

I've also been thinking alot over the last couple of days. With loss comes alot of soul searching. Wondering. Dreaming. Hoping. Giving.

So I'd like to start another RAK post. I haven't worked out what I've got to give away yet, but it'll be around the same as last time. Roughly. There might even be the same tissues. Definitely some papers. Maybe a punch, an apron, some stamps, tools. Whatever I can find in the sleepout that I can give to one of you.

You won't receive it before Xmas. But I'll get it to you asap after.

Just leave me a comment below and in a few days I'll draw a random winner.

Actually lets make it a bit of fun. What makes your day? What makes you smile? Do you have a good joke you can share? Lets pass some Xmas cheer around.

Later.

T

FK Creative Paper

Just got the latest copy in the mail and thought I'd share a LO I had in it.

 

This is one of those LO's that starts one way and ends totally differently. LOL. And I have to thank my sister for some creative input too. She suggested I swap the black and white photos I had on there, for the coloured ones I had, and vice versa, and she was right. They worked better.

Hope you have a lovely scrappy day.

T

Last night

Last night was one of those surreal nights. The ones where you get a phone call and your life is changed forever.

Unfortunately, we were expecting this phone call, and we were hoping it wouldn't come. That the doctors would fix him and a miracle would happen.

It didn't.

Last night my training mentor and friend died. He had cancer and it all happened far too quickly for us (which I guess is really a blessing).

As I went for a walk this morning I couldn't stop thinking of Gary and all he meant to Andy and I. That he was our first neutral friend (ie who didn't know our previous partners). How giving he was, how much he cared for his friends. How much he gave to everyone around him. And then I kept remembering that he wasn't here anymore. And it seemed silly to be walking in this amazing weather, watching birds pull worms out of the ground and fly away happy with their catch for the day. Watching boats on the harbour, and cars driving along, like nothing has happened. And I guess for them it hasn't. But for me it has.

Sometimes I wonder why things happen when they do, when you are already struggling with an emotional burden, Xmas, daily life and something like this drops on top, as if to say heck, you're coping too well, try this for size.

I fight it and I get angry and I cry, but it does no good.

I wish. And that does no good either.

I eat, and that really does no good. LOL.

And then I sit and think of him, the good memories. The times we all shared together. The fun we had. I remember by taking a wander through my mind and see him as he wanted to be remembered. And I am grateful. Grateful he was my friend. Our friend. Grateful to have Gary in our lives, even is for only a short time.

As the Nat King Cole song goes. You are unforgettable. You will always be remembered.

Goodbye Gary.

Santa photo

We got this done yesterday morning. The kids were looking forward to it. Talking about it all the way in the car, then as they got closer and closer they got clingier and more quiet.

But they were still keen on talking to Santa - even if hesitantly. And may I add he was the best santa I've been in contact with in a long time. Thank goodness I was back in NZ, the Aussie one we saw seemed to be very dodge! LOL. But thats a whole other story.

 

Lets just say the chocolate was a huge help and I'm glad to have it done.

Home again

After an amazing time in Brisbane this weekend with some girlfriends I'm back home safe and sound.

I was quickly going through some emails and this one that Erica sent really tickled my fancy, so thought I'd share with you.

Twas the night before Christmas, I'm glued to the tree.

I'm wondering what Santa brought just for me.

Could it be cardstock or chipboard or lace?

Or a Cricut, I said, with a smile on my face.

And that's when I heard him,

"Hi Santa, " I said

"You know....good little girls

should be in their beds."

"I know I should Santa,

and now I've got caught.

But I was just so excited

To see what you brought."

"Well, let's take a look

in this room where you work.

He shook his head quickly,

And left with a jerk.

I heard him exclaim

as he put it in gear.

"You've got enough crap,

I'll see you next year!"

Is that not the most funny (yet sadly accurate) thing you've heard all day? LOL!

I'm off to bed now. Will try and post some pics tomorrow.

Lets just say thanks to Nic and Jo and the Brissie girls for a wonderful time.

And I totally LOVED Heidis two classes. Totally amazing techniques, and fun ideas that have fully got me inspired. Now I just need to find some time to scrap in the next week. Yeah right! LOL.

And don't forget.....what goes on tour..... hehehe.

T

PS: I FINALLY got a tiny bit of Xmas shopping done. Whew.

Saturday Sketch Day

Keeping it short this morning. Here are the sketches:

SBO:

There is no reason our pages have to be the same shape every time.

Fiskars:

School Visit

On Tuesday this week M&S had their first school visit.

It was an exciting, but nerve racking time.

I had butterflies in my stomach that I couldn't believe, and if I felt like that, I really did wonder how the kids felt.

For some time now Sarah has been saying she won't go to school. She just wants a bigger daycare. Matt though is keen.

So we took Dan off to daycare, then headed back to school. We needed to pay for their stationary packs, choose their uniforms etc etc. Then it was class room time.

But, before we go there, I just have to say how CUTE my two look in their uniforms. And how tall they are! Sarah has all size 8! She is only just 5!

This was them before we got there.

  There are two classes of new entrants starting next year. Matt and Sarah will be together. With a lovely teacher. She was very encouraging and got the newbies interacting with the older children. Showing them around the classroom. Doing some songs, reading a story and getting them to colour in. While it was mat time, Matt was fully into it. He was constantly putting his hand up to be part of things, interact, have his say.

Sarah sat there with her arms folded head down to her chest. Anytime she was asked something, she looked terrified. It was awful for me to watch. But I know this is what she is like. She's not big on change. However, give her a month or two and she'll be running rings around Matt and his enthusiasm.

I am looking forward to day 1 at school and am also extremely nervous. I guess it will all come off in time.

Xmas prep - part three

So come Monday morning, the kids were a wee bit jaded. They woke up slightly later than normal which was good, and gave me a chance to get some stuff done.

After breakfast we needed to get their play room tidy, but we'd promised them that we'd decorate the tree (Andy had done the lights the night before - what a hero after that day!), so I made up a game. We'd go into their play room, I'd give them some ideas of what to tidy up and if they did it quickly without moaning, then they got to choose then put that decoration on the tree. We set to, getting all the decorations out, and on the table to make their choices easy, then went into the playroom and started tidying. It didn't take too long. And the kids loved getting a reward for doing their bit.

It sure made both jobs a lot easier!

But my favourite part was seeing Sarah perched on top of the couch, reaching across to the tree to put another decoration up, singing 'deck the halls' with all the falalalala's thrown in. She's really into singing. And she's good at it. And yes, we finally got the tree finished.

We even decorated their bedroom.

Sarah took great pride in copying the words from a cross stiched picture I have in a frame that says 'Merry Xmas' and then putting it up on her door. She did it off her own bat. All by herself. I think she takes after me. We both LOVE Xmas.

So finally the Xmas tree was decorated, and the house was tidy. Yeah!

I still haven't done any Xmas shopping, but am hoping I might get some done in Brissie this weekend.

Hope your Xmas preps are chugging along ok.

Later.

PS: Happy birthday Ruth for Monday!

I need your help

I am in desperate need of some pizza boxes to send scrapbooking stuff out in.

Does anyone have any that are spare?

I can come and pick them up sometime next week. Please email me or leave a comment and I'll get in touch. THANKS.

Does anyone in Australia live near a pine tree? Do you have any spare pine cones???

If so and you don't mind posting it to Sydney, can you please get in touch with my by email or leave a comment here and I'll be in touch.

Thanks again!

Trina.