Christmas morning

I am soooo slack and so behind with my updates. So here is the first of many posts I have to get around to organising. Ooops.

this is Christmas morning. My big christmas present? My kids both slept in until about 7:30. My day started with a lovely text from a gorgeous girl just as I was getting out of the shower. MWAH love you honey. This was the first of many texts that went back and forwards that morning!
Our day started with some very excited kids. They had been warned this year that presents were a little on the lean side so were very happy to see their stockings were still there ready to be opened Christmas morning. And Jacob had his santa sack to open as well - so all three kids sat down in the lounge room together and the present opening began!

Hmmmm don't know what she is fishing for here but she is taking it very seriously.

And bam it's all over so quickly. Tell me, why did I spend so long wrapping those presents?!?

I love this pic of Tasha. she is sitting patiently by the phone waiting for THE CALL! We got a call from the Allan family and with the phone on speaker we had a mad present opening session between Worrigee and Melbourne! It was so lovely to hear their voices and if we couldn''t be there in person at least we got to share part of Christmas Day with them! Bring on 2011 - Christmas with the Lucas/Allan clan all together!

Now I am wondering what sane person would buy both kids a water pistol for Christmas that shoots 10 metres ?!?!?!?

more christmas day to come as well as my family celebrations a few days later

Its Christmas Eve

Wow, things are starting to get exciting now....... It's almost Christmas Day!

We have had a busy couple of days. Last night we all (Tracy, Jacob, Kyle, Tasha and I) went out driving around town looking at Christmas lights. Some of them were amazing - with one house even having a band sititng in the front lawn playing carols! The kids were all amazed by the lights and we got out the car at some of the bigger ones to walk through and look at all the decorations. some of the houses had so much to look at - train sets, santas, sleighs etc... I love these pics of the kids on the sleigh - not so much for the picture of the person sitting next to Santa but if you can see it check out the back of the sleigh - that thing was obviously gathering speed!!!!1

Then today (Christmas Eve) we had Jhorjie here for the day. I had lots off cooking to do and a couple of eager helpers. Hmmmmm what happens when you add girls and chocolate! Lots of mess - lots of licking of beaters - and lots and lots of laughs

Then the kids got stuck into the gingerbread house Tasha had begged for. It is an interesting decorating project and I just realised I only have shots of one side of the house which is probably a very good thing! The other side has had every mm covered in icing, chocolate and sprinkles!

Apart from that its just been business as usual. Tried to find half an hour this afternoon to read but the girls decided it was time to play stacks on Aunty Cathy! I laughed so much I was clutching my sides but it was a lovely time.

so I am now trying to get some ironing done. Pressies are all wrapped and under the tree. Cooking started for tomorrow. Kids in bed. Bring on Christmas Day!

oooopps - forgive me

please, for it is a long time since I last blogged.....

Well so people are telling me..although I must say coming from one who has been known to go for months between blog entries and from another without a blog I say "People in glass houses etc etc" ~L~ just kidding. Love you guys and I totally understandhow enthralling and exciting my life is! I am sorry for any withdrawals I have forced you to endure.......

Anyway I am currently editing photos so you may have another post in an hour or so.

As to what has been happening. Today was the last day of my advent swap with Sandra which leaves mixed emotions. Amazing joy because this girl knows me so well and seems to find just the right thing and sadness because it's all over. I am recovering from my chest infection and am breathing properly again - you don't realise how much you take breathing for granted!

Anyway - I'm off to edit photos.

Another year older

Yeps its official. I am older!

My birthday was a bit of a mix. I was blown away by the number of birthday wishes I received. It was nice to know people thought enough just to send a happy birthday message AND I heard from my big bro! the only problem was I was feeling so rotten I couldn't really enjoy it. I have some horrid sinus, fluey type thing which has left me exhausted with a sore throat, runny nose etc.

I had planned to go and see the wonderful Cass today but didn't want to take these germs to her house so stayed home. Got up this morning got the kids organised then went back to bed until about midday. Actually feel slightly more human now.

I am a proud mum!

This last couple of weeks has been full of dance. We have had dress rehearsals and end of year concert which went really well and then this last weekend we had group photos on Saturday then sunday was scholarship exams during the day followed by the end of year party and presentation on Sunday night.

This was Tasha's first ever scholarship exam and she did so well. Here is her class getting their exam results in her Jazz class (they dont do exams for hip hop). Tasha came away with honours! Which is the highest mark you can get. I was so proud of her. And she was very proud of herself...Then the teachers gave out their yearly award. These are given out over each style of dance in all ages. They are discussed and picked by the teachers at the studio. Tasha got the teachers award for hip hop (for the second year in a row). She is only slightly proud of that fact! ~L~ The fact that she was picked over some of the senior dancers was extremely awesome!

Some of the girls with their trophies. l - r Emily, Tasha, Alicia and Jess. These 4 are close and it was great to see them all get trophies!

Advent

Here is an update on the advent swap I received from Sandra. This has become such a family event each day. Thanks to the little notes attached someone will start singing "On the *th day of christmas Sandra gave to meeeeeeee" and everyone will gather around the table. (So that is Kyle, Tasha, Tracy and Jacob - and even Tony if he is awake). Then we all get to oooh and agggh over the parcels. 7th - a gorgeous note box covered in some of my fav papers
8th - Strawberry shortcake cake. Smells beautiful (and it comes in a cute tin!)
9th - Candy cane - yum, yum
10th - Some oil melts from my fav shop. Sandra and Matt introduced me to Le Desire when I was down there. Its a wonderful place and I adore their melts.
11th - Ribbons - I luurrve ribbons
12th - Ribbons and ones you can touch! I love velvet ribbons

Now its definately.....

Beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

In the shortest amount of time our tree went from this..... To this!

We put carols on, we laughed, we mucked around and we got the tree decorated. The kids (Kyle, Tasha, Jacob and Tasha friend Tegan who was staying over) hung all the decorations and managed to spread them quite evenly for a change!

Le Pointe Summer Holiday

Last night was the end of year concert for Tasha's dance studio - Le Pointe school of Dance, Music and Theatre. Wow what an amazing amount of talent that studio has. There were all sorts of routines from the preschoolers up to an absolutely awesome hip hop routine by the talented Mr Mitch and Miss Nikki. This years theme was Summer Holiday and each dance had music and costumes to fit in with that theme. This was Tasha's Jazz costume And this is her Hip Hop outfit!

She danced really well and I was very very proud of her. She set herself a goal not to get hurt or fall and the first thing she said to me when I picked her up from the stage door was "Mum I acheived my goal" (Last year she had a horrid fall during the finale that saw her being led off stage clutching her side and crying - which led to some tense moments for me before I could check she was okay - she ended up with some amazing bruises all over her hip and down her thigh!)

She is holding out for the video now which usually isn't available until dancing returns in the new year. This coming weekend (the 12th-13th) we have studio photos and scholarship exams so please be praying for Tasha as she prepares for this.

Pressies......

Well in the madness, rushing and insanity that has been the last week ( and this week is destined to become!) I have had a smile put on my face by my gorgeous friend Sandra. This girl is one who I have only known for a few years but who has become so very dear to me. Her and her family always welcome me and love me for who I am which is an amazing gift in itself!

Anyway I thought I would share some of the wonderful pressie sI have been opening each day.

First this very cute snowman to hang on my tree ( if I can keep him away from Tasha) 2nd of December was this adorable journal covered with chipboard and paper (look its paisley!)

with this inscription inside. It made me cry!

Anyone who has scrapped with me recently knows how much I love these little letters! they seem to be turning up on everything I make.

On the 4th day of December Sandra gave to me...................... well if I must be completely honest - slightly more chocloates than you see pictured here. Oooopps got carried away and forgot to take the pic first. Yummy chocolates

5th day of december was this lovely coconut hand cream. Smells lovely.

And on the 6th - another present that is sooooo me. I LURVE Body Shop! Yum yum

I am having so much fun opening these little pressies every day. And every one I open shows just how well this girl knows me. Don't think I could have done better myself. MWAH love you sweetie.

On the first day of Christmas..........

Woo hooo it arrived! I got an exciting parcel in the mail from an amazing friend. It is my christmas advent pack from Sandra. What a gorgeous way of sharing and feeling loved!

For the last few years we have sent boxes full of treats. One for each day of December leading up to Christmas. This year not only did they all come individually wrapped (as usual) so I get to open a present every day but each one has a gorgeous little note attached which says "On the 1st day of christmas Sandra gave to me" etc,etc so that not only do I get a present but I go around singing that song all day and it puts a big grin on my face! Every time I realise I am humming it, singing it in my head etc I grin and remember that someone loves me!

MWAH sweetie - love you heaps.

Hot and Busy!

Yep that just about wraps up my weekend.

Lets see it started early with a day "off" on Friday. Ha ha ha. spent 2 hours in Optus organising new mobile phone. So I now have a new phone to play with. Its lots of fun. After lots of humming and hahhing and research I am now the proud owner of a gorgeous Nokia E71. Full internet capabilites, full diary/calendar that can be synced with my home puter. Lots of functions and bells and whistles.

Friday night Tracy and I went to see New Moon (yes it was my second time!) Who cares about Team Edward or Team Jacob I want them both! Although I have always have a leaning towards the buff guy on the motorbike........ Even Tony when I met him was a fitness fanatic (gym 6 nights a week, hockey, soccer, volleyball, skating, running etc, etc ) AND rode a motorbike.

Saturday was soooo hot. I am not sure what is going on here but I had had enough of these over 30 degree days. So when it hit 36 degrees I took Tasha and her friend Tegan out to Bay and Basin for a swim. Then we had planned to go out to dinner for a family meal but that didn't happen.

Sunday was another mad one. Tony and I went to church in the morning (Tasha was at a friends place and Kyle stayed home) then sunday afternoon was grocery shopping and sorting things out for dinner guests tomorrow night. Then some house work and then all of us went to church for the evening service.

Tony now in bed - he has to get up at about 3am (hehe not at work and STILL getting up at ridiculous times) to head off for his holiday. I have stacks more housework to do and am now working probably all week. Was looking forward to a few days to myself with the kids at school and Tony away but doesn't look like thats going to happen :( This week is a shocker for Tony to be away. There is something happening every night (most nights more than one thing) so hopefully we can make it through and out the other side.

On the diary this week: Work, Tasha final dance rehearsal, Girls Brigade dispaly night, Church AGM, Kyle youth group, more work, meeting for yr6 formal committee, meeting for NCS 30th birthday celebrations. I'm sure there is something I've forgotten. The highlight of the week will be actually catching with Jane face to face for after dinner treats and show and tell. Bring it on!

Updates

Yeah, yeah I know I am slow updating properly. Will get there. Hope this will tide you over until then:

Todays Prompt: What do you like best about yourself?

Answer: Easy (well I did have to give it some thought when asked a similar question a couple of weeks ago) - the best thing about me is..................................... my friends!
I have 3 amazing friends who I could not survive without. Miss Jane, SJ and Cass. I know you hear this a lot around here but I love these girls and honestly don't know if I would be standing (well okay sitting at the moment) without them.

Yeah kind of a cheating answer but its the main thing that jumps into my head. Couldn't really think of anything else

Weekend

Wow. Its kind of scary but I got home from the weekend away feeling so refreshed and full of energy! Not sure where the energy comes from but have just about bounced in the door and am still bouncing off the walls hehe.

Will update later with pics (very limited pics - I really need to work on that!) but here is a brief rundown of the last few days

Friday:
Leave work early
Come home and Pack
Drive to Shellharbour in rain (get ran off road and shake the rest of the way there)
Pick Cass up - drive to Sutherland and catch train into the city
Check into motel then go wandering
go to Baia at Cockle Bay for dinner and the Lindt Cafe for dessert
chat till some silly hour of the night or morning

Saturday:
Up nice and early
Go to Stampin Up Regional conference (Very cool - will include more details later)
Wandered through chinatown (all of it - a few times! - long story)
Went to Paddys Markets
Went back to motel - quick change then walked up to Star City to go to the Thai restaurant which isn't there any more!
Walked back to Darling Harbour - went to Zaafran for dinner. YUM YUM
then went to the Lindt Cafe for dessert (again)
Sydney heard we were there so they put on a fireworks display for us
Then went to JB's bar and stayed and drank and chatted and laughed till they kicked us out cause it was closing time (oops)
sat in hotel foyer and chatted for a bit longer before going back to room

Sunday:
Up early-ish again
Found out 41 degrees predicted for Sydney so instead of wandering around the city we caught train back to Sutherland
Went shopping in air conditioned comfort of Miranda Fair!
Shopping shopping shop-ping
And then another tirp to Lindt Cafe! hehehe

Home about 6ish - very sore feet but as mentioned bouncing off the walls.

Mem - ories

Hehe todays prompt: Whats something you remember from your childhood?

This one is easy - holidays at Currarong! Yes I know we travelled far didn't we ~L~. Nearly every school holiday we headed out to Currarong and stayed in a house owned by friends of my mum. It was always a fun time - there would be us, the Riggs, the Larsens and the Stuarts. (My claim to fame - I used to play with Ricky Stuart at his grandparents place!) It was always just a relaxed time - we spent most days at the beach. Uncle Les and my 2 cousins joined us sometimes and it was just heaps of fun.

The other main memory from my childhood is catching the bus with Mr Clout over the mountains to Moss Vale to my Nana's. I would go and spend time in Moss Vale during the school holidays. Mum would put me on the bus here and I would get to sit in the front seat next to Mr Clout and help with the mail (the bus driver was also the mailman!). Then Nana would meet me at the corner and we would walk back to her place (she never drove - didn't even own a car). There was a girl next door named Rachel who I became great friends with and we spent heaps of time together. We would walk into town to do the shopping and we spent a lot of time at a property called Cherry Hinton where Nana looked after the vegie gardens. It was a gorgeous old house with lots of rooms and full of antique furniture. It seemed massive to us and (of course) we believed it was haunted - after all it was soooo old and massive and echo-y it just had to be. But we would be very brave and go exploring!

So.... do you have any memories that stand out from your childhood?

What a mad day!

I know Tuesday is usually my mad today but today I made it just that little bit more insane!

got up this morning - got the kids off to school then jumped in the shower before heading off to the local Community College for a workshop on....... wait for it........ composting! Yes - you heard right. It is funded by our local council and if you attend the workshop you get a free compost bin and smaller kitchen tidy for kitchen scraps. So I went along thinking at least I get a free compost but it was actually very interesting. The instructors were great and the time flew. Although the interesting part was trying to squeeze the big compost bin into my little car! But I got there eventually.
Drove home - dumped bin - quick change before racing back down town to meet my mother for lunch. Then a quick trip into the supermarket before heading up to pick Tasha up from school and drive her to Bomaderry for dancing.
Then we raced home - cooked dinner and then dropped her to Grils Brigade. I then got to come home for about 1/2 an hour before heading back out for a meeting at Kyle's school for the 30th Birthday Celebration Committee. Then grab Tasha from Girls Brigade and head home.
YAY!

Todays prompt

Prompt no 3: What's the best part of today?

Um this is a tough one. Probably 5 o'clock this afternoon when we picked Kyle up from the train station after a weekend camp in Sydney. Was good to have him home safe and happy ( although very exhausted!). Although this time of evening is good too - Tony gone to work - Kids going to bed. Ideally this would be time for scrapping etc but the ironing is calling me instead! Hhhhmmm now decisions, decisions - do I want to check out gorgeous vampires or Hugh in spandex?

I get by......

with a little help from my friends! Yep, that is definately true but this time I just had to share a cute little story with you about some of Tracy's friends.

Tracy has had a rotten week this week with work prac for TAFE and then finding out her Auntie had a serious head injury. So to help her out some of the people from her church have been bringing dinner for her and Jacob so she doesn't have to cook! Well on Friday there is a knock on the door and there is the cutest package.

Not only did they get her Nasi Goreng from the Noodle Box (her favourite take away) but there was also a disposable plate, knife, fork and a bottle of Diet Coke with disposable cup so she didn't have to wash up. Wish I had taken a picture cause it all looked so cute.

Spot check

Okay peoples, time to play along!

Sitting here at work at the clutter and realised that not only do I have 4 piles of different doctors paperwork to get through, a new database to update with new MBS fees (hate the 1st of November!) but I also have a bottle of coke zero AND a large coffee. Ooops caffeine fix anyone ~L~

So it brings me to this question:

What is on your desk at the moment?

Changed plans

I had a great day planned today. Get kids to school - then hide in scrap room and churn out cards! But alas all did not go to plan as I got a phone call asking me to work. Did consider saying no but still have not found a way to be paid to stay at home and scrap so off to work I went! So I guess now I will be hibernating all weekend to try and get these finished but on the plus side - now I will have some shopping money for Sydney! YAY. 9 days to go

Now onto prompt No 2:

Whats a place you like to go to find your centre?

Not quite sure what my centre means, but two places came to mind straight away. Firstly was church - the second was the beach. I don't get to the beach anywhere near enough these days (in fact sometimes I could count the visits per year on one hand) but when I need to think or to just sit and zone out it is always beside the water. If I can't get to the beach then you will find me sitting beside the river! MY dream home would be right near a beach, preferably right on the beach. Hmmmm can't see that happening, unless the waters keep rising till Worrigee is waterfront property ~L~

Warning. Here we go!

Hold on tight. the ride is just about to begin!

As mentioned before I haven't had much to say lately and after being oh so subtly prompted I figured I had better come up with a more efficient way of updating - so lets go on a journey. I have a list of questions here which are actually written from a scrapping inspiration point. So lets see how we go. I have tweeked this so that I will use these questions as prompts for my blog and (hopefully) will be able to scrap as well to have a record. Not sure how the scrapping bit will go but lets at least start with the questions

Q1. Tell us something you lost

A. Apart from the obvious - my mind ~L~ Or maybe my innocence! This could be a long list. When I think of things I lost my Dad pops straight to mind but then when I think further I realise he's not lost. I know exactly where he is. I hate the phrase "lost" when referring to people as it seems like you absentmindedly put them down somewhere but I lost my little brown eyed girl Steffi-Kim a long time ago. For a while I lost touch with "me" but I am coming back with a vengeance. So something I lost? There are lots of little things, household items, scrap items, my waist ~L~ but I think the biggest thing I have lost would be trust in people. I don't trust easily but once I do - sorry you are stuck with me. There are only a few people I would totally trust and I am so very thankful for them.

So that the start of my journey. Are you prepared to take the ride with me?

Shopping, shopping, shop-ping!

What a day! Yep we shopped!

I drove up to the Kings house after sorting the kidlets here out and picked Cass up and then we went to warrawong and hit the shops!!! I got nearly everything on my list! YAY a major chunk of christmas shopping is now done! Woo hooo, doing the happy dance. AND I stayed in budget.

It wasn't all serious shopping. I must admit there were some laughs, some really bad puns (and yes Cass you did win with one good one) and maybe just some play! It's not our fault the toys say push here so we were only doing what we were told. Although hhhmmm I wonder if you are supposed to set the all going at the same time *ooops* The coolest christmas toy goes to a cute guy who sings a rap song called christmas time to the tune of MC Hammer! Very Cool.

And of course we finished up at Gloria Jeans.

No pension

Okay, okay I get the hint. Thank you very much for pointing out that my blog is so old it may be eligible for a pension soon. It's just that I don't have much to say! But you may be very sorry you nagged. Today will be a quick update but after that you may get to know me better than you wish! Be afraid - be very afraid. Will have some interesting posts coming up soon - found a blog challenge with some intriguing questions.........

TODAY

Outside my window... Is a glorious sunny day 26 degrees and barely a cloud in the sky

I am thinking... Those house cleaning fairies keep forgetting to turn up.

From the kitchen... Well its lunch time and I'm not sure what is being cooked but it sounds like Tony is coming up with one of his "Concoctions" - yes they are scary as they sound

I am creating... Lately - lots of cards for an upcoming swap

I am going... Out for a day of shopping with the wonderful Cass tomorrow and then in 11 days it is time for a weekend away in Sydney. Very excitement!

I am reading... The Pellinor series and the Piercing the Darkness series

I am hoping... To get to Melbourne for Christmas but really don't know if we can :(

I am hearing... noise, noise everywhere! I have my ipod on shuffle, Tony is cooking madly and has the TV on!

Around the house... Serious bomb detonation damage! Have pulled sheets out of linen closet to sort so they are piled up on dining table. Lounge room a mess - lots of ironing waiting for me to finish linen closet to put it away. Hmmm better get back to it.

Quote of the day

This weeks quote of the day belongs to Jacob! Don't know that it's terribly inspirational but I thought you might get a chuckle out of it.....

Jacob (aged 9) sitting at the dinner table eating chicken casserole pulls a drumstick out of his dinner and asks "Is this a dog bone?"

Hhhhhmmmm didn't think Tracy's cooking was that bad! ~L~

Grand Tour.......

Well it way overdue and I have been asked when it would happen........
Here it is - the grand tour of my new scrap/office space. When Tracy and Jacob moved in Jacob got my old craft room so we had a wall and door put in at the entrance of our old study and I have a new craft room! So hold on tight..... here we go
First thing as you come into the room is my bookcase (which is storage for work stuff) and my stand which I just adore. The poster on the wall is from my 29th birthday! A group of friends took me out for my last 20-something birthday and we went to see a duo who I also called close friends - Beez Neez! Whilst there we ripped this poster off the wall at Posties Tavern and I got everyone to sign it...
Also on the bookcase is a pile of frames which I need to find somewhere for. These contain photos of people who have been a major part of our lives - even dating back to special high school friends.
Another really special item here is located on the top shelf of my display unit. This is hard to see in the pic but is a "Scrappers Survival Kit" which was the first present I ever received from a gorgeous girl and amazing scrapper who I am so very priviledged to call a totally awesome friend. It holds pride of place and I always like to have it near my scrap space. I know I could never be as talented as this girl but I hope some of her scrap-genious may rub off one day.
Next along is my scrap desk... which used to be our dining table. When we upgraded the dining table I claimed the old one for scrapping. I do need the space cause when I scrap I tend to spread out and create a huge mess! There is room for this table to be pulled out away from the wall so I have plenty of room for scrapping with a friend (welcome anytime). The other thing I can't survive without is my ipod dock. This was a present from Tony and the kids last birthday. I love my music and just HAVE to have music playing when I scrap.

This was my big concession to space. My office space has shrunk a lot! I have gone from a big desk to this little computer table but it is up next to my craft desk so I can spread work out if I need to. Notice my poor old computer. A couple of keys missing, worn out mouse pad.... She really does need to retire but I cant see that happening soon so instead on the pull out drawer is an external keyboard and you can see the wireless mouse. Poor old girl.

The wall above this computer is bare at the moment but I have plans to put a number of photos up here by an amazing photographer @ www.disenchantedphotography.com. I know I could be slightly biased because I know this guy but the emotions and stories you get in his photos are just awe-inspiring. You can't really see it that well but the pic on my desktop is one of his. He is just so talented. Tony and I both have strong favourites from his portfolios that we want to make a feature of.

Okay moving around the room now. My wonderful big window which lets in heaps of light ( when its not overcast like today) and also allows a nice breeze through.... although I really could do without the neighbours dog which sits and barks at my window all day. GGGRRrrrr

Then on the next wall is all my storage. Tony got me cupboards with doors as I am not the neatest or tidiest perosn around and I have old chest of drawers with all my paperwork etc in them.

The doors of my cupboards are covered in cards and notes I have received from friends over the years. Any card I get from my friends goes up here. Then on those days when I feel so flat or so alone ( which do seem to be coming around a lot lately) I just sit and read and am so glad for the support that I get from my friends. I seriously do not think I could have got through the tough times without my friends and when I am having a bad day I really need that reassurance that there is someone who cares about me.

To Sandra, Cass and Jane - you girls are my angels. Love you. MWAH

Then finally - my storage unit which I saw and just had to have. I love all the different pigeon holes. This is the thing I want to work on the most. It does need a massive organisational overhaul but as the budget has nothing left for more baskets or storage boxes I guess it will have to wait.

Well thats it guys. Hope you enjoyed the grand tour. sorry it took me so long.

Mum's 70th Birthday

Saturday night we took Mum out to The Butterfactory for dinner.

When Mum was diagnosed with cancer she said that if she made it to 70 it would be a big celebration. So even though she didnt have a big party we wanted to do something special. so we went out for a lovely dinner. Tasha wanted to get Nana some balloons - after all it's not a party without balloons. Do you think she got enough? For Mum's birthday I made her up an album with photos from when she was baby, detailing all the major events in her life. I was quite happy with it and she loved it.

This is my favourite pic from the night. My kids and their Nana. Both of them adore Nana and they cherish the time they get to spend with her.

Scrapping

After some prompting from an amazing friend of mine who means so much to me - yes I agree "You're my person", here is some of my latest scrapping.

Nothing to fancy or even particularly remarkable - I think when I moved my craft room I packed up my inspiration and any scrap skill I had...... just need to find which box I put it in! Keep unpacking and moving things around hoping to find it tucked away somewhere but just don't know where it is - hope it didn't get sent to the tip with all the other stuff.............

Quote of the day!

A good friend will always be there to bail you out of jail.........

A true friend will be sitting right beside you saying "Wow, that was fun!"

Catchups and clean ups!

What an exhausting few days! Firstly on Saturday I got to spend some time with some amazing people. These girls always remind me to laugh, they inspire me, they push me to keep going and above all - they never let me give up on myself. They are always there in the tough times and have prayed with me through some of the major things in my life. This is a small portion of the SoF girls - we are all NSW girls and meet up occasionally for a scrap day and chat session!
Unfortunately Tracey wasn't well so we didn't get to spend a great deal of time with Tracey and Marion but it was lovely to see them for the short period of time we did. Then on Monday mum decided my garden needed an overhaul. So we turned my front garden from this

to this!

sustaining an injury or two along the way! you know how in the cartoons they step on a rake and it comes up and hits them? Well that was me - except it was a hoe and it hit me full pelt in the stomach - totally winding me and leaving a lovely welt and bruise. OUCH!

I had to add this pic....... not one I thought I would ever see. Tony and my mother working together in a garden!! ( I should note that we needed a boys muscles and after doing this job he did retreat back inside)

Girls Night!

What a night - got to say there are some major advantages to having another girl in the house!

Last night it was just Tracy and I at home. (Jacob was at his dad's and my kids have gone to Nana and Papa John's). We had a wonderful time.

We had Indian takeaway...(Yes Cass I did the trendy thing~L~) which we ate in front of the TV with a glass of red wine and some chick flicks. We sat and chatted, laughed and had a nice relaxing night. Oh and finished it off with Weis Mango Icecream. YUM YUM.

It was just exactly what I needed and something we will have to do each school holidays. Bring on the Christmas Holidays I say ~L~

mini plaits, mud pies and retail therapy

Well these school holidays have certainly been interesting. Tasha and I sat down one night and had a nice chat whilst I plaited her hair in lots of little plaits for her. Didnt work out too well as she went swimming the next day so that killed the curls!We had another busy house over the weekend as per usual. Apart from our regular 6 on Friday night Tasha had a friend (Tegan) to stay overnight then on saturday another friend came for a sleepover (another Tegan) so for a while we had three girls in the house. They had fun - watched little rascals on TV, played in the backyard, chatted to Haylee who happened to walk past (yes she is on the other side of the fence - really) and looked after themselves in the kitchen.Then things changed. So much for sedate, quite girls, They found a mud patch and the massive mudfight was on! they laughed, they squealed, they ran like mad and had an absolute ball. Mind you I did refuse to let them in the house until I hosed them all down!Then on Sunday Tasha, Tegan and I went up to Shellharbour to do some shopping. We had lunch, shopped and shopped as you can see by all Tasha's bags she spent her birthday money and finished the day with icecream! Then we went to the King's place where the girls sat and played mouse trap with Callum whilst Cass and I sat and had chat and coffee. It was lovely to sit and chat in her totally awesome new scrap room. So exciting and so wonderfully organised. I am so in awe of this girls organisational skills and came home full of inspiration to get my craft room sorted out - just got to find the time and the budget. Hhhhhmmmmm.

Okay so whats up this week? Work, work and more work. I do have tomorrow (Tues) morning off so the kids and I are heading off to the early bird screening at the movies. Then Saturday I am going up to Lou's for a craft day which I am really looking forward to. Have no idea when I will pack or even figure out what I am doing.

So what are your plans for this week?