Been scrapping again - the kids have been busy with their own thing today so I got the opportunity to finish a couple of layouts. I started this one of Brooke at Rachel's on Saturday night - Crops with friends are always oodles of fun - but we chat way to much! LOL! I really enjoy the time spent though just being with like minded friends - we can share so much and help each other out heaps. I cant wait til Meg has time so I can play with her Cricut though (big hint Meg - LOL)
This double page of Brooke was made with an Topline Creations Hot Fudge kit, gorgeous kits. I used to be a consultant for them but the shipping to NZ from the USA got so unreasonable and TLC didnt seem terribly interested in keeping me so I let it die a natural death - I kept my consultancy alive though - so I can buy in occasionally - the kits are perfect for a crop.
Isn't Jess just beautiful - I love this page - when it was finished I was so pleased with how it turned out.
And this page is for the January challenge over at Scrapbook Essentials - Summers past and present - I stumbled over the idea when I was going to scrap the big picture of Josef and we were looking at his baby photos - time has flown by. He is going to be 10 this year - 10!!

Now I am fluffing around getting my circle journal started - its going to be fabulous - "My Blue Day Book" - a book of layouts about What Makes You Happy! I got the idea after reading about a Blue Day Box, a happy box you put your happy photos, memories, poems, letters, music and open it on days when you are not feeling 100%
I started to think about the little things that make me happy - like singing out loud (I sound really bad) in my car to 80's music - Madonna, Tears for Fears, Nik Kershaw, Bananarama, Queen, Bon Jovi, Duran Duran, Wham - LOL - and on and on...
Finding notes Jessica has written me or the soppy love notes Leo leaves me if he comes home for lunch and I'm not there...
Wandering through the bush and having no destination in mind...
Having a pampering bath then painting my nails...
Playing games with the kids and being so silly we cant stop laughing...
Brooke smiling - its not gas!!
So many little things cant make a dull day seems o much brighter. I cant wait now for my journal to do the rounds and come home to me! LOL...

Playing with Microsoft Picture It

What a lot of fun it was... I think this program will be a firm favourite of mine - it is so easy to use and because I have oodles of digital scrapbook stuff on my computer - it was a snap to play around. I normally print the digital freebies I find on the internet, the free papers are awesome and make for fab backgrounds or mats for photos. The embellishments are trickier but most print well especially onto sticker paper. I also love to print quotes, etc on to vellum. Its budget scrapbooking - but on a single income a girls got to do what a girls got to do - LOL
I thought I would share some of my favourite sites for those who like to DIY :)
http://www.freedigitalscrapbooking.com/
http://www.gauchogirl.com/pages/goodies/scrapbook/freebies.htm
http://www.cottagearts.net/samples.html
http://www.scrapbook-bytes.com/
http://www.scribblesonline.com/pad/transparency.htm
If you know of some great sites - do share with me...

When catching up on other peoples blogs...

Double check that you haven't been tagged! LOL I was reading through Hannahs blog and was really enjoying it. Then I seen she tagged me! I haven't been blogging long so its gonna be tough to fulfill this tag - but here goes

"Go through your archives and find the post that best fits the words listed."

Something Serious
I was dreadfully sentimental last night and Josef's earlier life was a minor drama
I miss Josef
or the awful accident my Brother-in-law had.. and Ashleigh's flatmates!!
Time to..

Something Romantic
maybe not romantic to some but Leo not overly big on displays of affection so when he does things like this I love him so much - LOL
gadgets, gadgets

All About Me
hmmm - I havent done much yet on myself - maybe this one will fit the bill
Life
this isn't great but it gives you a good idea of the kind of person I am
Good Grief

Something Funny
This was easier - my family keep me entertained!!
Ashleigh
and the quote and my cat do their job to...
Simple Pleasures

Okay - well that was an experience - thanks Hannah - it was cool doing that!
Me - I'm going to tag Kelly and Michelle and Rachel and Tanya or anyone else that feels like taking the challenge!

I miss Josef

He is away at Nokomai with his Oma and Opa but this year, these summer holidays I have grown so used to having him near me, making his little Josef comments, questioning everything. I think I will dread him going back to school next month, even though know he needs to - he is getting bored - the holidays are dragging on and he needs the stimulation that school brings.
I got all sentimental and was going through his baby photos - so many still to scrap but he has grown up so much!I am so lucky to have Josef in my life, he has taught me so much. He is a bright boy who has been bumped up a year - which means this year could be his final year in primary school.
He was such a beautiful baby, all that hair and those bright, bright eyes! Then he got sick with a skin disorder and became so very ill with Cushing's Syndrome. My beautiful son's face grew round and swollen and hairy. But in the photos I have from this time in his life - he always has a huge smile on his face! We were constantly at doctors, at specialists and at the hospital with Josef - he was tested over and over.
But he was blessed because it went away, his skin cleared up and gradually his steroid levels dropped and he slowly became well again. He still visits the doctor every 6 months for a growth check as his growth was stunted by this syndrome and he was quite small for a long, long time.
Jessica weighs the same as Josef - she is not impressed!
Then at 3 years he was diagnosed with his hearing loss. He wasn't talking, he withdrew and wouldn't join in with anything. When he started school he had the help of a Itinerant teacher (Gretchen or Karen), and over the years he has changed from shy, withdrawn little boy to the naughty, mischievous little ratbag he is now. I think the first time I was told he had been naughty in class we actually laughed! Unfortunately he still has a tendency to be naughty - he gets bored easily and "switches" off - I remember one teacher asking me if he was autistic because he could zone out so completely. No he isn't autistic, he has mild behaviour issues, he has trouble with social rules, he gets obsessed with things etc - he questions everything and I mean everything. He has taught me never to take things for granted - don't accept things just because everyone does. Wonder what makes things work, obsess about something for a while if you want, people will still love you when your done! Have a dry sense of humour and enjoy life when it throws curveballs - poke fun at it. Make good friends and make them last forever.
He will be home on Sunday, and wont have missed me at all - Nokomai is just to much fun. But I miss that wee dude something fierce tonight!

Gadgets, gadgets....

It seems some things give up the ghost all at once here!! My camera has been taking some really dodgy shots lately. So Leo and I decided to have a look around and see whats available. We bought a new camera and it came with a new printer - that is really cool but makes me feel like I need a degree in something to operate it!
The camera is amazing, same brand as we had - Canon - but 10 megapixels - quality is spectacular, but again - it came with 3 manuals!! - as of this afternoon I can turn it on and off - LOL!Leo spent the evening last night making my paper shelves for my scrap room - I'm so thrilled with them - I've got to get the bits and pieces so he can make a second set for my cardstock, but all up they only cost $40.00.My stove top burners are all shorting out - great excuse for takeaways - but I'm not in a takeaway frame of mind - I have a garden full of fresh vegetables!
If anything else dies or attempts to die or even thinks about dieing in this house - it will have to do it quietly as I'm not sure what I'll do - the camera was at the top of my list of priorities - I'm sure if Leo cant rewire the stove we can use the camp stove for a while - LOL - I'm sure it will give Leo more opportunities to bbq - thats probably why its taking so long for him to fix it.

I have also completed 2 layouts - I used the some of the fabulous papers and bits from the Scrapbook Essentials January kit. Its so good to be creating again after such a lengthy dry spell.

This my first Brooke page.And this is my page for the fortnightly challenge on the SE forums - we had to scrap our Word and my word is "LIFE"

Finally I scrapped!!

My scrapbook room has been absolute chaos for the last month - piles of piles everywhere!! I wanted to scrap but would lose motivation when I walked in the door. I made a "To Do" list - got my Raks, etc listed, Challenges due, what I needed to do, and what I wanted to do... I spent the day yesterday, dealing with Rak's - now they are up to date they will be easier to deal with. I tidied a bit - I have convinced Leo to make me a paper shelf. I bought a small 2 shelf unit for $12 from The Warehouse, Leo is going to tack some bracings and put in several more thin shelves for me. I'm so thrilled because I have paper everywhere, my paper holder wont close and the stuff on the floor is at risk of getting lost forever. I'm tempted to do a ruthless spring clean like Janine did but I'm to scared I'd part with something then really need it!!!I completed my first 12x12 page in what feels like forever - its for the Xmas Swap Challenge on the Scrapbook Essentials forums. Its been interesting reading the thread about what people do when the have a touch of scrapper's block, I'm so guilty of time wasting, ages spent flicking through magazines or surfing the web - I have been mightily inspired by Kelly and Michelle lately - these 2 have done some spectacular layouts!!!Jessica has named her Furr-Real cat - this cat purrs, meows, moves its head, blinks, sheds fluff, and according to Jessica drinks water and needs cat biscuits! Texas (our other cat) thought all his Christmases had come at once when Jessica put out a bowl of water and biscuits for "Isabelle". He was most unimpressed when he was screeched at for stealing!
Rachel and Brendon cranked up their BBQ for the first time this summer! In honour of Rachels birthday - HAPPY BIRTHDAY RACHEL!! (for the 21st - LOL) We had a lovely evening - it even stopped raining. It was good to catch up with Michelle, who came over and totally spoilt Rach with her birthday Rak - I reminded her when my birthday is - LOL.Leo got a hold of some wee handcuffs Kaleb was playing with and handcuffed Jessica - a bit early in the game I think - maybe when she hits 13 - 14????

Tramping to the Kiwi Burn

What an absolutely fabulous overnighter we had! Leo and I decided the kids were going to come tramping. Leo picked an easy track to the Kiwi Burn Hut at Mavora, which is near Te Anau. So incredible to think that this kind of countryside is a little over an hour from our door!
The children had a ball - they just loved it! Of course Josef had to make one of his "Josef" comments - "I liked it but I like being at home better!" LOL!
Jessica was pretty nervous about carrying a pack, even though Leo had told her the track was only a half hour walk. We loaded up and drove up to Nokomai Station to collect Josef who was stying at the crib with Oma and Opa. Then we were off. The kids had no idea if they should be excited or not, so opted for have a sibling squabble - hey they had been apart for 3 days - they missed each other - I think...
When we got to Mavora we strapped packs on and set off, I added a little comic relief for the kids - Leo would NOT dare laugh - even if I was - LOL. I tripped over a rock going down a gentle slope and went splat! Unfortunately I got a really, really bad case of the giggles and I just could not stand up. I had this huge, heavy pack on my back and Jessica peering down at me like I'd completely lost the plot, no matter which way I rolled I couldn't find my feet - so I would laugh even harder. Leo hauled me up and we were all very suitably impressed by my skinned knee - and we weren't even on the track yet!!
Over the swing bridge and in a few metres and we are confronted with a sign saying Kiwi Burn Hut 1.5 hours. Ummm - Leo. He was so sure it was only a half hour walk, so we gave him the benefit of doubt and set off - it took 1.5 hours at a seven year olds pace!There were a couple of "Are we nearly there" and a couple of " Where is the hut?" but nothing that made us regret doing this.
I was horrified to see a live possum in a trap - it was so close to the track - what if a person blundered into that? Going to make a phone call to DOC, but I seriously doubt it was one of their traps - they are more humane that that!But the track was a delight, it had enough muddy bits to please Josef and enough photo moments to please me. Leo was just pleased to be in the bush. Jessica - she was so curious about every thing, the plants, the river, the birds... Josef was more curious about the safety blankets, compass, whistles, first aid kits, etc.The hut was great, we had it all to ourselves! Such a bonus!
Leo went for walk by himself and Josef became very concerned he may get lost, but was reassured when I said he had a compass.
At the hut the kids were rapt with the creek running behind it. We spent some very happy time following it and "blazing a new trail" or trying to keep up with Josef - who had discovered he has mountain goat in his genetic makeup!It was fun introducing the kids to "hiking" food - not so great according to Josef - he hated powdered milk! But they loved the nibbles we pack for energy.
We had a visit from some mice, one who popped out steal and M&M that had been dropped.Sleep was next to impossible for Leo and I as the kids got used to sleeping bags and the mattresses were covered in a plastic that squeaked! I finally dozed off only to be woken, very suddenly by Josef shining a torch about 2 cms from my face and informing me he had to go to the toilet! It took a while to get over that shock!
It was in all a fantastic weekend. I cant wait now till the tramping off season, we plan to take the kids to the Kepler Track, we will stay in the Motorau Hut. Its cheaper to go out of season, and less likely to be crowded.
What an absolutely gorgeous way to spend time with the kids!!!

Simple pleasures are life's treasures

I got an email this morning from a a friend in America - she has been on holiday and was collecting quotes for me - I love quotes - the title of her email was the title of this post!
One of the funniest quotes she sent was in a shop she visited
"All unattended children will be given an espresso and a free puppy."

I was all grumpy and not in the best frame of mind when I got the email, I think I just plain got out of bed the wrong side today, it got worse when I wanted to order some stuff from my favourite scrap site's sale but couldn't get it loaded, did a load of washing and discovered Jessica had gotten paint on her new shirt and it didn't come out, then Jessica thought she would pick all the peas for me, even the skinny wee things....

That little saying simple pleasures has been running through my head all morning, so when Jess and her friend Erina suggested we go to the park for a picnic lunch, I jumped at the idea. Finally I felt relaxed, sitting by the pool watching the girls having so much fun, and this little wee boy had me spellbound for a while - he was being so brave and toddling up to the side and got distracted by a leaf, having a taste, then putting a foot in the pool and the look on his face was utter joy - he let go of his daddy's hand and sat down and splashed to his hearts content. I wished it was one of my kids so I could have taken photos of his expressions.
We had a lovely picnic lunch - Ashleigh, Steven and Brooke joined us for a while. Although Brooke slept the entire time we were there - how unsociable is that? LOLThe girls played for a while in the pool at home - it was funny - they decided the blowup tiger was a bucking horse and they had to stay on, they were bouncing up and down sloshing water all over the sides, then falling off so dramatically!
While I was gardening my cat, Texas thought he was a mighty hunter and began to stalk a native grass in a pot! he was so daft, hiding behind the leg of the picnic table then rushing up to the plant. Best part was when he realised we were watching - he actually looked embarrassed - LOL. My flower gardens are all done and I mowed the lawns. I'm happy now, it really is the simple things that can bring the most pleasure.

I'll leave you with a quote that works for my WORD -
"Live a good life and in the end, its not the years in a life, its the life in the years."
Abe Lincoln

Been so lovely down here

even thought the weather is forecast for rain, we haven't seen any.. and its fabulous. Certainly helps time fly!
I can not believe how this week has zoomed by - Leo goes back to work next week!! Its been bliss having him home for the last 3 weeks, every morning has been a Sunday morning, lazy and relaxed.
I am going to find it hard to get back into the 7am rise and shine, but I like getting up with Leo and saying doei every morning, makes my day start on the right foot.
This week has been a mix of sun, fun and wood chopping. Leo and my dad went out 3 afternoons and dug some bog wood up and split it, stacked it all ready for winter.
Brooke is home with her mum and dad after 2 nights in hospital, my gosh she is a lovely shade of pink now! Jessica can't get enough of this little madam and I love this photo!My kids and Rachel's boys had a bit of a blast on the water slide... it was quite funny watching Kaleb... he wouldn't actually slide, but he would wait his turn and then run down the slope! The pool went up for the first time this summer, now it needs cleaned, yucky, yucky job! I think we will give serious thought to buying a bigger pool and investing in a pump and all the bits and pieces so we don't have to keep draining and cleaning the smaller one.I took several shots like this one - trying in vain to convince Kaleb to smile for me - he would sit and he would pose - but he would NOT look at the camera and smile - 2 year olds!!!!My drink of the moment is this divine Caramel Iced Frappe. I make it in the blender with a sachet of Nescafe Frappe and trim milk, ice cubes and pottle of Weight Watchers Ice cream. Makes 2 and just hits the spot on a hot summer afternoon. For the indulgence side of it I add a squirt of lite whipped cream and a shake of chocolate.

Brooke has gone back to hospital

Hopefully just for the night, she has jaundice and is quite yellow. Poor Ashleigh is beside herself. After having a blissful introduction to motherhood she doesn't like the scary bits at all. I'm hoping everything will be just fine and Brooke just needs a little extra special attention.

Jess and Josef have been keeping themselves very occupied - they have this massive cleaning urge! Its quite nerve wracking trying to guess what they want to clean next! Josef decided he wanted to clean the craft cupboard (bottom 2 shelves of the linen cupboard) he was looking for something and Jessica is not the tidiest of children - she just cant understand "put it back where you got it from". Of course once Josef started pulling things off the shelves jess thought this looked like fabulous fun.I'm going to have to give the cupboard a big clean out when they go back to school - I cant find anything!!! LOL - but they are so proud of their efforts.
Jess then decide she wanted her room changed around so Leo had to move beds, dressers, desks all morning till Jess was satisfied! I heard some not so nice things been said about the canopy over Jess's bed!Josef spent the better part of the day building a dragon fort. Its great that the kids can do so much themselves and not be reliant on the television for entertainment.

Good Grief

where does the time go??!! I feel like its whizzing by at warp speed - there is probably some little boy in a bigger galaxy playing with the remote control that operates my life! I wish he would push the "frame by frame" button, because I sure do feel like I'm missing things. Lately when we are in the car I have momentary mini panics if I don't see a head - like "oh my gosh did I leave Jess at the warehouse?"
I've had a full on week but cant seem to remember exactly what I've done!! LOL! That sounds so bad. I think with Ashleigh being here all day, every day the time flies just gazing adoringly at Brooke - a major time buster that one - LOL. I mean how can you resist this face?I'm going to be getting back on track weight wise tomorrow - I dusted off my all my old notes and my favourite exercise plan, took oodles of inspiration from Hannah (you go girl) and have a PLAN! I'll get back to you on how well the plan works. :-) Making the decision today made me feel great - I think I have been procrastinating to long and then got into the "I'm to tired" "I haven't got time" excuse game! Rule #1 should be go to bed earlier - but unfortunately - sleep and I dont see eye to eye at the moment!
My daily joke thingee says - I dont believe for a second that weight lifting is a sport. They pick up a heavy thing and put it down again. I call that indecision. Hehehe.
I also had a long think about the thread running on Scrapbook Essentials - A Word... It actually comes from Ali Edwards blog, but I was fascinated my own feelings on the word would I apply to this year... LIFE... it is so easy to just go with the flow and not make a ripple - I like this wee quote - LIFE IS NOT MEASURED BY THE BREATHS YOU TAKE BUT BY THE MOMENTS THAT TAKE YOUR BREATH AWAY.
Today I finished my Album based on my trip to Sydney - that I went to Sydney in May is completely irrelevant - as any scrapper worth her salt knows - good things take time - or whoever invented the digital camera needs kudos and karate chops - I love my camera - but take way to many pictures... I should finish Brooke's "baby" pages before she finishes high school - LOL!
Seriously finishing the album was a fabulous thing - I was afraid if I packed it up I would not do it. Now I can use my Christmas swap from SE, do my January LO challenge, and start those baby pages - any volunteers - LOL!

Finally it feels like summer

And it feels like someone has wrapped my head in stuffing!! I have such rotten hayfever!!! Add to it the case of bronchitis I've had since early December and all I want to do is kick the kids of the tramp so I can lie on it and read my book!! The hayfever gives me head rushes - all the sound disappears and my head seems to fill with a loud rushing water sound - quite an awful sensation. None of the over the counter stuff is helping so I'm hanging out for my GP to open tomorrow! The worse thing I'm finding is that I'm missing so much of the conversation going on around me and find I interrupt at daft times - quite embarrassing! Thankfully everybody still loves me!

But the kids and Leo are loving the warm, sunny spell and have been outside playing. Except for a while when we got a visit this afternoon from Michelle and Nathan. Of course it was up to the bedroom for the boys to check out the Playstation!

Thank you so much Michelle for the gorgeous wee outfit you bought Brooke! I love the wee pink hanger - and the over the shoulder spill bib - so cool! Ashleigh is so thrilled with all the love and kindness coming from people! She especially loves the handmade cards from you and Rachel - she thinks your both so clever!! Josef has been cleaning his room!! He is turning into a neat freak! I'm not complaining but he uses way to much furniture polish!! LOL - he decided he wanted to learn how to use the lux tonight, his mate Brayden can use their lux - so of course Josef wanted a crack - this is the kind of peer pressure I can handle! LOL!!!

Not to be outdone - Jessica decided she was going to cook tea tonight - we had a yummy, yummy barbeque. Jessica stood right by Leo and gave orders and was so chuffed when Leo let her put the kebabs on by herself.

Beautiful Baby Brooke

I'm such a very, very proud Gran - LOL - or as my scrapp'n buddies say Nan Jules! I love this wee sweetheart with a passion already. All she does is sleep but she is so perfect.

Ashleigh has shown a remarkable maturity and has a knack for this! She popped bub out without any dramas. She had spent the day here yesterday, very grumpy because she had a sore tummy because she thought she was constipated! Her midwife thought the same and prescribed her something. Ashleigh slept the afternoon away, while Steven her partner helped Leo outside (much to Leo's delight!).
Half way through tea Ashleigh's midwife rang to say she though Ash should pop down to the hospital as the doctor wanted to check for abdominal colic. So off her and Steven went at 6pm. At 7pm I got the most fabulous text message - Ashleigh is 7cm dilated and they broke her waters - come now! We popped back here for a cuppa coffee but we had only been home about 20 mins when we shot back to the hospital because Ash was contracting enough to make her whimper - and thats all she did for most of it - whimper - she growled at Steven once or twice - just because she could - LOL!

9.37pm it's Hello Baby! I was chuffed at the time - Ashleigh was born at 9.37pm as well.

But being a support person is a wonderfully amazing experience. I was there to see Brooke cry and bond with Ashleigh. I got to hold her all gooey and brand new! I have been in and out of the hospital today - "visiting" - LOL. Steven has a deft hand at changing nappies , both Ash and Steven seem to be just on cloud 9 and not coming down in a hurry. I really hope Brooke is a good baby, but I also have to admit - the mum of the teenager wants just a teeny tiny bit of payback.....

Jessica and Josef are just so proud of their wee niece. Josef wants to know how old he has to be before he can be a dad!!!???!!! Jessica loves being called Auntie Jess and is already planning things to do with Brooke.
Leo wants to be known as Chiefie - we are humouring him! LOL! But he is just so taken with this scrap of beauty. Like we all are.

Welcome baby

Ashleigh had her baby - it was the most incredible experience! Very quick - 3.5 hours. The wee beauty was born 9.37 pm weighing in at 6lb 8oz. Ashleigh cant decide if she is an Emily after all - so will have to let you know!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
May 2007 be the best ever for all of us!