Christmas Cards 2009

 

Well I have finally finished my Christmas Cards for 2009. I only have to print out the inserts which are nearly completed. I have done up 125 cards this year and I am thinking that I may need to do a couple more but hopefully that will be it. The list just keeps on growing each year. I am really happy with my cards this year. Keep an eye out for the mail - there could be one coming your way.

Our New Addition

 

We have a new addition to our family - her name is Noomy. One of the many things my Mum does is saves ferral cats. And she just recently caught 3 ferral kittens and their mother. She has tamed the mother down and has found homes for 2 of the kittens and well one of them is us. I know what were we thinking but look how cute she is. She really doesn't look ferral hey. But she doesn't like big open areas at the moment. We have to gradually let her out and get her used to the house. Now our 6 year old cat Princess - isn't aware she is here or is she. They haven't met yet and probably won't for some time. I don't think Princess is going to take kindly to her new house guest.

Unfortunately when visitors come over we can't show her to anyone as she is so scared of strangers she goes a little wild and skitish. So we just show people photos and maybe soon we can show people. She is just gorgeous though. When I go in to feed her several times a day she just purrs and meows at me and pushes into me for affection. But when you put the food out she doesn't want to know you she just wants to eat. LOL

Noomy is about 2 months old. Makayla is still getting used to her. She doesn't like to be too close in case she scratches her but she loves for me to hold her so she can give her a quick pat and a kiss. So very sweet.

Kirsty's Sleep over Party

 

Well I decided to let Kirsty have a sleep over birthday party this year. OH WHAT WAS I THINKING!!!!!!!! 8 giggling 10 and 11 year olds. I don't think they got to sleep until around 11pm and they were awake before 5.30am. I am so sure that they would have been all very tired come late Sunday afternoon.

The girls all had such a great time. They did some Karaoke, played games (I gave each team a roll of alfoil and told them to be creative and make things with it - such as dresses, shoes, glasses etc) They all did such a great job. And check out the one right at the back. That is Cameron getting in on the act. Makayla and Lyn decorated him as well.

I made Kirsty an ice cream cake again this year and she requested that and I also made her a handbag cake in her favourite colours. Not sure how I kept this from her without her seeing it.

I even made the party bags. I did a workshop some months ago with Paula at StampIn Up where we made these really great handbags. So late Friday afternoon I decided that these would be perfect for the party bags. Nothing like leaving it for the last minute. But it was worth it as the girls just loved them. I made 8 and filled them with lollies and make up and a few other bits and pieces. Thanks Paula for the idea.

Kirsty's Birthday

 

Kirsty turned 11 years old last week. Yes I know a bit slack not getting her photos up earlier. I can't believe she is 11 now. Where oh where has the years gone. She is turning into such a beautiful young girl. It is a little sad and lot exciting to see her grow and mature. Happy Birthday Possum. Love you so very, very much.

Caloundra Holiday

 

We spent a weekend at Caloundra a couple of weeks ago. And to the surprise of Kirsty, Ashleigh and Rachel - they all did not know the others would be there. Maree and I kept it a secret from the girls and what a surprise it was for them. They were so excited to see each other, I don't think there was much time they spent away from each other. It is so great that they are still such close friends and cousins. Definately a nice place to stay. We stayed at the BreakFree Resort this time. Can't wait for next year when we stay for a whole week... Maybe I can convince Cameron we need to stay for 2 weeks.

Anniversay

Cameron and I celebrate our 6th Wedding Anniversary today. He is my rock and my best friend and just as much in love today as the day we started going out. Love you heaps Cameron.

Don't you think we make the perfect couple.........

We love you and miss you

Today we say goodbye to our oldest dog Boots (black and white Miniture Fox Terrior). She was 15 years old and although she was a bit of a wanderer sometimes she had a great life. We will so very much miss her. As she was so old her poor little heart just gave out last night. I feel silly crying so much but she really was just one of the family. And the girls are also feeling the sorrow of her passing.

I so feel for her little companion Tigger as she is very much missing her right now. I think she has realised that she isn't there and has not stopped crying also.

She is in a better place and she is waiting for our return. We will miss her.

Christmas Cards started

I had a great day yesterday at the StampIn Up Workshop. Thanks Paula and Gayle for a great day. And I am now Christmas 17 cards down. Only 100 + to go. I did think this year I would just make some cards for friends and then buy shop ones for others. But then who would I give a handmade card to and shop bought one too????? I realised that if I am giving a card there is a good reason for it so they will all be handmade again this year.

Here are 3 of the cards I did. I will scan the other in later - loaned it to a friend.

I have an extremely busy next few weeks. I have to read the last 4 modules of my study before the end of this week - have an assignment done and posted before 23rd November (not even started yet) - finish making Kirsty a bean bag for her birthday in 4 weeks - start and finish making her another gift (can't say as it is a surprise, it is a sewing thing) - attend a couple of party plans at friends - birthday parties this weekend - scrapbooking on the weekend - a weekend away at Caloundra (can't wait for this one).

Gee not sure if I will get it all done but will certainly give it a good go.

Have a great week all. xxxx

Glad to be HOME

What a fantastic week we had at Big Camp (that's what the kids call it). It would be unreal to get an aeiral photo of the camp grounds. From memory there were over 3,000 campers on the grounds and on each Sabbath there were over 7,000. Unbelievable

The girls had a great time. Kirsty was in Juniors this year which meant more activities and night meetings. Therefore lots of walking to take them to their meetings and picking them up. They went to Wet n Wild on one of the days which I think she just loved.

Makayla couldn't wait to get there though I'm sure she didn't remember what it was about from last year. She loved morning worship where they sang songs for an hour and to my amazement she even joined in with all the actions. And in the afternoons they have an hour of playgroup where they get to do all sorts of things. Her face would light up in the mornings when they mentioned playgroup.

We survived the 2 dust storms while we were camping. Though I am glad they were dust storms and not rain storms. Rain would have been a lot worse when packing up. My poor washing machine was non stop from Sunday night to Wednesday afternoon with all the clothes and linen we took with us. I had to wash everything even if we didn't use it. Yeah........ It will probably take until Sunday to totally finish unpacking and putting everything away for next time.

First night (Thursday) we slept in the car - long story but the girls apparently had a great and comfortable sleep. However Mum probably got 2 hours sleep as she was freezing cold as I gave the girls all the blankets and was very uncomfortable in the front seat. We were certainly camping on the first night. A picture of part of the inside of our tent.

Kirsty and Makayla enjoying the moment. And Kirsty with 2 of her friends at camp - Ashlyn and Che.

Makayla and Soloman (Makayla's best friend at camp) They played together so well. And what a cutie is he. Oh Nicole I really do love his hair. Kirsty took Makayla to have her face painted. By the time I got to see it she had scratched it off. Thank you Kirsty for taking a photo before she removed it. Makayla is joining in here in the morning worship. She is doing the actions to "My God is So Great"

This is a picture of the dust storm we went through on the Wednesday. The one we got on the Saturday was lots worse.

I can't believe we are in the final term for this year at school. Where has this year gone I ask???? Makayla is starting Pre-Prep next year hopefully. Just waiting to see if the building will be finished. Makayla is really looking forward to going next year.

Enjoy the last few days of holidays.

Look what I won........

What a busy month. I can't believe it has been over a month since I last blogged. I must admit I do spent a bit of time on the computer but it is generally for work so when I have finished I like to turn the computer off and do something more constructive - like sewing or scrapbooking etc.

The girls are doing really well. We all can't wait until the school holidays as Kirsty, Makayla and I are heading off to our church camp again this year. We had a fantastic time last year and Kirsty is really looking forward to camp again this year. Cameron gets to stay home unfortunately as he is way too busy this time of year to take holidays. And hopefully this year I won't loose Makayla. She can be a little wanderer sometimes - so I have threatened to go to the vet to have her microchipped. LOL

Kirsty just handed in her school project the other week. They had to build a diorama of the rain forest. I do believe she did a great job. She painted the box by herself and decorated it as well all by herself. It took a lot a will power and biting of the tongue to leave her to her own creativity. And well she did a fantastic job. Well done Kirsty.

Last week was very eventful in that I was heading out Thursday night to have dinner with Tammy and Nicole as it was Tammy's birthday and I was running late picking up Tammy. I got into the car and reversed out the driveway. Unfortunately I forgot to lift the roll a door. So yes I reversed into the roll a door and did a job on it. I was close to tears but my husband soon made me feel good. He just laughed and said he didn't feel so bad now for putting a ding in my car. Got to love them hey. Anyway I did not think that he was going to get the door back on as the top of the door was in place but the bottom of the door was now moulded to the shape of the car. But when I returned it was all fixed with some minor dings in the door - and it still goes up and down. Unfortunately I didn't even think to take photos of the door. What a page that would have been. Never mind maybe next time. Yeah I will probably do it again. LOL

I collected a parcel from the post office today and well I was blown away as some months ago I entered into a competition in the Homespun Magazine. And well this is what I won. I am so excited as I just love Sally Giblin designs and have some of the winning patterns. Mmmmm now to choose who to give the double ups to....... Well I just think getting this little package today might inspire me to get back into sewing. I haven't sewn for some weeks. Just too busy.

Well I hope all the Dad's out there had a great day on Sunday. I know Cameron had a relaxing day and of course we did spoil him.

No more Driving

Well as quickly as I was given the OK to drive it was taken away from me today. Yes I am not allowed to drive again. My hand has gone backwards and my strength is now below 10kgs. And the therapist thinks I could have torn the cartlidge slightly due to the pain I was in when I first tried to drive a few weeks ago. So you can imagine how I felt.

Though she has given me only limited driving power. That is I am only allowed to pick up Kirsty from school and that is it. So hopefully next Friday when I see her my hand will be back up to strength.

Cameron is now back on chauffer duties.

I survived.......

What a day. I decided to get to Target at 8am for the toy sale. Well I got there 10 minutes late and so glad I did from what I was told as I walked in. A gentleman reckoned he was bruised down his side from the swarm of ladies grabbing at boxes. It was rather busy but I did manage to get what I wanted. I found some really great bargins. Can't wait till Christmas to share them. By far the better than KMart and Big W's Toy Sale.

So if you are thinking of going to Target you will be safe in Bundaberg as the mad rush could be over. Happy Toy Shopping.........

And thank you to those that called yesterday regarding Sean and Jeannie. Yes they were related, they are Cameron's cousins. They left Bundaberg before Easter this year to travel around Australia. They weren't actually missing for 3 weeks they just hadn't been heard of. They were heading into the Flinders Ranges for only a couple of days and as they don't have an agenda they must have decided to stay longer. And as there was no mobile or internet service they were just oblivious to those who were getting rather worried. But they are all safe. Not the best way to get famous. LOL

Back to School :-(

Unfortunately all good things come to an end. And the school holidays have come to a screaming end. Kirsty went back to school today. She really didn't want to go. I think 3 weeks of holidays was just too good. Though we told her that it is a shorter term this one and at the end we go camping. She seemed slightly happy but I think only for that fact that we are going camping.

I was just looking back over the photos over the holidays and I can't believe I didn't take the camera out much. The girls had a great holiday. They spent a lot of time at Lake Ellen Park which they love. They made several batches of GingerBread Biscuits (Makayla's favourite) and Choc Chip Cornflake Biscuits (which is Kirsty's favourite). We spent watching DVD's together, playing cubby houses, having friends over to play and sleep overs, we even went Roller Skating and did a little bit of sewing.

I have been busy making cards. I love my Sunday outings to the StampIn Up workshop each month run by Gayle and Paula. We make some great projects and also cards. For just $20 for the day you come away with some great ideas. And the company is just great. I have put some photos of the cards we just made Sunday.

Holiday Photos:

I wasn't going to let Makayla skate but she was adament that she needed to have skates on. So we went and got them for her. Once I did the laces up she thought she could stand up. Until she realised that she had no control on her feet. So Mum took her around the rink a few times (as much as my hand would allow). She had a great time except for the above photo when she wanted to do it herself. They are so priceless.

Kirsty loves skating but enjoyed just running around the rink bare foot. Lucky for us, our group was the only one there when we went. Though I tried to get Kirsty to wear Roller blades. No way according to Kirsty.

I do think that I have the 2 most beautiful girls. But a mother can be bias. Kirsty is growing so much into a beautiful girl. Thank goodness she won't be dating till she is 35. LOL If only, in less than 6 years I am sure she is going to want to start dating. How on earth am I going to cope with that............

Thank goodness Makayla is 7 years younger. I have quite a few more years before I need to worry about her. She is just a stunner and cheeky.

This is the start of the fairy dolls that Kirsty and I have been making. They are a little more involved than what I thought. We have sewn the tops up but just have to do some hand sewing. I have no idea how people make Barbie clothes. These ones are fiddly enough.

I just recently bought this magazine as I am always looking out for more things to do. Like I have the time to do them but you know sleep is over rated. LOL. I do love some of the projects in this magazine but unfortunately they don't show much of them. If you go to Melissa Goodsell's blog you can see them so much better.

I am really loving the sewing craft. I find it hard to decide if I will scrap book or sew. Lately the sewing is winning but I do find time to scrapbook. The Friday night get togethers have been here and there lately but hopefully soon we will all get back to maybe fortnightly.

This Sunday is the scrap club and we are having a swap. Xmas in July is the Theme and we have to make a tag or a journalling spot for the swap. I have had a sneak peak at some of the girls swaps and they are looking pretty good. I think I have now worked mine out so I just need to get started.

I went to a pamper party on Friday night at a girlfriends house. The back of my hands have never been smoother. And after the party (at 11pm) driving home I decided that I would call one of my mates and see what she was doing. And lucky for me she was up just waiting for my call. Now how many friends would get away with calling someone at 11pm at night. Thanks for the stamps Lorelle.

Well I'm off to clean the house and maybe do some crafty things this afternoon. Not sure if I will sew or scrapbook.

Watch out Bundy - I'm driving again........

Well on Friday I was giving the all clear to drive. Finally my hand registered 12kgs. YAHOO..... But no driving unless I have Cameron with me initially, just in case I can't cope. Well Saturday afternoon we headed off to the Botanical Gardens and when we returned home I decided it was as good a time to try driving. Well that was a HUGE mistake. No I didn't have an accident. I just for a moment forgot I can't drive how I used to. That being my left hand doesn't operate the same just yet. Well the first turn of the wheel I injured my wrist. Yeah I know. Slow and steady wins the race but I am just being impatient. Well I paid for it dearly that night as I didn't get to bed till 3.30am Sunday morning as the pain was quite high on the tolerance level. Anyway I might try again tonight but in my car this time. It won't be as heavy to drive.

On a much happier note, a few friends and I got together on Friday to scrap. The children played and the mums played also. It was great, but when everyone left that afternoon I decided that I would just continue to scrap well I put it all away this morning and I was so happy as I got to scrap 12 pages. I have to just finish off a couple of them with titles but I will do that early this week and take photos and post them on the blog. I realised while I was doing these pages that I soooooo much scrapbooking stuff that I don't need to buy anymore things for some time. Maybe even ever. Oh no wait, I will need card stock soon. That I am running out of. Might need to do an order shortly for that.

As I was up till 3.30am this morning I was nearly going to come out and scrapbook but the cold kept me in bed. So I decided to finish reading a book I started a few weeks ago. It was called My Beloved Son. Probably not the reading material for some but I really enjoyed reading it. Though I knew the ending I found that I couldn't put it down when I started reading it. It was written through the eyes of Mary about Jesus. It was very inspirational.

Well I am off to paint the girls nails.

Fun - Fun - Fun

Well we are just about finished our first week of holidays. We haven't done too much this week but have plans for the last 2 weeks. So far the girls have made ginger bread men (or shapes actually), played in the George Street park for hours. I think this is their favourite park ever. I must take some photos next week when we venture there again. We have done some shopping for crafty things to do over the holidays. Thanks to Spotlights huge discounts on their craft items. And had a play date/ sewing date with a girl friend. Sorry Tammy we just had to..... LOL

Today we are hoping to start some sewing. Kirsty and I are going to make a fairy doll. So watch this space for some photos. I fixed her sewing machine up yesterday so she will be off once we get started. And I think Makayla is wanting to make something too. Not sure what but I'm sure she will let me know when we get started.

Kirsty is going to help me put up some curtains my mum helped me make some time ago. We will be able to see our TV without the glare. Yeah......

There are a few of us mums getting together tomorrow to scrap. The children can play while the mums well ... play too. And hopefully we will have something to celebrate. I have my appointment with my hand therapist first thing tomorrow and well I am hoping she tells me I can drive. It has now been nearly 11 weeks without driving and it is really starting to bug me. I was hoping to be driving by now so I could take the girls places over the holidays.

Cameron has told me not to get my hopes up as I could be told not just yet. At least I am using my hand now, in limited capacity that is. I tried to open the dishwasher the other night with my left hand and it just wouldn't open. I say my muscles are still just a bit weak. So probably no cart wheels for a few months.

I will try to post some pictures of the girls in the next few days.

Brrrrrrrrrrr

How cold is it???????? Thank Goodness I have Cameron to cuddle up to. I had Kirsty & Makayla stuggled up in bed with me this morning. And none of us wanted to get out of bed. So glad for the weekend.

I got a bit busy a couple of week ends ago and managed to scrap 7 pages in one day. The creative juices must have been flowing. I have posted them below. I think Cameron was happy to see me in the scrap room as I don't get much time to scrap at home. Sorry the photos aren't too straight.

I have recently come back from Brisbane - and no didn't go to the Craft Show. Really just doesn't interest me plus I have that much stuff here I could just about open up another shop. LOL Like I would be silly to do that again........ My visit was to see my parents and see the specialist who did my operation. well all is good and I saw the Hand Therapist this week and I am out of my splint. well I am supposed to be whining myself out of it but I just LOVE not having to wear it. I am now just in the brace I was wearing for about 18months prior to the operation.

The therapist has started rotating my wrist and apart from the pain I am so happy it is happening. Just means the recovery process is starting. YAHOOOOOO.......

Only two more weeks until school holidays. I can't wait to spend some quality time with Kirsty over the holidays. I have so much planned, I think she is going to want to go back to school for a holiday. LOL Kirsty is into sewing lately so we are going to make some great projects.

I must go, have to walk up to get Kirsty from the bus. Oh yeah, maybe only a few more weeks until I can drive. I am looking forward to that and so is Cameron. I hopefully fing out next week.

Stay warm. xxxxx

I Just want to Scrap and Sew.......

Well I must say that I am now totally over my brace/ splint I have to wear. I have put a photo of it so you can see how fantastic it is..... NOT. I deceided to go scrapbooking on Sunday and well my head is saying do this do that but my hands say "What Ever, Your Dreaming".

My mum was only talking to me today and really put things in perspective. Imagine someone who hasn't walked in years finally is told there is a cure and is able to walk again. Imagine the pain they would go through to get their muscles working again. Though I'm sure they would be excited and would do anything to walk, It just makes you really appreciate what you have.

The reason I say this is it has only been 5 weeks since my operation and I can bearly move my wrist 1-2 cms. I am either going to have an extremely strong right hand after all of this or I will end up with RSI. LOL

I JUST WANT THE USE OF MY HAND BACK.......

I have finished my mum's Mothers Day present but will post photos after I give it to her next week, I hope she likes it. I have a few more projects on the go. I am so addicted to my new hobby - quilting, stitchery, applique gee just anything to do with the sewing machine. What a great time to have my operation..........

Now I am off to Brisbane in a week and will be visiting a shop that sells ribbon really really cheap. I came across this place some time ago. Now I have put some photos of some ribbon I have bought there but I can't remember all the prices and I really can't remember all the ribbons I bought there. So if you would like me to pick you up some ribbon or you just want to give me some money and let me pick some lengths for you (that could be scarey) then shoot me an email. I will need to know before the 1 - 2 June. The large Ric Rac here is about 2cm wide and around $2/metre. Yes you read right. I think the stitched ric rac was around $1.75/m. Tey even have lace.

Kirsty took this photo of a quilt at The Quilters Shack last week, I think I am going in to get the pattern. I just love this quilt. I thought I'd make it for Makayla.