The Klaster Klan

Scrap Your Pants Off

2009-10-07T11:19:00.003+11:00

Come and join us over at Artypants for an exciting competition called Scrap Your Pants Off.

Dates and Registration* ON NOW!:

Saturday 3rd October – Thursday 16th October* To receive access to the SCRAP YOUR PANTS CONTESTANT Forum which will have competition tips and other information you may need, you need to register your interest in the 'REGISTRATION' thread in the Scrap Your Pants off forum.

Duration of comp:

Friday 17th October – Sunday 29th November 6 NON-ELIMINATION ROUNDS and then a SCRAP OFF between the top 3 or 4 in the 7th week to determine the Winner.

Prizes.

1st Prize: 3 month subscription to the ArtyPants Main Kit, 15% discount off all other purchases (for 3 months) AND a guest Design Team spot for December and January

2nd Prize: 3 month subscription to the ArtyPants ADD ON Kit and 15% discount of all other purchases (for 3 months)

Weekly Prizes: Challenge Twist: Awarded to the contestant who gets the most votes each week. They will receive the following weeks challenge 1 day early AND add one more criteria giving them an edge.

OTHER PRIZES:

Store vouchers, ArtyPants products & RAKS are all up for grabs and awarded by the DT & GDT. They will be voting for prize winners based on CONSISTENCY, IMPROVEMENT, SKILL and OVERALL DESIGN so even if you aren't leading on the leaderboard, you are still in with a chance for a smaller prize.Participation in challenge games set by the DT & GDT, regular forum posting and participation and uploading non-challenge layouts to the gallery may also attract prizes and RAK as determined by the DT each week.

Visit the Artypants forum here to get more information on Terms and Conditions. This will also take you to the Artypants forum where you will be able to register.

Artypants Cyber Crop

2009-09-07T23:09:00.002+10:00

September Add On Kit for Artypants

2009-09-02T20:23:00.003+10:00

These are the layouts I completed for the Design Team project for Septembers add on kit available now at Artypants. Click here to enter the website to order your kit.

Maybe I've found my mojo again.

2009-08-23T15:27:00.003+10:00

OMG it's been forever since I've updated in here. It's feels like forever since I've done any scrapping. Have found my mojo again though and hope to be finding more time for me to scrap, ontop of running my photography business. Some new layouts will be shared soon. Check out my photography blog or my Andrea K Photography page on facebook.

An awesome competition is coming to Artypants. Watch this space to find out how you can have 3 monthly kits delivered to your door for free. You can also find out more information on the Artypants blog or the Artypants forum.

A Change to the format of this Blog

2009-06-08T13:55:00.002+10:00

Because I never get a chance to update this blog with the diary of my life I have decided not to continue it in that format. It is now a blog purely for my scrapbooking. People these days keep up with my life's happenings on Facebook, so if you want to keep up with these updates, find me on Facebook, if you haven't already.

I also have another blog I am updating, which is my photography blog. Click here to check that out.

I am also an author on the Artypants Blog. So I'm pretty busy with blog and facebook updates that I just can't keep up with it all.

Latest Layouts

2009-06-08T13:46:00.004+10:00

This layout was done at a crop night a few weeks ago and it's taken me this long to finish it and photograph it.

This layout was done at the Artypants retreat. It's the follow the leader challenge set by Jodie, but as usual I never end up following the leader. This is my interpretation of the instructions. I never got to see Jodie's sample but I don't think mine looks like Jodies from what I can gather.

This layout was also done at the Artypants retreat.

This layout was done for the 'Scrap the Quote' challenge set by Laura on the Artypants forum. The quote I used was "Go Confidently in the Direction of your Dreams, Live the Life you have Imagined" It's the perfect quote for my venture into my photography business. The envelope holds some affirmations for me to keep me on my path.

Photography

2009-05-06T12:55:00.002+10:00

I have finally finished my Diploma in Photography. YAY!!! It was so much fun to do.

I now have a new blog just for my photography. Click here to have a look.

Some Scrapping at Last

2009-03-25T15:13:00.003+11:00

I haven't done much scrapping in months. I have done a couple of layouts for Alison Ellis Design using her new birthday papers. These papers will be released soon. I'll share these with you now and come back later for a personal update.

I just remembered I did a layout at Laura's about a month ago. I've forgotten to photograph it, so I'll be back with that one later.

Update

2009-03-19T12:07:00.003+11:00

To all you bloody whingers out there who obviously think my life is so interesting that they need a fix on my blog. This update is especially for you. hahaha

That's all I have time for today. Stay tuned for another update soon....ish. LOL

BTW, I have another blog to update now as well, because Jodie has made me an author on the Artypants blog.

And my new photography blog will be coming soon..... One day!!! LOL Don't hold your breath.

Hahaha, now I sound like you Jodie LOL!

A Tragic Week

2009-02-12T20:17:00.006+11:00

I know it's been a long time since I've been in here to update. I will very soon I promise. But right now I think I need to remember this week and dedicate this post to some very special people.

Firstly I want to send my heart felt sympathy to my dear friend Bec and her partner Daryl. Bec and Daryl were only 3 weeks away from filling their lives with the joy of a sweet baby girl. Sadly, Amelia (Milly) Grace Bartlett arrived into this world sleeping.

To dear Milly,

"If tears could build a staircase

and memories a lane

We would walk right up to heaven

and bring you home again."

To all the victims and survivors of the Victorian Bushfires. My heart goes out to you all.

I am blessed with very special friends. Friends that are loving, loyal, selflessly caring, giving and kind. Qualities like these are worth protecting, so on the 7th February, 2009 a guardian angel went to work, protecting my friends so that they would survive the bushfires and have a home to go home to.

Tara, the panic I felt when I didn't know where you were and the relief I felt when I heard you were ok and had a home to go home to was overwhelming. To Cameron and his family on the Kinglake mountain, cut off from the rest of the world, my thoughts are with you as you rebuild your lives within your community. It saddens me to think of you all going through this turmoil as you grief for the loss of those around you. Thinking of you as you pick up the pieces, rebuild your lives and try to get back to some normality.

A special thankyou to all the CFA firefighters, volunteers, authorities and the people of Australia for coming together and helping out in any way they can. I'm truly proud to be an Australian.

A special mention to our dear friend Scott (also a CFA firefighter). Spending hours upon hours on the fire front, witnessing things we can only imagine and putting his own life at risk. We're proud of you mate!

"Many people will walk in and out of your life,

but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart."

These are the people in my life who have done just that.

Belmore Christmas

2008-12-21T21:59:00.007+11:00

We had the Belmore family Christmas today (21st Dec). We all come from far and wide so it's easier to meet before Christmas than on Christmas day. Too much running around for everyone otherwise. This is so much more fun and relaxing. Each year we take it in turns of who's house it will be at and this year it was ours.

The kids were itching to get their presents and were hanging around the tree feeling all the presents. So we decided it wouldn't be fair to wait till after lunch, so the present opening was done first.

Bailey got this one from my Mum and Dad

All the kids making a mess of my lounge room.

Micayla sitting amongst her gifts.

Liam and Kieran.

The whole Belmore family. For once there is no one missing, so had to use this opportunity to take a photo. The last time there was a whole family shot, Bailey wasn't born yet, so it was no longer a whole family shot.

Left to right: Adrian and I, then the Wynne family, Rochelle, Mark, Kieran and Taylah, then Liam, Rohan, Wanda and Lachlan Belmore, then Dale, Geoff, Alex and Wayne Belmore. Micayla in the front with Mum, Dad and Bailey.

Then it was all the 'grandkids' together. L-R Taylah (9), Kieran (12), Liam (12), Lachlan (10) and Micayla (8) with Dale (24), then Bailey (5) and Wayne (22)

My sister Rochelle, My brother Rohan and me.

A silly shot with my other brother Geoff.

Wayne

Dale

Bailey cuddling Rochelle and Mark's puppy 'Oscar'

Oscar riding the scooter.

Taylah with Oscar

Micayla trying to ride the scooter with 'Sasha', Rochelle and Mark's other dog trying to bite the wheels.

Kieran riding Bailey's bike.

Bailey doing a mono on his scooter after watching the boys do tricks on their scooters

My sis and I.

Micayla's Story

2008-12-17T22:57:00.002+11:00

Micayla brought home a story she had written on the computer at school. She has given me permission to put it up on here because I think it's just amazing for an 8 year old to write like this. She assures me she made it all up herself. She is really showing talent in so many things that she does.

Here's the story, it's called "Disco"

"It was the day before the Princess's Birthday and she invited Prince Jackson, Talitha, Sarah and Lilly to a party.

They didn't know that the witch was spying on the party.

Then suddenly the witch appeared before their very eyes. The witch said in an evil tone of voice, "What are you doing in my disco hall?"

"Don't ruin the party" cried the princess.

"Oh but I already have" yelled the witch.

"I'll call the fairy" said the princess

"No you won't" yelled the witch

"yes I will." said the princess, and she did.

The fairy came right away. "It works every time." said the princess.

"What would you like me to do?" asked the fairy.

"Get rid of this witch." begged the princess.

The fairy did what she was asked. The witch was gone forever.

"Thank you." said the princess.

The party went on and they had a great time.

Written by Micayla Klaster

Gymnastics Display, Kinda Concert and Kinda End of Year Party

2008-12-17T21:59:00.007+11:00

So much has been happening over the last couple of days.

Micayla and Bailey had their Gymnastics Display on Sunday 14th Dec. Their Oma and Opa came to watch them as well. It was a Circus theme and they had to come dressed in bright colours and crazy hair. Micayla's group were "acrobats" and Bailey's group were clowns. We didn't have a clown suit so we just put him in the brightest clothes we could find. He wouldn't wear a clown suit anyway.

I put pipe cleaners in Micayla's hair so all the plaits would curl which ever way I bent them.

Doesn't Bailey look so cute with his spiked coloured hair. I'm surprised he let me do this. He's really come out of his shell these last couple of months.

Bailey's group doing their display, showing us what they have learnt to do throughout the year. So so so cute!!!

Ta daaaa, aren't we clever.

Yep, big applause please!!!

Micayla's turn now.

Going into her handstand. Although Micayla can do a proper handstand, for the display she didn't have to do a complete handstand.

Some floor work

Receiving their medals

Micayla found me in the crowd

The following Monday night was Bailey's Kinda Concert/Graduation. I was really proud of him. All year he would not join in the singing and dancing with all the other kids. He'd just stand there. So I was surprised to see him doing the actions to the songs during the concert. No singing.... buy hey! at least he didn't just stand there. Well actually he did at the end. He was over it.

Can't remember what the song was to this action.

Or this one. Just looks cute and wanted to prove he moved.

The whole kinda class together.

Being a cheeky shit!!! As he is

I'm sure he's thinking "what the hell..... am I meant to do with these" He says that a lot lately "what the hell...."

Is it over yet?

Brush your teeth with bubble gum.

I'm so over clapping all the graduates.... when is it my turn?

Now Bailey. I heard that at this point, grandmothers were marrying their granddaughters off to Bailey.

The following morning (Tues 16th) was Bailey's last day of Kinda and they had a party. YAY!!!! I went along to do kinda duty cause I just had to celebrate the end of the Kinda year too. Whoo Hooo!!!

Bailey is with some of his friends. The second girl on the left is Chloe. Bailey says she's his girlfriend and wants to marry her. Asked if he could take her on a date and kiss her. LOL

Another cute photo of Bailey

Bailey with one of his teachers, Rita.

And with some more friends and his other teacher Nicole.

Bailey and Corbin. These 2 are inseperable.

The Party table

Nicole had set up the projector with photos of all the kids during the kinda year. It was meant for the mums later but the kids were just loving seeing themselves up on the big screen.

All watching and Corbin up on the screen at this point.

Bailey and Corbin together again.

As if Corbin didn't have enough on his plate, he had to go for more.

Is it over yet??? I'm tired.... I just want to go home.

It had been a very tiring 3 days for the little champ.

Layouts to Share

2008-12-15T17:02:00.002+11:00

I haven't been doing very much scrapping at all because of my photography course. These are the layouts I did at the Artypants crop a few weeks ago. The ones I promised to share when I finally finished them. Well here they are:

These were done for Artypants using the papers from their wedding and special occassion invitation section. To show that they can be used for scrapbooking as well as invitations.

Micayla had a dress up day for "Wicked Day" at school to raise money for the grade 5's to see the production. Micayla went as Glinda the Good Witch and was voted best Glinda at school assembly.

These layouts were done for Alison Ellis Designs (AED) using their "space" range and "Beach" range.

The 'things' in the photo are the only craft things Bailey did at Kinda. He would do the same thing but each time it would be called something different, a rocket, a space ship, a jet plane etc etc.

Putting Up the Christmas Tree

2008-12-15T14:38:00.004+11:00

Our Christmas tree finally went up a week later than usual. Adrian had to go to Sydney and was too busy preparing for that to put it up before he left. He wanted to be a part of it so we waited for him to get back from Sydney to do it. That suited me fine, cause I just couldn't be bothered putting it up this year. Left most of it up to Adrian and the kids while I took the photos.

They were having too much fun pulling out all the decorations and Bailey was playing around with them, as you can see.....

Better not pout Bailey, Santa won't come to you.

Long Time No Post!!!

2008-12-07T00:12:00.008+11:00

Been so busy of late, I haven't had time to come on here since the wedding post. Must be about 3 weeks ago by now.

PB RACE NIGHT

Well Micayla had a PB Race Day at kings swim centre. She beat 2 of her 3 pb's. She was so excited by that. These nights are really fun and she has lots of fun. Especially the fun relays at the end. She has to wait now until February for the next one.

SCHOOL TRANSITION

Bailey's had his prep transition at school. He didn't like it. Because he was in a group with kids he doesn't really like. Except for one of his friends Mason, but he was in America for 2 out of the 3 sessions. We have bought his school uniform and he looks sooooo cute. But OMG he's way too small for school. The smallest size I could buy him was size 4 and that's huge on him. We could only choose 1 style of jacket because the size 4 of the fleecy one (the one I like the best) was, I think equivalent to a size 8. Would last him until Grade 3. It's going to be interesting sending my baby off to school. I think I will cry.

DIPLOMA IN PHOTOGRAPHY

I used to think I'd cry because it means I would have to go back to work and I didn't want to do that. But now I'm studying for my Diploma in Photography. So I am planning on getting work doing photography. I'm so excited by this. I am absolutely loving it. I got 9/10 for my first assignment. And can you believe it, the scrapbooking has taken a back seat for a while (just a while mind you). So I have no layouts to share. Oh well, actually I do, because I went to a crop night at Artypants, just so I could get some scrapping done. I had some design team work to do. I did 4 layouts, but they still need some finishing touches. As soon as they are done I will upload and share.

LEAPFROG LEARNERS

Bailey has also been doing a program run by the school called "Leapfrog Learners". It's for kinda kids preparing for prep. It's been running for the whole term 4 on Wednesday afternoons. The last one is next week already with a party in planning. Can't believe the term is nearly over all ready. Seems like only yesterday Bailey starting doing this program. He has absolutely loved it and I think it's been a wonderful headstart into prep.

KIDS SLEEPOVER/BIKE RIDE

The kids had a sleepover at Adrian's parents from the 21st - 23rd November. We were planning on a trip to Dargo, where the boys would ride their bikes and us wives ride in the 4 Wheel Drives, but it didn't eventuate. Glad it didn't the weather that weekend was disgusting. But the kids still wanted the sleepover anyway and we had a nice weekend together. Instead the boys went for a bike ride just for the saturday, but only 3ks into the ride and Marty came off his bike and broke his collar bone. So that ended their trip for that day. Marty won't be riding again for a while.

BAILEY'S HEARING

Bailey had a hearing test because one of his grommets came out and he can't hear again. Turns out the other grommet is blocked and not working and both ears are all blocked up with fluid again. So it's back to the hospital in February for his 3rd set of grommets. GRRRR!!! So over the plugging of the ears.

GYMNASTIC SQUADS

Micayla went to Gymnastic squad tryouts during the week and YEAH!!! she made the squad class. She'll still be going on a Monday night but for longer now. She is so excited. I think this also means that Mel is her teacher (is that right Mel?). Something Micayla has wanted ever since she started doing gymnastics.

Adrian has been in Sydney since Thursday. He had a meeting and a presentation to do and then he has his Christmas party. So I've been all alone with the kids. Except for today (Saturday) Adrian's parents took the kids to a Christmas function in the dutch community and they got to see St Nicholas and Black Peters. Bailey didn't like Black Peters, he was scared of him. LOL he's only just got used to Santa and then they throw Black Peters into the mix. Tania rang me later in the afternoon and I was telling her how I was all alone and feeling lonely, so she invited me over to their place. So I picked up the kids and went over there for tea. So thanks for the company guys, and for the bourbon Scott.

That's it for now. Thanks for making it to the end of another long post. And this post is all words, no photos to scan over and take up the page.

I will be back soon to share my layouts.

Actually I do have some photos to share. I was taking some photos for my assignment and while I was doing that we got some photos of the family. So I'll share them.

And this was a photo I took for my assignment. I had to choose an object, study it and then close my eyes and visualise how I wanted the photo to look and then shoot it. Then record the whole experience to detail. This is the photo I took and it came out better than I first imagined it because I discovered other possibilities as I was shooting. It has taught me to look at the detail of what you see in the viewfinder. There is more in that viewfinder than your eye first sees. I've now started looking at the world around me through my camera lens, so to speak. By the way, I haven't been lazy, there has been no photoshop editing done to this photo.

OK, that's really the end now. Thanks for making it to the end.

Steve & Mel's Wedding

2008-11-20T21:29:00.012+11:00

It was Friday, 14th November. The day for Steve and Mel to finally get married. After all, they've been together forever. They are such a perfect couple, it was only natural for them to tie the knot.

Steve is Adrian's cousin for those reading this that don't know.

This is Steve (left of photo) and Best Man Sean (Siera) waiting for Mel to arrive. Steve was a bit green around the gills, thanks to Siera the night before.

The beautiful and energetic bride, Mel and her father.

The following photos need no explanation.

Introducing the new Mr and Mrs Overdyk

This is Darren's car. They didn't want red, and given that Adrian's one of these was used in their last 2 family weddings. (are you drooling Darren???)

Adrian looked so spunky in his new shirt and tie so I just had to get a few photos. And I just love playing with my camera, any chance I get.

And of course I had to make him matching to me.

The happy couple.

The whole Overdyk immediate family. Just about need a wide angle lens to photograph this lot.

And of course the new addition... little Axel in Damien's arms. Very left of the photo. He was such a dream. Slept in the pram in the corner all night without a peep. So tiny and so very cute too. You've done well Yve and Damien.

The Bridesmaid Amy and Sean.

The Bridal Party.

Cutting the cake. My camera was tucked away in the camera bag under the table, cause I wasn't expecting this to happen. They did everything all arse about. They just walked in and then cut the cake. So I whipped my camera out, ran over and rushed a couple of quick shots. That really put the Canon EOS 40D to test. It started up and was ready to snap shot after shot within seconds. Even with setting the right settings.

The bridal waltz was done all out of order too, so again I whipped out the camera from under the table....

With enough time to see Mel kick off her shoes, turn to Steve and slip slightly on her dress....

As she did a running jump into his arms for the spin. Would you think anything less from Mel!!!

Again...Amy and Sean during the Bridal Waltz.

Mel with her new sister-in-law Laura. Laura is married to David, Steve's brother, for those that don't know. Laura is the one who did most of the wedding planning.

Mel and I

One of the other brothers, Joe who now lives in Sydney because of the Army and Adrian.

Guess what Steve is doing here???

This is obvious!!!

Check out Mel's face LOL

Check out the girl going the specky!!!!

This is on the bus trip home. Laura really loves me for this shot... not LOL! She's on the outside of the bus, I'm inside.

Can you tell we're all a bit drunk. This is also on the bus home. This is the other brother Greg.

Of course us hoodlems are sitting at the back of the bus where this photo was taken from to get the driver... Uncle Tony, but you can't really see him. Immediate left is Aunty Liz, mother of the groom.

And there the night ended and I only woke up with a slight head ache that soon went away with a couple of panadol and I was fighting fit for the rest of the day. Must'nt have drunk that much. Or maybe the night just didn't go on long enough, cause I was still ready to party when I got home. Instead we just ate some dim sims and went to bed.

Helicopter at Hillsmeade

2008-11-12T21:18:00.004+11:00

Bailey does a pre prep program at the school every Wednesday. It's called the Leapfrog Learners to help them get to know the school and what happens in the classroom. When we went along today we found out that there was a helicopter on the school oval. It was all to do with a grant that the school had won for the environmental something or other that they get involved with. The grant goes to improving the school grounds and gardens. All the kids got to sit on the oval and watch it take off, including the leapfrog learners group. Some of the kids even got to check out the inside of the helicopter, which Bailey did. I didn't have my camera (cause I didn't know it was happening) but captured some of it on my camera phone.

Bailey is with his friend Brighton. He goes to the same Kinda and will be attending the same school.

Here they are waiting for the helicopter to take off. It was so hot sitting out on the oval. I heard it reached 35 degrees this day.

And take off. Finally! We all got covered in dust. It was awful. Doesn't help my allergies.

Micayla and Baileys Rollerskating Birthday Party

2008-11-12T14:03:00.005+11:00

On Saturday 8th November we went along to the Dandenong Rollerskating Rink for Micayla and Bailey's birthday with their friends.

Micayla's school friends, left to right is Shalee, Ashlea, Chloe, Micayla and Paige. Check out show pony Chloe in the back ground LOL.

Bailey, Deegan in the middle and Hayden. The boys prefer to ride their scooters instead of skates. That's what I like about that place, it's all good for those that can't or don't want to skate as well.

The boys again.

Sarah, you don't have to be so scared. You have Dad (Marty) out there to help you. Marty said it's been 20 years since he skated and he used to be good at it. But he was having a hard time finding his 'wheels'. It's always hard to find your wheels when you have a child attached to your hand, trying to help them balance too. At least he didn't do what I did and break his arm.

Love this cheeky shot of Bailey, he's really trying hard on the scooter. Even trying to do tricks. Soooo Cute. That's Nathan in the background.

See, Bailey is trying to do tricks. Kept jumping off the scooter but that's about it. He is skating with Cassie here. What a cute couple LOL!!!

Emma having her first cuddle with Peyton (Sharelle's baby).

The party table.

Bailey is into blowing raspberries a lot lately. He woke up as I was standing over his bed this morning and the first thing he did was blow me a raspberry.

As promised here are the cakes I made them.

This was taken back at home, reasonably early in the evening. Check out the beer bottles already. Just imagine what it looked like later with 7 men drinking beer. The women were drinking wine or mix your own spirits in glasses so we didn't add to this collection.

Don't know what time the party ended. Sometime in the early hours of the morning, with bodies crashing on my floor.

Stax has happened since the last update!

2008-11-07T17:32:00.035+11:00

Be warned!!! This is a really long post. But probably made up mostly of photos.

On Thursday 30th October Bailey's kinda group decided to have a dress up day for Halloween. Bailey does not do the dressing up thing unless it's as his 'Superdog' costume, which he made up himself. The costume is Micayla's mouse costume but Bailey pretends to be a dog in it. We found a superdog picture on the internet. Can you believe that, this is something Bailey made up in his own head and we could still find a picture on the internet for a Superdog. The Superman next to him is his friend Corbin, brother to Micayla's friend Bellanna, who went to Kinda with Micayla.

When we were getting packed to go to Moama for Cup Weekend Bailey hopped in the esky with Monty. Usually he locks Monty in there by himself, but decided to hide in there with him this time. Poor Monty! He puts up with so much from Bailey.

Micayla is really getting good on the skies now. She's such a natural and she's so excited that after her second attempt on the bigger double skies, she managed to go outside the wake. Before we know it she'll be on one ski.

She's even more confident on the kneeboard. She came in saying she'd done a 360 while out behind the boat. This is her in the middle of a 360 after she returned to shore and let go of the rope. She looks so good out there. (David and Laura; wait till you see her this Christmas, you won't believe your eyes, you'll see a MASSIVE difference).

I managed to get her to 'strike a pose' without looking 'dicky' for a change. I love this messy windblown photo of her.

Adrian watching on while driving the boat.

This is the 2nd of November. Micayla's 8th Birthday. You can see by the photo what she got.

I scrapped this box for her to keep her games and DS in. This was a box given to her a long time ago and she's been nagging me to scrap it for her. So I did it for her birthday.

And then I made a matching card. Using AED hot set powder and glitter and the 'dress' stamp is also from AED. I also stamped this using the hotset powder and glitter.

That morning we took the kids out to the State Forest at Five Mile Boat Ramp for the kids to ride their motorbikes. Micayla is handling the new CRF80 really well. We just kept it in the one gear for her. We mainly wanted to her to get the feel of riding the bigger bike and being able to start and stop it without it falling on her. It's so much heavier for her and it's hard for her to reach the ground. She got the hang of stopping and leaning to one side to get one foot on the ground. Once she's confident with that, we'll teach her how to change gears. She has to learn how to manage the clutch, which is a big step for her. But we know she will be able to get the hang of it pretty quickly. She's good at picking things up and is determined to make it work.

Bailey on the other hand, doesn't want people to see he can't do something so is not so keen to try. But with a little persuasion it doesn't take much for him to have a go. He is good too, he just doesn't realise it and is worried people will laugh at him if he stuffs up. He likes to make sure he can do something before he lets other people see him do it. The kind of person that will practise something before letting others see him do it.

After lunch we sang Micayla Happy Birthday with all her friends in the annexe. We were going to do it outside but we couldn't keep the candles lit. No where really to do it in the annexe except on the bench that keeps all out stuff and water barrel on it. As you can see in the photo. Not an ideal place for an ideal shot.

This is just a photo of Bailey I took and liked. He's chewing on a piece of wood he found on the ground. eeewww!!!

He's very independent these days and does everything for himself. After walking back up from the river, his feet were very dirty. So he decided to climb onto the bench and wash his feet in the 'sink' that sits under our water barrel.

After dinner, Adrian decided to relax and play Micayla's DS.

That night the kids all sat in our van for a movie night. They watched 'Nims Island' on the laptop with lollies and pop corn and made a mess all over the 'cinema' floor. Thanks Jenny for giving us that DVD, the kids all enjoyed it.

On the Monday we managed to get Bailey out on the skies. He's waterskied before, but wasn't so keen this time around. He's worried about falling off, cause 'he doesn't like that bit'. It was also colder and windier, which doesn't make it very inviting to get into the water. I chose not to ski that day because of the weather. Got to be hot for me. At least Saturday was a nice hot day for me to ski.

He fell off the first time, that's why he's crying so much here.

He was happy enough while he was up.....

Then he fell off, wanted in the boat and was cold.

And now being kept warm by Daddy and giving me cheek.

Once he was warm and happy again he went bug hunting and found a ladybug.

He was talking quietly to it in this shot.

Then Brandon found one too.

From then on he kept it in a cup. We were encouraging him to let it go because it would die in the cup. He assured me it wouldn't because it had a big hole at the top and he gave it leaves to eat. Well later it did die, but he said he was just sleeping. He got busy playing chasy with the kids and the cup was lying on the ground on it's side, so I got rid of the ladybug, so we didn't have to go through the whole burriel thing. He was devastated. We told him that it woke up and because he'd left it lying on the side he got out. We said he had to go home to his mum and dad for dinner, and that you would want to come home to us if someone was keeping you locked up. He understood and went back to playing. The things you do as parents LOL. The next day he went on a hunt for millipeades and had half a cup full. EEEEWWWW!!!!! Boys??????????

It was Tuesday 4th, (Cup Day) and the day we were leaving to go home. It was also Bailey's 5th birthday.

His presents were a Thomas the Tank wooden track rollercoaster set and a Lighting McQueen boom Box.

This is the card I made him.

Cup day is a really crappy day to have a birthday because it is spent packing up the campsite in the morning and then stuck sitting in a car for 4 hours driving home. Then when we get home its all about unpacking and cleaning up. Because Micayla had a cake with all her friends we wanted to do the same for Bailey. We went to KFC for lunch as we always do as a group. I'd bought a cake to have at KFC after we'd eaten. But they were renovating KFC and you could only go through the drive through. It was all too hectic and we would be waiting for ever, not to mention we didn't trust KFC to get 3 orders from the 1 car right, so we abandoned that idea. We knew that once we got in our cars we would end up stopping at different places that suited the individual families, so we gave Bailey his birthday cake on the side of the road before making our way home. Again we couldn't keep the candles lit with the wind so we only lit 1 candle. Bailey was happy though. He loved everyone singing happy birthday. We all had a piece of the yummy white chocolate mud cake, but Bailey had about 4. At least that kept them satisfied (a little bit) for another half hour till we got to Rochester, where we could stop for something to eat.

Back at home the next day Bailey was having a ball playing with his new Thomas tracks; added to his old tracks.

Now this week has been a busy week, decorating their birthday cakes for their combined party at the Dandenong Rollerskating Rink on Saturday, before everyone heads back to our place for a night of partying. Any excuse!!!! I feel a bit lost, because I'm all organised and not stressed, running around like an idiot. I've got nothing else to do but update my blog. I guess I needed to get this out the way though because there will be more to share next week after the party. I'll share the cakes then too.

Until next week. Thanks for making it this far.

Bailey's a Big Help!!!

2008-10-29T22:43:00.004+11:00

Bailey helped me make his birthday cake today. This was his favourite part.... after the cake was in the oven.

As a result of having his head in the bowl, it was all in his hair.

And all over him.....

I haven't had anytime this week to do any scrapping except for their birthday cards on Monday.

I went to the Girls Night In Crop at Artypants last Friday night and spent the whole night working on a gift for Micayla's birthday. Can't share that until next week after we've given her presents to her. I'll share the cards then too.

For those that don't know Micayla and Bailey's birthdays are 2 days apart so I've been very very busy organising that.

Probably be a little while before I can post anything else but will be back with lots in a couple of weeks. So much happening, there will be lots of pictures snapped but no time to blog them.

Latest Stuff

2008-10-22T16:53:00.011+11:00

Hi again!

Got a couple of things to share about the kids and quite a bit of scrapping stuff at the end.

Basketball

Micayla attended a basketball clinic for a few weeks to see if she liked it. She loved it! I'd love for her to play basketball and I would love to be able to coach her team, but she has a choice to make. She can't do swimming and gymnastics. Something has to give and swimming lessons are not negotiable. She loves her gymnastics too much to give that up so she said she'll wait to swimming lessons are finished and then she'll take up basketball.

Here's a photo of her getting a goal. She managed to get 3 goals on this day.

Have a close look at Micayla's grumpy face. She was having a bit of an argument with the boy in front of her. She said he was being mean and she was telling him off.

Check out the Gear!!!

As said in previous posts we've joined the Frankston motorbike club. It's is a criteria of riding that they must wear the proper riding gear. Given that Micayla has a bigger bike we felt it was time anyway to get her safer riding gear. Bailey still has to get a jersey and boots. Don't they look so gorgeous in their gear. How tiny and cute does Bailey look.

PB Race Night

On Sunday night we took Micayla along to her first PB race night at Kings Swim Centre. She's in the higher levels at swimming now and can now participate in these race nights. I had no idea how much fun they'd be. Wasn't that fussed about going, but thought it would be a great help to strengthen Micayla's strokes and they're only once a month and some of her friends would be there. Being her first night she wasn't sure what to do, but she has the hang of it now and it's a great preperation for school swimming carnivals (can't wait to watch her in them). She has now recorded her times for 25 metre freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke. So her aim now is to beat her own time. After they've raced to record their times they have a fun relay race. Micayla's team won the relay. It was so exciting and fun to watch and lots of screaming from swimmers and parents. Can't wait for the next one. If any friends or family would like to come along and watch and cheer for Micayla, the next one is on 16th November at 4.30pm (it's a Sunday) She gets a ribbon for beating her pb and being her first one she was given her first ribbon on Sunday.

Now for some Scrapbooking

Paperific was held on the weekend at the showgrounds. I spent Saturday with Steph helping on the Alison Ellis Designs (AED) stand doing make and takes. They have some new papers out and these are the layouts below that I did for her to have on display on the stand. She has the new Christmas range out and also a sea scene and one for the boys, a space them. I have yet to do some layouts using these last 2 paper ranges but there is a card below using some of the space paper.

You can't see the full title but on the chipboard circle it says "There's magic in".... Believing.

This is a paper pinecone I made using AED papers, which was also displayed on the stand. I am also running a class on how to make this at Artypants during November. Check instore for dates and times and get yourself booked in. Think how great these hand made pinecones would look decorating your house this christmas.

I am also running classes on how to make these gorgeous gift boxes for Christmas. These classes are also being held in November. They look so gorgeous but you won't believe how fast and simple they are to put together.

This is the layout I did for the Artypants Monthly challenge. This one is still running. You have until the end of October to get this completed and get your layout into the store for judging. The pack is only $10. You can only put a layout together using just what's in the kit, you can however use your own paints, inks, stamps, pens. The winner will get the next months kit for free.

This months forum challenge is a sketch for a double layout. This is the sample layout I have finally put together. Better late than never. Guess I better go and put it up in the forum.

These are some birthday cards I've done recently. The first one was for my Mother. Her birthday was on Tuesday. Happy Birthday Mum!!!

This one hasn't been posted yet. So Rohan if you're on here before your birthday, GET OFF!!! Don't look any further till after Friday. So Happy Birthday for Friday Rohan. I won't say how old you are on here, just that you're 7 years older than me. LOL

This was a card I did back in September for Deegan using the AED Space papers.

School Holiday Fun

2008-10-14T20:37:00.005+11:00

The second week of the school holidays, after the Grand Final Party was out the way, was very busy for us.

On the Wednesday we had Jaeda come over for a play. She spent the whole day with us and I took them for a ride on their bikes to the lake at Berwick Springs to feed the ducks. They rode and I ran. The feeding the ducks part was over very quickly. I think they threw in bread slices whole, they went through them so quick.

These photos were taken on my phone so they're not very good quality.

After they fed the ducks they went over to play in the park before riding home again. I had to push all the kids up the hill on the ride back. I ran while pushing Bailey and Micayla together and then ran back down the hill to push Jaeda up again.

Jaeda is under Micayla and Bailey if you can see that.

On the Thursday I picked up Paige and took her and Micayla to Artypants to do one of the kids classes. I then dropped the kids off to their Oma and Opa's for a sleepover because Adrian and I went into the AMTEL Awards at the Hilton (it's an awards night for the engineering industry). Iscar was the Gold sponsor for the evening. It was a black tie affair so of course I had to get a new dress. Apart from the boring awards the rest of the night was fun thanks to Tammy, one of the girls from the Sydney office. Thank god Tammy was there to party with is all I can say. If not for her the night would have been pretty boring, with the boys off doing their networking. Although we had Marty Fields as our MC and he was pretty funny. But some of his jokes I had already read on email. We didn't get to bed until 3am and I suffered a wee bit of a hangover the next morning, which was not good considering what was install for me for the rest of the day/night. I had visitors in and out all day after I picked up the kids, but at least I just got to sit around. But..........

I don't know what I was thinking when I agreed to let Micayla have 3 of her friends over for a sleepover. From about 4pm, 3 screaming girls invaded my house plus Micayla. Not real good on a hangover let me tell you. I let them burn up some energy before I settled them down to some quiet play. I gave them all a mask each and some paints, glitters, stars etc and let them go for it. Including Bailey. Bailey was loving it, doing what the girls were doing and he did a pretty good job of it too.

Here they all are making their masks.

now wearing them....

Then Bailey wanted a shot with Monty in it too, but Monty was not really co-operating.

They also did a vote on which mask was the winner and Sarah won. Then they put on a parade around the house wearing their masks.

with Bailey in the lead.

We then had dinner of fish and chips, and put them all in front of a DVD after getting their beds ready. After they finished watching the DVD they were put to bed, but of course, 4 girls in one room together, were not going to sleep in a hurry.

Kealy and Paige were picked up Saturday morning and we kept Sarah with us and took her home at about 5pm that night when we all went to Marty and Julies for Pizza, including Scott and Tania and Erwin and Kerrie. Then Sunday was a rest day before going back to school the next day. YAY!!! for that!!!

I'll leave you now with some scrapping stuff I've been doing. These are class samples for classes coming up in November at Artypants.

Christmas Gift Boxes

Paper Pinecone

I have been doing layouts for AED (Alison Ellis Designs) with their latest Christmas paper. I can't share atm. They are releasing the paper this weekend at Paperific, so I'll come back after the weekend with those layouts. I also have another layout I did for the Artypants monthly instore competition, but it's still on my camera and I can't be bothered getting it off right now, cause I'm about to go to bed to watch All Saints. So I'll come back later with that layout to share too.

Thanks for making it all the way to the end. Until next time...........

Sharing Time Again!!!

2008-10-05T20:17:00.010+11:00

I did these layouts for this months Artypants Monthly Kit what seems like ages ago now. I finally have the OK to share.

These two layouts I did as single layouts because one is the first day of kinda and the one in uniform should be his first day but didn't have the uniform until about 3 weeks into kinda, so I made them to match because they'll be next to each other in the album.

This one is my favourite and the instructions for the step by step to this one is in the packaging of the kit and will be put up onto the Artypants forum shortly.

I made this skull and crossbone album for Bailey.

I was inspired by an ad in a magazine for this layout. I actually had a hard time thinking this was finished with so much empty space. This is definately not normally something I'd do. Just thought I'd challenge myself.

I've also been doing class samples for Artypants but the photos are still on my phone. When I load them to the pc then I'll share them too. Can't be bothered right now. Got to get to the ironing. I know..... boring!!!

I'll leave you now with a slideshow of the photos I took of Sharelle's baby, Peyton.

Grand Final Day 2008 - Go Hawks!!!!

2008-09-29T17:15:00.013+10:00

The day started off early when Adrian woke me up at a sparrows fart when he went off with Scott and Darren to the Grand Final Breakfast at Noble Park RSL. I couldn't sleep anymore cause I was thinking about everything I needed to do and couldn't get back to sleep. I had a sudden thought at that ridiculous hour that I wanted new shoes, that's what got me up, because they became my new priority. LOL

Tania was going to come over early and start drinking with me but she got suckered into picking the guys up from the breakfast. I was quite prepared to let them find their own way home.

We set up the projector in the garage and had the game showing on that. We also had some lamb cooking in the webber for a late lunch. Scott organised the betting for us. I won the first goal kicked but it was actually the 5th goal kicked by Gary Ablett. The first 4 goal kickers names were still sitting in the box that nobody had picked. It was an awesome game to watch, I'm sure you'll agree. There was lots of shouting and screaming and drinking going on in that garage. Did I mention drinking!!!! Laura won the winning team and margin. Congrats Laura and thanks Scott and Adrian for running the betting.

Things got pretty messy towards the end of the night and I have posted up the photos that are not X rated LOL. I'm slowly remembering things, especially when people are reminding me. Someone please remind me that I'm not a kid anymore and alcohol and kids scooters do not mix. I am now nursing a cut and slightly black eye from crashing the scooter and hitting my eye on the table before falling into the shed wall. I can still hear everyone laughing.

Anyway, I'll now share some of the photos:

First the kids playing.

The girls were very proud to show us their acrobatics.

Bottom row, left to right is Sarah Peters, Paige Haines and Micayla, top row, on the left is little Cassie Armitage (Jodie's (Artypants) daugther) and Kealy Fox.

The following photos are to indicate how quick Baileys moods can changes as soon as he sees the camera.

(1) Obviously Buckaroo is not working the way he wants it to.

(2) He's spotted the camera

(3) Buckaroo must've worked that time.

Gee your strong Micayla. Note the big screen on the wall in the garage, where we watched the game from.

The boys in the shed. Left - Marty Peters leaning on the boat, Scott Graham sitting on Micayla's bike, Darren Fox at the end of the table and Dave side on view.

Darren being a pig!!!

Put it away Darren. Couldn't put the other photos of Darren up. Don't want my blog being reported.

Laura Overdyk and little Kaytie.

David Overdyk. This is a great shot of you Dave. Oh and thanks for the Vodka and Red Bull. I'm sure I didn't need it.

Julie Peters, another great shot.

mmm, wouldn't say this was such a great shot. I hate dancing shots.

Erwin van der Geer. mmmm Great Shot ??????

The girls around the table that we couldn't be bothered cleaning. Left with her back to us is Julie Peters, then Tania Graham, Mel Fox and Laura Overdyk.

Marty Peters and Scott Graham

One of the sedate photos of Tania and I, Mel on the right. Mel was sober, Tania and I WERE NOT!!!

These photos were all taken much later in the night. Sharelle, Paige and baby Peyton; Judy, Jodie, Bec, Melinda and their families were all there too, but left before the camera came out. They're probably happy about that lol!

Frankston Motor Bike Club

2008-09-24T14:58:00.010+10:00

We have decided to join the Frankston Motor Bike club so that we can have somewhere safe we can take the kids to ride. The Grahams, Peters and Fox's have also joined. Last Sunday (21/09) we all went down to the track. The kids had a ride first.

This is Micayla. She is too big for this bike now and actually has a Honda CRF 80 as mentioned in a previous post, but we didn't want her riding this one yet cause it's quite a lot bigger and she doesn't have all her armour, boots etc yet. We'll be picking all that up as soon as what we've ordered is instore.

Micayla and Deegan Fox riding around the kids track. Deegan is the one in front in the blue and Micayla following directly behind him.

The Grahams and Bailey. Scott had been for a ride over on the big boys track.

Deegan's had enough for now. Behind Mel Fox are Marty's kids and Kealy. Marty is the one on the right hand side of the photo.

It's now the big boys turn for a ride.

This is Adrian at the front of the first photo and then going over the jump.

We went back over to the kids area and Bailey had a go this time. There is actually 4 tracks. One little circle, the one that Bailey is on above for the ones just learning. Then there is the track that Micayla is on in the first 2 photos, for the kids with more experience and some bigger bikes. Then there's another track for the bigger boys but with smaller bikes, then the big boys track for the big bikes.

This is the first time that Bailey rode without Adrian running along behind ready to catch him when he fell.

Look how little he looks in this photo below. So darn cute!!! Little body with a massive helmet on top LOL.

Bailey and Deegan riding around the track together in the photo below.

And then Bailey had a little stack into the tree. Nothing serious though, no tears. He did really well and even put his foot down to stop the fall.

The Winning Layout

2008-09-23T09:51:00.004+10:00

As said below, I won last months challenge with Scrapbook Creations. And as promised, I'm back with the layout that won. This layout consists of Alison Ellis Designs (AED) papers (Flights of Fancy range) and chipboard.

I've Won Again... YAY!!!

2008-09-17T17:24:00.002+10:00

I got an email last week saying that I'd won the "Try this Technique" challenge for Sillhouetting on the Scrapbook Creations Website. I don't know which layout has won it though. I'm still waiting for them to update their website so I can find out. That's why it's taken me so long to post it on here cause I was wanting to include the layout as well. When I know which one it is I'll come back and share.

I am so excited. I'm stalking the posty for my $200 worth of Kaisercraft and Stampin Up products. Should be here any day now. I love it when they come. It's like Christmas.

Stuff to Share

2008-09-09T14:25:00.010+10:00

I did Kinda duty with Bailey yesterday. They had their End of Term BBQ, which I think is a bit too early. They still have next week left of Kinda before school holidays start. It was always fun doing kinda duty on the party days when Micayla was in kinda because they made it a real party. I thought yesterdays party was boring. The kids just had a sausage in bread and a pop top that the committee had organised. No "party" involvement at all. Not even a theme for the kids to dress up or anything. In Micayla's year the parents would get involved by providing a plate of food for the party and the kids would have some sort of dress up. There was always lots of mums to help cause it was fun to do. We are not even given that opportunity with this group. Even for Fathers Day, they didn't have a day at Kinda with the dads. They said they will be doing something for the dads next term but that's not Father's Day. It's really quite dissappointing. Anyway, I did take some photos of Bailey at Kinda yesterday.

This is all the kids sitting around eating their sausages. Bailey didn't even want his and I ate it. He's gone off his food lately, don't know why.

These are shots of Bailey playing with some of the things at Kinda.

Then I started mucking around with him and he started pulling faces. It started off nice and then I think he was over me having the camera in his face.

Father's Day

Adrian wasn't feeling very well on Father's Day so we had a pretty quite day. The kids gave him the presents they'd bought and made from school and kinda. Bailey gave him a set of Cougar coasters, a key chain in the shape of a heart with a tiny wee little picture of his dad opening a present that he'd drawn. The present was a bit of scribble. It was so cute. He also did a hand print with a poem and some questions on the back that the teacher had him answer.

Some of the questions were:

My Daddy is the best daddy in the world because..... "he lifts up swing sets"

My Dad likes to eat....... "Vegies, everything"

My Dad is "Older than Mummy" years old.

Micayla gave him a photo frame and a Worlds Greatest Dad laminated certificate that she decorated herself.

We went for a drive to Frankston Motor Bike track, we are applying for membership there. We met up with Marty and Julie and Scott and Tania. They all had their bikes out riding around. Then we went to visit Adrian's parents before Adrian went off to play Soccer with Scott.

An update on the scrapping I've been doing.

This is the photo album I made for Sharelle and Baby Peyton. I have left places for Sharelle to put photos into the album. I have also made her a gift box that was filled with hand cream, chocolates and a little bottle of Kahlua for her.

This is the sample layout I have done for the Monthly Themed Challenge on the Artypants forum. This month is a sketch provided by Becky Flecks Page Maps. Check out the forum and have a go at the sketch yourself.

Peyton Sienna

2008-08-31T18:41:00.003+10:00

Welcome to the world

"Peyton Sienna"

Little sister to Paige

Born 31st August at 8.00am

A nice little size of 6 pound.

Congratulations to Sharelle, Brian and Paige.

Can't wait to meet her

Sharelle is the one photographed in the slide show below (a couple of posts ago)

Catch up Week

2008-08-29T10:41:00.005+10:00

I've been busy doing nothing really. Just catching up on lots of stuff I've been wanting to get to.

Firstly, I completed 5 layouts for the September Design Team Pack for Artypants. Can't show you these layouts yet but I will when Jodie has released the kit. The amazing thing for me is this time I didn't leave it to the last minute to meet the deadline. Jodie now has them all with the step by step to be printed on the packaging with at least a week to spare.

I've had the kids home on curriculum days from school and kinda. So I've been running around organising paperwork and photos for mine and the kids passports.

My darling friend Emma has a masquerade party to go to, so I whipped her up this mask for her to wear. Hope she likes it.

We've bought the kids a new motorbike. Micayla grew out of the Suzuki JR50, so Bailey has that all to himself now. It's still a bit big for him though. But now Micayla has this one, a Honda CRF80, which is also a bit big for her, but she'll manage. It's time for her to step up and learn to ride with the gears. Her knees were up around her ears (so to speak) on the JR50. This one will last her a long time and then Bailey will grow into it (in about ooohhh 20 years PMSL)

We went to Marty and Julie's place in Cockatoo last Saturday for Brandon's 6th birthday party. Of course the kids had a ball as they do. We ended up staying there for pizza for tea. No photos from this day though.

Well it's time to go now. Sharelle's baby is due today (hope she's not kept waiting too long for their baby girl to be born) and I still have to get stuck into making her present. That's my next project, before I scrap Kath's cast from when she broke her arm falling off a horse.

Until next time. Bye for now!!!

Sharelle's Pregnancy Photos

2008-08-21T22:19:00.004+10:00

Last Saturday (16th August) I went over to my beautiful friend Sharelle's place to take some photos of her preggie belly. We had so much fun. I pampered her first by doing her make up for her and then took lots and lots of photos of her. 280 actually. I wanted to play with my new camera and she was happy to get some nice photos for herself. I wanted to share some with you in the slide show below.

I'm really pleased with how they turned out, considering I only used natural lighting and sheets for back drops. We used whatever we had handy actually. The sheets were pegged up on a couple of tall lamps that kept wanting to fall down LOL. So amature! But pleased with the result in the end anyway and they look even better printed. I know Sharelle's really happy with them and that's what counts.

Luke's 1st Birthday

2008-08-21T13:55:00.006+10:00

It's hard to believe that Luke Overdyk is already 1. We celebrated his 1st Birthday last Sunday and here are some photos to share.

Luke on one of his presents. Looks like this one was a hit!

Bailey and Kaytie played really well together. Kaytie was going wherever Bailey was. They had a ball together on this see-saw. Every time Bailey fell off backwards, Kaytie would copy.

Bailey was having a ball pushing the kids on the swing. First Kaytie, then Luke. He was giving Luke a spinny ride.

Just a couple of snaps of my kids while playing with my camera. Who's idea was it to invent party whistles???

Time to do the birthday cake, but Luke didn't want all the fuss of the singing of the happy birthday song.

He just wanted to eat the cake.

Let me at it. Get away all you other kids. It's Mine!!!!

What Have We Been Doing???

2008-08-15T16:09:00.026+10:00

It seems some people out there need to get a life, LOL. I am getting nagged to update my blog cause they are bored. Didn't realise people found my life so interesting ROFL.

Haven't really been doing anything but scrapbooking. Been too cold to go out so I've just been hibernating in my scraproom mostly. So over this bloody winter. Bring back the sunshine!!!!

I completed all my Masters entries and they went off to Sydney ages ago. Just waiting now, hoping to get the call. But apparently they are only shortlisting to the top 50 now instead of top 100 that they used to call. Once that was finished I got stuck into some class samples for some new classes I am running at Artypants. See instore for the timetable. Timetables are available for August through to October.

These are just a few of the embellishments I've been working on for class samples. I've had lots of fun playing with different mediums and techniques. Book into a class and I'll show how to do it too. There are so much more than this that I've been working on.

We are now running a few challenges over at the Artypants forum. This is the layout I created as a sample for the August challenge, which is creating your own background. Pop on over and take a look. There's a prize up for grabs each month.

With all the class samples out of the way, I got stuck into a project Alison from Alison Ellis Designs (AED) asked me to do. It's for the Scotch/3M website. They are now having a craft sections and wanted some step by step projects to display on their website. They were just after something simple and effective that people would want to have a go at and easily be able to do with some simple instructions. This was using mostly AED products.

Back in March we had Mum and Dad's 50th Wedding Anniversary and Mum was saying that she hadn't seen any of the photos. So I decided to put them together for her in a mini book. They visited on Sunday, so I only had a week to do it in. It was put together pretty quickly so it's not really my best work. I usually like to hand make my embellishments and fill up the pages more with them but didn't have time to do all that. Other than that, I'm pretty happy with it and Mum and Dad loved it, so that's the main thing.

I've had another layout accepted by Scrapbook Creations for publishing. It's one of Bailey waterskiing. It's actually the first layout published with a photo of Bailey on it. It will be out in issue 62 in the gallery for 'four or more' photos.

I've been playing around a little bit with my new camera. I took some action shots of Micayla having a kick of the footy at the local football. She's not a very good kick as you can see by where the ball is but check out how high she kicked her leg.

The kids had Olympic day at Kings Swim Centre last night. Here are some photos of the kids swimming and then at the end when they were being presented with their gold medals, after a lap of honour around the pool. Then a cuddle with Kingsley, the Kings mascot.

Bailey in Level K3

Micayla in Level K8 - a smidgeon away from K9

It looks like Micayla was losing in this photo, but in the end she won this race. I just like the synchronised shot of the backstroke arms. It would've been better if the other swimmer was in the shot more but my main focus was Micayla.

Micayla had "Wicked Day" at school today (15th August). She went as Glinda the Good Witch. I made her hat for her. She was voted best Glinda the Good Witch in the Junior section of the school and had to stand up the front at assembly this afternoon and say a thank you into the microphone. She said she was very nervous. This was her costume.

I was playing with this photo and set it to 'glow'. I think it reflects the photo of Glinda the Good Witch well with the glow in it.

Until next time. Thanks for lasting till the end. I know it's been a long time between posts.

Artypants 1st Birthday Sale

2008-07-23T14:56:00.005+10:00

Artypants are having their 'Cranbourne' 1st Birthday sale

Saturday, 26th July

10.00am - 4.00pm

Shop 3-5 Bella Centre

33-39 High Street

Cranbourne

Diagonally Opposite Kelly's Pub

20% off storewide including items already on sale (So some items can be 70% off)

Face Painting

Free Make and Takes

New class timetables are available now. If you book and pay for your class on Saturday during the birthday sale you will receive a free gift when you attend the class.

The Most Exciting New Ever!!!!

2008-07-16T16:07:00.002+10:00

My budding young scrapper has had 2 layouts accepted by Scrapbooking Memories.

Micayla's layouts will appear in the 'Young Scrappers' section of Scrapbooking Memories. Just don't know which issue yet.

This is 100% strike rate for Micayla. Her first ever submission and the only 2 we sent in were both accepted. I felt so much more excited for her than I did when I received my first publication notice.

How awesome is that!!!!

An Update from Me!!!

2008-07-16T14:10:00.011+10:00

I've been so busy working on my projects for my Scrapbooking Memories Masters Competition Entry that I haven't had time to update too much on here. I've had the kids home on school holidays but we didn't do much because I was working on the Masters. Thankfully that's all finished now and it's on it's way to Sydney. Because that's been the only scrapping I've been doing I have nothing to share. The kids did have some friends over to keep them occupied during the holidays, while I was busy. Micayla had her friend Paige over for a sleepover. She also had visits from Chloe and Hayden, Jaeda and we paid a little visit to Colleen so Micayla could see her friend Emma. They also went for a sleepover at their Oma and Opa's while Adrian and I had a couple of days away together in Macedon and the Macedon Spa. A little more on that later.

Well you know that I have a new camera. The next day after buying the camera we went to Mitchell Van der geers 1st birthday and I took lots of photos just to play with my camera. Here are some of the photos from that day.

By the time is was the 'cutting of the cake time', Mitchell was fast asleep. I thought this was a nice mother and son moment.

This is Erwin and Kerrie's eldest, Jordan. He's nearly 3 and enjoying a yummy piece of vanilla mud birthday cake.

You can tell he really enjoyed it.

This was just a shot I took of Micayla, just playing with the camera settings.

This was present opening time but I think Mitchell was more interested in Daddy's beer!!!

My kids were having a ball helping to open the presents, as all kids do. LOL

The next day the kids went to Adrian's parents and we went off to Macedon. It was a very relaxing couple of days away but it rained the whole time. We even got snow, but we were fast asleep when this happened. On the Monday we both went for a gorgeous 1 hour aromatheraphy relaxation massage. That was just totally awesome. Then we went for a drive in the rain. We went to visit some wineries but the were all shut except for the one at Hanging Rock. When we got there were found there was a gate entry of $10.00. We thought it was worth paying that when it was p***ing down with rain and all we wanted was to visit the winery. We decided to come back in better weather and make a day of it with the kids. But these are the photos we got of Hanging Rock.

The rock from the road through the car window. Didn't even want to get out of the car in the rain to take the photo, so just waited for the windscreen wipers to clear the window before I took the shot.

And this is the picture of the rock at the front gate. LOL

This is the view from out room. As you can see the view is blocked by crappy weather.

This is the view from the restaurant at the resort. We had dinner here on the Monday night. The meal was awesome. For dessert we had the tasting plate for 2. It was a little bit of everything on the dessert menu. Adrian only ate a little bit of it and I ate the rest. Was so full afterwards. The restaurant had windows all around so you got a 360 degree view of the Macedon Ranges. Pity you couldn't see much.

We were enjoyed a glass of wine in the spa. What else can you do when it's so wet outside. Very relaxing anyway, especially after a massage.

I found this kangaroos feeding outside our door the morning we were leaving.

Then on Saturday 12th July we went to Darren and Mel's for Kealy's 7th birthday. They just got themselves a puppy that morning. Poor dog didn't know what it had been brought home to. The house was full of kids that just wanted to chase and cuddle him. Poor little thing ended up throwing up. They called the puppy "Biffo". Here are a couple of photos to share.

Apologies to the Fox family. The dog's name is Biffa. He copped a biffo though, ~L~.

Micayla and Kealy

Bailey kept wrestling with the puppy. This was the best shot I could get that wasn't all blurry. Still working the camera out.

And here's Micayla having a cuddle with "Biffo"

Artypants 1st birthday

2008-07-15T22:53:00.002+10:00

Artypants have been around longer than 1 year, but they will be celebrating their first birthday in the Cranbourne store on

Saturday 26th July.

More details to come

So Watch this Space.

Just mark it in your diary!!!

Also keep an eye on the Artypants website for more details

Doin' the Happy Dance

2008-07-05T09:28:00.003+10:00

Adrian took me into the city last night and look what I came home with.

Wooo Whoooo!!!! It's my dream camera. My Canon EOS 40D Digital SLR. Now to learn how to use it. I've played a little bit. It's just awesome. Can't wait to see the results from it.

What have I been up to?

2008-06-30T19:57:00.005+10:00

It's been a very busy time for me. It's Masters time. Scrapbooking Memories have their annual Masters call. I have 5 projects to do by the 18th July, so I've been busy, up to my neck in scrapbooking products. Haven't seen a great deal of the outside world because of this. Out of 1000's and 1000's of entries, they will select a shortlist of just 100 and then pick 10 from that. So fingers crossed. I'd just be happy to make the shortlist. I can't share any of the work I've been doing for the Masters. You'll have to wait.

I have however been distracted by bloody Facebook. Man that becomes addictive. On Facebook I have a fairy with superpowers at level 5, which means I have created my own fairy garden. Earning lots of gold and therefore diamonds. I also have a net worth of $249,000,000 and in that I own a seaplane sailboat, a tiger and a white tiger, a panda, Oldway Mansion and a 10 carot diamond.

I've discovered that I am the Greek God Poseidon, which means I am a very gentle peace loving person but pushed too far I can be as vicious as a hurricane. PSML so watch out!!

I've also discovered that the Grease character I am is "Rizzo", which says that I'm always up to something and I should tone things down a bit. Ha Ha Ha!!!

The disney princess I am is Belle, which means I am the people princess, able to identify with all those around you. You are brave, independent and harbor no ill will towards any human beings or inanimate objects. Your level of compassion for others allows you to see beyond their physical exterior to the inner beauty within. Your true love, albeit hunky, will only reveal himself in due time. ROFLMAO

I also get my daily dose of horoscope and tarot reading. Not to mention sending and receiving ridiculous little but fun time wasters to all my friends on facebook. Some I've discovered from my high school days. See what I mean, a timewaster.

What else. Oh yeah! I've coloured my hair - purple. Needed a winter pick me up.

Micayla's teacher and friend Melinda through the Artypants team had her baby. A boy Andrew Bradley born 9 pound on Saturday 21st. We went to meet him this morning and took some photos of the kids holding him. He cried on Bailey.

My camera has gone to heaven. We have decided rather than spend lots of money getting it fixed (would most likely spend at least a third of what the camera is worth to fix it) we would buy a new one. I've been wanting to upgrade because my Panasonic is just not able to do what I want from it anymore. I have my eye on a Canon EOS 40D digital SLR. I can't wait to get my hands on it. So now is the time to do it. Have borrowed my Mother In Law's camera to tide me over for now. It's the same as mine but a newer model so I know how to use it. I feel like I've lost my right arm.

I've decided not to submit the layout I did at the retreat of Bec's scrapped face to the Masters so I am going to share it below. It's called "Becky scrapped" you just can't see the word scrapped, it's on the arrow.

This is a layout I've done for the monthly challenge I've set on the Artypants forum. Each month I will set a new challenge and this month is a sketch challenge. This is the sample I produced for it. So click here to go on over to the Artypants forum and check it out. Prizes available too.

See the Bombers fly Up Up.....

2008-06-14T12:35:00.006+10:00

Go Bombers!!!

We watched Essendon take the Eagles down from the Medallion Club at Telstra Dome last night. It was the first time the kids have seen a live game of football. What a great first game for them to see. It was very exciting watching Essendon play a great game of football. Although, I'm not sure the kids would say the same. Bailey was bored and went a bit ferel jumping on and kicking seats. We soon stopped that. Then I watched him staring at the roof, I think he was counting the lights. Micayla just wanted to wave the flag and we had to let her know when Essendon got a goal, cause she wasn't watching the inbetween bits, but she was booing when The Eagles were kicking for goal. If she heard a roar from us and the crowd, she'd ask if Essendon got a goal, but it was some mid field excitement. Especially when Matthew Lloyd took an awesome mark right in front of goal.

It looks empty all around us but that's cause we were there a bit earlier. It soon filled up all around us.

Check out Bailey's little flag to Micayla's. That was all that he wanted. When we got to the car park all he had in his hand was the stick. He'd lost the flag part somewhere on the stairs on the way down to the car. We were in the car park when he realised and was bawling his little eyes out. Thankfully for another nice Essendon supporter, he'd found it and gave it back to Bailey.

When the game was over we sang and danced to the Essendon theme song. And of course we had to do the traditional hang the scarf out the car window all the way home.

Here are some photos of the on field action.

I've woken up this morning with a sore throat and Micayla hasn't taken off her Essendon scarf.

Helping to find a home

2008-06-11T13:43:00.003+10:00

Our cousins need to find a home for their dog. I'm helping her put a call out there to find Murray a home. If you can help that would be awesome. He is a gorgeous little Jack Russell. All the details are on Laura's blog. Click here to find out why he needs a new home.

Lochsport Queens Birthday Weekend

2008-06-09T18:50:00.005+10:00

It always amazes me that just when I think I've taken all the photos I can take of doing the same things at Lochsport, we always manage to find different ones to take.

On another trip to Lochsport with Scott, Tania, Marty and Julie and all the kids, we went out motorbike riding again. This time we went to a spot they found with jumps last time we were there. I lied on the ground just off to the side of the jump to get some shots of the boys having their fun.

These first 2 photos are of Adrian

And this photo is of Marty

And this one is of Scott

Of course Micayla's little 50 is not powerful enough for her to jump. She's now asking for a bigger bike so she can try it. We do need to get her one though, she has outgrown the 50. Adrian is searching the net as I type for a new one for her.

Bailey having a go. He is doing really well, considering he can't put his feet on the ground. Adrian runs along behind him to catch him when he stops.

Then Adrian takes him on his KTM.

This is Marty and Adrian. Tan and I call this their 'having a moment' shot.

This is all 3 of them coming over the jump together. You can just see Adrian if you look hard enough, he's the dot at the back amongst all the bush. I was hoping they would be closer together and have more 'action' in the shot. The jump wasn't 'safe' enough for them to jump together.

It was a nice relaxing weekend as usual. On the Saturday, Julie, Tania and I went for a walk to the supermarket for some supplies. It's a half hour walk one way. We decided to go via the pub to use the toilet. (We couldn't use the one back at the house cause Scott was putting in a new one). We ended up sitting by the open fire with 'a' drink before the half hour walk back to the house. We could've stayed there all afternoon, but we figured we'd better get back considering Tania had her families lunch that she'd just bought at the shop and it was already 1.15pm. At least Adrian already had our kids fed by the time I got back.

The following day, after the bike ride, we sent the boys down to the surf beach with all the kids. Julie and I were going for another walk and Tania was going to the beach with the boys. That was until she heard we were going to stop by the pub for another quite drink. We ended up having 2 while sitting on the lounge in the window watching the sunset over the water. Then went via the bottle shop, bought the boys another slab, carried it on my shoulder to the fish and chip shop to buy dinner and then organised for one of the boys to pick us up (Thanks Scott). In the meantime, the boys were back at the house showering all the kids and getting them into their pj's ready for bed. Well done boys! We thought that they may not be too happy about having to come out and get us, so we made a bit of a joke about it. We were sitting in the gutter at the fish and chip shop pretending to be a bit drunk and drinking their beer. I don't think they saw the funny side of it like we did, pmsl.

The kids are getting older and more capable so we thought it was time they pulled their weight, LOL. We were putting them into slave labour and they did the dishes for us some of the weekend, while we sat back and relaxed with full tummies. They earned themselves some decent pocket money at the end of the weekend for doing it though. Now we know we are onto a good thing and we are going to milk it everytime we go away for as long as we can.

Another Year Another Birthday

2008-06-05T14:36:00.002+10:00

Last Monday (2nd June) was my birthday. On the Saturday night prior we went to Sophia's with friends for dinner. That place is so busy and noisy. The food was great though. I really enjoyed my meal and Adrian's steak melted in your mouth. My parents visited on Sunday for lunch and they gave me a gorgeous gold watch with bling on it.

I had to wait until Adrian came home from work on the Monday night before I could get my presents. We always like to do it together and he left mega early that day for work. Bailey gave me a black handbag with bling on it. I knew I was getting this though. Adrian took the kids shopping a few weeks prior while I was out for the day. When I got home Bailey said as I walked in the door "you're not allowed to see your bag Mum." So that gave away that surprise. Then a couple of days later we were talking about it at the dinner table and Micayla said "at least you don't know what colour it is." Then Bailey pipes up and says "it's black" So cute, he is so innocent. One day he'll learn to keep a secret.

Micayla gave me a set of clear tiny alpha stamps for scrapbooking, but they disguised them in a box with a rock that goes in the fish tank covered in lots of paper. The stamps were tucked down the side. At first I thought 'great, Adrian's bought me a rock for his fish tank'. Bailey didn't know what else I was getting cause he chose not to go shopping with them, but he did help them wrap the presents the night before my birthday and he was telling me I was getting a rock, but I didn't quite get that. Adrian gave me this gorgeous 9 carot gold anklet with hearts dangling from it. Can't wait till summer so it can actually be seen.

Adrian's parents came later that night and gave me a photo album. We had cake, which the kids insisted we have. Adrian nearly wasn't going to get me a cake until the kids started crying and said we have to sing Happy Birthday and blow out candles, so off he trotted down to the shops. I was lucky and I feel very spoilt.

Artypants Retreat

2008-05-28T11:21:00.008+10:00

***Warning - this is a long post***

What can I say, What an awesome time!!!

I picked Mel up and met Tania at her place and loaded up Tania's 4 wheel drive with all our stuff. Mostly scrapping stuff. Her car was chocca's. We arrived at the retreat at about 4.30pm after we stopped off at the bottle shop for some travellers.

We stayed at Camp Manyung. What a great place. We didn't have to go anywhere. Our rooms were all connected to the kitchen, meals and scraproom. It was warm and cosy, the bunks were quite large and comfortable and the service was mighty fine. We had the most delicious meals delivered to us and taken away when we were done. I even went back for seconds on the fish, and I don't do fish. We had so much food I was full all the time, but still kept eating it cause it was there and it was sooo yummy. Came home a couple of kilos heavier.

These are the pics in the scrap room, except Judy is missing. I think she was outside enjoying the sunshine reading a magazine.

Jodie warming up on the first night when we were still trying to work out how the heater works.

It took me a while to get started, not churning out much in the way of layouts at all. I think from the time I got there until 3.00am I was lucky to get 3 layouts finished. Was a bit dissappointed in myself for that lousy effort. But I soon made up for it with a total of 15 layouts completed over the whole weekend. I took along 20 layouts I had planned for and only expecting to get about 7 done. Check out the slide show below for all the pics of the layouts I did. There is one missing because I've decided to use it for my Masters entry and can't share that one for now. Also the one called 'Move Over Micayla' is one we did in a 'Musical Scraps' challenge. This is where all of us sat around the one table, did a little bit to a layout and passed it on. So this layout is actually not one of mine, but bits of about 12 other people.

There was lots of drinking as well as the eating and lots and lots of laughing. Judy and Jodie provided us all with 'Artybucks'. Throughout the weekend we collected 'Artybucks' for completing challenges etc and the one with the most at the end of the weekend one a prize. The Artypants police were out in force, taking away our 'Artybucks'. Judy and Jodie played good cop, bad cop and boy was Judy a bad cop. She took away my Artybucks for speeding when I went running through the room. She wouldn't even let us talk during our musical scraps session and kept taking away our bucks. Jodie on the other had was giving them back to us for things she liked us doing to our pages. But revenge was sweet when Bec and I took our turn in being the Arty Police. Mind you the Arty Police were very corruptable.

Jenny and Bec left the room and Bec came back in with her face painted yellow. Then I decided to add some pink swirls, then it was on for all. We all had a go a 'scrapping' Bec's face. This then became another challenge when a few of us decided to scrap the same photo of Bec's scrapped face. This is the layout I can't share yet. Jodie is going to set up a gallery on the forum where all the retreat photos and layouts will be shared so you can see what others have done.

We had a lucky dip. This was full of scrapping goodies and Artybucks. But we could only fish out the lucky dip from shredded paper using a claw, not your own hand.

There was a set of questions people had to answer. They were really difficult questions about each member of the Artypants team. People had to bribe us for the answers. I managed to score a 7 minute massage from Laura (thanks Laura) and a nice long foot massage from Lyn, awesome Lyn, thanks. I did wash my feet first though. Mel and Tania were getting my drinks for me. The one with the most correct answers won a prize. But Suzanne had the right idea. She made up her own answers (all completely wrong of course - and funny). She managed to get a prize for it at the end and didn't have to bribe anyone. Others had to beware though, she was charging people Artybuck for answers (wrong answers) and others were falling for it. PMSL.

On the Saturday night we weren't allowed to get into our PJ's until Bec said so. She then made it a challenge that we had to get into our PJ's in the dark in 2 minutes. The problem for me was I shared a room with Bec and Jodie, so Judy was the one who set our challenge. We had to change into our PJ's, change our beds around and get up onto the top bunk, in the dark all in 2 minutes. 'Bitch Judy' LOL. Well we were cackling so hard, it's amazing we were able to do it. Well actually Bec didn't. Jodie and I did it in plenty of time cause we were neat and had everything folded and in their place so we could easily find our stuff in the dark. But Bec, nooooo..... I had to even cheat and turn the light on for her and only then she only just got her pajama pants on. She's cackling "I can't find my pj's" and Jodie and I are cackling trying to get up on the top bunk. We were the only ones who failed.

Here is a photo of us all in our pj's. You may notice I am wearing penis' on my head. Anyone who did something 'dicky' had to wear them on their head until someone else did something 'dicky'. They were flashing and went floppy. I seemed to have them on my head a lot. PMSL.

Each day we voted for our favourite layouts. Saturday morning we voted for Friday nights and Saturday evening we voted for Saturday's day layouts, then Saturday night was done on Sunday. My 'Snow Much Fun' layout was voted most favourite for the Saturday night. Suzi won the 'Queen of the Crop' for having won the most favourite layouts. Others, especially Tania were chuffed just to have someone vote for their layout. So everybody was happy.

It was such a fabulous weekend and can't wait for the next one. Thank you to Judy and Jodie for doing such an awesome job organising this fantastic event. Bring on the next one!!!

In an Nutshell

2008-05-17T21:43:00.006+10:00

Adrian has been away this weekend on a bike ride in the high country with the boys. I've had a pretty quite weekend. I didn't even use the time to do scrapping; can you believe that??? I am going on a scrapping retreat next weekend so I'll be scrapping to my hearts content. Leaving Adrian with the kids for the weekend. Yay!!! 6 sleeps to go (as at Saturday 17th). So I've been using this time to get all my photos and papers and embellishments all organised in pockets in my work in progress folder. I have 20 layouts planned to do. I bet I only come back with about 7 done.

Apart from that, I went to Melinda's baby shower. Melinda is (was) Micayla's teacher at school until about 2 weeks ago. She is also my bosses daughter/sister; not that I'd call them bosses, they are friends who cheer you up when you think nothing can. (Judy and Jodie from Artypants, daughter and sister). We had fun. I won a block of chocolate, which I'm about to go and devour in front of a chic flick with a glass of wine. We had to name the adults to the babies of animals, ie. what's the adult of kitten. Has anyone ever heard of a polliwog? Well it's actually a tadpole, a baby frog. There you go, now your that little bit smarter for reading this blog. Well I must be smarter than I thought cause I won it. YAY!!! But the chocolate will only go to my hips and make me sick because of the dairy that's in it but "who cares!!!!" I will in the morning. Can you tell I'm waffling. I've had a couple of glasses of red wine. LOL. We also played Baby Sharades. Bec and I had to act out Glenn (Melinda's husband) in the delivery room. God I felt like an idiot. Should've done it now after a couple of glasses of wine.

Before going to the Baby shower I slept in until around 10.30am when Micayla decided to bring me breakfast in bed. She made me vegemite toast and coffee. The consequence of that was I walked out to a kitchen that was totally trashed. Micayla had also made her own and Bailey's breakfast.

After I left the baby shower I called past a friends house. I left there without Micayla. They had friends coming over and their daughter was going to be bored with no kids to play with, so they asked if Micayla would like to stay over and keep Paige occupied. Of course they were both very excited about that; so that just left Bailey and I alone. I didn't feel like dinner so I had nothing and Bailey just felt like Wheetbix. (He loves his Wheetbix). So I thought. What the hell! It's probably healthier than chips and nuggets anyway, so that's what he got for tea. It was also so much easier for me. LOL! Am I a lazy mum or what???? Earlier he wanted soup. When I asked him if he still wanted soup, he said "No, I might not have the soup now." How cute. Sounds like a little adult at 4.

He played Wow Wow Wubbzy on the computer while I pottered around the house, and then he watched Garfield in my warm bed. He came out and told me when that was fninished and now he's in bed and fast asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. He's such a dream.

That's probably enough of my waffling about a weekend full of not much at all. Except for the excitement of the baby shower. So on that note. I'm going to bed with my wine, chocolate and chic flick.

Good Night!!!

P.S. The Artypants Forum is up and running again. Completely safe from Hackers now. So get on over and start chatting.

My Mothers Day

2008-05-12T21:56:00.011+10:00

My Mother's Day started on Thursday morning when I had morning tea with Bailey at Kinda. He had spent the morning making scones for me.

And then we did some dancing together before he gave me my presents he'd made in Kinda.

The little blurb on the bottom of the place mat says:

"We play cars together. She likes to read a long book.

I love mummy a lot. She's 28 years old."

LOL, I love the age he has me at. I knew I was getting the coffee mug cause he told me the day he painted it after I picked him up. He's not very good at keeping secrets. LOL

Then on Mother's Day, the kids were itching to give me my presents. First Bailey came in wanting to give me his presents but Micayla wasn't up yet so he had to wait. Then they both came running into our room asking if they could give me my presents but it was too early so we sent them away so we could sleep some more. The next time they came in we let them give me the presents.

Bailey gave me a photo frame. He bought this at the Mother's Day stall at the Kinda. He didn't know what he was giving me cause they only got to choose presents that were already wrapped. I was dissappointed in this because I wanted him to give me something he'd chosen himself. So on Mother's Day morning it was as much as a surprise to him as it was to me. At least he couldn't let the secret out beforehand.

Micayla puts a lot of thought into buying presents. She always looks for something you'd really like or would use. She bought me this really cool little keychain. It's called "Trolleybux". The little disk is the size of a $2 coin for the shopping trolley. I love it, it says "Yummy Mummy" on it. Way better than the Coles one I had on there.

They made me breakfast in bed, which we all had together and stayed in bed until 10.30am. Of course I had to use the placemat and had coffee in my new mug. Adrian thought he'd test out room service and left the trays at the bedroom door ready for collection. Funny that, they were still sitting there much later. LOL

We took a few family snaps before we went along to Adrian's parents for lunch of Kentucky Fried Chicken. Yummy!!!

Bailey took along his "Baby Steam Engine" and after lunch he steamed it up with Opa. They also got out the steam roller and steamed them up too. The kids were having fun playing with these. I was going to upload video of this but it didn't work.

The cord Micayla is holding is attached to the steering wheel and she can control where it goes by turning a handle on the end of the cord, which in turn, turns the steering wheel.

Bailey was having fun with his dog. He wanted to take 'Monty' to Oma's for lunch and he was dragging the dog up and down the driveway. Monty really cops a battering from Bailey sometimes. But they are great mates!

Picture to Page

2008-05-08T16:16:00.008+10:00

Saturday 3rd and 4th of May was the Picture to Page show in Burwood. I worked on the Artypants stand with Judy, Jodie and Bec. It was lots of fun. Very successful weekend for Artypants. And I had a ball running around checking out the different stalls getting lots of fantastic new ideas and goodies. I was very excited with all these new ideas going through my head, so keep an eye out on the class timetables over the coming months for some new fabulous classes.

This is Bec and Jodie on the stand

Laura popped in to say Hello, she's talking to Judy. It was her birthday the next day, so Happy Birthday for last Sunday the 4th Laura.

I also got to catch up with my friend Simmi. She had her stand there with all her ribbons from her online store The Ribbon Palace. It was great to see her again.

Don't forget!

The Princess Castle mini book class is on this Saturday morning (the 10th) at 10.30am, be sure to book in for this one. Only 2 days away, so get in quick.

See post below for sample pic.

June Timetable is also available instore NOW!

Lochsport - Anzac Weekend

2008-04-30T14:12:00.008+10:00

Again we spent a holiday in Lochsport with Scott and Tania and Marty and Julie. If it's not Moama, it's Lochsport.

The weather was kind to us, with the sun shining and actually feeling quite warm. We took the kids out motorbike riding on Friday.

Bailey crashed our little Suzuki 50, then decided to ride Sarah and Brandons bike with the training wheels.

On the Friday afternoon Tania and Julie took all the kids for a paddle in the boat. I stayed back and relaxed with a drink, watching the Essendon v Collingwood game with the boys. It was so peaceful without the kids. Having a fractured arm, I really couldn't be bothered going out exerting myself, paddling in a boat. I told my kids not to get wet, but of course what happens, my kids and only my kids are the ones that got wet.

Saturday morning Tania, Julie and I took the kids for a walk to the beach. Again they got wet. After they were told to stay out of the water. Micayla lifted her pants so she could paddle in the water just up to her ankles. This ended up to her knees so I told her to take her pants off and go in her knickers so her pants stayed dry, but she still wasn't allowed in over her knees. I think she thinks her knees are at her waist. She ended up with sopping wet knickers and half her top wet. At least Bailey listened to me.

That afternoon the girls decided for the boys to take the kids fishing and we'd stay back child free and relax. Julie said she was going to have a sleep and so did Tania, and Nathan and Jaeda had come down sick with Jaeda vomitiing. So I decided it was going to be no fun at all staying back at the house while they were sick and sleeping so I went fishing with the boys and the kids. They were only feeding the fish, catching nothing. Micayla again was told not to get wet, so what does she do. Yep you guessed it.

Here is a photo of her wrapped in a towel to keep warm cause she got her pants wet again.

Next time I'll just pack their wetsuits and let them go for their life. But they had been sick so I didn't want them playing in cold water while their colds were still lingering. And I still didn't want Bailey's head getting wet where he'd been glued. Bailey at least listened to me mostly. He did play chicken with the waves for a minute. Got his pants a bit wet and stopped.

Scott was casting off when a wave came in and got him. On his way out of the water he stepped in a hole and fell right in. Unfortunately I'd pointed the camera behind me at Bailey jumping off the sandhills and missed capturing Scott falling in the water. I did get to see it happen though, which gave me a good laugh.

And here is Bailey squashing one of the sand castles. He said he was flying.

What's happening at Artypants

2008-04-23T14:49:00.011+10:00

I've just held a class using Opals Embossing Powders. This is a fantastic versatile product. I've never been a huge fan of embossing until I tried the Opals. This class was well received and students are impressed to see just what you can do with this product. This class will be running again soon. Keep and eye out for when. Also Opals products will be coming to Artypants real soon.

7th May I will be running a class on how to use up your scraps. You will put a layout together and then create a minibook using the scraps from the layout. This is a Wednesday morning class.

Princess Castle Mini Book class will be held on Saturday 10th May, 10.30am-12.30pm. Create this gorgeous mini book for that special little person in your life. The kit to make this mini book is provided and included in price of the class.

The popular Transparency class and Doodling class are back for May too. Bec and Jodie are also holding some fabulous classes worth checking out. Distressed Out and R U Puzzled. Just pop into the store or ring Artypants on 5995 5476 to find out more and book in to any of the classes you want to attend.

Artypants Special Occassions Invitation Department
will be having their Grand Opening on Wednesday 30th April at 7pm (enter via classroom door). Come and see our exciting new range of papers, cardstock and accessories to make your own invitations. Fully customised service available also.

Come and see us at
From Picture to Page.
Saturday 3rd May, 9.00am - 4.30pm
and
Sunday 4th May 10.00am - 4.30pm
The Whitehorse Club,
298-336 Burwood Hwy
East Burwood Reserve, East Burwood
Mel Ref: 62 C7
Entry Fee: $8.50 Adults
Kids Under 12 Free

Artypants April Fun and Funky Kit

2008-04-23T14:31:00.008+10:00

April's Fun and Funky kit is now available for purchase. Pop instore to pick yourself up the pack or use the coupon in the current Scrapbooking Memories to order your kit now, only $39.95. Check online at Artypants for details of what the kit contains.

These are the layouts I did using only what is in the kit and some basic products like paint, ink and stamps. Jodie has given a special mention on the website to Adrian for helping me finish these layouts when I broke my elbow. Check out the Crusty Demons picture on the Stunt Man in the Making layout. This was done by Adrian. I'll get him scrapping yet LOL!!!

And while your instore, be sure to book in for the retreat at Camp Manyung, May 23rd to 25th

Bailey's First big Accident

2008-04-20T11:14:00.002+10:00

We went to Castello's in Berwick last night (19th April) for David Overdyk's birthday (Happy Birthday Dave). We were only there about 15 minutes when Bailey came crying his eyes out and blood pouring out of the back of his head. His head hit the back of the slide on his way down and a broken bit jutting out split his head open. We spent the next hour and a half at Casey Hospital having it glued. We were starving. We left Micayla in the care of Mel and Steve (thanks guys) so she could eat. Didn't need her waiting around at the hospital with us whinging that she was hungry. After his head was glued we went back to the pub and we had a meal before going back to Dave and Laura's for the evening. Bailey was very brave. When the nurse asked him what his name was he said "Bailey Jordan Klaster", so cute! While we were waiting he kept asking for his stitches and when we found out he was getting glue he still wanted stitches, until I told him how they did stitches, then he wanted the glue. They had to cut his hair away from the cut and it was stuck to it. It was hurting him but he was soooo brave!!!

OMG! What a Weekend!!!

2008-04-15T17:14:00.012+10:00

Friday 3rd April, the kids went for a sleepover at Oma and Opa's. They were dropped off around 10am and I had the whole day to myself. What bliss!!! By the end of the afternoon I felt so relaxed. I did a bit of shopping and picked up some awesome bargains. A black jacket that was $99 reduced to $39, among other things. Adrian was home from work by the time I arrived back home and he wanted me to parade them for him, as I did. We then went out for a nice casual dinner at The Pancake Parlour. We were going to go ten pin bowling after that but never made it there. We ended up spending the rest of the night (actually till 2am) enjoying each other's company and talking all night. The next morning Adrian made me breakfast in bed. We then spent the day together doing bits and pieces, including spending 2 hours at the Hallam opening of Sexyland. LOL It was huge, lots of fun stuff happening there. Then we picked the kids up at around 4pm.

I went out on a girls night out at The Matthew Flinders Hotel. It was a friend Sue's birthday. We had dinner and then went into Tom Thumbs after dinner. Had a bit of fun dancing with the girls but was glad to get home. I was actually ready to go around 11pm but I was told the band was due to come on soon. I waited til midnight and still no band so I went home. Being at a place like that really makes you appreciate what's waiting for you at home.

Then on the Sunday we took the kids Rollerskating in Dandenong. Big Mistake!!!! Well for me anyway. Was having lots of fun. Bailey looked so cute on tiny little rollerskates, but he found it so hard he switched to a scooter. Micayla was using her rollerblades but the also switched to rollerskates.

I think it must be close to 30 years since I skated. Took me a bit of getting used to it again. I was a bit wobbly, but soon found my wheels and was whizzing around the rink pretty easily. Then I decided to see if I remembered how to go backwards. That was my BIG MISTAKE!!! The wheel of one skate clipped the wheel of the other skate and my legs flew out from under me and I fractured my arm. Can you believe that!!! After 38 years I've broken my first bone. It's actually the radial head in my elbow. It's only a minor fracture but it has to be bandaged and in a sling for a minimum of 2 weeks. Yeah alright, I can hear you all laughing, it's not funny!!! Actually yes it is. That'll teach me. Shouldn't have got so cocky.

Doesn't stop me from Scrapping though. This was at last Friday night's Crop at Artypants (11th April). I had others cutting things out for me. Thanks Bec and Jenny for doing that. I did everything else, sticking things down with my left hand and doodling on the Cool Dude layout. These are the 2 layouts I did and a photo of me scrapping with a fractured arm. Thanks Jodie for your photography of me.

Mother and Daughter Crop at Artypants

2008-04-15T16:42:00.005+10:00

On Monday 31st March, I took Micayla along to the Mother and Daughter crop they hold at Artypants during the school holidays. She had an absolute ball and produced 3 gorgeous layouts. I messed around with a few papers but spent most of the night helping Micayla, teaching her the basics of Scrapbooking. I've always left her to do her own thing. Now it's time for her to learn it properly. She was so excited to bring her own tote bag along. I also taught her how to use the cricut machine, which she cut out a couple of little bags to make. She was also very excited when I bought her her own paper trimmer, double sided tape and a couple of other little things to add to her stash. On the way home she was raving about how much fun she had and that she just loves to scrapbook and she never wants to stop once she starts. That was obvious, I couldn't get her to pack up. She also said that she was wide awake and that was at 10.30pm. He he he, I knew exactly what she was saying, cause that's how I feel. Yep, she's got the bug!!!

Here are the layouts she did.

Next time the school holidays roll around make sure you get yourself down to Artypants to book in for the next Mother and Daughter Crop.

Paperific and AED

2008-04-11T17:17:00.005+10:00

On Sunday 30th March I went and helped out Alison with the make and takes on the AED stand (Alison Ellis Designs) at Paperific at Caulfield Racecourse.

Leading up to that day Alison sent me her new 'Flights of Fancy' paper range to put together some layouts for display at Paperfic. With Easter in the middle of it all, I only had a couple of days to put some layouts together. Adrian was a great help, taking the rest of the week after Easter off work to look after the kids while I got the layouts done. This is what I came up with.

Crusty Demons Night of World Records 2008

2008-04-11T16:32:00.006+10:00

On 29th March we went to Calder Raceway to see Seth Enslow break his personal best record jump. His pb was set at 268 and he broke it a couple of times with the final jump recorded at 301 feet. That was his goal, to break his personal record before his retirement from the Crusty Demons team. There was also the world record jump. Set by Robbie Maddison off shore in Las Vegas at 322 feet, then broken by Ryan Capes with a 324 foot jump here at Calder. Robbie Maddison then followed Ryan, jumping an amazing 346 feet. Then he topped it off by jumping again and jumping an amazing 351 feet. Robbie was stoked to break the record on home turf.

I personally was a little dissappointed because the rain spoit a lot of the show. It rained for half an hour, then everything was so wet. Everyone stood for the rest of the night with the ground being too wet to sit on. We stood on a hill and my toes were being pushed into the front of my shoes making my toes hurt. I just kept sitting down on the rug and getting up when a jump attempt was about to happen. Only to stand up to find it was just another speed test. There was a lot of waiting around. My fav part was the Expression Sessions but there wasn't enough of it. For more details about the night and all the records set as well as some awesome pics, check out this link to the Crusty website.

Here are some of the pics I took. By the time the rain went away and the track was dried up enough for the jumps to take place it was dark and all the bright lights were on, making it difficult to take a decent photo. Of course if I had a professional camera I would've got much better shots but they don't let prof. camera's in. (Not that I have one). I did manage, however to get my tripod in there ???? don't know how they missed the search on that one. They inspected my camera though and nearly didn't let it in. Even with the tripod and attempting lots of different settings; with the distance and the bright lights in front of me, the photos are pretty bad. There were a couple of jumps with better light before the rain came so those shots aren't too bad.

This is at the beginning, while we were waiting. These are all the landings, and jumping ramps.

This is while we were waiting for it all to start (before the rain). Bailey just loves donuts, he ate 2 of these yummy hot jam donuts.

This is the shot taken early, before the rain.

Then the rain came.

As Bailey says, he's "licking the rain".

These are the bad photos taken after the rain and they'd dried out the track a bit. As you can see they are very blurry. The dark shot, if you look closely, you can see one of the crusty demons upside down. His bike is hidden in the light. Look closely at the tallest light and you may be able to make out the rider.

The this is the usual of Bailey. 'Asleep'.

Michelle and Steve Ewing also met us there. We were going to meet at McDonalds after the event for a snack before driving home. But we were gridlocked in traffic in separate parts of the car park trying to get out, so we went to McDonalds on our own then made our way home.

10 Years Married

2008-04-11T16:21:00.002+10:00

Adrian and I celebrated our 10 year Wedding Anniversary on 20th March. We were planning on going out to the city for the night. Getting a room overnight and dinner etc. But decided by the time it would be over we'd spend $500+ and not have anything to show for it. Being such a milestone anniversary we decided to buy each other something big to signify it. So we went out and bought an LCD Flat Screen TV and DVD player for our bedroom. We also went out to dinner at Nik's Greek Tavern in Echuca. After all our anniversary fell on Easter. It was a delicious meal as I knew it would be because Greek is my favourite cuisine. The kids came with us. They wanted to eat the chicken nuggets and chips, but we said "NO" you can get them at any pub, you are here at a Greek restaurant, you can taste Greek food". So we ordered them both a yuros and chips. They didn't like the yuros and ate just the chips, but Micayla did fall in love with Tzatziki dip and now has it as a snack with rice crackers in her lunch box.

Easter in Moama Again 2008

2008-04-11T14:05:00.008+10:00

We did the usual for Easter, went to Moama. You may think, not another Moama post, read that read them all. This time lots of stuff happened.

The kids all tried new stuff. Bailey got up on the water skis for the first time.

Just look at my baby, isn't he so cute. He looks like a baby up on water.

Micayla tried one ski, doing a deep water start, but found it harder than she thought. She decided to go on doubles and try dropping a ski. We bought a small set of double skies that are a good size for the kids to use. The training skies are not set up for learning to drop a ski, there is no back binder.

Micayla is a natural and has a great body position on the skies. Bailey has yet to learn that.

Micayla also had a go at the wakeboard, which we also recently bought. Its a kids size wakeboard. Micayla wasn't able to get up this time, but Mitchell Graham did.

The boys decided to take out this big log from the river. Cause the water is lower the log sticks out and is dangerous to skiers. Erwin and his 4 wheel drive winched it up to the top of the bank, which is about 9 metre high. Erwin then got out his favourite toy 'the chainsaw' and cut it up for firewood. This took most of the day though, if not all of the day.

My brother Rohan and his boys, Liam and Lachlan came away with us too.

The first photo is of Liam having a go on the kneeboard. Then it's Rohan and Liam in the boat. Then it's Lachlan on the kneeboard. It was really great having Rohan and the boys away. The boys loved it except for Lachlan when he got bitten by a bullant and burnt himself in the fire. Maybe next time he'll leave the fire alone!!!

This is what always happens when Bailey rides in the boat.

Bailey also had his first go at shooting an air rifle. Under the supervision of Scott. Actually, Scott had to help Bailey hold the gun up cause it was too heavy for the 'little man'.

Micayla really enjoyed playing the little mum to Jordan Van der geer. She even took baby Mitchell for a walk in the pram and got him to sleep.

The night before Easter Bunny came was a huge night by the fire. Especially for Tania. Here is Tania after one too many Vodka's. We ended up putting her to bed in a stretcher in her annexe so she could sleep and still get fresh air.

The next morning was the usual Easter Egg hunt that the Easter Bunny left behind.

Of course Bailey got stuck into his eggs and opened almost all of them at once.

Wakeboarding Pro Tour

2008-04-10T21:52:00.002+10:00

On Sunday 17th March, we went to the Caribean Gardens with Scott, Tania and the kids to watch the Wakeboarding Pro Tour finals. We walked for ages from the car park before we found where it was all happening. We parked ourselves on the side of the lake waiting for some action and hardly saw anything. It was a stifling hot day, somewhere nudging 40. The kids played on the edge of the water, dunking their hat in to keep them cool. We didn't end up staying long. Scott had a pounding self inflicted headache, so he wasn't enjoying the heat. We decided to take the kids home to the cooling and relax there. A little dissappointed we didn't get to see much action. Was really looking forward to seeing some pro's do some fancy tricks.

Joey and Zoe's Wedding

2008-04-10T21:14:00.006+10:00

On Saturday 16th March we went up to Sherbrooke to celebrate Joe and Zoe's wedding. It was a hot day, somewhere in the high 30's.

David and Laura's little Kaytie was the flower girl. Just look at her, isn't she adorable.

After the ceremony, which was held at the same place as the reception, we all went down to the rotunda where they had a butterfly ceremony. The bridal party and parents released butterflies with wishes for the bride and groom to go with them. Apparantly, the legend is that you tell the butterfly your wish, and because they are so quite your wish will never be heard by anyone else, but the butterflies carry your wish to a spirit in the universe, which grants the couple the wish.

If you look closely at the photo you can see some butterflies flying away.

Actually they are very hard to see in this little shot.

Our car was used again.

Check out the look on Zoe's face as Joe swigs his beer. Get used to this Zoe.

Here we are having a few happy snaps taken while we wait for the reception to start.

This photo is of the sister and sister in laws of Joe (and now Zoe). From left to right is Paula, Greg's girlfriend, Yvonne, Joe's sister, Laura, Dave's wife and Mel, Steve's fiance. Then me! I guess you could say I'm a cousin in law by marriage. Greg, Dave and Steve are Joe's brothers. They were all in the wedding party. Which left a table of all the girls, plus Yvonne and her husband Damien and us. It was such a fun table. There were lots of laughs, chinking of glasses (gone overboard during the speeches) and lots of drinking as you can see in these photos of Laura. Laura was doing cartwheels on the lawn at the end of the night. Who needs to drink when you can watch Laura drink. I was in stitches all night.

Here is a nice photo of Steve and Mel.

And a candid moment of Mel pretending to propose to Steve on 1 knee. Steve has already done that though on a previous occassion. I didn't intend to take this photo. She did it at the perfect moment as I was snapping a few dancing photos.

And Damien getting down and having a boogie.

It was such a fun night. Dave in particular did a fantastic job at the speeches and Greg, now that Zoe is married, reluctantly gave Zoe back her key to her back door, as did half a dozen other guys from around the room. But the big shock was when I went up a surrendered my key to Zoe too. LOL. Took her face in both my hands, kissed her and said "spewin' babe". He He He!!! If anyone reading this is unaware and a little shocked by this revelation. This is a common 'telegram' type joke often played at weddings. Don't know if it's commonly seen with a woman giving away the key also though.

Princess Castle Mini Book

2008-03-18T23:18:00.002+11:00

This is the latest Design Team project I did for Artypants. It was a kit Jodie gave me to complete using SEI papers and Heidi Swapp bling.

A Day at the Beach

2008-03-18T19:04:00.003+11:00

On Friday the 14th March I had to take my car to Adrian's Uncle Tamme's to get it serviced. I was planning on waiting around for it so I decided to take Bailey to the Frankston beach while I waited. I'd spoken to Tania earlier and her kids had a curriculum day. I thought this was a pity, Micayla had her curriculum day the day before. But I decided to let her stay home anyway and we all went to the beach with Tania and her kids. It was reaching 40 degrees anyway. Tania picked me up from Uncle Tamme's and we all went down to the beach. The car was ready by lunch time. I thought this would be ample time on the beach and I'd be keen to get off the beach. But the breeze coming off the bay was keeping the temperture down. The kids were having a ball and Tania and I were relaxing nicely. We ended up leaving around 1.30pm and took the kids to McDonalds before picking up my car and heading home. Here are some of the photos taken on the day.

After they'd had a swim they were playing with the balls on the steps of the bridge.

Moomba

2008-03-18T17:01:00.009+11:00

On Monday 10th March we took the kids in to see Moomba. We decided it would be easier to take the train in. This was Bailey's first ride on public transport. He was very excited.

I was pretty dissappointed. I remember the Moomba parade being something spectacular with fabulous floats that went on for hours. It's been years since I've seen a Moomba parade and I was very dissappointed. Although there were some colourful displays of culture, all it was, was people marching down the street and it only went for an hour. We watched it for half an hour cause it was too boring.

This was the multi cultural float. This was one of the 2 floats that I saw.

Can't remember what this one was now.

The kids watching the parade.

We decided to go and find a spot down by the river to watch the water skiing. That's what we went in to see. It was sooooo hot. I think it reached 39 degrees that day. We bought 4 icypoles to eat on our way to the river and it cost me $10. What a rip off!!!

This is the Australia girl Emma Sheers who won the womens' Moomba Masters.

Micayla and Bailey watching the waterskiing with Adrian.

Still watching the waterskiing, but starting to get a little hot and bothered.

I'm getting in front of the camera a lot more now that Micayla has taken an interest in photography.

Micayla has CRACKED IT!!!! She's bored of the water skiing and wants to go on the rides.

She is having a drink from Adrian's camel back that he takes on his motorbike rides. It was a novelty for them to drink this way, which was good because it kept them well hydrated throughout the day. Hate to think how the kids would've been, or how much money we'd spent on drinks if we didn't have these. We took 2 of them and had to refill them from the taps that South East Water had provided and we went through them too.

We decided to go for a walk around the side shows and not watch the wakeboarding. We were going to see the wakeboarding at Carribean Gardens the following week anyway. Then we'd come back after that to watch the jumping. I took Micayla and Bailey on this childs rollercoaster ride. Bailey was too small so I had to go on with him. For a 2 minute ride and queing for about 10 mins in the full sun, it cost me $15.00, another RIP OFF!!!! But the kids loved it. They had a go at winning something. They had to scoop up a crocodile that had a number in its mouth. That cost $4.00 each to win a stupid blow up hammer. Another rip off!!! Then of course we had to have a bag of fairy floss, another $4.

It was just so so hot that we decided we couldn't take anymore of the heat. We were not going back to the river and we were not looking around anymore side shows. We were going home. We left the Yarra River around 3pm and arrived home around 5.30pm. Would've been quicker in the car, but at least we could relax in the airconditioning of the train without the stress of driving.

Mum and Dad's 50th Wedding Anniversary

2008-03-18T14:01:00.009+11:00

On the 8th March 2008, Mum and Dad celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary. We had a surprise lunch/party for them at Oscars in Ballarat. My sister, Rochelle had organised with them to go to lunch, just Mum and Dad and Rochelle's family. Rochelle had booked the function room and decorated it in gold balloons and table decs. When they arrived we all jumped out from behind the table to surprise them. They had no idea the rest of us would be there. The rest of us consists of us, My brother Rohan, Wanda and the boys and my other brother, Geoff and his wife Alex. Then of course Rochelle, Mark and their 2 kids.

Wanda had organised some fun things for them to do. The first thing we did while waiting for our meal was Mum and Dad had to answer some trivia questions. Some questions were standard trivia questions but the other questions were made up of things from our childhood. Memories we had. Mum and Dad had to guess the answer to the trivia question and then we all ellaborated on the story, which gave us some great laughs to our memories.

Rochelle had also organised for the most gorgeous delicious chocolate/caramel mud cake. It was to die for. When the cake came out it brought tears to Dad's eyes. Very emotional he is lol.

We then posed for some family photos.

This is my brother Geoff and my sister in law Alex.

After lunch we all went back to Rochelle and Mark's house. Here we had more games for them to play. Mum and Dad had to unwrap items that also related to our childhood and guess what they meant. When Rochelle was about 3 years old we lost her on the Rosebud beach on New Years Day, cause she couldn't find her way back to our umbrella from putting rubbish in the bin, cause they all looked the same. She kept walking and walking until she was found at the Dromana Yacht Club. She was missing for hours and we even had the police out looking for her. For this they unwraped one of Bailey's toy police cars, with little cocktail umbrellas stuck to it. So this brought up the story about that. We laughed at how it only took a minute to go to the bin and 6 hours later and still not back to Mum and Dad. This was one of many many stories we had fun talking about on the day. And lots and lots of laughs too.

We then gave them this tin that I had made them. It's a card in a tin. The pages inside have journalling about the memories we talked about that afternoon and a photo of each family with a spot for each of them to write their personal messages. This also made day have tears.

This is the card that Micayla made for them.

We had a lovely meal and a great day of laughs with my whole family. We didn't leave Rochelle's until 9.30pm that night. I could've stayed longer but I knew by the time we got home it would be 11.30pm and that's just getting way too late. We should've stayed the night cause I was exhausted by the time I got home. Adrian had been drinking so I had to drive.

Artypants First Cyber Crop

2008-03-09T16:35:00.004+11:00

I participated in Artypants' first cc last week. These are the layouts I did for them.

This is the challenge "follow the leader". Although I did not really 'follow the leader'. I went to the Artypants crop night on the Friday night and we were running back and forwards to the front of the store, using the computer at the front counter to access the forum for the cc. Jodie, Bec and I were all 'not following the leader' lol. The papers we used or the photos, just didn't lend itself to the way the layout was supposed to look, so we did our own slight interpretation to it. Anyway, I love the way it's come up and obviously so did a lot of other people because I got lots of votes and I won the challenge for this one.This one was a sketch challenge. Not one of my fav layouts but anyway, not too bad.

Thanks Laura for running the cc. You did an awesome job. Can't wait till the next one. Hopefully by then we'll have a lot more people join the forum and join in the cc too.

AED BBQ

2008-03-05T18:20:00.006+11:00

On Sunday 24th February we went to a park in Elsternwick with Alison, Maynard and Sam Ellis from Alison Ellis Designs and the other team members from AED. It turned out to be a beautiful day even though the forecast was cold and raining.

The kids had so much fun on the play equipment. Especially this ginormas slide.

Bailey was chasing the birds around. They barely moved; Bailey even managed to touch one. He was calling them 'chickens'.

Micayla had a bit of a drama when a rather large ant, but not as big as a bullant was in her pants and bit her on her hip. It ended up in her boot and also bit her on the ankle. We put an ice pack on it and after a while she was fine.

Micayla made a 'new best friend' in Melissa, who you see with her in this photo. She had a ball with her and wants to go to Melissa's house for a play. Melissa is also 7 years old like Micayla.

It was fantastic to finally meet everyone that I chat to on the forum and everyone was really very nice and friendly. Some very funny, entertaining conversations made the afternoon a very pleasant one indeed.

Here is Bailey with Alison and Maynard's son Sam. Sam has just turned 3

This is all the team that was there for the BBQ.

Thanks to Alison and Maynard for providing a yummy bbq, and for the drinks to wash it down with too. Thanks for a wonderful afternoon.

Maynard revealed to us what new papers will be coming out just before Paperific at the end of March - 28th-30th. Keep and eye on the AED website and come along to Paperific to check them out and pick some up for yourself. It's all very exciting.

Artypants Cyber Crop

2008-02-27T14:16:00.002+11:00

Come and join in the fun. Starting Thursday, 28th February. 7.30pm is Artypants first Cyber Crop. Make sure you pop into the Artypants forum and register to be able to join in. It will run until Midnight Saturday, 1st Feb with all challenges to be uploaded to the gallery by Sunday evening. Fabulous prizes to be won and fun games to play.

We will also be attending Artypants for the weekly Friday night crop starting at 7.30pm and all those attending the crop will be playing along on the Cybercrop together on the lap top.

Thanks to Laura for co-ordinating Artypants first CC. Check out the forum for lots of hints of whats to come. From the home page click on the link to the forum and you'll find all the Cybercrop details in there.

My Little Big Kinda Boy

2008-02-26T15:44:00.001+11:00

Check out how cute Bailey looks in his new Kinda uniform.

Time to share some Scrapbooking - Finally!!!

2008-02-26T14:17:00.005+11:00

These are the bag hooks I made to go on the kids bedroom walls to hang their school/kinda bags on. Trying to neaten things up. Just waiting for Adrian to hang them.

This is a layout I did for the Artypants Design Team. Jodie gave me 3 pieces of patterned paper and some pearl embellishments. I added a couple of sheets of cardstock and some embellishments and came up with this layout.

Then with the leftovers I put this minibook together. Just goes to show what you can put together with the scraps. Then you don't end up with a never ending box full of bits and pieces of scraps.

This is the layout I put together for the February Challenge on the Artypants forum. The specifications were: predominately red, 3 or more photos and ribbon. The tiles down each side of the photos are actually ribbon. Even the dots on top. There is still time to put a layout together for this. Check out the forum for details.

Kaytie's 2nd Birthday

2008-02-26T11:12:00.004+11:00

On 17th Feb we went around to David and Laura's to celebrate Kaytie's 2nd birthday. As soon as we got there the boys went and took up their territorial position in the garage. LOL

The kids had a ball all day playing in the pool. It was a very warm day.

Mel, got out the face paints for the kids.

And for the big kids.

This is Damien. There is also a thumb print on his forehead (under the thumb) to go with his 'no idea and monobrow. LOL

Mel wanted hers done so this is my creation on her face.

The kids playing the party games. Micayla won the prize for this one along with one of Laura's nephews.

Kaytie with her Elmo birthday cake that Laura made. It tasted as good as it looked. It was a caramal mud cake.

Holland Festival 2008

2008-02-26T10:34:00.004+11:00

On Saturday 16th February we went along to help out at the Holland Festival yet again. This year it was just on Saturday instead of Saturday and Sunday. I must say it gets more boring every year. This year they had less rides for the kids. No entertainment on stage for the kids. Last year they had Dorothy the Dinosour, this year, nothing. For the amount of money the adults have to pay to get in, they are getting less for their money every year. Every year it's the same stalls and the same basic entertainment. I'm so over it. But here are some photos of the kids having some fun.

Here are the kids in front of their Opa's steam engine. This is one that was restored years ago with Adrian and his brother helping out. Bailey and Micayla love to get involved and help put wood on the fire. Bailey had his own 'baby steam engine' there as well and kept wanting to steam it up. He would go over to the big steam engine to get the oil tin and a rag for his engine. LOL

Micayla took this photo of Bailey and I in front of the steam engine. Now that she likes to take photos, I actually get to be in a few.

I took the kids to have a play on the jumping castles. Bailey just wanted to play on the normal kids jumping castle but Micayla wanted to have a go on the Bungee Challenge. She has to pull against the rope strapped to her body and place the little bag things at one end and then get them back again to stick them back on the wall. She had a lot of fun. Apart from these rides, the only other ones for the kids were electric cars. Usually they have merry go rounds, the teacup ride and even some dutch games and rides, but not even they were there. They also had an animal nursery, but I didn't get any photos of them cause I have so many from other years. Soooo over the animal nursery. But the kids aren't, they still went in there to pat the animals.

Later in the evening they have the standard dutch parade of all the clubs in their fancy club costumes. Usually 'Opa' goes in this but he quit his club. He still took the kids for a walk at the end of the parade and went inside for the dancing with the clubs. The kids had some fun, but in this photo Bailey looks like he's a bit weary on his feet and in need of a seat. LOL

My Boy's a Crack Up!!!

2008-02-14T21:29:00.006+11:00

I was on the cross trainer today when Bailey came running out, one sock on one sock off, and went and stuck his foot in the freezer. What the.... you may be thinking, cause I was. He had been quietly painting his toe nails in the bathroom and he came out to set the polish hard by putting his foot in the freezer. After all, that's what Mum does!!! (my fingernails anyway).

I was thinking, OK now I'm going to spend the next hour and a bottle of nail polish remover cleaning nail polish off the bathroom floor. But when I went in there, there was not a drop spilt anywhere. I had to look hard to see where he'd actually painted his nails, because it wasn't on his nails, it was all over his foot. He's used a very pale whitish colour that you can barely see.

Bailey's doing Gymnastics

2008-02-12T16:48:00.001+11:00

Bailey started his first time at Gymnastics last night (11th February). He was refusing to go in at first. Stood at the door and clung to me. He wouldn't let me take his shoes off to go in. He said he was scared. Not even taking Lightening McQueen off him would get him to go in. So I just gave up and he sat on the steps while I went and joined my friends, the other mums of Micayla's friends and Julie, mum of Sarah and Brandon. Micayla's teacher came and sat with Bailey on the steps to talk to him and managed to get him to sit with her inside the gym and got him doing some warm up excersises sitting with her. Micayla sat with them too. I told my friends that I needed Mel here and that I bet he'll join in if she was here. Then just as the warm up finished and they were about to go into their groups, Mel came in. I told her to go and see my son and see if you can get him to join in. She ran off all excited that Bailey was now doing gymnastics and you should've seen his face when he saw Mel. That was it, he was so excited to see her. He went off into the group and had the best time. He climbed up onto the beam, which is twice his size and walked along the whole length of it with all the confidence about the place. He was following the group with his train actions from activity to activity. He was swinging on bars and climbing ropes. He's a little monkey. He was doing rolly polly's down the mat and was just having an absolute ball. He's looking forward to going again next week now. There's no stopping him now.

Thanks Mel for helping get Bailey started. For those that don't know, Mel is the fiance of Adrian's cousin, Steve, which makes her a future 2nd cousin in law to Micayla and Bailey LOL. She's also one of the gymnastics instructers at the Berwick YMCA, where the kids do gymnastics.

Finally Blogged

2008-02-06T17:20:00.000+11:00

I am finally up to date with all my blogging. So settle yourself in for a big read. I hope you can stay with me to the end, and if you do. Thanks for reading.

Bailey starts Kinda

2008-02-06T16:43:00.000+11:00

Well my baby is growing up. Yesterday, 5th February Bailey started his first day of Kinda.

Bailey especially likes puzzles so you often see him sitting at that table. In this first photo he is building 'cool' cars like the ones from the 'Cars' movie. He is in the same kinda class as Corbin, the little brother of Bellanna who Micayla went to kinda with and later went on to primary school together. He seemed to settle in really well and really enjoyed himself.

YAY!!!! Schools Back!!!

2008-02-06T16:36:00.000+11:00

Micayla was as keen to get back to school as I was to send her. She was over being at home with me and missing her friends. I was over the trying to find something to keep them occupied. I just wanted to get back to routine. It's nice to be on holidays and to sleep in etc, but gee it's nice to be settled again.

Micayla is happy in 2E with Mrs Hamilton. It's has been a very easy start to the year for her as we already know Melinda Hamilton from Artypants. Yes; Micayla's Grade 2 teacher is the daughter/sister of my 'bosses' at Artypants. It's a shame we are going to lose her come May though, as she will be leaving us to have a baby. But very exciting for Melinda.

Family Day Fishing

2008-02-06T16:14:00.000+11:00

It was a nice sunny Sunday afternoon. We decided we'd get the bikes out and go for a ride to Berwick Springs for a spot of fishing. Something Adrian has been promising the kids for ages. It was a slow ride for us. Bailey was peddling his little legs like crazy and we were just lesuirely riding along. Lucky we weren't doing it for fitness.

We caught nothing. The kids kept wanting to reel their lines in and throw them out again. They were too busy feeding the ducks too. I don't think we had any hope of catching any fish.

Bailey was trying to see the fish through the holes in the jetty.

Ah look, I managed to get on the other side of the camera again. Micayla took this photo. Not one of my best mind you. But I think Micayla is a budding photographer.

We rode home in a different direction, via the playground they were so eager to play on. Bailey was very very tired by the time we got home. It was a long way for his little legs to peddle.

Holiday Visitors

2008-02-06T13:01:00.000+11:00

We had some visitors over the school holidays. My sister in law Wanda came over with my nephews Liam and Lachlan. They came for lunch and the kids were having a great time playing together. They stayed until around 7pm. It was great to catch up with Wanda and chat all day. It's been ages. She's so funny to listen to. Her stories are great and they make me laugh.

From left to right: Bailey, Lachlan, Liam and Micayla.

Then the following week Kerri came over with Jordan and Mitchell. I can't believe that Jordan is 2 years younger than Bailey and only about 2-3 inches shorter. Mitchell is such a quite placid baby, everytime you look at him he just gives you the biggest smile. At least he doesn't cry at me. I didn't get photos unfortunately. It would've been good to show the height difference between Bailey and Jordan.

Big Sky Wheel

2008-02-05T18:34:00.001+11:00

Hey look, I actually managed to get into a photo.

Micayla and Bailey's Oma and Opa took us all along to the Giant Sky Wheel in the city during the school holidays. The kids had a ball. We were up so high and could see so far. The ride went for about 10 minutes and we were over it by the end. It was pretty cold and blowy when our carriage was at the very top. An announcement came over the speakers to stay seated in the carriage, cause I kept standing up, moving from side to side to get scenery shots.

I did manage to get some awesome scenery shots of the city though.

This was on the opening day of the Australian Open so the tennis centre was full of activity. That's what you can see where there is blue. And the MCG behind that.

Looking down the Yarra River into the city.

And looking up the Yarra River away from the city.

When we got off the Sky Wheel, we got the kids an icecream each. And then Opa got us all some hot jam donuts. Bailey is devouring his donut while watching the boats on the Yarra River. He just loves donuts. He gave half his ice cream to Adrian, but Micayla finished all hers.
After their snack we went for a walk into Southbank, but along the way the kids spotted a playground.

Then we kept going, walking along the Yarra into Southbank. There are some sites/sights to see in the city. It was funny watching Adrian's father watching the 'lets say odd' people walk by. But they probably think we are odd??????

We decided it was time to go home, and we went via Mordialloc for fish n chips on the beach. But it had gotten quite cold by this stage and it would've been pretty blowy on the beach, so we ate in a park before going back to Adrian's parent for coffee. It was a really nice day out for all of us.

Home again and off again.

2008-02-05T15:05:00.000+11:00

After we came home from the river and was all cleaned up, we packed up again and took a trip up to Ballarat to visit Mum and Dad and Rochelle, Mark, Kieran and Taylah. Bailey just loves dogs and is always excited to see Mum and Dad's little pug Ellie. My god has she put on some weight. She a little round ball. And apparently she'd lost some weight due to running around with Rochelle's boxer pup while Mum and Dad were looking after her when Rochelle and Mark went on holidays. Here is Bailey playing with both dogs. He shoved Ellie out of the kennel and hoped in himself.

It's hard to get a good shot of a dog when Bailey had them in head locks and they were trying to get away. That's why the photo of Monty is blurry.

And here is Micayla playing with Ellie too.

On the Friday night, we went around to Rochelle and Mark's. Taylah was having a sleepover at her friends behind their house, so Taylah came back for a little while. Kieran was busy on the computer and Adrian and Mark, Bailey and Micayla went into their hot tub. Too cold out there for Shell and I to hop in so we just stayed inside and caught up on all the goss. It was great being able to sit down and chat to my sister for ages. Haven't done that in a long time. I was missing it. It was unbelievable that we were having all those days around 40 degrees, then to go to Ballarat and it be too cold to have a spa outside.

Christmas in Moama and Dubbo

2008-01-30T21:46:00.000+11:00

Finally, I've managed to blog what we did for Christmas and the holidays. Better late than never so they say. You may want to grab a coffee.

On 22nd December we left for Moama where we spent our Christmas.

On 23rd December, Adrian got the bike out for the kids to ride and Bailey had his first ride. Now that he's off the training wheels he can balance on the bike but he's not tall enough to put his feet on the ground so Adrian runs after him. He did really well.

Then Scott, Tania and the kids arrived to share Christmas with us. They arrived on the 23rd and then on Christmas day, Scott cooked a spit roast for lunch and he did an awesome job. It was delicious. Here are the kids opening their presents.

Bailey wanted to go to the toilet. The presents were in the annexe and of course he had to go past all the presents to get to the toilet. I didn't want him to see all the presents before I had the video out to see his reaction. So I made him close his eyes and I covered them as I took him to the toilet. Then when it was time to go and get his presents and we had the video on him, he closed his eyes cause that's what he thought he had to do because of the going to the toilet issue. So cute!

Just to make sure they got all their presents out they climbed inside their stockings.

They both got incar DVD players between them. This is a godsend on long trips. Especially seeing we were off to Dubbo the next day.

Don't you just love the mess of Christmas. Bailey got just what he was asking for "Big Mac". That's what he calls the Mack truck from Cars. Whenever someone asked what he wanted for Christmas he would just say "Big Mack", nothing else. Everyone first thought he justed wanted a hamburger.

Micayla got a My Scene Rollerblade doll, her first scrapbooking tote, a boogie board and a whole heap of other stuff. Bailey got lots of 'Cars' cars and the Spin City Hot Wheels track and loads of other stuff too. Adrian got a shirt and necklace and I got a tripod YAY!!!

On Boxing Day we left for Dubbo with Scott and Tania to visit Paul and Leah. They were having a Christening for their new baby Bridie over the Christmas.

The kids got to experience a lot of things while at Dubbo. Micayla had a go at Scubba Diving with Scott's help in Paul and Leah's pool.

Bailey had a ride on the 4 wheeler with Adrian.

And Adrian and Scott were whizzing Bailey around the pool in a figure 8, non stop as if he was on a kneeboard. He was using Micayla's boogie board.

Paul and Scott were teaching the kids how to shoot an air riffle at tin cans. This photo was actually taken back at the river. I wasn't around to get a photo while they were doing it in Dubbo. We don't normally have guns with us when we are away but Scott brought this one back from Dubbo with him for himself to use.

Paul also took us out to the Macquarie River. It was beautiful, it had a pebbly beach and it was beautiful to swim in. Paul took the kids for rides up and down the river in his dingy. Forgot to take the camera this day, couldn't believe I forgot the camera. Tania forgot hers too.

This is the day of the Christening.

Leah and Bridie

Kate and Ella. Kate is Paul and Scott's niece and Ella is Paul's eldest daughter, she's 2.

This was back at Paul and Leah's house after lunch before we were about to get in the car for the 8 hour trip back to Moama.

We got back to the river around 9pm on the 30th. The following day obviously was New Years Eve. We had a 'Tropical Cocktail Party'.

Here we all are in costume.

And this is the mess of the cocktail party. The kids were even making up their own cocktails of chocolate, fruit, milk, lemonade and whatever else non alcoholic that they thought might taste good. They said it tasted good, but I wonder????

Adrian, Scott and I were the last ones up and we got to bed after 4am. Tania was the only one up early and was down at the river with the kids while they swam. The rest of us didn't surface until 3.30pm and Scott finally arose at 4.30pm. I got up earlier, cooked bacon and eggs for breaky, cause I was just STARVING. Didn't feel hungover cause I was still p***ed. Went back to sleep for a while and then woke up hungover.

Bailey had his first ride behind the boat on the kneeboard.

Micayla is getting really good now too. We took the stabalizing bar of the kids training skies, so now she is skiing totally independately and moving out across the wake. She says by next Christmas she'll be on 1 ski. I think she's right too.

Looking at the kids one morning, they just looked so gorgeous with their golden tans and just had to snap a few photos. Bailey is as cheeky as ever.

Micayla is as pretty as a picture. Actually one of the little boys in her class last year said Micayla was as beautiful as a rose and has a lovely smile. How gorgeous!

During the last few days of the holiday, Emma and Russell and family, Sharelle, Brian and Paige and Kath and John and the boys all joined us. They had lots of fun too. Here is Emma and Russell's Sophie jumping from the high rail on the mooring on the property we camp on. She just had to do what the big boys were doing.

Here are all the kids from the abovementioned having a ball jumping in and out of the biscuit.

We packed up and came home on the 6th. We were away for 2 weeks, which was a long time for us. Lots and Lots of cleaning when we got home. It took me all week.

Thanks for making it to the end.

Bailey's Creche Family Christmas Party

2008-01-17T20:11:00.001+11:00

We went to Myuna Farm for Bailey's Creche Family Christmas Party on Tuesday, 11th December. We took along our own food and had a picnic dinner of KFC. The kids were playing on the playground and had a ride on the pony. It was Bailey's first ride on a pony. Both the kids are naturals at sitting in the saddle while riding along.

Santa then arrived.

Waiting patiently for their names to be called. By the look on Micayla's face, I think she was worried there wasn't going to be anything for her.

Bailey was called first. He jumped up so excited and whipped in, got his present and whipped back out as quick as can be and I nearly missed the photo.

Bailey's happy, but Micayla still looks worried.

Finally it was Micayla's turn.

Two happy little vegemites with their Beanie Kids! Bailey's is T Bone the Dog Bear and Micayla's is the mermaid. Can't remember it's actual name.

After Santa, we went into the animal nursery where the kids could handle the rabbits and guinea pigs.

Micayla had hold of a rabbit and it bit her on the leg.

Then little brother Bailey was acting like a big brother, put his hand into a log, grabbed a guinea pig by the scruff of the neck, dragged it out and carried over to Micayla and said "Here Micayla, I got one for you." He's so rough with them, but it was soooo cute.