My Life, My Words

More shares

2012-01-23T21:44:00.005+10:00

No scrapping from me this week but I do have some other layouts to show you that I did while visiting Rebecca earlier this month. What better way to fill in the night hours than scrap with an awesome friend ;)

Layout One: OUT FOR PUBLICATION But here is a sneak peak: Layout Two: Summer Fun. This layout is based on the current challenge over at Scrap the Boys.

Layout Three - an EPIC FAIL (imo anyway). All I can say is that it seemed like a good idea at the time :/
Anyway, lesson planning calls me. Hopefully I will get it under control in the next night or so which means that I may just get to play with pretty paper on the weekend.

Thanks for stopping by.
S xoxoxo

Busy Living Life

2012-01-21T10:51:00.005+10:00

Lots has been going on lately - Christmas, New Year, trip to Victoria, trip to the beach, a birthday, getting ready to head back to school and work - little wonder I haven't had time to show you these:

1. Go Fish - Sara's Sketch with a Twist over at Scrapbook Savvy.

(Have you done yours yet? Not sure how much of the original sketch is in the final product though lol)2. Merry Little Men - another layout using the Merry Savvy Brights kit.

It is all sold out now but I think there are still some Merry Savvy Traditional Kits in store - go over and check them out, you will not be disappointed.

3. Silly. I love this photo of Lachie - it is him to a T; rarely serious and almost always laughing/giggling at something.

I would like to make it clear that this layout has been scrap-lifted from Carol Monson (totally loving her stuff after happening upon her blog over Christmas). I love her scrapping style - love, love, love it.

4. Hands.
Another of my favourite photos at the moment. These two boys stress me to the max sometimes but when I look at pictures like this, I know that deep down and despite all the niggling and arguments, they love each other ;)

5. Brothers.

Yes you saw these photos on several layouts last year and you know what, you will probably see them again :p. I honestly don't think I will ever get tired of looking at, or scrapping these photos.I do have some other layouts to share but I will leave that for another time. Hope your start to 2012 has been a good one and that it continues to be a great year.
See you soon
S xoxoxo

Scrapping with Donna and Lauren

2011-12-27T10:59:00.005+10:00

Just before the madness of Christmas, Donna and I packed up our scrapping stash and kids and hit the road for a scrapping sleep over at Lauren's place a few hours drive away and affectionately known as the place where you can almost see the end of the earth. Not sure about the whole end of the earth thing but at the moment it is so green and there is feed everywhere. After spending all my life living on flat farming ground, it is a major difference been surrounded by hills of Lauren and Luke's farm. It was the first time my boys had been to visit the Bell's down on the farm and they had a blast. I loved just sitting with Lauren and Donna chatting and scrapping the day away - these two ladies make me laugh so much, not to mention the fact that they inspire me so much with their scrapping. I managed to come up with 7 layouts in the time I was there - somewhat of a scrapping frenzy for this super-slow scrapper lol.

Layout One: Christmas

I have used the December 15th sketch from Stuck?! Sketches for this layout as well as the criteria for Sar's December Kit Challenge over at Scrapbook Savvy. Not 100% happy with this layout - I really wanted to make myself use the printed side of the patterned paper but in hind sight, I should have used a reddish/cranberry coloured paint, ink or mist for the background paint and chipboard instead of the black OR the reverse side of the paper. Oh well, it is another layout for the album.

Layout Two: The Cutest Santa

A photo of Mitchell from our photoshoot this yeat. I have used the Merry Savvy Kit for this layout and old October Afternoon stickers and some Mr Huey's Mist - starting to fall in lust with this stuff lol.

And, of course, the obligatory close up:

Layout Three - Sunshine and Smiles

Originally, I suggested this title for one of Lauren's layouts but when she went with something different, I decided that it went perfectly with this photo of Lachlan.And a close-up:Layout Four: It's Your Love

Another layout from our wedding all those years ago (hitting 13 years this April). I have used a line from the chorus of the song we danced to for our Bridal Waltz in the title - It's Your Love sung by Tim Mc Graw and Faith Hill. I surprised Tony with tickets to one of Tim and Faith's Brisbane concerts for Christmas. Truth be told, I really wanted to go more than Tony but he can't say no now can he lol?!

Layout Five: Candle Time

Mitchell celebrated his 9th birthday at the start of the month. We had a small party for him at home. Tony helped Mitch to light the candles but it was too windy for them to stay alight. In the end Tony settled for getting Mitch to blow out the lighter instead. I went a tad overboard with the mist on this layout but you get that lol.

A closeup of a Purple Pumpkin button, October Afternoon stickers and mist, and twine from The Twinery.

Layout Six: Best of Mates
I love this photo of the boys - it isn't technically perfect but the history behind the taking of this photo is what I love. They were jabbering on about the farm, what daddy would be doing and how they can help him all throughout the afternoon that Sarah Bacon and I were taking these photos. It is memories like these that cannot be replaced. I also decided to enter this layout in one of the December challenges - Rebekkah's - over at Challenge Heaven where Donna has just been announced as a member of the 2012 Design Team (woot woot Donna!). I might even give some of the other challenges a go over the next few weeks before school starts back.

Yep, you guess it, another close-up. Thanks Lauren for showing me your twine techniques. Think I need a few more lessons hehehehehe

Layout Seven: Best Foot Forward

A just because layout of Mitchell from a few years ago. I want to try and teach the boys that life is not always great and things get tough but we can make our way through things by putting out best foot forward. Now if only I could practise what I preach lol.And another closeup:So that was my effort from our visit to Lauren's. Christmas has been and gone since then. Santa spoilt me a lot this year with a new iPad and some plane tickets for the boys and I to go to Melbourne in the new year to visit a special friend - gee I wonder who that could be lol ;). We fly out on January 5 and return on the 13th - just in time for the mad dash to get everything ready for the start of a new school year. The boys were spoilt this year with new John Deere toys, clothes, lego, book and a huge remote control 4WD John Deere tractor - and that was just from Santa and Mum and Dad. We won't talk about all the other goodies given to them by their relatives lol.

I hope you all had a safe and merry Christmas.

Catch up again soon.

S xoxoxo

More scrapping shares

2011-12-21T19:10:00.005+10:00

As promised, I have returned to show you more layouts created over the past few weeks. This year, I took long service leave for the last two weeks of school and apart from going to work for some of those days (yeah I know I have idiot written on my forehead lol), I spent a few days scrapping with some of the other Dalby scrappers. I have also been playing with paper in between trying to get this house sorted again - housework went by the wayside in those last frantic weeks of work. Here is what I have come up with - oh yeah, lots of photos to follow ;)

Layout One - The Cutest Buns (the title says it all really lol)

Layout Two - Superhero in the Making

(our pool is out of action so the boys have to make do with a tarp spread out over the lawn. There is a bit of decline so they think it is hilarious to practise their 'superhero' poses. Credit for this layout goes to Lauren Bell from the Whitehouse Retreat)

A close-up:

Layout Three - S'up Dude

(what is it with boys and the 'punk rocker' pose??)

Layout Four: Sprinkler Play (again, the title says it all ;-) )

And another closeup:

Layout Five: Smile

based on another Lauren Bell creation - anyone would think I am fixated with her at the moment :o

And yet another close-up:

Layout Six: Rooster Top (in reference to the fact that no matter what we do, Lachlan's hair always sticks up at the back thanks to a double crown)Layout Seven: In Deep
And finally, two of the three teacher gifts I made this year for the boys' teachers. Messages boards as inspired by Wendy Smith. They went down a treat and am in the process of making a fourth for another special teacher at the boys' school.
The quote reads: A teacher holds a hand, opens a mind and touches a heart.
So those are all the layouts and other things I have to share at the moment. Still have a bit of tweaking to do to some of the layouts I created while Donna and I went on our little road trip to Lauren's. If I get myself organised, I might even be back to share those tomorrow.
Thanks for stopping by.
S xoxoxox

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2011-12-20T22:37:00.006+10:00

... considering it is just a few days out from Christmas, I thought it was time I actually got around to finishing scrapping the photos I took in the lead up to Christmas last year. The following layouts - yes you read that correctly, I have used the layout twice - are based on the December Sketch from Scrapbooking from Sketch. Here is the sketch:
Peta McBeth - owner of SFS also added the following criteria for the sketch challenge - string, hessian or material or lace in small pieces and staples. This is my take on the sketch with the added criteria:

As I said earlier, I have actually used this sketch twice. This is is my first take on the sketch, minus the criteria. I was totally inspired by Lauren Bell. I think the white mist, twine and small photo give me away, don't you lol. Just have to say it here, Lauren inspires me so much. Maybe it could be the fact that I have just spent the last two days scrapping at her dinner table. Seriously, I could sit and watch her create all day and then on the next day I could sit and lift them all hehehehehehehe.
And now for a close-ups:In other exciting scrap news, one of my very good scrapping friends from right here in Dalby - Donna White - has been announced as one of the new Design Team members for Challenge Heaven. Such an awesome accomplishment for a super talented scrapper. She is the queen of 'popping' and 'double popping' on her layouts - I am referring to the dimension she gets on her layouts - amazing affect and you have to check out her work for yourself to believe it. Congratulations Donna, I can't wait to see your work on the site.
I do have more layouts to share but I will leave that for another post.
Take care everyone - stay safe during this festive season.
S xoxoxoxox

Stuck?! Anyone?

2011-12-16T22:13:00.004+10:00

I have finally got around to completing the December 1st Sketch challenge from Stuck?! Sketches. The banners had me freaking out at first but eventually I think I got somewhere in the end. Here is the sketch:

And here is my take on it using some patterned paper from the Merry Savvy kit for December.

December 15th's sketch went up yesterday so I might even get a chance to play along with that sometime over the weekend.
Hope you are all safe and getting excited for the cuddly man in the bright red suit to come visit. Take care.
S xoxoxo

Finally she scraps

2011-12-13T23:13:00.005+10:00

After what has felt like an eternity (well it was almost 3 months) I think I have re-discovered how to scrap. At my lowest point I honestly felt that I would never scrap again - the very thought of it would make me nervous and nauseous. As much as I would want to catch up with my scrap buddies, the thought of actually scrapping was not something I looked forward to. Not even the promise of a 3 day retreat at Donna's house excited me. Part of this could have been the fact that I had a bunch of exams to mark and report cards to write. So mark away I did while everyone around me created like there was no tomorrow.
Luckily, I had put in for some long service leave earlier in the year for the last two weeks of school. Once all of the school work was out of the way, I began to get excited about the prospect of scrapping again. Thanks to some inspiration from Donna and Lauren, I think I have found my scrap again - YAY! The next few layouts are the start of the re-discovery. I won't bore you with them all at once, plus it will give something else to blog about.
Layout 1: Wide Open Spaces (photo by Sarah Bacon):

Layout 2: Slide Fun

(Our pool is out of action at the moment so to break the hot weather, we grabbed a tarp used to cover the cotton modules once they are picked and added water and shampoo - cheapest fun the boys have had in a long time lol)

Layout 3: Say What? (Photos by Sarah Bacon) DEC Sketch for Purple Pumpkin

(Sarah, a very good friend of mine came out to have a play around with her mum's camera. The boys certainly hammed it up for the camera, even more so after I told them a dirty ditty my mother taught me when I was their age)

Layout 4: Our Cheeky Monkey - nothing else needs to be said

Layout 5: {9}

(Photo taken of Mitch on his 9th birthday - cannot believe that I have a 9 year old. Where have the years gone???!!!) That will do for now. I have a few more layouts and pictures of the Christmas presents I made for the boys' teachers to share but I will save that for another day.
To those of you who sent messages and offered support during the last three months - thanks from the bottom of my heart. I am lucky to be surrounded by an awesome group of friends - you know who you are. Loves ya all lol.
Take care
S xoxoxox

Feeling Lost

2011-10-23T21:18:00.003+10:00

Not in the best head space at the moment. Silly really because there isn't anything really, really wrong - I just feel blah. I can function perfectly fine Monday through Friday but come the weekend it is a different story.
I have stuff to share, things to say but just can't get the words out. Need to work on me but will be back when I can.
Take care.
S xoxo

Hello October

2011-10-02T21:53:00.007+10:00

It's the start of a new month so that means hunting around to see what new scrapping challenges are out there in cyberspace. After taking photos yesterday of the boys yabby hunting, I was in the mood for some creating.
Layout 1: 'Special' is the word of the month for Sara's Wordy Challenge at Scrapbook Savvy. For this challenge, the word special needed to be a focal point of the layout. I love how simple things can give the boys so much joy - kinda special you could say ;)

Layout 2: My take on the sketch of the month at Anna's Craft Cupboard designed by DT member, Wendy Smith. I scared myself a little bit when I compared my layout to Wendy's sample - freaky how I had used paint even without seeing hers and in a similar way too :s

There are lots more challenges and I am always on the look out for more so if you see any, leave links in the comments ;)

The final term of the school year starts tomorrow. I am sad that the holidays are over but happy knowing that my term is only 8 weeks instead of 10 - gotta love having enough long service leave up my sleeve to add an extra two weeks to the summer holidays :)

Take care and thanks for stopping by.

S xoxoxoxo

The final roundup

2011-10-01T17:21:00.007+10:00

Well I may have needed an extra day but I am happy to say that I have managed to accomplish something I previously thought impossible - that is completing all 30 sketches for the SFS Sketch-a-day challenge. When I first read about the challenge I thought to myself, yeah right as if I will ever get through that. However, to my surprise I did. Personally, I think the real reason why I made it through this challenge was the fact that we have just had two weeks of school holidays - there is no way I would have ever been able to scrap this much normally. So here are the last 3 layout for the month.

Layout 1 - Sept 30 Sketch After seeing one of Lauren's layouts the other day - a Christmas one - I was inspired. The criteria for this sketch were to use 3 or more different papers, two photos, border punch or hand scallops, hand journal and multi alpha title. I think I managed all that lol.

Layout 2: Sept 29 Sketch The extra criteria for this sketch were to use a household item behind the title (mine is a recycled orange bag) and strip journalling.

Closeup of some of A Lil Somethin's latest release which was school-themed but I loved the apple and it fitted with my title so why not? lol

Layout 3: Sept 28 Sketch - a sketch from Sassy Lil Sketches. Yet another wedding photo (yes, I am picking my chin up off the floor too lol)

I didn't really think the banner on the original sketch fitted the photo so I swapped it for butterflies. I think it looks ok. Simple but passable lol

After a few months of nagging, Tony came home the other day with a yabby net for the boys. Early this morning the three of them headed up to the dam on the western side of the farm armed with a bag of meat and the net. We all went back after lunchtime to see if there was anything in the net. We expected maybe one or two but there were closer to 40 yabbies much to the squeals and delights of two little boys.

I love how the simplest things can give them so much pleasure - seriously, who would have thought a few bits of old meat and a dam could make them happy.

Looks like someone needs to have a party and invite his shirt down - either that or I need to find some new farm clothes for him lol.

It took a lot of convincing but the boys eventually left all of the yabbies, bar three, in the dam on the promise they could go yabbying again another day real soon. Goodness only knows what the three unfortunate yabbies are going to go through - one has already last a claw. Not sure how it happened but Master Lachlan proudly brought it inside and promptly dumped it on my desk for me to look at :o
That's all for now. Thanks for stopping by.
S xoxoxo

All Caught Up

2011-09-27T19:24:00.005+10:00

*** WARNING: PHOTO HEAVY POST ***

With the boys having a little holiday at Tony's parents, I have made the most of my free time to get caught up on the Sketch-a-Day challenge over at SFS. I am so pleased to say that I am officially up-to-date. Considering that I must be one of the slowest scrappers out there (as Lauren and Donna can attest to lol), this is something of a minor miracle, especially when a few of my child-free days were spent in bed trying to get rid of migraines. Ok so if you are game, grab a cup of coffee because there are quite a few photos to follow.
Layout 1: Today's Sketch Another wedding layout. I am thinking that once this challenge is over, I am going to go through the sketches and do some more wedding layouts.

Layout 2: Sept 26 Some random photos of Mitchell from our holiday back in June/July.Layout 3: Sept 25 Another layout using photos from my photoshoot with Sarah Bacon over at the cattle yards. Criteria on this layout were to use black cardstock and negative alphas - I traced around alphas and then lifted them off. The strip of material is off an old pair of Lachie's farm shorts. If you look real close, you can see some grease stains that never came out in the wash.Layout 4: Sept 24 More photos from our family photoshoot back in May. Have scrapped these photos before but will probably scrap them again lol.Layout 5: Sept 23 Photos from Mitchell's 'Circus' Performance at school at the end of Term 2. The criteria for this sketch was to use time in the title. Tony and I were just commenting tonight about how much Mitchell's confidence has improved over the past few months. Making the decision to have him participate in Social Skills lessons after his ONS Autism diagnosis was one of the best things we ever did - he has come out of his shell so much and the SEP staff comment on how much he has changed and how he has developed a lot of leadership qualities. He has had a few big challenges this year but is coping with them really well so far.Layout 6: Sept 22 Photos of Lachlan and Tony from our holiday. Took me a while to 'get into' this sketch and it has ended up being quite a busy page for me but I think I like it lol. I used a few bits from A Lil' Somethin' as templates for the banner and kite on this layout.Layout 7: Sept 21 More soccer photos of Lachie and a bit of a fluff up (well a lot of a fluff up) with mist on the Jenni Bowlin playing card lol.Layout 8: Sept 14 Photo taken on Lachie's birthday when he took cupcakes to share with his class mates. I didn't fulfill all the criteria with this layout as we were supposed to use two photos. But I did fulfill the 'no pink' and a handmade embellishment (A Lil' Somethin' bottle top thanks to Donna). Two out of three ain't bad lol.

So if you have sat through all of that, you need a medal lol. And isn't it just my luck - when I finally do manage to get caught up, I have to head off for a few days. I am going to pick up the boys tomorrow and most likely spend a night with my parents before coming home again. Let's hope I get home nice and early Thursday to scrap some more lol.

Thanks for stopping by and even more thanks to those of you who stayed knowing that this was a huge post. Your visits and comments give me more than just a little boost.

Take care

S xoxoxoxoxox

Almost there

2011-09-21T08:43:00.004+10:00

I am almost caught up with the daily challenges over at SFS. Apart from doing the daily sketch for the rest of the month, the only sketch left to catch up on is Sept 14. So that must mean I have a few shares for you so be warned, this is a photo heavy post lol

Layout 1: Sept 20 Sketch

Layout 2: Sept 19 Sketch (This is one of the very few photos that I have scrapped of our wedding which was 12 1/2 yrs ago. For some reason, I have really struggled with how to actually scrap them)

Layout 3: Sept 18 Sketch (This sketch is also the 2nd Stuck?! Sketch for the month)

Layout 4: Sept 13 Sketch (shock horror, yet another wedding photo. Definitely feeling inspired by Lauren Bell in this layout - minus the awesomeness lol)Layout 5: Sept 12 Sketch
You will be pleased to know that I am finished with the catch up for now. I am about to take the boys into meet with their grandparents for a few days. Bags are almost packed and I am supposed to meet them in a little over an hour so I had bettter get a move on. Bring on a few days of peace and quiet - although I am sure I will find plenty of jobs to do around the house, not to mention more scrapping.
Thanks for stopping by.
S xoxoxo

Back to the Future

2011-09-17T23:10:00.003+10:00

After spending close to 4 1/2 hours on the mower this morning, I decided to reward myself with a bit of time at the scrap table so I could continue my quest to catch up on the layouts for the SFS Sketch-a-day Comp. I stuck to the plan - during the current layout and then going back to do the ones missed out - I mentioned in the last post so it feels like I am going back to the future when I look at these layouts.

Layout 1: Today's Sketch:

Layout 2 from Yesterday:
Layout 3 from Sept 10:
Layout 4 from Sept 11:

Please excuse the poor quality of the last two photos. I need to learn how to take decent night time photos of layouts lol.
Tomorrow sees a major catch-up on housework, a bit of a spring clean and hopefully catching up of the SFS sketches. Only 3 more and I will be up-to-date!!! I have never stuck with something quite like this before. I would love to be caught up by tomorrow night. Wish me luck lol.
Hope you are enjoying your weekend and the start of holidays for my Queensland visitors.
Take care,
S xoxoxoxo

Jumping forward a few days

2011-09-15T23:28:00.003+10:00

It dawned on me today that in my quest to catch up with the Sketch-a-day Comp over at SFS, I am not making many gains. This prompted me to rethink my catch-up strategy. Rather than trying to catch up, I have decided to scrap the Sketch of the Day first and then if I have any more scrapping time, catch up on the previous sketches. Which leads me to today's sketch. The criteria for this sketch was to use paint on the background and string. Pretty easy criteria considering one of the layouts I did last night had both of these items on it lol.

I stepped waaaaaaaaaaaaaay out of my comfort zone with this one and used a busy patterned paper as my background. Not sure if the colours work, but it is done now and can get put in the album once the glue dries.

Term 3 of school ends tomorrow so I am hoping that I can get up to date with all of the previous sketches in the next few days.
Thanks for stopping by.
S xoxoxo

Slowly catching up

2011-09-15T10:02:00.008+10:00

A real quick update from me with more of layouts from SFS Sketch-a-day comp. Here is my layout for Sept 8. The criteria was to use green on the layout and I think I managed that lol: And here is my take on the sketch for Sept 9. Criteria for this layout was to use tags:

That is it for now. The aim is to be caught up with the sketches by the end of the weekend now that I have finished all my marking for the term. Yay.

How are you going with your sketches???

S xoxoxo

Falling behind

2011-09-13T13:10:00.004+10:00

It is that time of term again when the madness well and truly sets in - well it is always there but it is just the intensity that varies lol. The last week of Term 3 is always hell week - you know those kind of weeks where everything hits you and once it and all needed to be done yesterday??? If you are nodding, I feel your pain. However, thanks to a lot of late nights at the end of last week and Sunday glued to my desk, I am pretty much up-to-date with everything I need to have done. Don't get me wrong, there are still lots of loose ends but they can only be dealt with at the time - which, knowing my luck will be 3pm Friday lol.

As a reward for no sleep and all that work, I played with paper last night. I was beginning to think that I would be sick of paper after all that marking but when it has pretty colours and patterns, it is not hard to feel the urge to play. I have managed to do two more layouts from the sketch-a-day comp over at Scrapbooking from Scratch.

Here is my layout for Sept 6:

Photo credit: Sarah Bacon

And of course, a closeup:
Next is my layout for Sept 7:
And some closeups:With any luck I will be able to hand over my Year 12 panel submission very soon which mean one more job crossed off the to-do list. I am determined to get up-to-date with the SFS sketches - even if it kills all my mojo lol.
Thanks for stopping by,

S xoxoxoxo

More layouts from SFS September Comp

2011-09-07T00:44:00.002+10:00

After a hectic day at work that was made longer with a staff meeting and then a meeting with the Admin team, I decided to reward myself with a bit of paper play. Mind you, it had to wait until dinner was cooked, homework completed, washing up done and the boys bathed and in bed. Once all that was done, I sat at the desk with mindless reality TV shows playing in the background and two more sketches from the SFS Sketchaday Comp for the month of September. Here is my take for Sept 4:

This is one of the photos I took last Sunday over at the old cattle yards. Lachie is such a poser as I am sure you can tell by this photo. And for a close up:

The next layout is based on the sketch for Sept 5th and uses more photos from the weekend. A friend came out to have a play with her mum's camera and asked the boys to tell each other stories that would make them laugh. Boys being boys decided it would be more fun to sing dirty ditties to each other. Nothing like capturing the joy of the moment, regardless of how technically incorrect the photos are.

And of course, what would a post be without a closeup lol:

Journalling reads: Sarah Bacon and I learnt that asking you to make each other laugh while taking photos may not have been the best idea. Let's just say we heard a lot of singing about a Chinaman, a cow and a failed attempt at milking. Need I say more?!
Hopefully I will get another chance to play again tomorrow night. Are you playing along? If so, link me your blog so I can check out your fabulous work.
Thanks for stopping by.
Sarah

Sleep, Stories and more

2011-09-04T22:09:00.003+10:00

Almost every night I check on the boys before I head to bed for the night. Our boys have always shared a bedroom and, despite my calls for separate rooms on those nights where they have their silly heads on, it looks like it will stay that way for a long time to come. Part of me loves that they are so close and are such a comfort for each other but another part of me hates trying to deal with over-tired and cranky boys the morning after the night before. I am sure you all know what I am talking about ;) Anyway, back to the point of all this. Quite often during my nightly checks I will find that one of the boys has moved into the other's bed, all curled up and sound asleep - it pulls at my heartstrings every time. I thought it was about time I recorded this. I have used the sketch from Day 2 of the September challenge over a SFS and also used Lauren Bell's take on the sketch as my inspiration. Not a lot of me in this LO, just a heck of a lot of Lauren lol. Thanks Lauren :-)

Layout Number 2 is based on September 1st's Stuck?! Sketch which also happened to be the Sept 3 challenge at SFS. Did a little rotating of the sketch. I think it works:

Also this weekend, I was lucky enough to have a friend come out and spend some time taking photos of the boys. I took my camera along for the ride. Here are some of my favourites - all unedited - editing will have to wait until the holidays when I have time to work out how to use my new PSE9 program. Mitchell: age 8 3/4Lachlan: age 6 yrs

The boys reciting a little ditty that Dad taught them this morning involving a china man milking a cow the wrong way and getting something on his face. Please tell me I am not the only mother whose children think dirty ditties are the funniest thing going.

Back to work tomorrow. Have had a great weekend with Tony and the boys. Soccer yesterday and celebrating Father's Day today. I don't know who got a bigger kick out of it - Tony or the boys.

Enjoy your week everyone.

TFSB

Sarah xoxo

To the Moon and Back

2011-09-01T23:57:00.003+10:00

I have had October Afternoon's Rocket Age papers and stickers sitting in my stash for a little while now and each time I have pulled it out I have had quite a few 'what on earth was I thinking?!' moments. I love the colours on a lot of the papers but always seemed to get caught on the whole out-of-space thing.
After seeing a FB message about a new challenge over at Scrapbooking From Scratch, I decided to bite the bullet and use some of the collection. SFS are holding a Sketchaday challenge for the month of September. Today sketch is this:

So armed with my Rocket Age stuff, this is what I came up with:

Gotta love me some October Afternoon. Can't wait to get my hands on their latest CHA releases - very jealous of those of you who already have it (yes Lauren, that means you lol) but I know I will get it eventually.
Last day of the working week tomorrow and then only 10 more school days until Sept-Oct holidays - totally can't wait. Thanks for stopping by.

Sxoxoxo

4 out of 4

2011-08-31T15:07:00.003+10:00

Yay I did it! I actually managed to complete all 4 challenges over at Stuck?! this month. I can barely get the usual 2 challenges done in a month let alone their bonus sketches as well. A night of little sleep will do that to you - lol I think I jinxed myself in my previous post.

This was the sketch:
At first I thought it was a bit too girly-girl for me but then I got over myself and just went for it. Here is my take on it:And that brings a busy scrap month to a close. I wonder what September holds - can you believe that September is here and YAY that means SPRING which is just a hop, skip and jump away from my favourite season of all - SUMMER!!!

Til next time,

S xoxoxox

Stuck, more Savvy and just because

2011-08-30T20:10:00.002+10:00

So far this month I have managed to complete 3 out of the 4 challenges over at Stuck?! Sketches. Obviously there is still one more challenge left to do but with tomorrow being the last day of the month, I don't fancy my chances of getting it done. The fact that I appear to have picked up the same chesty cold that Lachlan had last week isn't helping scrapping matters either. I hope I can just push through it enough to make it to the end of term without having to have any more time off - 13 school days to go - not that I am counting or anything lol. Anyway enough of that - if I stop thinking about being sick then maybe it will just magically disappear lol. Back to Stuck?! The following layout is based on their Birthday Bonus Sketch. A little bit simpler than I originally intended but wanted the layout to be all about the photo. Sometimes we call Lachlan 'Lachiepop' so of course, that had to be the title. I think this photo is my favourite individual pic of Lach from our family photoshoot. And yes, your eyes aren't deceiving you - I have scrapped this photo already this month and who knows, I might even scrap it again lol.
Layout 2 is the final challenge from Scrapbook Savvy's August Cybercrop - Sar's Blind Scrap. I didn't get it 'right', especially with the ribbon - nothing seemed to work so I went with my current 'old faithful' - Twine. Almost out of the colour (Caribean Blue) I have used here - need to go shopping and get myself some more lol. And what do you know, here is another photo that I have scrapped a few times already and one that may have made it to the cover of Scrapbooking Memories Magazine ;)

Note: yes the red patterned paper is crooked but it is staying that way ... for now lol.

Layout 3 is a just because layout using the latest He's Savvy Kit - love this new paper from My Mind's Eye. I feel like I am going back to my beginner days of scrapbooking with a black mount around the photos but I am loving it all the same.Anyway I am determined that I will sleep tonight despite the fact that I slept for the entire afternoon. Given my track record of not sleeping at night if I sleep during the day, I am not fancying my chances.
Hope the winter bugs are staying away from you and your loved ones.
Cheers,
S xoxoxo

Savvy Cybercrop Fun

2011-08-28T22:51:00.004+10:00

This weekend saw another month of cybercrop fun over at Scrapbook Savvy. It has been quite a while since I was able to get all of the challenges done. I've got one more - Sar's Blind Scrap - to put the finishing touches on but hopefully I will get to that tomorrow night.
First off was Anthea's Challenge. We had to use the following sketch from PageMaps as the basis of our layout.
I flipped it and came up with this:
Not sure how much of the original sketch is there but I can see it ... kind of lol. And a close-up:
The next challenge I tackled was Renee's 'distressing' challenge. I definitely channeled my inner Lauren Bell for this one. Thanks for the inspiration Lauren:
Hey Lauren, where do you think I got this idea from??? bahahahahahahaha

Next on the list of challenges was Kerryn's puzzle challenge. Ironically, I had done a layout which almost matched the criteria just hours before it was posted. I attempted to tweak it a little bit but was not 100% happy with it so I started from scratch. I am much happier second time around: The final challenge was Sara's '3 in a row' challenge. I elected to do the '2 photos, doilie and paint' option. I lost count of how many times I started this layout and put it away. In the end I re-printed the photos and the layout seemed to come together so much easily - lol but still just a slow as normal:Have to admit that I am NOT a doilie fan but after "rattin' through my stash", I came up with one I liked. A little Glimmermist later and it looks alright, even if I do say so myself lol:Now all I need to do is finish Sar's Blind Scrap Challenge. Hopefully there will not be too much catching-up to do after having two days off at home with Lachie who is sick.
Enjoy your week everyone. I will be back in a day or two with some more show and tell.
Cheers

S xoxoxo

And the scrapping with friends continues ....

2011-08-21T22:29:00.004+10:00

I don't know about you but I have just had the most awesome weekend full of fun, laughter, chocolate and scrapping. What more could a girl want??? Absolutely nothing when you are sitting at a table with Donna, Lisa and Lauren. OMG words cannot begin to describe just how hilarious these three ladies are and how we could make anything seem funny regardless of the subject. Unlike the other three I did not manage to get a lot of scrapping done - too busy laughing at the loud noises coming from a certain someone (lol wonder who that was? hehe) and wiping the drool off my mouth after looking at all the awesomeness being created around me. I tell ya, saying that these three ladies are talented scrappers does not go anywhere near to tell you just how amazing their work is. I am in serious lust lol. In between all of the laughing I managed to finish two layouts and start a third (which was finished just a little while ago):

1. Team Roar

After doing a few pages of Lachlan's soccer efforts for 2011, I thought it was about time I did a page for Mitchell. The photos are quite grainy but I wanted to use them anyway as this was the first time he played 'goalie'. He was so excited and proud to finally don that jersey after waiting all season. He played an awesome half and did not let a single kick in - what a little champ.

2. So Loved

This is yet another picture from our family photo shoot. I call this the fake smile photo but Donna had a better idea with 'The Farmer wants a Wife' lol - can so totally see Lachie being on that show in 20 years time little heart breaker that he is. Quite a plain layout but this was how I wanted and even managed to use the little gifts Lisa passed my way. Thanks Lisa, mwah.

3. Aussie of the Month

Another layout of Mitchell's amazing achievement in being award Aussie of the Month. I really struggled with this layout last night - could not get anything to work. In the end I gave up and packed it all away. Earlier tonight, I pulled it out and it seemed to come together in the blink of an eye. Think I channeled a bit of Lauren in the staggered placement of the letters and a bit of Lisa in the rubons on placed randomly on the page. Thanks to Donna's girls for helping me out with the statement is read to the award recipients. Getting the award was extra special for Mitch as his statement was read by Seb, an amazing student at the school who Mitch has become close friends with during their SEP sessions on a Wednesday. Also used a little bit of A Lil' Somethin' awesomeness on the layout with the kite (just quietly, I think I am in love).

4. Sharing Secrets

Finally, I can show this layout. I posted a sneak weeks ago while we were still on holidays but have only just got around to showing you now. This was my application for a DT spot with Stuck! Sketches. Unfortunately I didn't make the team but didn't really expect to as this was only the second time I have ever applied to be on a DT. Can't be too disappointed though as it is one more page for the albums that would not have been there if I didn't apply in the first place - gotta find the silver lining in every cloud - now there are 8 words I need to start living by.
Thanks for an awesome weekend ladies. Let's hope it isn't too long before our next get together.

Have a great week everyone.

S xoxoxoxo

Scrapping with friends ...

2011-08-07T21:13:00.004+10:00

.. is always fun. I am fortunate enough to have a great group of online and real life friends who I get to scrap with on a regular basis. Over the weekend I spent Saturday with two gorgeous friends, Donna and Sarah. I managed to come up with these little beauties:

1. So very Proud of you

(based on the bonus sketch from Stuck! sketches)

Last Wednesday Mitchell was announced as one of the 'Aussies of the Month' for his school. A different year level is selected each month and August is the month reserved for Year 3. There are approximately 100 students in Yr 3 at Mitchell's school which means there are 4 classes. One boy and one girl are chosen from each class. Needless to say, we are very proud that Mitch was one of the 8 selected - a very special honour indeed.

And a closeup. I used one of the new releases from A Lil' Somethin' (the banner and flag) and My Vintage Blossoms (flower)

2. Team Glory

This is a lo for Lachlan's album. Please excuse the blackened out faces and names of the other players. The photos are quite poor quality but considering the fact that they were taken during the middle of the day, the layout came together with a bit of channeling of my inner Crystal.

A close up. The soccer ball is from Making Memories.

3. So Happy Together

Another layout using photos from our family photo shoot. This would have to be my favourite photo of the boys and yes I have used it before and yes I will most likely use it again lol. To be honest, I am not 100% happy with this layout (I know this wouldn't surprise some of you lol) but at least it is another layout for the album.
and, you guess it - another closeup:So that was the end of a very productive scrapping week - 8 layouts in one week is definitely a record for me!
I hope you all have a great week. Hugs to all my scrapping friends.
S xoxo

Christmas in August

2011-08-05T22:05:00.005+10:00

Just to be different lol. I know lots of people talk about Christmas in July but I have never been into that sort of thing. When I was vegging out last night, I started looking through the pile of unscrapped photos on my desk. I was in a bit of a foul mood and these photos gave me the 'pick-me-up I needed. They picked me up enough to want to scrap which is a total surprise considering that I don't normally scrap a lot of the Christmas pics I take.

As you can see, this was not your ordinary Christmas photoshoot but to me, it perfectly sums up Christmas in Australia.
Here are some close-ups:
Very excited as I am off to scrap with some awesome girls tomorrow. Hoping the creative mojo is still in the house and I can manage to come up with some more layouts.
Here's to a great weekend everyone.
S xoxoxox

Lollipop? What lollipop

2011-08-03T18:20:00.004+10:00

I will let the layout speak for itself:

This was my take on Anthea's Sketch with a Twist challenge over at Scrapbook Savvy. I can't believe I used pink on a layout - definitely not something that happens on a regular basis. I love this photo of Lachlan - one of my favourites taken by Zoe during our photoshoot back in May. I can definitely see myself scrapping this photo a few times ;)

OMG I must be feeling ill, two posts in two days. Wonders will never cease lol.

Til next time
S xoxoxox

While a sick boy is at home ...

2011-08-02T18:03:00.004+10:00

... Mummy will stay at home and play.
For the past two days I have been at home with a sick little boy. A trip to the doctor didn't shed too much light apart from a virus which, of course, meant nothing could be done except for Panadol and cuddles from Mum. In between all of the cuddles, I managed to squeeze in some scrapping. The urge and desire to scrap has eluded me in recent weeks which put to rest the plans I had to enter this year's Scrapbooking Memories Magazine Masters Competition. Yeah I know that there are 11 days until the entries close but realistically the only time I will get between now and then to do the entries will be on the weekend and I just don't see it happening. I managed to complete one of the challenges and had the other three planned out but couldn't get my act together long enough to pull them together. I am a bit disappointed in myself - not because I thought I was a sure thing or anything but because I wanted the challenge and to test my boundaries. In terms of scrapbooking, I have been so lucky and blessed this year. I have had a pile of layouts accepted for publication PLUS the honour of having a layout chosen to be the front cover (see previous post) - not bad for someone who honestly believes that her layouts are not all that great (yeah I know, slap me now). Maybe that can be my scrapping challenge for 2012 - to actually complete and submit a Masters entry. Enough of the rambling, here are the latest layouts:

1. Tower of Terror - based on Stuck Aug 1 Sketch

This is what my kitchen area looks like any given Sunday - a monstrous pile of folding and ironing that needs attention. If I don't get into it straight away, Lachlan thinks nothing of playing with all those lovely clean clothes and making pyramids or as he likes to call them, his 'Towers of Terror'.2. They are my Boys.

I came across this challenge while checking out Crystal's blog. She is the Guest DT member for the month over at Beyond the Door Scrap Challenges. The main focus was to be green and cream tones but alas, I think the brown dominates in this LO ;)

3. Sweet Child of Mine

This LO was completed as part of Sara's Wordy Challenge over at Scrapbook Savvy. The idea of the challenge is to use the monthly word somewhere in the title. This month's word is 'SWEET'. I finally managed to crack open the 'He's Savvy' June Kit with this lo - definitely my favourite Savvy Kit to date.

4. Chocolate Lipstick

This was going to be my 5x7 layout for my Masters Entry. I love this photo of Lachlan - definitely one of my all time favourites of him. After showing him the picture in the camera viewfinder the first thing he said was 'I's got chocolate lipstick'. Of course, I just had to use that as the title of the layout :-)

Well that is me up-t0-date for now. I am back to work tomorrow and already dreading the paperwork that has piled up on my desk over the past two days. Oh well, I will just start at the top and work my way through. If it gets done, it gets done; if not, it will still be there on Thursday.
Thanks for stopping by,
S x0x0x0

Holy TOOT TOOT Batman

2011-07-18T22:14:00.004+10:00

I have been sitting on this post for close to 2 weeks now but I think I can finally share it with you even a lot of you Aussie visitors may know this already.
What do you think this is?
OK so if you guessed magazine cover you are 100% correct but it is who is on the cover that is more important this time around.
Yep, they're my babies on that cover and yes it is one of my layouts on the cover of Australia's biggest selling scrapbooking magazine.
And yes, I am still pinching myself.
Not other scrapping to share - my well of mojo has all dried up :-(
Maybe next time I post, it will be with fresh material.
Enjoy your week.
Cheers, S xoxoxox

Nothing says you're on holidays quite like ...

2011-07-05T22:18:00.005+10:00

*** warning, picture heavy post ***

...
1. Playing in the sand:

2. A cute sand-covered bum (one of my new fav pics): 3. Taking a little bit of home to the beach (when was the last time you saw a header at the beach?!):4 and 5. Play time in the spa and competitions to see whose shirt can get the fattest (love my little Michelin Men): 6. Playing 'What colour is my tounge?' each time the boys have Icy Poles:8. Lots of laughter at the things Lachlan says. On this day he told me he was wearing Chocolate Lipstick (aka Chocolate Drumstick):Yep we are on holdiays and while I can't say that I have been loving every minute of it (find it very hard living in the confined spaces of a 2-bedroom apartment when we are used to 6000 acres of wide open spaces), it has been good to spend time together as a family. These holidays there is no planning, no daily agenda - we have been taking each day as it comes and just going with the flow. We have been doing lots of walking, catching up on reading (think I am up to book number 5 for the holidays) and lots of sitting and looking out at the ocean.
I have managed to squeeze a bit of scrapping in late at night after everyone has gone to sleep. Not a lot mind you, just enough to keep the creative juices flowing and to justify the mini spending sprees at the local scrap shops. I was also lucky enough to go to a class at one of the scrap shops here over the weekend but that is still a work in progress as I didn't have any suitable photographs with me at the time. Here are some pics of what I have come up with so far. I have another one started but don't think I will get back to that until we go home.

Layout 1: Bribery (Sometimes you just have to):

Using a busy patterned paper such as this one is soooo far out of my comfort zone it is not funny. However, after seeing Crystal Goulding at work recently, I knew that I wanted to challenge myself to do it. While I have been doing quite a lot of painted backgrounds of late, I have not done it on such a busy background. I have to admit that I am fairly pleased with how it has turned out. Not sure it is up to Crystal's standards but it is another one for the album lol. And of course, no layout is complete without October Afternoon papers and embellishments. The papers on this layout are from the 5 and Dime Collection while I bought from Scrapbook Savvy. You HAVE to do yourself a big favour and go buy some.
Layout 2: Sneak Peak

I am just giving you a sneak peak of this layout. I may show you the full layout in a future post. The pictures in this layout are from our recent photoshoot with Zoe from Captured by Zoe. If anyone in the Dalby area is reading this and you are after some family photos, would highly recommend Zoe. We are stoked with the photos we purchased. Zoe is based in Brisbane but comes out to Dalby on a regular basis. We had a ball going around to different spots on the farm for our pics - look out for some in a post in the near future.
I think that has me updated for now.
Take care and thanks for stopping by.
S xoxo

Toot Toot ... woot woot

2011-06-16T23:07:00.003+10:00

Just popping in to say yay for me. Scrapbooking Memories magazine has picked up another one of my layouts for publication. I feel so lucky that the editors would even consider my layouts worthy of publication. Even though I have had quite a few published already, I still get a thrill each time one of those acceptance emails finds its way into my inbox. Remember this one?

I think I need to re-wire my brain and start working on the positive self-talk a lot more. I always doubt my abilities in terms of scrapbooking and rarely feel totally happy about what I have done. Tell me, how do YOU avoid the negative thoughts and work on the positive? How do you get past seeing all the faults with your work and stop saying that it is not as good as everyone else's? Would love to hear your thoughts on this. Seriously hoping I am not the only one out there who thinks like this :o

No scrapping for me this week - I have spent the last two nights buried under a pile of Yr 11 English exams. Finished the last one a little while ago (yay me) but will have another class to do tomorrow once my Yr 12 history class do their exams. Best part about all this is that there are only 6 more school days until holidays. YAY!

Hope everyone has had a good week.

Take care

S xoxoxo

Getting my Scrap on!!!

2011-06-13T20:38:00.002+10:00

It was a long weekend for most of the states in Australia so I made the most of it by getting my scrap on. This was the first chance I had had to scrap since going on retreat a few weeks ago - always a pain when real life gets in the way of playing with cardstock, pretty paper, stickers, mist and paint so I made the most of it. I surprised myself by getting five layouts done - yeah not many for power scrappers but when I was washing, cooking, cleaning etc all weekend as well, you gotta be happy with that.

Layout 1: Simply You

I actually started this layout at the retreat and was supposed to be a challenge where a page Scrapbooking Memories Magazine was selected and we all had to lift a particular LO on that page. Well long story short, I couldn't get into it so I put it away. When I pulled it out on Saturday afternoon, I pulled it to pieces and started from scratch and I am so much happier with the result.

I am feeling a bit of a theme happening with the next few layouts. Can you guess what it is??? Well actually there are two things happening. Let's see if you can guess both.

Layout 2: Winter Holidays

It sure feels good to scrap some older photographs as it is something that I don't normally do. These photos are from 2007 - wow the boys are so small. Can hardly believe how much they have grown. A really simply layout but I am happy with how it has turned out :-)

Layout 3: The Story of the Blue Chair

Can you see one of the patterns forming yet? Yep, ever since the retreat, I have been wanting to use paint. Who would have thought that I would ever scrap like this - sooooooooooo not me. Really stretched myself with paint and mist on the one layout lol!
Layout 4: Amazing
I love this photo in this layout. It was taken by Mel from Meloo Photography last year during a Point Shoot Play class last year. After the class finished, we all headed here to the farm for an impromptu photoshoot. I completed this LO as part of Renee's June Tune challenge over at Scrapbook Savvy. We had to incorporate something from Bruno Mars' song, 'Just the way you Are' and for an added challenge, the LO had to be done in monochromatic tones. I have lost count of how many times i have pulled this photo out to scrap but have never been able to get colours to gel. Although I had considered, and later dismissed orange a few times, I decided to give it another go and am stoked with the result. So have you guessed my two new favourites from the last few layouts yet??? Do the words paint and orange mean anything??? hehehehe

Layout 5: Cheesy Grin

I am calling this layout my comedy of errors. Believe it or not it took me all day to do this layout? How is that possible you ask? Well take someone who fiddle-farts around, moving things from here to there only to move it back to its original place about a million times and it isn't hard to work out. So I had the layout completed and photographed and was in the process of editing when I realised that the title was spelt wrong. Then I realised that it wasn't just a matter of taking the extra letter off because I had already traced around the edges. So I carefully pulled it apart, misted another piece of cardstock and stuck everything down for the second time, of course making sure that I spelt the title right. So you would have thought that I would have learnt my lesson and stopped there but no I didn't. I just HAD to trace around the letters again. This time the pen slipped while I was tracing - grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr why didn't I stop?! Luckily the trusty October Afternoon (do you know I {heart} OA?!) came to my rescue. Note to self - stick with what you know, don't try anything fancy schmancy lol.

So that is my weekend of scrapping. Pretty chuffed to have more layouts done. That will probably be the last of it for the next two weeks - exam block starts this week which means LOADS of marking and report cards to write. I am determined to have everything done before we head off on holidays at the end of June. Wish me luck lol.
Thanks for stopping by.
S xoxo

Finally

2011-06-12T17:17:00.005+10:00

Finally the world has slowed down enough for me to take a few minutes to sit and blog. I don't know about the rest of you but time just doesn't seem to stand still long enough for these days. The last month has passed by in a blur of school work, weekend sport, celebrating family birthdays and only limited opportunities for scrapping. In fact, apart from today, the only scrapping I have done in the last month were the layouts I managed to complete while on the Wicked Princess retreat a few weeks ago.

I had such an awesome time at the retreat, despite the obvious first-timer nerves, and have already booked in to attend next year. I am even contemplating taking long service leave for it. There was lots of fun times and laughter shared - I think it took almost a week for my stomach muscles to return to normal. Apart from spending the weekend with my regular scrap buddies, Julie and Donna, I was fortunate to be sitting close to current Scrapbooking Memories Master, Lauren Bell and long-time scrapper Lisa Kamphius. OMG those two girls are hilarious, not to mention TALENTED.

It was awe-inspiring to say the least. I surprised myself by completing 7 layouts for the weekend which is pretty good considering that I would have to be one of the slowest scrappers going lol. Here are some photos of what I managed to get done:

Layout 1: Half a Smile is better than none at all.

I actually started this layout a few weeks before the retreat but wasn't happy with it. I knew I wanted a lot of 'white space' but nothing seemed right. As soon as I unpacked my stash at the retreat, it all seemed to fall in place. It is typically simple - as is my style - but I am happy with it.

Layout 2: Christmas Photoshoot

This is my least favourite layout from the weekend. I love the photos but I always struggle when it comes to scrapping Christmas layouts. The supplies for this layout came with one of the kits we received as part of the retreat challenges.

Layout 3: It's a Boys World
I have had this layout sitting in the back of my head for ages now. The photos were taken last year and despite several attempts at scrapping them, I always ended up throwing the layouts out. I am finally happy with how these photos have turned out on a layout.

Layout 4: Real Life

This layout doesn't really have a title so I am using the sticker as my inspiration. In many ways, it is one of those layouts that doesn't really need a title as the picture speaks for itself. This layout was inspired by Anthea Paterson (love her work and would love to be able to layer like she can!)

Layout 5: Smile

It isn't hard to be inspired to scrap when you are sitting close to Lauren Bell. I have her style, very much like how I would like to be able to scrap. So what is a girl to do when surrounded by such talent? Lift her work of course. I cannot claim any credit for this layout - it is all Lauren's. Thanks for the inspiration Lauren!

Layout 6: Ouch

After spending time with Crystal Goulding and Lauren Bell, it is not hard to be inspired to use paint on layouts. I had been wanting to use paint ever since seeing Crystal at work while at Donna's but it took seeing Lauren hard at it to finally give me the courage to give it a whirl. I love that this layout is simple but still a lot to look at - well I think so anyway lol.
I do have a 7th layout but can't show that one at the moment. I will show when I can ;)
Anyway, I am off to make the most of my weekend - public holiday tomorrow so hopefully scrapping is on the cards.
Take care
S xoxoxoxo

What's doin'???

2011-05-02T17:37:00.003+10:00

Wow what a week it has been. Who knew that so much could be crammed into such a small amount of time. Apart from work and the usual everyday happenings, I had the opportunity to scrap with an awesome group of scrappers in real life. OMG talk about WOW ... and then some. I lost count of how many times I said, "When I grow up I wanna scrap just like that."

So who did I scrap with do you ask??? Well, firstly there was Donna White (aka birthday girl), then her cousin, Sarah Ward (aka Savvy owner), Alicia Ransley (aka Shit Hot), Crystal Goulding (aka totally blew my mind with her awesome layouts), Sara Noendeng (from Stuck! sketches), not to mention a few local girls as well. Holy crap can these girls scrap. It is one thing to see their stuff on blog and in forum galleries but they soooooooooooooooooooooooooo don't do the layouts justice.

The other highlight of the weekend was Donna's 40th birthday party. Again, an awesome night and I was lucky enough to meet even more talented scrappers, Lauren Bell and Lisa Kamphuis. Talk about every scrapper's dream being in the same room with these people.

Once all the excitement had worn off it was back to reality. Even though it was a long weekend here in Queensland, it was all stations go on the farm this weekend with cotton picking and sorghum/corn harvest in full swing. At one stage I counted 2 cotton pickers, 3 tractors, 2 headers, 1 spray rig plus a stack of other equipment sitting in front of the shed. After a shocking season in terms of floods, it is finally good to be able to see some of Tony's hard work come to fruition. When you see the header boxes full and cotton modules sitting at the end of the paddocks it makes up for all of the hours (sometimes days) without seeing him worth it.

Anyway, I should get on to the good stuff like some scrapping. While I may not be able to churn out the copious amounts of layouts that everyone did, I am still fairly pleased with the results:

1. My boy lollipop ... excuse the blurry photo (note to self, take another one). Had a few sticker sneezes on this layout but I am pretty happy with the end result. The lyrics to the 'My boy lollipop' were in my head for most of the crop day and miraculously I didn't start singing but I think they fit in perfectly with the photo.
2. Peek-a-boo: a touch of super simplicity for this layout. Not totally loving it but relatively pleased to have another layout in the album.3. Mummy's Little Charmer: again another dodgy photo. It is actually straight and even in real life lol. Stepped up the simplicity a bit compared to the last layout but still simple enough.

4. Fun Times: this was my take on Sar's Blind Scrap over at Savvy except this time I didn't have to follow the instructions, I could lift it from directly across the table (woot woot).
Anyway, bed beckons as it is back to school tomorrow. Cannot believe that we are into Week 2 of Term 2. Where has the year gone. Hope you all had a great weekend. Happy birthday again Donna.
See you soon.
S

Hopping in for the Easter Roundup

2011-04-26T14:18:00.004+10:00

Hey there strangers. Hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable easter with those you love. Easter was very, very quiet at our place this year with just the 4 of us. Usually we are lucky enough to have Heather and her family come to stay but with ANZAC Day falling across the weekend, plans had to change. Oh well, there is always next year. It seemed strange just having the four of us here - we have never spent this holiday alone but we were kept busy with cotton picking and harvesting sorghum. The boys spent their Easter riding all over the farm in tractors, pickers, truck and the motorbike. When they weren't at the farm, they were in the pool - a bit chilly for me but they loved it. Here is a little secret for you - both boys actually feel asleep in their togs on Easter Saturday night and stayed in them right throughtout the next day. They looked a sight bending down looking for eggs in their DT's while out on the egg hunt lol.

So in between all of the running around the farm, supervising pool play and general household stuff like cooking and cleaning, I have managed to do a bit of scrapping. I had grand plans for April - mainly revolving around whether or not I could break last month's scrapping record but alas, I did not even come close. Here is a round up of the latest layouts:
1. Technically not an easter layout seeing as I finished it just before the holidays started. It is for Anthea's Sketch challenge over at Scrapbook Savvy. I won't tell you how many hours it took to tie up all those ribbons but lets just say I caught up on lots of TV in the process. Ah well, it seemed like a good idea at the time.

2. Layout 2 took quite a while to come together. Yes it is very simple (in keeping with most of my scrapping) but I will admit that I really struggled with the patterned paper. It is from Pink Paislee in collaboration with House of 3 from their Daily Junque line and was a part of the We're Savvy April Kit (which sold out super fast - so pleased I have a subscription!). You definitely need to head over to Scrapbook Savvy and check out their kits but don't say I didn't warn you - they sell out FAST!

3. Layout 3 is all out how different our two boys are. They definitely are my own little version of Chalk and Cheese - in looks and personality. I love watching they grow and change and develop their own little personalities. I also love having so many different places on the farm where I can take photos of the boys. The other day we all climbed on the 4 wheeler motorbike and headed off around the farm. I was hoping for some awesome shots in the cotton but just couldn't get what I wanted.4. Another pic from our little photo shoot. I bought the boys a lollipop each from the Dalby Show earlier in the month as a reward for being so good. Secretly I wanted them for a photoshoot but I wasn't telling them that. In between the weather, work and going on camp for the last week of term, I didn't get around to taking any photos. Needless to say, the lollipops were a little worse for wear by this time as one little mate in particular couldn't resist playing with them. In the end both were broken but I was able to push this one together long enough to snap a few quick pictures.

5. Lachlan is my own little Mr Man - Mr Happy in fact. Nothing seems to phase this kid (well most of the time anyway!) and he floats through life with a broad smile across his face. You can't tell from the picture of the layout but I actually attempted to make a big paper bow like Heidi Swapp has been doing lately. LOL I know you are shocked that I would be doing something that Heidi has done hehehehehe.

Phew, I think that has me all caught up for now. School is back in tomorrow for Term 2. If it is anything like Term 1, it will fly by fast as anything. Hopefully next time you stop by, I wouldn't have waited a month to update.

Thanks for stopping by,

Me xoxox

Too Cute and a fresh start

2011-03-30T23:29:00.003+10:00

This month wraps up a big month of scrapping for me. I completed 15 layouts - not bad for someone who works full time as an English and History teacher (insert LOTS of marking here). I think part of the reason why I managed to do as much scrapping as I have is the fact that this year I am forcing myself to take timeout from schoolwork and put 'me time' first. I have been more motivated to get in and get marking done as soon as it comes across my desk. At our school, we have a two-week turn around policy meaning that assessment results need to be given to students within two weeks of the task being completed. So far this year I have made a point of working like a fiend for three or four nights after getting assessment handed in to get the marking out of the way so I can play. Looks like it is working so far! The latest layout I have created was for the 123 Challenge at Scrapbook Savvy. Check out the link for details.

The other thing which I think has made an impact on my scrapping is the fact that I have moved scrapbook areas. My old space was at the other end of our house in a small room attached to our bedroom. It was very isolating out there and while I loved being able to shut myself away sometimes, I was also aware that I was not spending as much time with the family as I probably should have. Solution??? I moved out into the main area of the house into what I guess you could call the formal dining room - not that we have ever used it as a dining room lol. In an ideal world, I would love a small half wall to separate the formal dining and lounge rooms. Unfortunately the house doesn't belong to us. I have plans to get a sideboard or something similar to create a mini wall one day but organisation was at the top of my list. My first step was a wall unit. My preferred option would have been the IKEA Expedit but with the nearest IKEA 3 1/2 hrs away, that was not going to happen any time soon. SuperAmart provided my solution and I am loving it. Still have not moved a lot of 'stuff' out but I am getting started. The best thing about this unit is that the Cropper Hopper 12x12 paper holders fit into the cubes - unlike my much beloved Expedit unit. So this is Step One of my scraproom makeover:I have got another bookcase to assemble but that will have to wait for the weekend. Maybe I will come back then with more pictures or even more scrapping showntell. LOL Enjoy your Thursday, hope it is a good one.

S. xoxoxo

Savvy Cybercrop Part 2

2011-03-29T23:08:00.005+10:00

Instead of getting some much needed sleep last night, I stayed up and completed two more challenges for the cybercrop at Scrapbook Savvy. The first challenge was actually the second part of Kerryn's challenge - and that was to create a card. Now for those of you who read my last post, you would have read that I DON'T do cards. Sometimes I have so little time that the only thing I want to do is create layouts not cards. But sometimes you have to step out of your comfortable little zone and give things a try - even if the result is dismal :o The final challenge that I have attempted was Sara's. Our challenge for this layout was to use at least 25 items on the page - everything counts, cardstock, individual pieces of patterned paper, letter stickers, the works. I have to admit that I did struggle with this at the start - my scrapping tends to lean towards simple and semi-minimalist bt I got there in the end; I think I even broke 30 items lol. Just between you and me - I like this layout hehehehe

And some close-ups:

There is one challenge I have yet to attempt - San's. For this challenge we had to raid our scrap stash to create some gift tags. Not sure if I will get time to attempt this one but who knows what tomorrow will bring. Think that is me updated for another day. Thanks for stopping by.

S xoxoxo

Never in a million years ....

2011-03-28T20:35:00.004+10:00

... did I ever dream that I would grow up to be a Soccer Mum. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with the sport but I have never had anything to do with it. I grew up in a house where rugby league was the only winter sport that mattered so I always assumed that if and when I had boys, they would play league too. Well they have proved me wrong with both Mitch and Lachie starting soccer fixtures last Saturday. In some ways it was perfect timing because there was a Cyber Crop over at Scrapbook Savvy on the weekend. What better way to get into the mood for scrapping with a freshly printed picture. The theme for the weekend was Stashbuster which meant that all of the challenges were designed to help us use up some of the older items in our stash. I have yet to complete all the challenges but this is what I have come up with so far. The first challenge I attempted was Anthea's. In this challenge we had to create a LO using products released before 2010, no cardstock and one handmade embellishment. I will admit that this put me out of my comfort zone in the sense that I rarely create a layout that doesn't have cardstock as the base. That being said, I found some papers in my stash dating back to 2007 - unusual for me considering I have fairly frequent cleanouts of my papers and anything old usually gets donated. All of these papers come from Fancy Pant's 'Papa' Collection. My handmade embellishment was the spiral flower and the banner. Not sure what to think of it it be honest, I find the base too distracting lol. The second challenge I attempted was Sar's Blind Scrap. I was late getting started so had to substitute Glimmermist for the paint. Thinking I should have gone for a white or off-white base instead of the Kraft base I chose.

The third challenge I attempted was Kerryn's and I haven't quite finished it yet. For this challenge we had to create a lo using papers from at least three manufacturers (all of which had to be released Summer 2010 or earlier), two different colours of cardstock and a hand-made embellishment. As soon as I saw the colours of Lachlan's soccer jersey, I knew this was the perfect chance to use some up some of my old Bazzill colours. I think this will be the first of many soccer layouts but for a change, this one is for me:

and some close-ups:

The second part of the challenge is to create a card using the scraps we have left over from the layout. WTF???!!! Me making a card????!!!! Cards are soooooooooooo not my thing. Oh well, I had better go try my hand at cardmaking lol. The challenges are open until Thursday so why not head on over to Scrapbook Savvy and give them a go. Take care S xoxoxo

3 posts in 3 days

2011-03-23T21:11:00.003+10:00

Oh my goodness what is going on here??? I don't think I have ever managed to post three days in a row. Normally scrapbooking is relegated to weekend as week days tend to be tied up with planning lessons or marking and just life in general. Today was different though as I had part of the day at home. During that time I managed to create another layout using the traditional 'back to school' photo. This year's pictures were very rushed and I was not overly happy with them - oh well gives me something to work towards next year lol.

Not a lot else to report. Mitch had another appointment with his paediatrician late this afternoon. We have finally received some answers and are doing a trial run with some medication. Will be a rough few months but hopefully it will be worth it in the long run.

Til next time
Sarah

Some kind of Wonderful

2011-03-21T21:47:00.004+10:00

My littlest mate really is some kind of wonderful. Don't get me wrong, both boys are wonderful but Lachlan just has a special quality about him that draws people in. Tony often comments that he is sounds like an old man with some of the expressions he comes out with. I don't know about that, but I do know he cracks me up with the funny things he says.
This layout was created for Kerryn's ABC Challenge over at Scrapbook Savvy. The criteria for the challenge were:

Create your page/s using a specific letter as your main one word title and include the matching criteria listed below for that letter.
Letters: W (writing and white); X (kisses, xanthian - Greek word for yellow)

I think I did ok, although a bit worried about the white - pretty much the only white is on the journal spots and the thin border I left on the photos. I did put the layout on white c/s originally but it just looked blah. I think the green pops better on the black.

Why not follow the links above and check out the challenge for yourself??? What have you got to lose? Nothing and just think, it will be another layout completed for your albums.
Hope everyone has had an ok start to the week. Take care

S xoxo

Sunday Roundup yet again

2011-03-20T13:12:00.004+10:00

It is that time of the week again so that must mean it is time for a scrapbooking update. It has been a relatively productive weekend, though I am totally uninspired by what I have created. All of the layouts have the feeling of 'sameness' to me - same large block of patterned paper, same plain and simple style, same, same, same.

In layouts 1 and 2 I used photos from 2009 - the last time we grew wheat on the farm. I paid someone to come and take photos of us as a family with the instructions of 'natural, informal photos'. The results were mostly dismal. While she managed to take random shots of the boys as they played which were totally gorgeous, the rest were ugly as sin. Not one of them is usable. We all look like statues with sticks shoved up our butts. Needless to say, I cried a lot when I received them. Ever since then I have been on the hunt for a photographer who isn't going to rob us blind and actually let us have access to all of the photos without having to pay a small fortune for a 6x4 shot. That being said, I do love the pictures of the boys and have scrapped them a lot.

Layout One is of Lachlan - my little farmer. I don't know whether there is any hope of him doing anything else in life except farming (but sure as heck I will try to convince him to do something else before going onto the land lol) - it is his first love, hence the inspiration for the title:

The photo I used in Layout 2 makes me laugh every time I see it. It is so typical of our every day lives - Lachie always struggling to keep up with Mitch in so many ways. It was supposed to be based on the latest Stuck Sketch but somehow I managed to get all the elements in the wrong places lol :o

Layout number 3 is one that I am feeling a bit ho-hum about. I took Sar's March Random Kit challenge from the Scrapbook Savvy forum. The challenge asks scrappers to create a layout using one of the March Savvy Kits, fussy cutting, staples and two label stickers included in the kits. I have used the We're Savvy Kit (which has already sold out - just shows you how popular the Savvy Kits are!) to create my layout. I loved the products in the kit, just feeling a bit blah about the end product (hence my earlier comment about everything being the same, same, same):

The fussy cutting was around the sign post and watering cans - paper from Webster's Pages Spring Market Papers. Not sure if you can tell what the original looked like from the picture below but it might give you an idea:My final layout is my least favourite of the weekend and comes complete with button and bling chunder (what happens when you throw a heap of buttons and bling/pearls onto a layout). It was also my first attempt at making paper roses - another miss there too I think lol. I love this photo of Mitchell, it is his thinking face. You can tell that he is deep in thought whenever he sucks in his bottom lip - a regular occurrence in our house. That kid would have to be one of the deepest thinkers I know - hmmmmmmmm wonder where he gets that from :o lol

Not a lot else to report from the week. The boys were supposed to start soccer yesterday but it was cancelled due to the wet weather. By the looks of media releases, there has been mild flooding in town yet again. Hopefully the worst of this low has passed and the water will get away relatively quickly. On the positive side of things, the Condamine River is not in flood at the moment so the water from town should get away fairly quickly. You know you have problems when the Condamine and Myall Creek flood at the same time - a fact we learnt all too well in the floods of December and January.

Sadly, we also said goodbye to our beloved Charlie Cat on Thursday. I bought him almost 12 months ago (May 1999 to be exact) and in that time he became a much-loved member of the family. I have lost count of how many winter nights were made tolerable because of the fact that Charlie used to lie on my feet in bed and warm them up. He was my constant bed partner whenever Tony was out spraying or planting through the night. Charlie seemed to have a sixth sense for knowing when Tony wasn't going to be home lol. It was a shock to find out that he was so sick. We knew that he wasn't well - the lack of eating and sudden weight loss helped us to that conclusion - but I never expected to have to decided whether to put him to sleep or not. In my head, he was just going for his check-up at the Vet, but by that afternoon, I was having to decide what to do. It might seem like the callous thing to do by not trying to see how he went with medicine but he was suffering and my one rule with all of our pets have been is that the minute we know they are suffering, then that is the time to ease their pain. Needless to say, ours was a house filled with tears for most of the night and next morning. Oh well, at least he isn't in pain anymore, not matter how much it hurts for us right now.

Anyway, I have prattled on enough for now. I should let you get back to doing better things like scrapping lol.

Thanks for stopping by

S xoxoxo

Monday Scrapping Goodness

2011-03-14T22:44:00.003+10:00

I thought I would mix things up a bit and blog on a Monday instead of Sunday. Truth is, I didn't have any photos taken yesterday so I had to wait until today to take some. I didn't get home from work early enough to get daylight shots (my preference) but I think the ones I have taken will do.
This past weekend saw me packing up my gear and heading into my LSS for a crop night with some of my friends from town. Like most crop nights, I did far more talking than scrapping. I have decided that getting part of a layout done is better than not getting anything done at all. I surprised myself by getting almost two layouts done. Yeah I know, pretty pathetic compared to super speedy scrapper Donna (man can that woman scrap!).
This is the first layout I managed to do:

I love this chipboard bird and flourish from Dusty Attic. I misted it with Tattered Angels Chalkboard mist and then did a light spray with pearl mist. Will definitely been looking for more chipboard like this to add to my stash.

Oh October Afternoon, how I love thee. Yes, if you haven't already guessed it by now, October Afternoon is perhaps my most favourite line. I love the paper, I LOVE the sticker embellishments ... I LOVE IT ALL!!!
Layout Number 2 ended as a work in progress. Although I have already photographed it (usually my sign that it is done), I feel that it needs more, probably on the top right hand side. I have been playing with it a bit but can't come up with anything I am happy with. It wasn't until I photographed the layout that I realised how similar in design it was to Layout No 1.

Loving experimenting with material on layouts lately, although I think I really need to get something that is NOT gingham. I have four different sets of material all in the same gingham pattern left over from about 12 years ago when I first started teaching. I bought them so that Mum could make some skirts for me for work. She made two but I have enough material for two more.
I also actually managed to do a layout tonight. Scrapping during the school week is almost unheard of for me. Normally I am either too busy planning, marking or just trying to wind down to be bothered to scrap. Last night however, I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning to finish off some Year 11 English marking and plan the week. The loss of sleep was worth it - my week is pretty much organised and I am all up-to-date with marking. Yay! So I did this as a little reward to myself - the challenge for Out of the Hat challenge website. Donna, one of the ladies who I scrapped with on Saturday night is on the design team. For the challenge we had to make our own journalling spot, use twine and include a number in the title. This is what I managed to come up with:
I made the journalling spot by tracing around the backing board of something from Jenni Bowlin. After cutting it out, I used a fine script stamp to lightly stamp on the background (I inked up the stamp, stamped in onto a piece of paper then on to the cardstock so it was quite light). I finished the journal spot off with bird stamps from Grant Archival. Not too shabby if I do say so myself lol!
I wanted to take some of the 'blackness' off the Heidi Swapp verb sticker so I added a few coats of Tattered Angels Glaze. Looks so much better in real life.
Well, I think that it about all for tonight. Who knows, I might even manage another layout in the coming days ... it is nice to dream lol.
Hope everyone is well. Take care.
S xoxo

Another weekend gone

2011-03-06T22:36:00.005+10:00

Yep another weekend has passed and I don't have a lot to show for it, except for piles of clean clothes stacked neatly in the drawers and hanging in cupboards. That's right, I spent most of the weekend dividing my time between the washing machine, clothes line and folding table. Who says I don't share the love around lol.

I did manage to find the time to scrap this early this morning while the first load was on. It is based on Anthea's March Sketch over at Scrapbook Savvy. Very simple but I love it. Simple is definitely my style I have decided.

Next is some showntell which I forgot to show as promised in my last post. This was my take on Sar Ward's Blind Scrap Challenge at the February CyberCrop at Savvy. If I learnt one thing from participating in the Blind Scrap it was that I SUCK at following instructions :-o
Last of all, a 'just because' layout. I haven't scrapped many of the photos taken of our wedding (about 3 layouts in almost 13 years). I knew that I wanted to use the Prima vines on a wedding page but could just never get it to work the way I wanted. In the end, I just gave up and did the layout.

Nothing else to report. Mitch is back of to his Orthopaedic specialist later this week for a progress check with his legs. He is back up on his toes again so we need to work out what the next plan of attack will be. Let's hope the week goes ok.
Until next time.
S xoxoxoxoxo

The weekend that was ...

2011-02-20T21:48:00.005+10:00

... busy, busy, busy. I:

did a truck load (Lachie would probably say it was a B Triple Road Train's worth of washing - that kid has farming on the brain) of washing, folding and ironing
did a stack of planning for the coming weeks at school - happy with the tweaking to my Modern History unit for the Year 12's
took the boys to Milo Cricket Saturday morning and then to soccer sign-ups (why oh why did I cave ... cricket season is almost done which means that Sat morning sleep-ins were going to be mine again but alas with soccer starting, that is no longer the case
watched the first crops of the summer season get harvested
went through over half a tank of fuel driving back and forth around the farm, dropping the boys off to the headers, picking them up, taking lunches over for everyone, helping move gear from one paddock to the next
listened to my little farmer boy recount all of his adventures in the header, road train and chaser-bin (a large grain bin towed behind a tractor)
took myself off for a little photoshoot over where Tony and the others were harvesting
DROPPED MY CAMERA FROM THE TOP STEP OF THE HEADER :-( I think it is ok - took a few shots after the 'fall' and all appeared to be working well. I guess time will tell.

Some random farm photos:

This is a cotton boll. It starts off as a little square, then a flower and finally the boll emerges. Eventually, the crop will be defoliated (sprayed out) to kill off all the leaves and dry the bolls out so they crack open and let the cotton be seen.
Photo Two: A paddock of cotton - this crop is still over a month away from defoliation. The crop is looking ok for a dryland crop and considering the terrible start to the season with the flooding. Photo Three: one of the paddocks of sorghum which was harvested today. If you look real closely, you can see where part of it has actually being harvested before I got there. This paddock actually spent a great deal of time underwater during December and January due to all the flooding. The yield is not all that great but at least there is something to harvest - a lot of farmers don't even have that this year.
I also participated in my first cyber crop in over twelve months at Scrapbook Savvy which helped my confirm my earlier suspicions that teachers are the WORST people to get to follow instructions (well this teacher is the worst anyway lol).
I completed three of the challenges - the blind scrap (the instruction one), Kerryn's English 101 challenge and Anthea's Maths Challenge. I can't show the LO for the Blind scrap just yet but here are some pics of the others.
Kerryn's English 101 layout: we had to have journalling that added up to at least 100 words. I wrote about how I have finally come to accept the reality that I will never have a little girl and that pink will never live in our house. We also had to have a poem - I chose the nursery rhyme, "What little boys are made of" - seemed to suit the theme well.

Anthea's Maths Challenge: we had to scrap to Einstein's E=MC2 equation. Each element was a different part of the equation. I loved this challenge and I am fairly happy with the result: If you are interested, you can follow the links above to read the details of each of the challenges. You can also head over to my gallery at 2 peas for more detailed pictures of each of the layouts.
Wow so that was one massive photo overload. If you are still here, congratulations on actually making it to the end. I will be back in a few days to post pictures of the Blind Scrap layout. Hope you all had a great weekend too.
Cheers,
S xoxoxo

... and we interrupt this to return to normal programing ...

2011-02-15T20:42:00.005+10:00

Yes believe it or not Telstra has actually come through for a change - sorry Telstra but you really do leave a lot to be desired for us country customers - and I have a brand new modem. What was supposed to be at least a week with no internet turned out to be a few days which is awesome news for me!!!! Here I was thinking that I would be lost in a deep black hole of no technology forever (ok a little over-dramatic but for a moment, I thought the world was coming to an end hehehehehehe).
Modem arrived this afternoon and was very quickly installed. Weekly swim club interrupted my progress so I am only just getting back to reinstalling now.
It was a busy weekend on the scrap front - 4 layouts which for me is lots of scrapping at once. Yes I know that I will never win any prizes for the speed of my scrapbooking but at least it is 4 more pages done.
Layout One: Mitch and Lach's new school shoes for the 2011 school year (well hopefully they will last a semester. Both boys have large feet for their ages and I can tell I am going to be kept poor buying shoes for them. There is nothing better than pristine new school shoes:

Layout 2: Ready 2 go. I didn't think I was going to get the boys to cooperate long enough for me to get some 'nice' back-to-school photos. Not perfect in the professional sense, but they are perfect for me. The layout is based on this months Scrap the Girls sketch - yes I know it was for STG but when you don't have girls, you just have to make do LOL:

Layout 3: Simple scrapping is what I love best and there is nothing more simple than this LO:

Layout 4: This was a MAJOR cause for celebration - the arrival of my very first Scrapbook Savvy Monthly Kit AAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNDDDDDDDDDDDD it arrived within 2 days of me ordering it. Cannot get better service than that IMO. I ordered the 'We're Savvy' kit and I am totally stoked with its contents. I have only done one layout using the kit so far but have a few others planned - just need to find the time to do some scrapping:

Not a lot else to report - the start of the week has been very quiet, except for the exciting news that SM picked up one of my double layouts for publication - first time ever for a double!! Here's hoping the rest of the week stays quiet so I can squeeze some scrapping in somewhere.
Chat soon,
S xoxoxoxox

Telstra ... why oh why do you do this to me?? no net for a week

2011-02-13T18:59:00.004+10:00

Telstra ... why oh why do you do this to me??

2011-02-13T18:59:00.001+10:00

First Scrap Shares for 2011

2011-02-08T20:53:00.004+10:00

Wow, who would have thought that it would have taken me this long to get back into the scrapping swing of things. I went to a crop night at my LSS on Saturday and worked on two layouts - who needs to scrap when there is talking and gossiping to be done??!! Between catching up on everyone's news from the Christmas/New Year period and telling them about my time in the States, time flew by.
The first LO uses one of the pictures I took when the boys were busy burying each other in the sandpit (see previous post). Love this photo. Think I am going to have to enlarge it and frame it for my wall somewhere. Very simple layout - great way to break the scrapping drought.

The second layout uses pictures from Lachlan's first day of school this year. My little baby is in Year One (where has the time gone???). He was so excited to be at school again, ready to learn. As always, he was super excited to pose for the camera. Good thing he let me go overboard with pictures because his older brother didn't want to have a bar of it. Totally love the stickers from October Afternoon's Report Card collection, especially the one with the space for handwriting. It will be great to look at what Lachie's writing used to be like.

Nothing else to show. I am in the middle replanning my scrap area and am contemplating the idea of moving out to the formal dining room/lounge (which we don't really use as the formal lounge). Upside is that it has more room than my little office and I am out with the family; downside is that the room is all open-plan so no dividing wall between the two areas so I have to keep it super tidy - the house is not ours but comes as part of DH's job package so can't make any structural changes. I have moved my desk out for a trial run to see if I like this new set-up or not - only time will tell. Any tips/ideas greatly appreciated, especially from those of you who live in a rental/work house and have successfully created a scrap space in your family areas.
Cheers
Sarah xoxoxo

My boys

2011-02-01T21:08:00.003+10:00

The boys and I spent last weekend all by ourselves here on the farm because Daddy had to head out to other farms (about 2 1/2 hours away) to do some spraying.

We had fun - we ate Nachos (something we don't eat if Daddy is going to be home for dinner), we played with Lego, Thomas and all the John Deere toys, we played Connect Four (a newly discovered passion of Lachie), we played on the Wii, we went to a birthday party, we mowed some of the lawn (only managed to get 1/3 of it done and I spent close to 3 1/2 hrs on the mower - first time parts of the yard have been mowed since the first lot of flooding the week before Christmas) and the boys spent hours in the sandpit. Their latest game involves seeing how deep they can bury their legs as well as all the toys. There was laughter, there was shouting, there were fights, but mostly there was fun. At the end of the day, the boys asked if I could take some photos of them. I got heaps of the 'burial chamber' but I love these ones the most:

They look so sweet and innocent - looks can be VERY deceiving lol!

My littlest man is the cheekiest monkey. Never takes anything too seriously and happily told my mum that he was 'really enjoying his little vacation from Daddy.' Not sure where he got that idea from but it made Mum and I chuckle.

My biggest little man is growing and changing so much. He has the most extraordinary imagination. I love sitting behind the curtain in my bedroom (the closest room to the sandpit) and listening to him playing his games. I have no idea where he comes up with his games or schemes for doing things.

Finally, after the boys went to bed late on Sunday night, I played around in Photoshop a little bit and created this for my diary cover:

The collage is made up of a snapshot of photos taken during 2010. Sometimes it is hard to work full-time and I know that by choosing to work, I have missed out on some things with the kids but I look at these photos and realise that I haven't missed out on too much because there are soooooooooooooo many great memories to be found just there.
Still no scrapping :( as I am snowed under with planning and preparation. Hoping to cut the school work ties over the weekend and do a little something for me.
Cheers,
Sarah

I left a little piece of me behind ...

2011-01-30T20:52:00.004+10:00

... in the States. I am so lucky to have been given the opportunity to be the chaperone for the students from school and proud to say that they were model students. I could not have asked to travel with a better group of teenagers - I love my job!!
I loved almost every minute of my three weeks there. I am still undecided about Los Angeles (no offence meant but over 4 hours of delays at airports and then the mother of all traffic jams at 11pm doesn't put me in a positive frame of mind) but I can definitely say that I fell head over heals in LOVE with San Francisco, closely followed by San Diego. I took so many pictures - as one does while travelling - and I am ashamed to admit that I have not sat down and taken the time to go through them properly. Between unpacking and starting work the day after I arrived home, there hasn't really been the time. Even now, I should be preparing lessons for tomorrow but I just HAD to share some pictures, just so I can prove that I was really there lol.
We spent all of our time in So Cal - San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego. The majority of our time was spent in SD (10 days) where we were hosted by students and teachers from Grossmont High (go Hillers!!!).
Our first stop was San Francisco - just 3 1/2 days and in my opinion wayyyyyyyyy too short. I have read so much about SF in books over the years and I was most excited about going there. The weather was cold, wet, windy and FOGGY (typical SF apparently) but who cares, its SF!!! The pictures below are of the Golden Gate (which I walked over), Alcatraz, Pier 39 and the Powell-Hyde Cable car (which we took up to the top of Lombard St so we could walk down the Crookedest Street).

Our next stop was LA for 5 days - did the obvious like Disneyland/California, Knotts Berry Farm, Santa Monica Pier, Rodeo Drive, Hollywood. My pick places in LA were Santa Monica Pier and being able to touch Hugh Jackman's hands out in front of the Chinese Theatre (no pic of me touching them though, just a pic of his 'spot' which I may share another day).

Our final stop was in San Diego. I didn't know a lot about SD before travelling (not one to research before going anywhere but rather just take it how it comes) and I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised by what I found. The weather was gorgeous, particularly in the last 4 days of our stay and as demonstrated by the photo taken down at Pacific Beach Pier (how cool is that hotel, you can actually book a room ON the pier and sleep over the water!!). I loved, loved, LOVED the zoo and could have spent more time there. I was in awe of the US Midway - the amount of effort which has gone into creating the museum is phenomenal. Shamu the whale was awesome - didn't expect anything less and San Diego, your sunsets are spectacular. So add all of those days together, plus the travelling and that is how I spent the last three weeks of our summer vacation.

But now it is back to reality for me - school lunches, washing, ironing, planning lessons and getting settled back into the routine of every day life. Not so much as a hint of scrapbooking yet :( hopefully it will not be too much longer.
So now that the love fest is over, I will let you get back to your lives.

Thanks for visiting,

S xoxoxox

Oh my ... where to start??? Floods? Travels? Birthday?

2011-01-22T23:19:00.003+10:00

Floods???

Travels???

Birthday???

Oh my goodness ... what a start to 2011 it has been. So much has gone on in the last few weeks that I don't know what to talk about first. Have got so much to tell you but too tired to write it all out in full so I am going to throw in a few dot point highlights and expand on the details in the coming weeks.

Floods - yep water and lots of it. Dalby inundated 5 times in the space of a few weeks - everything ok for us at home :)
Christmas - wet, wet, wet. Water water everywhere. Getting stranded at Christmas - yep we were stranded at my parents house in Warwick due to teh flooding. Lucky for me I had packed most of the stuff for my trip just in case.
America - still cannot believe that I have been there!!! Walked the Golden Gate Bridge, sailed around Alcatraz, went to Disneyland, fell in love with San Diego ... more on that some other time.
Another birthday has been and gone - kinda special this year and not just because I was in the States. First time ever that I have been to school on my birthday - lol - one of the joys of always having a birthday in the school holidays.

Anyway, I should go to bed. Have only been home three days and need to get myself organised for the start of the school year as well as catch up on much-needed sleep (note to self, buy sleeping pills next time facing a 15+ hr plane flight).

Will definitely be back in the coming weeks with some pics of my favourite parts of the trip.

Hope you all had a great Christmas and lots of fun welcoming in the New Year.

S. xoxoxoxoxox

Preparing for December 25 the Aussie way

2010-12-15T17:26:00.002+10:00

After printing off some of the pictures from our Christman photoshoot the other day, I was just itching to scrap some of them. I can tell that this is going to be the first of many Christmas layouts this year LOL. The title says, PREPARING FOR DECEMBER 25 THE AUSSIE WAY.

I love how these photos represent what Christmas in Australia means to me - hot weather, sunny skies and swimming. I think I will be doing this every year considering the fun the boys had swimming with Santa's hats.
Not a lot else to report. I should be getting the rest of the christmas stuff sorted and my bags for America packed but just can't get into the mood to do anything. I hope I do get in the mood soon. Christmas is next week and my plane leaves on New Year's Eve eeeeeeeeeeeeeekkkkkkk!!!
Til next time
S xoxo

An Aussie Summer Christmas

2010-12-13T18:19:00.006+10:00

The weather here yesterday was HOT HOT HOT. This was a pleasant change for us as we have had nothing but grey skies and rain for the last few weeks. Now being a farmer's wife, I would not normally complain about rain but even this wifey has to say enough is enough. We have already lost some paddocks of crops twice due to minor flood and water damage and the rest of it, particularly the cotton, is struggling to grow in the cooler conditions. Here's hoping we have a few more weeks of 35 degree C days with no rain - lol not looking likely though.
All that being said, I had to make the most of the sunny weather and get some Christmas photos. The only problem was that two little men were not interested in getting their photos taken at all - all they wanted to do was swim in the pool. So what was a girl to do? Fight and nag and whinge and whine until I got what I wanted (keeping in mind that I am the adult in this situation lol) or just come up with Plan B?
Well Plan B is what I did. Nothing like adding an Aussie Summer touch to Christmas IMO:

Pretty clever thinking on my part, even if I do say so myself. I have to say that I totally LOVE the last photo of Lachlan, a very cute Santa indeed. Now all I have to do is scrap some of the pictures lol.
Cheers,
Sarah

p.s. Are you as shocked as I am that I have blogged twice in the same day???!!!!!! hehehehe

All about the number ...

2010-12-13T13:12:00.005+10:00

Yep that's right. The oldest of my two little men turned 8 at the start of December and we celebrated with a party at the local pool. Sounds like a good idea right? I mean it is summer, the weather is supposed to be hot hot hot, the sun is supposed to shine. Well the only thing we got right on that day weather wise was the fact that it was summer. There was no sun, it wasn't your typical December hot day - instead it bucketed down rain. Bucket loads - I am talking a few inches in the space of an hour or so. Originally the plan was to book the pool as well as the inflatable obstacle course for the two hours of Mitchell's party. Sadly, with all the rain that fell, the obstacle course was out of action as it would have been too dangerous considering the pump runs off electricity. That didn't stop the boys though - they had a great time swimming, jumping and racing each other from one side of the pool to the other. Unfortunately my favourite lens was still out of commission but luckily for me, one of Mitchell's friends' mother is a scrapbooker so she took lots of photos for me. Yay for scrapping Mums lol. I made this LO after being inspired by Pip Prosser's double page layouts (Yay for inspiration). I see me in the layout in terms of blocks of cs and pp but it is so not like me to use that many photos on a layout:

Some closeups:
I loved this next pic and even though I had it printed in a smaller size to use on the layout above, I just had to get it printed bigger and use it on a LO all by itself:

I uploaded the wrong picture to the computer as the LO does actually have a title 'It's all about the number 8', hence the title for this blog post. And some closeups:

These are just some of the many left over chipboard number 8's that are lying around in containers. I stuck them all to a sheet of cardstock, painted it with white paint, left it to dry overnight and then sprayed it with multiple layers of various blue glimmer mists from Tattered Angels. After the mist dried, I rubbed some red ink onto my finger and light brushed over the tops of each of the numbers and finished it off with a coat of Pearl glimmer mist. Doesn't look real shiny in this photo but it sure does IRL.
And lastly, where would I be without October Afternoon stickers??? They are the best way to finish off a page. Here I used a lot of different ones from a few of their ranges - even their Christmas one (the word magic). Gotta love that!!!:

I also forgot to share a LO with you that I created a few weeks ago. I was in desperate need of a scrapping fix to break up all the marking and report card writing I was doing at the time, so I went to a crop night with the girls at my LSS. Sadly for you but YAY for me, the LO has already been picked up for publication in the Aussie Reader Gallery in Creating Keepsakes magazine, so I will just have to leave you with a sneak peak or two lol:
I will leave things there for now. Have got some awesome pictures from my Aussie Christmas Photo Shoot to show, but I will do those another time. I really need to get back to covering school books - wtf??? school only finished for the boys and I last Friday so what am I doing covering books now??? Well the truth is that I am off to the USA on New Year's Eve for three weeks as part of a cultural exchange with students from my school. We are spending our time in San Francisco, San Diego (where we will be 'hosted' for 10 days by schools there) and Los Angeles. We get back the day before I am supposed to start school again (thank goodness it is only student free days) which means that I have to be SUPER organised before I go.
Ok, the books are calling me but swing by later because you might be in for a real treat with some photos.
Cheers
Me xoxoxoxox

In Bloom

2010-11-08T20:17:00.005+10:00

We are lucky enough to have a huge Jacaranda tree right outside our bedroom window. Jacarandas are my all time favourite trees. There wasn't any on the farm I grew up on, nor do I recall there being many at friends houses but when I left home to go to Uni in Brisbane, I fell in love with them. Even though they come into bloom at one of the most stressful times of the year - end of Semester 2 exams - they will always hold a special place in my heart. My walk to Uni from Auchenflower to St Lucia each spring was like walking on a purple carpet.

My layout from the weekend is a tribute to my love of Jacarandas. Not happy with the layout - definitely struggled with the colours - sooooooooooooooooooo not into using purple.

My go-to camera lens is playing up something cronic at the moment. It has already been away for repairs once so I am grappling with sending it away again or ordering a new one. Given what I spent on repairing it last time, I could have almost paid for a new one. Part of me thinks it is a waste not to repair it as it sounds like such a simple repair job but the cost of sending away and paying just for it to be looked at makes me think twice. Anyone got advice for me? Should I buy a new one or get the old one fixed again???
Ok got a pile of marking sitting on the desk and unfortunately, it won't mark itself (bugger!) so I'd best get on with it.
Thanks for stopping by.
Sarah

Howdy Stranger

2010-10-23T22:19:00.002+10:00

lol do people still say Howdy??? hehehe I think not. Oh well I like being different.
I have finally found a few spare minutes in the week to update this blog. Nothing special has been happening - just life. Have had a massive fortnight marking and preparing assessment. I finally finished the last lot of marking on Thursday around midnight. Felt good to have it done. I have about a two week break before getting inundated with all of the end of year exams. My Year 12's are definitely on the countdown - 5 teaching lessons with them until their exam. Where has the year gone???
Not a lot of scrapping has been done - in fact, just one layout since starting the term. Very plain and VERY SIMPLE but I actually like it, especially the Pink Paislee Parisian Anthology Ruffle Ribbon:

This is the boys' school photo for the year - the very first one of them together at 'big school' as Lachie still calls it. I cannot believe how much both boys, but particularly Lachie, has grown in the last six months. Hard to believe that Lachie is only in Prep - he looks so much more grown up.

Have spent last night and today trawling online shops looking for After 5 dresses for an awards ceremony I have been invited to attend next week. Nothing like short notice to kick a person's butt into action. Found out on Wednesday about it which meant 10 days to find something - not easy when you are a bit on the 'cuddly' side. I have two formal outfits in the cupboard but have worn them so much over the last few years I am sick of the sight of them. Found this one and have ordered it. It was love at first side. Just hope I don't end up looking like mutton dressed as lamb:

The sales assistant was soooooooooo helpful when I called (they have online plus store front). Promised me that they can get it from their end of the country to mine by Wednesday 9am at the very latest (fingers crossed). All I have to do is pray that it fits hehehe.
On the magazine front, the following page was recently published in Scrapbooking Memories Magazine. Not one of my favourites but was accepted for their 'banner' theme, even if the banners I used look a little like g-strings hanging on the line lol. Gotta love October Afternoon stuff though - all the pp is from their collections. I {heart} OA HEAPS and LOTS and MUCH

I have more to show but cannot just yet but if you get Scrapbooking Memories for yourself, turn to pages 29 AND 110 (still cannot believe having two layouts published at the same time). The colours of the layout on pg 29 are totally blown out but hey, who cares, it is published lol. The one on pg 110 is soooooooooooooooooooo not my colours but I love the basic design of it.
Anyway, I guess I should start to turn my attention to the neglected piles of folding that have multiplied in my push to get all the marking done. When oh when will someone invent a washing machine that washes, dries, folds and irons clothes? Oh and putting them away should be an optional extra lol.
Til next time

S xoxoxoxoxo

He loves me ...

2010-10-11T20:41:00.003+10:00

I have to say that I am feeling very loved and totally spoilt today. When the boys and I arrived home from school and swimming training, this is what was waiting for me in my office:

A brand new iPod classic AND a bunch of flowers. And for what reason??? Birthday? Nope - been there done that already this year. Wedding anniversary??? Nope - be there done that already this year. Other special date??? Nope - have never done that sort of stuff, probably never will.
They arrived on my desk for two reasons:
1) I put my trusty, faithful iPod Nano through the wash on Friday night - not once BUT TWICE (running away in shame now - I mean who puts an iPod through the wash once let alone twice???!!!).
2) Tony thought I might need a bit of cheering up because I have been sad and upset lately.
I feel very spoilt. I planned on just getting another Nano - really don't have the need for a wiz-big iPod because all I use it for is listening to music but Tony said he saw this and liked it so who am I to complain hehehehe. 160GB - lots of room to put some movies onto for when I am going to the States later in the year - gotta do something to fill in the long plane flight. Just between you and me (please don't tell him) I actually went and got one of the new generation iPod Nanos this afternoon (whoops lol). Now have to work out what to do with it lol
And then there is the flowers - gerberas are my ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE of all time. Although fuschia pink is my favourite gerbera colour, I NEVER say no to geberas.

I have to say that for all the rough patches we have faced over the years and for the little arguments etc we have had, I don't regret (well 95% of the time anyway) making the decision to marry Tony all those years ago. Sure life gets in the way and it absorbs us but after all this time, I cannot image NOT having Tony in my life.
Nothing else to report, looks like it is another busy week ahead - but feels like that every week doesn't it???
Until next time,
S xoxoxoxo

What's doing???

2010-10-10T20:58:00.003+10:00

Apart from work, swimming club, swimming lessons for Lachie and mini squad for Mitch, Tony spending hours upon hours in the tractor planting only to have the prospect of losing some of it after having rivers of rain - nothing much.

Don't get me wrong, rain is GREAT but with the amount of water lying in the paddocks at the moment, most of the seeds will rot before they get the chance to grow. But that is farming - it is all the luck of the draw and we just need to move forward now and get onto the next task; waiting for the water to drain away and the ground to dry out so cotton planting can begin.

School is back in for the final term - 1 week down; 9 to go. My Year 12's are in total countdown mode. It is very scary to know that I am now down to 10 lessons with them before their final exam. I just hope that the excitement of finishing off their school studies, coupled with formals, valedictory and (for most of them) 'schoolies' week doesn't make them lose too much focus. I feel slightly more settled after the first week of Term 4 compared to Term 3. I love my job and I love teaching SO much but man I HATE HATE HATE the politics and crap that goes on behind the scene. I know you get that in any job and I have to just deal with it but I get so frustrated because our primary concern should ALWAYS be the students but bureaucrats being the type of people they are, make it so dang hard. I really want to say to some of them - get out of your plush little office and get back into the thick of things in the classroom so you can see that a lot of the decision you make are so irrelevant and pointless. LOL how do you think that will go down??? hehehehehe

Scrapping has taken a back seat for the last week or so. Disappointed and annoyed with myself for not doing more during the holidays but thems the breaks. I only managed a paltry 3 single LO's and this double (which by the way, I am not sure I like):

Anyway I feel William Shakespeare and Martin Luther King calling me so I had best get back to planning work for the upcoming week.

Take care everyone and thanks for stopping by.

S xoxoxo

Look Mummy no Wheels .....

2010-09-26T12:39:00.005+10:00

... is what Lachie told told me yesterday when Daddy took his training wheels off. Of course I had to laugh and force mself not to correct him and tell him that a bicycle has two wheels and that is how it moves because he was just so proud and he sounded cute when he said it LOL.

It was amazing to see how quickly he took to riding without his training wheels. His bike has been out of commission for quite some time (insert months rather than weeks) but I finally managed to get some new tubes yesterday morning and Tony finally had some time to fit them. Lachie's first request was for the wheels to come off but seeing as it had been so long since he had ridden the bike, we decided to lift the training wheels up a little bit. Of course, Lachie has always been wanting to push the boundaries - I think mainly to keep up with Mitchell - and within 30 minutes he was begging for them to be removed altogether. Needless to say he has taken to 'no wheels' like a duck to water. Sniffle sniffle, my baby is all grown up :-( .

On the scrapping front, things have been a little bit slow. Mojo is there but not flowing as fast as I would like but beggars can't be choosers. I was hoping to get a lot of scrapping done seeing as it is the holidays but a small handful of layouts for the album is better than no layouts at all. To be honest I am not really liking this layout - I haven't put it away yet in the vain hope that something comes to me. I know it is missing something but everything I have tried doesn't work. Feel free to offer any suggestions if you have any LOL. Ok off to see if something else will inspire me.

Thanks for stopping by
Me xoxoxo

Boys live here ........

2010-09-25T19:18:00.002+10:00

While I am more than aware of this fact (how could I not be with all the noise, trucks, tractors and pieces of lego), I have never taken photos to document just how much 'blue' I have in my life. Here are a few random pics from around the house and farm today:

Monster trucks, graders and tractors and a patch of dirt - what more do little farm boys need?

Every little boy needs a Thomas (or 4) in their life, plus all of his friends.

Isn't it amazing what can be created with coloured pieces of plastic and little people? Gotta love the imaginations of kids.

Just some of the gang - lots more around but they were busy being played with and weren't available for an impromptu photoshoot lol.

Not a lot else to report. Have scrapped another layout but not happy with it. Still deciding on what else it needs to make it even remotely passable. Maybe these photos will inspire me.

Til next time

S xoxoxo

Monochromatic Madness

2010-09-22T08:54:00.003+10:00

I have never attempted to scrap monochromatically but after reading the upcoming themes in the latest SBM, I thought I would give it a try as a bit of a challenge. Not sure I am liking the end result and couldn't stick to just one colour (had to throw in a little red just for a bit of something other than blue lol) but I have finally scrapped a photo I have been dying to scrap since I got it printed:

Can't wait for spring to start warming up and summer to arrive so I can get back out to the pool with my camera.
Off to see if I can manage more scrapping today. Not in the best of moods - feeling down in the dumps about a few things. Maybe I need to throw on some old eps of Sex in the City or Grey's Anatomy to take my mind off things.
Thanks for stopping by.
S xoxo

A little bit of awesome-ness and some ME time

2010-09-20T10:12:00.003+10:00

Can't show it on the blog for another month or so but if you get Scrapbooking Memories Magazine, check out page 88. There is a cute little kid on there and he is all mine. Yep my very first publication in SBM and I am a BIG bit excited to say the least lol.
With this publication, that makes 2 of my scrapbooking goals complete for 2010. One more magazine to go and I will have accomplished most of my scrapbooking goals for the year. The great news about that is the in the next month or so CK will be publishing some of my layouts in the Aussie Reader gallery- gotta love that!
After all my 'marathons' over the weekend (not of the athletic variety but of the marking and housework variety) I finally decided that last night was the perfect time for ME time - something which has been a rare treat over the past month or so. I tried doing this layout about a month ago and didn't get anywhere with it. I found it late last night buried under some paperwork that I hadn't filed. Filing complete, I managed to pull it together reasonably quickly and have to say that I am reasonably pleased with the result:
Now that I have got that page done, I am hoping the inspiration and mojo will stay with me long enough to do some more.
No doubt, I will be back to post if I do manage to create more LOL.
Me xoxoxoxox

Holidays are here

2010-09-18T20:04:00.002+10:00

School holidays are here and how did I spend the first day of Spring break? Buried in a pile of marking. The last week of school was filled with lots of action as the various subject areas prepared their Year 12 submissions to review at District Panel. As always, it was my job to prepare the Modern History submission. It is a huge job and, like usual, all of the other work got pushed to the side so I could concentrate on that. Of course, doing that means that it piled up, waiting patiently for me to turn my attention to it (yeah right - I make marking sound so enjoyable but it really isn't lol). I started last night and gave up around midnight but I am pleased to say that all I have concentrated on today (in between doing six loads of washing) is this pile of goodness:
There is a silver lining to all this pile of white paper. It is DONE, FINISHED, COMPLETED!!! Talk about doing a happy dance. It is such a huge relief to have it out of the way. I was going to make myself do an hour each day across the first week of the holidays but I forced myself to sit down and get it out of the way today. Very pleased with myself because now I can concentrate on better things for the rest of the holidays, like SCRAPPING!!! (I can dream and hope can't I hehe)

In other news, we have some welcome (well everyone else except me says welcome) additions to the family. I went scrapping with the girls a few weeks ago and was woken up early by the excited squeals of two little boys telling me about new chooks. Mummy was not a happy camper to say the least. First there was the issue with being woken up - I am much better if I am allowed to wake up in my own time. Next was the realisation that there were four chooks in the hen house. I have to admit (and you will probably hate me for this) that I am not a chook lover. I love eggs but given that I am the only one in the house who eats eggs on a regular basis, I thought it was kind of pointless getting chooks. Sadly, I was over-ruled on this one. Here they are and according to Lachie, they are Shay, Mahayla, Bee-Bee and Daisy. Not sure where some of the names came from but I know two are named after some of the girls in his class (I told him to keep that little gem to himself lol):
The next bit of excitement was Tony's decision to get himself another dog. To be honest, I am more of a cat person than a dog person but Tony is the exact opposite - he loves dogs, especially working dogs like Kelpies and Border Collies. Needless to say, my protests were not listened to and this is the result, little Toby:

Yeah I know he is cute and everything but at the end of the day it is a dog. I guess he will grow on me soon enough.

Nothing else to report. My brain is fried after all the reading. Was thinking about tackling some scrapping but I think I might just go sleep instead.
Hope the start of the holidays have been more exciting for the rest of you.

Me xoxoxox

Point Shoot Play and Meloo Photography

2010-09-13T22:15:00.003+10:00

Seriously, if you want to learn how to get the most out of your camera - DSLR/SLR or regular point and shoot - then you HAVE to invest in one of these workshops offered by POINT SHOOT PLAY. Seriously, you will NOT regret it. I say invest because that is what it is - those cameras of ours cost serious dollars and get a fair workout, quite often without us taking the time to get to know how to use them properly - it is an investment in getting the most out of your camera and finally moving the dial off the green rectangle (aka auto function).
For our workshop, Mel from PSP presented one day entirely devoted to photography and a second just for continuing to improve our photo-editing skills. To say the weekend was awesome would be an understatement. Even though my head was not always in the right place (should have realised at the time that I was coming down with a head cold and stuffed up sinuses
again :( ) I loved being able to spend time watching Mel do her thing. What I wouldn't give for time to be her 'offsider or apprentice' - just being around her inspires me to work harder at improving my photography.

As part of our photography class, we also managed to fit in a photo shoot out here on the farm. I haven't got many pictures to share as I was busy trying to organise other stuff but check out this bit of awesome-ness Mel caputured of my boys. (insert major jealousy here - would kill to take photos like this girl.)

Nothing else to report here. We have hit what we love to call 'Hell Week' at school - Year 12 exam block as well as preparing and packing up all the Year 12 submissions to go off to panel (basically where we gather a sample of student work from our teaching area and send it away for other schools in the district to review - kinda like making sure everyone is teaching the same sorts of things and awarding similar grades/levels of achievement). Even the exams the kids do this week have to be marked, internally moderated and then sorted for district review. Get why we call it hell week now??? lol The best part about the week is that after Friday, we have two weeks holidays - need it so that we can catch up on all the other marking that gets put aside this week in order to get all the Year 12 stuff done.

Til next time,

Sarah

Oh My!!!

2010-09-08T18:56:00.002+10:00

Right now I am in a state of shock and awe (no, I am not pretending to be George W Bush and his invasion of Iraq/Afghanistan or where ever it was).
A week or so ago I was reading one one of my daily reads - Kathie Link's blog. I love how Kathie adds hand-written journalling to almost every single one of her fabulous layouts. She had a post about journalling and asked people to share theirs, so I did and was selected as one of her 'story tellers' - guess that is what she is intending. Check it out here. I have to say that I am truly astounded to be selected with this fine group of scappers - most of them 'names' from the Australian scrapbooking industry. Have to admit that I am more than a little bit chuffed to be considered with the likes of these amazing ladies.
Nothing else to report here at the moment. Life is slowly returning to its normal frenetic pace filled with work, home, work, home, marking, compiling submissions. Only 7 more school days until the holidays and I am making a promise to myself to have ALL of my marking done before Friday of next week so I can sit back and enjoy the holidays.
Til next time.
Me xoxoxo

Time Flies ...

2010-09-06T19:51:00.003+10:00

... it sure does regardless of whether you are having fun or not.

Life has been running on over-drive for the past few weeks. Some of it has been fun - like scrapping a layout here and there will some of it has sucked completely. No other way of putting it than LIFE SUCKS.

We had sadness in our family last week with the death of my dad's oldest sister. Her passing was more sudden than I had prepared myself for - less than a month from initially being informed of her ill health until her death. While she was 12 years older than my dad (she was the eldest child, dad the youngest), there was still a closeness between them. Death is never easy, regardless of age but knowing that Aunty Marie had lived a full and mostly happy life, it does make dealing with it a bit better. As always, Dad was a rock for us all. Being the youngest doesn't stop him from being everyone's rock. I got to catch up with all of my aunts and uncles on his side of the family and quite a few cousins which was good, despite the sad occasion.

On the home front, life has been hectic. School is starting to wind up for the term but it is the busiest time of year in many respects with most of the major assessment for the Year 12 taking place now. I am beginning to feel as if I am slowly getting on top of things, although I will be glad when the end of term comes at the end of next week.

Not a lot of scrapping has been happening since my last post - a paltry two layouts. Hitting a flat patch with the scrapping again. I really need to get out and take some new pictures of the boys to inspire me. Maybe that can go on the 'to do' list for the holidays. Here's hoping anyway.

I am not totally happy with these layouts but I know I am always a lot harder on myself than everyone else lol. Both layouts are of Mitch, feel like I scrap pics of Lachie all the time so it was good to concentrate on pictures of Mitch.

Not a lot else to report. Spring is finally here and while the days are definitely getting warmer, the nights are still chilly. Bring on summer!!

Until next time

Sarah xoxo

A Chillaxin' kind of weekend

2010-08-22T18:25:00.002+10:00

As much as I hate the word chillaxin' (a cross of chill out and relax for those of you who don't know what it means), this is the one word which sums up my weekend perfectly. Every time I hear the kids at school say the word, the hairs on the back of my next stand up and my insides cringe. But that is the beauty of the English language, it is constantly evolving and changing. Even Shakespeare did it - apparently he made up every third (I think that is the number) word he used. Anyway, enough of the linguistics lesson - I don't want you all falling asleep on me hehehe.
The reason why Chillaxin' was on my mind all weekend was the photo I used in this layout. As soon as I saw this picture of Lachlan on my camera screen, I knew that chillaxin' had to be incorporated onto the layout somehow:

My next scrapping item was the dreaded school picture. I don't know how many of you out there feel the same way as me but I HATE scrapping the annual school portraits. This one is almost two years old and I have lost count of how many times I have pulled it out and put it away all becuase of the background. I seriously do no know what the photography company were thinking when they chose that background to go behind green school shirts. I finally bit the bullet and just grabbed papers, sucked it up and scrapped the layout. Not happy with it but it is another layout for the album:

And finally, I tried move away from my single photo layout trend used in the previous two layouts to create this:

The pictures are from our day trip (one and only day trip - never will I drive up that horrible road again) to O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat in the Gold Coast hinterland. There is nothing wrong with the Retreat itself but omg the road up there leaves a lot to be desired. I am not normally one to succumb to car-sickness (only one other time prior to this and that was due to an unknown pregnancy) but I did not enjoy the car trip at all. The walking trails up there are awesome and the scenery totally beautiful but nope, sorry not for me ever again lol. Please don't let my bad travel experience let me change your mind about heading up there. It is something everyone needs to do once lol.

Heading towards the end of the term. Students have assignments going left, right and centre. My Year 12's are on the countdown for the rest of the year - 8 teaching weeks (or 40 days) according to them; eek is that enough time to get through everything I need to get through???

Have a good week everyone.

Sarah xoxo

A Work in Progress actually finished ... kind of

2010-08-18T18:16:00.004+10:00

Hehehehe how is that for confusion. Talk about a paradox or an oxymoron if you have ever read one (ok note to self, stop using words on my blog that I have been using all day with my Year 10's hehehehe).
I had trouble falling asleep the other night. Mitchell (DS1) and I are going through a rough patch at the moment - all we ever seem to do is fight and argue with each other and we aren't doing that, one or both of us are crying because we are hurt and upset. He is such a complex kid - he doesn't always cope with change well, will question things constantly (and I mean CONSTANTLY) and has a hard time coping if we can't give him the answers to his questions. I have several thoughts about all that but here is not the time or place to be going through that - think I need to process a few things first. Anyways, back to the other night. The night ended the way it has done quite a lot lately - cross words between us, some yelling and tears (on both sides) and when it was finally quiet and everyone was in bed I sat in my scrap room processing everything that has been happening between us lately. I know that part of the reason why we clash is that our personalities are just far too alike (both a bit OCD when it comes to certain things, both have to question why things are the way they are, we are creatures of habit and we are both people pleasers which usually means we get hurt easily and a lot).
So I sat down and wrote a letter to him just to put it all out there. I know that a lot of the way things are between us is my fault, I know I could and should be a better mother to him but I tell ya, in the heat of the moment I forget that. I know that he would not understand the meaning behind the letter so I decided to hide it behind on a scrapbook layout. One day when I think he understands better and when I can deal with him seeing my emotions spilt out there on the page, I will show him but for now we are just a work in progress:

Dear Mitchell, Well it is close to midnight on Monday August 16 2010 and I am sitting out in the scrap room going over and over the last few days. Tonight has ended with more cross words between the two of us - something which seems to be happening more and more these days. I don't really know what has changed between us but all we seem to do is argue and fight. I wish I could climb inside your head sometimes so I could get to understand you better. You are such a complex little boy which makes it that much harder to know what you are thinking and feeling. You get uptight and wound-up about the simplest things and I am beginning to think that is where a lot of our problems stem from - we are just too much alike. Perhaps that is what the problem is - our personalities are just too similar. But that is not an excuse. I know I could and should be a better mother to you. I know I should not take my anger and frustration out on you. You are just a kid, you don't deserve that. Mitchell, you must be so confused about me and how I am, so I guess it is no wonder you act out the way you do - you are only acting that way I am. I am not perfect and I don't expect you to be either but I promise you this Mitchell, it will get better than this. Life is full of highs and lows. Right now things are not great but it will get better, we will find a way to work through this. Always remember that no mater that is going on between is, I do love you ever if I can't tell you or show you how I am feeling. I love you with all my heart, Mummy xoxoxo.

Wow that is a lot of emotion there. Not sure whether I should run away and hide or put it out there for the whole world to see.

Thanks for stopping by.

Me xoxoxo

Has it been THAT long???

2010-08-15T21:24:00.002+10:00

Oh my goodness - three-ish weeks between posts; what is with that??? There is no real reason to explain my absence other than trying to fight off the winter cold and flu season. I was only back at work for a week before it hit me like a Mack truck and I am still battling it. The aches and pains, sweats and fevers have finally subsided so now all that I have left to battle is sheer exhaustion and a rattly cough.
Most days as soon as I get home from work I climb into bed for an hour or so just to try and refresh for the night ahead - cooking dinner, getting homework and chores done - all the usual stuff. Then as soon as the boys are in bed, I am looking for the covers as well. I have never slept so much in my entire life I don't think and yet I am still soooooooooooo tired.
Today was the first day that I have gone through the entire day without having a little nanny nap and I am amazed that I am still awake this late at night. Well it isn't that late by my usual standards but in recent weeks it has been.
My other surprise for the weekend was that I actually managed to scrapbook - the first time in almost 6 weeks. Yep, I am still picking my chin up off the floor. Very simple layouts and one is a lift of Anthea . I used this as my inspiration to get back into the scrapping game. So Anthea, I hope you don't mind and thanks a BUNCH for inspiring me.

All of the photos are from our holiday at the coast at the end of June/start of July. Oh how I wish I was back at the beach, digging my toes in the sand and watching my boys doing their thing. This week is hump week of the term which means 5 down and 5 to go. Bring on the holidays so I can try and refocus on my scrapping again.
Thanks for stopping by. I promise I won't take so long to post next time.
Cheers,
Me xoxoxox

Sick

2010-07-24T12:20:00.002+10:00

Flu-ey, watery eyes, stuffy head, runny nose.

Yep that is me at the moment Head is stuffed fuller than a cuddly teddy bear. Two weeks back at work and look at what happens - I get sick :-(

Oh well, tomorrow will be a better day, I just have to keep soldiering on.

Nothing to share, nothing to show - unless you count bags of used tissues as worthwhile show'n'tell'. Hmmmmmmmm I think not.

Back to bed for me. Thank goodness it is the weekend. Could not have faced work feeling like I do today, yesterday was bad enough.
Til next time
Me xoxo

Stopping to pick my chin up off the floor

2010-07-19T20:09:00.003+10:00

Guess what I found waiting for me in the mail box this afternoon??!!
Ok so it isn't exactly a layout in a magazine but to me it is the next best thing - my name being among the 'Standout Readers' in the latest edition of Creating Keepsakes manazine. There is is - second column, third name down. YAY that's lil ol' me - Sarah Hemmings.

I tell ya, talk about an awesome boost after a few less than perfect 24hrs. I think I am having scrapping withdrawals. I started back at work last week after 3 1/2 months long service leave and I have hit the ground running. I was hoping for a smooth re-entry back into teaching but no, that would be asking too much. I have done nothing but clean up mess after mess, disaster after disaster and literally spent all of last week chasing my tail. I think I have corrected all the errors and have put things right again so hopefully things will settle down so I can try and get a little bit of creating done here and there.

Hopefully next time you stop by, there will be some creating.

me xoxo

A little bit of awesome-ness ...

2010-07-13T19:58:00.005+10:00

Even if I do say so myself. hehe

I made it one of my New Year's resolution to have a go at submitting layouts to the magazines. I had a real problem making myself do this because I believe that my scrapbooking isn't up to the standard of most of the names that you see in the magazines month after month. After a few harsh words and loads of encouragement from some special girls, I bit the bullet and sent some creations off. Within a few days I had two acceptances, the first of which was published in Issue 79 of Scrapbook Creations. The pic is one of my all time favourites; sadly I can't claim the credit and although I did credit the photographer in my notes I sent in, it was not put into the magazine.

Lachie was so proud when I showed him. He 'confiscated' the magazine the next morning and took it to school, proudly saying to his classmates, 'Look, I've been published.' LOL too cute. I just loved it when his teacher told me that is what he was telling everyong. Didn't have the heart to tell him it was actually Mummy who was published.Today was my first day back in the classroom after 14 weeks Long Service Leave. Still not 100% sure how I feel about being back. I guess I just need to get back into the swing of things and get back into the routine.

S xoxoxo

Country Boys and my visit with Carrie and the girls

2010-07-11T12:43:00.007+10:00

Yep there is no denying that my boys really are country boys. No matter where they go or what they do, they are always going to have a streak of country in them. How many city boys would INSIST (maybe DEMAND is a better word) on packing this in their bags for holidays??!!

See what I mean? You can take the boy out of the country but you can't take the country out of the boy. Lachie was hilarious with his tractor on the beach. He was busy telling Daddy that he was chisel-ploughing in the strips or using the 'boom sprayer' (as he calls it) over at Glendon or mulching the cotton. That kid has got all the farm terminology down pat, even if it is in his own language. So of course, I just HAD to take pictures and come home to create this: Ok so the truth is that I am not overly happy with how this LO has turned out. I know I wanted to incorporate yellow into the page somehow but even with this gorgeous paper from Bo Bunny, I still feel a bit blah about it. Oh well, it is another one for the album and gotta love that!
On to other matters....

As you may have read in my previous post, I was contemplating going and seeing Sex and the City 2 last Thursday. Well I went and I have to admit that I LOVED it. OK I didn't love it as much as the first but OMG it was sooooooooooooo good to be back with Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte. It was hilarious, lots of laughs throught and while I understand why it didn't get such great reviews, I don't think it matters. Yes it was stylisied to the hilt and way OTT in places but hello, wasn't the TV show like that (especially in the final 2 seasons), wasn't the first movie like that??? Carrie and the girls are always over stylisied, that is who they are and that is what makes them, and the show and the movie, unique. I think the scriptwriter has been true to the characters and I can handle all the flashy clothes and stuff because to me that is what SATC is all about - waaaaaaaaaaaaaay over the top style. This is one of the things that has helped make it so unique over the years. If it was just your ordinary TV show, using your ordinary characters wearing everyday, ordinary clothes, it would not have had the same impact. So poohey to the reviews, a definite double thumbs up from me LOL. Also a huge thumbs up to an Aussie singer whose song was used in the closing credits and in the theatrical trailer - way to go Rikki Lee!!
Well I think I have taken up enough of your time today. Hope you have all had or are having a great weekend. Til next time.
Me xoxoxo

Christmas in July

2010-07-09T11:25:00.002+10:00

I know, I know, I can hear you screaming at me - Christmas??? Already??? Girl you HAVE GOT to be kidding - and I totally hear you. I am soooooooo not a Christmas in July person. My motto has always been, well that is what Christmas Eve is for hehe. But this year I am trying to get organised and what better way to get started than to scrap some christmas pictures. LOL nah I am not that organised. Have actually created this LO for a buddy who works at a scrap shop and is organising a Christmas in July extravaganza thingy. It still needs some chipboard reindeer embellishments but they are with her so you will just have to see the layout in its almost finished form:
This youngest boy of mine is such a dag and goof ball but he is so darn cute too!!
Nothing else to show or report today. Am about to head off and finally go see Sex and the City 2 (yes I know it copped a beating in the reviews but OMG I love love love love love anything SATC so I am going anyway) all on my lonesome. Who knows, I might be back later with more scrapping to show lol.
Have a great day
Me xoxoxox

Holiday Roundup

2010-07-08T13:49:00.008+10:00

Yep we are home from our little trip away to the coast. Being winter the weather wasn't that crash hot (but what else is new in winter lol) but that didn't stop the boys from going into the surf and braving the waves. I love this picture so much. I have had it enlarged to 8x10 and can't wait to scrap it - just need to work out what I want to do with it first hehe.

This is my ABSOLUTE favourite picture from our holiday. I love his cute little bum and how it is covered in sand and how he almost has a 'wedgie' on one side of his cute little bum cheek. Even though he is quite tall for his age, he still looks like a little boy from behind.

And of course, what is a trip to the beach without digging in the sand. The weather this day was perfect. It was almost like a perfect summer's day, minus the 30 degree temp (oh how I miss the hot weather). The boys spent hours digging in the sand, making castles and tunnels that apparently 'went all the way to China Mummy!'.

Just what every little farm boy needs at the beach - his trust John Deere tractor. The boys were allowed to pack one toy each and after much deliberation and debate, they both chose their tractors with buckets on them. You can take the boy out of the country but you can't take the country out of the boy.

Another random pic of Mitchell. He is a real little fish, well both boys are. He would spend all day and all night in the water if he was allowed to. I love love love how the sports mode on my camera allows me to just click away and get all the fine details like the droplets of water.

And as for me, what did I get up to on our holidays? Well I powered my way through 4 books, two scrapbooking magazines, watched lots and lots of late night tennis and consequently feel asleep on the lounge most nights :-o, did a spot of shopping here and there, took the boys to see Toy Story 3 and Shrek Forever After, ummmmmmmmmm slept lots and even managed to do a spot of scrapping.

I packed the bare essentials - a few sheets of cardstock and patterned papers, some sticker embellishments, a pair of scissors, my trimmer and one ink pad. I thought I did really well to take just that with me but I was very worried that I would not be able to do anything at all because I am one of those 'have to finish one project before another one gets started' kind of girls. Needless to say I managed to get over myself long enough to create the bases of two layouts. All that needed to be done when I got home was to raid the chipboard and thickers for titles, add some mist and do the journalling. Here is what I came up with:

All this layout needed was the misting and digging out my trusting manual Dymo label maker. Quite happy with how this has turned out.

This layout is very plain and simple but I quite like it. Channelled a bit of Pip Prosser here I think going for the large block of patterned paper behind the photos lol. I also experimented with the journalling and wrote around the outside of the large block and the title forms part of the journalling. Not too shabby even if I do say so myself. And yes, before you kill me Beck, I know there are banners on both pages but I couldn't help myself, even if the one on the Cross Country layout looks like G-Strings hanging on a clothesline lol!!!

Anyway, I think that is all for me for now. Trying to make the most of my last few days of long service leave. Hard to believe that, including the Easter holidays and now these ones, I have been home for 14 weeks - where did that time go? I have mixed feelings about heading back to work - I miss my classes but sure as heck do not miss the politics, red tape and in-fighting that happens in any work place. For a while there I contemplated no going back at all but too scared to throw it all away just yet and realistically speaking, apart from part-time jobs while I was at school and University, teaching is all I have ever done so what else could I possibly do?? I am sure that once I get back into the swing of things it will be like I had never left at all - well here's hoping anyway.
Til next time,
Me xoxoxo

Caught ya!

2010-06-25T10:17:00.003+10:00

As an English teacher, I don't like it when I see or hear the word 'ya' . I am forever correcting the boys and kids at school that it is 'you' not ya. However, rules are meant to be broken aren't they? For this layout using 'you' just didn't seem to fit the picture so I caved in and this is what I came up with:

I have to admit that I am pretty happy with this layout. Very simple but to me the focus is the photo. It is not a perfect photo by any stretch of the imagination but I am so glad that I decided to use it as it makes my heart smile.
Thanks for stopping by.

Me xoxoxo

Just another day

2010-06-24T23:34:00.003+10:00

Today has been another one of those days. Lots of fiddly jobs to do around the house like the washing and ironing but I also managed to fit in a little bit of scrapping time. I will have to wait until the morning to get a decent picture but in the mean time, I have this to share:

Have to admit that the layout turned out totally different to how I pictured it. In my mind I had a vision of combining aqua shades with yellow for something different but when I came across the scrap of heart paper left over from Create '08, I knew it had to go there somewhere and then the pink just took over lol. It was good because I don't often get to put pink on pages of the boys.

Remember this from last month??? It got picked up for publication today. Very happy about that. Lots of rejections though but not to worry.

Finally, Chris and Sarah-Lou, please don't despair about no mail turning up. Still trying to make a little pile of goodness for you both. If it isn't posted tomorrow, it won't happen until the week after next as we are off to the coast for week.
Ok I am outta here. Take care.
Me xoxoxoxo

Scrapping goodness

2010-06-22T15:54:00.004+10:00

I have been plugging away at the pile of photos I have sitting on the table and I have to say it is good to be in a better frame mind. I hate when I let the dark cloud settle over me but, as they say, every cloud has a silver lining and the lining for me is being able to come back out the other side in a better, more positive frame of mind. Gotta to be happy with that. I am still not going to set any records with my scrapping but that's ok; I'm not into it for the records. Here is what I have been up to. I have been channelling some of the Goddesses of Scrapbooking here in Australia:

1. Channelling Kim Arnold. I love how she pulls off such amazing and stunning layouts, not to mention how she incorporates twine on her layouts. This is my 'Kim' attempt:

My next bit of channelling came from the queen of double layouts, Pip Prosser. As some of you might remember, I channelled my inner Pip earlier in the year and actually had a layout picked up for publication as a result. This time, I channelled a double to use the pictures taken when Mitchell had his casts taken off:

And finally I have this one. Not sure who I channelled for this one but I do know that I am not 100% happy with it. I need to work on my misting technique (tips anyone???), although I am proud that I finally used the Heidi Swapp heart mask we got as part of our Create '08 kit.

The school term is drawing to a close here in Queensland which means my long service leave is all but over. Not sure how I feel about going back to work next term. If you would have asked me that question a month ago, I would have told you that I couldn't get back there fast enough but now I am not so sure. I miss the kids but I sure as heck don't miss the politics and mind games with the staff. Some days I wish all I could do is teach and forget all about the other stuff. After all, the kids are the reason why I became a teacher in the first place.

Oh well, enough of that. I am off to make the most of what is left of my leave.

Thanks for stopping by.

Me xoxo

Operation Casts Off a huge success

2010-06-17T19:54:00.006+10:00

**** WARNING: GROSS PICTURES AHEAD!!! ****

Yesterday was a big day for our biggest boy. After 8 weeks of discomfort, broken sleep, putting up with being asked dozens of questions every day, Mitch had his second lot of casts taken off. This time he was awake for the procedure - last time he was already under the anesthetic when the doctor took them off. Mitch asked if I would take some photos so that he could take them to school to show his classmates and, of course, the scrapper in me just had to oblige with this request lol.
It was interesting to watch the casts being taken off. The saw wasn't overly loud and it hardly took any time at all to make the cuts. Mitch was a little unsure at first, was worried that the blade might cut his leg, however, it didn't take him long to get entralled in the process.

Once all the cuts were made, the doctor asked Lachlan if he would like to help - apparently he had to do the VERY (lol Lachie's word) important of pressing down on the plier thingies to prise the cuts apart. By the look of the tounge in the second photo, he was putting a lot of effort into it. And oh boy, what a surprise to peel the casts back to reveal one dirty and VERY (my word) smelly leg.
Hehehehehehe just in case the previous photo wasn't gross enough, here is a close up of the feet. All I can say is thank goodness for whoever invented Glen 20 (in my eyes, and to my nose, you are a God) because it was rank!!! And if all that wasn't gross enough, there was one more little surprise in one of the casts. We have no idea how it would have managed to get wedged where it did bit on the top of one of Mitchell's ankle was a sorghum seed. Yep a sorghum seed. And wedged it was - so wedged that it had rubbed against the skin that much, it broke the skin. Fortunately enough, the seed didn't shoot (as in sprout), although it was just starting to spilt. If the same casts were on for the entire 8 weeks, it definitely would have shot which could have been bad news but luckily it didn't. He has a tiny infection from where it was wedged but it appears to be healing ok.
The verdict??? Well at this stage, it appears as if the procedure has been a huge success. Mitch has a lot more flexibility in his lower leg/ankle area and can now get his feet to right angle with his legs. And the best bit??? Yep, you guessed it, he is walking on his feet AND staying on them. We haven't seen him take more than a small handful of steps on his feet for the last 4 1/2 - 5 years. So in my book, that is a total success, so much so that the specialist thinks he shouldn't need any physiotherapy or special exercises!!! Here's hoping the success will continue.
So on that happy note, I am not going to give one giveaway from the previous post, but THREE. Yep, I am giving a little package of love to the three lovely people who left comments on the last post. So Chris and Sarah Lou, check your emails and Media, if you read this, please email me so I can organise a little package of love for you too!!
Have a scrappin' good weekend everyone.
Me xoxoxox

Out for Publication, Show and Tell and a GIVE AWAY!!

2010-06-09T16:08:00.005+10:00

To my absolute amazement, my 'Chick Magnet' layout included in the previous post has been picked up for publication. Of the three layouts I sent in yesterday, I can guarantee you 150% that this layout WAS NOT the one I thought might get picked up. But hey, who is complaining, a layout for publication is a layout for publication lol!!!

I spent some time last night sitting and thinking about the post I made yesterday and decided that I analyse things WAY too much and I just need to sit and enjoy the process rather than be caught up with how many layouts I have done. Would I love to be one of those scrappers who churns out fistfuls of layouts every day? Heck yeah, but the reality is, I am slow, I fiddle-fart and fluff-arse around(thanks Dad for describing my creative process) and spend ages just playing, shuffling papers and embellishments around the page.

So from now I just need to remind myself to enjoy the process - it isn't a race to see who can fill the most albums in a year, (although wouldn't that it be great to see scrapbooking as an Olympic event hehehe) it is about the legacy that I am leaving behind for my boys. Deep down, I know that one day years from now they will get a real kick out of looking at themselves as little kids.

Now for some show and tell. I don't know how many of you would recognise the other person in these pictures but it is Rebecca, one of my nearest and dearest friends. We met online about 4 1/2 years ago and have been chatting online almost daily ever since. In January last year, we finally met in real life when H-L and I flew down to visit her for my birthday. The three of us got together again in August last year for a girls weekend away at the Gold Coast (where these pictures were taken). Rebecca was here for a visit just a few weeks ago. I hadn't scrapped any pictures of our time together - mainly because that would involve scrapping photos of myself and that is not something I do a lot of - but the owner of my LSS (parts of website still in the process of construction) asked me to create a LO for her shop and passed a bundle of papers and embellishments by way.
Now to be honest, some of the papers are ones that I would never look at or pick out for myself, especially the really girly-girl ones (not much call for pink in a house full of blue lol) but while I was scrolling through my picture files, I came across these ones and knew I just HAD to use them. The title 1297 refers to how many kilometers it is from my front door to Beck's. But it isn't about the distance, it is about what a chance meeting online has become - one of the most amazing friendships I could hope for. This girl means the world to me, she has been there through the highs and lows, she has heard me laugh and has offered comfort when I have cried. It doesn't matter that she is so far away because I know in my heart she is right there beside me all the way. And girls if you are reading this, it is high time you both updated your blogs!!!!
The other layout I created last night was another tough one for me - not in terms of papers but in terms of embellishements. I was given owls and dinosaurs. Now I will be the first to say I don't mind using birds on my layouts but owls??? Nope, don't want to see them on my pages. There is just something about them that makes me go blah. I guess Debbie was really trying to get me out of my comfort zone with her little embellishment pack. Ok Debbie, have done it once but please don't make me use them again lol.

And FINALLY, a give away. If you love ribbon, flowers, buttons and chipboard leave me a comment and you might just find yourself the owner of a little give away pack. Winner to be announced in the coming days.
Righto, I think that is everything I wanted to say for now. A very long post indeed. Until next time, take care.
Me xoxo

Winter Blues

2010-06-08T20:16:00.006+10:00

Why is it that the onset of winter always seems to lead to on onset of feeling down in the dumps? I don't know what it is exactly but I just feel so blah at the moment. My moods over the last week have been up and down more than a rollercoaster at an amusement park. I alternate between being way OTT to lying awake at night bawling my eyes out for no reason.
I am really struggling with the boys at the moment - everything seems to be a constant battle with them, especially Mitch. I am tired of fighting, I am tired of arguments, I am tired of feeling like crap every time they are around me.
I have created some new pages, but right now they feel so fake - don't know whether it is because the last day or so has been crap, crap, crap where the boys are concerned. I always promised myself that I would not be one of those scrappers who created the 'oh my life is so perfect, so wonderful, my kids are so perfect, so wonderful' type layouts, yet today, I look at these and they feel so fake - and of course, this only adds to my anger and frustration at myself.
I think it is time for me to stop and get real, get a grip of myself, my emotions, my moods and basically, get over myself.

Hopefully, next time I am here, my mood will be brightened and I might be in a better space.
Me xoxo

She Inspires Me

2010-06-03T12:41:00.004+10:00

Yes she most certainly does and yes mum, I know she is the cat's mother (how many times did you tell me this as a child) but she does. Who you ask? Well Heidi of course lol. As if that was hard to guess, we all know I am a Heidi tragic from way back and if you didn't realise it, scroll down a few posts and read all about it hehehehe.

I was hunting around for some inspiration last night and found a LO on 2peas that someone had created and loved the design of it. As soon as I saw the LO, I knew that I just HAD to use a pic of Heidi and I from Misitified last month. I will say this, I hate getting my photo taken, especially now with the buzz cut (I participated in Shave for a Cure as a dare put on me by the kids at school), but could not miss out on a photo opportunity with my scrap idol. It must have been providence because her webcast today was exactly what I journalled about on the LO last night - all the reasons why she inspires me. Awesome goes no where near to describing how great she is.

Journalling reads: She inspires me with her creativity. She inspires me with her willingness to speak so openly about her life. She inspires me with her passion to live, laugh, love and even cry. She inspires me to step outside my comfort zone when scrapbooking. She inspires me to handwrite on my layouts (even though my writing is rubbish compared to hers!). She inspires me because she is Heidi Swapp.

So there is it, those are the reasons why I am a complete Heidi tragic but you know what, I am proud to be tragic, even if it does place me in the scary stalker category. LOL just kidding.
Have loads more show and tell but SHE deserves a post all of her own.
Til next time,
Me xoxoxoxo

(pose)

2010-05-20T21:23:00.003+10:00

I guess those of you who stop by my little blog are sick of seeing this pictures of the boys from easter but it isn't often that I get pictures of them where they are actually managing to 'play nicely' for the camera so I am going to make the most of it with my layouts. This one was inspired by a layout from 2peas. Hope you like it.

Nothing much else to report. Mitchell is progressing really well - even managing to walk on his heels lots - something he has never managed to do for more than two or three steps without falling over. Here's hoping the casts continue to do their job.
I am in the process of making a little book for him to take to school for show and tell with pictures from his hospital stay so best get back to it!
Until next time.
Me xoxo

Hospital Again

2010-05-18T13:12:00.003+10:00

It is that time again - time for the first lot of Mitchell's plaster casts to be removed from his legs so that a second lot can be put on. The first series of casts has been moderately successful, although he has managed to work out that he can wriggle his toes right down so he can curl them over the bottom of the cast to walk up on his tippy toes - the exact thing we are trying to correct. I spoke to the doctor prior to Mitch going into the operating theatre and he is going to make the next series of plasters longer over the toe area of the foot. Here are some pics of my little man in the pre-op area. The nurses were very impressed by his demands to have pictures taken for showntell at school.

Yay, the stinky casts are going!!!!!On the scrapping front, things have been quite since Beck has gone home (insert lots of cries here). Have only managed two layouts in the week since she left, mind you I did go back to work for the week last week and again yesterday (I know, I know what sort of fool goes back to work when they are on long service leave for crying out loud). This is what I managed to create:

1. Some misting goodness, have to say that I am not 100% on the misting train just yet but figure that I need to at least attempt to use some of the goodies from Mistified with Heidi.

2. A bit of an experiment with an extra big photo. Have never scrapped and 8 x 12 pic before (well it was 8 x 12 before one of the edges was folded up at the photo processors). It is very plain and simple and still not 100% sure about the bottom left hand corner but not sure what else to add to it - wanted to keep it minimalist as possible. Just love love love the pic - I snapped it just as Lachie was lining up for his Cross Country a few weeks ago.

Not a lot else to report at the moment, just waiting for Mitch to come out of theatre. Thank goodness for internet access in hospitals to keep worried mothers (and fathers) less worried - if that is at all possible when your kids are in hospital.

Until next time,

Sarah xoxo

Oh what a Time ...

2010-05-13T21:54:00.005+10:00

hehe doesn't that just bring Frankie Valli's song into your head with that title??? No??? Well it does for me.
And what a time it was. I have had the BIGGEST few weeks of my life and in one word it was AWESOME. Where on earth do I start???
I guess the beginning is the best place. Rewind about a week ago and a very special visitor arrived on my doorstep - the one and only Beck (bout time you updated your blog too hey honey hehehehehe???!!!) came to stay and play for a little while. OMG we had the best time. We might not have set any world records with our scrapping (although Beck managed to pump out more LO's than I did) but man did we have a great time just sitting around scrapping and chatting the days (and nights) away. We hit Toowoomba to check out the local scrap scene and then on Friday we hit Brisbane with a vengence - let's just say the shops, or our bank balances will never be the same for a VERY long time hehehe. We were lucky enough to be joined by two of Beck's friends from back home as well. My sides are still recovering from all the laughing. Despite the big day on Friday, we were up early to head to Misitfied with one of my all time favourite scrapping heroines, Heidi Swapp. And yes, while those of you who know me joke frequently at the fact I am some-what of a Heidi junkie, I just want to say to all the naysayers out there, you cannot fake emotion like that. What she said when introducing the House of 3 class will stick with me to the day I die and in case you were still wondering about the authenticity of her words, let me just say, there was barely a dry eye in the house. Proof enough for me that you cannot fake emotion like that.
I am still going through all the pics taken at Heidi so I am going to leave you with pictures of the layouts I created while Beck was here. Sniff sniff, wish she was still here, I miss her so much.

Will be back in the next day or so with Heidi (yippee) pics and finally the giveaway as promised.
Thanks for stopping by.
Me xoxoxoxo

Always Remember

2010-04-28T17:06:00.004+10:00

... when I was blog surfing a few days ago, I saw the following quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson here :

Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.

That quote really struck a chord with me. How often have I hung onto silly, trivial things for far too long - answer is too often. If I could want just one thing for both of the boys, it would be for them to have the ability to put each day to bed once the sun has set and leave it there for good. I do not want them to end up like me, over-analysing things, stressing out about how someone may or may not have taken what I said and so on. In saying that, I created this LO for Mitchell, mainly because, personality wise, he is most like me and yes I am scared that he will inherit all my fears and anxieties. Only time will tell.

So thanks Emerson and thanks Ali for giving me the words to express everything I feel, yet cannot say to my two boys.
Til next time.

Sarah xoxo

My Country Boy

2010-04-26T18:49:00.002+10:00

This LO has been sitting in the drawer for almost two weeks.
The main reason for this is that for some reason I just couldn't seem to like it. I can't explain but it just didn't feel right. It didn't turn out the way I had pictured, even after changing the papers three times (yes I had even cut the other two sets :( and still couldn't get it to gel).
Thanks to Beck, who supplied the title and the phrase surrounding the photo, it is finally to the point where I can say 'OK, this is the best it is going to be, now let's get it done and into the album' lol. Not my favourite work but a loooooooong way but it's done, can't love them all I guess. It is just a shame, I couldn't do justice to the awesome picture:
Not a lot else has been happening - we are back home and trying to get settled back into some sort of a routine. It has been out of whack since Mitch went in to get his legs done last week. Hard to believe we are a week down already - 3 to go until the next procdure and 7 more until the casts are off, hopefully for good.
School is back in for both boys tomorrow, half day for Mitch to see how he copes and a full day for Lach. Early nights all around I think.
Thanks for stopping by - keep doing so, because the give-away is up for grabs in the next few posts - slowly putting things together.
Me xoxoxox

The wonderful world of ...

2010-04-23T20:17:00.002+10:00

Double Plaster or to be medically precise 'bilateral short leg plasters'.
The biggest challenge over the past three days hasn't been the plaster and the possibility of pain; it has been trying to tell an extremely active 7 year old that they have to sit and take things easy. Only so many times you can build a LEGO plane or truck or even the LEGO creators that give you three different things to make.
We hit a bit of a wall with the resting and elevation today so I bundled the boys into the car with my mum and went down to the shopping centre. 50 cents allowed me to 'hire' a wheelchair - thanks mum for the idea, made life so much easier and two hours later even the plastered one aka Mitchell (lol plastered in the medical way, not the alcohol way hehe) had to admit that he was tired and wouldn't mind having a rest - miracles do happen sometimes.

One very cranky little boy, no doubt a shocking case of cabin-fever lol.

This evening was spent with legs elevated. Took some bribery - watching some DVD's and getting to watch the first half of the football with Poppy tonight. He is in bed now so hopefully he won't have too bad a night sleep and will no doubt be ready and rareing to get mobile as soon as he wakes.

A smile from one boy (because the Bulldogs are in front lol) and a stern expression for the other (Broncos trailing; much to Mitchell and Poppy's disappointment).
No other news to report. Still staying with my parents, so no scrapping - hope to be heading home tomorrow or Sunday.
Enjoy your long weekend everyone.
Me xoxoxo

Out of Hospital

2010-04-21T17:24:00.003+10:00

Mitchell has had the first of two bilateral short leg plaster procedures. It all went really well and according to Mitch it was 'the most exciting day of his life!', which of course the doctors and nurses found very amusing. We are in Warwick for a few days with my parents just until he becomes more confident with walking in his plaster, although that is not much of a problem considering he was trying to run up the corridor in the hospital this morning. I didn't take the camera in with us but I intend to with his second procedure.
Some good news from SM with them wanting a closer look at the 'Strike a {POSE}' layout. Exciting to get picked up again, although was hoping that the acceptance might have been for the Ponder layout as I love it lots.
Obviously no scrapping over the last few days and I didn't bring any of my stash with me.
Anyway, that is it for now. Might try and take some pictures of the boy tomorrow to show the casts.
Until then,
Me xoxoxo