Thanks for visiting me at my blog!!

My Latest Layout in yonks!!!!

2009-04-01T14:07:00.002+13:00

I really enjoyed doing this layout. I entered into the Scrapbook Studio layout competition for March and I really wanted to do something with this cool photo.

I love my camera

2009-02-24T09:57:00.004+13:00

This weekend the girls and I decided to do an extreme makeover on each other. They straightened my head and did my nails and NO I'm not showing you the photos because I still look like an old hag LOL, but I had to share their photos. OMG, they are gorgeous. I just love my camera and photography..........I'll have to scrap these!!

New Members in our Family

2008-12-03T10:22:00.005+13:00

Well I haven't posted for a very very long time. Time has gone so fast. I've been so busy with our business, I just haven't had the time or energy to do anything other than work and look after the kids and their needs. Pathetic aren't I. Anyway in the weekend Aimee and Kristie finally got their birthday presents. They have been waiting for such a long time. The idea of having a pet was thanks to Lisa who got her kids 7 mice (LOL). Aimee so desperately wanted a pet and I said "no" to the mice thing. Anyway I said maybe mini-lop rabbits, well they have been so excited every since. So heres our 2 new little girls (Ellie Taurence) Kristies babe and (Shila Mienz Taurence) Aimees babe. They are just so darn cute and talk about personalities. They are just such characters. Anyway I will try and post again more often, just in case someone is still reading this blog LOL!!!

Finally did a layout & Farewell Nana xxooxx

2008-07-12T12:49:00.004+12:00

Thought that I better update my blog. Haven't written here for agers. I was at Lisas shop and she has got so many fantastic new products. I brought this cool printable paper from Prima Marketing. You can do so many cool things with this paper. You can chalk them, paint them, colour etc. You have to have a go!! Anyway Aimee was happy because I finally got her scrapbooking page done!!! LOL.

On a sadder note. I had to mention that my Nana died a few weeks back. What an amazing woman she was, and a bit of a character she was. She had an amazing sense of humour and just was there for everyone, especially if they needed to be picked up or dropped off at the airport. We are going to miss her so very very much. I absolutely loved the poem that was given to us at her funeral, just perfect. Love you always Nana xxooxx.

Aimee's Prom

2007-12-06T14:25:00.000+13:00

Well I can't believe it. Aimee had her very first Prom last night. This is the first year that her intermediate have held a prom for the year 8 students. One boy arrived in a limo, everyone was dress to the hilt. The boys hired tucks. I was so proud of my baby. She looks so beautiful and all grown up. Excuse the unpainted walls in the background, still renovating LOL!!!

I went to Lisas the other night and Scrapbook Studio had a cyber scrap night and one of the challenges was to use a sketch. So this is my take on the challenge. I just love these photos. Have managed to do a bit of scrapping lately, just haven't done alot on my blog. Not sure if anyone even looks at it anymore. We are all so busy. Anyway heres another layout I did. An original this time. Hope everyone has a great Christmas.

Halloween

2007-11-03T12:28:00.000+13:00

This year Kristie asked if she could go trick or treating. Her and her friend wanted to go together. She thought it would be fun if the two younger kids went this year. So a little party evolved LOL!!! Aimee was going with a bunch of her friends and she asked if they could all come here, so alas we had 10 kids. The little ones just went around our street and I couldn't believe the candy that they came back with OMG!!! Heaps!! Everyone in the street seemed to be in the spirit this year. The kids looked great. My trusty old chalks came in handy yet again. The kids had a ball!!

Layout Update

2007-10-09T23:07:00.001+13:00

Hi there, just thought I would update the old blog with a couple of fresh layouts that I've managed to fit in. Hope everyone had a great school holiday break with the kids. It's all gone so fast, know the little monkeys are back at school again.
Thanks for dropping by if you have :)

Competition for Scrapbook Studio

2007-09-23T07:41:00.000+12:00

Thought I better update my blog, I know one person that reads it, hi Nanna in Hamilton LOL!!! This competition was using felt, sequence and beads. Just love this photo of Shae. The kids had to dress up as a storybook character.

Well school holidays are here again, so hopefully will be able to fit in a little scrapbooking. Life is just so busy with work. Before you know, it will be Christmas again!!

I must be on a roll!!

2007-08-18T16:26:00.000+12:00

Well I have just finished my second challenge for Scrapbookstudio!! Must be on a roll! I went to the Friday Night Crop which was heaps of fun! Don't think that I got much Scrapping done, but sure did alot of socializing. Heaps of fun. Thanks girls and a big thanks to Lisa too!! And yet another amazing door prize, lucky Scrapper who won that one. The challenge packs were awesome, just beautiful, my next scrapbooking page to finish, did most of it, just have to add the finishing touches. And yet another prize pack that slipped through my fingers LOL! -

Anyway heres my August Challenge. You had to have a scallop, some fibers and hand or machine sewing. My poor baby, unfortunately he's the brunt on my joke. His find of the year was so funny, I just had to do a page on this one LOL!!

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!!

Not a good Blogger

2007-08-13T10:22:00.000+12:00

I haven't been a very good blogger these days. Life just gets so busy. More plastering and painting. Exciting though, my office is finally done!! Yee Ha!!! I don't feel as if I have had a lot of time to Scrapbook either so it is nice when a layout gets completed.

Anyway Lisa and Lianne from ScrapbookStudio are running another cool competition, so it's a fantastic time to get into the old Scrapbooking again.

Anyway better go, the old GST is a calling...........so exciting!!!! LOL

On a Roll!!

2007-06-21T12:51:00.000+12:00

What a yucky old day yesterday! We had 2 kids home sick today, so we took off to the doctors and then came home and snuggled into some activities. It's nice to put all the things you are supposed to be doing aside and think buggar it, I want to do something for me for a change, which I think for all of us, doesn't happen very often. Anyway if anyone is still coming to this blog, have a great day!!

Almost forgot how to Scrap!!!

2007-06-17T13:46:00.001+12:00

Wow it feels so good to put a layout up on my blog again! I've been so busy with the plastering and our landscaping business that I almost forgot how to Scrap LOL!! I just love this photo of my two older girls. They were so excited because for xmas they both got a huge surprise and were told that their pressie was going to Australia for a holiday!!! They did the works, Sea World, Movie World, staying in a wonderful resort, wish I could have gone LOL!!! I even asked my ex hubby if I could travel in his suitcase!!! Anyway had heaps of fun creating this one! Love these little flower buttons and have been wanting to use these Tresure Beadz for agers. And I have been dying to use these beautiful Pheobe Papers from BasicGrey. I made the little bag using paper and eyelets. Good old eyelets, who said their out of date LOL!! I have put a little pull tab with all the girls things that they did on their wonderful trip! Anyway the washing is calling me!!!

SENZ and a couple of shots

2007-05-25T16:13:00.000+12:00

Well today I spent the day helping Lisa with her stand at SENZ 2007. Wow is all I can say amazing. So many women in one place with so much passion for this craft. Awesome energy to be around and every one had the same story. Don't show the Hubby the receipts. LOL!!! I agree totally. I didn't get a chance to look at any other store, but just walking past, you can see all the time and energy that goes into all the stands and all the people that have come along to help, just wonderful. And it was so nice to see so many familiar faces too and catching up to have a quick chat! Anyway I haven't done a scrapbooking page for it seems like agers, so I decided to load my last scrapbooking page because I feel inspired to do one soon..........As I said in my last entry, I was going to upload a picture of my plasterwork. This is Aimees room. I'm really pleased with it. I Plastered and painted the walls. I had stripped down her old furniture and repainted it with a painted finish. And the one thing that I love about her room is that she absolutely loves it and that's what matters the most! I know I haven't scrapped in a while, but this gets my creative juices going to. And I thought I'd upload a picture on the job Adrian and I have been doing. Broody hard work, but very satisfying for us and of course the Clients.
Anyway if you have been or are going to SENZ 2007 - HAPPY SHOPPING!!!!!

Where's the time gone!!

2007-05-08T13:25:00.000+12:00

Gosh I feel as if I haven't been blogging forever! There just doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day! I haven't done a Scrapbooking page in agers! And I miss it, but I started a project in our house and now I have to keep on going!! I got sick and tired of waking up and looking at our unplastered house, so I decided to have a go at plastering it myself LOL!! What an idiot - I started with one wall and then I kept going!!! So far I have done 2 bedrooms, a hallway with 10 doorways and now I am in our bedroom! What a difference it make. It is sooooo nice to have painted walls and ceilings. I'll have to upload some photos soon, but hubby has the camera today, so will do it later!! That's another thing I have been doing, is helping my hubby with our Landscaping business! Boy I don't think I will have to go to the gym. Yesterday 2.5 hours digging and moving soil around a property. Today grouting a swimming pool!! By the time I go to my grave at least I can say I have tried my hand at alot of new experiences. Also the word MUG comes to mind!!! I should keep my mouth shut and make out that I can't do these things!!! LOL!! Anyway if you have stopped by and had a read - thanks heaps!!!

The Office is still a mess!!!

2007-02-25T11:06:00.000+13:00

Well I was supposed to be in my Office cleaning it because it is an absolute tip LOL!! And that is an understatement. Anyway this photo was taken on our christmas holiday. We went down to the beach which is just a hop skip and jump from our friends beach house and as usual the kids went straight into the sand and started to bury themselves. Aimee wasn't to impressed with this photo, but I think she looks gorgeous (and secretly, I just love the colours on this towel LOL)!! Anyway time for me to be serious about me office, so until next time......

Managed to fit in a little more Scrapbooking

2007-02-17T14:36:00.000+13:00

Life has been so very busy lately. The kids are all back at school, uniforms are organized, books are brought and covered, business has picked up in the Landscaping Industry after Christmas. Fantastic weather most of the time!! So many quotes to do! Life is pretty good. Been working with my girlfriend and that has been quite fun actually, loading on heaps of gorgeous products for http://www.scrapbookingbydesign.co.nz/ OMG she has got just so many products!

Anyway I finally found a little time to do a challenge that was on SBD site. You had to do a layout without a person or animal in it. At Christmas time we were in Hamilton and Jacob came in and said that he liked those grumpy flowers, and he was right, they do look like grumpy old men. Anyway here it is!!

Well I hope that everyone is having a lovely relaxing weekend. Thanks for stopping by, not sure wheather anyone does these days, I haven't had as much time to blog lately!!! Anyway Thanks if you have.......

Your Beautiful (The Circle of Life)

2007-01-28T12:51:00.000+13:00

Well this morning at 3am, I finally crawled into bed. I didn't realize what the time was, and also I was determined to finish this layout! I was in my office yesterday and was supposed to be cleaning it LOL! Yeah Right!! I came across this photo and I started thinking about how my oldest daughter is growing up so quickly so hence my layout evolved. I wanted to write something special to Aimee.

The time has just flown past so quickly. It feels as if it was just yesterday that I held you in my arms for the first time. You have now blossomed into a beautiful young woman, and before you know it, you will be all grown up. You are my oldest daughter, and together we will travel this road of life together! I love you Aimee, forever and always!

I love these fancy pants chipboard frames. They are so cool. I painted this frame. I used gin-x fabric, lil davis rickrack and heaps of other little bits and pieces. Thanks Lisa for the Feb Sketch Challenge and for NZ Dares for the circle idea. Went together really well!

Kids Xmas Pressy!!

2007-01-25T11:12:00.000+13:00

This is what the kids got for their xmas present! They have used and used and used it. From 10am in the morning until after dinner they are splashing around having an absolute ball. My job is to clean and do the chemicals. And I don't actually mine because it is quite soothing. And what do you think of the pool fence! I have one clever hubby!!! Anyway off to do some more work.

Inspiration from Brianas T-Shirt

2007-01-18T16:40:00.000+13:00

Well just finished my layout when I should be looking after the kids. Aaaaahhh School Holidays, aren't they great! No rushing around, except for mums, relaxing, except for mums LOL!!! No I have been a lazy little mother today and I feel as guilty as hell!!! But I am happy that I finally got my layout finished. I just absolutely love these photos of Shae-Lee on Holiday. She wouldn't leave Lisa's puppys alone. She loved them so much and to much every now and then LOL!! We would hear a little yelp when she squeezed them to much. Poor Puppies!!! Mind you she must have been doing something right because the puppies would come back for more!!! Lisa's baby Briana has a little t-shirt which is gorgeous and as soon as I saw it, it gave me the inspiration for this layout!! Anyway hope everyone is having a great holiday and if you want leave a comment - love hearing from you all and then I can come and visit you!!!! cya!!!

Scrabookingbydesign Jan Competition

2007-01-10T16:58:00.000+13:00

Lisa from Scrapbooking by Design is running her first competition that has to be in by the 31st January 2007. So I just couldn't resist!! The layout has to have a clock on it somewhere, either in the layout or on the layout somewhere. You have to go and check it out www.scrapbookingbydesign.co.nz and go into the Home Button and then press the board and waa laa, the forum. So very cool. We just came home from holiday and it was fantastic and absolutely packed full of things to do, so alas the idea for my layout. Xmas Holiday - so much to do and so little time!! Any talk soon.

So nice to have a break - Back to reality!!

2007-01-08T15:33:00.000+13:00

Hi everyone, hope you all had a wonderful xmas and new year!!! It just flew past. Ours was full on, like everyone elses I would guess. We went down to Hamilton for Xmas to share it with Adrian's Family, which was really lovely. Then back to Auckland for a couple of days and then back down to Hamilton for another couple of days and then onto Papamoa to spend some time with Lisa and Steve. What a fantastic time!! LOL! Talk about business and relaxing all in one! Between us we had 11 kids (my 4), 2 cats, 2 dogs and another friend of theirs as well!! Lisa if you're reading this, thank you so much for inviting us! I don't think anyone else would be brave enough to take on a family of 6, when you already have 9 people in your own family LOL!!! And I know what you're thinking LOL! "Oh great she used that picture" Well I think its great!!
We had so much fun. Going to the wave pools and realized the wave had finished ugggg!! LOL! Going on their Jetski, fantastic and just the yummies food and great company!! Even a bit of time for scrapbooking, just no time for sleep LOL!!! Anyway back to reality know, office work, washing, kids etc cya!

Time for a new post!

2006-12-20T00:03:00.000+13:00

Well I thought that I better add a new post. Everyone is so busy at the moment and I think everyone is finding it is hard to fit in the time to blog. Before you know it, Xmas day will be over and we can breath again! Anyway I've been busy making some pressies and thought I would share. I made a pocket on each page and the kids are writting special little notes, so one day when they all grow up, we'll be able to see how they have changed! Anyway this is ridiculous, it's getting late and the kids are finishing school tomorrow! Hope this weather gets better, it's so stormy outside!! Hope everyone isn't getting to stressed before Xmas!! Cya Later

The Kids Are Getting So Excited!!!!

2006-12-07T16:39:00.000+13:00

So like everyone else, we are starting to get organized for Christmas!! The Kids are just so excited. They have been asking if we can put up our Christmas Tree!! OMG what a bit of a Joke! I went to get the Christmas Tree and couldn't find the legs for it, or lights or any decorations (Living in Renovations). So I had to put on my thinking cap! I found a box and then put some pavers in the bottom. Can you tell that I am Married to a Landscaper LOL!
Then it was up to the kids, they love decorating the tree!!! And I think they did a wonderful job considerating we are on budget city in this house LOL!! (yes mummy spent to much money on Scrapcamp and Scrapbooking Products). Selfish Mummy!!!!

The two older girls were so excited and asked if they could wrap up some of the little ones pressie, which is a very big help to me!!! Jacob and Shae-Lee are just so excited! Know it's my turn to wrap up the older girls present. They know most of their presents already, but they asked me if they could choose presents that they really wanted instead of me buying what I thought they would like!! A budget Christmas!! At least I know that the kids will love everything that they get and nothing will go to waste!! They don't know, but they do have a few little surprises!! Sneaky Ay!! And can you guess what Kristie is going to be in her Christmas Play!! Just fits her personality to a tee!! Hope everyone has a great night!!

A Scrapcamp Layout to Share...

2006-11-30T13:09:00.000+13:00

Hi there, well Scrapcamp has been and gone over a week now and I promised that I would put a layout on my blog, so here is one that we had done! On the Friday night we all got a pack and the Challenge was that we had to use 75% of the products in this pack!! And by the end of the weekend we all had to put our layouts up for display. OMG there wasn't one layout the same. Very creative ladies out there!! Can't wait for the next camp!!!!! And this other little drawing is from Shae-Lee the other day. She is 4 and I think she is very talented. Everytime she draws herself it's exactly the same, like a cartoon LOL!! Well see you soon!

Parent Helper!!!

2006-11-27T16:38:00.000+13:00

Yay!! I just went to the Zoo!! Aimee had a school trip and she asked if I could possibly help! Normally I can't because you can't take sibblings but I finally got the opportuntiy. Anyway it definately brought back memories, the packed lunch, the pre-teens flirting with each other, very low key LOL!! They're only learning! The notes being passed around the bus. My group was really really good and yes we did have one comedium in our group and he was a bit of a crack up. All in all we had a good day and like I remember I was exhausted and realize I don't have the energy that I once did!! When we got home the kids went on and on about how hot they were!! Adrian came home and was watering the plants, next thing I heard screaming and laughter!! They had obviously twisted themselves around daddy's little finger again, because all 4 of them were spraying each other and having a blast!! Who said we needed a pool!! LOL!! Anyway better get moving and do some more office work!!! No rest for the wicked.

NZ Dare #12 - Ad Inspiration Challenge

2006-11-22T17:30:00.000+13:00

First I wanted to say Thank you so much for commenting on my blog last Post. Wow I got 7 comments, so cool!!!

I visited NZ Dares and came up with this ispiration for my layout. When I looked at the layout it reminded me of a Ladybird alas my layout evolved. And Shae is the perfect one for the layout. She is absolutely fasinated in bugs. She sits there and just studies them. She is amazed. Anyway better go and organize dinner and then off to work for a few hours!!! I'm helping my daughter Aimee with her Zoo Trip for school tomorrow. Yay!! 8 - 12 year olds to keep an eye on!!! LOL!! Wish me luck.

SCRAPCAMP What an Awesome Weekend

2006-11-20T09:26:00.000+13:00

Our Scrapcamp is over. What a fantastic weekend. We arrived in Style, thanks to Lisa's little pressie (what a cool car) LOL!! And the only hitch for the entire weekend was that I forgot to bring my towel, so I had to dry myself with 2 pathetic little flannels & Lisa no more giggling fits please.....LOL!!
We scrapped and we ate and we laughed, we just had a ball.... The green theme was a hoot! There is just so much talent out there and a bunch of Incredible lovely ladies.

And a HUGH THANK YOU to Lianne and Yolande for organizing and making this Awesome Event Happen. FANTASTIC!! Will try and post in the next day or two some layouts!!!

Decisions, Decisions

2006-11-15T23:24:00.000+13:00

Well Scrapcamp is just around the corner and I've been busy trying to decide which photos to take to scrap. My daughter and I were playing around with photos this afternoon. She decided to take Shae for a photo shot and I think she did a wonderful job!!! I was roped into taking photos of Aimee, when I was surpposed to be doing office work, and I'm glad she pushed me, I love the photos. We got all motivated after dinner and went for a walk for an hour. OMG it was good but know I'm shattered LOL!!!

NZ Dares - I just had to try!!

2006-11-13T01:11:00.000+13:00

Well this dare was special because as you have probably read it is a Worldwide Dare. The Dare was on Childhood Memories/Dreams. This dare was very challenging but an incredible lot of fun. I have had some of these old photos sitting around and I still can't believe that I was this small. This layout is very special to me because my dad passed away when I was 8 years old and I do miss him so very much. He was a real yachtsman. He did the Auckland to Suva Yacht race a couple of times. At Christmas time we would pack the boat up with all our stock and off we would go for up to 6 weeks. Fantastic memories, so "Daddy Thankyou for My Memories". Very special times which a very special man!!

Scrapcamp

2006-11-06T23:18:00.000+13:00

Well got a newsletter about Scrapcamp today. All of a sudden its becoming very close and probably getting excited about it and also a little nervous. First time and all!! LOL!! Will probably get to meet many faces that belong to many blogs. And that will be nice. From the newsletter it looks like so much work and energy has gone into this camp, so a big pre thank you to Lianne, Yolande and all the others for creating a haven or peace for all the mums who are escaping for a little retreat. I will miss my family, haven't been away from them for so long!! Still have a HUGH ???? on the green theme. I've got heaps of green t-shirst but they all have house paint on them LOL!! Oh well - any ideas............

A Privillege

2006-11-04T16:22:00.000+13:00

It always seem to be that I get another layout done on a Saturday. As you see I've been shopping!! I was over a Lisa's loading some products and came across this gorgeous Daisy D's paper. I got some Bazzill to match and I had just got some of her fancypants chipboard shape the week before. And I couldn't resist the lovely basic grey hang 10 fibers too. Lisa, what would I do without you LOL!!

Anyway our God daughter Sophie had her Christening back in July 2002 and we were asked by Lisa & Steve to be Sophie's godparents, which we just jumped at. She is the most gorgeous sweet girl. Mind you all Lisa's kids are, but Sophie's our one!! Thank you for asking us, it is a Privillege!! Adrian went to the ceremony on my behalf because I had just given birth to Shae-Lee 2 days prior, so alas Lisa took a photo of Adrian and Sophie on the Christening Day and then with me a couple of days later.

It just a good feeling when you scrap a photo. Know I can finally enjoy them.

Kids are loosing it LOL!! Been a bad mum ignoring them, better to and give them sometime and releive Adrian!! Cya

My Boys xxooxx

2006-11-02T16:14:00.000+13:00

I started this layout in the weekend and have been so busy with everything that I hadn't finished it. But as you can see know I have. It's a very simple layout, but I just didn't want to do to much and take away from the photo!

Recently we found out that my hubby isn't 100% well, which was devastating to us. It just makes you realize that sometimes we live hard and fast and forget about the simple things in life. A couple of months back we went down to our local beach and I was snapping photos and I caught this photo of the boys walking in front of us. Jacob just loves his daddy and Adrian just absolutely adores Jacob too!

Adrian has always had the believe that we are here to help our children grow up and try and lead them in the right direction, but we can't make decisions for them or tell them how to live their lives. Just love them and be there for them for as long as we are here to do so...... Children are so precious, and being a parent is an honor!!!

To Many Hours Wasted!

2006-11-01T14:59:00.000+13:00

Well, I'm very excited because I have designed a banner that I've always wanted. The only was to import it was thru upload, but finally after hours of mucking around I discovered that it doesn't seem to matter how big or small I make the banner, it whether you choose small, medium or large on you import photo thru a post. If anyone knows another way of importing please can you let me know!! Thanks!!

Two Families - 9 kids (Lets have a Halloween Party)!!

2006-10-31T22:27:00.000+13:00

Yes it that time of the year where the older kids start asking if they can join in the fun, even though we bring them up to NOT take lollies from strangers. Anyway this year we decided to have a Halloween Party! We all got dressed up and headed over to Lisa and Steves for our Party and Dinner. The kids had an absolute ball. You wouldn't believe that there are so many kids. They all pair off with their mates and have so much fun. We couldn't have planned it better if we tried. Lisa and I had all the right kids in the right order!! LOL!! Anyway some more great photos for another scrapbooking layout. The kids had a ball - so if you're reading this Lisa, Thanks heap - A great night!!! cya later

Kids are @ home sick, so ........... Challenge #10!

2006-10-24T17:33:00.000+13:00

Three of my babies stayed home today. One with a sore tummy, one with a blocked nose and very sore throat and one with a chesty cough. We went to the doctors and got our medicine and the kids snuggled down in the lounge. So in between getting drinks, pamol, and food, I decided that it would be a great opportunity to do a little scrapbooking.

I had a thought last night and as usual I ended up doing something for NZ DARES!! Very very addictive, even though I thought I wouldn't have the time to enter this time.

Anyway I have had this Pagerz Template 'Jungle' for as long as I have been scrapping and I have never used it.

I ran the paper through the printer to get the small wording and then stenciled my letters onto the paper with a black marker. Then I stenciled the letters onto the scraps of papers that I had left over from the layout. I cut all the letters out with scissors and the pasted them onto the outlines of the stencil on the background. It turned out really neat. Looks almost 3D in real life. Reminds me of manual sizzex!!! I took agers!!.

I was a bit disappointed with the scan. The programme I am using tends to cut off the ends quite a bit. There was a black border right around the title. Never mind. Anyway my challenge is done. And another scrapbooking page complete. I just love this photo of Jacob.

The title is "MY WEE MAN @ 16mths old. Sometimes you wish time would stand still!"

This is for you Kristie xx

2006-10-22T21:21:00.000+13:00

The other day Kristie was looking at the scrapbooking page I had just finished of Shae, and she said "oh mum that is so cool!!" Next thing she was in my office looking at my scrapbooking layouts and she merged with a list. She informed me that I had done more individual scrapbooking pages for all the other kids and I had only done 4 of her!!! She said with a giggle, "See mum I'm just the typical middle kid!" Poor Baby! And the thing is that after going through my boxes and boxes of photos and digital photo's, I only have so many of Kristie on her own, for the share fact that when I am taking a photo she is always with one of the other kids, playing, sharing a game. She is always making up games for the younger kids, or reading a book, or thinking of something that they can make up. So Kristie this is for you!! I love you so very much. Your spirit is beautiful and you are everything I hoped and wished for!!! I love you xxx

I just love this hobby!!!

2006-10-16T00:44:00.000+13:00

I was suppose to be doing some office work this afternoon, which didn't happen by the way. I spent most of the morning creating a new blog page, which I'm still not sure about, and then I started looking at my photos and I saw this photo and just couldn't resist.

A few weeks back I purchase a packet of daisy d's paper from Lisa at Scrapbooking by design. Gorgeous!! This layout just absolutely went together exactly the way I thought it would!! I wanted it to be very simplistic. The photo of Shae is so beautiful. I used the Picasa Free Edition and softened the edges of the photo. I decided to write a Poem for a change for my Journalling! And I used alot of my Pop Dots to raise both the tags and flower to try and give it dimension. I even drew the leaves. Ok, so as you can read, I'm very pleased with the end result LOL!!!

Anyway better go to bed, it's nearly 1am, silly girl! This seems to be the only me time that I get, once the kids are in bed - like every mother!!

Nite Nite!!

PS Thanks heaps to the girls that left a message on my blog, nice to see that some people make it over here :)

Oh No! I've been Outscrapped!!!!

2006-10-14T17:43:00.000+13:00

Well, I don't know what to say!! I was working on my NZ Dare this morning (below) and Aimee (11 years old), came in and said "Hey Cool Mum, I want to do one". So I said oh ok!!! But now I'm worried because I think I might have been Outscrapped!!! LOL!!! My scrapbooking supplies have been raided and my office is a mess!!!! AIMEE - you better clean up!! So what do you think. My baby is following in my footsteps!!!!

NZ Dare # 9 Orange & Green

2006-10-14T12:57:00.000+13:00

Well this challenge would probably be one of my favourites so far, because I love these colours. Bright and cheerful. I have had these photos sitting around for agers and this was such a great opportunity to use them. I wish the scan had come out better. Good luck everyone!! I think these challenges are great!! I think this is the most scrapbooking I've done in a longtime. Talk about being motivated!!! Cool!!!

And one other thing I was going to ask everyone that comes by my blog is.... I would really love to have a few inspirational Bloggers down the side of my blog, so if you would like to be added, just put a comment on my blog and I'll add you.

As I said to Trina the other day..Blogging is like finding new Pen Pals and meeting new friends that makes us all feel good about ourselves.

Friends from 0 to 11 wow!!

2006-10-07T15:55:00.000+13:00

Boy this layout was a challenge for me. I have always loved these imagination project papers - Bloom, and wondered how I would use them. I usually tend to scrap with either bright colours or neutral, so I am trying other colours, which I love by the way.

My girlfriend Nicki came over with her 2 boys last week and when I say Aimee & Connor, I remembered one of the many photo's we had taken of the kids, and it just so happened that they were wearing similar colours in both photos! Cool!!! I just can't believe that these kids are 11 going on 12!! Where is the time going. Nick & I have been friends for 21 years - Oh that is very scary!!!

Oh well, the yucky bit know - Cleaning Up!!!

And a BIG THANK YOU to Nanna!!

2006-10-01T18:02:00.000+13:00

Nanna from Hamilton came up to stay with us on Friday thru to Sunday morning. Thank you so much for coming and staying, making the beds, vacumming, cleaning, tidying the kids bomb sites, cooking, taking the kids to the beach, teaching my children how to bet over the Auckland/Hamilton Netball, cleaning out my pantry, doing the dishes, letting me sleep in and act like a lazy cow! LOL! And I'm not going to go on and on. But Thank you and we miss you. This is nanna and she is always doing something and is always on a mission!!! WE LOVE YOU NANNA!! We miss you Nanna xxooxx

A Rainy Afternoon

2006-10-01T17:19:00.000+13:00

Pinch and a punch for the first of the month and no returns. It's raining here in Auckland and the kids and I went down to the video shop and hired some movies for the afternoon. They decided that we were going to have a family movie afternoon, which was really great. Popcorn, sweeties, and savory's. We got out 'EIGHT BELOW' which is a movie about 8 sled dogs being left to fend for themselves for 6 months in the Antarctic. It's a really good movie. Anyway can't believe its 5pm (with daylight savings). It takes a bit for everyone to adjust, not even feeling hungry for dinner yet. One more week of holidays.....Hope everyone is having a nice weekend!! Cya :)

NZ Dare Challenge # 8

2006-09-28T15:55:00.000+12:00

Oh my gosh, this was a fun challenge and it really made me have to think. Last Easter we went down to our local beach and took the kids for an adventure, which by the way ended up at A&E, with my daughter Kristie cutting her leg open on an oyster shell. Poor baby. She was on crutches for 2 weeks. Anyway Adrian wandered off and I caught him doing something naughty but very very sweet. He was engraving our initials in the soft rock!! Ohhhhh, how sweet! I never get flowers because I made the mistake of telling him they make me sneeze, but then I find him doing little things like this for me.

This was a fun layout. I've used Chip board Flowers and Basic Grey Papers, Bazzill, eyelets, straw, stitching. The works!!! Sounds like a burger. I didn't think I would have time to do this Dare, but waa laa, I did it!! Hope everyone is surviving the holidays LOL!! It's been fun, but there's always a few stresses with the kids..... cya!

Yee Ha!! I've finished

2006-09-23T11:45:00.000+12:00

I've been very busy this morning and just finished another layout, hot off the press. I have wanted to use this Cow Hide printed paper from K & Company for so long and I finally got to use it!! Yay. My daughter Shae-Lee got a Jessie outfit for her birthday and I finally got the perfect photo (just by luck)!!! I brought some photo strips agers ago and have never thought to use them. I'm trying to use some of my old scrapbooking products. It's good when you can mix them in with the new products. I got a lovely present the other day from Lisa @ inspired2scrap. She sent everyone who entered her competition a little gift. Thank you so much Lisa. I got a packet of Plain Janes Chipboard flowers. Very Cool!!! I had also purchased some chip chatter self-adhesive letters from her. I used my chalks to colour them. The only drama I had was with the sew machine. I forgot to check the cottons. Live and Learn. Anyway if anyone drops by, I would love to heard from you. Please.........

Don't you love how we can read kids expressions!

2006-09-22T22:59:00.000+12:00

How could you resist this little tiger. He is very very cute, but watch out when he turns on you because he wants some more chippies. LOL!! My son Jacob had his face painted at our school gala last weekend. I think the teacher did a fantastic job. Don't you!! Another picture to scrap when I get the time.

Life gets so busy!

2006-09-21T22:28:00.000+12:00

I can't believe it. One more day and then it is the holidays. Sleep in's for everyone, well sort of. No rushing around and trying to get everyone to school and kindy. Life has been so busy lately. Hopefully there will be more time for some scrapbooking with the kids. My two older girls love the hobby as well, so I will have to post some of their pages on my blog. I hope everyone who is at home with their kids has a great and safe holiday.

My Hubby is Nuts!!

2006-09-17T10:17:00.000+12:00

I can't believe. Today was our school's Gala Day. We walked down and managed to spend a small fortune on complete rubbish actually. Well everyone had fun, especially Adrian. I was waiting in the face painting line, and Adrian came running up to me, all excited and told me that he had brought a bike for $5.00 at the white elephant sale. I couldn't believe it. Anyway next thing he raced off and then I turned around and he had riden it down the stairs and through the school grounds, then disappeared. We caught up after 15minutes and he had taken it home. Oh my gosh!!!! When we got home, he spent the entire afternoon going on and on about his bike and how much it would be worth in 20 years. New Zealand made and all......Ok Whatever Adrian. I can see it in the inorganic in a couple of weeks........$5.00. Well at least he had fun. He can be a big kid most of the time. And I don't know why, but I still love him to bits....

Out of the Closet Challenge

2006-09-14T13:18:00.000+12:00

I just went to look at www.inspired2scrap.typepad.com (Lisa's blogging page) and she has a challenge for everyone, which is a little different from other challenge's I've seen. What a laugh, Lisa!!! Anyway, I just couldn't resist. I have to join and I didn't have to look very far for my entry, it's still in my album. I still remember doing this layout. The title is rope stickers, the rocks have been hand draw and coloured and I had just been to a creative memories home party and they showed us how to cut out around the photos........mmmm. I download the castle picture from a website. I didn't even know that anything about scrapbooking shops then. Know you just have to order online. Technology ay!!! Very easy to get lots of fantastic products. I can't wait for www.scrapbookingbydesign.co.nz to get up and running. I've had a little looky at Lisa's products and Oh My Gosh, she just has so many inspiring wonderful things. You could just imagine buying it all and just drowning in pleasure. Anyway enough dribbling. cya!!!!

Yee Haa

2006-09-14T12:43:00.000+12:00

I absolutely love playing with this Picasa Programme. This is going to be my next scrapbooking layout. Shae-Lee turned 4 back in July and her Aunty and Uncle brought her a Jessie Cowgirl outfit for her birthday. Well what a laugh, I couldn't get the bleedin' thing off her. She would go around the house saying "Yee Haa " or if she was in her pj's, she would say "Mummy I want to wear my Yee Haa's"!! Basically I had to take them off her at night because she was usually filthy, wash them and then through them in the drier. Don't worry about washing instructions!!! They washed like a rag. Shhhh...
We had lots of pictures, but in everyone the background was disgusting. The vaccum cleaner was out or you could see our gib board walls. (The joys of renovating). So by cropping and using sepia, it drew the attention away from the messy background and back to Shae-Lee. And I think the photo know looks like in the cowboy days, when they didn't have colour photos. Well I hope that is what it looks like LOL!!! Anyway very excited about doing this layout because years ago I brought some K & Company Cow Patch paper and I have always wanted to use it. Now I just have to find a little time.........

I'm a proud mummy

2006-09-13T23:01:00.000+12:00

I just had to add this photo to my blogging page. I can't believe how the kids are growing. My mum was looking through my photo albums and commented that she would like to see a few dress up photos instead of my normal kids into mischief photos that I normally take. So this is for you mum. My babies are all growing up and I'm suddenly feeling very old. LOL!!

Oh yer, I forgot to say. I had my hospital appointment today for my 6 week checkup after my arm and hand operation, and good news. The doctor had discharged me, yessss!!! He said that he was very very surprised to see me using my arm normally because usually it takes months to get the use in your arm back, so someone must be looking after me......must be just a fast healer!!

NZ Dare # 7 - Anything "Metal" Goes!!

2006-09-10T17:39:00.000+12:00

Ok!! Don't laugh. As I said in my blog earlier today, there are not very many photos of me, so when I'm on the wrong side of the camera, as I say, I freak and don't know how to act LOL! Anyway here's my take on the NZ Dare #7 - Metal Challenge. And I still have heaps of metal embellishments left..and look I even used embossing powder to for the title, what do you think LOL!!! I still think the little butterflies are so cute!! (both of them) Anyway dinner time. Homemade Pizza....mmmmmm!! My man's cooking, yesssss!!!!

A Rainy Weekend

2006-09-10T16:04:00.000+12:00

I haven't managed to blog lately. Sometimes you want to blog, but you just can't think of anything to say. Anyway, I went to a crop night on Friday night, which was really nice to get out of the house and have a goss session with other woman. My girlfriend had done a layout which she had scraplifted off some very talented person, and I just feel in love with the layout and the colours. Very inspiring. I had the perfect photo of two of my babies, which I have wanted to scrap for a while. There aren't many photos of myself because like most women, I am always the one taking the photos. This photo was taken up at Hikurangi in 2003. I absolutely love the ocean, probably because when I was little, my parents had a yaght and we were forever on the water. So peaceful and tranquill. The water up north seems so crystal clear and clean, not like the beaches around auckland. Just breathtaking. My first father died when I was 8 years old and when I am around the sea, it just lets me feel close to him, because his passion was the sea, and mine too!! I changed the layout a bit and found some use for some of my old scrapbooking items that I had brought agers ago. These are just two of my four babies. My little man, at that time was freaking out about standing on the sand. No way is he like that know! & my baby is know 4 was sleeping in her car seat. So my two big girls had a photo with their old mum. LOL!! In the circle it reads

"From the moment that you become a mother, your life is changed forever. No longer do you have just yourself to look after. You are responsible for these tiny little people that you have created with love. From the moment that your babies are conceived and forever and always, you will love your babies unconditionally."

I can't really remember what it was like not to have my babies. I can't believe that my oldest daughter Aimee is nearly 12. Time flys. My youngest daugther Shae is now 4 and has started morning kindy. So I have some time to myself for the first time in I can't remember how long. (Mind you I still have the office work to do for our business!!) LOL. A bit scary and exciting to actually. And I know that I will fill in the time easily. I must admit, it is nice sometimes nice to do just nothing! Listen to music, and relax, like know. Just think and type your thoughts that are going through your mind for just a little part of your life!!

My husband went to the doctors the other day for something and found out that he had a few other little concerns that we have to look into. It just makes you realise that life is so very precious and that we are all here for such a short time realistically, and it really makes you realise that we are here, not just to work and survive, but also to try and slow down every now and then and enjoy things in life. Like a walk on the beach, your family, your children, music or anything that really makes you feel warm and nice. If you are reading this.. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend, were ever you may be....

NZ Dare # 6 - 7 Patterned Papers

2006-08-29T09:52:00.000+12:00

Hi, well this is my enty for NZ Dare. I love this layout not just because of all the colours (well I do), I love bright colours LOL, but because we had such a fun holiday. One to remember. I hope that my layout is going to be accepted because the challenge was 7 patterned papers. And I do have more than 7, but I just shrunk some of them. Most of our weekend revolved around scrapbooking and buying scrapbooking products!!! Yessss. A BIG thank you to Lisa & Steve for inviting us!! And a big weekend considering we have 11 kids between us LOL!! Luckily this easter weekend we had lost a few or we all wouldn't had fitted into their beach house.

NZ Dares Challenge #5

2006-08-22T23:45:00.000+12:00

Well I finally did it. My girlfriend Lisa had been entering the NZ Dare Challenge week after week. And she finally twisted my arm, stitches and all! LOL!! So here is my Dare. Please don't laugh, I can be a girly girl too!!!!! Thanks for looking

This is just so sad...

2006-08-21T23:07:00.000+12:00

The chicken pox have taken over our house. My son Jacob was the first to get this yucky virus, and it just came out of the blue. No warning what so ever. He was lucky to basically sail thru without to much discomfort. Nana had just left on the Saturday and he got them on the Sunday morning. Jacob had just gone back to school and then low and behold, Shae-Lee started showing spots on Friday. Well by Sunday I could hardly see a piece of her body that wasn't covered. Really nasty. In her hair, on her eyes, behind her ears. My poor little baby. This's just so sad. My daughter Kristie came home from her weekend away and she to had broken out. Luckily my oldest daughter had already had them. I got a phone call from my girlfriend lisa and one of her girls had got them as well. Kristies best friend. Well that was a disaster because Lisa and he husband Steve were flying out to Aussie on Thursday and they've had to pospose their trip. I just feel absolutely terrible because I know that they must have got it from us. Our kids have been having lots of sleepovers lately. If your reading this Lisa "I AM SO SORRY!!!!" This photo was of my baby when I thought she was bad!!! Aa Aa, no way. My poor little monkey. Poor Kristie just doesn't know what to do with herself, being older, she is more aware of her itching and it makes it hard. I just feel so sorry for them!!!!

I've been inspired2scrap! LOL!!

2006-08-16T00:07:00.000+12:00

Well its 12 midnight and I just came back from a class that my girlfriend Lisa was teaching. I rang her up this afternoon and she said that she had a class tonight and that she had one cancellation. I had seen the layout that she proposed to do on her blog page and fell in love with the layout straight away. Anyway I rang her back and asked if I could possibly join the class and of course she said yes. Lisa had to make me up a slightly different pack because she had only enough paper for the rest of the packs. Anyway I am so excited, because I was absolutely rapped with the result. Sorry the scan isn't the best. Anyway I absolutely love these pictures. The 2 favourite men in my life LOL! Well most of the time. So thank you so much Lisa! http://www.inspired2scrap.typepad.com

Yes! Another layout done!!

2006-08-12T15:56:00.000+12:00

Well I managed to get another layout done for my pieces of me class. Yeh!! Another one down. Heaps to go..... I really enjoyed doing this layout because as you can see the topic was "My Favourite Colour", and colour is one of my favourite things. When I see colours, especially bright vibrant colours...they just inspire me!!! My hubby reckons he's going to paint the bedroom bright colours...LOL!! Yeh Right!! I hope that everyone at CC06 is having a lot of fun!! And Nicki if you read this, Thank you for all my wonderful comments. I know you are one of my biggest fans LOL!!

Another Job Finished!

2006-08-12T08:36:00.000+12:00

Well my hubby came home last night after travelling up to Orewa every day for the last two weeks and waa laa, he had completed the job he was paving. I was so impressed with the result that I just had to add them to my blog. I think he is very talented, don't you. The product that the clients chose was from Paving Innovations in Penrose. Wow, I would like to have this at my house. With a few trees and some nice landscaping, this pool is going to look fantastic.
Well we had celebrations last night. My oldest daughter just found out that she had made it into her school gymnastics team and there were a lot of talented girls that didn't make it, who she felt really sorry for. My Second oldest daughter found out that she had made it into speech finals, which is fantastic news. And my son found out that he had a) been put up to red dot books at school and b) won a prize at assembly today, but he hadn't been at school this week because he got the chicken spots. Poor little man. And last of all, we found out that my youngest daughter starts morning kindy at the end of this month. So we just had to celebrate with a Hells Pizza. The kids were very happy about this, considering we haven't had takeaways for about 3 months. Well it has nearly been a week since Nana left us and on the good note, we have been managing ok. I have just been getting a bit impatient that I can't quick move my arm and I want it to heal immediately LOL!!! But after finding a site on the internet about Ulnar Nerve Transportation, I found out what they actually did and know realized that it is going to take a little time to heal. Just a bit hard to adjust to when I am so used to being independent. You'll always find me painted, or moving furniture around or moving heavy objects. Sometimes I think that I forget that I'm female LOL!! And take on anything. Probably came from having 2 brothers!! Thanks guys! Anyway hoping to get some scrapbooking done today so I might post what I did later on. But anyway don't you agree. My hubby had done a nice job!!! Cya

Back on the Scrapping Train!!!

2006-08-05T15:27:00.000+12:00

Well, I am very very excited. Only a week and a bit after I have had surgery and I have managed to scrap again. Oh my gosh I am just so excited LOL!! Nothing is going to stop me know, except for no time, kids and office work etc. Never mind, they can all wait. A few months back I started attending a scrapbooking class called "Pieces of Me". My girlfriend Lisa is one of the Tutors for this class. It's not what you know, its who you know LOL!!! Love you to bits Lisa. Anyway, I am way way behind on our pages and decided to try and get my b... into gear and get a hurry on. We are scrapbooking a 8 x 8 album. And by the way, the gorgeous lime green paper that I have used at the bottom of my double layout are from the daisyd's premium paper collection, which I got from Scrapbookingbydesign. Thanks Lisa, absolutely wonderful papers. I have to keep away from her amazing products. Her collection of scrapbooking products is just to die for. All the browns that I have used are from the basic grey range. When we first started our class, we were given a bag of goodess to start our project off with. In the bag was about a dozen puzzle pieces, so I decided to cover them with bazzil. I machine sewed all the labels onto the puzzle pieces first and then after cutting and sticking everything together, brushed gold paint over the puzzle pieces. Very time consuming, but I love the finish that I got.
The flowers that I used were from making memories. I used chipboard on the layout as well. And last of all fibers. As you can see, I absolutely love colour. LOL!!!

Well I am a bit sad today, because I have had my mother in-law staying with us since last Tuesday. She came up from Hamilton to help me with everything after my operation. The house is just immaculate. My gosh this woman just doesn't stop. At 7am the beds a make, the kids are being fed, the washing machine is on. The vaccum cleaner is just about to have a work out. Lunches are made. Dinner is being prepared. Kids are put into their uniforms and sent off to school. I am sent off to the shower. Then before you know it, it is morning tea. My mother-law is just amazing. What am I going to do without her. She only left 3 hours again and I feel lost. LOL!!! Come back please.....come back...... Anyway I think I have rambled on for long enough. As you have probably read, I am very excited to be scrapping again. So signing off!!! And thanks if you are still reading LOL!!

I Can't Stop Myself!!!

2006-08-03T14:42:00.000+12:00

I am the type of person that just can't resist stripping something and then repainting it. My daughter was feeling a little down because she is sick of having to live in a gibbed room. Budget didn't quite stretch to finish our extensive renovations LOL! She wanted her room in the pink and orange theme and I had been lucky enough to get the perfect duvet from my girlfriend. Her older daughter was going to have it for her room and changed her mind on her colourscheme. Thank goodness LOL! Anyway Aimee's furniture was looking very tired, being meltecca, so I decided to surprise her. I took the old black handles off and replaced them with these gold ones and then got my tester pots out and tried to match the colours of the duvet. I stripped and painted the cabinet and 2 draws with an off white paint in a random brush stroke pattern. I was really pleased with the results. Just goes to show if you have a little time and little money, you can make something last a few more years.

Well I Made it!

2006-08-02T00:23:00.000+12:00

Got thru my surgery last thursday. One minute I'm joking with the doctors and nurses in theatre asking them to be gentle and bribing them with a nice muffin etc and then next thing 3.5 hrs later, I wake up, and it feels like a second. Wow!!!Ready weird feeling! And so glad my biggest fear didn't come true, and that was waking up in surgery!! Anyway the good news is that I'm on the road to recovery and back to what I love doing - creating!!!

A little about me

2006-07-26T20:38:00.000+12:00

Well I thought that I would tell you a bit about me. I am 36 and a mother of 4 gorgeous kids. My oldest daugther is named Aimee (11) on the far right, then Jacob (5), Kristie (9) and little Shae (4). This photo is a little old (2004), but I still like this scrapbooking page. LOL! I have a cute husband, who I still think is yummy!! We have a landscaping business which I think is pretty successful.

I absolutely love scrapbooking, painting, designing, renovating. There is so many areas to cover but I suppose there is plenty of time for that.

I'm feeling a little nervous tonight because tomorrow I'm going to get an operation on my arm. So NO scrapbooking for a while. Not good! I might just have to convince my 2 older daughters to give their poor old mum a hand. LOL! To cut and paste etc. Or go up to my girlfriends house and watch her. Mind you that would be like being on a diet and watching someone eat a big block of chocolate right in front of you. Anyway I just wanted to add something to my blogging page while I could type with 2 hands. If you have read this, thanks for visiting. Will be back soon.

2006-07-22T10:14:00.000+12:00

Hi, well this is me and I've wasted a lot of time trying to work out how to use this blogging page. LOL! The things I do for you Lisa. Anyway I'm sure that I will get into the swing of this. Not that I really know what to talk about LOL!!

Oh my gosh, I wasn't intending to do this

2006-07-21T17:09:00.000+12:00

I was just looking at a girlfriends blogging page a waa laa, next thing I have signed up an account. As easy as that, and I don't have a clue what I am doing. Anyway cya