My Pandemonium

Defining Personal...

2012-01-28T14:45:00.000+11:00

Values..
I'm a little behind in the Simplify Your Life challenge prompts due to us having a family holiday and then needing to stop and take stock of what was going on with my precious girl (I'll post a little more about that at the end of this post)
Anyway before i go off on another tangent I'll stay focussed on the topic at hand!
I decided to write a bit of a list of the Values that really speak to me..you may have your own list of values and that's fabulous, but these are the ones that come to mind for me..

Empathy
Freedom
Gratitude
Honesty
Kindness
Awareness
Loyalty
Optimism
Resilience
Helpfulness
Self Worth
Acceptance
Respect
Love
Creativity

One of the prompting questions this week was
"What do you feel strongly about in life?-What things would you defend fully in an argument with other people?
For me, it's Racism..I just cannot get my head around it..I don't understand how hate and ignorance can harbour so deep in some people.
I am trying to raise my children that we are ALL Equal, we are all entitled to the same freedom..but it shocks me that even in this day and age there are people who are still racist..not only shocks me but disgusts me a little..while I'm all for everyone having their own opinion and voice heard, when that voice is spoken and it's filled with hate shouldn't it be silenced?
A lot of our "friends" that we are in contact with regularly don't see themselves as a racist, yet still choose to make smart ass remarks about asians, sudonese etc all the while thinking they are humourous..faking someones accent is not humorous, it's rude and disrespectful.
I don't find it amusing when you talk to me like you are Asian, I also don't find it acceptable to listen to you rant that "they came to our country, they need to speak our language" what a lot of rubbish..So from here on in if you're in my house, around my children and you choose to behave like that, stop and think about it first and if you do continue with it, you'll find yourself seeing less and less of us.
I have this conversation in my head all the time and one that I have repeated on many occasion..you see my dad
(actually he's my stepdad but a father to me in every sense of the word) is a Kiwi..born and raised in New Zealand. And I remember when i was at high school we were having a conversation about different countries etc and he said to me "Juice, if you are going to be a racist, you may as well include me in that because to be a racist means you cannot tolerate anyone who isn't Australian born and bred here like you, doesn't have your white skin, hasn't lived your lifestyle" I sat back and took in what he said and the conversation has stuck in my head ever since..there was no way I couldn't be accepting of him..so it was a simple choice for me..be accepting, We are all EQUAL..

So with my list of Value words chosen I had to choose 5...just 5..:O are you kidding LOL, after staring at the computer screen for what seems like eternity! (thank god for auto save blogger!!!) I've narrowed them down to 5 in ranking order!

Respect.
This speaks to me in volumes, and on so many different levels.. To have respect for ones self is so powerful, I have a quote saved on my computer that I adore..
Self-respect cannot be hunted. It cannot be purchased. It is never for sale. It cannot be fabricated out of public relations. It comes to us when we are alone, in quiet moments, in quiet places, when we suddenly realize that, knowing the good, we have done it; knowing the beautiful, we have served it; knowing the truth we have spoken it. This is a value that I'm instilling in my children..to have respect for themselves, but to also respect others.

Self Worth
Finding Self Worth can be a hard journey..it saddens me that there are so many that have no self worth. Some days I know for me it's a struggle to find my own self worth, am I enough? I question myself too that how am I meant to teach my daughter in particular that she is enough, her whole being is exactly as it should be when i question myself to often..This value is one I have on my list to work on..

Acceptance
Some of the most incredible people I know have pure acceptance of who they are and aren't afraid to let the world know..they accept themselves for what they are and who they are and make no excuses for it, and refuse to change for anyone.. I love this..
The most beautiful and powerful people in the world have acceptance of themselves and for everyone around them.

Honesty
Speaks for itself really..be honest with yourself and those around you and things are less complicated. While I may still have people in my life that have been caught out to be dishonest and obviously not valuing our friendship I haven't forgotten that honesty is clearly a value they don't hold high on their priority list. That's their issue to deal with, not mine so I let them go along with their merry selves!
Honesty is what's kept my marriage and relationship with my gorgeous hubby amazing for 17 years and if that's what I get out of holding that value them I'm hanging on to it with both hands tightly!

Kindness
I often get told by people I'm to kind...really?? that's absurd to me, how can someone be to kind? I don't understand that. The age old adage, treat people as you would like to be treated still rings true for me.. I like to be kind, it makes me feel good LOL, being bitter and angry at the world never got anyone nowhere, well actually it did, a fast track route to loneliness if you ask me! But I'm not a do gooder like out of the movies, but I do think I am kind, and I like to help people..it takes nothing to be kind to someone, it doesn't cost anything. And if I can go to bed at night and think well I did the best I could today, I did all I was capable of and I was kind then at least I'm doing ok! No I'm not a door mat like I said, I'm also not a crack whore, but it is still possible to be kind these days people!

So there you have it, my 5 core value words, it was actually harder than I thought to narrow it down to 5! Values that I'm going to work on more with my babes this year.
Thanks for reading, I'd really love to hear what yours are!
Xxx

Side bar- so we got to the nitty gritty of things with my beautiful Pixie, and it was what we thought :( she looks at food and thinks it isn't healthy enough, she'll get fat if she eats to much of it etc..I know that part of her Aspie traits is that she needs to have control of things and that for the present moment it's food but it's not something I'll allow, we are getting her back to her psychologist, we've have many in depth conversations with her about her self worth and acceptance of who she is. We've also talked about her sensory issues with food and how we can accomodate that. She felt that if she was to ask for a different meal to the rest of us because she didn't like how it felt, tasted, the color etc that she was basically putting a flag above her head saying "Hey look at me, I'm already really different and now I stand out at the dinner table too" :( poor kid it breaks out heart. But that's where we are at, that's the hand we have been dealt and it's for a reason, that I'm certain of.
We can't thank everyone enough for their never ending support, the private messages on facebook, the txt messages, the pictures of beautiful quotes. It really is humbling to know we have the support.
Xxx

My heart...

2012-01-23T11:09:00.001+11:00

Is in my throat...I've been here before, and it terrifies me. We've spent a fabulous week away, beautiful sunshine, beautiful company..happy days. But in between all this I've been silently watching, observing and taking mental notes for myself about my gorgeous girl..Prior to her Aspie diagnosis, we started the spiral of heartbreaking eating issues, and all that comes with it. We worked through it, together, as a family.. That's the way things are done around here.But this week her daddy and I have been watching some of the traits slip back in. All of a sudden she "isn't hungry""she will eat later" and to be honest I'm scared, really scared. This behavior terrifies me, I feel like I'm out of my depth, I have all the spectrum strategies and tips in the world, but this?!So we'll have a little quiet time when we get home, we'll have a little chat about stuff and see if I can't get tTo the bottom of what's going on. Make no mistake, there is NOTHING I won't do for my kids, so if you have any tips, ideas I'm all ears. Believe me the media, the magazine moguls and their airbrushing techno guys have a lot to answer for, but that's a whole new post, so for now I'll quietly watch her nibble away at a small hashbrown that she's been hanging on to for the past hour and a half :(

52 Weeks to Simplify

2012-01-05T20:00:00.002+11:00

So it's been a while since I was here again and I thought it was fitting that my first post of the New Year entailed this..Last year I was barely keeping my head above water, emotionally and physically...and at some points my gorgeous husband spent the night consoling me when I couldn't even explain why..No-one else knew what was going on, and to be honest I really didn't/couldn't be bothered telling them!So here I am, jumping head first in to this challenge.."52 Weeks to Simplify Your life" There's a few others that I know that are taking part in this and I'm really looking forward to reading along with them and sharing their journey on it too..maybe you would like to take part as well?I'm going to be taking part in the form of a blog post, I'd love to say I'd scrap an album as well, but I'm really conscious that while it may be a wonderful reminder it may also become a little bit of pressure to complete each week alongside the blog so will see how we go!So the following are guides to get your started as Deb said, you don't have to answer each one..I'll do my best! What energised you?I started back in the workforce in 2011, something that I've been out of for the best part of 12 years..I've been so fortunate to be able to stay home with our babes and really spend that time with them, but felt that even though our little man isn't quite at school yet, it was time for me to start finding myself again. What made you feel happy?There were a couple of things that made me truly happy in 2011,My beautiful beautiful niece was born, completely my sister's family..Life hasn't always been a smooth road for my sister, so meeting her second husband and enjoying being truly loved and cherised led to the birth of Willow..which in turn led to a wonderful family unit being completed..To watch how much joy my sister has in her life now with my nephews, my niece and my brother in law brings a huge amount of comfort to me, as the older sister I worry about her a lot, probably more than I need to but meh..that's what you do! so this all truly does make my heart happy.. What made you feel at peace?Inner peace is such a hard place to reach for me sometimes..having two children on the spectrum can for me personally make me question and second guess everything I do, am I doing enough for them? are they having every opportunity offered to them, but seeing my eldest graduate from grade 6 gave me a sense of peace that yes..hubby and I were doing something right, that we needed to follow the path we are on and everything else will just fall where it is meant to land. What positive people lifted you up?I am incredibly lucky to be surrounded by a lot of positive people who are always there to pick me up when I need it, and often times before I've even given a hint that I'm struggling they are there..My best friend...she amazes me..she often has so much going on in her own life but is always always there for me, we speak every day, text every day, see each other every day..I'd be so lost without her.My sister..I wish I could convey in words the relationship we have..we are so so close..she makes me feel like an amazing mother, and constantly encourages me in anything that I do, we weren't always so close an I'm so grateful that we have reached that part in our relationship where we lean on each other for support and advice.My Mum..You would think at 36 I would be a little more independant LOL but I still rely on mum to reassure me that yes everything will be ok.. somedays the day can be just travelling along as normal and I have the need to speak to mum, not for anything in particular but just to centre me..she gives me a huge amount of comfort, and is constantly telling me that she is proud of me and how I am raising my babes..that's huge to me, I always said when I had kids I wanted to be the mother to my kids that she is to me....My husband...my whole world..enough said ;) What worked to bring your family together?We had a family holiday in September, we drove to QLD from Victoria, a trip that allowed us to reconnect as a family. To often I sit back and watch as families including our own, get so caught up in the day to day that they start to disconnect, unfortunately we had started to do that..between work, moving house and appointments with psychologist, paediatricians, drs, school transition officers etc I felt us slowly drifting apart and I'll be honest, it scared me..my family is my world and after 18 years my husband is still my universe..he makes me heart beat happy. So having the holiday brought us back to each other, allowed us to really sit back and take in our kids and all their quirks!Seriously, kids are amazing...and kids on the spectrum..well the way they see the world is soooo different to everyone else, makes you stop and think for a while! What did you learn (positive things)?I learnt that I have a lot to be thankful for, I also learnt that it is possible for me to wear all my hats...mum, daughter, sister, friend, wife, employee and still be centred in who I am, and that I'm not to bad at all..I have a long way to go till I'm completely comfortable in my skin but I'm getting there ;) What are you grateful for?I'm grateful for my husband for loving me...it's a rare thing to find your soul mate and I'm so grateful that I found mine early in life..i have a whole lifetime to experience the world with himMy children..they have truly made me a better person and have taught me to look at the world in a whole new light..My family..Our weekly family tea, always being on the other end of the phone and basically for supporting me and my family...My friends..Seriously..I have the most amazing group of friends...and each of them is different, completely different to the other, they make me laugh and laugh and laugh..Thanks for stopping by...maybe you'll stop by Deb's blog and join in to find your simple?Xxxx

Wow..(beware of excessive use of images!!)

2011-11-01T19:14:00.000+11:00

It's been a little while since I swung by here!!hope someone actually still reads this!!!So what's been happening in our world...a lot actually!We moved house...that was a bit chaotic, then 5 days later went on a holiday, took the kids to QLD but decided we would drive so we could stop in Sydney, Coffs Harbour, etc on the way up!Had the most amazing holiday, we so needed the family time that came with that holiday. Leading up to the holidays we had been so incredibly busy and had so much going on that by the time it rolled around, I was counting the minutes till I could just be with them..Here's a couple of snapshots...I'll spare you the 600+ photos I took!!!!!

just a couple of shots ;) I'm trying to start scrapping them!So we jam packed as much as we could in to the holidays, with the kids declaring this was the best ever holiday! Success!!!Arrived home late on the Saturday night, more like 1.30am on the sunday! then on the Monday headed off for a week of camping with two of my favourite peeps in the world...I adore these girls..I'd be completely lost without them! It rained, it was cold, the sun came out, but god we had a good time!!!

so there's an insight in to our little trips away!!! I've been on the scrapping hop since I got back! My time at Creative Scrappers has come to an end, time to move aside and let someone else have a turn! I loved being on the Creative Scrappers team, they have awesome sketches, which are soooo good when your mojo has vacated the building!!Here's a couple of layouts I haven't shared yet!

and last but not least a little sneeky peek of a layout ;)

Thanks for stopping by!See you soon!!

Stop the world....

2011-08-19T17:35:00.003+10:00

I wanna get off!! Ok not really, but seriously life?? Slow the hell down!!!
Life is insanely busy at the mo! We're busy packing up the house to move in 4 weeks and then 5 days later we're off on holidays!! I can't wait! the kids are beyond excited! The weather will be warmer than here! The sun will be shining, my kids will be beaming...ohhh yeah..its gonna be awesome! I just need to get through the next couple of chaotic weeks!!!
So in the order of getting all prepared for the sunshine ;) I present you with my latest layout for Creative Scraps Sketch #169..
How gorgeous is my pixie...so free, so happy to be cartwheeling on the beach...remember those days? when life was so easy, so free and to cartwheel on a beach was super awesome fun!

Side bar..is it just me or do you think this Sass Lass Paper is just divine too! I'm ordering more because I am so in love with it!!

And a couple more shares for you :)
Head over to Wicked Princesses to check out the sketches :) Have a go and you could be in the running for a prize too!!

I'll be back with some more shares soon! Promise :)
Xoxo

Punky, Creative, Wicked Scrapping :D

2011-08-01T18:34:00.008+10:00

Hidey Ho peeps!!
How's tricks?? whatcha all been up to?? I've been scrapping my little toosh off and loving every minute of it! Well in between the chaotic pandemonium of my life!!!!
I have a couple of shares for you :) and some that I have hidden cos I can't share them yet ;)
First up is the current challenge for Punky Scraps, I'll say it again, loving these challenges!!
The challenge is called "Get Picky" and here are the requirements :)
Michelle - Use photos of items, no people.
Camilla - 3 circles
Elin - Use Turqoise
Mandy - Stitching (real or doodled)
Nat - Use Red.
Jess - Use 1 or more staples
And this is what I came up with :) I'm really pleased with how this one turned out :)

The picture was taken from our spur of the moment decision to get out of town for a night over the school holidays :)

Next up is the current sketch for Creative Scrappers :) Love these sketches!

And this is my take on the sketch :) Flipped it on it's side and used these pics of my uber spunky monkey nephew...handsome isn't he?? ;)

Rockstar is his nickname that I call him, no-one else calls him this, and if anyone does he quickly reminds them that only I can call him that! I'm totally smitten with both of my nephews, they're cool little people who make me feel like I'm the coolest auntie to walk the planet!!

And my last share is the first sketch for August over at Wicked Princesses :) I love Krissy's sketches..(totally luvs her too.. ;))

And here's my take :) It's not very often I actually get a photo, good bad or ugly with my precious pixie actually looking at the camera, so was rapt when I came across this one from my niece's Naming day :)

So there ya go! Plenty of inspiration to help get your mojo flowing! Why not play along at any one of the sites :) We'd love to see you stop by!!
Xoxox

Punky & Creative!!

2011-07-20T21:59:00.005+10:00

Hiya!!
So I'm a whole lotta special, and wrote down that the date of the last Punky Scraps as July 26th instead of the 16th grrr...that's what happens when you rush I guess..
So I missed the upload on the Punky blog so here I am to share with you and tell you to head over, not mosey over RUN over to the blog and take part in the challenges that are offered up...totally cool challenges, totally awesome chicks...go on, dare ya..check it out!!!
Anyhoo...here it is..my take on Challenge 22 :)
Isn't he just the spunkiest little kinder man around?? Gorgeous little hurricane he is! Not so much of the hurricane at the minute, he is bordering on pneumonia :( so flat and so miserable, poor little darlin.

Told ya he was cute!!!!

This next layout is my example for sketch 165 over at Creative Scrappers! the sketches are very cool to work with, and offer lots of room for interpretation.
This layout is quite simplistic for me, and a little bit tounge in cheek..My spunky hubby and I are often told that we are what people wish for, which honestly melts me..he truly is my best friend, my everything, the other half of me so to speak. We're not perfect but we fit, we're in my eyes an amazing team when it comes to our kids, and particulary because 2 of our babes have specific challenges that needs attention we really are a force to be reckoned with, we refuse to take No for an answer when it comes to our kids, we refuse to believe that this is it, that their challenges are hurdles are the best there is for them..we refuse to believe that they will achieve anything less than greatness for their life and their chosen path..so hence the Title.."You, Me- A total force to be reckoned with" was born..
there ya go, bit of background about why I created the layout, I don't normally let people in on the "behind the layout" story but every now and then it justifies the explanation :)

Not to mention I think he looks totally smokin in those glasses!!! bahahaha!
Thanks for stopping by, be sure and let me know you were here!!
Xoxox

Atishoooo!!!

2011-07-12T08:51:00.003+10:00

Yep that's the current challenge over at Punky Scraps! The challenge is to create a layout showcasing tissue paper, it could be used as a background, made in to embellies, whatever takes your fancy!
I chose to use white tissue paper, then stamp it with a script stamp, cut in to strips and layer a little under the photo of my beautiful niece! I then decided to create a flower embellie, I love the softness of the tissue paper and will definately be using it again on more layouts!
Why don't you have a go? We'd love to see you take part in the challenge :) Head on over to Punky Scraps and check out the other super dooper examples by the rest of the team :)

Be sure and say Hi if you drop by :)
xo

Sneaky peeks ;)

2011-07-07T22:24:00.002+10:00

I have a couple of little sneaky peeks to show, will show the full layouts soon :)
School holidays here and it's chaotic LOL fitting in work and holidays and stuff!
Anyhoo, here they are!

See you soon!
xox

Time Flies...

2011-06-30T11:51:00.003+10:00

When you're working and being a mama!!
Things are same old same old here LOL Working, cleaning, running kids, you know the drill!! My hunk is in New Zealand at the minute for work and I'm desperate for him to come home! I miss him so much when he is away, pathetic isn't it! Considering when he is here he is completely worn out and asleep in the chair not long after the kids go to sleep!!!!
I've been scrapping and creating but can't share yet ;) Soon I can show them!
I can show you this one though from the latest Punky Scraps challenge, have you had a chance to play along yet? the challenges really are heaps of fun, and will push you out of your comfort zone a little ;)There's 2 days left to get your entries in!!While you're there check out the spotlight on Kat!

Harrison absolutely loves dressing up at the moment he is on a run with the superheros..who could blame him, they're seriously cool!!!

Best go get some more jobs done while I have the day off :)
Thanks for stopping by
Tam xo

More scrapping :)

2011-06-15T22:17:00.004+10:00

Quick blog post before I head off to bed, this working fulltime has whiskers on it I tell ya LOL, seriously though I honestly don't know how you fulltime mamas juggle it all and I take my hat off to you amazing women!

I have 1 layout to share and a sneakaroo of another ;)I'll be back to share the full layout in a couple of days ;)
This one for the first sketch for the month of June over at Wicked Princesses I created a card based on the layout too but forgot to resize etc for here so will share that next time, I've decided to create a card as well as a layout for each sketch to build my card stash up again :) Anyhoo enough rambling LOL this is my beautiful Sis and my BIL with my petal Miss Willow on her naming day, it was such a fabulous day and I can proudly say that the gown she is wearing my mama had made when I had Wonder Boy so now all 6 of her grandchildren have worn it :)

(apologies for the not so fabulous photo quality, the weather here of late has been dreadful which makes for shocking photos :/)

And this is a little sneakaroo for you!

Yes that is paint and stamping you see there :O I really love this layout too! Was a lot of fun..

How are you all going with the challenges over at Punky Scraps? Is it making you think outside the box? I'd really love it if you could play along! Nat has just posted a little bonus challenge too! Head over and check it out!

Well that's me done for the day, need matchsticks for my eyes!
Thanks for stopping by!!
Tam xo

Time to get Punky & Creative!

2011-06-11T16:33:00.003+10:00

So exciting! This is the fabulous new challenge over at Punky Scraps at the moment :)
How does this picture inspire you? Is it the grid? The circles in the tapes? perhaps the colours? I loved creating my example for this! It's my first "official" start to the Punky Scraps team! I'd love to see you playing along too!
Anyhoo, on to the picture and my layout I created for it :)

Isn't it a awesome pic to be inspired by? So very 80's and I love the 80's!!

And now another bit of exciting news for me ;) I'm now a team member over at Creative Scrappers!!! I'm so excited!!! I've loved doing their sketches and storing them in my inspiration folder for a while now and was super excited to recieve the email saying I made the team!!!
Cannot wait to get started!

I'm super excited to be on both Punky Scraps Team and Creative Scrappers both have a ton of inspiration to get your mojo flowing!
Thanks for stopping by! Be sure and say Hi, I love knowing that you've visited :)
Xoxo

Hoppity Hop, Punky Scraps Blog Hop!!

2011-06-05T23:50:00.003+10:00

Hiya!
So chances are if you are following the Blog Hop over at Punky Scraps you've landed here from Michelle's blog :)

So here's a little blurb for you ;)Then on to the fun stuff!
My name's Tam..aka Stepfordwife, I'm thrilled to be a part of the new Punky Scraps team and cannot wait to get stuck in to the challenges that are on offer!
There are fabulous challenges to get your mojo really flowing! I'm sure you guys will love them!
To kick of the new Punky Rebels and get you all involved with the blog hop why not have a go at this fabulous sketch just for the blog hop :)

and here's my take on it

Can't wait to see your take on the sketch :)The blog hop lasts all week so be sure to head over and use the link on the side at Punky Scraps to enter your take :)

Your next stop for the blog hop is to head over and check out the inspiration from Camilla :)

Thanks for stopping by!
Tam xo

Fabulous!!

2011-05-31T22:04:00.003+10:00

That's one word to describe my weekend! I flew to QLD with one of my favourite people on the planet Kazz :) and we spent the weekend at the Wicked Princesses Retreat...awesome weekend :) I think I managed about 9 hours sleep for 3 days, by god did I feel it by Sunday night!!!
I'd been counting down the days till the retreat there was a few people I'd been dying to meet..I needed to meet the beautiful wonderful Princess Krissy, seriously peeps, if you havent met her she is one of the sweetest people on the planet and her mum melts me, so so gorgeous, they are such a wonderful family.
I also got to meet Donna, she is everything I thought she would be and more :) I loves her! It still amazes me that you can meet someone online and instantly click with them and then to meet them IRL just cements that yep you really are friend not just online chat buddies. I also got to meet so many other gorgeous ladies..Cathy, Lisa,Nadine,Leah, Lisa, Barb, Kate, Donna the list goes on and on!!!
I'm definately going again next year for sure :)
Kazz and I are off on another retreat I think in about 12 weeks or so..road trippin it Thelma and Louise style!! well without the driving off a cliff business LOL I get to see Donna again at this one too! (Yes honey I love you bunny boiler style!)

In other news, weather is turning typically bitterly cold here and with that comes colds and sniffles, already my little man has had croup quite bad and just seems to be taking so long to be turning the corner and getting on the mend..Thankfully the other two are ok for the minute...touch wood..Scott and I have both had it but only lasted for a few days at the most :)

Lastly here's some scrappy shares :) I haven't photographed my layouts I did at the retreat yet but will do that asap! Thanks for stopping by :) I'd love to come comment on blogs but unfortunately blogger is being an ass and wont let me comment for some reason! weird huh!

See you all soon
xoxox

Hey Ho :)

2011-05-09T11:17:00.004+10:00

Back again with a quick share of some scrapping Ive been doing :) did you all have a fabulous Mother's day? I had the most wonderful relaxing day and was so spoilt :) I completely adore the home made gifts I recieve from the kids, one gift I was incredibly excited about was a homemade pasta necklace from my little man, I've always wanted one of them, I remember giving my mum one and for some reason I just associate the pasta necklaces with motherhood and kinder aged children :) So to recieve one yesterday just cemented my place in motherhood!! Funny the little things we get excited over :) Anyhoo on to some scrappy shares!
The first three were for the sketches over at Wicked Princesses :)( yes that is a double in there :-O )

The next layout is for Show Us Your Stuff, I was very excited to be asked to be a Guest Designer over there :) The criteria was Ribbon, Trims and Lace, I'm loving being able to scrap newborn piccies again, isn't my niece just divine! ;) Yes I'm very biased but ah well :)

If you get a chance head over to SUYS and check out their challenge :)
Thanks for stopping by
xoxox

What if it's us???

2011-04-26T12:43:00.002+10:00

that is the reason he is more immature? what if we did it??
I'll back up a bit, Husband and I have been discussing of late our 12 year old Wonder Boy and the joys of parenting...ok that's a lie, it's been friggen hard work of late with him and his hormones and all of a sudden he is disobeying us, being decietful and generally just not being our everyday boy!
For Christmas he got his own laptop which came with restrictions guidelines and what not, which we felt where within average boyish boundries. Good Friday comes around and we find out he is terrifying his sister on it with one of those email pictures going around the ones where the face screams at the screen? you know the ones, pretty countryside, you're intensly starting at the screen and next minute a face pops up screaming...well a week earlier he showed her one and terrified her and then I find out he showed her another one...hmmm...I was positive the discussion his father and I had the first time would have been enough to make him sit back and say nope wont do that again..apparently not :( I understand too that its a bit of sibling mucking around, god the stuff I did to my sister!!
He is playing all these games that I feel are to old for him, but then a few outsiders have said no they are ok, he wants to watch things that I'm uncomfortable with but then again others seem to think it's ok...
Now while I refuse to parent based on what every othe tom dick and harriet are doing with their kids, it has led hubby and I to question ourselves...is it us??? are we the ones who is wrapping him in cotton wool rather than these other parents giving their kids to much room to move? maybe it is us and the way we parent?? That then led us to the discussion that when we were kids we knew when they said No they meant No and when we were told to clean our rooms we didn't look at our parents as if they were on crack, we grumbled and moaned but we got on with the job and got it done so we could get back outside...which then brought us back to the same question...IS IT US??? are we doing the wrong thing? is he more immature than his mates because we baby him? When do you let go a little? how do you know when to trust that you've done a good enough job that he will be responsible in his decisions and come to understand that voice in his head that says, hell no Mum and Dad wont approve of this???? I'm really really struggling with this right now, he starts Secondary School next year and honestly I look at his mates and think he is so much more immature than them, but then is he? or is he just playing it up to me and his father?
Honestly this is hard,hard hard work, so rewarding but bloody hard and I often feel like I'm having an out of body experience at the minute and I'll say something and look around to see if my mum is standing behind me or did that really come out my mouth!!
As parents our job to is to love, nuture and guide our children in to becoming the best human beings they can, but who is there to guide us? what may be one persons parenting ideas is not another, so really we all just kinda flounder along hoping that we're doing an ok job? or do we just hope that someone, anyone says, Hey you can do this! you're doing ok so far and soon it will get easier???
So my question to you guys....Do you feel you're getting a handle on this parenting gig?
Ok enough of my rambling...which quite possibly made no sense at all!
I'll be back with pretties and lightness next post
Xoxox

So excited!

2011-04-19T22:04:00.003+10:00

I can finally share my news :)
I made the creative team over at Punky Scraps!!!

Wooo Hooo!!!
Well that's my little toot for this update!!!
Be back soon with some more scrapping!
xox

Quick share

2011-04-18T10:15:00.004+10:00

of what I've been playing with :) My mojo returned in full force last week! 5 layouts in about 48 hours, hell yeah I was happy!!!!
The first one is for Sketch 1 for April at Wicked Princesses my first layout scrapped of my gorgeous niece Willow and my mum :)

The second one is my layout for this months challenge over at White With 1 I didn't think I actually had much Olive green in my stash but seems I had enough to create this layout :)

Really happy with how both of these turned out :) Im waiting for some new papers to arrive so I can play some more!!!
We've had a very busy weekend celebrating my little man's 4th Birthday, yes 4 :O I can't believe he is 4 already, I know everyone says that but I honestly cannot believe how fast these last 4 years have gone!
He is right in to superheros at the moment and thinks they are the coolest things to walk the planet...I kinda have to agree with him ;) Couldn't resist snapping this pic of him, he was so excited to get a batman costume with his presents!

Be back soon to share some more :)
Xoxo

Be still my beating heart....

2011-04-10T20:59:00.003+10:00

I've fallen in love again...My beautiful baby sister and her fabbo husband welcomed my niece in to the world on Thursday...Willow Grace Ann is her beautiful name and by god she is delish! Now anyone who knows me knows that I ADORE my nephews, absolutely and utterly adore them so much so that sometimes my heart aches with how much I love them, well now I have a niece who makes my heart flip flop too!
She is so so loved and was such a beautiful completion to such a wonderful journey for my sister, her husband and my nephews..
so without further hesitation let me introduce my gorgeous niece ;)

Miss Willow Grace Ann 7lb of pure gorgeousness!

I do have some other news to share but will be back with that soon I promise! this post is just a bragging auntie post!! ;)
xox

bad neglectful blogger...

2011-03-19T21:16:00.003+11:00

Forgive me readers (if there are any of you left)for I have sinned...its been far to long since I last blogged and life is screaming past me at a great rate of knots...
Life has been as always, mad chaotic, and slighting overwhelming at times!
I've returned to work and am now working 4 days a week just for a couple of hours each day doing accounts and a bit of data entry...it's good to be doing something other than housework and housework and mummy duties! don't get me wrong, I adore being a mummy and a housewife but there was a little part of me that felt like I was losing my identity, a sense of who I am, kwim?? so with a little bit of juggling and a very very very understanding boss (hehehe its my hunky hubby) we now fit in working hours in to my day!
My little hurricane has hit 3 year old kinder with full speed! He loves it, and it makes my heart swell, when they tell me he is most interested in the craft stuff and painting!!!!
Diva seems to be cruising along right now, no major aspie issues, still the same hurdles with social settings but for the most part she is holding her own right now!
My gorgeous Wonder boy, well turns out he has an Auditory Processing Disorder which now makes so much sense with his learning, I had a nagging feeling for a while that there was a bit of an issue with his short term memory/processing and then had it confirmed for us..so after tears again..yes I cry...A LOT! I'm determined to make things seem a little easier for him before he enters the world of high school next year..we're very lucky we have a "team" of people who are so great at offering support and help as well as activities to help him.

Socially it doesn't feel like we've stopped since christmas! ha! how concieted does that sound lol, we are soooo the social butterflies NOT!
but we have had baby showers, birthdays, get togethers on lots lately!
We still have Diva's birthday to get through, then the magnificant arrival of my sisters bub!!! Yes I know what she's having but can't post on here!!!! Then our lil man's birthday and things should slow down a little!

We had an 80's night for a 30th birthday last night..such a fun fabulous night!!! I'll post some pics for you all to have a giggle at...so much laughing, dancing and yes to much drinking, it was a tragic sight this morning when I woke to blue eyeshadoe smeared on my pillow and across my face and my crimped hair wild woman style!!!

Yes that is a dead animal aka a mullet wig on my husband!!!
Be sure and say hi if you stop by!
Tam xo

I scrapped again!!

2011-02-09T17:31:00.003+11:00

I know I know...wonders will never cease ;)
I figured considering I'd cleaned my desk and moved it all around that I would immediately get creative...hmmm not so..I stood back and admired how clean it was for a few days hehehehe then today while the kids were at school and my baby was at kinder :( I scrapped the latest sketch at Wicked Princesses :) Probably about time I scrapped the christmas pics!
So here it is :) I'm pretty happy with how it turned out :)

On another note, my "baby" started Grade 6, my other baby is in Grade 4 this year and my little man started kinder once a week...they are all growing up so quickly...I need to enrol Wonder Boy in to secondary school as well :(
Perhaps I just need to embrace it and accept it's going to happen anyway hahahaha!!!
Anyhoo I'm off to do more creating!
See you soon!

Hiiiiiiiidehoooooo

2011-02-03T17:11:00.003+11:00

here I am again lol :D Miss me??
To much has happened it's been busy busy round these parts so dot points might be easier lol
*Christmas was chaotic, wonderful, crazy everything I love, unfortunately Wonder Boy doesn't believe in the man in the red suit anymore :( so that broke my heart and his a little I think..but he feels oh so grown up sharing the big peoples secret!!
*New Years Eve was here :) two barrel slushie machine, vodka one side, tequila the other..lots of laughs, drinks, terrible photos taken..fabulous night actually!!!
*We then headed off to the beach for a week of R&R..yeah...so those women on Sex & The City wearing big kaftans, and stuck under umbrellas are on to something..I had sunscreen on and still managed to get incredibly burnt, blistering burnt actually..:(
*The floods in QLD had me glued to my TV for hours and saw me shedding many a tear for them all, so I put the call out to every person i could for donations that I could send to a gorgeous lady Im dying to meet in May! Every little bit helps and these people were left with nothing :(
*More flooding here in Vic :( more tears, more lack of sleep, and more donations sought..Im so proud to be able to say I have surrounded myself with some pretty damn awesome people who really dig deep, Im also incredibly bloody proud to be and Aussie too!!
*School holidays...tomorrow they go back!!!!!!!! I hangin on by my fingernails lol I neeeeeeeeeed them to go back...this mumma's done with the fighting, bickering, lack of routine LOL
*Scrapping...I have TWO retreats coming up this year!! Yup TWO!!! First one is for Wicked Princesses in May, so looking forward to being able to finally meet everyone, Im flying up with Kazz :) can't wait to catch up with her again, talking on the computer nearly everyday just isnt the same :( plus I get to see Lisa and some of the other QLD girls!! It's been about 4 years since I saw Lis! The other retreat...think Thelma and Louise style...hehehe Kazz and I are roadtrippin it for the Scrapbook Savvy retreat!! Sooo looking forward to it!
I think that's bout it peeps! I have 2 layouts to show but that's all Ive done so far this year..best get on to some more :) The first one was for a challenge Krissy set at WP but I didnt get it uploaded in time :) The second one I based on a sketch and Savvy, again didnt get it uploaded in time...can anyone say Routine is needed in this house???????/ bring on school LMAO!

xoxo

A lovingly poke

2010-11-28T20:37:00.002+11:00

from the gorgeous Kirsty to get me to blog again! LOL
So here I am, I actually didn't think anyone really read my drivel hehe

As you can see I wasn't very successful with the 30 days bizo so will give it another crack soon!
Life has been crazy busy around here, as always, and even more so now that we are gearing up for the silly season which is really already upon us :/ eeek!!
We have very few days left that are actually free between now and christmas day then it starts all over again for New Years!
So whats been happening...
* dance rehearsals and more dance rehearsals for Diva, she had her performance last night and looked fabulous as always, I really enjoy working backstage and helping out :)
* hospital stay and an op for my little man, he had his tonsils out and adenoids done and has been an absolute little trooper through it all!
* Wonder boy dropped the Santa bomb :( he knows he isn't real, absolutely shattered me!!! So we've had the talk about how big a secret it is and he cannot ruin the magic for the two younger ones or I'll be like a woman possessed and kicking his butt!!
* I haven't scrapped for WEEKS and I'm kinda wondering when the blooming hell Im ever going to get time to again :/ someone please stop the world I wanna get off!

Time to go put more washing on, then vacumn and get the baking done for the week..
I promise I'll be back very very soon!
xoxoxo

Thirty Days Of Me...

2010-10-17T12:22:00.002+11:00

Hiya! Me again!! I found this on Kazz's blog who found it on Kirsty's blog who found it on Lisa's blog LOL so I thought that perhaps I'd play along too :)

The full list of 30 days is as follows :)
Day 1 – A photo of yourself and a description of how your day was.
Day 2 – A photo of something you ate today.
Day 3 – Your idea of the perfect first date.
Day 4 – Your favourite photograph of your best friend.
Day 5 – A photo of yourself two years ago.
Day 6 – A photo of an animal you’d love to keep as a pet.
Day 7 – Your dream wedding.
Day 8 – A song to match your mood.
Day 9 – A photo of the item you last purchased.
Day 10 – A photo of our favourite place to eat.
Day 11 – What’s in your makeup bag?
Day 12 – A photograph of the town you live in.
Day 13 – Your favourite musician and why?
Day 14 – A TV show you’re currently addicted to.
Day 15 – Something you don’t leave the house without.
Day 16 – Your celebrity crush.
Day 17 – A photo of you and your family.
Day 18 – Something you crave a lot.
Day 19 – Another picture of yourself.
Day 20 – The meaning behind your blog name.
Day 21 – A photo of something that makes you happy.
Day 22 – A letter to someone who has hurt you recently.
Day 23 – 15 facts about you.
Day 24 – A photo of something that means a lot to you.
Day 25 – What’s in your handbag?
Day 26 – A photo of somewhere you’ve been to.
Day 27 – A picture of you last year and now and how have you changed since then?
Day 28 – Your favourite movie.
Day 29 – Something you could never get tired of doing.
Day 30 – A photograph of yourself today + three good things that have happened in the past 30 days

I'll be back later to do my first post :)

still on a roll

2010-10-16T13:32:00.006+11:00

Im really loving the amount of scrapping I am getting done these days, there is so many blogs out there and websites that offer so much inspiration it's hard not to keep the mojo flowing!!
My last two layouts for the Wicked Princesses Inspiring Interiors comp..
The all boy one freaked me out! Kazz set me a personal challenge to use paint as it's not something I normally use, I feel so unco with it lol and have trouble not being so structured and planning my layout lol but I really love how this one turned out...who knows maybe I'll paint again...I did say maybe!! ;)

and this is one I did for a challenge over at Challenge Heaven, requirements were to use black cardstock and the word smile in the title :) this was my first challenge I've entered over there and I'll definately be doing more :)

Now I'm off to clean out my walk in robe, if I don't return I've obviously fallen through to Narnia and will need someone to come rescue me!!!
xo

We're home..

2010-10-04T10:58:00.005+11:00

from a fabulous time away! We had the best week, was so what we needed as a family, just some time away with the 5 of us. Hubby was so relaxed which was so nice, I was a little worried he was on the verge of a heart attack before we left, he has been so busy and stressed at work! So R&R was definately called for!
We saw penguins, koalas, pelicans, various birds, wallabies...the kids had the best time and have asked when we are going back!
They went back to school today and my little man and I are a little bit lost!!! I could be doing the housework but have decided that updating my blog and then some scrapping is more fun and a whole lot more appealing!!!!!! come on, you know you agree with me!!!
I do have some layouts I can share with you, this is my layout for week 4 of the Inspiring Interiors competition that is happening at

This one was from Week 3 of the competition

Sketch Challenge:

Thanks for stopping by! Be sure and say Hi when you do :)
I'm off to do some more scrapping
xo

Almost time...

2010-09-13T10:10:00.004+10:00

for school holidays! We're off to Phillip Island for a week in the holidays, so looking forward to it, I think we all need the R&R!! I've been really busy the last week or two!
I finally took the plunge and opened my own made it store!! you can find it here www.madeit.com.au/pocketfuloposielots more items to come in the next couple of weeks! I'm really enjoying it..I also started a facebook group as well called Pocketful O Posie if you want to stop by on there.
I've been scrapping as well, loving what I'm scrapping at the moment too, it's actually coming out of my head on to the paper like I see it!!! hahaha
the first layout is from the second Interiors picture over at Wicked Princess, we had to take inspiration from the bathroom photo and my inspiration came from the small tiles, which I reflected in my little alpha stickers, the blue of the bath=misting, the tiny white flowers and the circle of the bathtub!

I love that pic of my gorgeous girl. :)
The second layout is for the second Sept sketch at Wicked Princesses as well, love this photo of my crew too!! Taken Fathers Day this year.

I'll be back to share some more soon!
xox

and it's still flowing!

2010-09-03T08:57:00.006+10:00

My Mojo that is!! I'm loving it!!! In between the sewing I'm doing (more about that in another post, but it's something Im very excited about!) I've been scrapping, I love that I can escape somewhere else with some paper,photos etc!
Wicked Princesses are running a competition for the next 6 weeks, which I registered for, it's going to be a lot of fun..You should check it out! Here's the ad for it :)

I completed my layout for the first challenge yesterday, and I took my inspiration in the form of the shabbiness and a touch of pink :)

Then last night while the mojo was still hanging around I completed the first September Sketch over at Wicked Princesses as well!!

I'm also currently collating and working out designs for a book I'm doing for Diva, full of inspirational pics etc, something a bit like life lessons etc..something she can look back over, particulary when she is having a low day. :) I'll leave you with one of the pics that's going in her book.

See you all soon!

More to share...

2010-08-26T23:08:00.004+10:00

I've been on a bit of a roll lately!
I managed to complete the current sketch over at Creative Scrappers I really loved this sketch, I have a silent love affair with bunting flags!!

I really do love this photo of my babes from my sister's wedding, they all looked so gorgeous.
I also had a go at the Lets Get Shabby challenge too! The challenge was to use music notes on your page I really loved how this turned out.

Thanks for stopping by :)
xo

Sunshine & Lollipops

2010-08-25T11:04:00.005+10:00

as promised!
This post might get a little picture heavy!! I have a couple of things to share!!
So at the moment, we have a sick house, all 3 of my babes are unwell, colds, body aches, and my poor lil man's face is completely covered in eczema, it looks terrible and must be so sore :( I've just ordered some goats milk soap to see whether that can make a difference because I'm at my wits end about it to be honest!
Despite the sickness that was looming, the kids had their Book Parade at school this week, and I'm so rapt to say I made their costumes, yup from scratch! Me, whose really only used my sewing machine to sew on my scrapping layouts!!!! Zac went as the Wizard from and Emily Rhodda book and Pixie went as the Red Queeen!

Really am so pleased with how they turned out!
I've been doing a little scrapping to, so glad to be back in to it, really not sure why I stopped but it's a good escape from the rest of the world!!
These layouts were the final two August Sketches at Wicked Princesses
love how both of these turned out :)

And finally, my gorgeous hubby, a couple of weeks ago told me he had a surprise for me...he knew I'd been drooling over Jodi's stuff for ages, so sat me down and told me to choose a design, email her and order it!!! *squuuuuuuuuueal*
this is what she created for me, I absolutely love it, she is so so clever and her stuff is amazing, check her out on facebook, her group is called Tildys.

will definately be back there shopping for some christmas gifts I'm thinking!!!

chat soon xo

This and that...

2010-08-20T09:20:00.002+10:00

So I thought that when I started posting again, I would just have it as a light hearted blog, talk about sunshine and lollipops and all that crap LOL But then I figured that why?? it's my blog, if people don't like what I write then move along, (that's if people still actually read it LMAO)
For the most part my life is sunshine and lollipops as much as I can make it, but there are some days when its just mud and slush and yuck.
Today is one of those said days...and rather than walk out the front door and my family and friends here knowing about it I figured I'd get my thoughts out here...
My darling Diva is struggling, socially it seems to be getting harder and harder for her and I'm really not sure how to help her with that, and I know a lot of it is her age, but add the extra struggle of aspergers on top and she feels her world is falling apart. Her favourite friend has hurt her repeatedly lately according to my girl...I won't go in to details of what this friend said but when putting myself in Diva's shoes she must be heartbroken, and I think that's the reason we have seen so much anger from her this week of a morning about going to school, of course once she gets there she puts on her perfect persona and goes through the motions of the day but once that car door closes that's another issue...I would give anything to make it even 1/10th little bit easier for her...where we go to from here I'm not sure..and honestly I don't particulary feel like we have a lot of support, everyone says they are there for us but if we get down to it, they're not...and particulary when I find out they think we make it worse than what it is, yup cos that's it people we want to make her life so much harder for her...so hubby and I just decided we wont really be telling people what's happening with her, bit of a protective preservation for her.

The other thing on my mind today is family, wouldn't it be nice to have one of those wonderful TV families that seem so happy and supportive of each other? yeah right...a particular family member of mine is being really hurtful to me and honestly this person has no idea that I know the extent of what they are doing, my heart honestly hurts to find out that they are no better than my so called friends, bitching about me behind my back, saying that I'm intruding and taking over and stealing friends...for goodness sake are we in kindergarten..hubby keeps telling me to let it go, and honestly I am trying, I don't let this family member know but it's really really hurting..I put on a face a technique learnt from my gorgeous daughter and not let anything slip about how I really feel, then come home and fall apart to hubby. Aside from having it out with them there really isn't a lot I can do about it...they make me out to be this horrible person, who they can't come to, they don't trust etc etc I wonder if they stopped and looked at how they treat me would they think it was wrong or just continue to do it. This family member means the world to me but honestly I really do think that at this point the fakeness will just have to continue because what other option do I have? tell them I know what they are saying behind my back and they should really look at their friendship circle on who they can trust when they are bitching and have them deny ever saying those things or let it go and hope that one day they will see I'm not the enemy and I actually love them more than they will ever realise? for now..it's in the to hard basket. :/

The same could be said about some certain friends in my life right now...I find out what they are saying behind my back and they know I have found out, yet not once have they made themselves accountable for saying it, now I got this information second hand so it could be a little distorted but honestly they have never denied saying it, that too hurts...a lot and yet here I am, running back to them trying to repair a friendship that honestly I don't know if they want anymore?? where is the effort on their behalf? have they made contact with me? bothered to ask if i want to do something? hmmm nope...friendship is a 2 way street not a freakin mexican standoff to see how makes an effort first...I seriously do feel like I'm in a bad reality tv show at the moment...these friends are quick to judge me and my behaviour and be furious with other people's behaviour but are they accountable?? nope not ever...Im trying to make the effort to repair but honestly when it doesn't feel like it's reciprocated when do you stop? when do you say enough? is it when you aren't sure what the reception is going to be from these friends? or is it when you have extended the olive branch? people say that sometimes its best to leave things unsaid, is it sometimes better to lay it all out so as to repair things or do you really just put it to the back of your mind and be forever cautious?? I'm not sure I want friendships like that..
I tend to take people on face value, I'm to trusting and to caring my hubby says..but ah well that's who I am, I do look for the good in people, I do believe there is good in everyone just not everyone realises their full potential to be a good person...and it's a value I'm trying to instill in my kids but how do I do that when they see and observe the rubbish that people are dishing out to me?? now I'm not perfect, good god I'm so far from it it's ridiculous but I do try to be there always for my family and friends...hmmm looks like this is another to hard basket problem for now...
Thanks for listening to me vent/offload/thought process... I promise next post will be sunshine and lollipops.
xoxo

Scrapping to share...

2010-08-17T11:35:00.004+10:00

I finally found some mojo and scrapped again!!! It's been far to long, but I did it and am so glad I did, I thoroughly enjoyed it, and have been waiting for some new papers to come so I can have a bit more of a play, I'm so out of what's new and great at the minute but have been doing a lot of blog hopping etc to check out papers and stuff!
Both these layouts were for the first 2 August Sketches at Wicked Princesses.

I've been doing a little more sewing this week, both the kids need costumes for Book Week parade next week, Diva is The Red Queen and Wonder Boy wanted to be a Wizard so nearly have them sorted with those, will post pics as soon as they are finished :)
xo

Little bit of a catch up....

2010-08-09T14:55:00.002+10:00

hmmm another big gap between blogging...
seems Im not so good at the blogging!! But let's have another crack at it shall we?
What's been happening in my world, well same old same old, kids are getting bigger, along with that comes more attitude :/ can't say that I'm loving that AT ALL! Hubby is still working flat out and life continues on...
My great nan passed away recently, she had an amazing wonderful full 97 years of life and while she is now in a better place for a little while I was reflecting and kicking myself for not spending more time with her...my gorgeous Nan is a little lost now that she doesn't have the nursing home to go to every day and visit her mum, i'm trying to pop in to visit or call as often as I can. It really the old cliche, you don't realise what you miss out on with someone till they are gone...
A friend of mine for many years also lost her husband recently, it was so sudden and so quick.. :( Life is so fragile.

As for me, I'm going to the gym at least 4 times a week, making a lot of lifetstyle changes and a lot of personal changes.. I was put in a position recently that made me realise that no matter how good a friend is sometimes bad things happen in the friendship and it has you questioning the trust and the validity of the friends surrounding you. I didnt think at my age it was possible to feel that hurt from friends, you know the hurt that happens in high school and it leaves your head spinning and you don't think you'll ever be able to repair the fracture to the friendship? yeah that one... I honestly don't know if things will ever be the same but I'm just travelling along seeing how I go, keeping to myself a lot and making some changes to me...probably putting the wall up a little again too!

I've been creating a little, but more sewing than anything else, I've been surrounded by pregnant people lol so was nice to be able to sew up some bibs and blankets etc..no photos to share but hopefully some scrapping ones soon. :)
I'm off on a retreat with Wicked Princesses but it's soooooooo far away, it's not till May but will fab to go...I'm flying with Kazz which will be fabulous, be so nice to sit and chat with her! I can't wait to meet the rest of the girls too, be nice to put some faces to conversations!!

So there you have it, won't bore you with everything else, but I am hoping to update at least once a week, ok maybe once a fortnight! Might be time to do a bit of an overhaul of the blog too!
T xo

Wow...

2010-04-01T12:20:00.003+11:00

It's been a while again..sorry about that!
Lots been happening here, again some of it not so great..my sister hasn't been well which is causing me some huge worries..fingers crossed we get some answers soon as to whats causing it all...
Probably best to dot point this post haha
Wonder Boy-
* eased back in to school well, although we have a few concerns about his self confidence, seems to have hit an all time low at the moment so doing what we can to raise that. I also seem to think he is feeling a little pushed to the side with everything that is going on with his sister and her aspergers, particulary while we find our feet with it all.

Diva-
* started back at dancing and is loving it now that the pressure has been removed from her about doing her exams for it. Ultimately she wants to be a contemporary dancer so will go down that path with her for now, until her fickle 9 year old mind changes!!

Lil Man-
* Not so much of the little anymore :( he is turning 3 in a couple of weeks, makes me so sad that its gone so quickly. He is busy and full on and can definately be a challenge some days but a very happy content little boy. Am enrolling him in 3 year old kinder next term ready for next year..well I say that, and I have the forms all filled out, just havent quite got there to do it yet.be it to busy or a huge case of denial Im yet to work out!

Hunk-
*Working working working..yup and working some more..he works so hard but can genuinely say he loves his job, rare these days!!

Us-
We renewed our wedding vows in February, 12 years of marriage and he still melts me, still gives me butterflies and i sit like and excited school girl waiting for him to come home!!

Me-
* I've been crafting a little, made us a picnic blanket, some notebook holders for my nephews for easter and some gorgeous little easter bunnies that I originally saw on Mel Goodsell's blog. None of which I've taken photos of as of yet! But I promise I will get to them! I have been doing some scrapping as well which I do have photos of!

Now I just need to do this years birthday and I should be up to date!! haha not!!
I've also been making lots of cards, but keep forgetting to take photos of them!
I'll leave you with a pic of hubby and i from our renewal that I adore, and I best go referee these fighting kids...*sigh* yeah gotta love school holidays...!!

Hmmm it's been a while...

2010-01-12T23:39:00.003+11:00

poor old blog has been completely neglected..sorry about that if anyone still reads!
There has been so much happening here not all of it good, not all of it bad, some just average ordinary life happenings.
I guess the biggest thing that's happened is the follow up/diagnosis of our beautiful pixie... About 2 months ago she was diagnosed with Aspergers,and I really dont like labels but its something we needed so we could move forward. it's still fairly new and raw and to be honest bloody frightening but we're muddling through..I have to admit when we were told I sat there dumbfounded, and questioned the dr repeatedly, "are you sure?" in the end she just nodded politely at me, all the while Im sure she is sitting there thinking, "for gods sake woman I think with my degree I know what Im talking about!"
So once denial wore off, we went back for another appointment and went through a lot of things... it's taken me a bit to get rid of the guilt for the thought that entered my head "so Im not raising a naughty child" :( there have been lots of lightbulb moments though, lots of ahhhhhh now we understand why she does that...
I think the hardest part is getting people to understand..they look at her and see this little girl who doesnt fit the stereotype of a child under the autism/aspegers spectrum.
It's definately there though..she spends all day pushing herself to be the "perfect" child, follow the rules, do what "normal" 8 year olds do, that when she walks in the front door of home, its all stripped away and she can be herself, who she truly is..and believe me when I say this in the nicest possible way, sometimes thats not a nice person..her tantrums wear me out.. the other week I went outside and sat under the clothesline and cried because she was in a moment. :( It's bloody hard, somedays it feels too hard...and then there are days when it's great, but all the while when I talk to her Im craving her to look me in the eye for more than 2 seconds.
It's a journey I'll tell you that much! Big learning curve for all of us, big changes have had to happen but that's ok we're dealing with it. I'm just very lucky I have an incredibly supportive husband and we can lean on each other.. family has been good too, mum and my sister were amazing when we told them, immediately wanted to know what they needed to do, how to help..and my gorgeous BFF, never faltering in her support. I know that it isnt a disease, she isn't sick, she's still my little pixie, but it changes a lot and it still broke my heart, and my bestie got that, she understood that and does understand that, has spent countless hours researching on the net for me, looking for kid friendly websites to explain it...Missus..I freakin love you xox
On to the boys...my beautiful Wonder Boy turned 11 yesterday :( yep 11..how did that happen? and so quickly? I remember the day he was born as clear as anything...Mum has always told us, that no one is perfect..hate to tell you mum but he was, the minute he laid on my chest I knew I was holding perfection right there...
He is growing up to be the most compassionate, loving beautiful boy with an amazing soul. His acceptance and support of his sister recently is the most touching display of sibling love ive ever seen. When he was told about her aspergers his response was "well, she's my sister" and it was as simple as that for him, nothing was going to change... he then says to her "if you ever need me, just yell, yell my name really loudly and I'll run, as fast as I can to get to you.." yup..perfection...
And my little hurricane, good god, he is making up for the eldest two not really throwing tantrums...he has some HUM DINGERS!! huffs at me, its not fair he screams and then cries and cries,LOL. Such a funny boy though, he cracks us up constantly with his little dances and his play with his toys..His talking is getting clearer and clearer, he adores the two eldest, calling them "his guys!" Mummy where my guys? is the consistant question everyday!!
My hunk, well he is still amazing, Im still in love, he still melts me...
we celebrate our 12 year wedding anniversary in Feb and we are renewing our vows...people have asked why we are bothering..my answer is because I want to reaffirm to him that I would do over our life again in a heart beat, the good the bad the ugly, all alongside him. :)
So just a bit of an update for you all, if there are any of you left!!!
xoxox

Blehhhhhhhhhhh

2009-07-16T10:53:00.002+10:00

I'm sick, and yes I'm whining! I feel like someone beat the crap outta me with a baseball bat. :( I have tonsillitis again! I'm so bloody sick of it, this is the 3rd time in the last 6 months..grrrrrrrrr waiting for the antibiotics to kick in, hopefully that will be really soon. On the flipside of that I have an amazing bedside nurse :) he truly is incredible...anyhoo...
So you might have noticed I've done a bit of a blog overhaul, thought it was time for a change and I love the background!! Just need to work on a new header now :)
I've still been doing some scrapping but nothing I can share right now. I'm excited to say that Sara is relaunching Stuck?! which I'm pleased to say I'll be rejoining her creative team. Come on over and say Hi!
Another place you should drop by is the new Wicked Princess forum, Kaz and I are excited to launch our Ning site and are busily getting things organised for all our changes to take place on August 1st, we're hoping that you'll like them, nothing major out of this world but definate changes are happening, come join the forum and say Hi and tell us a little about yourself! You can find us HERE! Cant wait to share the sneek peeks for the august kits in the next few days ;)
I also have some more exciting news...one of the blogs I stalk is Mel Goodsell's blog, I find her to be the most inspiring blogger I read, she constantly makes me want to create things!! But the most exciting news, the one making me want to happy dance is she has opened an Etsy account!! YAYYYYYYYYYYYY I know where I'll be getting some of my christmas presents!! I love to give gifts that are homemade, and this is perfect cos I just love what Mel creates! You can check out her Etsy shop here :) Enjoy!
I'm off to take more pills and have some more sleep...catch you all soon.
xoxox

back again!

2009-06-30T15:52:00.003+10:00

Told you I would be back!!! Just some more that I've been working on last night/today :)

Silly blogger, posted all my pics in the wrong order!\ Oh well, the first layout I really love how it turned out, wanted a simple layout that didnt overshadow the photo..not very often hubby and I get a photo together and this is our most recent one, taken 2 weeks ago at the P!NK concert! the quote on it is from my all time favouite movie The Notebook :)
The layout of Diva is to hang in her room and I loved the little random advice quote on it and thought it a good positive reinforcement for her to see often.
And the butterfly frame, well I've been wanting to do one of these for her room for a long time so the other week she was having a particulary bad day so her and I sat and created this..love that it's something we did together.
Be back again maybe tomorrow!
xoxx

Bad bad blogger...

2009-06-30T10:17:00.004+10:00

Hi there...*waving hand cautiously in the air*
I'm still here, just been a bad bad blogger...see Lis I told you I would update!!
Whats been happening around these parts...hmm a lot but a little if that makes sense..I've been a little unwell and spent the good part of 5 days in hospital which wasnt pleasant but not something I had a choice in..we seem to have things under control for the most part for now..thank goodness..
Things have been going along ok with diva, we are working on a lot of new things for her which seem to be a positive step in the right direction, some days I just need a whole lot more strength to deal with it than what I have..but you just deal and keep going. Both her and Wonder boy got amazing reports...I'm so incredibly proud of them and their effort they put in to their school work, they both thrive on learning which I think is half the battle to be honest. Lil man is cruising along, letting all those in his path know that he is now 2 and can fip on a dime and throw the mother of all tantrums!! We are thinking its nearly time to put him in a bed, he seems to be getting taller by the minute!!!!
The other news is that I scrapped!!!!!!! Yes enter the angels singing..the girl scrapped!!! I made a point of taking time for me! God I loved it, felt so good to be doing it again..and guess what? I took pics to show on here!! uh huh nod your heads I am back!!

The first two are older ones that I don't think Ive shared on here. The last one I did yesterday and I really love how it turned out...I've had the paper sitting there for a while and what better way to ignore the miserable winter weather than to work on a summer layout!!!
I also have a couple of things to share that Ive been working on for Diva's room one I need to finish off today so I'll be back later to share them.
On that note I'm off to scrap again, I'll send the ambulance around now to resucitate you all from dying from shock!
Ciao bella!
xoxox

Spoilt...

2009-05-12T20:25:00.004+10:00

So how was your mothers day? Mine was amazing...I got a wonderful lie in, then scrummy scrummy cuddles with my 3 babes and then a gorgeous cooked breakfast of mushrooms/tomatoes/spring onions/bacon/eggs...all weight watcher friendly of course :)
The kids were so excited about the presents they had got me from the Mothers Day stall at school! Diva gave me a small beauty case with a nail file in it..one side completely and I mean completely covered in rhinestones! *giggle* she thinks its fab! Wonder Boy gave me a big loofah on a handle for in the shower and lil man gave me some coasters that Diva picked out for him...tooo sweet really..I also got a keyring that Diva made me that says Mum and has a silver heart on it...it melts me when I see it...
I also got something else too, and if it sounds like Im being an upstart and a showoff please look away now...my gorgeous husband I come to find has been hoarding this is the back of his mind since Christmas...
I am now officially part of the Pandora club *insert squeal hereeeeeeeeee!* He loves me so...he really does, makes me feel so special and appreciated. The breakfast and the cuddles and lie in were more than I could have asked for..just that 5 mins to stop and enjoy the morning with my family..we need to do this more often...
So ummm this is the part where I get excited and show you my beads..honest Im not a look what I have look what I have girl but I just adore my bracelet!

Totally spoilt...I know...
Arent they just the cutest? so enters my new found addiction now LOL...
Ok I promise I'm done with showing off...
An update of my to do list..I started learning to crochet!! Just a couple of stitches but Im on my way!!! Just need to figure out how to do a corner now so I can make a square! Ive also started my search for some fabric for the quilt of love so if you have some links for some good online stores please send them on through!!

Chat soon lovelies..
xoxox

Back again

2009-05-06T14:09:00.002+10:00

Here I am again...
Life just seems to busy at the moment and I dont seem to ever have a spare minute to sit down and blog! I have 5 mins spare now and probably the same amount of energy!
see our house needs to be quarantined Im convinced! We all have the damn lurgy in some form or other..Ive spent 3 days in bed, sleeping, no word of a lie..sleeping like 12 hour stints! I never do that..ever..poor wonder boy has cold sores on his face, Diva has a cough to rival an 80 year old smoker when she gets going, Lil Man finds it terribly amusing to bring me the contents of his nose and proudly declare yuck and Hunk is on the start of it...so yep we probably need to be quarantined!
Not a lot else happening, still working/wading through stuff with Diva, I cant quite see the end of it yet and Im barely hanging in there with it all but each day as it comes for now..
As for my to do list..well Ive sorted out some fabrics ready to make a quilt, just need to get a few more varieties and I can get started, I have a new printer that apparently prints amazing pics on fabric transfer paper so that will be handy for my quilt of love, Im thinking that I will make this for mum for Christmas..yes I said the dreaded word Christmas..but 90% of my gifts this year are going to be homemade so I want to get a start of it soon.
In other news..I scrapped!! I know, dont fall off your chair!! I'll post a pic another time dont really have the energy for it now LOL. I'm also ploughing my way through instructions to make a paper bag album, hopefully it turns out!
Found this song on another blog that I hop and read...it's just sublime...I love it.

Chat soon
T xoxo

Back again!

2009-04-05T11:34:00.002+10:00

Told ya it wouldnt be so long between posts!
Also told ya I would have posting guilt! The last post was hard and probably a bit vented..the thing that was hard was it's hard to admit family will behave that way..and it hurts..a lot.
But I have decided after much deliberation...I cannot control how they behave..that's their responsibility, their emotions to sort through, not mine. I guess a part of me is disappointed that they can treat Diva and me like that but that's my issue to deal with.
That being said about them though, while I stand by what I wrote about Diva last week, this Mama has had her eyes prised riiiiiiiight open.. god raising girls is hard..this parenting thing takes it's toll LOL. It's too long and too confusing and complicated to get in to on here..shit I'm still trying to get my head around it all, but I'm on it..I'm getting it sorted..girls really are an entity of their own aren't they..LOL
Hunk and I have had lots of huge talks this week, once I composed myself and stopped being a blubbering mess and he could understand me..we need to stop and take stock, we have been cruising along for a while and while things are good, we aren't really connected, does that make sense? So we are stripping it back to basics..we use to live like this, basic and simple, and in some cases naive..but it was good.. not that our life isn't good now..it's great, he has a job that he loves, I'm building a business with what I love, we have fantastic friends, we live a good life..BUT..it's crazy busy, it's chaotic. There isn't the time to stop and find the good, our organisation has gone completely..we run constantly, so we need to get better organised, we need to become a stronger family unit again, we need to show unity. Hunk and I both don't like confrontation, particulary when it's family, we have the belief that family is incredibly important, and for some bizarre reason you don't confront them, you don't stand up and say, No you won't be treating her/me/us like that anymore, no I won't be your doormat...etc. But this is what needs to be done..sounds so easy when I type it. Time will tell.
I wish I'd started a gratitude project at the start of the year..I've been toying with the idea for a while, but always thought it was a bit sappy, a bit soft, if you get what I mean? not that I begrudged anyone that did one, I think that truthful part is that I knew I couldn't commit to it..anyone know what the ettiquite is on these? the guidelines? the rules? maybe I can just start one today?

On another note..I miss crafting..I haven't done any for such a long time, and when I did it was rushed. Im going to try and find time for me once a week to create something, anything!

I also have a to do list...a list I want to achieve in the next 6 months...Perhaps if I post it here I might actually do it hehe..
* Make a quilt of love
* Make or even bloody start a quilt for my nephew..
* Continue on my weight loss journey..weight watchers seems to be the program for me!
* Make a sign for a gorgeous friend's babe's room...(I should have already done this)
* Make a little something for another gorgeous friends desk.
* Make each of the kids a mini album with snippets throughout the year..

I think that's all I'll post LOL these seem achievable..maybe!! What's on your to do list?
Ok time to head off and make some soup!
Chat soon!

Long time...

2009-03-29T18:57:00.002+11:00

between posts...sorry about that!
Been missing in action for a couple of reasons, work has kept me busy, kids have kept me busy, couldnt be bothered and my mind set hasnt been so great lately and I didnt want to come on here and share to be honest..it would have come out wrong and then I would have had posting guilt lol so was best to just avoid the existence of it all together!
So what's been happening you ask, wellll the website 'Wicked Princesses" is really taking off and I love it...really really love it. we have an awesome kick ass design team again, seriously these girls are uber talented and amaze me with the work they produce. They are all so committed to helping us make WP the best kit site there is. So girls..in my eyes you really are Rockstars!!!
Diva turned 8 on Friday and boy we've had a journey getting here! The last 6 months have been really hard actually, the whole bullying thing, then the not eating thing (which we seem to have squashed on the head), we finally seem to get on track, have her sorted she starts her dance classes for the year, the 3 that she was so looking forward to and then out of the blue she comes out and says she hates one of the classes, wants to quit etc etc ...hmmm ok...spoke to the teacher, she thinks its a confidence thing which it quite possibly could be,.Diva thinks she isnt good enough and that she cant do anything right :( probe some more in to it and I find out there is some girls in this class who are making her feel uncomfortable and like they are talking about her. Now I'm all for the theory girls are bitches etc etc blah blah but for fucks sake...enoughs enough, this kid has had enough...seriously more than what has been let on to people, and Im done, Im done with watching her heart hurt, Im done with the sheer nastiness of some of these kids. I dont know how to prepare her that yes in fact most of your life now sweetheart girls really are this mean. How the hell do you prepare for that??? So she sits and and concentrates really hard on her birthday guest list, deciding and choosing who she really really wants at her party..the only guidance I give her is go with who you think is truly your friend.. lets just say there is a couple who I wouldn't have chosen.
Wanna know what makes me and her daddy the most upset? There really truly is no one other than me and her dad that really know her...people see the tantrums..yes there are a few, they see the sulking occassionally and the see her being a normal little girl, but no one has really really looked at her...really taken the time to see that she is an incredible little girl who feels like she doesnt fit in the world, that she isnt meant to be here. they would see that she has a kind heart and takes things literally to heart, so if you have a worry it becomes her worry, her greatest joy is to see other people happy. If they looked and looked hard they would see that she has dreams, dreams that a lot of 8 year olds dont have...and they arent always nice.
They would see that she has a distinct smell, kinda like a warm summers day, that she can make my heart expand to the point it truly does skip a beat. And despite what you all think, no I dont think she is perfect, in actual fact Im a mother who is happy to admit her children have faults..but my god she is so perfect for her, her soul is so suited to her, she fits me, she fits our family, so while you stand there looking at her imperfections and the fact that she is a little girl who can throw the mother of tantrums, look deeper and see the incredible amazing little girl who deserves to be loved not criticised, and if you cant take the time to do that, then please walk away.

Wonder Boy-
Well there really isnt much to report on the front there..he is so cruisy, loving being back at school, finding the work more challenging but thats a good thing, he doesnt like it to be to easy but also doesnt like it to be to hard. We have started having him tutored once a week, just to help him with maths..she has been so great with him, she seems to be able to explain it in a way that he gets, she seems to get him which I love.
We had his allergy test and he has developed more allergies to sesame and hazelnuts, so the epi pen is now a very comfortable family member in this household and my bag!! He was really down about it to start with but now just accepts it and gets on with things!.

Lil Man-
He'll be 2 in a couple of weeks :( Yeah not looking forward to that, its going to fast and I want it to slow down, there are already little things about him being a baby Im forgetting. Although there is a part of me that is looking forward to the next stage, he is starting to talk more and more and has the funniest personality..he is actually quite hmmm eccentric for want of a better word...he will be affectionate when he wants to, be talkative when he wants and is completely one hundred and fifty percent more comfortable in his own space.

Hunk-
YUP, what can I say, I adore this man, he has never once flatered in his support of me and particulary of late...Ive not been myself and things have upset me, and yet there he is right by my side.
He works far to hard for my liking but he wont be told and is a complete workaholic!
but on the flipside of that he is a great provider for our family and wants to be able to give his kids everything he can in his capacity. So Thankful for him

Me-
Blah...cant say things have been that great of late, ever feel like you've walked in on a conversation and there is that uncomfortable silence and awkward tension?? yup welcome to my life of late..Im getting over it, moving forward but fuck it was hurting for a little while there, at this point in my life I didnt think that it was meant to be this hard, apparently i live in a fantasy world, who knows...but I have learnt this in the last few weeks/months. I am a fantastic person, I may not always be what you want me to be but I am a good kind hearted person, I do not need ego boosting but I'm not an overly confident person and some days I do have down days, its my personality, its who I am and I refuse to harden up. I dont need the bitching that life throws at me anymore, I will not be anyones door mat anymore, I refuse to be used anymore, relationships require 2 people in them and that requires a happy balance of positive energy, not one person doing all the energy and the other taking it. This is who I am now, if people dont like it, I wont change it. It's about time I stood up for myself and said "you know what? you make me feel worthless" "No, I cant help you right now" Part of me is terrified that all the people I care about will walk, but then a part of me thinks well if they walk because Im honest then they arent meant to be a part of my life. I need to do this because its hurting me to much to not, its not fair on me and its not fair on Hunk let alone my kids.

So there you have it, thats whats been going on, Im probably going to have posting guilt after this and well I'll deal with it, nice to get it off my chest.
Promise it wont be so long between posts next time!
T xoxo

So many lives...

2009-02-11T13:14:00.003+11:00

so many lives lost in the bushfires..I cannot begin to tell you how devastated I am about this...far to many lives...it's just beyond tragic and heartbreaking...
The community spirit of Australia is just amazing though..everyone is pulling together to help support the victims, from monetary donations to clothes, bedding food you name it, it's arriving by the truckloads..makes me so incredibly proud to be an Aussie.
I came across this on Sares blog and wanted to share it all with you...please if you think you can help get in touch with sares..everything will help..these people literally have nothing right now.

if you think you can help, even if its just one page please head over to Sare's blog HERE
Please keep everyone in your prayers too...

Lookie here.....

2009-02-07T17:10:00.005+11:00

my beautiful beautiful nephew started Kinder this week!!!
Isn't he just divine??? Now before you all go hoo harring over is he your favourite? No he isnt...I ADORE both my nephews, and when I say ADORE I really do mean adore...they melt me, seriously the way they speak to me and the little things they do just melt me...Here I'll give you examples...
Rockstar...he is the eldest and oh so handsome..he has these eyes that just bore right through you, they make your heart flutter and fall in love with him every time you look at him...He is my sister's first born, when she told me she was pregnant, I was a little apprehensive, yes even then I didnt like the thing she was seeing...I love her with every part of my being, and knew in my heart of hearts she was making a mistake but it was her mistake to be made...anyhoo I digress...when she said she was pregnant..the big sister in me was horrified...omg what is she thinking..then the other big sister in me went OMG I am going to be an auntie...my baby sister is having a baby...I was already in love...I knew be it boy or girl that I was to have the most wonderful Auntie relationship with this babe...much to the things disgust...he was so opposed to it from day one. I wasnt allowed to buy things for him, I wasnt allowed to be giving him presents...but as soppy as it sounds he couldn't refuse me loving him...I was there when he was born, after mum I got to hold him and he just stared at me..right then and there I knew that I was going to have a wonderful relationship, and friendship with this incredible amazing little man. So he started kinder this week...and I know Im not his mum but my heart hurt a little...my little rockstar, bissaman, spunky man is growing up, and if I whisper it quietly it wont sound so pathetic...but right now he thinks I am the bees knees...he truly does love me..what if it changes as he gets older? what if it isn't cool to have a close relationship with your aunty? I guess for now I'll take it..and hope that it lasts forever, I completely cherish what I have with him.

Peanut...isnt he beautiful? he reminds me so much of his mama when she was little...and honestly? I adored her still do, she infuriates the hell out of me some days now but I still adore her..I thought she was the most beautiful thing ever when she was little, had this most beautiful blonde hair you had ever seen, she was just so damn pretty to look at, wicked wicked child but beautiful all the same!! I was there the night peanut was born too...and history repeated itself..I got one of the first cuddles of this precious bundle...he is quite besotted with his uncle and the feeling is mutual Hunk thinks he is the cutest thing...and the way he talks..I so wish I could record it and put it on here..particulary the way he says butter...it just is the most adorable sweetest thing ever, accentuating on the butt bit...I adore it..the both call me Aunty Flash, yes the result of flashing a camera in their face every opportunity I get hehehe...but when peanut says flash, he says it and then there is this little grin afterwards...he too loves me!! loves me to bits..
I know I sound self righteous and self centred when I say they love me, but honestly with these two little boys when they love you, you know it..you can almost see it coming out of their skin and you really truly know it.
To say I feel blessed that they are in my life is an understatement, grateful, blessed, honoured you name it...so to my baby sister....thankyou doesnt seem enough for giving me the most beautiful wonderful nephews!

Footnote- They are not the most flawless children ever created,,and they have both inherited their mothers temper, quick wit and the ability to go from start of tantrum to meltdown mode in approx 3.4 seconds..but they are my nephews who do that and doesnt make me love them any less, just makes them who they are.
Footnote 2-Sisa I'd really really really love another nephew or even a niece after you get married in Oct to someone who truly knows how to love you for who you are and can off you the happiness you so truly deserve..something the thing never could.

Bye summer holidays :(

2009-02-01T11:24:00.005+11:00

So the kids go back to school tomorrow and honestly I am a little bit down about it...we really have had the best holidays together just playing and spending time together. Since we have moved in to this house they have made the most wonderful friends from the court and spend nearly all day and evening playing out the front on their bikes and scooters...but all good things must come to an end!! Ok ok I'll be sad until I drive out the school carpark! LMAO...
We have had absolutely stinking weather here...I normally can cope with the heat but OMG when its still 43 at 9pm at night, Im about ready to climb in the freezer to try and cool myself down..we've kept cool in various ways, air coolers going at home, which when its that hot they kinda dont really do a lot, the kids have a little mini blow up pool which I went and brought the day it was 43..we are on strict water restrictions here and I know I shouldn't have got it but honestly it was the best $45dollars I have spent in a long time,.Lil Man loved it, the relief he got from it was amazing!! Then we went to the local pool and just stayed in the pool for hours...now I dont normally put this body in bathers..to scary for everyone involved..but I was at the point where I didnt bloody care!! I'm also banning myself from sunscreen, after applying and constantly reapplying Im burnt to a freakin crisp!!!! and it's soooooo sore. Ok sook over. here's some pics of the skidlets..

Seriously love my kiddos!
Hunk hasnt been doing so good lately :( the friday night before Australia day, he was laying on the floor watching TV and went to get up and started yelling out in agony..I helped him up and half carried him to the shower to get him in a hot shower to try ease up the tightness in his back, we thought he had pulled a muscle or something..put him in bed, get a heat pack and some nurofen and hope he will be better in the morning,.I didnt sleep all night, I was terrified he was going to have a heart attack..he was a shade of grey that only dead people should have :( he was in so much pain. Sat morning he wakes up, thinks he is ok goes to get out of bed and literally cannot move, cannot lift his leg to move it, nothing...ok insert freaking out here..yup he has obviously done something serious...so I manage to get him to kinda crawl to the car and in it, get to the hospital and get him in a wheelchair and they take him in, give him 2 panadeine forte, 2 tramadol and some kick ass injection in his arm and hope that the pain starts to ease...take him off for an xray to see if there are any breaks or fractures..poor hun was in absolute agony he actually started to tear up :( that broke me, this man is my rock, my strength and here he is in agony and I cant do a bloody thing. 4 hours later the pain killers have seemed to have kicked in and he is a little more mobile, very slow in movements but a bit mobile..so we head off home with more painkillers, a sheet on sciatica cos they couldnt find any breaks or fractures and they tell us that if the head honcho finds any abnormalities they would ring, but seeing as though Monday is a public holiday it would be tuesday..yep thursday morning he decides he will go back to work, gone for an hour and the hospital rings me, puts me in a panic and tells me they need him to come back for a ct scan immediately. Off he goes again, has a ct scan and the results come back..he has a prolapsed disc and they also found spinabifida as well. At this stage Im not sure what this means, I dont know if its degenerative or what, we have an appointment with our dr on tuesday and have a ton of questions for him. At this point I'm worried, confused and scared.. honestly we make a fabulous team and deal with whatever is put in our way but I am worried this time, could be for nothing but he is my hunk, my rock..he is.....mine :( so all good thoughts would be so great right now.
Through all this we still managed to have our Australia Day BBQ and had a fabulous time!!

Now on to other matters at hand! Lis has tagged me so here's how it works..
1. Go to the section of your computer where you store all of your photos.
2. Select the 6th folder.
3. Select the 6th photo.
4. Post and explain about that picture.
5. tag 6 other people.....

I love this pic of Harrison, I took it a couple of weeks ago. We were out the front and the kids were playing on their bikes, the neighbours kids came out too, and Harrison adores their youngest son, he is 6 and has this 3 wheeler road machine thingy, he peddles his heart out and then spins the back end out..Lil Man thinks he is so cool and quite often says YAY when he does it LOL this pic shows Harrison imitating his hero!!
So now I need to tag 6 others..hmmm
1.Dee
2.Alice
3.Kayla
4.Ness
5.Sara
6.Karen
Have fun!
Chat soon groovers
T xoxox

Wicked Princess Card DT Call....

2009-01-29T11:37:00.002+11:00

Hello there lovelies!
Just an update on the happenings at Wicked Princesses..
We are looking for 2 Design Team Members to be a part of our NEW CARD KIT DESIGN TEAM. Do you have what it takes to be a part of our exciting Design Team?? If so, then we want you !!! We want you to find your inner Princess, bring her to the “wicked side” and transform yourself into a Wicked Princess. Pretty and sweet on the outside, but oozing with wicked creativity on the inside.

We want someone with passion and drive, someone who isn’t afraid to let their Wicked Princess dominate their creativity !!
Does this sound like you? Do you have what it takes?? If so, read on.

Design Team Submission Requirements
Submit 4 cards. One MUST include stamping, one MUST include distressing. The remaining 2 can be of your choice, showcasing your creativity and style.

Submit 1 Card Sketch

A very short biography about you.

You must also answer the following questions:

1.What do you feel you can bring to the WP Card DT?
2.How/where are you going to promote ALL things Wicked, including our Card kits?
3.What makes you a Wicked Princess?

A link to your personal blog

Designs must be submitted via email to wickedprincesses@y7mail.com using the following format – Scanned jpgs 200kb or smaller. Digital photos will be accepted provided the images are sharp, clear and smaller than 200kb. Links to online galleries WILL NOT be accepted. You can however, load your images to the Wicked Princess Gallery.

Design Team Requirements

Designers are required to submit at least 4 cards each month by the due date determined by management.
Designers are required to submit a Card Sketch on a rotating basis. Date determined by management
Designers acknowledge the length of the commitment is for a period of 6 months, with a 2 month probation period.
Use of products not found in the monthly card kit is permitted, as long as the focus remains on the monthly kit products.
Card designs are the responsibility of the DT member to have loaded into the gallery on the due date
All designs must contain original artwork
You acknowledge and agree that designing for other monthly Card Kit clubs is considered a conflict of interest. Other DT roles are OK, but no other Card Kit Clubs/sites
You agree to promote Wicked Princesses whenever and wherever you can and agree to make posts on your personal blog, provided you have one.

Deadlines for submissions

Thursday 5th February, 2009. Winners will be contacted no later than Monday 9th February and announced shortly after on our blog, with the positions commencing on March 1st, 2009

Design Team members will receive a free kit (valued at $15.00) each month, and able to purchase any other kits at 30% discount.
Good luck, go forth, and find the Wicked Princess within.

I'll be back soon with some cute summer pics of my babes!
Ciao xoxox

Happy Birthday Wonder Boy...

2009-01-15T11:38:00.002+11:00

My wonder boy is now 10. I had huge mixed emotions about it to be honest..I am so excited about him growing up and discovering new things about life but there is a part of me that was looking at him thinking, how did it happen, it went by so fast and Im certain I missed things, the night before his birthday I was laying in bed thinking, there are things that I dont remember about him being a baby, so many things.. I know a lot of it was because he was so sick, its funny people that have come in to our lives recently or not so recently dont understand the gravity of how sick he was.. the nights that Hunk and I spent anxiously sitting in the hospital room waiting for someone to come in and tell us our worst fear, that indeed it was something life threating, I cannot begin to express our grateful I was that it never came about, it was just a long road to get to where we are today, one we like I said honestly didnt think we would make it this far.
Yet standing before me I have this amazing kid, despite everything he has stood up against and the struggles he has had he truly is amazing to us.. he has just the kindest heart and will always put everyone else before himself, he is thoughtful and loving, always always telling us how much he loves his family and how lucky he is to have a sister who is his friend and a baby brother which he thinks is cool that he can teach things to. He has the personality that just attracts the good in life, and he is so laid back, nothing really upsets him or fazes him (until his sister was being bullied and he really struggled to maintain his own personality in the midst of that). Now I know Im making him out to be the most perfect child in the world, I will be the first to say he isnt, he has his faults like everyone, but he is so damn close to perfect it makes my heart burst...
How incredibly lucky we were Wonder Boy that you chose us to be your parents..
How blessed you have made our lives, because of you I became a better person.
And yes my gorgeous boy I will still require cuddles and I love you's even when you are a teenager..something I dont want to think about right now...Im just getting a handle on the age of 10...

Be still my beating heart

2009-01-09T10:19:00.002+11:00

I forgot to mention in my last post that for a few weeks now, well before Christmas, I had an affair on my husband, I betrayed our marriage...I dreamt of another, I lusted after another, and Im in mourning...I now miss him...I miss them...

*sigh* yes along with every other hormone charged girl/woman/teen in the world I have fallen under the Cullen spell....
Ive now finished all the books and am in mourning..I may just go back and start again just to be near them!!!
That is all...return to your normal programming now...
xoxoxox

Helloooooo 2009

2009-01-06T10:57:00.006+11:00

I survived 2008!! haha no it wasnt really that bad, just the last couple of months!
So its probably about time I updated my poor neglected blog, it's been a while!
I'll do my best to give a run down!
Christmas 2008
The lead up to it was madness, I got sick with tonsillitis again, so that took the better part of 2 weeks to get over and then then fully feel like myself about a month of recovery! It couldnt have happened at a worse time, Kaz and I were busy trying to organised Wicked Princesses and finalise the last of the orders for 2008, lucky I have a fab business partner to take care of things! But it did put me so behind with my shopping and crafting, quite annoying actually!
There were a few little christmas traditions in our house that got put on the back burner for christmas which made me sad but such is life and it was out of my control.

Christmas Day saw us up at 5.30am, yes you read right, 5 freaking 30!! Hunk and I had only got to bed at 2.30, madness I tell you. We are such mean parents and made them wait till a bit later and for lil man to wake up, in the end we woke him at 7 so that they could start opening their presents...yup take a look at this pic, he is soooo pissed off that we woke him!!

but once he figured out that the there were presents he was more into it!!

Santa delivered the goods this year, squeals of delight about their DS's and lil mans bike, was so cute!! Santa was also good to the family this year bringing a Nintendo Wii and Wii Fit Mat..yes I will admit..I have a new addiction haha but in my defence I have lost .7kg from using it!!!
Lunch saw us at my mum and dads for a quiet one, mum, dad, me, hunk, the 3 kids and a dear family friend. Our meal consisted of prwns with dipping sauce, prawn and baby beet salad with lemon aioli dressing, prawn and mango salad, smoked salmon atop cream cheese with chive on top of mini pancakes, they were sooo good, Harrison devoured the salmon off of at least half of them!!!
Nice relaxing afternoon then my sisa and her fiancee and his family came for tea, was loud, chaotic but it was fabulous, just the way christmas should be! I really do love the whole notion of christmas,the togetherness that comes with it.
Couple more pics from the day..

Boxing Day was nice and quiet, friends over for lunch and drinks as well as my sis and BIL and the boys, was good for the kids to have a play and the adults to play the Wii hahaha..
My gorgeous hubby organised a little party for my birthday! few of my girlfriends came over for a lunchtime party with all the party food to boot! fairy cakes, hot dogs, fairy bread, chocolate crackles haha I loved it! was good to see them too.
NYE saw us at my besties house for the night, double celebration, New Years and her birthday! we had a great night, just relaxing and chatting and catching up with friends, bbq for tea and a few drinks, loved it!
New Years Day was my mum's birthday so off to see her for the night and have tea with her and give her presents to her!
It kinda feels like we are just as busy as we were before christmas!!! its quite crazy actually!!
The kids are enjoying the holidays, where we live in the court we are surrounded by kids around the same age as ours, and its so great to see them all out in the court rollerblading or laying on the grass drawing, reminds me of my childhood and summer days, soon as the street lights come on and it starts to darken they come home!
The parents love it too! we sat in one of the driveways yesterday afternoon having a few cold ones, and a platter of cheese and bikkies!!
I actually got some scrapping done too! would you believe it!! 2 of the challenges that Mystical Scrapbooks have running at the moment!!

Hoping to get some more scrapping done today..will see how I go!
Ok Im off, need to get organised. It's my nephews party tonight! so have a few things to do before we go to that...
chat soon
xoxox

Here I am!

2008-12-02T09:40:00.006+11:00

Yes I know Bad Blogger...
But I have an excuse..my life has been crazy busy and well blogging was the last thing on my list of priorities!! So whats been happening since last entry.. well the food issues with Diva are still going on, not as severe, but they are still there :( Her school counsellor has been incredibly amazing, to say Thankyou to her just doesnt seem enough.. she seems to have this thing with Diva that just makes her feel she can tell her anything... We did find out that she is being bullied, quite badly apparently, which just breaks me :( this little ass and yes Im allowed to use that word, my compassion level for him has run out, I dont care what his home life is like, I dont care what his "issues" are..when you pick up a chair and try to push it in my girls face, or you put your hands on her...this mama bear gets a whole lotta pissy and wants to go postal on someones ass..
So we went to the school and spoke to teacher, principal, counsellor the 3 ring circus really..and so far so good..we are getting results, we are seeing her come out of school happier..which is the most important thing,..she loves school, she loves to learn, yes actually thrives on it! so it was so sad to see her coming out in tears...but we are moving forward and sorting it.
So what else has been happening...well, she had her ballet recital on the weekend...3 dances in total she did and well yes Im biased but oh she is gorgeous! she did tap, a jazz ballet one to Rio which was gorgeous, and she was a munchkin from the Wizard of Oz for her classical ballet..she had such a great night, but was so exhausted by the end of it! Her biggest fan was watching...her big brother..Wonder Boy proudly declares to anyone that will iisten..."thats my sister in that dance". "thats my sisters name in the program" melts me I tell ya. Heres a couple of pics of her!

I can't post the others yet cos I dont have the permission from the other mummies to post them.
Wonder Boy is going fab with his guitar lessons, was so proud of himself the other day, he played the Pink Panther by himself! Guitar has been great for his hand eye co-ordination which has always been something he has been delayed in, so this is great for him. He is also completely loving swimming, working his way towards being on the swim squad so thats going to be a big achievement for him, and a killer on my purse LOL!! He is looking forward to the Christmas holidays, hes actually quite tired this term, but it is getting towards the end of the year so its to be expected I guess.
Lil Man, he is a funny kid, everyday he cracks us up with something new he is doing, he gets so incredibly excited when the kids come home from school..he claps his hands and says Yay in the cutest voice! How cute is this pic?? I'm using this one on our christmas cards this year :)

Speaking of cards/crafting/scrapping.Im trying soo hard to be crafty at the moment...but honestly the days are flying past..Im doubtful Im going to get everything done that I want...and some people..well I think they assume that because Im a stay at home mum I dont particulary do anything...hmmm come spend a day in my life.grrr but thats a whole other post..I can show you some sewing that Ive done though :)
these are some fabric baskets for the teachers gifts..Im going to put malteasers, jaffas, popcorn etc and some movie tickets in them to make a movie bucket for christmas gifts..I got the idea from Mel's blog :)

Speaking of Christmas..do you have your tree up? we do! Have had for a week or so...yes Im a blasphemer and am going straight to hell for putting it up before Dec 1st..ok who am I kidding? Im going to be running hell!! bwahahahaha I'll save ya's a seat!
This year hunk and I went for Red and White and the kids went their usual bright colors. I love how they turned out, and I adore my gorgeous owls that my girl made me..lovin ya sick!

Ok that's all ya getting from me today LOL I've gotta do some work :)
Stac if you read this..I miss you honey..not a little not a lot a huge amount...and because you're doing thankful posts here's a quick one from me to you...
I'm thankful that we are friends, I'm thankful that you entered my life...you and I have always had a fabulous fun friendship...love you gorgeous girl :)...
Chat soon groovers..I'll be back soon with some layouts hopefully...what do they say? Go hard or go home...yep December I'll be going hard haha
xoxox

Hanging...

2008-11-06T09:44:00.003+11:00

in there...
I went to the school yesterday and have spoken to the counsellor who was on to is straight away. I love their school counsellor she seriously is one groovy chick who just meshes with the kids in an incredible way.
She was so fab in chatting to me as well, she told me that this isn't uncommon for girls of 7-8 to go through this..She said a lot of the time it can be a control thing, in the fact that there is something else going on in her life that she feels completely out of control with.
We *think* that she could be being bullied again :( that in itself breaks my heart...yes she is a full on kid, yes she has a bit of an attitude but my god this kid has so much spunk, I honestly really do have trouble being and staying angry with her there is just something about her.
Why hasn't she mentioned the bullying you ask? well we were asking the same thing but her counsellor explained it to me yesterday, Diva has a strong sense of justice about her but also a strong sense of loyalty too..so whether your her friend or not she will be loyal and has trouble letting people know that particular people are bullying her because she knows they will get in trouble...insert example A...yesterday one of her *friends* was being particulary mean to her but in a behind the teachers sneaky kinda way, Diva wouldn't tell, didnt want to tell but the teacher caught this other kid and told her off...Diva was devastated at the thought she had got this kid in to trouble..
Yes that's my crazy confused kid for you...so that's obviously something else we need to work on.
Hunk and I just feel kinda lost...he came home for lunch yesterday so we could talk about it some more and kinda nut out a game plan so to speak...and I was telling him that my chest hurts, hurts in a way that its been pummelled by something hard...
It hurts...a lot...my baby girl is hurting and Im hurting..
I feel like I need to rethink the way we have parented her for the last 7 years, did we miss something, was there a sign that she tried to show us that she was either being bullied or a sign that something was happening to completely shatter her self confidence..I'm so freakin lost about this right now..
But I cannot and will not fall apart on her...so I'm researching, I'm talking and Im getting some information and Im gonna sort this fucking thing out... Hunk and I are strong together, we really do make a good team...and we can get through this...she will be fine..and if I find out it's because she is getting bullied...I'm going postal on somebodys ass...

On another note...yes life still does go on around me despite my world feeling like it's falling apart...
How freaking cool that Obama was elected as US president??? Wooooo Hooooo yes I was excited ok? lol
Dont get me started on the imminent execution of the Bali bombers...I have very very mixed thoughts on that...Im just not sure that there execution is the right way to go...

Not much scrapping been happening lately...a little bit but not a lot...have been busy getting things sorted for Wicked Princesses..the response to our site has been amazing...Thankyou to everyone that buys our kits...we really do love that you are all loving them sick! We have an amazing design team now who are really showcasing our kits and their versatility...

and my exciting news???????/
I'm going to P!NK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am so freaking excited...couldn't breathe when I found out...because of some incredible awesome chick..I can go...I am so loving her sick!!!!!
Now I just have to wait till next year to go!! Hunk and I are going together and getting a nice hotel room, rockin out with P!NK and then will be home the next day!
Yes exciting!!!

I'll leave you with my layout for Stuck?! this week...of my beautiful beautiful girl who I am determined to make her realise how beautiful she is...

To all my girls..you know who you are that messaged me, called me etc yesterday...I love you for being concerned about us, it humbles me that people think that much of our little family...
You're all my rockstars!
Love T xoxox

Terrified....

2008-11-05T08:14:00.002+11:00

"Diva, why aren't you eating? why is your lunch box still full?"
"I'm not hungry mum"
"But there must be a reason why you aren't hungry, your drink bottle is still full"
Yep this was my conversation with my 7 year old daughter last night at the table, after pushing and pushing a very angry little girl yells "Because I dont want to get fat"
I can taste vomit...I feel sick...omg she is only 7 why the hell would she be saying that....so we go along and talk about this, the whole time I am terrified, sick, terrified again I explain to her that in order for her heart to work ok and her organs and stuff she needs to eat and drink.. Her response? "But I just want to be middle size mum, I dont want to get fat" :(
This is so much bigger than me and my "I think I'm doing ok" mothering skills...

We do have a plan of attack so to speak...I'm organising outside help, this isnt something I can just sit back and think its a phase...if it is awesome, and i cant wait for it to end..if its not Im gonna need a whole lot of strength to get through this.

I'm terrified....

Mammoth Post..

2008-10-25T14:02:00.005+11:00

actually one of epic proportions...well probably more a photo overload!!
Well I had the Mystical Scrapbooks retreat last weekend. I had truly the most fabulous weekend, I havent laughed that much in such a long time!!!
So you ready for some pics??
First up my fellow Wicked Princess Karen...

Wendy & I.."Leuitenant Dan...I can't feel my legs.."

Susan & I..

Sara & I..

Cupcake aka Dee & I..
:

Give me sexy...work it girls...here you go Wends..just for you ;)

Our group shot
Kazz, Dee, Sues, Me, Sara & Wends

Full Group Shot with everyone but Tamara..she was taking the pic :)

Tamara & I...

Kayla & I..Yes thanks for the warning tam..no makeup, hair still wet, looking oh so glam...NOT!

Sunset Sat night taken from our deck :)

So there you have it...believe it or not we all actually did scrap at least something over the weekend, but the laughs far outweighed that...I miss you girls already :( So looking forward to next year, need to get on to organising that asap!!!
Loving you girls sick!
Tam
xoxox

Hellooooooooooooo

2008-10-12T14:07:00.002+11:00

anybody out there??
OMG I didnt realise it had been 4 weeks since I blogged!! After a gentle reminder ok a bloody big shove from Dee here I am!!
It's been a while so bear with me as it may just be a dot point post!!!
Wicked Princesses:
* Can I just say I am loving my new venture with Karen, it's so incredibly exciting to me to be able to start this journey! Our kits have been well recieved by the public which has been so great...can only get better from here!
*We have just appointed an incredible Design team! The applications we had were so incredibly amazing...truly was a hard job picking them..there wasnt one bad application out of all of them we recieved. Our new design team consists of:
Lu Benson
Marni Telford
Melissa Corbett
Nicole Aspinall
Sara Noendeng
Karin Kreijen
Malin Dahlstrom

Also our new website has gone live!! Check it out Wicked Princesses
gallery to help your mojo, secure shopping cart to protect your purchases and awesome kits to blow you away.!!

Scrapping Retreat...
*5 more sleeps and I get to spend a weekend with some fab friends I have made over the last 12 months!! Then a few of them are coming back here to stay Sunday night before flying home on the monday...am I excited??? Hell yeah!!! Not sure how much scrapping will be done but Im sure there will be lots of laughs! And plenty of pics taken for scrapping :)

The Fam :)
Well the kids have just gone back to school after finishing holidays, we took them camping to Echuca for a week and they had a ball., the weather was fab to us! they swam and fished and played, awesome week for them! I even have a tan line on my feet!! Hunk o spunk had an extra week off when we came home, he is headed back to work this week, I'm actually gonna miss him...it's been nice having him around! He works so long hours and some nights he comes home and is just buggered...
these last two weeks have been great for him to just rest and breathe and enjoy life a little..we actually were sitting chatting the other night about how incredibly busy our life is and how we just dont take time to stop and breathe and make time for us...we are always at a party, seeing someone, working, etc the list goes on...never a time just for us to just sit and be with each other. every weekend now until decemeber I think we have something on...I'm tired already! LOL

This weekend we had a friend visit from Melb and we took the kids and her kids to Sovereign Hill, we had the best day, we looked at the old shops and then we all panned for gold...truly had a great day! really need more days like that!!

I have so much else I could write, but then well this could become a novel..so instead I'll post some pics :)

Smooches to you groovers!
T xoxox

Calling all Wicked Princesses.....

2008-09-09T14:16:00.000+10:00

Wicked Princesses are looking for 2 Design Team members. Do you have what it takes to become a part of a NEW and exciting brand of scrapbook kits?

We want you! We want you to find your inner Princess and bring her to the wicked side and transform yourself in to a Wicked Princess. Pretty and sweet on the outside but oozing with wicked creativity on the inside.
We want someone with passion and drive, someone who isn’t afraid to let their Wicked Princess dominate their creativity! Does this sound like you? Do you have what it takes to bring out your Princess? If so read on!

DESIGN TEAM REQUIREMENTS
1. Designers are required to submit at least four layouts each month with layouts to be due by a date determined by us.
2. Designers acknowledge that the length of design team commitment is open and may be terminated for any reason, at any point in time.
3. Use of products not found in the monthly kit is permitted, as long as the focus remains on the monthly kit products.
4. Layouts are due in the form of a jpeg file of which will be your responsibility to upload in the gallery before the deadline
5. All designs must contain original artwork.
6. You acknowledge and agree that designing for other monthly scrapbook kit clubs is considered a conflict of interest. Other DT roles are ok but no other scrapbook kit site.
7. You agree to promote Wicked Princess whenever and wherever you can and agree to make posts on your personal blog provided you have one.
Design Team Submission details:
 Submit (3) layouts (12x12 or 8 ½ x 11) Double-page layouts are considered to be one project submission.
 A headshot and a short biography about your life.
Please answer the following questions:
A. What do you feel you can contribute to the Wicked Princess design team?
B. What would you classify your “scrapbook style” as?
C. What would make you a fab Wicked princess??
Designs must be submitted to wickedprincesses@y7mail.com using the following format: Scanned, jPEGs, 200kb or smaller files. Digital photos will be accepted provided the images are sharp, clear and smaller than 200kb. Links to online galleries will not be accepted.
Entries cannot be submitted for publication until after the DT has been announced - Personal blogs are OK as long as there is a link back to the Wicked Princess Blog.
Deadlines for submissions: October 4th, 2008. Winners will be contacted no later than October 10th and announced shortly thereafter on our blog. http://wickedprincesses.blogspot.com At this time our new website will be up and running as well, with a complete Wicked Gallery to show off your fabulous inspiring layouts www.wickedprincesses.com.au (currently under construction)
Design Team Members will receive a free kit (retail value of $25-$35) each month and are able to purchase any add-ons for half-price.
Good Luck...Go forth and find the Wicked Princess within!!

Karen & Tam
Wicked Princesses

She Rises.....

2008-09-01T23:08:00.002+10:00

from the germ infested bedroom...I'm not back 100% full steam but I'm getting there..I still don't feel "normal" by any stretch of the imagination but like I said I am slowly getting there..
I am so far behind of my scrapping duties, I haven't scrapped for almost TWO WEEKS...I am craaaaaving to scrap..I just completed my layout for Stuck?! and I seriously struggled...is it possible to forget how to scrap in 2 weeks? god I hope not...LOL
I was chatting to my girl Dee the other night and she mentioned that Mel Goodsell was having a gratitude swap on her blog..without sounding like a crazed groupie, I seriously love reading Mel's blog, she,.. I dunno..she inspires me to make stuff, try stuff, chill with my kids..It's just a really calming blog to read..any hoo I speed raced over there to sign up...YAYYYYYYY I got in before the cut off!! I was so excited when I got my email about my swap partner..I'm off to the fabric shop tomorrow! :) Now..I'm not the best seamstress but I digress...it's the thought that counts right?
While I was sick and didn't really feel like doing much at all...read nothing at all...I slept, drank water, slept and occassionally stared at the computer screen..to which I surfed some blogs...
These 2 in particular I love right now...Mel C love her style of scrapping..
and then stumbled across this one as well, I had been admiring her work when I discovered she had a blog!! Her name is Ingvild Bolme and her work takes my breath away. Check out her blog here!
I know I know, another post without pics of any layouts...soon Stac!
Righto groovers and shakers,
I'm off to bed..this Nana can't handle the lurgy she's got..its taking its toll I tell ya!
XoXoXo

Never piss off a

2008-08-27T22:11:00.002+10:00

sick woman...
Yes I am sick, probably the sickest Ive been for a while but well you just keep moving when you're a mum dont you? But seriously... are people that stupid to piss off a sick woman who already feels like death warmed up, her body feels like she has gone a round with Mike Tyson and is that tired that you could pretty much call her the walking dead.
Remember my vent a couple of posts ago about not recieving goods?? Well she has gone and pissed me off good and proper now.. Yes Scraptastic Southwest I am calling you out...what you couldn't handle the fact that I made mention and had a little vent on my blog..despite the fact that I didnt actually use names?? You had to go and delete me...yep the very next day...I post a vent one day..you delete me the next..little too coincidental rather isnt it?? And suddenly you are no where to be seen on MSN..incredible that...I gave you ample opportunities to answer my messages in regards to this issue...
I am not normally one to call people out and do try and rise above these things but jesus come on people, common courtesy seems to be on the down and out, ya know..I'm really quite reasonable..I dont bite..much...all you had to do was say something to me..thats it.. But now...Hello..my name is Bitch..
You want to run a business, and well honey I hate to tell you but your business practice is appalling..You might like to look at a new career. ok vent over...I'm done with that like I said you really pissed me off, I refuse to hold negativity inside..I've said my piece, good luck to you and yours...but do take my advice sweetie...you may just may need a career change.

Swap, Sickness, Socialite

2008-08-25T21:46:00.003+10:00

LMAO...weird title huh?? please bear with me on this post I am completely wiped...and I do mean wiped...my lil man is sick, he has croup, teething, a cold and is just down right bloody miserable :( Diva was sick all last week and by the end of the week I had a severe case of cabin fever..
Monday saw her come home with a bit of a headache which is unusual for her, tuesday she came home in tears put herself to bed (this is not normal behaviour for a Diva who commands the attention of all those in her presence!)So hence a cold ensued, then friday came the tears the agony...and off to the Dr's with a bright red flaming ear infection :(
So being the ever dutiful mama I am, I promptly left her here with my mum and the boys and DH & I went to a farewell...believe me I so didnt want to leave her but had already committed to this farewell and well she was with my mum who I knew would look after her, and she did, Diva went to bed early and didnt stir all night.
Which brings me to the socialite part of the title LMAO...the place the farewell was at I was told a dive and was told to drink till it looked pretty haha and well true to form I did. While there I consumed a good portion of shit I dont even know, but I was fairly intoxicated and thought it completely hilarious when Travis from Big Brother 08 walked in...apparently I danced with him a littl..then this followed..please be warned this is not for children's eyes...I am well and truly intoxicated and had my drink on when this was taken LOL

Too funny really...and yes to everyone that will ask he really does talk like that.
Saturday rolls around i feel like ive gone a round with a truck in my head! Come home lil man is beyond excited to see us! awww so sweet, he slept average sat night very broken, wakes at 1am and he has the tell tale signs of croup, of to the hospital for him and he is now on a dose of steroids, but the poor lil darlin is teething so bad as well, he is just damn miserable...and to top it off has not slept and I mean really has not slept..he woke at 12.30 last night and he dozed in my arms in the recliner, slept for a hour spread out over today and as of 10.14pm..now.. I am yet to go to bed, yup i am wiped..good thoughts and sleep fairies greatly appreciated right now..

The Swap, as mentioned in my last post i want to get a swap going, so will leave sign up to Sept 7th, then we'll get it underway...

ok groovers my eyes are heavy and my arms are tired from one handed typing and holding my lil man
Talk Soon
Txoxo

Flat out...

2008-08-20T16:12:00.003+10:00

at the moment...have a million to do things on my never ending bloody to do list!!
Ahhh the joys of it!
On another note...the september kits for Wicked Princesses are DONEEEEEEEEEEE
omg I am in love with what we have put in them for next month...such yumminess!!
So what's news??
Mine?? and Jesus no Rach I'm NOT pregnant...thats a bloody big HELL to the NO!
I've been nominated for a I love your blog...makes me feel all warm and squishy!

I'm meant to tag people but well I really love reading all the blogs I have linked so to ask me to pick a couple is like asking me to choose which one of my kids is my favourite...so I pick you all! I love you all!!!!!!!!!!!! hahaha

So I'm right in to swaps these days...and have just joined a halloween one with my precious girl Stac...but thought hmm I should run one on here as well..this one is different from the others Ive been in and is completely inspired by my gorgeous girl Stac...can you tell I love her?? haha I've missed her a ton!

So here is how it is..
The theme is Black and Green
The dollar limit is $15
There must be at least ONE handmade item...it can be a scrap item, embellishment etc but it must be black and green or black or just green
Everything else in the swap package must be the 2 colors...you can include things like green post it notes, cookie cutters, material etc...
So if you are interested in joining leave me a comment and we'll get the ball rolling!!

On another note...
I'm a little pissed...
I participated in a Cybercrop online for Mothers day...won some vouchers, proceeded to choose some goods...yep still freakin waiting for them...seriously Im not gonna need them by the time the shit gets here if it does at all...
Seriously peeps how hard is it to maintain customer service these days?? I didnt think it was to hard...and please dont give me the crap about Australia Post...yes I personally know its bad but 3-4 weeks bad??I dont live in bullamakanka.
Either front up and say sorry I haven't posted it yet, to which I'll be a little annoyed but whatever life gets in the way..but dont crap me and tell me you posted it.
Ok carry on with the usual scheduled programming, vent over...

Think about the swap chicks...ya know you want to! ;)
Txoxox

Bad Bad Blogger

2008-08-17T20:10:00.002+10:00

I know I know I'm a bad blogger.....Stac Im here darlin I'm sorry!
Well whats been happening in my part of the world...hmmm..lots of DT stuff keeping me busy, will share all my projects next post.
Being a mum is busy busy at the moment, between dance lessons and school and swimming and guitar I am run off my feet. I do have another venture that is Keeping me busy...As of September I will now be business partners with Karen from Mystical Scrapbooks...I am so thrilled about this venture, it enables me to be even further involved with my passion. We are currently working on the September kits for Wicked Princesses If you havent checked out, please do..there seriously is a lot of scrappy yumminess going on over there! We are also having our 1st retreat with Mystical in 2 months..I cannot wait!! Dee and Sara are flying down and I cannot wait...I speak to these girls on a daily basis on here and have become quite close with them so to be able to meet them in person just thrills me to bits! I'm counting the days girls :)
On my creative note...what am I working on?? hmmm right now?? A otp book for fathers day, 2 DT layouts, some birthday cards, a costume...lets not go there..we all know of my fear of sewing...and my OTP challenge from Dee for Mystical...its a tray I'm altering, thats all I'll say for now :)
Oooh oooh I do have other news!! I cant believe I almost forgot!!
I AM GETTING PUBLISHEDDDDDDDDDDDDD
Scrapbooking Memories have picked up one of my layouts for publication!! Im going to have a layout in their magazine...to say I was excited is an understatement...
Not sure which mag edition it is though.
Big toot for Lis too! She is getting published as well! congrats to you hun :)

On to other things....isn't shock value a funny thing...people want to know things..pluck up the courage to ask then stand there with their mouths agape when I answer. If you want to know something,.just ask...otherwise perhaps its best to just sit back and let your thoughts run away with you?? who knows...you might be right you might be wrong...Hot Stuff, Stac and Lis...best you keep your thoughts to yourself...you 3 know too much!! Especially you H.S..you know everything there is to know~

Alright groovers..I'm off...just letting you know I'm all still alive!
Smooches and hugs to you all
Txoxox

Wicked Princesses!

2008-07-29T12:38:00.002+10:00

Like the name? I love it! You NEED to check out this blog, check out these kits..seriously soooooo yummy! Go on head to Wicked Princesses right now!!
I want one of everything!!
Not a lot been happening here, I normally don't mind winter but right now it seems to be sapping me of all my energy, I have trouble getting out of bed in the morning and I feel so tired and sluggish all day..blah...bring on spring and our camping trip!
The Diva has her Jazz exam this friday, she is very excited about it, seems to have a ton more confidence than she did with her ballet exam which is comforting for us!
Also she is so rapt with what she is doing for her recital, Wizard of Oz and The boy from Oz should be gorgeous.
Wonder Boy is being well...wonder boy! LOL he is a typical 9 almost 10 year old boy..nothing seems to faze him, but when it does boy do you know about it!
He is doing well with his guitar lessons, seems to still enjoy it and has just signed up for keyboard lessons at school...these kids and their activities are going to send me broke!!
Lil Man..well he is just to cute for words..he melts me.

Short post today..to much housework to do..no pics either..sorry!
Chat soon
T xoxo

Blessed....

2008-07-21T22:17:00.004+10:00

Do you ever have a day where you sit back and realise how very lucky you truly are?
Not for materialistic things or money or anything like that, but for the little things?
The fact that you are loved? or the fact that something made you smile? or you have a roof over your head? food in your stomach??
Today I was once again reminded how very lucky I am..I adore scrapbooking, I love everything about it, from the paper to the embellishments, but my pure joy comes from the friends I have made from this craft. And I have made some life long ones indeed...and almost of all these women with the exception of Lis I have never met (hope you're feeling better honey).
I recieved a package the other day, I opened it, and promptly burst in to tears...one of these beautiful women that I am honoured to call my friend..Dee made the most beautiful gift for Harrison, an altered letter H and a mini album hanging of the bottom..I took pics to share with you, but they truly don't do it justice..it is just divine..I love the fact that she made this for my little man, that she managed to capture how incredibly precious he is to me without having never met me.
Dee I just love it, I cannot thank you enough for it and it's so precious to us.
dee and I have the most wonderful talks...I really look forward to chatting with her, she makes me laugh constantly and I truly do class her as one of my closest friends now.

I want to tell you about another funky chick I have met through scrapbooking...Rachy..she is seriously one groovy chick...funny as hell..check out her blog. The diva recieved a congratulations card from her and her DD today for doing her ballet exam..I was so touched that she took the time to think of my girl and make her a card..She brightened her day ten fold today, and hence forth the card has been declared a national treasure from the Diva and has been carted around everywhere..LOL..Thanks a bunch for making it for her hun...you rock!
Are you sick of the soppy stuff yet?? LOL ok on to other matters!!
I am determined that I will teach myself how to sew..I have a bloody good sewing machine here and I am determined it will not beat me! I will sew something good god damn it LOL..so yesterday Im faffing around on the net and clicked on Mel Goodsells blog..I adore reading her blog..she makes the most beautiful things and saw that she had made these pencil holder notebook cover thingys!And I thought..I can do that..bugger it I will do it..even if it takes me all day...well I did it!! I made them!! I am pretty impressed with them, and am going to follow suit of Mel and make some for birthday presents! So without further ado...the notebook pencil holder thingys.

the kidlets think they are fab, so thats all that matters right??
Righto chickas I'm off...
T xoxo

Surfacing...

2008-07-16T21:17:00.005+10:00

to say I survived!! I survived the holidays!! Woooo Hooooo Score one for me!
Not a lot else to report, been doing a little scrapping but mainly just general day to day life!
The Diva got her ballet exam results, extremly proud of her, she got commended, which I for one think is an amazing achievement, she really has come a long way...At the beginning of term 2 we were still undecided as to whether it was a good idea for her to do it. Her confidence was just so low I really wasn't sure if she would be able to get in there and complete it, but she did and managed to get one point of highly commended...So proud of her.
Wonder Boy is happy to be back at school, we have already been in and spoken to his teacher about getting extra work for at home..he is having a little trouble with maths and seems to be getting quite confused and upset that he doesnt understand it.
So we have some extra worksheets and some tasks to do with him and then we can go from there...
Otherwise they both recieved astounding school reports!
Lil Man..*Sigh* this kid wears me out LOL He seriously is the cutest little spunk put on earth but my god he is busy..prime example..other morning he comes to my bedroom door holding in each hand an oven tray...little bugger!!Im going to need to bolt everything down and lock everything to keep him safe!
Hunk..well he is quickly going grey! seems to be so stressed about work right now...the receptionist who he hired 2 weeks ago has already resigned..decided it wasn't what she was after, after all...bloody hell!!
Went dress shopping with my sister the other day..to get an idea of what our bridesmaid dresses would be like, well in one visit she found her dream dress and put it on hold, picked the colors for ours and the style and also designed Diva's dress too!! Best I start saving some money now! LOL
That's about it from our little mad house! Stac honey if you read this, please know you are a constant thought and you are in my heart always, hoping you can find some peace and comfort during this time..I love ya sweet.

I'll leave you with some layouts I did for a weekly comp.
I'm Yours...

My BFF and I!

Card for my fortnightly challenge at Mystical

Enjoy your evening..what's left of it,Me? I'm off to bed to snuggle next to my human hot water bottle!
T xoxo

Still here!

2008-07-07T13:31:00.005+10:00

One week left of holidays and counting LOL...
I feel like a dreadful mother saying that..I so look forward to them having time off, but honestly?? they have been worse than ever these holidays..Mum I'm bored, Mum can i have something to eat, Mum what can we do? arrrggghhhhhhhh
The weather doesnt help either, its wet and cold and miserable here..think they are starting to get cabin fever...not to mention me LOL
Just a quick post today, just want to share some cards Ive been making...the first one if for a challenge at Inkurable Stampers. Check them out!

The next one was for a submission at Scrapstars. They look like a fun bunch! And the site just makes me happy when I look at it!!.

Check these pics out of the buddha..yes he obviously loves party pies..hahaha

And how cool is this?? I was awarded this..feeling the love, feelin the love!

Righto groovers...gotta run kids want me!
Talk soon..
Love T xoxo

School Holiday fun!

2008-07-03T10:59:00.005+10:00

Ok so I'm trying and trying to keep the kids busy for the holidays, no easy feat when its raining outside, so we worked out all our play dates and sleepovers yesterday..good lord, I'll be looking forward to a break LOL..
Diva had her bestest friend sleep over last night, they are so cute together they just seem to retreat in to their own little world..They have been busy crafting wands and tiara's and pictures, and make overs LOL. And wait for it...I sewed LOL now anyone that knows me is fully aware that this part of being a stepfordwife is not my forte I failed at it miserably but I attempted it and made 2 cloth dolls for the girls..they are very shabby, very shabby indeed but the girls love them, I left their faces blank so that they could draw them on...so incredibly cute, they decided that they needed shoes drawn on as well..So without further ado I present Vanessa (that's the name toots chose!) and Molly which is what Diva chose to call hers!

And I've been baking...I got the recipe from Mel Goodsells blog..choc chip cookies..omg people these cookies are to dieeeeeee for! I've already made 3 batches!!

So thats what we've been up to..baking and creating haha!
We have another 2 friends sleeping over Friday night, possibly another friend sunday night and then another one sometime next week..Definately not Wednesday night because I am off to WICKED!! wOO HOO I cannot wait to see this! I was so bummed that I missed Priscilla so was determined that I wasn't going to miss this one!

Oohh I'll show you a page I did for one of my challenges at mystical..Challenge was to create a layout using, fabric, buttons and stitching...And yes I hand stitched the whole darn thing!!

So there you have it..that's what we've been up to of late...Oh and Wends and Lis I havent forgotten about your tag..will do it in the next post!
Later chickas!
T xoxo

Hi de Ho

2008-07-02T11:36:00.003+10:00

Hello my chickas!!
How are we all?? Me? personally?? these kids were sent to kill me these holidays! LOL and it's only freakin Wednesday..The Diva just does not like change...she likes her routine and hates when it's broken..it doesnt help the fact that she loves being outside and it's terrible weather here. And Wonder boy? well he went in to meltdown mode,,the AUSTAR box blew up...good lord his life as he knows it is over!
And Hunk well he is being a pain in my ass..that's the nicest thing I can say about him right now LOL typical man..head up his ass not seeing whats going on in the world! Love him to death but he infuriates me!
So we have lots of play dates and sleep overs organised for the holidays..Diva has her bestie coming tonight, and they are having a slumber party in the lounge room and I've got some fabric out for them to make some cloth dolls,.they'll love it!
Got some felt for Wonder Boy too, he wants to make a robot! hehe..

I've been busy with my DT work for Mystical, have created all my pages and a card and I love them all! I love what I have been creating of late. And I got to post my first lot of challenges at Mystical!! I'm super excited by them, and the response from the forum members seem really positive too!!
here's the pages I created with my DT Kit, I used Fancy Pants Papa range, Pink Paislee Office Lingo ( I am having a love affair with Pink Paislee! LOL) and WRMK Explore range

On other news...I'm super excited to share this too..I now have a DT position at The Scrapbook Establishment.. I cant wait to start working alongside the other girls, they seem like a fab group of girls who have a lot of laughs.My position starts there in August for 6 months.

Have you done your entry for the Black Magic Blog?? If not, what are you waiting for??? Run, dont walk...get over there and put in your submissions! LOL We'd love to see you.

Ok groovers I'm outta here, need to tame the wild in my house!
Talk soon
Love T xo

Tagged!

2008-06-29T14:13:00.002+10:00

So the divine Miss Rach tagged me..so here we go..

Here are the rules:
• Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog.
• Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself on your blog, we all want to know them.
• Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.
• Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog

Ok so here goes... 7 random facts...

1.Belly buttons gross me out, I will literally dry heave if you touch yours in front of me.
2.I am addicted to coffee..but need to change that..more about that later!
3.My hunk o spunk was only 16 when we started seeing each other
4.Mexican & Thai are my favourite foods
5.I have one sister, a step brother and a step sister
6.I have no desire to buy a house..bricks and mortar dont really interest me
7.I cannot sleep unless my foot touches hunk o spunks leg.

So there you have it..7 random useless facts about me!
I'll tag
*Stac
*Lis
*Dee
*Wendy
*Kayla
*

Calling all creative peeps!

2008-06-26T12:33:00.003+10:00

Looking for Creative Team Artists......

We are very excited at Mystical Scrapbooks, to welcome everyone to our NEW Challenge Blog "Black Magic".

These challenges will require you to draw inspiration from

1. Sketch (By the CT)
2. The color BLACK
3. Plus 2 other colors (combinations will be provided)
4. Plus 1 scrapping technique

Challenges will be fortnightly, with LO's needing to be uploaded to the Mystical Scrapbooks Gallery by the deadline.

Great prizes will be up for grabs each month for the winning entry.
SO, we are looking for 3 talented sketchers/scrappers to join our team!!!!!! And you could be just who we are looking for.

To apply for one of these positions, you will be required to submit the following:

1. One original sketch
2. Two LO's using the below sketches
3. Sketch 1 MUST have the color black (predominant) plus Hot Pink & Orange
4. Sketch 2 MUST have the color black (predominant) plus Lime Green & White
5. Each LO MUST have a different technique (applicants choice)

You must write which techniques you have used when loading your submissions to the Mystical Gallery.
Conditions of entry

* DO NOT POST your submissions onto any other gallery. Your personal blog is OK, so long as there is a link to Black Magic Blog.

* NO LATE ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED

* Only one entry, per person is permitted

* Judgement will be made by management.

* Position will be for 6 months, starting August 1st 2008

* You must submit a brief response to "What can you bring to the Creative Team" by email to admin@mysticalscrapbooks.com.au

* Store discount will be available for successful applicants.

* You must create an account in the Mystical Gallery to upload your work.

ENTRIES CLOSE MIDNIGHT JULY 10th, 2008 . Entries to be loaded to the Black Magic Blog in Mystical Gallery. Click here.

Creative Artist monthly requirements
* 1 - 2 sketches
* 4 LO's

If you have any questions, please email karen@mysticalscrapbooks.com.au

So there you have it chickas!! Big happenings at Mystical!! Go check out the blog..all you gotta do it click it...you know you want to ;)

Quick post

2008-06-23T14:06:00.003+10:00

I feel like crud! I'm full up with this blasted cold and I am completely zapped energy wise...cant wait for the kids to finish school this term..they are literally hanging on by a thread, they are so tired. Have a few things planned for them these holidays. Diva is hoping to have a couple of her friends sleep over, might do some crafty bits and bobs with them while they are here. Wonder Boy doesnt really ask for much in the way of friends over and things to do so Hunk has said he will take him fishing and we'll get some of his friends over as well. I'm so glad that this new house has lots of kids in the neighbourhood that they have made friends with, reminds me of my childhood, playing in the street till the street lights came on and then you knew it was time to come home!
I'll leave you with some pics..this weeks lo for Stuck, and the robots I made for a swap I'm in, I'm pretty happy with how they turned out!
Talk soon chickas.
T. xoxo

Stop the bus...

2008-06-21T16:05:00.002+10:00

I wanna get off!! I feel like I am going around and around in circles at the moment, my life feels crazy busy! between school, home, after school activities, weekend activities and all the parties my social butterflies get invited to, I feel like i havent' had time to breathe!
So will try and catch you all up to speed.
Lil Man
*walking flat out and in to everything
*starting to say more words
*completely loves music and loves to get his groove on!
*waits at the window for "daddeeeeeee" in the cutest way possible!

Diva
*just completed her first ever ballet exam, and she thinks she rocked it!
*is figuring out that girls can indeed be bitches and two faced :(
*completely loving Tap!
*seems to be forever going to birthday parties!

Wonder Boy
*cannot wait for this term to be over..he seems really tired of late
*has started the pre puberty mood swings...bring it boy..give me the best you got!LOL
*is still talking about how fabulous camp was
*thinks awesome is the best word ever invented and hence should be injected in to every conversation!

Hunk o Spunk
*is fairly buggered from work, too much to do not enough hours to do it in
*doesnt seem 100% lately..
*has hurt his back and no its not shaggers back...I wish LOL
*is building me new storage for my scrap room LOVE!

Me:
*tired, rundown but happy.
*beyond excited about my DT position
*on a baking frenzy atm, slices, fruit crumbles, you name it, I'm bakin it! LOL

Life is good right now! Crazy busy, complete madness but its good..Spunk and I just need to remember to stop and breathe and communicate more, but otherwise good.
Went and saw Sex & The City last night, was fantastic..everything I had hoped it would be and the some. I highly recommend you go see it, even if you werent a fan of the series you would still love the movie.

On another note...I know you are all going to call me insane but I dont really care!
I've started compiling my ideas and stuff for my christmas crafts, things I want to make, gift ideas, decoration ideas, off the page stuff!
yes I know...its only June, but well...I like to be organised LOL

Here's a couple of layouts I've done recently.

Talk soon!
Love T.

News...

2008-06-11T23:31:00.002+10:00

and updates...
Well as you know I was competing in the Masters Competition for Mystical Scrapbooks..
well guess what??? I got it! I am on the new Design Team there!! I am so excited! I'll be working alongside Kell and cookie as well as the current DT. Can't wait to share this journey!!
Was a fabulous competion, and the girls that entered all did amazing creations..I dont envy the decision makers, would have been a hard thing to do..

I'll have some layout to share soon..promise!!

Stac hope princess is doing good and you are as well darlin.
short and sweet tonight...I'm buggered! I've been on the net for hours..need to finish my milo and head off to bed..
Smooches!

Scrap Central~

2008-06-09T10:49:00.003+10:00

Howdy he chickas!!
Well I've been plugging away with the scrapping side of life! Masters is finished, now just waiting to hear...I so hope I get a spot on the DT..if not its been an amazing 6 weeks! my scrapping seems to have been pushed out of its comfort zone throughout the whole competition, and I can honestly say that I am really really happy with the pages I have completed. here are the latest ones for the last week..we were sent a kit and had to create what we could from it.

I managed to get 2 layouts and a card out of the kit, I love the paper as well.
I truly love this site, the girls are amazing and the challenges and competitions the have are incredible!! If you are not a member there already I strongly advise you to head on over sign up and let us get to know you! Here it is..here's the link..just click on the name LOL MYSTICAL SCRAPBOOKS...
all you gotta do is click it...go on, I dare ya!
Loving my pages for Stuck?! as well. Thats another site you should check out, great prizes too!
so thats my news scrapping wise...well not all of it but I cant share some of it yet! LOL Soon I promise!!

On the personal front...
My baby sister got engaged..yes the same one that was going through utter hell with her ex husband, I know some people will say its very soon after her separation, but well the reality is. It just works he is the most amazing BIL I could ask for, he thinks she hung the moon and she thinks the same of him. Now I gotta save for the wedding LOL all of us are in it..yup all 5 of us.
ok gotta run..will leave you with a pic of lil man...it cracks me up! he is such a funny kid..who btw is WALKING!!!!!!!!!!!! lord help me the devil is in to everything now.

Talk to you all soon!
Stay safe and do what makes you happy!
Tam

Attention my little SpaceCadet

2008-06-05T23:08:00.002+10:00

by now you should be holding that sweet lil girl in your arms..if I've calculated right!! And I know you wont be reading this for a while, but know that I've been keeping you in my thoughts darlin..Hope everything went smoothly sweets and that you are all adjusting to another little miracle in your lil family! I know the lil spunk will adore her, her daddy will spoil her and her mama, well princess Layla you got the best most rockin mama ever put on this earth..
Stac..love ya darlin...I can't wait to see pics hun.
Smooches to you..and breathe in that new baby smell.
xxoo

Post in haste

2008-05-20T18:51:00.002+10:00

which is what I did yesterday..I needed to get it out of my head. No, I'm not much better today, very confused, very sad. I dont really know what to do, I don't really know what I did :(
Still hidin out in my bubble...it's safe here.LOL Also trying to figure things out..not making much progress though.
Let's talk about scrapping! Nothing confronting with scrapping lmao!!
I'm still working my way through the Mystical Masters competition to win a spot on their Design Team..would be so completely stocked if i got a spot..I truly have been more inspired than ever since I started going to that site..I seem to have finally found my own style, and have completely loved every layout I have completed so far!
Yay me!
Right chickas...I'm off again..
Stac I got your message babe...I'm going to email you soon..love you.

Checkin out...

2008-05-19T19:47:00.002+10:00

is kinda what I feel like doing right now. I've had enough.. Too much shit, to much drama..I'm over it..I am who I am, I can't change it, but I refuse to accept there is one set of rules for you and another for me...that's not fair, is it??
I'm hurt and I'm sad and I'm angry..I thought things were different, maybe not so. :(
It's hard when someone makes you question yourself as a person and not in a good way. Last time I checked I thought I kicked ass as a mother and a wife and a damn good friend, maybe not so...food for thought I guess...
Time to retreat to my bubble..lose myself in my thoughts..Check out the new song...heard it a bit ago, think it's just the most gorgeous tune.
Stac..I love ya darlin, hope you're doing ok and princess layla is growing!!
Later chickas.

Cruisin along....

2008-05-01T18:46:00.003+10:00

pretty much sums up my life right now...nothing exciting happening, nothing bad happening...just life....happening!!
I've been busy scrapbooking which I've thoroughly enjoyed..I was getting to a point where I was just scrapping for challenges, covering the criteria and that was it..then I went back to scrapping for me..not really caring whether anyone else thought it was good enough and now I'm loving the layouts Im pumping out...hehe
Wanna see some?? ahhh ok...you convinced me
These 2 are for my entry in to the Mystical Masters DT call over at Mystical Scrapbooks..I was really really really happy with how they turned out.

Hopefully I can keep up with the other girls that have entered!!
So my little man is standing for longer periods of time...taking a couple of steps but not a lot, dont think this walking business is for him...have you seen how much weight that kid is packin??? LMAO
Poor little darlin has been fighting an upper respiratory tract infection for about a week, has made him absolutely miserable. Hopefully the antibiotics will make a difference quick smart..
The Diva is doing fantastic with her dancing, loving every minute of it as well...I had a few concerns over the last few weeks about whether it was all getting a little to much and a little to serious for her, but we sat down and had a really good talk about how it is for fun and when it doesnt feel like fun anymore, it's time to stop.
Wonder Boy has hit pre puberty with rapid force...this kid is gonna kill me with his smart mouth and his ever increasing appetite...there is seriously not enough food in the world to fill him!!!
Hunk o spunk is fabulous as always... very stressed about things at work right now, has a few changes to make , things to swap around and paperwork to complete..but mostly pretty good..still as spunky as always!! Totally love this man of mine..
righto chickas..
Off to be supermum for a while...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY...

2008-04-21T22:21:00.005+10:00

Yup my baby boy turned one..:(
I cannot believe how fast the last 12 months have gone..we waited and hoped for him for so long and then he arrived and it feels like time has flown..
I have loved the last 12 months so much, lots of time with it just being me and him...and yes he is a mumma's boy!!
Always so so happy..he is growing in to a gorgeous little...dare I say....toddler..omg that just freaked me out! He is starting to speak a lot more now, but still with the baby goo goo as well!! He can say mum mum, dad, no, ta, nanna, and Harrison! yep he said his name!! On his birthday mind you.
My gorgeous boy..here's to hoping that your life is filled with as much joy as you have given us in the last 12 months...I adore you, sweet puddin..

On another note..
my gorgeous girl Dee is organising a crop for cancer, a topic very close to her heart at the moment, her precious MIL is currently battling the fight of her life with breast cancer and Dee wanted to do something active, please click on the link and if you can help out in anyway possible it would be fantastic, also while you're clickin, please say a little prayer for Dee's MIL and the family.
Crop For Cancer..

Hope you are all well!!..Stac keep cookin that princess for a bit longer yet!!
Take care
Love Tam

And now the good news....

2008-04-08T23:46:00.005+10:00

I can finally share!!!!
I have been accepted as part of the creative team over at Stuck?!
I cant wait to get started,..really really looking forward to it!!
I have other news but well..this is the best news..and I'm tired! Need to go sleep..
More sleep=better blogger!!
I'll leave you with some layouts Ive done...

Working on puddin's 1st birthday invitations...yes honey I am embracing it...well I'm having a red hot go at embracing it anyway!!!!(love you!) can't share them yet they are not quite finished...

Have some guest dt work to share in my next post..
Take care...
Smooches..and belly rubs for my pregnant mama..love ya Stac!

Sometimes the days

2008-04-06T01:18:00.004+11:00

are just to long and just to hard....
There are days when I really feel that as a mum I'm really not up to par..today/tonight is one of those nights...
It's 1.45am, DH is feeding Harrison while I write this...I dont know where I went wrong or what it was that I did wrong..but this child will not sleep..He goes to bed at 7.30pm and wakes screaming at 2.30am most nights..did I mention the screaming?? I realise he is teething but he is constantly given pain relief, and yes I know he is cross cutting...but the screaming?? Oh did I mention the screaming??
Harrison is everything we could have hoped for...we tried for 2 years to get our gorgeous boy, our little shining star, and nothing will ever make us feel any different, but right now I feel like I am failing him, where the freakin hell did I go wrong? why can he not put himself to sleep and stay asleep?? I never rocked him to sleep, I never held him when he fell asleep in my arms...I dont get it..His sleeping pattern was great..then he got sick and then well...it's been god damn shit ever since...I'm sick to death of the lack of sleep...if he was our only...maybe it would be a little easier but come on,..I have 2 other babes that need me too, not to mention a husband, housework, ballet runs, guitar runs, swimming..bloody hell..who hid my wonder woman outfit??
I'm fading fast..I sat at my friends house tonight after dinner with a glass of wine, defeated, crying and asking her where the hell I went wrong?? what the hell do I do?? I dont often put my hand up for help..I try to deal with things my way..on my own, but tonight I held it bloody high and told her that it was too hard, Help me..where am I going wrong?
So tomorrow I'm starting controlled crying...now I know there are people out there who dont believe in this, but I have to try..this mama and well this daddy too are sleep deprived..we are running on empty..I cant be the best mama possible if I cant stay awake..and that's saying something for the insomniac of the house..
So to my gorgeous girls I chat with every day...I'm sorry if I come across as a grumpy grouch, it's really nothing you will have done..it will just be sleep deprevation!

On another note...I have the most exciting news!! I just need to wait for a bit before I can share! So exciting!!!

The kids go back to school in a few days, I've really enjoyed the time with them these holidays..and to be honest there hasn't been any fighting amongst the troops! we had one day of them bitching at each other but that was it. Was so nice to see them interact as friends rather than enemies!!
My baby girl turned 7 in the holidays, I cant believe she is already 7..time really does seem to have flown by with her. I am so proud of the girl she is becoming though, she is kinda, compassionate, caring and such a wonderful friend. But on the down side of that, she lets people walk all over her, a trait that I am trying to turn in to a positive and make her understand that she doesnt have to pacify everyone, she needs to be different, to stand out, to stand up for herself and to know that no matter what, she is worthy, she is incredible..she is...........mine..
Wonder Boy has hit pre puberty attitude with full on force...kinda cracks me up a little..he likes to pretend he is tough and can square off with his mama..truth be told..he aint got a hope in hell! This mama too clued on to your tricks little boy!!
The rolling of the eyes and the tut tutting at me crack me up though...try a little harder with the tantrum my gorgeous boy!.

Wow sorry for the epic post girls!! None of it probably makes much sense, probably just more ramblings than anything!!
Will leave you with some piccies!
Till next time,...smooches
Tam..

Easter, chocolate & Sand!

2008-03-24T19:48:00.000+11:00

How fabulous are these sand sculptures?? We took the kids to see them today and we were all totally amazed at the detail in each and every one of them, my photos really dont do them justice at all.
The kids were completely in awe...Diva's favourite being Alice in Wonderland, and Wonder Boy's being The Magic Pudding..

They are on complete overdrive at the moment...it's almost as if Cadbury exploded in our house, they were given soooooo many eggs, it's truly is madness, seriously between the two of them they have enough to feed a small village for a day!!
I have some pics from easter, just need to sort through them before I post them.

Hope you and yours had a wonderful easter and are deliciously sick from eating too much chocolate!!
Smooches
Love Tam

I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaaack~!

2008-03-18T06:58:00.002+11:00

Not sure how many of you actually missed me! but I am back!....
well the move was dreadful, the weather was stinking hot...Hunk o Spunk had to work the first day of the move so I had to do as much as my car could hold. while still entertaining the puddin!! God awful shit times, but can laugh about them now!!
What's been happening in your world?
Well we have moved! derrrr....life seems so chaotic at the moment but kids are on holidays for a couple of weeks starting Thursday, I'm looking forward to the break as well, the break from the ballet run, jazz run, tap run and the swimming run.
Hunk does the guitar run! LOL.
On the scrapping front, I have been really busy...it's a challenge in itself to get all the monthly challenges down at Mystical Scrapbooks but on top of that I have swaps that I am taking part in and and and on exciting news...I am in the middle of making an album for KSK which will be displayed at Paperific this year...
Thinking about heading down there on the Sunday...should be a fabulous day! Might end up going in to sensory overload hehehehe.
I'll post some of my layouts here soon..blogger is being an ass today!!
Stac....cant wait for the next 7 weeks to go by...as you I imagine! cant wait to see pics of your little princess.!
Stay safe chiccas..time for me to wake the babes for school!
Love Tam.

AWOL

2008-03-02T13:12:00.002+11:00

I'll be missing from here for a bit..well hopefully it's only about a week.
we are moving house and I'm not sure how fast my internet will be up and running..
Quick update for you all!
Puddin chops started walking...:( yes at 10.5months he has decided that he would like to venture in to this part of growing up and he walked behind his little activity trolley.I was shattered nonetheless...crying.."noooooo not my baby" but sadly yes he has decided that this is what he wants to do!
Diva has been having a really hard time at school..one child in particular is really bullying her, but the principal is right on to it and working towards a solution. Breaks me all the same..especially when she is petrified to go to school. On another note though, she is absolutely loving all her dance classes, especially Tap.
Wonder Boy is cruising along as per usual! not much fazes that kid, but the bullying towards his sister has seen a side of him appear that we have not really experienced..he is so angry and so protective of her. I love that he loves her so much.
He has started guitar lessons which he is really enjoying, just once a week on a Saturday but he loves it, picked out his own guitar and all! (I'll post pics soon!)
Stac darlin...I'll be in touch soon, hope that princess is growing nicely! not long now sweetheart! Hope your spunky man is feeling better too.
News on me...well I've been asked to be a guest designer at a couple of websites I visit which is pretty cool, huge confidence boost for me and my work! I'll keep you updated when I know when I'm doing it.
Ok chickadees, gotta run, need to clean and pack some more.
Smooches!
Love Tam

What's a RAK??

2008-02-06T15:37:00.000+11:00

lmao..I said to Diva that I needed her to draw the RAK for me..her response??"but mummy i dont know what a rak animal looks like, how do I draw it??" too cute!!
So after explaining to her what it was she was very very excited to be a part of it and couldn't wait to help me..so without further ado,..I present the official drawing of the RAK..note my very official looking entry box!

So there you are Lis! you are the official winner of my giveway!! my first ever too!
I'm not going to post on here what you get..I want you to wait and get some surprises in the happy mail!!

Happy Crafting creating making..whatever brings you joy
Love Tam

Scrapping!

2008-02-04T13:33:00.000+11:00

Well Mystical have done it again!
They now have a section called Rock your Blog which I love..Sara will be posting topics for us to blog about..great idea huh? I thought so too!
So this topic is
Scrapbooking? How do you motivate yourself and still enjoy the process??

I am extremely lucky to have online friends that tend to motivate me..one in particular (Hi Lis!)I know that if I fall in a slump that they will help motivate me again and once the mojo starts flowing it just sort of happens! Also forums...Mystical Scrapbooks is really like home to me now..there is always loads of competitions which are great in themselves for motivation..not with the prize in site, but because there is such a wide variety of competitions from sketches to layout requirements etc! ( I'm telling you..if you haven't already run don't walk there and sign up!!)
Also the fact that scrapping has been helping me not smoke right now is a huge motivation for me..and I enjoy the process when my kids wake up in the morning (I tend to scrap at night while they are sleeping)and come straight to the study to see what I have created the night before..that's a huge motivation and enjoyment booster for me.

So speaking of scrapping..I have been scrapping up a storm lately!!
I submitted a layout to Basic Grey for their gallery and they accepted it!!!! Woo Hoo
Yay me! I was so freakin excited!!! and the layout truly is one of my favourites right now!!

Helps that she is so damn beautiful~!
I have loads more layouts to share but will do a collage of them like last time..

Stac, my god it was good to talk to you the other night..I've missed you so much!
And I cannot wait for your princess to arrive so I can see pics..you will recieve your little parcel very soon my love!
And I havent forgotten about the giveaway guys..I promise the next few days I will post the winner..am running like a chook with its head cut off at the moment!!

Ok gotta run, need to go look at a house...yep might be moving...ugh..more about that in a later post!!
Smooches and hugs
Love Tam

Hi yeah!

2008-01-26T00:14:00.000+11:00

couldnt think of a rockin title so that's what it is for this post LOL
well today started out a bit blah, I was a little flat but it generally got a little better as the day progressed. But tonight OMG!! I have had an awesome night!
first off I am happy that I have completed all bar two challenges for the month on Mystical Scrapbooks..secondly..I pm'd the big kahuna over there and asked if we could have a card making section in the forum..long story short...we now have one and I get to be the moderator on that particular section...hmm can you say happy girl! yup that's me!! might be something small and insignificant to some, but to me it's huge..And then..blow me down..another site I go on to asked if I was still interested in doing some Guest DT work!! Woooooo Hoooooo!
Hunk o hubby is home for this week and next,had surgery on his knee so is incapacitated to work..normally when he is laid up he is a great patient..this time...hmmm not so much, I'm ready to wrap the walking stick thingy up his butt..he is bored stupid, wants me to keep taking him out for a drive..never mind he cannot bend his knee..typical man..
I have been flat out running between him and Diva and Wonder Boy...puddin just cruises along LOL he has 4 teeth now, and has finally mastered the art of crawling on all fours, not commando anymore. :(
went camping last weekend, and it bucketed rain the first night we were there and then rained on and off for the rest of the weekend..was a great weekend NOT..never mind, it's been and done now, cant change it.
Kids go back to school on Wednesday Woooooooooooo Freakin Hooooooo omg did I say that outloud?? hehe nah seriously they havent been too bad, just this last week they have a bit of cabin fever, even when they are outdoors..they thrive on routine these kids, so holidays causes chaos for them.

GIVEAWAY TIME!!
So in honor of the kids going back to school, I have decided to do a giveaway..nooooo it's not as terrible as it sounds LOL
Post your fav childhood school memory in the comment section and the one that moves my groove thing will be the lucky recipient of a giveaway from yours truly!!

So I'll leave you with a looksy of my card for my first weekly thread on Mystical
if you haven't been to check out the website yet you really should...the girls are fantastic, and the competitions keep you moving all month!!
Promise next post I'll put in some pics from camping and the falls...Diva was ecstatic that they have the same name as her LOL
happy creating girls!
Love Tam

Scrapping Storm!!

2008-01-18T10:48:00.000+11:00

So I've been a little busy!!
Been scrapping up a storm!! well at least I'm not smoking though!
Here they are ..my latest and greatest ROFL...
Not my longest blog entry but we are heading off for the weekend..take care!~
Smoocha Doocha's to you all!!
Love Tam

Happy Birthday

2008-01-14T11:17:00.000+11:00

to my gorgeous boy!! He turned 9 on Friday, I can't believe he is 9..time has just flown, we had a fairly nice and relaxed day for him, all he wanted on the actual day of his birthday is a family get together with some party food! LOL, so the boy asks and he recieves! He has his birthday party with his friends next week at the movies to see Alvin and The Chipmunks.
Sooooooo excited, learnt how to make a collage of piccies!! will make it much easier to upload to here now!
Have been scrapping up a storm still, participating in lots and lots of challenges online and so far so good, still haven't had a cigarette!!
I have news about the puddin but just dont have it in me today to type it all out, so I promise next post I'll update you about him, nothing serious just overwhelming and worrying too!
So without further ado! my first collage!
My Wonder Boy's 9th Birthday!!!

catch ya soon!
Love Tam

Scrappin Storm

2008-01-08T14:37:00.000+11:00

I have been so busy with challenges of late! but it's been really good to keep my mind off not smoking, just over a week and Im hanging in there!! Just a quick post today and I'll do another one tonight, just wanted to share a page I did today. I've decided to take part in a challenge so to speak on a blog called Paper Adventures 08, I'm really quite excited to be doing it, as it will take me out of my safety zone of scrapping I think!
The first page was Balance, How are you balanced? How are you struggling with balance? What does this word mean to you? What do you want it to mean to you in 2008?
So this is the page I came up with, which is what I thought of as soon as I said the word BALANCE!
am still yet to finish my front cover but wanted to share the page now!.

catch you all later!
smoochies!
Tam

Happy New Year

2008-01-02T12:09:00.000+11:00

to you all!!
Wow it's been a busy week, Christmas, Boxing Day, My birthday, my besties birthday which also falls on New Years Eve..I am exhausted!!!!!! Literally body tired I am..
We had a great new years, we went to a friends for a BBQ and drinks was such a relaxing night..so hot though.
I gave up smoking New Years Day..had my last smoke before I went to bed on New Years Eve and then have just gone cold turkey, I really want to be successful at it this time. so will be very busy scrapping to keep my hands busy! and I have loads to keep my busy since I joined a new scrap site Mystical Scrapbooks they have loads of competitions and they are really nice group of girls!! go check it out!!
Some pics from NYE for you~!

Hope you are all well! and recovering from the silly season..
Talk to you all soon!
Love Tam

Well it's over

2007-12-27T14:48:00.000+11:00

for another year..the wrapping paper flew, there was squeals of delight, there was ooohing and ahhhhing and generally everyone had a fantastic day....the downside of it all is I have an extremely cranky 8 month old which is the result of over doting grandparents and aunts and uncles who think its ok to friggen hold him all the time!
I was very spoilt, my hubby is so good to me! check it out!!

The green one..I love love it!!

I love this perfume, he gave me the gift pack of it and it smells divine..
I also got some new tops, and adaptor for my ipod and a new robbie williams book!
The kids were spoilt rotten...i adore the magic they bring to christmas..makes me feel alive!
So here we are..chrissy pics for you all!

Hope you all had an awesome christmas guys...I'm on the countdown for my birthday now..3 days to go and I'll be 32..not sure how I feel about that!! ah well never mind! can't change it, so might as well embrace it!! LOL
Be good chickens!
Love Tam

Hopes

2007-12-19T00:04:00.000+11:00

and prayers right now are so desperately needed..
I never thought I would have to say this..
I have had the most awful weekend that I am never going to forget..
My sis and her husband have been seperated for a couple of months, and he had the boys for an access visit this weekend, from 10am Saturday till 4pm Sunday...

he never brought them back
He has done a runner with them, she has no idea where they are or whether they are safe..because they hadn't been to family court yet there is nothing the police can do...

And apparently this morning he applied for full custody...she may not see them again before the end of the year, and to which the family courts close over christmas so it may not be till February that it all gets heard..

I cannot stop crying, I feel so sick, and so damn freakin helpless, my baby sister is going through hell and there is not a damn thing I can do to help her right now..I just want to see my nephews again..they are only 2 and 1...

If you could please keep them in your thoughts and the rest of us to I would really appreciate it...it's freakin christmas next week...they should be here....they need to be here....
My heart feels like it has literally been broken in two..my poor baby sister..her whole world is shattered, all she wants to do is hold her babies, smell them, tell them she loves them and that no-one can ever hurt them again...

I'm trying so hard to keep it all together, but to be quite honest, I'm struggling, I look at my beautiful kids and try to fathom, try and imagine how she must be feeling right now..I adore my nephews, anyone that knows me can verify that...
My eldest nephew calls me Aunty Flash..(yep forever poking a camera in his face!) thinks superman is the coolest thing on the planet and has the most to die for eyes, I swear you look in to them and its like looking at a pool of chocolate, they are beautiful..I miss that, I want to look him in the eye and tell him I love him, that I am so sorry that this has happened, I would kill to hear lub you flash..miss you flash..
And my gorgeous little peanut..with his beautiful baby face, he still has so much about him that says he is a baby, yet I look at him and he has just started walking and he is so not a baby anymore, his sweet kisses that he gives you, he lingers for just a second pulls away and grins..and his grin is gorgeous..it automatically makes you feel alive. And he has this 'thing' he does..he can be throwing the biggest tantrum on the floor but as soon as he sees me with camera in hand, he rolls over and gives me the butter wouldn't melt in my mouth grin!

So my darling boys, Aunty Flash is fighting tooth and nail to get you home to mummy, home with her where you belong..I will do whatever it takes, push whoever needs to be pushed, pay whatever needs to be paid and beg borrow and steal if thats what needs to happen. I am helping Mummy do everything in her power to have you home for christmas..home with your family..a family that thinks you are 2 of the best things to come in to our lives..we will never use you as pawns, never use you to be spiteful..we just want to love you and care for you...

Go hug your kids, thank whoever it is that you search for higher answers to and pray that this situation doesnt continue for much longer...if I have my way it sure as hell wont.
I'm out..worn down, emotionally beaten but finding this incredible inner strength to help my sister fight the biggest battle of her life which unfortunately i can't fight for her..
believe me baby if I could, I honestly would do this for you, but for now I need to be beside you making sure you put one foot in front of the other and take each minute as it comes and deal with the hurdles he is placing in our way..

Take care of you and yours..
Tam

It's beginning to look a lot

2007-12-14T22:07:00.000+11:00

like christmas! Well actually not a lot, a whole damn study worth! Yep it is official, Spotlight and Lincraft and my LSS have exploded in my study..there is little 2 feet of standing room and that's it..I have felt and papers and adhesives and stamps and reindeer food all in there little areas all over the study..have been on a christmas roll lately, which has been great but has also been very time consuming...
Ahhh yes the time factor..I really am time poor these days, and even more so the last couple of days, my poor little man is teething so bad, he is absolutely miserable and just sobs all day and night, panadol and bonjella just dont seem to be having any effect at all. Breaks my heart every time he looks at me with those beautiful eyes with tears rolling down his cheeks :( Bloody teeth, hopefully it will cut soon.
I am almost finished with the gifts for Dec 25th..almost being that I have a lot of them started and half finished and just a few that need to be started, most presents are wrapped and under the tree already,which Harrison takes great delight in rolling over to pull the pretty bows off and suck them, no-one will mind the drool will they?? LOL
I adore ready Kayla's blog right now..that girl seriously finds the cutest stuff to post, she has pics of felt owls..which I adore posted on there and pics of felt gingerbread people, I am dying to get the felt out to try these out, but have banned myself until I have finished the present making. I would link you to her blog, but well I am a link spaz and cannot seem to make it work LOL but it is on the right hand side if you want to mozey on over and check out her blog!
Which brings me to my next ramble! I found this on Kayla's blog and thought I'd play!
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?Wrapping paper- I love it...love prettying it up with curling ribbon and handmade gift tags!

2. Real tree or artificial?We have 2 artificial trees, one for the kids and one for me..oh yeah and DH LOL
3. When do you put up the tree? I am so bad at waiting till Dec 1st so generally it's mid November sometime
4. When do you take the tree down?Depends when I have five minutes to do it!
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Hmmmm, probably my bike and rollerskates..yep I seriously was one rockin chic hahaha

7. Do you have a Nativity scene?No, because apparently I am to damn fussy and cant find a nice fabric one I like!

8. Hardest person to buy for?I honestly dont know!

9. Easiest person to buy for?Scott

10. Worst Christmas Gift you ever received?A tea towel from MIL.blah

11. Mail or email Christmas cards?definately mail, everyone loves happy mail

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Miracle on 21st Street

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?Probably around feb, I start to rummage for some bargains

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Never

15. Favorite things to eat at Christmas? Roast lamb and seafood

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear fairy lights, about 800 of them!

17. Favorite Christmas song?Santa Baby!

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?Definately no travelling from this little elf!

19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Cupid, Blitzen, Comet, Vixen..rudolph??? oh dear that is bad isnt it!

20. Angel on the tree top or a star?Angel on mine..oh yeah and DH's and star on kids

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? The kids open their presents from us Christmas Eve, then when they have gone to bed DH & I exchange one gift..the rest are on Christmas Day

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? That it has to be the latest toy in the stocking and the most money spent, makes it hard to teach the kids the real joy of christmas..family time

23. What is the “silliest” family tradition you do, or miss doing? We dont really have one LOL

24. Ugliest Christmas Decoration ever invented?Oh there are some shockers out there

25. Which looks best, theme trees or homey trees? Personal taste..I change the color of our decorations every year

26. Gingerbread or sugar cookies?sugar cookies...i hate ginger ginger is blah!

27. Do you like Fruitcake?ick ick ick need I say more!

Would love to see some of your answers!!
No pics to share today..haven't uploaded any LOL..
ok off to bury myself under craft supplies..if I dont surface before Dec 25th, someone send out the search party!!
christmas wishes and happy ho ho ho's to you all!
Love Tam

Check out my Slide Show!

2007-12-10T00:13:00.001+11:00

Christmas Chaos

2007-12-09T13:45:00.000+11:00

has ensued in this household!! Every year I seem to get busier and busier..it's damn near crazy how busy I've been the last couple of weeks..whose bright idea was it to make presents this year?? oh that's right..MINE!! LMAO well no seriously I really do prefer to give a homemade gift, and especially when I know I have spent the time to really think about what they would like to recieve. I can't divulge the gifts Ive been making as some of the recipients read this blog!
Aside from christmas chaos, life has been hectic, Diva has had rehearsals for her ballet recital which we had last night, I loved it! the best thing we ever did was swap her to a new dance school, the look on her face while she was on stage last night made her proud mama tear up..she was a snowflake in the nutcracker dance and a hairy who, for her Jazz dance which was based on Dr Suess! fantastic night really!!
Puddin chops is trying desperately to crawl and getting very very cranky because he cant get his body to do what he wants it to!!
Wonder Boy is so full of attitude at the moment, I'm really ready to tear my hair out..please tell me it gets better! LOL
So it's our turn to do Christmas Day here this year, which has worked out perfectly being that it is H's first christmas...tradtitional lunch and then a seafood dinner is order I think!
As for me..well I'm working on me..I'm trying really hard to learn how to say No to people, and I'm sorry but I have so much on I couldn't possibly fit that in..yep so far not working and am hitting meltdown mode LOL..happens every bloody year!!
Maybe next year I'll learn..doubt it but for now I'll live in my delusional world!
Huge big smooches to my girls Stac and Shan...Stac you are still so freakin cute..I cant wait to see your baby bump pics when you get bigger darlin! I miss you truckloads honey! Shann...I miss you so freakin much!!! I'm so glad you found me on here!! can't wait to catch up with you some more darlin!!
So I'll leave you with some piccies..then I better run off, have another 20 bags of reindeer food to make..yet another tradition that has been going in this household for the last 8 years!
Smooches to all your christmas cuties!
Love Tam!
My Christmas Tree!

Layout of the Puddin!

Christmas Photos!

Ummmm Hi..Hello!

2007-11-01T21:45:00.001+11:00

Yeah I know..I am so crap at updating this some times! I can go in fits and fads about it! But I have photos!! :) does that help?
Soooo what's new with you?? what's new with me is I've been hanging out at a new scrapping website that is going to be loads of fun..come join in..there is challenges and prizes and the girls are FABBO!

I've been scrapping quite a bit lately..trying to catch up on the kids albums..yep doubt that is ever going to happen but hey I'll live in my deluded world!
Almost ready to start all my christmas crafts..can you believe it's only 8 weeks till Christmas! Thank christ I have almost done my shopping!
There were huge dramas with the block of land we had chosen for the house, so we pulled out of that one and have now found another, which has actually turned out better! well fingers crossed anyway!
Harrison is doing fabulous! he cut a tooth today :( my little boy is getting so big..he is 6 and a half months old now, it has gone so fast..I feel like it's going to fast and I'm missing things along the way..it's weird really I cant explain it..well I can..I want time to stand still just for a while so I can absorb everything about him and every little thing he is doing. He can say Mum and Dad now..and yells DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADA at the top of his voice..he so loves his Daddy!.
He also had his first haircut...everyone was hanging shit on me about his hair, so we got it cut much to my disgust. :(
The kids school has been moving in leaps and bounds with the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden..it looks so fabulous, and the kids think it's the most amazing thing, they grow herbs and citrus trees and vegies, then they cook with what they have grown, things like soda bread with herb butter, and pizza topped with potatoes, rosemary, parmesan cheese..I volunteer in the kitchen of a thursday afternoon, and it's amazing to watch the kids interact with the food, they want to touch everything and smell everything..I Love it!!
So what's new in your world..what's gossip?? tell me all!!!!
I'll leave you with some pics! catch you all soon, Oh and Stac when we gonna get to see a piccy of the baby bump?? lol!

Diva at the school working bee!

H's first haircut :(

we are a force to be reckoned with..the 3 of us!! I totally love this girl..she rocks my socks off! Love ya Darlin! Mwah!

How freakin hot is my hubby...my total hunk o spunk!! he rocks my world and my heart everytime he looks at me.

bwahahahahaha need I say more..other than this is so relective of us!
catch ya all soon!

Bad Bad Blogger

2007-10-18T20:07:00.000+10:00

I have been so neglectful of my blog! Sorry!!
Stac I haven't forgotten about you darlin, and I saw your pee stick!! hehe too funny, Congratulations my sweet girl, definately thinking pink for you!!! I downloaded AOL as well honey~!

Ok it's been freakin crazy busy around here lately and I'm really not sure why!!!
So I'm just going to point form what the hell has been happening since my last post and promise, actually pinky promise that I will do a better post soon...with pics even! LOL

* Kids had school holidays, the first week they absolutely did my head..didn't think they were going to see the end of the week!
* Second week of the hols we went camping with friends and family, all up, 6 adults camping, 9 kids, 3 Adults in a cabin and 2 kids..yup equals complete madness, especially at breakfast time!! but I can honestly say it was one of the best holidays I have had!!
* Kids went back to school and the madness of rushing morning and whiny afternoons started again LOL
* Harrison ended up with a cold, which is playing havoc with his asthma, then ended up with an Upper Respitory Tract infection, Ventolin is doing jack shit!
* Volunteered to help out at the kids school, working in the kitchen with the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation, really looking forward to getting in there and helping!
* Joined a new message board which I am loving...my girl Donna is going to be posting some kick ass monthly mojo challenges which I cannot wait to take part in!
* And I've started on my christmas crafts already!! woo hoo go me!!
* Bloody huge dramas with the block, need a sound engineer to come and report on the block, need to change the windows..more effin money..grrrrr
* My baby boy started swimming last week and completely luuuuurved it!! was sooooo tired afterwards but was really happy (will share pics soon!)
* My big boy passed his green certificate at swimming which is a really hard one to get! I am so so proud of him!!
* My hunk o spunk needs to go back in to hospital after christmas and repair a tear on the other side of his knee! This time I am making him have a week off to recover not one damn day!

Ok think that's about it!!
catch ya all soon!
Smoooooooooooches
Tam

Updates and a post of epic proportions!

2007-09-19T09:57:00.000+10:00

Happy Birthday Honey!!!
Helloooooooooo!
Yep it's been a while since I posted, it's been busy busy busy here!
Firstly I'll update about my last post, thanks heaps for all your advice guys, I spoke to my sister and she has found an alternative arrangement for her boys. I felt so dreadful doing it, but it has worked out for the best, and she was fine about it. I just really need to look out for me and my family right now.
I'm doing a lot better since I went and spoke to the Dr, he has upped my medication and that seems to be helping a lot, also having the most amazing friends and husband who I use as my sounding board. I'm having more good days than bad right now which I'm stoked about, just hate that when I have a bad day it's a really bad day. Hopefully they will fade out very soon. (Ren, honey thanks for always checking in on me.)
Well my gorgeous hunk o spunk turned 30..yep little spring chicken hehehe, he had the most fabulous day, family and friends for dinner on his actual birthday and then we went out for dinner the next night with more friends. Was a fantabulous (yes it's a word, well in my world anyway!!!) night, so many different personalities but so many laughs had.
My little prince has started on farax and some pureed apples, which he thinks is superb, he is doing a lot better now. Had him back at the dr's the other day and he said that from the brochiolitis that his lungs are quite scarred and has since been diagnosed with asthma. So we had a course of steriods for 3 days and now he is on ventolin every 4 hours which he takes really well. And he rolled! well I think it was a fluke but he is having a red hot go at doing it again!
Wonder Boy and Diva are gearing up for the school holidays, they had a party last week with the theme being pirates, they looked so cute! had a great time as well. I think dressing up is so important for developing kids imaginations, opens them up to a whole new world of playtime and games!

They have fairytale week at school this week and then on friday their last day the whole school dresses up as their favourite fairytale, Wonder Boy is going as puss in boots and Diva is going as little red riding hood, with a basket of decorated bikkies for her class, yes her idea, mama just has to make the bloody things!!!
9 days till we go camping!!!! I am sooooooooooo excited!! there is 9 adults going and 11 kids! eeek!! We are going to have such a great week, I can't wait, we all so need a holiday right now, just to recharge before the madness starts..did you know it's only about 14 weeks till Christmas??? Holy hell! I have sooooooo much to do..again! Just don't want to leave it till the last minute this time!
The paperwork for our block has been signed, November 27th is our settlement date and then hopefully the slab will be poured before christmas and then once they have their break,full steam ahead! We laybyed all the towels for the kids bathroom and our ensuite last week! was very exciting!
Other news is that sadly I think my mum and dad are going to separate :( which devastates me...now he is not my biological dad but that's not important to me, he has been a dad in every sense of the word to me and it breaks my heart that they may not be able to work things out..actually devastates me.. what do I tell my kids? especially Diva who thinks that he is the best thing sinced sliced bread? this will shatter them both, they have a hard time understanding that sometimes just beccause you love someone it isn't enough to keep them together :( So at this stage I haven't said anything to them, Scott and I decided that it would be best left unsaid right now.
If you could all keep them in your thoughts and prayers that things work out I would really appreciate it.
Well I'm off, have to check on my roast beef..yummmm!
Hope ya like the photos!
Love Tam
PS Stac, woman I need to talk to you...I cant believe you are actually with child! hehehe

Why is it

2007-09-04T11:24:00.000+10:00

that when we think about putting ourselves and our needs first along with it comes guilt? The guilt of saying no to someone and the guilt of letting someone down.
At the moment, I'm in a situation where I have committed myself for caring for my nephews while my sister is as School, it's getting harder and harder, my youngest nephew is a basket case when you leave the room, and I dont just mean little crying he is screaming, I dont know whether it's due to what's been happening around him lately or not, but in the process of this screaming he is waking my little man up 40 minutes after he went to sleep, and yep he doesn't re-settle, so I now have 2 screaming little ones. :(
How do I say to her, it's just to much? it's getting harder and harder? I'm having enough trouble trying to get H in a routine, not to mention my mental health at the moment. The thing is, she has no-one else to help her out, especially now she is on her own..so enter the guilt..I really don't know what to do about the situation to be honest...
I'm also having an issue with the fact that I dont really have a full day to get any jobs done..I have them until about 2 and then mum picks them up, which doesn't really give me much time to get anything done before I have to pick the kids up from school..
I feel like I'm being selfish right now because I want to put me first and Harrison, and I know the repercussions from my family, the indirect comments which then enters the guilt again..
Anyone with some advice..will be greatly appreciated!
Catch ya soon
Tam

Laughter...

2007-08-31T23:57:00.000+10:00

what made you laugh today????
My son made me laugh...
"Mum?"
"Yes wonder boy?"
"Do you know the pineapple song?"
"No darlin, you sing it to me"
"I got do do do push that pineapple under that tree.."
LMFAO...he has no rythm and is completely tone deaf (yes like his mother) but god he made me laugh...I'll have to get on to teaching him the right words one day! hehe
felt good to laugh, been a while since I really really laughed, and in 2 seconds he managed to achieve that..thanks darlin boy. I love you.

I finished my layout for Donna's blog challenge, the challenge was to paint your background and use a 5 x 7 photo..
I started off with white cardstock and lightly painted it with blue, then painted the rainbow and clouds plus painting the little chipboard arrow..
Not sure if you can read the stickers but one says :Life is like a rainbow, you need both the sun and the rain to make its colors appear, and the other one says "Just be yourself and the world will be a much more colorful place"
Hope you like the layout Donna!

Happiness....

2007-08-26T21:54:00.000+10:00

Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today and I'm going to be happy in it.
-Groucho Marx

This is going to be my new motto from now on.
I broke last night, really broke...rock bottom broken..I'm suffering from depression and I can't see an end in sight right now. I'm going back to the Dr's and I think I'm going to need stronger meds.. I can't pretend anymore, I'm not happy, I haven't been for a while which makes me so angry..from the outside I have this amazing wonderful life, and I do..it's perfect...then why aren't I happy? I can't figure it out. Makes me so angry, apparently that's the emotions, emotions I cannot control right now, and I'm no good to anyone like this. So I need to fix it, last night was my lowest..I had to tell 3 of my closest friends, 3 people who mean the world to me.I was petrified that they would walk away, I lost so many friends in the past once they found out, and I know that they weren't true friends to begin with, but it stings and surfaces a whole lot of insecurities that I dont want to face, or deal with. They have promised me that they are not going anywhere and that they will stand beside me, behind me and in front of me if that's what is needed right now..
So all I can do is hope, hope that it doesn't seem to hard for them, hope that I don't bring them down when I'm having an off day, hope that they wont look at me with pity on their face. The rational part of me knows that this is an illness, but the irrational part of me is telling me that it's all my fault, that I'm screwed in the head.
It's a cruel, nasty horrible, disease, one that completely takes over your life. That has the power to control every emotion you have, and you have no control over it, you are powerless to try and maintain some sort of normality, some feeling of being in control, being the mum who is happy all the time.
That in itself scares me, the complete lack of control, all my life I have had control, to the point where I was a control freak, right now I have none, I question everything I do, from the slightest decisions to the major ones. I am completely insecure about who I am as a person and what I can offer people. I honestly couldn't tell you what I actually like about myself, all I can tell you is that I am not this whiny, clingy, paranoid, sad person. I don't know who I am anymore and it scares me.
If I dont know who I am, how the hell is everyone else suppose to know??
And what if I am setting up a pattern for my kids to suffer depression? the thought terrifies me, I couldn't bear them ever feeling like this, it would break my heart. They should never have to feel this sadness. And what if they increase the dosage of my meds and I never come off them? what if I am on them for the rest of my life? am I ever going to be able to function without them?
I'm really going to try and live by that motto every day now, I need something to hang on to right now. And at the moment it's my kids, my husband, my best friend and hope...Hope that they don't realise they deserve better and walk away from me...

Donna, honey, you asked me to do a layout with all the things I am grateful about...I've tried so many times to do it, and every time I try I start crying again, so sweetheart this list is for you, my list of gratefulness, my list of what's pulling me through right now...

*My husband, without him I honestly wouldn't be around..
*My kids, my centre of my world, they balance me, and make me realise that I have to fight this
*My best friend, the female version of Scotty..there are days I just need to hear her voice and things seem better, right in that moment, when time stands still, things are better.
*The tiny little voice in my head..saying "just hold on, if you get through this crap, life will be amazing"

That's all I have right now honey, but I will be adding to it..I promise you...

So if anyone is actually reading, thanks for listening to me go on about falling apart, if no-one is reading, I think this is going to be the best way for me to process things and get it out there.

Over and out..
Tam