I've just finished my layout for the Aussie Pub Call Roadmap monthly sketch (http://roadmaps.aussiepubcalls.com.au/). Talk about leaving it to the last minute! And I've still got 5 hours to try and finish my 1,2,3 Challenge http://www.ourbrightstarsandus.typepad.com/123challenge/ (but I am not holding my breath on that one!). Got to get the kids to sleep first. Yeah, right!!!!

So much attitude...

Here's one of my favourite layouts at the moment. I did this one for Blossie's (www.blossies.com.au). Don't you just love the look on little missy's face? Priceless!!! Just as long as she's not like this on Monday, as she is off to Caloundra to shoot a commercial for Queensland Transport. Let's hope it's a nice day and that my daughter's attitude is the same. (-: Can't wait to get some photos of my darling in action. Should be a fun day!

Card making...

As many of you would know, I am not a card-maker. I struggle with it. But so many Creative Team applications ask for cards (or off the page projects). I decided I had better give this card-making thing another chance. After receiving the advice of "think of it as a mini layout", this is what I came up with. Not half bad! Even if I do say so myself. I mean, it can't be all that bad if both my daughters are fighting over who is going to receive it for their birthday. Guess I'd better go make another one...

Sketches and movies...

I've been busy this past couple of months completing sketches from Pencilines http://www.pencillines.com/. Thought I might share them with you. When I first started doing sketches I found it rather awkard, but I think I have finally got the hang of it, and I actually look forward to their new sketch every week.

Now on a totally different topic, guess what I just got - the Twilight Soundtrack. And I LOVE it! I've been playing it while I am scrapping and blogging. My poor DH thinks I have lost the plot. Now, it might have something to do with the fact that I went to see the Twilight movie this afternoon, with my girlfriend Megan. The problem is, it's the third time I've seen the movie, and I so can't wait for it to come out on DVD. I'll be first in line to purchase it. (-: Might as well just face the fact - it's an obsession and addiction, and I'm not fighting it one single bit.

A Late Valentine's Surprise...

My DH and I don't usually celebrate Valentine's Day, but this year he decided to surprise me. Admittedly, this bouquet of a dozen roses didn't turn up until two days after Valentine's, but it wasn't entirely his fault. Being stuck out in the middle of the South Australian desert, with internet access that wasn't working, made it a little difficult to get these flowers ordered. There's no mobile phone access out there either.

So it was a nice surprise to come home after picking up the girls to find these waiting on our doorstep (I think DH was feeling particularly guilty because he totally forgot to get me anything for Christmas) (-: But that's another story and we won't go there...

Prima Frugal Scrapper Competition...

Here's my finished layout for the Prima Frugal Scrapper Competition. http://prima.typepad.com/prima/contest/

What a fun challenge - definitely different using packaging as paper and embellishments. Makes you think outside the square! But I am very happy with the end result. I've used packaging for my base, background papers, trims and edging, journalling spot, flowers, and border. The only things that aren't recycled are the chipboard alphas, bling flourishes, rhinestones and glitter.

Here's my take on today's new sketch for Crafty Sketches. Make sure you go and check out all the other inspiration layouts done by the DT. And why not have a go at the sketch too?

Here's a sneek peak of my Crafty Sketches layout. Don't you just love the colour combination? So bright and colourful. The next sketch will be posted on the 15th February - make sure you check back on this day to view all the layouts created by the DT.

What a weekend! My poor darling daughters are exhausted. Yesterday we went to Chipmunks (a large playcentre for children) to meet up with some friends (it saves my house from getting trashed!). We got there about 10:00am and I thought we'd be out of there by 2pm, or 3 at the latest. No! We left at 5pm. So I spent a total of 7 hours there talking with three other friends that joined me. My girls were sweaty, tired and cranky by the end of the day. (-: But they loved every minute of it, so I can't complain.

Then today, I went to Jennifer's place (one of the ladies who joined me at Chipmunks yesterday), and our 4 girls spent the day in the pool. So I am guessing that we might all be struggling to get up and get going in the morning.

I'm about to try and get a little scrapping done tonight, and more this week, as I have deadlines looming. Will share some layouts with you soon.

18 months...

It's amazing how much can change in 18 months. When I started at the gym in July 2007, I weighed in at 133.5kgs. Yes, I am actually putting it in print so that I have to face reality! I now weigh in at under 120kgs (and still dropping). I have sustained more injuries and illnesses in the past 18 months, than is fair. For every step forward I took with my weight loss, an injury or illness would put me back 2 steps. But I persevered (even when I really, really, really wanted to quit!!!).

But today was the best! I started running back in October 2008. I couldn't even run 50 metres without stopping and huffing and puffing for breath. It nearly killed me. I hated it and didn't believe I could ever, ever be a runner. Things change. Today I ran 1 kilometre without stopping (it took me about 7 minutes on the treadmill). And I still (maybe) had enough in me to go another 250-500 metres if I had really been pushed. But that will be next week's trial.

So now I know, if I can run 1 kilometre without stopping, then 2 kilometres isn't impossible either. I will let you know how I go...

After nearly seven (?) weeks of having my mum here with me, she has finally gone home. It's been so good having her here and I think I am going to miss her greatly (she did all my sewing, and kept the kids entertained). (-: And it was nice having another adult to talk too. With hubby away so much I do miss having someone to talk too. The good news is that she will be back about the middle of March for a week or so.

I'm sore! So very, very sore. Even though I go to the gym four or five times a week, I still get sore because I change classes and try different things - thus using different muscles. But what made it even worse today, was that after my morning session at the gym, I had to go to Karate tonight. And it was not an easy session. My Sensai punished us tonight - it was like doing another training session at the gym. I was shaking all over when we finally finished. And both my girls complained about how hard it was - so I had to set an example and not quit the exercises when I really wanted to. I'm dreading tomorrow. Seriously, I don't think I am going to be able to walk.

I guess I'd better go take some pain killers. I'm going to need them...(-:

I received an unexpected surprise today - check out page 103 of Scrapbook Creations Issue 63. Had no idea I was going to be published in this issue (as it was supposed to be in the last issue and wasn't, so I thought they had changed their minds). That's my second publication in 3 months, so I am over-the-moon. My patience and persisitence is starting to pay off. (-:

Here's my current sketch for Crafty Sketches. Keep your eye out for the next one on the 15th February.