Clowning around...and blog candy...

Today we went to a kiddies birthday party, and the entertainment was this pair of clowns. Peebo and Dagwood by name, and OMG!!!! They were BRILLIANT!!! seriously, I couldn't stop laughing.

And the kids absolutely loved them. But boy, was it noisy when the kids starting cheering and screaming and clapping. Ear plugs really would have been a good option. (-: Keana was absolutely fascinated by them, and watched them closely, enthralled by what they were doing.

Malayla was all for it, getting in on the action. They even chose her from the crowd to help with one of the magic acts. It made her day.

This is the, "Mummy, I don't want to do pretty photos, I want to do silly photos" look. Thank goodness for digital cameras. Several silly photos later, I finally got the pretty poses I was after, so we all left happy.

Don't forget about my blog candy competition. Go here for details on how to win.

Christmas fairies...and visitors...

Meet Fudge, one of the class mascots, who has been chosen to spend a night at our house (lucky me!!!). The deal is, I have to photograph Fudge doing all our family activities, then stick the photos in a scrap book, and return said book and fur-ball back to the school tomorrow. Nothing like a bit of pressure when I've already got way too much on my plate! Aaargghhh!!!!!

Here's my youngest dressed up for her Prep class Nativity performance. They held the play at the school this evening. We have just returned, and I must say, it was oh, so cute! The Preppies were just adorable.

While most of the class got to dress up in proper costumes organised by the school, Keana was a narrator, and was told to simply wear something red and green. Well I didn't think it was fair that the rest of the class got to dress up, while my daughter didn't. So I went and purchased a red and green fairy costume for her. Now, isn't she just the cutest Narrator,ever? Did I mention that she loved the microphone and really didn't want to part with it. Nope, she wasn't going to share it with the others, or let it out of her hands. (-: My daughter definitely isn't stage shy.

Here are my two sweet girls, all dressed up, and looking gorgeous. Malayla wore her new Christmas outfit. It has butterflies all over the skirt.

Here's Keana and Grace, one of Keana's closest friends. She has three best buddies- Grace, Veronica and Jessica (who's father Justin is my personal trainer). Talk about chalk and cheese with these two...(-: But they love each other dearly.

Inspired by colours...

This is the advertisement for this month's challenge over at What's Ad About? Don't you just love the colours and patterns? Absolutely gorgeous inspiration.

And this is what I came up with from my inspiration. Thank-you Bo-Bunny for providing just the perfect choice of papers. (-: And of course Prima, for providing the perfect flowers for the finishing touches. (-: Titled: My Day To Shine.

Want to win this Christmas Blog Candy?

This year, I wanted to do something different for Christmas. I want to give away something that will hopefully make someone else very happy, to brighten their day a little. So I am offering four packs of this Blog Candy. They are not huge packs (due to a limited budget), and I hope to add a few more things between now and the deadline (if I can find the time to do some shopping). Each pack varies slightly in the colours, but includes a Kaisercraft chipboard album, some Prima pearls and flowers, some mini alpha stickers, Kaisercraft rhinestones, and a mixed bag of Prima Sultan and Rajah centres. Would you like the opportunity to win? If so, all you need to do is the following:

1. Leave a comment on this post telling me what you love most about Christmas.
2. Make a post about my blog candy on your blog, and share it with your friends.

The deadline for this draw is 2oth December (and will hopefully go into the mail the next day). This is open world wide. Yes, that means, anyone, anywhere in the world can participate. (-:

UPDATE: I have since added some Prima stamps, Prima bird and butterfly embellishments, and a few other items.

***UPDATE: THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED!***

Fun with Bo-Bunny...

I decided to have a little fun with my stash of Bo-Bunny papers. They have been neglected lately, and I decided it was high time to get motivated, and use them. And here's the end result. For those who are wondering, the blue metallic ink you can see around the edge of the photo, and on the red leaves, is actually the new Smooch Inks. I purchased a couple of bottles earlier this week, and have been dying to try them. So this was the perfect opportunity. The verdict - I love them. The colours are gorgeous, and they are good for doodling, too. I even did hidden journalling on this layout, something I haven't done in ages. I love the deep, rich colours of the gypsy range. They are so vibrant, exotic and enticing.

Another one bites the dust!

Woo-hoo! Missy Moo lost another bottom tooth last night. She's a happy little duckie at the moment. Already trying to find the next tooth that is loose. (-: Now that she's got the hang of wiggling her teeth, she's all for it!!! I guess I had better go and warn the tooth fairy...(-:

New Moon review...

So I promised not to reveal any of the storyline for the new Twilight movie, New Moon. And I will keep that promise. What I can say is this - Jacob Black!!!! OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!! Seriously, Taylor Lautner is gorgeous, and has a huge future before him. He plays the role of Jacob brilliantly. And you know all these photos we've seen with his biceps and abs showing? Well, that's nothing. They don't do him justice at all. He is 100 times better looking in the movie. Honestly, I think he steals the show...(-: Vampires? What vampires??? I know what I'll be dreaming of tonight, and tomorrow night...and the one after...

Christmas project with a helping hand...

My eldest daughter came home from school on Friday and informed me that I had to make her a Christmas box before Monday morning. Say what?!?!?! After a few phone calls to other mothers to confirm this was actually the case, we went shopping for supplies. But I refused to do the whole thing myself as it was meant to be a school project. So I covered a large silver box in Kaisercraft papers, and added some twill ribbon around the top of the lid, to make it easier for little hands to grip it. I then cut out about 20 or so Chritsmas trees for my daughter to adhere to the box at a later date. I supplied her with pearls, rhinestones, alpha stickers, kindy glitz, photos and double sided tape. I then sent the box and all the supplies to school with her, so she could finish her projest in the classroom. Anyway, today the box came home finished (so I could photograph it). It goes back to the school tomorrow.

Here's a side view of the box. Malayla stuck on all these trees by herself, and decorate them with bling. Did I mention how happy she is with her box? She had a huge grin on her face when she showed it to me. It was just the sweetest thing to see her so happy with her handy-work.

Well, at least this is one Christmas project completed. My wreath is still waiting...(-:

Let the dribbling begin!!!

It's here! It's here! It's here! I've got my ticket and I'm off to the movies to see New Moon. (-: Yummy, yummy, and more yummy. Yes, I am going to dribble. Do I care? No!!!! Just give me a bib! I do promise one thing though, I will not post anything on my blog, about the movie, as I don't want to ruin it for anyone who is yet to see it. I'm out of here!!!!....

Yummy for Christmas...

I have some very yummy Christmas Blog Candy RAKS (four to be exact) that will go up for grabs soon. I am just waiting on a few more items that I ordered to arrive, via Australia Post, and I will be ready to photograph and upload. Want a taste of what's to come? The goodies include a Kaisercarft album, Kaisercraft rhinestones, Prima stamps, Prima e-line flowewrs, Prima e-line rhinestones and pearls, and a mixed bag of Prima Sultan and Rajah centres, that I have raided from my stash. I will try and find a few other goodies between now and then. But because I am not associated with any big-name Design Teams, I don't have a big pile of stuff to give away. This has all come out of mine (and hubby's) pocket. So my RAKS will be a little bit smaller, and not as expansive. Hope you don't mind. But this is something that I felt I needed to do, all in the name of Christmas spirit. So stick around, I hope to have this up and running within the week...***forgot to mention that this will be open for my International readers and followers as well***

Colour combination...

This month's challenge over at Scrap The Girls is a colour combination of four colours - white, orange, light blue (sky), and red (strawberry). So here's my take on those colours. I just loved doing this layout because those are colours that I would not normally think of, to use for myself. So much fun!!!

"Not enough space" issues...

I need a new storage solution for my stash of Glimmermist bottles. (-: I have ten bottles too many, and I think there may be a couple more bottles arriving this week. My scrapping space is now completely full, and I'm at my wits end. Maybe I should ask Santa for a trip to IKEA so I can solve all my problems??? (-: Mmmmm...I think it's time to amuse myself, by writing out my wish list. ("What's that Santa? My DH said I could buy whatever I want!!!")...

A Tiger In The Bed...

My youngest has the best sense of humour. She makes me smile and laugh so much, and she is definitely the family clown. I asked her (and her sister) to make their beds this morning (most mornings they actually remember without me having to ask). But not today. So both girls did as I asked, then I dropped them at school, and returned home. And this is what I found. A tiger in the youngest daughter's bed. In typical Keana fashion, she made her bed, then added her own twist to it. Seriously, how darn cute is this??? (-: Gotta love her for it!!!!

Here's the last layout I have to complete for the Scrap With V Crop. I only have one card left to make. This layout is titled "Calm Before The Storm" and is about Keana's greates tantrum EVER!!!! This layout was created for Challenge 2 - Imperfect Beahviour, set by my wonderful friend, Jodi Dolbel.

Bad things...

happen in three's, or so they say. If this is true, then I still have one more bad thing to endure. Oh joy! Oh yippee!!! (*sarcasm intended!!!*). Bet you didn't think things could get any worse after kicking my toe on the bed post, did you? Well, guess again!!! I went to my personal training session this morning and informed Justin about my toe. So we agreed - no kicking, jumping or running. I was fine with that - after all, how much worse could things get (bwah! ha! ha! *Lots of hysterical laughter*). I FELL OFF THE LEG PRESS. Yep, you heard me right. I literally fell off it, in the middle of the gym, in a room full of people. How pissed was I? I mean, I have been using this piece of equipment for two years - it's not like I'm new at it. But I have very, very long legs, and today they got in the way. So now, I have an almighty graze and bruise up the back of my left leg, to go with the sore toe on my left foot. OK - at this point you can stop laughing!!! No, really, it's not that funny!! On the bright side - my toe isn't broken. Just extremely swollen and bruised. (*sigh!*). I'm dreading finding out what the third thing is...(-:

Bleep! Bleep! Bleep!

I have to censor what I actually said. The word I used started with an "F" and ended in a "K", and I'm glad my girls weren't around to hear me. What did I do? Something really, really, really stupid!!! I kicked my little toe on my left foot on the end of the bed. Yeah, I know, people do it all the time and it hurts. The problem is, I think I actually fractured or broke it. )-: It's swollen to nearly twice it's size, and it's turning black and blue. And having had a broken toe once before, I'm kind of familiar with how it feels. Far out!!!!!! My luck is just unbeliveable and non-exsistant. I'm supposed to have my personal training session tomorrow. Justin is probably going to laugh at me when I tell him what happened. Crap! Crap! And more crap!!! I'm off to find some pain killers...will update tomorrow (if I can even walk). Ha! Ha! Ha!

Sketch challenge...

I've just finished my layout for the sketch challenge set by Taryn, over at the Scrap With V Cyber Crop. Mmm...guess my very girly side came out in this one, didn't it??? (-: Not quite what I had in mind when I started this layout, but I've learnt not to fight my creative process, and to go with the flow. Either way, I'm happy with the end result.

Guess who...

just had this layout featured on the Prima blog site? Me!!! So, who's a happy girl then??? (-: What a lovely surprise indeed! Thank-you Prima!!!

Aussie Pub Calls Roadmaps November Sketch...

The November sketch for Aussie Pub Calls has just gone up. You have until the end of the month to submit your layout. There are three great prizes up for grabs, so why not come along and join in the fun? Here's my take on the sketch - "Sleepover".

It finally happened!!!

Last night, as she hopped into bed, it finally happened - her first tooth came out. Exactly one week, to the day, after her older sister lost her first tooth. This morning, I have one very happy, little girl. (-:

Yay! I got another layout completed for the Scrap With V cyber crop. This is challenge #1, set by Brigitte. I had to use mainly brown, blue and green, one extra sheet of paper, and one type of embellishment (I chose rhinestones). Plus a quote or poem. I really like the colours of this layout, and I am happy with the end result.

Layouts and updates...

I don't know how long it's been since I've done a layout just for me, just because I wanted to. This layout is not for any deadline, crop, DT requirement, or anything else. I did it just for me, because I wanted to. And I'm very happy about that!

This layout was created for the Blind Scrap Challenge over at the Scrap With V Cyber Crop that is going on this weekend. The theme is "Not So Perfect". So to keep with the theme, I have used a blurry photo, and torn and distressed all my paper edges so they are not perfect. This was a really great and fun challenge - loved every minute of it.

On another note, over the next couple of months, I am going to be getting rid of a lot of scrapping stuff (some will be raks, other stuff will be available for sale), and some young girls clothes (mainly size 5, size 6 and size 7 - Pumpkin Patch, Target, Fred Bare, Wayne Cooper Jnr. etc.). I will post each item for sale on my blog as it becomes available. It's time for a BIG cleanout!!!

My epiphany!

Today, I had a little time to myself, while I got my hair done (long overdue, by the way!!!). While sipping a cup of coffee, I asked myself this question - "Why do I do scrapbooking?" And then I had an epiphany. The answer was as clear as crystal. "I do scrapbooking to keep myself sane, and to drive my husband crazy!!!" Isn't that why we all do scrapbooking? What other possible reason is there? LOL!!!

I just wanted to share this thought with you. (-:

Guess where I went today?

I went on a school excursion to Trevena Glen farm, out near Mt Samson. All the children got to ride a horse (but not me, I missed out - NOT FAIR!!!)

They all got to feed the baby lambs. It was so funny, because there were 10 or so lambs in a pen, and when they let them out for feeding, they charged the children, who screamed and scattered. I nearly wet myself laughing...watching that, was worth the sore feet that I now have, from walking around all day. (-:

Yes, that is a chicken sitting on a hat. They had them so well trained...the chicken that is, not the children. (Ha! Ha! Ha!)

Yep, they even got to milk a cow. And taste "real" milk. They needed two children to volunteer to find out what milk, straight from the cow, is like (I nominated my daughter for this). They did this by squeezing milk directly into their mouths. They got the biggest shock to find out that the milk is actually warm, not cold. The look upon their faces was just priceless...

And each child got to ride a bull (meet Brutus!!) He is a big, gentle giant, and behaved perfectly around the children. They also went on a tractor and wagon ride, and got to hold some chickens. We also saw ducklings, pigs, sheep, horses, a drake, and cows. Now, it is time for me to put my feet up, because they are seriously killing me...

Lucky me!

Look what I received to day from this beautiful lady - Ness! This is the lady who fed my addiction to scrapbboking, and has helped to maintain that addiction ever since. (-: Mwah! Love you for it! (-:

Here are the rules of this award
1. You can only use ONE word!!!
2. Pass this along to 5 of your favorite bloggers!
3. Alert them that you have given them this award!
4. HAVE FUN!

1. Where is your cell phone? Handbag
2. Your hair? Red
3. Your mother? Gilgandra
4. Your father? Divorced
5. Your fave food? Seafood
6. Your dream last night? Vivid
7. Your fave drink? Latte
8. Your dream/goal? Travel
9. What room are you in? Scrapbooking
10. Your hobby? Scrapbooking
11. Your fear? Suffocation
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Canada
13. Where were you last night? Home
14. Something that you aren't? Patient
15. Muffins? Sometimes
16. Wish List item? Cayenne (Porsche)
17. Where did you grow up? Australia
18. Last thing you did? Dishes
19. What are you wearing? Minimal
20. Your TV? Off
21. Your pets? Cats
22. Friends? Special
23. Your life? Stressful
24. Your mood? Tired
25. Missing someone? Megan
26. Vehicle? Tribute (Mazda)
27. Something your not wearing? Shoes
28. Your fav store? Victoria's Secret
29. Your fav colour? Red
30. Last time you laughed? Today
31. Last time you cried? October
32. Your best friend? Megan
33. One place that I go over and over? SushiDeli
34. One person who emails regularly? Amanda
35. Fave place to eat? La Guillotine

Now, my five chosen bloggers are the following amazing and talented people:

1. Jenn Stevens - Creative Chaos
2. Janine Kennedy - Scrapping Myself Sane
3. Melissa Walden - Strictly Scrapbooking and Photoshop
4. Wendy - Wendy's Wonderings
5. Kerry Murray - ScrapsKerry

Don't forget to pop over and visit their blogs - these are all amazing ladies who are incredibly talented, and wondefully inspiring.

weScrap November Sketch GD.

I've been waiting a while to share these layout with you, fellow scrappers and bloggers. This first one was created for weScrap as part of my role as Guest Designer. It is based on the weScrap November Newsletter sketch, created by Michelle Galloway.

I've withdrawn myself from the ArtyPants Guest Designer competition search. I just don't have the time necessary to give it my full attention. And I hate doing something half-hearted. I'm one of those people that have to give it my all, and focus, otherwise I'd rather not to it. Plus, it shows in my work. This is the first layout I created as part of the challenge, but the second one, I'm not showing you because I am so ashamed of it. I'm fairly certain it's one of my worst layouts ever. So it shall remain archived, forever!!! You'll just have to enjoy this one instead. (-:

Two in two days???

***UPDATE: Since doing this post, we have realised that Keana didn't actually lose her tooth, like we first thought. What she did, was knock her tooth sideways, so there is a great big gap there, and her tooth is pushed right up alongside the next tooth. So we are still waiting.... patiently (*sigh*)***.

Keana has decided to join her sister in the "Losing First Tooth" experience (see below). Except that Keana's experience, didn't go, quite as planned. We think she may have actually swallowed her tooth (no, I'm not a bad mommy laughing at my darling baby!!! No, NOT ME!!!). She had ballet and jazz lessons this afternoon. She had all her teeth before she started her lessons, but she was minus one tooth by the time she had finished. I think she swallowed it when she had a snack at break time. I must point out she was devastated at first, nearly in tears, until I explained we would write a letter to the tooth fairy explaining the situation. Thankfully, she accepted that proposal, and all is ok. Except that I will end up bioke if they both keep losing all their teeth at the same time. (-:

Seriously, how cute does she look? So even though they are 14 months apart, my two darlings have decided to start losing their first teeth within days of each other. Go figure!!! Oh well, guess I'd better go and raid another money box... (*sigh*)

Help needed...

Hi Fellow Scrappers. I have a little favour to ask, if I may. Aussie Pub Calls and Aussie Pub Calls Roadmaps needs some support (both participation support and sponsorship support). There are three ways that you can help. 1. Sign up as a member on Aussie Pub Calls. 2. Provide sponsorship for a month (or even more). 3. Participate in the November Sketch challenge at Aussie Pub Calls Roadmaps. If you can help in any way, it would be greatly appreciated. Sine has put in a lot of hard work to operate this site, and it would be a great shame to see it disappear. I really hope you can come and join us for some fun sketches, and great games.

Runner up...

I'm lucky enough to be this month's runner up over at "What's Ad About?" This is for the layout inspired by the Anthropologie advertisement. I loved this challenge because it pushed me to use colours that I would never have thought to use for myself. I can't wait to find out what November's challenge is...

Guess what happened today?

Finally, after waiting for months and months, Miss Moo has finally lost her first tooth. She is nearly 7 1/2 years old (and the eldest in her class), but she is one of the last to loose her teeth. And how excited was she? Absolutely over the moon!!! (-: I am just so happy for her.

She couldn't stop smiling for about an hour or so. Everytime I looked at her she was grinning. How funny is that? My sweet little baby... getting her adult teeth, slowly but surely.

This photo is blurry, but it really shows her excitement.

We went here...

yesterday, for a 7th birthday party. This is Suttons Beach at Redcliffe. It was for one of Malayla's classmates - Mitchell. There were about 15 children, and the water was beautiful.

Here's the other end of the beach - it was great because it was rather quiet and definitely not crowded.

Here's Missy Moo enjoying her lolly stash.

And here's Fuzzy with her popcorn - she ended up eating four cups of this popcorn. I couldn't keep her wawy from the stuff. (-: Lucky I was taking a break from being the strict mommy who doesn't let her daughters eat a whole pile of junk and lollies - but only because it was Halloween!!!

After swimming and food (or a sugar fix as I would call it), there was time for a play in the park. It was great to see all the kids playing so well together and having a wondeful time. When it was all over, we went home and started preparing for the Halloween party we were attending later that evening. (See photos below). More sugar and lollies....aarrghhh!!!!!!!!

Got Mojo? results...

I have been lucky enough to have another "honourable mention" over on the Got Mojo? site. Go here for a look. This was for the October Challenge - we had to use a quote from "Charlotte's Web." It was a great challenge - and I love the end result. (-:

It's share time!!!

It's that time again - I can show you all the layouts I have done for Blossie's. The November theme was fabric or lace - so I went with the lace. Here's my first layout titled: "Those Goggles". Doesn't she just look adorable (she was at a science birthday party).

Here's my second layout, simply titled: "Girl". It's about waiting for the arrival of my first born daughter. Yes, I know it's all in blue. Why? Because I felt like it! (-:

Here's my final alyout for Blossie's. Titled: "Must We?" It's about the relationaship between my daughter and our cat Pandora. Poor suffering kitty cat! (*giggle*)