15 Days to go!!

Well, isn't Christmas approaching a bit too fast! I am still "barely" prepared but have the kids stuff so, that is the main thing.

The kids have finished school for the year and I am over the moon with their report cards. Britney (8) got an overall percentage of 99.24%... WOW!! Jayden was good too coming in at around 95% and Cristine didn't get "scored". They are happy to be finished for the year and I think they are quite excited about starting at a new school next year -

it will be totally different for them but I am sure they will do just fine.

Well, in the coming weeks I will be sharing some news with those who visit my blog so, stay tuned.

I've been rather slack in the scrapping department so I have no LO's to share but I have shared one of Rylan's photos with you that I lurve!

I'm still alive :)

I've been neglecting my blog again :( It's such a busy time of the year.

I still havn't done much Christmas present shopping but I did finish my youngest sisters Christmas present. A mini clear album. It was SOOO much fun to make and I'm looking forward to making more. The only thing I don't like about it is the jump rings... they are a bit too big so I will get some smaller ones. I've added a couple of piccie of the album for you to have a lookie :)

I've joined a new scrapbooking forum... Allcraftz 4 U, and I am LOVIN' it! It started off as a store and they've just recently got the forum started. They are a great bunch of girls and sooo friendly and did I mention that the "Queen" (I use that word in a loving way) over there ~E~ is so, so generous!!! Anyway, if you havn't checked out the forum ... check it out and check out the store too - some very great things to be had.

I'm back :)

I've made it back on here...Yay for me!

I said I would share some photos from the weekend and I don't like to go back on my word so here they are.

If you look really closely at this 2nd pic, you will see Jayden perched on the rocks looking like he is ready to jump... he didn't. These pics were taken at Cowah Falls which is located inside Landcruiser Mountain Park.

I have a bad habit!!

You've probably guessed what it is... blogging once a week! I am going to try and get around to adding a few entries this week...fingers crossed.

Well, Hubby, the 4 kids and I just got back from a weekend away today. Cris was in a 4x4 challenge so we were camping at LandCruiser Mountain Park, Jimna. No huge damage was done to the truck this weekend thank goodness as that means more money in our pockets or local scrapbook shop if I get my own way.

On Friday, I bought a heap of supplies to make my littlest sister (17) a mini clear scrap book on herself for Christmas. It will be the first clear album I've made so fingers crossed it turns out OK. I will add some pics here once it's done.

I've been super tired lately and over the weekend have been lucky enough to get daily nanna naps :)

I'm blogging from my Mum's so I can't post any pics from the weekend so I now have an excuse to HAVE to post tomorrow.. till then... laters :)

Hmm, Don't know what happened with the OOPS post??

Anyhow, I've managed to neglect my blog for another week... typical.

I had 2 kiddies parties to taxi the kids to today. First one was at 11am and the 2nd at 2pm. The kids had a ball but I am exhausted! It's much harder looking after a toddler away from home.

Here are some photos from the Pm party...

Will try to "blog" some more tomorrow...

My weekly review...

I just realised that I have not contributed to my blog for a whole week so though I would give a weekly review.

This week, on wednesday to be exact I spent the whole day being pampered. My youngest sister is close to graduating as a Beauty Therapist and she needed a "model" for her practical exams. First of all I had a full leg wax, bikini wax, underarm wax, chin, lip and eyebrow wax. Now, let me just say that I did NOT need my chin and lip waxed but it was part of the package so to speak. I so needed my legs and underarms done... Belinda (sister) told me that I wasn't allowed to shave for 2 weeks so I ended up looking like a love interest for a Yowie and was wearing jeans on stinking hot days. Anyhow, after all the waxing (Oh, I didn't mention but I LOVE being waxed... call me strange but it's true) I had a 1 hour full body massage in which I fell asleep it was that good followed by lunch and then... a beautiful facial - cleanse, exfoliation, steam, etc as well as head, neck and shoulder massage (mmm, more massaging) and I fell asleep again. To complete the day I had a manicure and got my nail painted a very pretty pink.

All that rest and relaxation did come to an end though... Britney was sick on Thursday so spent the day at home with me and when Friday rolled in well - let me explain.

I constantly have to tell the girls to get ready for school... Girls, put your uniforms on, girls put your shoes and sock on, girls have breaky (you get my drift). Friday was no different and here is how a conversation went...

Me - Brit, put your shoes and socks on

Brit - yeah, yeah Ok

Me (10 mins later) - Brit! Shoes!

Brit - They are in the car

Me - You'd wanna hope they are

Brit - Yep, I'm sure

Me - If they're not you are gonna be in BIG trouble

So, off we go. We get to school and this is the next convo...

Me - Britney, put your other shoe on

Brit - I can't find it

Me - Have a good look under the chairs and everything

Brit - It's not in here

Me - Well, you are going to have to wear your barbie sandals over your socks

Brit - Can you write me a note?

Me - Ok, fine (very annoyed by now)

The note went like this...

"Dear Mrs Simpson, Please excuse Britney's shoes today. After telling Britney a number of times this morning to put her shoes on she only assumed both were in the car. If you feel she needs a detention I have no problems with that.

Regards, Kym"

Britney read the note, started crying and spent the day with me !!!

On that note, I will leave you with a picture of my 'happy little vegemite Rylan.

Filling in time...

I'm quite bored at the moment so thought I would add to my blog. I didn't know what I would add and still don't so be warned that you will probably now encounter lots of BLAH, BLAH, BLAH lol.





I took part in a scrapbooking 30 minute challenge today which was lots of fun - I do have to remember though that next time I plan on doing such a thing "SMIRNOFF IS NOT GOOD FOR CONCERTRATION AND CREATIVITY"


Here is my effort from the challenge anyway...

We had 15 minutes to gather something pink (paper, something pink in a photo, etc), ribbon, letter/number stickers or rubons and staples. Then we had 30 minutes to complete the Layout. I'm not too keen on my LO but I guess it's not too bad and I'm looking forward to the next challenge....Thanks Ruby, you're a gem.

I told you 10 things that you may not know about me so I thought that tonight I would tell a few of my 3's -

LAST 3 JOBS

1. Website sales assistant
2. Video store operator/manager
3. Waitress

LAST 3 SUBURBS I LIVED IN

1. Morayfield, Qld
2. Deception Bay, Qld
3. Karana Downs, Qld

LAST 3 CARS

1. Holden Commodore VL (current)
2. Nissan Patrol GU (current)
3. Suzuki Baleno

LAST 3 MOVIES I WATCHED

1. Raising Arizona
2. Murder at 1600
3. Fantastic 4 - Rise of the silver surfer

Oh no, another addiction!

Well, I fell victim to the "Face book" yesterday! It is soooo addictive but fun at the same time. I managed to find a Bestie of mine from primary school, a cousin I havn't seen or spoken to for years, some girls from the SM forum and so many others. If you want me to add you as a "friend" just shoot me a comment on here.

I'm slowly but surely getting over this Laryngitis and bronchitis thank goodness. I don't think my ribs could take much more of the barking/coughing I was doing... LOL.

I can't believe that this week is neally over and I remember thinking this exact same thing last week! Does time REALLY go faster as you get older? It's going to be Christmas before I know it and I'm not that prepared yet...>insert sigh here<

Anyhow, I just wanted to send a shout out to Mandz. I know you visit my blog from time to time so I just wanted to say "Hi" and that I'm thinking of ya... always xo

Pieces of me...

I thought that I would post 10 facts about myself that you may not know. So, here goes...

#1 - I am very multicultural! I'm part PNG, German, Swedish, Polynesian, Malenesian, English, Aussie & the list DOES go on.
#2 - I have owned 11 cars in the last 11 years.
#3 - I want a tattoo of a hibiscus on my lower back but I'm too chicken to go ahead with it.... kinda permanant aren't they? lol
#4 - I use to be the operator of a video store
#5 - I now have a DVD addiction (I have approx 250 in my personal collection)
#6 - My Hubby and I use to own a 4x4 Accessories shop, now we just run the business from home through our website... www.4x4accessories.com.au
#7 - I'm thinking about having another baby - Yes, this will make it baby # 5 :)
#8 - I love herbal tea! My fave at the moment is Black Adder Licorice tea
#9 - I'm a very shy person & often find it hard to make conversation with people I don't know too well. This is often misread as me being a snob :(
#10 - I have been driving un-licenced since July so I'm going to get my licence today.

Well, here's hoping my licence photo's turns out nice xo

My sculpey Holly

Well, here is the holly! These were a tad fiddly to do but fun also. I've got so many christmas photos so I may just have to make myself a couple of extras for a LO or two.

Yay... Monday - kids are at school

I'm savoring the peace right now... ahh! :) That is apart from Rylan racing around and climbing, yep climbing up my screen doors.

I was having a bit of a struggle with completing a LO for one of the "I challenge you" challenges using ALOT of circles in the LO but, I finally finished it last night and Ithink I like it.

I'm out today to buy some more sculpey to make some Christmas Holly for another swap that I am doing.. will share some pics when I am done but for now, this is my "circle" LO.

From a head cold to.....

Well, I started the week off with a minor head cold and now have Laryngitus and Bronchitis!! What a mix hey? The Dr has me on antibiotics and changed my asthma medication.

I thought that I would share a quick pic of the little Watermelon sculpey buttons that I made for a swap that the lovely young Ruby is hosting.

Ooops!

I just realised that I have a pic of all my family on my blog except... my beautiful little Cristine! Before Rylan was born I use to say that Cristine kept me sane when Jayden and Britney were really trialing. I love my baby girl to bits, she's such a doll. At the moment, her progression with school is a bit worrying as she is REALLY far behind her peers and this is her 2nd year of prep. As a mother, it's a little stressing as I don't know exactly what is wrong and next year is fast approaching... they will be going to a different school next year and I just don't know how she will cope. Cristine's current teacher is a true angel! She has customised ALL Cristine's work so that's it's "doable" but still slightly challenging for her.

Anyhow, this is Cristine on her sports day this year...

Terrific Tuesday

Ok, I am lying! Today is not so terrific, i'm sick and my house is a mess and do you think that I can work up the motivation to do something about it...

Apart from that, life is good! I have 4 healthy children, a wonderful husband, food in my pantry, a roof over my head, great family and friends so - I shouldn't really complain hey.

Cris and I have been together 9 years tomorrow and as the years go by, the photos that we have together seem to be getting "rarely" taken so I'm trying to remember to take a photo of just the 2 of us on a weekly basis. I took this one on the weekend and thought that I'd share. Can you tell we're still in love?? lol :)

CHECK OUT THIS GIRLS STUFF...

Wow, 2 posts 2 days in a row... I spend too much time on the net I think :)

Kayla is on a forum that I visit (scrapbooking memories) and she has made the most gorgeous earrings so if you have a spare minute... or 5 - check out her stuff...

http://www.addictedtocute.blogspot.com

RED MARBLES

I received this email today and thought that I would post it up on my blog so... here goes. It is quite long but, IMO worth the read.

RED MARBLES

I was at the corner grocery store buying some early potatoes.
I noticed a small boy, delicate of bone and feature, ragged but clean,
hungrily apprising a basket of freshly picked green peas.
I paid for my potatoes but was also drawn to the display of
fresh green peas. I am a pushover for creamed peas and new potatoes.
Pondering the peas, I couldn't help overhearing the conversation between
Mr. Miller (the store owner) and the ragged boy next to me.
"Hello Barry, how are you today?"
"H'lo, Mr. Miller. Fine, thank ya. Jus' admirin' them peas. They sure
look good."
"They are good, Barry. How's your Ma?"
"Fine. Gittin' stronger alla' time."
"Good. Anything I can help you with?"
No, Sir. Jus' admirin' them peas."
"Would you like to take some home?" asked Mr. Miller.
"No, Sir. Got nuthin' to pay for 'em with."
"Well, what have you to trade me for some of those peas?"
"All I got's my prize marble here."
"Is that right? Let me see it" said Miller.
"Here 'tis. She's a dandy."
"I can see that. Hmmmmm, only thing is this one is blue and I sort of go
for red. Do you have a red one like this at home?" the store owner
asked.
"Not zackley but almost."
"Tell you what. Take this sack of peas home with you and
next trip this way let me look at that red marble", Mr. Miller told the
boy.
"Sure will. Thanks Mr. Miller."
Mrs. Miller, who had been standing nearby, came over to help me. With a
smile she said, "There are two other boys like him in our community, all
three are in very poor circumstances. Jim just loves to bargain with
them
for peas, apples, tomatoes, or whatever. When they come back with their
red
marbles, and they always do, he decides he doesn't like red after all
and he
sends them home with a bag of produce for a green marble or an orange
one,
when they come on their next trip to the store."
I left the store smiling to myself, impressed with this man. A short time
later I moved to Colorado , but I never forgot the story of this man, the
boys, and their bartering for marbles.
Several years went by, each more rapid than the previous one.
Just recently I had occasion to visit some old friends in that Idaho
community and while I was there learned that Mr. Miller had died. They were
having his visitation that evening and knowing my friends wanted to go, I
agreed to accompany them. Upon arrival at the mortuary we fell into line to
meet the relatives of the deceased and to offer whatever words
of comfort we could. Ahead of us in line were three young men. One was in an
army uniform and
the other two wore nice haircuts, dark suits and white shirts ... all very
professional looking. They approached Mrs. Miller, standingcomposed and
smiling by her husband's casket. Each of the young men hugged her,
kissed her on the cheek, spoke briefly with her and moved on to the casket.
Her misty light blue eyes followed them as, one by one, each young man
stopped briefly and placed his own warm hand over the cold pale hand in the
casket. Each left the mortuary awkwardly, wiping his eyes.
Our turn came to meet Mrs. Miller. I told her who I was and reminded her of
the story from those many years ago and what she had told me about her
husband's bartering for marbles. With her eyes glistening, she took my hand
and led me to the casket.
"Those three young men who just left were the boys I told you about.
They just told me how they appreciated the things Jim "traded" them.
Now, at last, when Jim could not change his mind about color or size, they
came to pay their debt."
"We've never had a great deal of the wealth of this world," she confided,
"but right now, Jim would consider himself the richest man in Idaho." With
loving gentleness she lifted the lifeless fingers of her deceased husband.
Resting underneath were three exquisitely shined red marbles.
The Moral : We will not be remembered by our words, but by our kind deeds.
Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take
our breath.

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My Britney

On the holidays, I told Britney that I would sign her up to do a "Kids Crop" at our LSS. Well, I forgot didn't I and had a VERY teary Britney :(

Anyhow, her and I had a scrap session and she completed her very first LO all by herself (I helped poke the brads throught the paper... that's all). I'm so proud of her efforts and judging by her picture, I think that she is too.

The holidays are neally over!

For some odd reason, my kids finished up for the holidays a week earlier than other schools and are going back a week earlier so... I am half way through week 2. We've had a good time together and I havn't been stressed out of anything (well, much).

The girls slept at Mum's (Mamps, to them) house for the weekend and Cris, Me and the boys all went camping at LandCruiser Mountain Park to help out with the XI (Xtreme International) winch challenge. The photo on the left is Rylan checking out all the big race trucks and the photo below is Jayden.

We are off to LCM Park again this weekend and will have the girls as well.

A visit with Summah...

Fianlly got to see my new little niece, Summah again today. She is 3 weeks old now and still beautiful... as expected. Jayden, Britney and Cristine got to meet her at long last too as they were at school when Rylan and I first saw her in hospital when she was only a couple of hours old.

Went to look at a rental property today. Drove about 40min to find out it is not fenced at all and that our 4 wheel drives will NOT fit in the shed cause they are too big... ah well, such is life.

I should really put some pictures on this blog...

Kids sports carnival today

Whoa... what a big day! The 3 older kids had their sports carnival today and I am exhausted. How I am buggered has me beat as I didn't even race???
The all done very well, bringing home many shiny blue "first" ribbons!!! A mother has to be proud of that. Little Cristine done well too bringing home a "second" and "third" ribbon. She may have been in a group of only 3 but... that is not the point!

Today provided lots of photos to do lots of scrapping so I had better hurry up and catch up on the kids albums.

Apart from racing... we are still looking for a house with a shed and Britney's room is still a mess... never ends!

Lazy Saturday

Yay, it's the weekend!

So much to do and so little time though!

We are trying to find somewhere to rent at the moment with a big shed for Cris's "enjoyment" and OMG... they are hard to come by and rental prices at the moment are well, HIGH!

Apart from searching for properties this weekend, I need to sort out Britney's (age 8) room to make way for her new bedroom setting and that could very well take up my whole weekend :(

I need to get into more scrapbooking as well - maybe I should just make Britney sort out her own room and make Cris look for "that house with a big shed".