Enlightening The World

Book Week

2011-09-04T19:27:00.000+10:00

I love my Mr Lincoln and Lady Liberty!

The theme for Book Week was around the world... so we worked with what we knew!

Saturday in Hipsta Land.

2011-07-30T20:28:00.000+10:00

Just for a bit of camera fun, I thought I would do my day in Hipstamatic photos taken on my iPhone.

It was a rough start to the day. Liberty had 2 days off school with a runny nose and woke up in the middle of the night throwing up "Spilling" as she calls it. This continued all night and into the morning. Poor little girl, she is such a good patient!

While Liberty watched movies in bed, Shawn and I sat by the fire and played with our photos on our iPhone/iPod.

Then it was time to start washing... Lots of items were in the wake of Liberty's bad night, including the floor, wall and rugs.

We had been planning for a few weeks to go to Armidale today. The Family History Group were honoring a Civil War Solider who is burried in Armidale. We all were looking forward to this having been to Gettysburg a few months ago. There was to be people dressed as Confederate Solders, and a band. So we took Liberty's "spill" bucket and got in the car.

Well, we found the band in the Armidale cemetery, but sadly, no solders!

Went home and unpacked the few essentials I got while in town. Liberty enjoyed the drive and had not spilled!

While it was nice out, I did a bit of renovating in the worm farm.

Then it was time for Shawn to go to a sleep over birthday party at his mates place.

Liberty was outside enjoying the sun, so Matt and I got some things done. First job was to get the compressor and blow out the heater/blower in the fire. (It is soooo good now!!)

While the sun was still a warm 14 degrees, I wanted to attack the side garden. I love this space, but it grows so well that you can not walk through it in late Spring and Summer. It is now all neat and tidy. I am tempted to paint the fence something bright....hmmmm

A few bulbs came out with the weeds, so I planted them out the back. While there, Matt commented that we should take those trees out. So we did. The car was the only way they were going to move!

The rope broke several times, and eventually ended up in our leverage plank!

Liberty had thrown up again, but came outside to sit in the car before it got cold. Such a trooper!

Dinner time. bed time. blog time.

Hipsta from the US of A

2011-07-24T20:05:00.003+10:00

I have been a very bad blogger.

Life has been busy since we have returned from our wonderful travels. Kids have settled back into school, Matt is busy with work, basketball and keeping the fire burning. I have picked up a good few weeks work at the school. The first few weeks were in the office and now I have at least another 4 in the food tech room.
It has been depressingly cold and I am missing the lovely weather that we had at the end of our time away, even Liberty comments that it is nicer in America.
I didn't take many photos with my iPhone while away, but I did have some fun with the Hipstamatic App. Below is a uniform taken on a submarine we toured in Pittsburg, a tunnel on the way into Pittsburg, the woods at Dad's and Bitty on a plane.

It's been awhile....

2011-05-25T21:50:00.005+10:00

Lots going on here! Just of few images of the past week. We went on a road trip outeast to Gettsburg, Hershey, Lancaster and Balttimore. We had a great few days!
Yesterday we went into Pittsburgh to the Science Center and Andy Warhol Museum.
Shawn and Liberty both had a great time and assisted with a high voltage talk.

We only had a few minutes before closing so Liberty and Matt had a turn as a human Yo-Yo while Shawn went on the trampolene.

Twin Lakes

2011-05-14T22:00:00.002+10:00

We went out to Twin Lakes twice this week. Once to walk the trails and the other to hire a paddle boat. It is a beautiful place and the weather was perfect, unfortunately the rain is back for the next week....

Today was going to be yard sales and more planting of flowers and vegies, but that plan is no longer.

Pittsburgh Pirates!

2011-05-08T21:22:00.002+10:00

Yesterday we went to a baseball game in Pittsburgh at PNC Park. it was a fantastic day and evening. We got back to Dads just after 11pm.
Shawn really got into the game and the feel of a ball park. He got himself a foam finger and even went down andgot some player autographs.
We went with some friends of ours from Armidale and his American inlaws. Actually, his parents are our neighbours.

Sunshine,at last!

2011-05-06T11:03:00.002+10:00

Today the sun made an appearence and it was so very welcome!
Still a chill in the air,but a nice blue sky replaced the dull grey.

Liberty helped Grandpa out in the yard. They planted Sunflower seads and cocks combe.

Liberty loves being outside!

Raining...

2011-05-02T09:32:00.002+10:00

Well we have been out everyday doing something, just nothing really to blog about!
It has been raining so I have not really had the camera out. The blossoms are beautiful so hopefully I can go for a walk in a day or 2 and get some snaps.

The pic of Shawn and Liberty was taken on the trail down to see Fallingwater. Unfortunately, I legally can not display any of the building images. If you dont know of Fallingwater, google it, it is one of my favourite places.

The photo of Liberty is just to show her new fashion style...she is attached to those boots. I must say they look stunning with her mint green trackies! :)

Living Treasures

2011-04-27T10:13:00.004+10:00

Today we headed down to Acme and went to a country store and Living Treasures animal park. The kids had a great time! Once Liberty got over her fear of feeding the animals she would feed almost anything. The kangaroo had the most slobber, even over the camel that sucked down my whole hand.
I had been to Living Treasures a few times, but it was great to go with the kids!

The weather is not as nice as it should be for this time of year. Scattered showers make going out a bit tricky. Our neighbour was almost hit by lightening today.

Now we are watching Dancing with the stars... I think Australia does it better :)

Too Much?

2011-04-25T00:24:00.006+10:00

...and I missed some!!!

This is what happens when Grandpa Is left in charge of Easter supplies. The kids got all of this plus toys, hats and other novelty items.

If someone could please call my gym and renew my membership and also the kids dentist may need a call!

Easter

2011-04-24T11:58:00.004+10:00

We have now had a few days in Greensburg. Yesterday we went to my Grandmother's for Good Friday. It was so wonderful to see family... The top image is my Grandmother's 4 Grand Daughters all together for the first time in a very, very long time!

Today we went to Schramm's,a family owned bbakeyand produce store. We saw the Easter Bunny,the real Easter bunny! The kids went on an Easter Egg hunt in a field and they had a great time! Now, the carrots are out in the yard and the baskets are ready.
Happy Easter everyone!

Disneyland

2011-04-22T10:56:00.002+10:00

Had a fantastic, busy, fun, exhausting 3 days.
Just thoughtI would share a few pics. We did almost every ride, well we didevvery one we wanted too, some twice. went on some new adventures and saw some new shows. Disney really puts on some great after dark shows, so it was late nights and early starts.
We are in Greensburg now waiting for the Spring weather to kick in!

Jack Hanna

2011-04-17T00:11:00.002+10:00

We were lucky to be at Sea World on a day when Jack Hanna did a show.
I love watching his TV shows!
We wven got to meet him after and the kids goan autograph...I was more excited though!

Day 2 - Sea World San Diego

2011-04-16T23:35:00.004+10:00

We LOVE Sea World!
Shawn and Liberty were sogoodand had the best day, I think Liberty skipped everywhere!
The photos are 1. the journey to Atlantis ride, unfortunately I had to mind the bags soI didn't get to ride... hehehehe Matt, Shawn and Liberty all went on. No tears from Liberty, but they were wet when they got off and she did say she wasn't going on it again...
Shawn and Liberty touched Sea Stars in the tide pools.
Shamu... that is him with the bent fin, he is huge! Killer Whales are the 2nd widest spread mamals on earth.First are humans!
The Pets Rule show was fantastic!
I could type all day about Sea World but Shawns laptop keys are small and this is too much of a challengee this morning!

La Jolla, San Diego

2011-04-15T23:13:00.002+10:00

Flight went reasonably fast, so Matt and I thought, Shawn and Liberty not so much :)
After we waited to get through customs we made our way to Alamo where we were upgraded to a premium car (so we could fit our bags in. 2 bags of gifts,too much?
We have a Ford Crown Victoria for the next few days,lovely interior, the kids can play basketball in the back!
Our first stop was Santa Monica Pier.It was a great place to get out and play. Matt and the kids did some rides, Matt shot a few hoops and we had a short walk on the beach. Then back on the road.
Shawn had a great drive down watching all of the cars and taking photos of them.
Matt did so well driving, especially with the king size bed we are driving!
So we are now at the La Lolla Travelodge. It is a beautiful coastal town. First thing that caught my eye, is the shops are so unique and really well presented. No run down, empty spaces.
Soafter dinner at Denny's we made our way into our beds.The others are still asleep. I slept so well and felt refreshed ready to go... Then ilooked at the clock 12.34AM... It was all down hill from there...
Off to Sea World today!

11 Sleeps!

2011-04-03T07:43:00.003+10:00

In 13 sleeps we will be playing at "The Happiest Place On Earth".
We are so very excited!

Yesterday Matt got the suitcases down from in the roof ready to start putting some things in. In one of the suitcases was my wedding dress.

I spent months and months making this dress (over 12 years ago) sewing hundreds and hundreds of pearl beads and Swarovski crystals. But I never had this dress cleaned after the big event. So, I washed it in the washing machine. I thought all of the bead coatings would be off and I would be left with dull white beads, not the case! I made sure I started out with the best quality beads I could sorce and it paid off! (Thanks to 6 months at fashion college!)

So for now it is back to the packing. At this stage, it looks like I am packing for sun and snow... hummmm I do love a good packing challenge! :)

MIA

2011-03-25T09:56:00.003+11:00

Well hello there!
I am currently (for 2 looong weeks now) experiencing technical difficulties.
My laptop is struggling to keep charged. The battery will not hold charge and even when plugged into power I am doing very, very well if I can get 30 minutes out of it. I had to be super sneaky to get these images off it and onto USB. I have hijacked Shawn's little Eee PC to do this post!
I have a wedding that I need to have all edited and finalized before we go away. It will get done, just a few photos at a time, but it will get done!!
Only 19 sleeps before we go.... and counting!

Hopefully you will see more posts, more regularlywhen this new battery arrives!

New Toys!!!

2011-03-05T08:25:00.003+11:00

I am now the owner (almost) operator of an iPhone 4.

It is a pretty handy little thing... The kids (all 3 of them!!!) love it!

Country Energy are about to cut our power for the day. Should be an interesting day in our house. Normally not a problem on a beautiful sunny day, but today is a great day to curl up and watch a movie!

Happy Birthday Dennis!

2011-02-24T13:41:00.001+11:00

Today (American time) is my Dad's birthday! Happy Birthday!!!

Well things have not really been as productive as I had hoped now that I am unemployed. I had hoped to have the cupboards all pulled out and sorted, bedrooms cleaned out, bathrooms.. you get the idea!
Liberty is having a bit of a hard time adjusting to school... She misses me... I thought she only "Missed" me before and after school, but she was miserable yesterday and I almost brought her home. It does pull at the heart strings. I thought she would have had no worries at all with school, she has suprised us all.

Last weekend I shot a wedding and a family portrait. So I have over 1000 images to sort through and edit. The image above belongs in the Family Portrait group. Pepi (Pepsi, as I call her) is one of the most well behaved and trained dogs I have ever known.

I went to bed last night knowing I would wake up with a charming cold... and I have! YAY!

Aussie paper wasp

2011-02-15T21:24:00.003+11:00

We had a great weekend away at Green Oak.

Swimming in the perfect water. fishing. relaxing. chatting. eating. laughing. just perfect!

Until the last hour...

I had an encounter with what we think is an Australian paper wasp.

He came from behind and hit me with what felt like the force of a golf ball. I could even feel the poison going through me. Nasty thing! As I ran screaming, like the girl that I am, I found myself ripping off my shirt screaming for someone to get the stinger out. Turns out there was nothing in me, it just felt like I had 100 thistles in my back.

I would like to apologize to my friends for seeing me rip my clothing off, I hope I have not scared you or your children for life. I would like to thank Matt and Jase for defending my honor and distroying this nest of pain! This nest was on the outside of the shower room. I must say we were pretty lucky that they didn't venture into the shower... that could have been a very bad sight!!! :)

I didn't take many photos over the weekend, but I did get one of Shawn surfing behind the boat.

Camera play time.

2011-02-08T13:59:00.002+11:00

Yesterday was a pretty sad day... Our beloved Pittsburgh Steelers lost the Super Bowl. Matt had the day off and we had our own party. We decided while the game is on that we will go and do a tour of Heinz Field, the home of the Steelers when we go over next.

On other news. I have now had a full week of unemployment. I am still yet to catch up with the Forrester's, actually today is my first day at home. I have baked, washed and folded. I think I like paid work slightly better... :)

I made some time to play with my camera a few days ago. This is a really neat trick I came across. Tape baking paper against a window and position your object in front of it. It apparently works best with leaves that you can see light through, so an Autumn leaf would be ideal. This is a garlic flower. I had to tape it so that it was not flat against the paper or it would have looked false.
I am looking forward to finding some interesting leaves!

All dressed up.

2011-02-03T19:10:00.003+11:00

Today my baby went to big school. It was so lovely, we all walked over to school together. As we walked along the fence to get to the office, lots of Libertys friends came over to say 'hello'. It is so wonderful, I know it is a great school and I am so confident that if she is ever lost, lonely or just having a bad she has a great support network in her friends!

Shawn went back to school on Monday, he is now in year 5.... YEAR 5!!?! he is a very proud brother having his sister at school.

This is how things looked this time last year...

Today I am a very proud Mummy.

The Butterfly Effect

2011-01-15T20:50:00.002+11:00

This was one big and beautiful butterfly! I snapped him out at Kentucky Roses a week ago. Kate has the most devine roses and the best Brownie (apart from Pam's!)

It has been a big Saturday. I worked for a few hours this morning and then Matt, the kids and I went into work and started pulling the shop fittings down. The studio lights, backdrops, TV monitors etc. The place is looking a little sad. 2 weeks to go.

Such sad times...

2011-01-13T20:06:00.005+11:00

Hi Everyone...

Well if you have seen just a minute of news you would know that it is a pretty devastating time for many Aussies.

Mostly I don't like comparisons of any kind really... I am bigger/fitter/richer than you. My car is faster/newer/rustier than yours... My life is busier/better/worse than yours... You get the idea....

Anyway, so not being a fan of comparing one situation to another, as I believe each situation/person/circumstance is so individual and unique on it's own, I came across this on Jill's blog. It answered a few things I had been wondering about the recent floods and I thought I would share.

75% of Queensland has been declared a Disaster Zone.

The State of Queensland is approximately 1.72million square kilometres.

Our capital city, Brisbane, is the third largest city in Australia.

Queensland is approx 6 times the size of the UK.

It is approx twice the size of the US State of Texas.

The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina was 223,000 km2: The aftermath of the Queensland flood area is approx 1,000,000km2.

For me, that puts the enormity of the situation into perspective.

Happy 2011!

2011-01-10T19:14:00.003+11:00

Yikes! Almost a month since I have blogged! Oh well... not long until I get my life back and work finishes. Then i can hopefully be better at everything. Home, Family, Friends, Blogging :)

Saturday was possibly the best party for possibly the best person. Tam celebrated her 40th birthday the only way that Tam could. It was an afternoon of Survivor meets Amazing race.

The kids enjoyed bobbing for apples and throwing water bombs.

Everyone enjoyed the Treasure Hunt. Followed by a relay pie eating comp. I knew Matt had this one covered!

Then there was Jelly eating or more like sucking with a straw.

Followed by an amazing obstacle course. Through cattle yards, over hay, through ropes, through goop and tyres.

Tammy did a super fantastic job! If you didn't have fun at her party, then I don't think you would have a good time anywhere!
Thanks for the great afternoon Tam, you rock!!

Anyone notice William Wallace and the blue team skipping some of the tyres in the obstacle course? Would that be cheating? ;)

December 2010

2010-12-15T05:59:00.002+11:00

Like everyone, we have been busy, busy! Retail is really not a walk in the park at Christmas time. the Christmas shoppers, on top of the people wanting the gossip on why we are closing, makes for many long days.
So a very quick update.

My Mum had a birthday and we went out to Kentucky Roses for morning tea. It is a lovely spot with yummy brownies :) It was a beautiful day (about time!) The colour in this photo is not edited, perfect!

We had our work Christmas party at our home. It didn't rain, but was forcast to, so we were prepared! It was a fun night, I hope they thought so too. Not many work parties around hear get a 3 course meal, a theatrical performance and a few games of poker to end the night. :)

My baby graduated from Preschool... she is so grown up! She has wonderful confidence and we are so very proud of her!!! She will love big school!!!

Neglect!

2010-11-27T07:01:00.002+11:00

November has been a big month.
I finished editing a wedding, and have strated another.
I found out that I will be unemployed starting January 29th, as the company is closing all 6 of it's shop fronts.
I had a birthday.
The beautiful girls that I work with got me these lillies for my birthday. That was almost 10 days ago and they still smell devine!

A local photographer gave me these flowers yesterday, just for being 'lovely'. I think that is lovely on it's own!

Flowers seem to make things not so bad, and the timing was perfect! It is quite difficult to work in retail with a smile all the time when you know (and are continually reminded) that the place is closing. It is going to be a hard few months...

We have a busy weekend ahead. Hope you have a good one, wherever you are. x

Another weekend over...

2010-11-08T06:37:00.002+11:00

Well there goes another weekend!
We did a lot for the school P&C this weekend. I am looking forward to next weekend as I don't think we have anything or or anywhere to be... but I do have a plan! :)

Last weekend I had a few mates around, this is them parked out the front of our place...

Actually, it was the 500 bikes getting ready for the end of the street parade that Matt and I set up. They are the Harleys for Helicopters bikers. They ride from Newcastle to Uralla raising money for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

This is Matt in one of his Billycart races.

All most done...

2010-11-05T06:59:00.002+11:00

I have been busy editing wedding pics and am almost done! I had forgotten over winter what a mammoth task it can be. I have my next weeding in 2 weeks, so I will have my groove on by then and it will be a much quicker task!
If you want to have a sticky head over to Photographics and creativity

Shawn had the last of his stitches removed yesterday. Looks like it will be a pretty scary scar. Being the medical expert that I am, I think it could have had a few more stitches in it as it really didn't heal as well as it could have.
We have another very busy weekend ahead *sigh*. Looking forward to doing very little the following weekend! x

2010-10-31T17:20:00.002+11:00

Wow, it has been awhile since I have updated! Life sure is busy!

Rewind back to Tuesday. Matt gives me a call at 4.40pm at work with the opening line of "...everything is OK..." So, he was at the hospital with Shawn waiting to see if he needed stitching back up after a billycart incident on a gravel road. 5 stitches and only 40 minutes later, they show up at my work, just as I was about to head over to the hospital. (I figured we would be in for a good few hours wait, so I didn't hurry!) All is good. Not a grass stain or a dirty mark on Shawn, just a tear on his arm that was pretty nasty. We will see how well it has healed on Tuesday when the stitches come out.
Soooo, they were busy practicing for yesterdays billycart derby in town as part of the Thunderbolts Festival. Shawn got back on that billycart and had a great time! He was the only entry in his age group, but came second in the next age group. I think the only thing against him was the lack of weight! He is very proud of himself, and he should be!

I am sure it is not legal...

2010-10-23T10:28:00.002+11:00

...but it sure is fun!

It is a beuutiful Saturday morning and we have been out getting the yard ready for Liberty's party tomorrow. After Matt mows our yard he goes and does my Grandmothers yard a block away, the kids always get a free ride!

Back to work!

My Baby Girl...

2010-10-21T21:35:00.003+11:00

Today is Liberty's 5th birthday... She does not really like it when I call her MY baby girl, but she will always be my baby.

After all of the elaborate cakes I have made for Shawn's birthdays, All Liberty wanted was a brown one with white stripes. Good ole supermarket mudcake, her very favourite! :)

This afternoon we had Grandparents for afternoon tea. Sunday will be a party with friends. She is so excited for her party. Rain is forcast.... I hope it stays away, we have a pretty cool game planned.

Last night we all made cupcakes. I knew I would be pressed for time today (even though I took the day off work to be with her more on her birthday)so I purchased icing in a can. It even came with 4 decorative tips for different designs. So easy and fast! I decorated 30 cupcakes in under 10 minutes... Yes, they look like they were decorated that quickly, but 30 preschoolers really don't mind!

10:10:10

2010-10-10T16:20:00.003+11:00

So, the lady on the news this morning was saying what a lucky day it is. Quite a few weddings were planned for today, and it was better to be married at 10am, not 10:10am. 10:10am is bad luck!
Anywhoooo, in honor of the fun date we simply took some family pics. It pains me to put a photo of myself on, but it was a fun moment...

So if you believe in luck, I hope you had a lucky day!

Back to school tomorrow and back to work... I have had 4 days off and have not felt well.... so, instead of going back to work full of energy and feeling inspired, I will be dragging the chain... Only 5 days until the next weekend!!! Then I have a wedding to shoot, which makes me tired just thinking about it! :)

Thinks it would be nice...

2010-10-01T20:26:00.002+10:00

To sit out and watch the Critters go by....

Happy long weekend everyone! I have to get through a few hours work tomorrow and then I am FREE....until 8am Tuesday... Until then I will be in Grafton watching the boats wizz past, must go charge the camera!

S P R I N G

2010-09-26T19:08:00.003+10:00

The sun came to visit this weekend. The rain did too for a few hours, but mostly the sun!
So we dug.
Matt finished digging in the last of the sleepers for a side garden bed that we will built up and plant next year.
I pulled some weeds yesterday and then planted today. Lots of creatures moving around in the soil which is good to see. I went and raided a friends fantastic garden today and scored 5 bags full of plants that I can not remember the names of...

So hopefully in another month or so I will take another photo and show you how they all grew into lovely grown up plants!

Fantastic!

2010-09-18T19:56:00.002+10:00

We have driven for 12 hours. Spent 13 hours in Brisbane, 5 of thoses at the Entertainnment Centre. Had 3 hours sleep in 2 days. Just to see this man perform!
Tim McGraw. I got some fantastic shots... if I say so myself!

Night, Night!

A pretty quiet weekend ahead...

2010-09-16T20:15:00.005+10:00

NOT!

Friday - Out the door at 7.30 to drop off children to their Grandmother/Great Grandmother. Long car trip with Dean and Rach to Brisbane. Meet Matt in Brisbane. A few hours shopping. Get ready to go and spend some time with this man...

Saturday - In the car by 4am. 10.20am Shawn's first soccer grandfinal. Get a few things in Armidale. Go over to the school and get some last minute things done for the Spring Fair.

Sunday - School Spring Fair. Matt's Basketball major semi finals. Sleep

See you next week...

Spring!

2010-09-13T21:13:00.003+10:00

The days are getting longer and slighty warmer. Still getting a l o t of rain, so we thought we would head out to Apsley Falls and have a look.

It was great weather to be outside, so we spent the afternoon out in the garden. Digging out the veggie garden and potting plants for this weekends school Spring Fair.

As you can see, Miss Liberty had a great time!

The 80's were spectacular!

2010-09-11T19:10:00.008+10:00

Last night, we went to the Uralla Central School production of "Stunned Mullets" a look at the 80's.
Shawn's class performed "Thriller". The performance covered the music, movies and historical moments. It was fantastic! So many things that I had forgotten about... very well done! The students and staff did an excellent job, dude!
So, today, I have been thinking about what my childrens, children will perform at school, when they look back at this time. This is what came to mind, I know I have missed alot. What do you hope is remembered?
When it comes to movies, I hope Disney's 'Pirates of the Carribean' are played as re-runs on TV forever! If a movie can be made from a ride, it should be a classic!

George Clooney *sigh* and his Ocean 11 boys. Keeping with movies that came in multiple we also have Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Twilight, Toy Story and Ice age. I didn't watch any of the Harry or Rings movies, just not for me. Also I can not forget the Star Wars movies, these were also covered in the 80's Spectacular.... timeless... in this house anyway!
Then we go to Television. ER, loved how they ended this show, brilliantly done!

Shows that I have enjoyed are Prison Break, Supernatural, Friends, Bones, Grey's Anatomy, Scrubs and The Big Bang Theory. We also had the Law and Order series, Bones, Entourage, Two and a half men, Alias and Sex and the City (I never watched this one, but I love that city!) We still have The Simpsons, but thankfully Lost has well and truely gone!
Home and Away and Neighbours are still going! Also it will no doubt be well documented as the time of Reality TV. Survivor, Idol, Amazing Race, Dancing with the stars, home reno shows and hook up shows! I am not really a reality girl... I catch a bit of Survivor and some of Idol, but very little.
Music has been pretty much dominated by American and Australian Idol winners. Kelly, Sebastian, Shannon and the others. Other musical items that will mostlikely get a mention (not that I think some are worthy of it) could be... Brittany, JT, Lady Gaga, Pink, Beyonce, John Mayer, Green day, Gwen Steffani, Rob Thomas, Nickleback, Train, Taylor Swift, Eminem, Usher, Baby Beiber might sneek in.

Keith Urban, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Lady Antebellum, Rascal Flatts (They wont get a mention, not in the 'popular' culture reviews anyway... I guess Madonna and Michael will still get a look in.
That then brings us to the lowercase i. The iPod and iTunes. The iPhone and the iPad.

Unfortunately Paris and Lindsay may get a mention for being absolutly stoopid! Brangelina will get a mention, but I wonder if anyone will remember Tom jumping on Oprah's couch.. I hope not! Will they remember Heath Ledger and Steve Irwin?
Will Facebook and Twitter survive?

The historical things remembered, will be this day, 9 years ago, when the Twin Towers fell and the war that followed. The Victorian Bushfires, Drought, Hurricane Katrina, Earthquakes around the world, The Boxing Day Tsunami, Americans Elect President Obama and Australia has our first Female Prime Minister (I hope it is remembered how she got the job!), Bali Bombers, Y2K, The Euro, Sydney had the Olympics and so much more!

What will they wear when they do a play about 'now'... who knows! Crocs maybe! :)

I have put all of this together while watching an 80's classic. Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure!

White Stuff!

2010-09-04T08:05:00.002+10:00

This week my Magnolia flowered for the first time in our garden. Only 2 flowers so far, but lots of buds waiting to open. I am in no hurry for them to make an appearance as the weather has turned bad and they wouldn't last very long.

This little sheep cupcake was made by a local lady. My Mum got one for each of the kids, so very cute!
Today is Shawns last Soccer game for the season, unless they make finals.
Tomorrow is Father's day.
Hopefully a nice, easy weekend!

2010-08-27T19:58:00.004+10:00

Gee the days are flying by at lightning speed.
Miss Liberty will be 5 in less than 2 months! Usually I know exactly what to get, if I don't already have it. The life of a full time 'paid employment' working Mum!

I have spent the last 2 days at a work conference and it was fantastic! Great timing for me as I learnt alot of things that I was just not aware of. Product training was great, but most of all meeting the people that I talk to on the phone and that help me out when I have questions! Always good to put a face to the voice... even if it doesn't match up! lol

When I arrived home these were waiting for me..... mmmmmm

Not the size I ordered and paid for, but hopefully USAfoods.com will fix that up for me! I had a pickle for afternoon tea and I think I will have another one now, in bed with a pepsi chaser! Night x

Dangars Falls

2010-08-15T20:25:00.004+10:00

Today was a family day. No where to be, but where we wanted to be (except for the supermarket!) So we look the long way to the grocery store, via Dangars Falls. We have had an amazing amout of rain this month.

So, you can see the full length of the fall, last time we visited, you could barely see the water falling. The other image is taken from the top, looking down. It is a good walk... except when you have a cold. On the way back down I could hardly breathe... I am a vision of health and fitness! :)

Next weekend is Scrap Camp. Usually I am packed and ready to run out the door about this time. I think I have about 3 kits half put together and a pile of boxes to put my gear in. Just not enough hours in the day... and I think my creativity may have headed north for the winter. I hope it returns before camp...

Now, I am off to bed!
x

2010-08-08T21:53:00.003+10:00

Today started with this guy... Elliot.

It has been, yet again another busy week. I am feeling slightly, very slightly like I may have a small grip at work. Give me a few days...

This weekend was a busy one. matt had his Basketball presentation night, Saturday was soccer and then I went into work, then we had an afternoon socialising.
Today was Shawns soccer carnival and then home to do some bike riding and getting ready for scrap camp...

We are all battling sore throats and colds and we don't seem to be winning...

Have a great week!

Another weekend over...

2010-07-25T19:34:00.004+10:00

Saturday we went to Tamworth.Just out of town we stopped and said hello to our Eee Moo friend.

I had an optometrist appointment at Specsavers (highly recommended!)then I went into the Tamworth Eastmon shop to meet some ladies that I had spoken to over the phone, but not in person. then I found a new pair of boots, $170 down to $14, I figured at that price they are good enough! Then we had lunch at Hogs Breath... it had been years since we have been to one. To fill in some time before Matt's last State League Baskeball game we headed out here.

It is a great place and it is being improved! We never allow enough time, but one day plan on making a lunch event of it. They have shelters and BBQ areas. We love the huge walk through aviary and it looks like more are being built. All of this for the bargain price of a donation!

Today, we got a few things done around home. I wished I was at a birthday party in 34 degree heat. we went back out to see our friend Eee Moo, this time with food. (He eats straight out of our carefully placed fingers).
Big week this week... my first store evaluation is Tuesday...yikes!

Change is as good as a holiday....

2010-07-21T20:20:00.002+10:00

Hellllooo!
I had to change my blog background as the people who design them have changed something... so we now have basic grey to get us through the second part of winter, the worst part I think!

Cookies and cream

2010-07-18T17:34:00.003+10:00

Today I never left the house. I had one foot in while I reached out to the wheelbarrow to get wood! My first 'home' day in too long!
We started the day with a long distance call to Grandpa, (Thanks Grandpa, Liberty thinks she is going, on her own, tomorrow!) followed by a cooked breakfast. Then we spent most of the day with Spiderman and his sidekick 'Buzz Light'

Those two played so well and I had the chance to go through both of their cupboards and bag 2 HUGE bags of clothes that don't fit or won't fix come the warmer weather.
Then we baked... I don't bake, I just wanted to eat warm choc chip cookies. That warm melted chocolate was prefect for today. Not happy with that I remembered I had some whipped cream in the squirt can...mmmmmmmmm :)

Now, Matt is at basketball training, the kids have just started to fight for the day and I have dinner all but done.
Hope you had a great weekend! x

I do love a great sky!

2010-07-15T20:30:00.003+10:00

This was the view from our room last weekend at Port Macquarie. I love a great sky... I find myself wishing I was flying through it, just on take off :)

It has been many months since I have participated in a Sky Watch Friday, if you have a few minutes, click on over and have a look! They are also celebrating a Birthday!

A Whale Of A Time!

2010-07-12T20:05:00.005+10:00

Look what we did on the weekend... I love Whales. We took Shawn whale watching when he was still in a stroller, so thought it would be nice to surprise them both and go again.

This shot is one of the last of the day. We had followed these 2 Humpbacks up the coast and they got so close to the shore... I didn't think they would fit, let alone dive down!

This is probably the best shot I got. I missed the big belly slap!

This was earlier in the afternoon when we discovered that we were following not one, but two beautiful creatures!

We had a great weekend at Port Macquarie... Whales, Dolphins and Spas by the pool on Saturday and Basketball on the Sunday. It was nice to get away after working 11 days straight.... that is a huge adjustment for me. It has been 10 years since I have worked full time and I have really only done Saturday mornings for the past 4 years.

Junk bag!

2010-07-03T21:01:00.002+10:00

Does anyone have $180 laying around that you would like to use and buy me this bag?
I found it on Etsy at JunkPrints.

Today Matt and I spent the afternoon in at my work having a huge clean-up. I don't like ladders, so Matt had all of the high jobs :) I am going in again tomorrow for a few hours. My helpers tomorrow will be Shawn and Liberty. We rewarded them late today by taking them to Toy Story 3. It was great! Toy Story #1 is still my fave, but #3 was much better than #2.

That folks, is my movie review for the week! Happy weekend and happy 234th birthday America!

Sporting Saturday

2010-06-27T11:34:00.004+10:00

Yesterday was a sporting day. Shawn played soccer in the rain, that could not have been much fun for him and it really was not a comfortable experience for us parents watching in the cold and pouring rain. It has been the only game I have been able to catch this season. His team lost by 1 in the last few seconds...
Then in the afternoon/evening Matt had his last home game in town. Now we have a month of away games to try and organise around. Ballina, Port and then Tamworth. Then State League is over for the season. It has been a fantastic experience for Matt, hard on all of us at times, but so worth it overall.
Today is Sunday as we prepare for another very full week ahead... I thought Winter was time to stay home and hibernate?

*edit* I just checked that the post went up OK and noticed that our sporting events are proudly brought to you by Nike! :)

Over a week!

2010-06-22T11:42:00.004+10:00

My posts are getting further apart sorry.
Work has been keeping me very busy. I don't start full time until the 5th July, but my hours are so long that I may as well be full time now. I do however, have today off, all day!!! :)
I came across this event on my travels this morning.

Mobile phones are very handy things... They are really playing a fairly large role in the photography world at the moment. Not that I think that is a good thing, or a bad thing...

Happy Birthday Buddy!

2010-06-12T20:15:00.003+10:00

Yesterday, Shawn hit double digits. I think he had a great day, even with the school athletics carnival being on the same day. It was meant to be a cool 8 degrees!
So, we started the day with gifts by the fire.

This is the cake we had been working on for 2 days. Shawn wanted an Oreo Icecream cake, just like the one Grandpa got him last year from Dairy Queen. This is what we came up with. Crushed chocolate and plain Oreos mixed in with icecream. We made it in layers with a dark chocolate layer in between. Ice Magic and Whipped cream on top! It really was soooo good :)

After school, the boys walked home with Shawn, we sang and did the cake thing, then headed out for an evening of LazerBlitz. I now want to play LazerBlitz for my birthday...

The groovy kid in the hoodie stayed the night. I think they actually got a few hours sleep!
I am so very proud of you Shawn, you are a fantastic son! I love you xxx

It is official!

2010-06-07T21:02:00.003+10:00

I have been keeping a secret... well trying to keep it a secret ;)
Eastmon Digital is where I work casually (very casually) on Saturdays and have for the past 3 something years. It was announced tonight, to the staff, that in a few short (very short) weeks, I will be taking on a full time role as the store manager... I am very excited, but so very nervous.

I will miss my kids, not getting home until at least 6pm, 5 days a week, will be hard. I will miss my husband, he now gets the job of Mr Mom. We are so fortunate that his job has a great deal of flexibility, so I can see the kids to school and preschool and he will be home to pick up Liberty and be home when Shawn arrives home. I will just miss out on more than I ever wanted to and we do so much as a unit of 4... I know it is my choice, I know people do this and I am not the first and will not be the last, it is just a huge leap for me (and since it is my blog I can say what I like!) I don't have to do it forever if it is not working out. I know exactly what I want to gain from working and that is travel money!

Anyway, that is my news for today!

Today!

2010-06-06T20:11:00.003+10:00

Today was basketball Sunday for us.
We dropped Matt at the stadium for his warm up and then headed out to the UNE to check out the wildlife. These guys were very friendly and Shawn was thrilled he got to touch one! This guy was busy having a scratch.

So after the UNE visit, it was back to Basketball. We usually run the canteen, very nice job to have as it is the only place with a heater :) The last quarter Miss Lilly came and sat with us and Shawn did a great job keeping both girls occupied.

Unfortunately, Armidale did not win, but it was a fantastic first half! After the game we headed out to Moore Park and sat by the fire for after game drinks and chat. Then it was home for the bike ride we had promised Liberty since Thursday. Thursday was Matt's birthday and we got him a new bike... Both Shawn and Liberty now want new, white bikes just like Daddy!

Not much to report really...

2010-06-02T21:38:00.003+10:00

We are so busy, but just with life in general. Shawn with school and sport, Matt with work and sport, Liberty, just being 4! :)
So here is a pic I took a few weeks ago from the Sawtell headland. It was the first weekend the Whale Watch cruise boats started for the season... We spotted the whale, and the boat was not far away.

Promise I will do something exciting to report on, soon - ish :)

When Liberty met her Statue...

2010-05-31T10:05:00.003+10:00

12 months ago, today, this is where we were... It was a beautiful day on Liberty Island.

What I would give to be there now....

Sick day!

2010-05-27T14:39:00.006+10:00

Such a busy week... I won't bore you with the details, just a few tid bits.
Yesterday Shawn played in the school soccer team for a combined schools gala day...and he scored a goal!!! I had to work yesterday, but I changed my times a little so I could at least catch 10 minutes.

10 days ago Miss Liberty had her 4yrs immunisations, 3 days ago she got a runny nose, last night a sore throat. She is almost text book material with immunisations, where Shawn never showed any signs of being unwell. So today she had the day off Preschool and lazed the day away. We did get in a few games of Big Birds Nest Sticks in. I loved this game! Now she is back on the couch, waiting for her Brov to get home from school.

Psst....Over at Pete's Place she has a scrappy kit to giveaway, it's that one I really liked of yours Pam :)

But wait, there's more... The 123 Challenge is back starting June 1st!!! This has always been one of my favourite challenge sites, YAY!

Scrapping

2010-05-19T21:52:00.004+10:00

Last weekend Matt was away with basketball. I took this opportunity to have some girl friend time. Pam came over and we had planned to scrap until the scheduled blackout at 12.01... Country Energy were doing something in our little town. Anyway...we did very little scrapping, but had a great night! Thanks in part to the Doran family for entertainment. I now know what friends have my back in a crisis...Rachel, NOT!
So these are the 2 pages I completed, they are my entries for the monthly comps over at Scrapbooking Top 50. I don't get a lot of time to scrap anymore, but when I do I still enjoy it.
Off to get some choc chip icecream.... night x

* American Honey is one of my favourite songs at the moment, by Lady Antebellum.

Spider Watch Friday

2010-05-14T07:41:00.002+10:00

I have had this shot saved away for a few weeks now waiting for Sky Watch Friday...actually, for me to remember that it is Friday and have the time to post it... Fridays are just flying by!
This spider made his home between the outhouse and the shed at Green Oak.

Happy Friday everyone!

New Tatts!

2010-05-13T20:38:00.003+10:00

I have been coveting these tattoos online from Pop Delux for almost a year, turns out one of my favourite people ordered some and had her hubby bring them back with him from a recent trip to the USA.

Shawn's hands are just a little to long. Pretty cool huh?

Wiggles!

2010-05-12T14:09:00.002+10:00

Yesterday Liberty and her Grandma went to a Wiggles concert and had a great time from what I hear! Liberty has never really been the kind of girl who has to wear Wiggles, Dora, Pooh etc. She is not into characters and the merchandise that goes with it...YAY!(Hope that lasts!) So a few days ago I started putting on a VHS tape of the Wiggles, (another hand me down, thanks Pam)So at the concert Liberty got herself a new Wiggles DVD, the greatest hits... I am ready to take The Big Red Car and drive it into a tree! LOL
Thanks Grandma for taking Liberty, she had a blast!

Sorry...

2010-05-10T20:53:00.007+10:00

A very dear friend reminded me today that I had not updated my blog in over a week... So, here it is.
Thought I would share some photos from Mother's day. Shawn and Liberty really love riding at the moment... Shawn has great control over Nugget, and Liberty loves Breeze. Today pam gave her some hand me down boots, perfect for horse activities!

I have alot happening in my little world, I will share when I can :)

Sew Proud!

2010-04-30T20:48:00.003+10:00

Wow, 2 posts in the one day! lol

I just had to share these. Tonight we put together some Wheat Bags to give to Matt's parents for birthday gifts. I let the kids do all the work that they were capable of. Shawn has been able to sew for a few years now. Liberty still sat on my lap and pressed the buttons, lifted the foot and that was about all. Not any more! She has found her groove.

She just loves to sew... my girl, in so many ways :)

Friday?

2010-04-30T09:11:00.002+10:00

On Wednesday the Enrichment Art classes had a gallery display. The year 5/6 classes studied Pollacks Blue Poles, one of my favourite paintings that I was thrilled to see at the Canberra Art Gallery on a school excursion....many years ago :)
This work of Shawn's was inspired by Piet Mondrian. Students had to take an item from home to paint... Since I have an ambundance of Pepsi cans, they were an easy choice! lol
Shawn has also been chosen in the Maths Enrichment program this term, I am so very proud of him!

Yesterday was the first chance I have had this week to start sewing for the Armidale Farmers markets this Sunday. I have 2 bags almost completed... just a little sneak peek at them. I hope the red/cherry bag doesn't sell, I love it! lol

Today I have a few things on, but hope to get more things made up ready for the masses of Mother's day shoppers... if only!

Gostwyck Photo Shoot

2010-04-23T21:04:00.002+10:00

This is a beautiful place at this time of the year.
It has been a few years now since I have managed to be there at the perfect time.
It was a good day!

Off to go fishing tomorrow, back next week!

Back to school tomorrow!

2010-04-19T22:21:00.003+10:00

Well the school holidays have been looong and busy, productive busy, but still busy!
Last Sunday I went to the Armidale Farmers Market with my goodies again. It is actually a fun day out for all of us. The kids ride their bikes around and have a great time.
This is my new bag style. I made this one first and fell in love. It is a yummy micro suede.

This creature is one of my favourites... well sort of. This is a Dugong and my first love is the Manatee. Oh to go to Florida and find one!

We went to the Sydney aquarium at Easter and arrived at the Dugong's right at feeding time. They look so gentle.
Well, I am ready for bed. Night x

Troubadour Reunion

2010-04-15T22:54:00.004+10:00

On Easter Monday, Mum and I went and saw the wonderful Carole King and the fantastic James Taylor at the Sydney Entertainment Centre. It was like watching 2 old friends sing and play in their lounge room.
Earlier in the day I read above the entry doors that photography was not permitted. I thought I would follow this rule, so I didn't lug my camera with me on the night. However, everyone else was snapping away and security didn't drag them out. So on the very last song, (Locomotion, in honour of 'our' Kylie) I remembered I had my very flat phone in my bag. It had just enough power to turn on and then snap these 2 shots. 2 very bad shots, but they recorded an amazing experience!

Stockton

2010-04-13T13:59:00.005+10:00

We spent Good Friday at Stockton visiting my mentally disabled Uncle, Lester. It is always so great to see him and know that he is so well loved and cared for where he is. Anyway... we found these little creatures, millions of them, all over these particular trees. Anyone know what they are? In all of the millions, we only spotted the one, large orange beetle (top photo).

We also took a few minutes out of the day and took the kids down to the beach, it is a great fishing beach, not a great swimming beach. They still managed to get the hems of their shorts wet! :)
This was the most fun though, Dune Jumpin!

Drum roll please...

2010-04-11T19:09:00.003+10:00

Liberty just drew the winner of my Etsy giveaway...

Congratulations.....

I'll have my people call your people! lol

Thanks to all of you who take the time to leave comments, it is very appreciated xox
I will hopefully resume normal blogging tomorrow, I still have so many easter photos to share!

Easter away

2010-04-07T21:48:00.003+10:00

We are home from a nice few days away. just thought I would stop by and share a few pics from the Sydney Royal Easter Show. The top one is Robosaurus, the car eating dino. The middle image was one of the highlights of the show, these guys were pretty awesome! The bottom image is of the cutest newsreaders around! Shawn got to read a script, just like the news people do. The lady in the front, middle of the photo is Johanna Griggs. Commonweath games swimmer and now TV personality... she is in love with Shawn's eyelashes :)
I will leave the giveaway open until Sunday evening... (see 2 posts below)

night x

Costume time!

2010-03-31T19:41:00.005+11:00

This year at Shawn's school was the first time they have done an Easter Hat Parade. I remember them when i went to the school, how times change!
Shawn made his rabbit Helmet on his own last Sunday afternoon.
Liberty and I worked on her hat together. Then at Preschool she made another eater Hat, so we just stuck it on the top! She felt like a Queen!
Last night was the first school disco for the year with a theme of Celebrity or TV characters. Can you guess who Shawn is? Liberty had a great night of dancing, she will be so comfortable at school when her time comes....I hope....

Don't forget to leave a comment in the post below to have a chance of winning $20 to spend in my new Etsy store!

500th POST!

2010-03-30T12:44:00.007+11:00

Welcome to my 500th blog post. I started this blog on November 13th 2007... 2007!!!! Thank you everyone who has stuck with me on my ramblings and to anyone who has joined in recently, thank you! :)
Lots has been happening, but I have been waiting to announce something very exciting, well, to me it is exciting. I have opened my very own Etsy store. This is the link that will get you to it, or on the side bar I have put a widget thingy that I think will update as I load more goodies into the store, there is also a link on there. http://www.etsy.com/shop/PhotosAndCreativity

Sooooo, I have been thinking what can I do to celebrate my 500th post. So I opened a can of Pepsi :) Then decided that I have never had a 'giveaway'. So to celebrate my new Etsy opening, I am going to have a giveaway! So if you have often lurked (like I do on many blogs) and never left a comment, now is the time!

No catch, just leave a comment, any comment will do nicely. It could be about the weather. Current events in your part of the world. How wonderful you think my Etsy goodies are. How wonderful you think I am..... Ok, sorry, I got carried away :)
I will leave this open until after Easter, I will pick a date and let you know in another post.

So the random winner will get $20 to spend in my Etsy store PhotosAndCreativity That can get you a Fabric Camera Strap or a Tote Bag or whatever your heart desires...as long as it is in my etsy store. :)

I still have goodies to load, and so many ideas and fabrics that I want to make things with... I just need more hours in the day!

STOP PRESS
I just discovered that I had my first Etsy sale!!!!
This Camera strap is going on a plane trip, all the way to Pennsylvania USA! What a small world it is!

Thanks so much for reading! x

Autumn Skies

2010-03-25T18:52:00.007+11:00

Autumn skies really are stunning!
I captured these earlier this week on my quest to get out of the house, just for 5 minutes!!! :) I am so glad I did, the sky was beautiful!
For more Sky watch Friday images visit HERE

This is my 499th post so blogger informs me. I think I will have to do 'something' special for the 500th....hummmm what to do.... If I was Oprah, I would give you all a car :)

Hope to see you on my 500th!

Toasty Tuesday

2010-03-23T19:19:00.002+11:00

This guy surprised Shawn as he walked into our yard on his way home from school this afternoon. We had not spotted this Blue Tongue Lizard all Summer, but on this beautiful warm Autumn day, there he was!
So Today I took Liberty to Preschool, then I came home and putzied, then went to the gym, then had my hair cut, then had lunch with my hunky husband, then came home and picked up Liberty from Preschool. ...and that was pretty much my day. The kids and I have been melting crayons to replenish my market stock this evening. Silly me decided to cook using the oven, not a good idea on such a warm day. I think it is shower time to cool off.

A lazy Monday...

2010-03-22T20:23:00.004+11:00

Today was recovery Monday!

It was a busy weekend. Work Saturday. Autumn Festival parade. Grocery shopping. Get ready for the markets. Visit frends while in town. Dinner with friends and their family. More getting ready for markets. Markets. Unpack from markets. Recover and fall asleep on the couch.
So today I did very lttle. Caught up with a friend, washed some clothes, went to the school then to Basketball. Now Matt is at Basketball and I have just watched 'The big bang theory' and now am spending time with Simon Baker... Such a nice Aussie boy!

My keyboar needs cleaning ot with the compressor, not every key works first go... very annoyingand slow...

Bonnie over at Going Home To Roost has been lovely to me recently, if you have a few spare minutes hop on over to her blog and see what words of wisdom she is blogging today I was the very fortunate winner of a giveaway that she had a few weeks ago, so I have some of her Etsy goodness coming my way!

Armidale Farmers Markets

2010-03-21T19:02:00.003+11:00

Today was the frst time I have had a market stall at the Armidale Farmers Markets. With licencing restrictions, I also had to include baking, fresh produce or second hand goods with my handmade goodies. Since my Vegie garden only just feeds us, that was out of the question. I do not bake.... :) So yesterday we quickly went through Shawn and Liberty's rooms and found some clothes, books and toys. My Grandmother had a garage sale not long ago so I was able to find some treasures there.

My Heat Wheat bags were my best seller, followed by my heart crayons. Just as I thought they would be! Heat Bags are one of my favourite Winter items, so now you know what I did with the 10kg of wheat in the post below, Matt is off to pick up another bag for me tomorrow :)
So, it was a great morning! As I had hoped, but better than I expected!

Today!

2010-03-16T19:42:00.004+11:00

Today started out pretty rough. This food poisoning and low blood pressure have really thrown me!

But this lady made it worth the energy to get out of bed and check my emails. More on this excitement later.... :)

This afternoon I had the energy to move about, so I did. As my Grandmother in America would say, I was putzing around. I love that. Putzing.

Then after school this beautiful 4 year old, with very little effort did this...

... no training wheels!!!!

Matt spent, maybe 30 minutes with her at the park and then we went to the basketball court so she could show us all her new found skill. Like a duck to water! So proud of you Miss Liberty! x

My sewing machine came home yesterday!!!!

Matt picked it up from the 'doctor' and he was very complementary... I have an 18 year old Janome Memory Craft 7500. The Doc told Matt that he had heard alot about how great this machine was, but had never actually seen or used one. He loved it! Said it goes better than most new machines!!!

See my machine, was my 'first car' (that is how I explained it to Matt) I worked hard to purchase it as a teenager and have had many great moments with it! I was quite chuffed that it is such great condition! So tonight we are going to see what we can do with this...

...all going well, I may just make the Armidale Farmers Markets after all...

Night x

A WEEK!!!!!!!

2010-03-15T09:47:00.002+11:00

It has been one, full week since I have posted on my little blog.... I am sorry :(
If anyone is still out there and cares, I have just been so busy. This was my year to slow down and so far that plan is not going to plan. This week looks no better, but I have decided not to sell my bits and bobs at the farmers market this weekend, just not enough time to get the goodies made. That, and the fact that my sewing machine has been at the doctors, but it should come home today feeling much better!

I also had a trip to the doctors myself with food poisoning... Now that is an experience I do not want to go through again. My BP is still low and I am pretty weak. Since I said I will work 4 days this week, my timing could not be any worse! So since I now have to find the energy to run out the door, I will post later on what we did over the weekend :)

Tonight!

2010-03-08T19:20:00.000+11:00

A good weekend

2010-03-07T20:45:00.002+11:00

I started this weekend working and teaching a group of people how to create photo books.
Then I crashed a wedding to take photos of this cheeky flowergirl and her beautiful family...

Then in the afternoon I rescued these boys and then had dinner with them...

This morning after we stopped at the Armidale Farmers Market we went to Matt's parents and did some of this...

Then while Shawn was at a birthday party and Matt and Liberty went to cut grass at my Grandmothers I edited some more of Bec's wedding shots and I made these...

I am sleepy...

Wedding SWF

2010-03-05T07:15:00.005+11:00

This is not my favourite shot in this location, to see it visit my other blog that I keep just for Photographics and Creativity I captured this shot last weekend. When I saw this paddock a few days before the wedding I knew I had to use it... how nice for the sky to be dramatic and join us :)

For more interesting skies around the world visit HERE

Have a great Friday!

My Boy

2010-03-04T22:28:00.002+11:00

These are from Bec and Jared's wedding a few weeks ago. Shawn was their Paige Boy, he is also Bec's Godson. The 2 flowergirls are Jared's Goddaughters. Shawn was, as he always is delightful! He was so good with the flowergirls.
The photo of Bec holding up her dress in the bag shows Shawn making a joke to her, I love the looks on their faces... he is growing up. 10 in 3 months... my baby boy...

Hello!

2010-03-03T23:10:00.002+11:00

I am still here.
Just busy over HERE.

Uralla Markets

2010-02-26T21:50:00.003+11:00

Tomorrow morning I am off to try and sell my goods at the local markets. I have been super busy sewing up a storm every spare moment I had this week. (hence the lack of blogging)

I have various sized tote bags, I even made a 'scrappers tote' that will fit pizza boxes or scrap albums. I have crayon activity bags and my very favourite... fabric camera straps!

The 2 in the photo were the first 2 I made, and I now have 7! I had to order the buckles and strapping from America, the only place I could find on the www that sold what I needed and I had to look long and hard to find them. Turns out that they were from the same state my family lives in...
I have interfaced and padded the straps so they are very comfy and only $20 each. I have seen them as much as $40 on the www.
I will have to finish up at the markets by noon as I have Martin and Nicoles wedding to shoot that afternoon.

Busy. Busy.

Hat Head

2010-02-26T08:25:00.003+11:00

For more sky views from around the world, go check out Sky Watch Friday.

Wednesday!!!

2010-02-24T14:10:00.004+11:00

Well we are home from a beautiful wedding at the lovely Hat Head. It is a small, sleepy coastal town. The kids swam and relaxed. Matt was great and did alot of keeping the kids busy kind of things while I focused on getting ready to take photos and hemming Shawn's pants. Last minute is always a good time to get things done! Shawn was a very well behaved paige boy, everyone was so proud of him... We informed him that he would have to give a speech at the wedding. He knew his uncles were kidding with him and he took it in his stride. He has a wonderful sence of humor and can give as good as he gets with his Uncles...and his father!

So we are home.

I will leave you with images of last nights dinner.

Wedding time!

2010-02-18T22:53:00.002+11:00

We are heading over to the coast tomorrow. Matt's neice is getting married and I get to play photographer! So exciting!!!

Have a great weekend! x

My bags, baby!

2010-02-16T09:15:00.004+11:00

I have been steadily sewing up bags. I gave some as gifts at Christmas and now plan on stockpiling them to sell at markets, online of from the back of my car! I still have lots to make and some lovely upholstery and lined curtain fabric to play with... think I might do that today.
I *plan* on posting the bags over at HAPPY SNAPS as I make them. If you are interested in one, leave me a message or send me an email and I will get back to you.

Yes, thank you I have recovered from last nights post.... and the gym! x

First time...

2010-02-15T19:53:00.003+11:00

Today, for the first time... I forgot to put Shawn's lunchbox in his school bag. I feel soooooo bad! I made and packed the lunch, and it is still sitting on the bench where I left it... I filled the water bottle and packed it so that is a plus!

So that will teach me to have things OTHER than my children on my mind. I was called into work to fill in as someone was sick and I also had my first 'appointment' at a gym to pack clothes, shoes etc for... how selfish of me!

So now that I feel really lousy, I am going to have a Pepsi (only my third for today!!!!!!!) that will make me feel better. I will sit in front of the TV, surround myself with washing that needs to be put away, sewing that needs to be done and a floor that needs vacuuming as I went to work today and no one else did it!

EXHALE.....

* The canteen lady gave Shawn some lunch so he didn't starve... now I need to go see her and try and convince her I am not totally useless!!!

Wedding Sky Watch

2010-02-12T07:37:00.003+11:00

This is another one of my fave images shot at Laura and Brendans wedding. I thought it would be appropriate for Sky Watch Friday

I am off to spend the better part of the day at the pool :)

Over @ Happy Snaps...

2010-02-11T21:30:00.003+11:00

I just posted the last of Laura and Brendan's wedding images over at Happy Snaps
I have a week off, then I will be getting stuck into my next wedding. Matt's Niece is getting married over at Hat Head. My beautiful boy is a very tall paige boy :) I am looking forward to this wedding!

Today was a big day. Wedding photo hand over this morning, school P&C stuff this afternoon, including cooking BBQ dinner at the high school swimming carnival. Thanks to my friends for helping out, much appreciated x

Tomorrow is Shawn's swimming carnival.

Scrapbooking Top 50

2010-02-10T09:36:00.001+11:00

This month I am so stoked to be the Guest DT member over at Scrapbooking Top 50!

This Lo is for a challenge that has to be about something you love, not a person, but something. The other criteria that is to keep your page simple, no embellies, flowers, bling, ribbon etc. Also to ink your edges. I love the look of inked edges...

This challenge is "10 things I love about you". The criteria I set was, use white cardstock as the base, an altered a flower and place something randomly on your page.

Go on, have a go!

Dangars Falls

2010-02-08T09:18:00.002+11:00

Yesterday afternoon it was time to get out of the house!
So while Matt was at State League Basketball training Shawn, Liberty and I went bushwalking. It was the perfect weather for it, overcast and slightly cool.
The top pic is the full falls and the bottom pic is the view from the top of the falls looking down. National Parks have done a great job with the walking tracks.

I also did some scrapping on the weekend... but I can't show you yet :) They are for the Scrapbooking Top 50 Cyber Crop that starts tonight!
They always have the best CC's and being a guest designer this month makes it extra special :)

Friday comes around quickly.

2010-02-04T19:39:00.003+11:00

Sky Watch Friday is on again. I missed last Friday, it was almost lunch time when I realised what day it was :)
We have had hot, then cool, then cold now muggy weather. I snapped this shot as the afternoon storm was clearing. The grey clouds were moving fast out of the way making way for the evening light to colour the clouds.
If you have the time go and visit other skies through Sky Watch Friday.

Today

2010-02-04T19:32:00.003+11:00

Today I used this...

To make this...

Then when I needed a break I went and put a Hibiscus tree in the garden and noticed these...

My new Magnolia is doing something!!! I didn't have much hope that it would live, it didn't seem to like me much. I am so, so happy :)

Wedding snaps

2010-02-02T17:02:00.003+11:00

I am slowly but surely getting through all of Laura and brendans wedding photos that I took just over a week ago. If you would like to go and check them out visit me HERE

Keep checking back as I am trying to add to the collection as I go.

I am a lucky girl!

2010-02-01T20:40:00.002+11:00

A friend delivered these to me today and stayed for a visit... She must be a great friend! x

February Guest DT over at Scrapbooking Top 50

2010-02-01T09:10:00.004+11:00

I am thrilled to be the February Guest Design Team member over at Scrapbooking Top 50. It really is the only scrap place I hang out these days, now that my time is taken up with so many other things.

I will be contributing 1 challenge for the Cyber Crop and also another fun thing later in the month.... watch this space :)

This week I am also the Scrapper in the spotlight over at TOP 50, if you are curious to learn a little bit more about the scrappy side of me, head over for a sticky beak.

A great day...

2010-01-31T16:40:00.004+11:00

This is a page I created last week for a challenge over at TOP 50, I just found out that it won me a Kaisercraft goodie pack from Handmade by Suzanne ! I am pretty chuffed :) Thankyou!!!

The challenge was to scrap a milestone and this moment was pretty special...

This morning I picked up a friend and headed to the Armidale markets to see what was happening... It was a great laugh, I won't mention names, (I don't want to embarrass her) but I would like to thank her for the great laugh-till-you-cry moment.... No one makes me laugh like you do xxx

I was home at lunch time and then Matt went off on his motorbike with Roy (opps, does that give away the person mentioned above?) They went off in the rain, through mud and creeks. The smiles were so wide when they made it back an hour later, so good to see!

Now Matt is at basketball training.

Shawn and Liberty are playing with a Mechano set that Matt's Dad found in his shed (so good, it is made from metal!).

I have just scrapped a page and am about to go see what miracle I can perform for dinner.

As the Zac Brown Band sings, Life is good today.... x

Newest Family Member

2010-01-30T21:49:00.002+11:00

This is Shawn's new LEGO man. He is soft, cuddly and poseable!
Shawn has wanted one of these for awhile, so I helped him achieve his goal... he won me over with sympathy!

I have spent all afternoon and evening working on Laura and Brendans wedding photos. I am rather happy with how they are progressing... Hopefully I will have time to share tomorrow :)

Note to self: Liberty was stung by a bee a few days ago, she is not allergic! Phew!