Goodies!

My new treats! :)

I have been drooling over these vinyl decals for a good few months now and I finally ordered me some! The camera is on my laptop and the cupcake is on (one of) my camera bags. I got some other goodies that I am not sure where they will go yet so stay tuned! 3 days after I ordered these, a vinyl sewing machine became available to purchase! Typical! :)

They came to me all the way from Springfield MO. I love Elsie Flannigans creations. I loved her scrapbooking range when she had one... I ordered these from Red Velvet Art where a group of uniquely talented people sell their creations. I would *love* to own one of her original girls one day...

4 Sleeps till camp!!!!

SWF

This is a shot I took last Sunday out at the Ferris'. This is the view while we had lunch.

Hopefully we will get some good rain to add some colour to the grass and fill up the dam.

Shawn had a disco on tonight at school. He loves them, my groovy boy :) Tonights theme was 'bright colours'... He went with blue and white pants and a lime T-Shirt. You don't get cooler than that! lol Once home he got busy planning what he will do for the Halloween disco...

Enjoy your Friday, for a look at wonderful images from around the world have a look at Sky Watch Friday

Hump Day!

Today is Jessica's 3rd birthday and her brother Lucas' 1st birthday! Clever parents they have :) I got this shot on Sunday of Liberty and Jess. I think it is very sweet...

Did I???

I am sorting through some files for camp and came across this image... not sure if I have posted it before, sorry If I have :) At least it is a cute shot!
All day (and I mean all ALL day) this beautiful 'big' girl has talked about her friend Molly. I love Miss Molly, but I am sick of hearing about her today!!! Keeping in the M theme, Liberty asked how to type her friend Meg's name today, that didn't take long and she quickly moved back to calling Molly on her duplo phone... I hope Liberty doesn't get the bug the rest of us have so she can see Molly at Preschool tomorrow. Bring on some sanity!

Sunday with this little man.

Sunday was a lovely day. It was Lucas' Christening. It was a lovely sunny day we all sat out and chatted and laughed for hours. Then I got home and my occasional small cough turned into fever, aches and a yucky cough... Super!

Today I have had some naps while my wonderful husband stayed home with Liberty and an unwell Shawn. I am thankful x

Here's to a better day tomorrow!

Useless, but interesting!

Today is the 7th of August.

At 34 mins and 56 seconds past 12... the time will read 12:34:56 07-08-09......... 123456789.

This wont happen for another thousand years.

I spotted this on a friends post on facebook and thought I would share.

Empire State Flags

2 months ago I was on the observatory level at the Empire State Building, NYC. Looking up (and I fear heights!) I snapped these flags against a beautiful blue spring sky.

This was my second visit to the ESB. the first time was winter at night time. The view was amazing. It was also the coldest I have ever been... The wind chill so was disabling, I could not inhale...

Happy Sky Watch Friday. If you are in the mood to blog hop stop by and visit some wonderful skies from all over the world.

Looking forward to warmer weather!

The past few days have been beautiful! We went and got wood on Sunday and it was the perfect day, so good to feel the sun hit you. Today is another beautiful morning, when you are out of the wind...
This is a pic I took 2 months ago!!!! Times Square NYC. The city has closed Broadway at times square to traffic. The chairs are supplied by the city. It was rather strange seeing people just sitting and chatting amongst all of the neon. Apparently 2 million people cross times square daily!

babys got blue eyes...

Miss Bitty has beautiful eyes, just like her Daddy. they change colour depending on the current mood. I snapped this pic a few nights ago while I was checking on a lens that I let someone borrow. So far so good!

I can't remember what she was about to tell me at this moment... it was pretty serious! :)

Sky Watch and Drought Watch

Yesterday afternoon while out at a friends place I took advantage of the amazing views to snap a Sky Watch Friday pic. The point of interest is actually the lagoon. Can you see it? It is the large mass of dirt behind the house and before the road. A very sad sight. Dangars lagoon usually has a good variety of water fowl, breading black swans and the occasional pelican. When full its size is 49 hectares! Looking down I think it may be completely dry, I will have to go for a drive and investigate...
Well that is a pretty sad SWF post, hope yours is brighter!

It's a Girl!

My cousin had a baby girl Finlee Cecile! From the photos that I have seen she is the most beautiful little girl... Not sure when I will get to meet her, but I am looking forward to that day! Liberty looks at the photos and asks when she can go and play with her... She is quite the little Mother Miss Liberty.

I have been scrapping a bit, just not sharing any of it. I do like this LO. The pic was taken at Lititz, PA. At the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Factory. It is a fun little place, you get to twist your own hot pretzel. Well years ago you did, now it is play-doh. OH&S I guess?

I have had a pretty productive day. I think I will spend the rest of the day deciding on what photos to print ready for scrap camp. Only 3 weeks away!!! Well between getting dinner, baths and that kind of stuff, I will look at photos :)

Waiting...

Quite a few people have been waiting patiently (and I am sure some anxiously) for a new edition. My cousin Sara and her husband Sean are expecting their first baby on the 21st of July... yes this year! Because of the time difference (they live in America), first thing every morning I check emails and Facebook hoping to read some news of a new baby...
Tomorrow is back to school day! Wednesday is Preschool day.... I am excited! I have a list of jobs that can only be accomplished if Miss L is not around, so that will be a big day.
Well, I am off to check on Facebook, bye.....

Perfect afternoon for this...

Today was a good day to light some candles. Black Cherry is one of my favourites! Not so easy to find on my last trip to America, so this is the only one I have, I am burning it wisely :)
I was to lazy to set up the tripod for this shot, but I like the way it turned out, it looks warm. I went to have a play with it in photoshop, but ended up sticking with the original.
It was a morning of photos today. I did some portraits of a beautiful family for my work. I have not had a good look or play yet, but I think there are some great shots! ....yes, I know Pam, with subjects like you how could there be a bad shot! lol Thankyou, for taking time out of your weekend for me x
Monday tomorrow...hummmmm

Cloud Machine

This is a Sugar Cane mill in Northern NSW (sorry the town escapes me at the moment). Matt calls them cloud machines :) The steam looks so soft... The smell is dreadful, not a place I could live! I took this picture early Saturday morning on our way up to the Gold Coast, I instantly thought of Sky Watch Friday. Hope you are all well x

Thursday Plantation

We stopped very briefly at Thursday Plantation on the way home from QLD. It looks like a great place to stop next time we have the kids with us. All throughout the gardens is various sculptures, I loved this chair!
Today it is just Miss Liberty and I. She is just finishing off a cup of icecream and then she is going to help me sort through her clothes to see what fits. Then I think we might make a birthday card for ready for Miss Indi's birthday tomorrow.

Time???

This is where I spent the night on Saturday, Hope Island on the Gold Coast... a far cry from winter here! Matt and I went away for a function for his work. It was nice to have 'us' time. Just to spend time in the car and talk was a nice treat.

Well the school holidays are now 3/4 of the way through and I don't know where they went really... the kids have enjoyed themselves. Shawn is going on a road trip with his Dad tomorrow, just the 2 of them, they love it!

I was called into work today, I have one of the chesty, cold, cough bugs that is doing the rounds, but it was good to keep busy and get my mind off it. Mind over matter!!! I am in bed now...

I promise to be a better blogger, well I will try ;)

Liberty's first movie adventure.

Yesterday we went and saw this movie at the local cinema...

Sid makes me happy :)

3 weeks ago...

3 weeks ago this photo was taken at the Pittsburgh International Airport. These bags are what we lugged back to Australian with us... In our defence, Mum's suitcase is the blue one :) So we only had 8!

It is a beautiful sunny Sunday out so time to get busy!

Sky Watch Friday, Canada

Happy SWF!!!

Another photo taken from the plane this week. The land you can just see at the top is Canada. As we flew NYC to LA we went over Chicago and the great lakes.

Today in good ole Uralla the sky is grey, very depressing! I am really looking forward to spring this year!

To look at other Sky Watch Friday pics click HERE

A proud moment!

This afternoon at school Shawn was involved in a concert. Students that have been learning instruments could perform a small piece to play. Shawn played Creams, "Sunshine of your love". He did very well!

He loves learning the guitar and he thinks his teacher is pretty cool (He likes Lego and Star Wars too!)

He has the complete rock star look happening with the long hair... come summer it is gone! :)

Love this stuff....

Glimmer Mist is the same great product with a Fabulous NEW Look!

Over on My Tattered Angels they are promoting the new winter 09 range of Glimmer Mist and are giving away some with the brand new packaging! It makes for an interesting read if you are a crafter of any type...

It has been toooo long since I have made time to scrap, perhaps a win may help :) If not, I am looking forward to some scrap time at camp in August...

A handy thing!

This is what we affectionately call a "Handy Thing". My Dad gave this to us. You put butter/marg in it, push the inside so it comes out of the bottom and rub the curved edge along your cob. How efficient is that! It actually works really well...
I have had a big few days and am paying for them today. Friday Liberty and I went to the school for a few hours to help pack book packs for next term, then up to Armidale to shop for the P&C Fathers Day stall. Early I know, but a shop is having a closing down sale so I thought it would be a good chance to make a few extra $$$. Saturday I worked then came home and started dusting, washing, moving things... I finally stopped last night at about 9.30. I don't know what came over me!!!
Yesterday we also had 3 of the 4 Ferris' come and visit. First time we had seen each other since we have been home, not bad since they live 3 hours away. I would like to say they came just to see us.... but they were actually driving through from seeing one of the Pink concerts in Newcastle.
It was still below freezing at 8.30am today.... I am really missing the perfect weather we had in America...

Sky Watch Friday..... I Missed You!!!

It has been a good while since I have played along with Sky Watch Friday. I did think of it while I was away, so now I have a good amount of 'back-up' pics for emergency Fridays :)

This is taken from the plane somewhere between Sydney and LA June 29th or 30th. I love looking down on beautiful fluffy clouds, just as the sun is adding colour.

Happy Friday everyone! I have a big day planned so I better get moving...

My babies...

My beautiful children.

I took this shot at a wedding we went to while in America, Trauger PA. I do like this pic, it is especially lovely of Shawn...

Well I am in bed with the new mattress... it will take a bit of getting use to. We picked up a new electric blanket as well and I can feel it under the sheet, so I will also get a new egg create. I must have Princess and the pea syndrome :)

Toys Were Us

Matt, Shawn and Liberty went on this giant indoor ferris wheel 4 times. I didn't go on it once...someone had to take the photos :)

Toys R Us Times Square is amazing! It is possibly Shawn's very favourite store.

I worked again today. I do like what I do, but a day at home while Liberty was at Preschool would have been a great help... maybe next week. It seemed like this windy weather blew in crazy customers today... :)

Now it is time to go and and put wood in the fire and enjoy my last night with my old mattress.

Pablo

While in New York we went to Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in Times Square. This is Shawn with Pablo Picasso who he studied at school recently.

I had almost a days work today and another 5 hours tomorrow. Matt is off to New Castle for a meeting tomorrow night, so busy times in our house.

I am pretty much all unpacked and settled into routine from our trip... unfortunately :)

Panorama

This is the 180 degree view from my Dads deck. If you click on the image it will come up larger. The red bird feeder to the right is for Hummingbirds. In the middle, near the pine trees are the other bird and Squirrel feeders.

I was shown the short cut for joining photos at TAFE last Thursday, (My last one). This is made from 4 photos. I hope to find time to play with this technique more, it is so simple.

I went back to work yesterday...

Enjoy the rest of your weekend! x

I'm back...

If anyone is checking in we are home!

Exhausted but swine flu free. The 43 hour trip home really knocked me about, hopefully tomorrow will be a better day. Although today was pretty productive, all 7 suitcaases are unpacked, 3/4 of the washing is done and most stuff has found a home.

Now I am going to start looking at the 1411 photos that I took.

night.

Hellllooooo...

Hi everyone!
Sorry I have not posted since I have been on vacation... time is just to short to be on the computer! We are all having a great time. Shawn and Liberty are loving spending time with their Grandpa!
Weather has not been to bad, a few wet days. We are hoping to let off some firecrackers tonight. It should be dark enough in about an hour....

New York was fantastic.... could it be anything but???

We went and had 2 nights at Lancaster with my cousin, her husband and her 'baby to be'. It was a great 2 nights, with family, but also friends :)

Liberty is breaking hearts all over the state :)

Well the hot dogs are on the grill so I better go!

Hope all is well in your part of the world! x

not long now...

Sorry I have been MIA lately.
I have been busy packing. Tomorrow we head off to Sydney then Friday to New York!!
This time next week we will be in Pennsylvania with my Dad!! I am so looking forward to our trip.
Hopefully I will be able to post the odd post while we are away.
Until then....Byeeeeee x

UFO Factory

Matt calls this building a UFO Factory. It is actually a unique shearing shed.

" The Deeargee Wool Shed. It was built in 1869 to an octagonal design with a unique 3 tier roof with glass ventilators providing the perfect environment for shearing. It is the oldest and largest shed in Australia and is still in use today. It is a National Trust registered building."

HERE for the www that I found the info...

I took this pic 2 weeks ago. We have no sky for me to take a Sky Watch Friday photo, it has been wet and windy for most of the week.

Only 6 sleeps until our trip!!! NYC here we come!!! :)

Enjoy your weekend!

Thunderbolt went to the Ball

Well the Deb Ball is over!!! It feels soooo good. I think the Ball went really well, it is always hard to get a feel for how things are going when you are 'backstage'.

I guess someone enjoyed themselves and thought Thunderbolt should as well. He is wearing the latest in Deb Ball Tableware... Pink Satin. I overlocked about 140 meters of this pink fabric... such a slow job.

So today, not having Ball stuff to keep me busy, I started to pack. Only 10 sleeps until we start our trip.... soooo excited!!!!

A beautiful Autumn

This Autumn has been beautiful. Not many leaves are left and the wind is picking up so not much more colour is left.

Tafe was great tonight, I loved the exercise we did. I might post it in the next few days.

Tomorrow is set-up day for the Debutante Ball. I am looking forward to the ball being over.... it has been a huge, time consuming task.

This photo is my image for this weeks Sky Watch Friday. For more images from around the world click HERE.

Moonbi Lookout

We stopped at this lookout on the way to Tamworth last week. It had been many years since I had stopped instead of driving past.

Mother's Day stall went well at school yesterday. I am going over again today to see if I can sell a few more items at Recess. A lot of kids forgot money. Normally we don't do the second day, but I over shopped and we had more donations than normal...

Another frost this morning, if the wind stays away it should be a lovely day!

Happy Sky Watch Friday everyone!

I scrapped!

Sunday evening I actually made time to scrap!

Today I had grand plans.... then I was asked to go into work... Can't say no to money! So the housework will wait another day, possibly 2.

Tomorrow is the Mother's Day stall at the school. I have wrapped and ready to go over 240 gifts. I am looking forward to tomorrow. It is so great to see the children so thrilled to be doing something great for the 'Mum' in their life. I must say it will also be good to clear the gifts out of my house and cross it off my list of things to do. It means our trip is just a little bit closer and I get to see my Dad!

My Kandinsky

This is what I learnt at TAFE the other night. How to make your own brushes for photoshop. I wasn't feeling 'into' class that night, so I just used the first photo that came up in my album. That photo was the waterski image below. I used just a small portion of the spray. I was pretty impressed with this little trick! I can see so many ways you could use it... weather I do is another thing :)


I worked this morning, nothing went right!!! I did make it out the other end not to flustered so that was great! Nothing like the smell of photographic chemicals.... ick...

After work my Mum wanted me to see some Jewellery that she found at a craft show. Dichoric Glass pendants. I have often looked at them not knowing what or how they are made... I now own two pendants, I couldn't choose between them. Mum treated me to one, thanks Mum! x I will try and take photos of them, it will be a fun experimental activity.

Frosty....

I snapped this image yesterday morning. I stepped out to get some wood and discovered Jack Frost had paid his first visit of the year. It was rather pretty.
Looking forward to this weekend. I don't have any major plans and home to get this house into some order and get some neglected things taken care of. The joys of owning your own home! :)
To look at skies from around the world look at Sky Watch Friday

Have a great weekend!

Boys Toys!

This is Matt's new toy. He spotted this on ebay Sunday afternoon and drove 3 hours to look at it Monday after work... and it followed him home!

When Matt and I first started going out he rode a bike, very cool! ;)

This bike needs very little TLC. A new tyre and some work on the tank sticker that has been put on badly. It is registered and insured ready to go!

Shawn and Liberty love it!

This scrap page is from much warmer days... it is so frosty outside!

Today Liberty and Shawn went up to Grandmas so I could get some sewing done for the Deb Ball. My poor old overlocker is struggling and it needs a service. If it plays nice and gets me through I will treat it to a make over!

One month and one day until our trip!!!!

Mr Lucas

This is my Godson to be... How exciting!!!! The Ferris Four were in town and stopped in for a bit Saturday. Matt & I were asked to be his Godparents... Of course we said yes! He is the happiest little man!

Today we went to Tamworth for a quick trip to spotlight for some pink thread.... exciting isn't it? :)

This afternoon I had a very special delivery. Pam personally delivered to me a big,yummy bowl of her Pumpkin soup.... soooo good. I just finished a mug while tucked up in bed and I could just curl up and sleep. After Pam's generosity and kindness, I put her to work wrapping Mother's Day gifts for the school :) Thanks Pam!

Happy Friday!

Sorry my posts are becoming far and few between... life is busy, too busy at the moment! If I can get all the the school P&C stuff done and send out my UEMC street parade info asap then I can focus on our trip to NYC and Pittsburgh.... Anyway, I will stop my complaing, it is Friday after all! :)

This is my Sky Watch Friday image. I took this Monday evening. I was on my way home from Armidale and the whole 15min drive wished I had a camera with me.... Just as I pulled into town it dawned on me.... I went to Armidale to pick up my new D90, it was on the floor beside me!!! See, I have way to much on my mind! :) I had missed all of the open sky shots, but I did manage to take this shot in Alma Park.

Yesterday was a great school holiday day. Just what the kids (and I) needed. My distant cousin was up this way with his 2 kids. We had a great day hanging out. Met up with my friends at an indoor play centre, then McD's. Later in the afternoon the kids got back together for some PS2 and hide and seek. A very refreshing day!

Well time to start the day... Happy SWF!

My new baby...

Isn't she beautiful....

I traded in my D60 for the D90. I am so much happier... I have not had much of a chance to play, but the little things make so much of a difference. The flash for a start is more balanced and even. All 11 focus points... Bliss.

I worked yesterday afternoon and had a great time. I caught up with some customers I had not see in years, 5 years. I even saw a guy I used to work with... he had grown up, in such a good way! It was just great to get out of this house!!! These school holidays are really testing me!

Today I finished designing the Deb Ball tickets then printed and cut them out... all 200 of them. It was the perfect job for today. Yesterday at work I twisted my knee, so I needed to get it up. I am off to ice it again! Bye x

If anyone needs a spare battery for a D60 I have one goping at a good price....

It's a bit chilly!

Sunday. Well the weekend is almost over. I love weekends, but they just fly past so quickly!

Both Shawn and Liberty are unwell so they are on the couch with a DVD. Hopefully they will both fall asleep (yeah, right!) I am going to finish this post and then start on something crafty.... not sure what yet, but I will come up with something! It has been awhile since I have sat at my craft table. Hope you are all enjoying your weekend! :)

I took this pic of a busy bee last week on a trip to the park. We had an Easter egg hunt with some friends. We enjoyed the sun while it was out, it has certainly left today!

Mighty Macleay

This morning I realised I didn't have a Sky Watch Friday pic, so I stepped out my front door and saw this Magpie perched up on the electricity pole. Not a cloud in the sky! I really must get out and take some Autumn shots before it is to late.

This landscape is of the mighty Macleay River. The property is Green Oak and I took this shot last Saturday. When the river flooded a few weeks ago, 6 meters of extra water went through. In this photo it is approx half a meter above 'normal'. I can't imagine what 6 meters would be like. In the flood of 1949 water surrounded the house. That is the house in the top right.

If you click on the photo it should come up larger for a closer look :)

Easter Long Weekend 2009

Well we had a great Easter break!

Friday we went down to Green Oak on the Macleay river. The flood certainly made it's mark! We got some good quality fishing in and between the 9 of us who were down there got over 20 keepers. Shawn does love his crumbed fish. Nothing beats catching you own and helping your pop prepare and cook it!

We were to have done some major fencing while away but the river was still to high and moving much to quickly to cross with all of the gear. Saturday morning we decided to take a road trip to Stoney Park and watch some of the Australian National Waterski Championships. Matt enjoyed watching and looking at the park set up... I enjoyed taking over 300 photos :) I have not had a chance to look through them all and have a play yet.

Sunday the Easter Bunny had visited, Shawn and Liberty were very excited! It rained on and off most of the day, but at least it wasn't cold. We went on the 4 wheeler and took the dogs for a good run. That afternoon we went fishing for hours.... It was lovely! I will post some photos of the river later on.

Now we are home and all four of us have colds and sore throats... apart from catching up on all of the washing I plan on doing very little!

Easter Time!

This is my Sky Watch Friday shot for this week. We have been spending a few afternoon's over at the basketball courts. Liberty rides her bike around and around and around... Shawn either rides his skateboard or shoots hoops with Matt. I roam about with my camera :)

This has been a very busy week. I am looking forward to going away and relaxing for 4 days. Just to get out of the rut that is my house, will be a pleasant change!

I had photoshop on at TAFE tonight. It was a pretty laid back class tonight, but I am still really enjoying it.

Well where ever you may be this Easter, enjoy! I will be back next week x

Hump Day!

Did anyone see where today went?

Actually it wasn't that bad... I just didn't get anything done at home. I had a meeting at the school all day. We did break for the school ANZAC Assembly. At 2pm when I was done in the meeting I did go and see Shawn's wonderful art work. His extension art class had a gallery day for the community... When Shawn was 'manning' the gallery he also serenaded the patrons with his guitar skills...... I always had a soft spot for the guitar player :)

Miss Liberty had Pre School today. She is really looking forward to Molly starting next term. Yesterday we went to the pub for lunch and she got to play with Molly in the kiddie area... they are very cute....

Well I have some things to do before Criminal Minds starts in half an hour.... bye...... x

* I have been busy scrapping up a storm... I just can't show you yet.... but cross fingers for me :)

A fun evening!

Tonight I got to play florist... Rach's Mum if a fantastic florist, many moons ago she did my wedding flowers. For years I have been asking Rach to take me to watch her in action... I guess she got sick of me asking! So Rach, Pam and I got to be good little helpers and wire Camellia leaves. Three hours and a red wine with blackberry ice (yummm) later I have mastered florist tape! I think i will keep my day job, but I had a great night, Thanks Rhonda :)

I did this LO a few weeks ago of my handsome man. I love this pic of him taken on Crazy Hair Day. He has the most beautiful big brown eyes...

Sky Watch Friday

We have had more wild weather in our part of the world. Where we are, we have missed the brunt of it, but have been affected with family stuck, roads closed etc.

I caught this image through the week.

Last night was TAFE night and I really enjoyed it.

Have a great weekend everyone!

To check out more images from around the world click HERE

April 123 Challenge

CRITERIA ONE Use at least 2 stamps and at least 2 different stamping techniques
CRITERIA TWO paint splattering
CRITERIA THREE Use scrap paper from your scrap stash

HERE for more info.

I missed last months so I will hopefully get a chance to tackle this one!

so cute!

Today Liberty went to Preschool, she is always so happy to see us when we pick her up. Today she made this Easter Hat and wanted to come straight home and have her photo taken.

Shawn has Guitar lessons on Wednesday today he mastered a rift from Creams, Sunshine of your love. He looks so at home holding a guitar.

Not a lot going really, busy with the some old, same old...

I am looking forward to the Easter holidays.