Random pics

You're back!!!!!!!!! My beautiful, sweet and adorable Sahn. Back to stay...after a short time in Brisbane. I am so, so very happy that I can continue to be a part of your everyday life. I am so glad that you have come back to Melbourne.

The irrepressible Harrison...I get so much joy and fun out of watching you play and enjoy your life as a 2yr old.

Riley....I took this photo on saturday and you look so grown up. 5 yrs old and so sweet, gentle and tender. School next year and I hope that you can cope with it.

And then there's Orson. A child who has no physical fears.....loves to be the 'tough guy' with his cousins even though he's only 4!

All dressed up!

McKenzie, India and Monty handing out the programs at Isaac's Baptism. I just love how gorgeous, handsome and pretty these grandchildren look all dressed up.

Blake and Isaac.....I can't believe that Blake is 5months younger than Isaac...Blake is the tallest of all our grandchildren and Isaac is the shortest of the eldest ones.......and he is the eldest one!

Handsome Isaac....shirt and tie...with Auntie Sara......at Isaac's celebration party

Isaac cutting his very yummy and very rich tim-tam birthday cake.

So proud of you!!

Our Grandson Isaac just prior to being baptised by his Dad and with his Dad in the photo. Isaac was so excited and a very, very special day for him, his Mum and Dad and us too of course. Little sister India.....just turned 6. She is such a girly girl and had a fantastic day for her birthday. Two jumping castles!!!!!! One for the big kids and a great one for the younger ones, plus Auntie Andrea's great big trampoline. One big bunch of tired children and a very happy 6yr old Grandaughter.

What's Been Happening

Sleepover at Papa and Nanna's. Joshua and Monty doing some scrapbooking!

Monty at Mini Golf

Joshua at Mini golf

Colin with his new toy.....a good lawnmower at last!!!

It's been a busy couple of weeks....as per usual. What with school holidays I've had 'little people' around me quite a bit. And there have been plenty of 'family events' happening as well.

On the 11th of September Isaac turned 8yrs old. Our eldest grandchild!!!! And he's already 8 now. Which also meant that he is old enough to be baptised.
So, on the 13th was Isaac's baptism followed by a celebration and birthday party. All held at the beautiful new Cranbourne Chapel. It was so special to see Isaac enter the waters of baptism and become a fully fledged member of the Church. Several of us were asked to participate in the service, which is really lovely. I made him a special baptism box....all in white with special things in it to help him remember why he chose to be baptised and what that means to him.
The party afterwards was crazy. The children got all the balloons down and tore around the hall. I must say my little grandchildren and children sure do look great when they really dress up!

Monty stays with us for two nights and I decided to include Joshua one of those nights and Riley another. Boy that did my head in!!! Monty stayed revved up the entire two days and two nights. I was exhausted and so happy to see Sara on Wednesday afternoon. We had fun though. I took Monty and Joshua to mini golf one day and out for lunch...the next day I took Monty, Joshua and Riley to see Wall E. Loved it and so did they.
I then had a few days break which ended up being busy anyhow. Chiropractic appointment, Dr's appointment and a visit to Contours Gym at Aspendale Gardens. That visit ended up in my joining there. I love the idea of doing a workout in 30mts.....and having it tailored just right for my needs at the moment. Those needs being to start building up my stamina and getting a little fitness happening. I so badly need that after the toll my body has taken with chemo etc.

Last Saturday was not only Grand Final day but also India's 6th birthday! Our eldest grandaughter is now six!!! She's such a girly girl this one.....as opposed to her sister, McKenzie!
We all met together at Andrea's new home for a BBQ and a party for India.....then sat down to watch the football. I started off deciding I wanted Geelong to win....but somehow changed during the 1st quarter and ended up going for Hawthorn. Don't ask me why because I really can't stand Hawthorn......but they played good and it was a fantastic game.
My Oncologist, Gary, will be stoked. He is a member of HFC and has memorabillia all around his rooms.

Havn't done much scrapbooking. I did do three pages of my cancer journal last Sunday...staying up way too late. But I so enjoyed it. Apart from a couple of cards I made I didn't get any where near my scrapbook room....except.....to put some new 'stuff' in it that I had ordered on the internet. New Basic Grey, Fancy Pants Christmas papers....and other bits and pieces. Oh dear!!! I really need to stop buying. But...it's so much fun!
I am so glad that I kept a good journal on my blog whilst going through my challenges because I can so easily refer back and get all the details right...and remember my feelings and difficulties and those things that gave me so much strength and help.

So, I now need to get ready for the new week. I've got an appointment at the Gym for 7:30am..yikes!!! that's early for me!!!! Then off to visit with Karen Yates.....hope you've remembered I'm coming!!!!
Two nights of having Monty come and stay and then I need to fit in India & McKenzie and we are all going to Myuna Farm on Thursday....and I guess I'll just be continuing to take heaps of photos and not getting any printed or scrapbooked. Just too busy!!!!

Note to self:......put photos on discs and get some printed!!!!

A new look for me

This is the 'new look' me! At least I have some hair now! But....the colour is very different to my brunette shades I have always been used to. and then there's the curls! They may not last...but my hair is so much thicker than it used to be as well.

Still I am so grateful to have hair. Even Balou likes me better with hair!!! I have only had one tiny trim to tidy up the back but will leave it to grow a lot more so that it can eventually be cut into a style.

A Happy Fathers Day Weekend

We all had such a fun weekend. I organised a Family 10 pin bowling activity for us all. It was such great fun. We had three lanes going and all the grown-ups and all the grandchildren except Harrison and Sahne joined in for 2 games. We mixed up the children with the adults and had some healthy competition going. So many laughs....a few little frustrations and a whole heap of fun.
Earlier in the day I had gone to LaPorchetta and ordered 10 pizzas to be ready for 5pm so Colin, Blake and I went and picked them up after bowling.
Got home to a ravenous bunch of wild things......The pizza's just flew out the door. Then the children all played so happily outside....the adults had a few moments to breathe.
Then 5 of them had baths...which was heaps of fun. Harrison and Sahne had a bath together for the first time. He was so happy to see her again. They are little buddies those two.
It was extra special because of being Fathers Day and the men all got spoiled.

It was also extra special because Andrea and the children are back with us. This is not where she wants to me at the moment, and is having huge struggles...BUT...the rest of us are very, very happy they are home.

Blake spent had a sleepover with us, came to Church with us and then Joshua and Riley came back with us too for some lunch and a play. I must say, by the time we took Blake back home I was really exhausted.

Only to have to get up early and head off in to the city to the Royal Melbourne Hospital for further drug allergy testing. I didn't get home untill 7pm so that was another exhausting experience. And to make it worse they want to do some intravenous testing now. So I'll have to go back there again in the near future.
Today I had the very pleasant...NOT.... mammogram!! Hoping that's all clear.
And I have now cooked 2 large lasagna's made two salads, baked some rolls and painted a box.

The food is for Mart, Tambi, Andrea and the 7 children all living in the one house still. (Waiting for Andrea's stuff to arrive hopefully tomorrow) and the box is for Isaac.

Isaac turns 8 on thursday. I cannot believe it. It was only a short while ago that he was such a chubby baby with puffy feet and hands. Now he is so skinny.....wouldn't think it was the same boy.
So, with Isaac turning 8 it also means he gets baptised. His baptism is on Saturday.....and Tambi asked me to make a White Baptism Box for him. It is full of items that will help him remember the importance of his Baptism day.
A big party after too!!!!!! I have to make pasta salad for 70 people. I've found what I think looks like a really nice recipe...hope it's yummy.

Speaking of yummy...I am hungry....havn't had lunch yet and it's nearly 2pm. Have baked some bread rolls and am going to have one right now!

More Memories

The days are flying by so quickly. It makes me wonder how I ever had time to work! I lots of plans for creative 'things' I want to do or finish and I just don't seem to get much time to sit in my scrapbook room and create.
Admittedly it seems like I keep catching little bugs. Not big bugs...just little ones. But enough to make me feel very tired as my body tries to fight them off. That's one of the issues with having had Lymphoma...because it's that part of your blood system that works to fight off infections etc. So I am vulnerable to catching things. Thank goodness they are all only little bugs. yesterday I had big plans in the afternoon.....then I feel asleep and didn't wake up till 4:45pm. A bit of a shock...however whilst I'm sleeping is the best time for my body to wage it's attack. This week it's my sinus', last week it was a tummy bug....and so on.

It's been a big week for our family. Andrea and her children are now home. The poor girl is gutted, thin, gaunt and barely hanging together. And as a mum I cannot cope very well with seeing my daughter in this state. I want to fix it..and I can't. Time will and lots of love and support will. I feel so much for my beautiful girl! She hasn't moved in to a place by herself yet, they are all still staying with Martin and his family. Tambi has been amazing and so supportive. Not easy having 7 children under 7 and 3 adults to wash cook and clean for every day.

I have done some fun things. Last week as a group from Church we got together to make up over-night packs for children. These packs are for womens refuge centres. Usually women arrive with their children and nothing else. So in the packs we have sox,undies, toothbrush,toothpaste,comb a little gift and pajamas that we made. So we had a wonderful time last week with 9 sewing machines revving up all day sewing nighties and pajamas. And other ladies packed everything together in lovely bags. We got 20 done in one day. Pretty good. It feels so good to be involved in something like this. Giving of my own time for someone I don't even know. Hoping that it will bring a smile on the face of a little one. This is what service is all about and it leaves you with a great positive feeling about your own circumstances.

I have finally treated myself to a MixMaster. I havn't had a food mixer for years and now that I am home and making things from scratch again I really missed having one. Today I planned to make a large batch of pastry (which I then divide and freeze), then I remembered how long it's going to take me to 'rub the butter into the flower mixture'! That turned me off the idea....but not for long. I went straight out and bought my new Mixer! The pastry is done...frozen some and some for a big quiche I have to make for a luncheon tomorrow.
I love the recipe. I have this book called Basic Mixes and it has recipes for the base of 100's of recipes. Which means you can make up a large amount of any of the bases and store them untill you need to make something. There's pancake mixes, muffin mixes, meat mixes, soup mixes....heaps and heaps!!!

I have finished 26 projects for a friend of mine.......and am looking forward to see how it all goes over the next couple of months when she opens her shop. It was so much fun doing them. Now I'm back to trying to finish off my cancer journal. I actually did 4 pages this week. I really want to get it finished now and work on some other things.

One thing I am loving...well it's a couple of things from the same range. The new Fiskars border punches. How great are they? And how easy are they? I bought mine at Paper2 and at $22 each they are sure worth it. I love the one for ribbon threading...I love the scallop one and the little daisy one.
Am enjoying looking at tools. I'm trying to not buy papers and embellishments because I have so much allready.
I bought one set of nestabillities after seeing a Youtube video on using them with the cuttlebug. On friday I will have a practise. They are expensive but for something you can use over and over again it's worth it.

I have spent a lot of time with the little people this week. On Monday I looked after Orson and Sahn & McKenzie whilst Andrea took Blake to his new school. (He loves his new school, especially the fact that 3 of his cousins go there as well). Tuesday I watched Joshua (home from school with a bad cough), Harrison and Riley whilst Carolina went shopping, and again today whilst she picked up their new car. A Honda Odyssey....a luxury one with leather seats etc. It's gorgeous! Carolina sure loves it!

Just heard my former workmate, Anita, has won a car!!! A Cherokee Jeep! What a lucky, lucky lady. It couldn't happen to a nicer lady...she is so sweet and sensitive! Good for you Anita, enjoy it!!!!!!

Now, my plan is to do a few more pages on my journal...so I'd better get off this computer.

Bizkit & Balou in the Sunshine

My two one year old twins are really enjoying a bit of warmth......even if it is inside!!! Bizkit with the white nose is such a poser and Balou is so very sweet and gentle.
My little children............xoxo

On a tougher note. My darling daughter Andrea is coming home. Her stint in Brisbane turned out to not be what she and Matt hoped it could be. Too many difficulties that he wasn't able to deal with or overcome. Problems with the children adjusting etc.etc.....
So, fortunately Martin is in Brisbane for work next week and is taking a couple of extra days to drive Andrea and the children home.
Of course, here in Melbourne we are ecstatic that they are coming home. None of us wanted her to leave. Poor India was still crying last week about missing Orson and Sahnie and Blake.
It's tough on Andrea.....she is devastated. But again.....some good news. We were able to get a rental property for her about 6 houses up from Martin and Tambi in Langwarrin. In the street she grew up in.
She's going to need heaps of love and support from us all.....but we are good at that in our family.

Adorable little face!

I love this photo of my Grandson Harrison. I printed it out in A4 by mistake (meant to do it much smaller) and was just amazed at how gorgeous he looks. Cropped it down a bit and made this layout. Harry is only 2 and is just adorable. Very loving, very adventurous, and is really bonding with me which I just love.
Also love the SEI papers. I've always been a fan of SEI and have heaps of their papers that i havn't used....yet!

Andrea and her little ones are starting to settle down a bit in Brisbane. Not without any problems though. Two weeks ago Blakey had an accident and ended up with one of his front teeth pushed back up in the gums. It's OK now....but required some immediate intervention.
Last week little Sahnie broke her arm. In a very unsual place...just above the elbow. An orthopaedic guy had to check it out, and called her back this week for further x-rays in case she needed pins in it. Fortunately she doesn't and now has a full top of the arm to the start of her fingers bright pink cast. She holds her arm with her other hand all day long. Poor little girl.
I wish I was there to hug and kiss her better.

It's been a funny couple of weeks. Some closures:- we auctioned off our investment property which Sara has lived in for the past 7yrs. It was no longer serving the purpose for which we had bought it. We got a good price.....!

I have started doing some creative work for a friend, and after giving her some samples she was so happy with what I had made. "much more than what she had expected" were her words. It's been fun and am looking forward to doing some more for her. She will be opening a shop in about 6 weeks or so and hopefully my work will be part of her business. It's only 5mts down the road which is perfect.

I have been really, really tired this week. I can sleep a 12hr night and then still fall asleep anytime during the day. This is all still part of my cancer and treatment but it's such a drag. Makes it difficult to be motivated doing the mundane everyday things.

I had afternoon tea (herbal for me) with Robyn Baker this week. So lovely to catch up and chat. It's nice to stay friends with great people. We actually had a good chat about some things that I was struggling with. Verbalizing that I was at a certain point but my feelings were not in sinc with my words. Then her simple statement 'you can't fix it!' really hit home. After all I have done.....there is nothing left to do. I am ready to let go and move away....feels so good!!!!!

Had a sleepover with Carolina whilst Daniel was in WA for the week. We had such fun...played games with the children and then we planned to watch a movie, but instead we just talked and talked till we both fell asleep. So cool....doing that with my daughter in law.

Next week I have the 8 weekly blood tests and Mabthera treatment in hospital. Will talk with my Oncologist about the tiredness I am experiencing....see if it's 'normal'.

That's it for this week. Need to check the quiche I put in the oven...it's probably burnt by now.

Enjoying Time

At last I have done a new layout of Monty. I used to be so good keeping up to date with all the events and Grandchildrens photos. But...obviously I got behind for a long time and am now ENJOYING time to catch up.
Lamont loves to pose for the camera...as is obvious in this photo. It's hard to get a photo of him without 'the pose'.












We had a great day out in Sherbrooke Forest on the Queens Birthday holiday. Everyone was there except Sara and Monty.
I got so many photos of all the grandchildren on this massive log. So many that poor Harrison just had enough and fell of backwards, dragging McKenzie with him. It was so funny and because no-one was hurt we got to have a good laugh.
I am enjoying doing simple layouts, get some photos done and don't have to agonise over too much of it. (and I do a fair bit of copying!)

This layout is from quite a while back......at least 15mths. At our favourite rendevous (Braeside Park). Just great kids, cousins (aka: Grandchildren) having some fun together. Again I enjoyed keeping it all pretty simple.

Apart from a bit of Scrapbooking I have:

1. Gotten used to going out and about without any head cover at all. Just my very, very short silvery white hair. I get heaps of complements so it must be looking OK. Can't wait for it to grow longer so I can get a 'cool' haircut. Although, Mckenzie loves my 'princess hair'. ??

2. Got my tax return back already.......and havn't spent it all yet!

3. Am going to be making cards etc. for a friend of mine who currently has an online business but is going to open a shop in the next few months. I am so excited! And...went out buying 'stuff'. all girly - shabby chic - fun and bright 'stuff'. The girls at Paper2 are getting to know me now. Is that a bad thing??? I am so grateful to Kathy for asking me to do this. It is giving me some new focus and lots of fun.

4. Scrapbooked a few times with Tambi and Krystal. Next week having a few more good friends come over for a bit more fun.

5. Still miss Andrea and the children so much. We talk nearly every day.....yesterday I talked to Orson for a while and then he said; "I miss you Nanna".....well needless to say I had a big cry after that. Andrea is finding pretty hard in Brisbane. She doesn't know anyone and is getting pretty lonely without friends to go out with and chat to. I am wondering if it's all really going to work out........only time will tell.

6. Went to see Mama Mia with Sara, Tambi and McKenzie (she gets in on all the fun with big brother and sister being at school!). I loved the movie. Always have loved the music......and it was just happy and bright enough to have a good laugh and enjoy spending time with Sara. She's so busy with work that I don't get to see anywhere near enough of her.

7. Sara, Carolina and I have been watching the Gilmore Girls series. Sara bought them and we pass them on to eachother as we finish each season. Just really loving this show because it's so uncomplicated and fun to watch.

OK....it's time to feed Colin and watch some more of Numb3rs...oh yeah I bought the first three series of that show cuz we've been spoiled watching too many shows on DVD and now watching free to air TV is just basically annoying with all the ads etc.

On The Move

It's been a really busy couple of weeks. And I think I have to work backwards to remember what's been happening.
Yesterday I had the lovely colonoscopy that I was supposed to have twelve months ago. It all went well. Dr. Merrett is a lovely man and had a chat with me afterwards. He did have to remove two growths that were not good ones...but is confident he took out what was needed and there are no further concerns. Just means I have to have the dreaded 'C' every two years now instead of 3. I think I can cope with that.
Riley and Harrison both had birthdays. Little grandsons, brothers as well. Riley is now five and he had a great bowling party (like his big brother, Joshua a couple of weeks earlier). Harrison is 2 now!! And....so yummy!. I wasn't here for his birthday, and the poor little man was very sick as well so he didn't really get what it was all about.....I heard from the rest of the family.
I returned last week from a very busy and hectic time driving from home to Sydney and from Sydney to Brisbane with Andrea and Blake,Orson and Sahnie.
The most memorable part of the whole trip was that every night Sahnie insisted on sleeping with me and that was just devine. To have this delicate little 2.5yr old snuggling in with me was one of the sweetest things. The fact that she wouldn't go to bed untill I went to bed was so funny. Although it did mean I was in bed very early.
The children were all so good being in the car for ages and ages. We took my portable DVD player. It has a 10" screen. Andrea and I both bought a couple of DVD's that they hadn't seen yet and this kept them entertained and happy. I don't think I ever want to listen to Alvin and The Chipmunks again!!!!
We stayed over for two nights in Sydney at one of my sisters' homes. Met up with another sister, Elly and nephew Heath and his family. Spent the day taking the children to the park and playing with them so they had a good break before starting the long leg of the journey to Brisbane.
I was amazed at how the country scenery changed as we got to northern NSW and then in to Qld. Orson was funny on the trip. Nearly 4 yrs old, he knew he was going to Qld, but he had no concept of what that actually meant. I asked him what was in QLD and he said 'animals' and Matts house! When we stopped for petrol he was in tears because in his words 'there's no Qld here!'. Not sure what he was looking for!!!
After leaving Sydney at 4am we finally arrived at Matts house about 7:30pm. He lives in a brand new estate in a 'normal' house. Not a queenslander! It's a great house with lots of outside entertaining area including a spa.
I spent till Sunday afternoon there, when my eldest sister, Erna and her partner Michael picked me up.
It was gut wrenching saying goodbye to my little grandchildren. These little ones who I see a couple of times a week. I had to do everything in my power to not cry...because I knew that would be sad for everyone. Leaving Andrea was so hard.....we have never been apart on a permanent basis. So, it's all been really emotional and as I type this the tears are rolling again!
I had a great time with Erna. She is such an extrovert. Never stops talking. I have never spent any real time with her. She's a lot older than me and as a child we didn't really cross paths much. So, this was a first. She has a gorgeous house which she has decorated in a very Dutch style. Has nik nacks everywhere. She buys everything at op shops. Because she knows the names of expensive pieces of glassware and pottery etc., she has picked up some amazing bargains.
On the Monday she took me to the Sunshine Coast.....to Noosa where she has time share. Unfortunately it was pouring the whole time so we didn't get out of the car. It was so packed with all the holidaymakers who have come north for the sunshine!!! It actually rained every day I was in Brisbane.
We stopped in a town called Montville. Which is full of amazing shops. They are all handcrafted products everywhere and gorgeous little cafe's. Erna bought me a gorgeous gift there and I bought her a little piece of her favourite Italian glass. Although it was still raining we had fun browsing around the shops.
We stopped at the Big Pineapple and had a sundae there. It was huge...so we didn't need to worry about lunch. We then visited a friend of Erna's for a hot chocolate and then back to her home.
Tuesday we went and did the 'op shop' thing!!! I found a heap of books from a series that I've started collecting from last year when I started chemo. I found 13 of them and didn't want to not buy them. But then I had to work out how to get them home. I only had one bag with me....but right at my feet in the op shop was a strong carry bag that zipped up. The perfect size for all the books. And the lovely red shirt and black leather bag that I bought as well. All for $33. Of course I'm going to have to try a bit of op shopping here now!!!
I arrived back on Wednesday utterly exhausted. And looking at my house wondering where to start. Andrea has left so much stuff for me to either have, or look after for her. Boxes of things. Which gives me just the motivation to clean out cupboards and make room.

I enjoyed being part of a scrapbooking challenge with Blue Bazaar. I was sent a range of new Chatterbox Papers and I made 3 layouts for them to appear (along with other scrapbookers layouts) in their newsletter a couple of weeks ago.
It was fun.....but it brought me back to how hard it is to create within parameters. It just doesn't flow as when doing it just because I like a design and I'm the only one who has to like it.

Well, it's already half way through the day and I havn't done a thing so far. I have to send a parcel to Orson for his 4th birthday next Sunday. Best get on the move.

It's Good News Week

I saw my Oncologist on thursday and he had the good news that my CT scan is clear and my blood is perfect!!!! There is a little damage to my liver from the chemo but my liver is working fine.
I had really gotten quite concerned just waiting for the results and it's such a relief to know that I don't have to worry like that again for the next 3 months.
I also had another of my 8 weekly treatments. Getting more settled in to the fact that I am just passing through Oncology for this treatment and not a permanent fixture like I was.
The girls there were all keen to take my cap off to check out my hair. I am getting so many complements about the colour. It's really white with a bit of grey......and it looks very chic as some have said. However, I am still not that confident going everywhere without some kind of head cover on. Family things I'm fine. Dropping in to the local supermarket I am fine. But a big public place where I may stay for a while.....not yet ready!!!!
It's been a big weekend. Yesterday morning started with Joshua's 7th birthday party. He had a bowling party in Mentone and the children had a blast. He had heaps of friends and cousins. Colin, Sara, Maga and Krystal (Tambi's sister) decided to have a game themselves. Colin promptly dropped the ball on his foot!!!!! I couldn't help but laugh.......and he was good about it although it was really hurting him big time.
We're going to go bowling as a family activity more often...the children really got the hang of it and loved it.
Blake in particular did fantastic. What a shame they are leaving this week!
Which brings me to Saturday night......last night. We had a farewell party for Andrea and the children at her friend Alicia's home in Sandhurst. Wow...some home!!!! It was a fun night and Andrea really appreciated being able to say goodbye to her good friends.
I am so tired today. After the thursday treatment I feel totally worn out. By about Tuesday I should be right again. But with all that's going on at the moment there just seems a lot to deal with. Especially Andrea and her children leaving.
We leave this wednesday for the big drive up to Sydney. It's only a couple of days away now...not weeks.....not, maybe it will happen. It's really going to be happening. Andrea is so excited and can hardly wait. Sara, myself, Tambi and Carolina are all emotional and sad at her going, at Blake, Orson and Sahn not being part of our everyday lives anymore.
How I am going to miss them....it's one of those hard events to deal with.
But......I will get to visit and they will visit....but that won't be the same!!! Nothing I can change so I need to be accepting.
Like accepting lots of things in life. No matter how much I may want something or want to go back to things as they were it isn't always possible. Acceptance is a huge thing to learn....and once mastered I imagine it would be a great personal strength to have. Keep on working at it!!!!
Now I've got ironing to do. A packing list to make etc.etc.etc.

Time to Create

This is one of the layouts I finished at the weekend. The photo is so gorgeous and I love the imaginisce papers...the colours are perfect for my India.
The other layouts are already in frames I forgot to take a photo. Will get to it though.
Caught up with the girls I used to work with, and got a free chriropractic treatment as well.....gee they are such lovely people. So good hearted and caring and they are all happy. Great to catch up with them.
Go to go and pick up Grandson Lamont from school. Can't be late! :)

There Just Too Much.....

I was so shocked and sad to read, last night, that Jane McGraw had passed away. I knew about her battles with cancer. I knew that she had a brain tumour. But never thought that she was in such a life threatening condition.
There are just way too many lovely and beautiful and strong women dying from brain tumours and breast cancer. In less than twelve months I have watched three gorgeous women die from these cancers, and now another public figure from the same thing.
I HATE CANCER.
About 95% of women I met whilst having chemo were having treatment for breast cancer. And I think of several whom I got to know really well and although we didn't exchange contact details I just hope their lives are blessed and that they become 'survivors'. Breast cancer is one of those horrible cancers that so easily transfers to other areas of your body. And although the actual breast cancer may be gone there is always a chance it's going to show up somewhere else.
I remember my oncologist telling me that 1 in 3 people will have some kind of cancer. That's a horrible statistic.
I had the first of my checkup CT Scans last week. This week I have one of my 8 weekly treatments and a visit with my Oncologist to tell me the results of my scan. Although I have been feeling confident, all of a sudden I feel vulnerable and somewhat nervous. And I hope and pray that my results are clear.

On to happier and better things. I am definetly driving up to Brisbane with Andrea and the kids next week. We leave on the 2nd, driving up to Sydney. We'll stay there for a couple of nights and then head on up North to Brisbane on the Friday.
It's going to be fun and difficult and exciting all at once. I'm looking forward to it because I will be able to see where Andrea will be living. Mat has a 4yr old house, it's big and just perfect for their 'blended' family to start a new beginning.
I will be able to take lots of photos and have a mental image of my eldest daughter in her new environement.
I still find it hard to talk about her moving without the tears starting. In fact I can cry at anything so easily at the moment. I'm not sure if that is because of Andrea and the children moving or just a combination of lots of things. I have babysat Sahn quite a bit lately and I am going to miss this querkie special little girl so much. We have such a strong bond. She doesn't go to other people easily but she's always been able to be with me. Blakey is taking the change in his stride but I know he is going to miss his cousins and his papa and nanna. Orson is a bit of a mummy's boy so as long as mummy is around he'll be OK. Although I'm sure he will tell her he wants to go home when he's had enough of this new life.

I have been commissioned by an online store to do some projects for them and am getting right in to it. But it brings back how difficult it is to create on demand. Going to finish the work today and get back to having some fun with scrapbooking.

Last week I had such a great couple of days. I scrapbooked.......photos!!! Not my cancer journal but photos. With a group of friends we had a crop together at Tambi's house. I actually prepared myself with having kits ready to go (talk me all day!!). I finished 3 layouts and nearly finished a 4th. Stayed up until midnight scrapbooking. I havn't done that for a year!!! It was so good.
I stayed the night....sleeping in Isaacs bed while he was asleep on a couple of kids couches on the floor. However, somehow during the night he insisted we swap because he couldn't sleep. So, down on to the floor I went. Trying to sleep on these thin little couches. Then India decided to join me!!! it was still dark!! What was she thinking??? It was so lovely to snuggle up with her. She is such an affectionate little thing.
After not much sleep at all I went with Tambi and the children to school because India had dressup day. She was dressed up as Ariel and looked so yummy. Got lots of photos...of course!!! McKenzie..only 3..insisted on getting dressed up too. So we had Ariel and Superman!!!
In the afternoon Andrea, Sara and Carolina came over to Tambi's for lunch...so it was a very full day.
When I got home I was exhausted but so happy. I had a little rest. Finished off the layout and started on the online projects. I was on a roll. So, today I get to finish it all off, I hope!

Those twists and turns

Life sure does take its many twists and turns.
This morning our dear young friend Taliane passed away. After battling a brain tumour for less than two years. At 22yrs of age. Mother of a 3yr old and an 18 month old.
The past two months have been horrible for her and her husband Jon and their little ones. Now they have the tragic relief that it's over.
Very, very sad. God bless you Taliane.

I am now going to be driving up to Brisbane with Andrea and her children in a couple of weeks. Plans changed and I get to go. We'll have a two night stop over in Sydney at my sisters house. She and her husband will be travelling the world by then so we won't actually get to spend any time with her.
Once in Brisbane I am also going to spend some time with my eldest sister, Erna. I have only spent six hours in Brisbane.......went to a wedding and home the same night.....so am looking forward to seeing a little bit of some things.

Andrea is so excited about her new plans. She told me that since I had cancer she has had to depend on herself much more than she used to and found strengths that she never knew she had. And thereby being able to make the decision to uproot away from us all and believe in herself. I think that's fantastic for her that she has found that growth and is able to give herself this wonderful opportunity. I still feel sad, however.

That's it.....got some ironing to do.

My Weekend

These photos tell a little about what I got up to this weekend. Firstly, I finally asked Colin to take a photo of me without any headcover on at all. I guess I should have been aware that creating a collage in picassa mind mean that my photo came up twice!!! Never mind..it's what I look like now. White silver hair about one or two cm long. Kind of getting used to the colour.
I enjoyed taking some pics of our kittens. They are now a year old, so hardly kittens anymore. They are both cute and right now fast asleep in a warm spot in the house.

Just for a change (?) we all met up at Braeside Park on Monday (Queens Birthday) for a BBQ. Unfortunately the weather kind of turned against us, but we still had some fun and the children enjoyed playing outside. Especially climbing trees. Little Sahn is up for anything that she can climb.....even if she doesn't know how to get down. I love watching Harrison enjoy the outdoors. He does tend to take off in to the bushes though so he needs careful watching.
I was very really confused when McKenzie came running up from a distance when they first arrived. I was sure it was India because of the pig tails. But......no....it was McKenzie bobbing along. She is growing up so fast. I love the expression on her face as she holds her Papa's hand.
India is always ready for a photo.....a natural for the camera lens.

A family photo of Andrea and her 3 children was a bit difficult to get....but we managed....even if it's not 'picture perfect'.

The photo of Andrea sharing something with Blake was a real special moment.

Whilst we were preparing lunch Andrea nudged up to me and said "I'm moving to Brisbane!". Oh my.......I knew it was a strong possibility, but to have her say it was tough. In the photo she is telling Blake that they are moving to Brisbane to live with Mat and Keane (Mat is Andrea's boyfriend/partner - to - be, Keane is his 6yr old). The first thing Blake asked was; "Where is Orson going to live?" That was explained fairly quickly but it was pretty funny.
Andrea is so relaxed now. She has been agonising over this decision for weeks and weeks. Moving to Brisbane means leaving all her family and all her friends behind. She doesn't know anyone in Brisbane. But....she and Mat are really great together and love eachother...so finally yesterday morning she made the decision.

Of course.....I had to walk away as I burst in to tears. And....so did Sara. This is the first time one of my children is moving away to permanently live interstate. I am still like a mother hen with wide wings over my children. I can't spread my wings that far. It really makes me so very very happy for Andrea. She has had a string of nightmare relationships behind her and really deserves a break with a man who will cherish her. Mat will do that. He already does. But, selfishly, I want her to stay. I want my three grandchildren to stay. It means missing birthdays, and Blake's first day at a new school......and the everyday contact we have. It means that Sahnie has less people in her life who she trusts and goes to easily.

I can't help but remember that this time last year was when things began to unravel for me and my family. Different situation, but the enormous emotional drain, again. I am not superstituous and thinking that it's going to be downhill again. I guess I just really struggle with anything that opens the floodgates because I can't shut them so easily and I am so aware of how vulnerable I still am. So, Andrea is planning to move in the next school holidays....only weeks away. It's just going to be tough....again!!!! Somehow though I get through the tough times......learn new things about myself and my strengths or lack of!!!

Now, it's time to go to the podiatrist. Wish it was going for a massage instead!!!!!!

Thanks Ali

I'm really excited. I was just browsing around on the 'net' and checked out Ali Edwards' blog. She has this great display of a 'type drawer' with heaps and heaps of photos in it plus other bits of embellishments. I was just impressed with the whole thing.
So, following her prompts I googled 'type drawer' and instantly found one. It's just like hers and was selling on Ebay. It even comes with some history. It was made in 1890 and came to Australia from England.
I can't wait to make it into a great feature of photos etc.

So, Ali has been really inspiring me lately. Got my albums and pages organised and now I plan to 'copy' her idea with the type drawer.
Thanks Ali!!

What I've been up to this past week

I have been spending quite a bit of time with my grandchildren. Both Sara and Andrea moved houses. So since Thursday school pick up time till school drop-off time on Friday I have had Monty. And then Andrea's three children from late Friday untill Sunday afternoon and then again, Sahn all day Monday.
Phew!!! I am tired but.....I loved the fact that I could do it. I have a photo of Sahn in the shopping trolley...she is just not excited about the camera coming out these days. Orson finally found a toy to play with at his new home......everything else is in boxes!! And Blake was having a 'ball' (literally) in a bigger backyard. The backyard needs a lot of attention but we'll all get to that in a family working bee.

Colin and I went to The Temple last week as well. The first time I've been back there since having been diagnosed. It was so peaceful and beautiful and I always feel like I am 'coming home' whenever my eyes see this beautiful building.

Made some yummy bread rolls. In fact the bread maker is hard at work as I write this so I can make some more. Nothing like homemade!!!!!!!!

I finally took Riley to kinder and got some photos of him. He is growing so fast. He absolutely loves having a 'day with Nanna'. He asks to come over constantly.

And I have done a bit of creating. A card for Martins' birthday (he's gonna be 30!!!!!!!). And four more pages of may cancer journal. I am finally up to starting the chemotherapy treatment. I think I've done 18 pages already. It's so interesting re-reading my experiences then. I feel like I have woken up from a bad dream....and yet in my own words the whole experience is there.

Driving Monty to school this week he asked me two questions. "Are salt and vinegar potato chips a family tradition?" I had to laugh...I can't stand them but everyone else seems to like them.....so my answer was, "why not?" Anything can become a family tradition, right?

The next question was, "what is the oppositie of tomboy?" I thought the answer was a 'girly girl'....but no. He meant if a boy likes to do girls things. I couldn't think of any 'nice' terms for this one at all. So, we decided it wasn't good to label anyone at any time. Phew!! I mean I couldn't say some of the things that came to mind to a 7yr old.

Today I am going to do some more on my cancer journal. I'm kind of eager to get it finished so I can scrapbook some photos.
And, with that intent I had better get away from my keyboard!!!

Loved Freezing Saturday

It's been a busy week!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I had a great day on Friday. A crop at my house!!! It was the best fun and so nice to be with others who love scrapbooking like I do. Some of my friends want me to start running classes for them from my house. Not sure about that! At least not yet!
I did get 2 single and 1 double layouts of Harrison done. Which means his grand total of completed layouts has now doubled. I am to keep doing some more of him....he is such fun scrapbooking material. Being nearly 2yrs old and getting in to everything....it's just the best!!!
I got a newsletter from the Scrapboxx last week and only just looked at it. Their design team is amazing. Loving the layouts......great for me to copy. I use up more ink on my printer printing off layouts than I do photos. Who needs magazines???
Wednesday I am going with a few friends to Paper2....introducing them to a bricks and mortar store. I am sure they will spend plenty!!!

I loved the freezing cold weather we had last saturday. Real 'overcoat' weather. I have been hanging out for this type of weather....hot chocolate, home made cinnamon rolls...happy family, a bit of scrapbooking, a good book. Love it all!!!
Saturday night we had tickets for a performance from the BYU Ambassadors at Kingston Centre in Moorabbin. This is a group of 70 young singers, dancers and musicians from BY University in Utah, USA. Their performance was fantastic!!! They sang and danced music from the 50's to the 90's. I hate to admit but I really related to the 60's music. Saturday, in the park......la la la la la...!
On Sunday a lot of the performers were at our Church meetings because they were billeted with member families. A small group of them went to the home of our dear sweet young friend Taliane who is dying from cancer. She is now blind....and is pretty much out of it most of the day. These young Ambassadors went there to sing to her and after they had been there I spoke with a couple of the girls and they were in tears at the amazing experience this had been for them. They are the same age as Taliane (22) and could so identify with this young mother of two small children, loosing her battle with cancer.
I heard later from Taliane's husband, Jon, that Taliane was just mesmerized. She didn't know they were coming until a couple of hours beforehand and it was an especially strong spiritual experience for them all.
Last night went to a Fireside(meeting) from our Church Relief Society......there were about 200 there and the speakers were so inspiring.
I am enjoying being able to go to these events again. It's been a long time. And...like everyone else....I love to be nourished spiritually as well as emotionally etc.

Today, I finally went and did the Drug Allergy Test at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. It was really fascinating how it's all done, and then watching for reactions etc. The culprit is what my aneasthetist thought it would be....one of the muscle relaxants!!! I may have to go back to have further testing of drugs withing the same family....to have a complete picture of the whole deal.
Funnily my mobile rang when I was only home a short while and it was Rod Taylor the aneasthetist....to ask if I had done the test yet. So I was able to tell him the little I knew.

So, in a space of two weeks I've heard from both the surgeon and the aneasthetist who were part of my whole anaphylactic episode.

Time moves on and it was good to be able to tell both of them that I am now in remission....and am hoping to stay that way with the help of the 'wonder drug' mabthera.

Another busy week coming up. Both daughters are moving houses and I am booked for some heavy babysitting duties!!!!!!!!

Enough is Enough

It seems like I'm right back into the 'everything is medical' phase again. Two weeks ago I had the shell of the abscess removed from my neck (the one that caused the serious infection earlier this year). Last week I had to go and have the wound checked...and tomorrow the stitches will be removed. So that's one thing over and done with.
Then it was for a blood test to see if my blood is still doing good.
Last thursday I had the first of my once every eight weeks treatments....mabthera it's called. Back into the day oncology at Brighton Cabrini. It seemed like I hadn't had the 8 weeks break at all. It's a funny feeling really. I am in remission but to keep me there I have to have this treatment so I really do remain a cancer patient for another two years.
Now I feel lethargic and a bit nauseous but nothing like what it was on chemo. And....hopefully in a few days I will feel better again.
It's like have chronic fatigue constantly. No matter how much sleep you get, you just don't feel that bright and alert.
Today I have been for a hip xray. My Oncologists thinks I may have arthritis in my left hip! How does he know....well it hurt really badly when I was sick with the infection earlier this year and as soon as I was back on chemo the pain went away. Chemo is a great drug for arthritis pain!!! So now I have to have that investigated.
It's all downhill once you're over 50......maintenance constantly!!!

Next week I have my drug allergy test at the Royal Melbourne Hospital which is going to be interesting. In fact the surgeon who had to abort the operation got in touch with me the other day via a friend of mine and then rang me as well. He said some really special and nice things and he still has a very strong memory of the all the events of my anaphylaxis cardiac arrest and never wants me to return to him for surgery.......then he said 'only joking'! But, he is a cancer surgeon so I really don't want to return to see him. A christmas card once a year is enough.

Had a wonderful Mothers Day. Grandson Riley(4yrs) wanted to come and cook me a mothers day breakfast because they had just finished a yummy one at home and he wanted me to have some too. How sweet and gorgeous.
We all met at Andrea's home.......everyone made a special contribution towards a yummy dinner and dessert.
The grandchildren were all in fine form and played really good with eachother...for a change.
I got some lovely, sweet presents. Shoes, lots of 'stuff' from dusk (love that place) and a gorgeous long knitted jacket in dark purple. I feel totally spoiled.

Havn't done any creating. Well that's not true. I did help DIL, Tambi last week. She is making an album for our son, her husband for his 30th. So she came over and I helped her put some pages together. Thank goodness for the cuttlebug and the cricut. I made yummy home made pizza for lunch. The bread maker makes the best pizza dough and it's so easy.

I've ordered some more scrapbooking 'stuff'. Some from the US and some from Aus. There was a I love Elsie paper that she first brought out which I really loved and once site actually still had some so I ordered a few sheets. And from the US I can't really remember what I ordered except that Ali Edwards latest book (been out about a year) was very cheap so I know I am getting that.

Have to buy some more Printblocks D Ring albums as some of my grandchildrens' albums are overflowing. Will have to go to Paper2 for them I think they are the closest store that sells them.