Saturday, July 22, 2006

OK.....I have been to IGA and bought out the store. No, not really. I did buy 30cans though.
I love getting dog food at a cheap price. Is it because I resent how much it costs to feed the dog? Is it because the dog is Andrea's and she left her with us? Surely not?
It must be because I like a bargain!
DH and I have just finished watching the movie 'Pay it Forward'. I have now wiped away the salty water off my face but still feel very emotional from this show. It has such a wonderful meaning. But why do these brilliant minds in Hollywood have to spoil it at the end by having a tragic ending?
I might have to start a movement with the 'pay it forward' theme.
I was a good girl today. After work I did the grocery shopping. Came home and made yummy pumpkin soup and then did some ironing. No scrapbooking darn it! Now I feel OK to scrapbook for the rest of the week.
Spoke to Robbie again today! She was just on her way back to London, Canada from CHA. She was so excited but it was also so overwhelming it was hard for her to string two sentences together.
She was very impressed with a My Minds Eye paper and embellishment range called Bohemian. That blew her away the most. She went back to their stand several times. Took lots of photos everywhere and has catalogues from everyone.
I forgot to ask her how the Lacrosse was going. She may have posted results by now. I havn't checked.
I have enjoyed a busy time at work this past week. So many new products and the 'buzz' with our website up and running and the pressure to start getting our online shop happening. It's been real excitement, busy but great to be a part of.
Gee I love scrapbooking.
That's it!
Oops! Almost forgot. My dearest youngest daughter Sara checked out my blog last night and told me she would be very upset with me if I don't mention her in it anywhere. Which I actually hadn't as yet.
She and I are going to decorate some wooden words together soon which will be great fun. I am very blessed to have wonderful daughters who share my interest in crafts and scrapbooking. Sara has a bit more time than Andrea as Monty is at school. So when she isn't working we can organise some scrapping opportunities.
So, Sara I can't wait to get started whenever you give me the 'nod'.

Friday, July 21, 2006

Lovely Lunch

Today has been my first day off for the week. Many months ago Cara, Didi, Debbie and myself were very smart scrapchicks winning first place in a car rally. One of the prizes was lunch at the Lobster Cave. Today we finally managed to all get there and enjoy a great 2hrs of chatting, laughing and eating yummy food.
Thanks for the great afternoon girls!
And....this morning I did go to our Accountant for our tax returns. Colin is going to get a very healthy one! Wonder if I could wangle some money out of his towards a new camera???? Hmmmm! Probably not! Somehow I don't he think he would understand my need for 'another' new camera. That would be the third one in 2 years.
Guess what?????? Yep! IGA have dog food on special! Gee these supermarkets are good to me. Just when I need to buy some more. 30 tins will do! Wonder what the dog is going to eat for the next month??
I had such a lovely time with India at her Grandparents day at 3yr old Kinder yesterday. She rushed up and hugged me as soon as I got there. We spent an hour doing all kinds of craft projects. Cutting and pasting and gluing etc. Then a little play outside and time for the children to do a little song etc on the mat. India wouldn't leave me. She hugged my leg so tight that there was no way on earth she was going to sit on that mat with all these strange people watching her.
So, I sat her on my lap and we watched the other children doing 'their thing'. Just as they finished little Miss India had fallen asleep! It was so cute! All snuggled in my lap. Then of course that presented a problem of how to get her to the car. So, I carried her. I know I shouldn't have with my back as it is but I didn't have the heart to wake her up. It was a really special couple of hours.
Work has been soooooo busy. Lots of new products. Daisy D's, Scrapworks, 3 Bugs in a Rug, Paper Pleasure and so much more I can't remember it all.
So, we have been very busy entering all the new stock and getting on the shelves so everyone can be as excited as we are. Not good for my budget though.
Robbie Roos has called us 3 times now. How fun is that? She must miss all of us here at Scraptacular. Canada is a long way away!
I never seem to sit and say very much here. I have a huge headache at the moment so I think I'd best get off here cuz it's making it a lot worser. I think it's coming from a sore neck and shoulders which is probably a result of carrying little Miss India yesterday.

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Back at Work Again

I've been back at work for three days now. And boy is it busy. Fancy coming back on a Sensational Saturday. Lots of lovely women all scrapping and chatting and laughing and having a wonderful time at Scraptacular. It's hard to work when they're having sooooo much fun! I just want to join them too.
It is really buzzing at Scraptacular now. The new website is up and running. Jodie has been ordering like crazy and we have sooooo much work to do to get all the new gorgeous products out on the shelves.
Love the new 3 bugs in a rug, daisy d's, We R Memory Keepers, Scrapworks papers. Somehow 2 of each design are finding their way into my stash spot in the back room of the shop.
Been spending some quality time with family over the past few days.
On Sunday night we had dinner with Martin and Tambi and their gorgeous three children. It was fun just to relax and enjoy the grandchildren and play with them.
Tonight we have just come home from having dinner with Andrea and the troops there. Sahn was already asleep which was a shame.
Andrea is doing really well. Jethro has been leaving her alone lately and hopefully will be more civil next time they need to talk about anything.
This week I am also going to India's kinder for Grandma's day. I love these special times with them. Lots of photo opportunities too.
I have just finished compiling all the necessary paper work for both Colin and my tax information so I am ready for our accountant appointment on Friday.
I would love to put some money away for an SLR camera. But, I don't think that's going to happen this year. Have a few other priorities first. Boohoo!!
Well, it's late and I promised myself early bedtimes. So, off I go

Thursday, July 13, 2006

A Lovely Quiet Day

Well, today has been a nice and sweet day. Andrea came over with Orson and Sahn. Sahn really loves me!! She gives me the sweetest smiles and loves lots of cuddles and plays. She is good for the soul.
Orson wasn't feeling too good, so he was a bit grizzly.
I helped Andrea make a small book for her friends baby shower. She so enjoyed making it. Such good therapy when life is tough.
We went and had a burger and pippies (yep! chippies! Orson language) for lunch and Orson made a friend in the play area at Maccas. He had a ball!
Yesterday I had a great 'therapy' day. I went along to work to do Sarah's class. I really enjoyed it and it was lovely to just leave the world behind for a little while.
I was so impressed with my layouts that all three are framed on the wall.
With 10 grandchildren I planned to have a framed page of each of them on the wall somewhere in the house. I have now got 7 done.
Three more to go!
Tomorrow I am going with Andrea to the Frankston Concert Centre to watch Blakey in their school production. This is the primary school version of the Rock Eistedford. I think he is a tornado or something. Very suitable.
Next week I have Grandparents day at Kinder for India. I love being a Grandma and being involved with 'the little people' and what they are doing in their lives.
Must go. I hear the garage door opening. Which means the hubby is home from work and although dinner is almost ready it isn't quite there yet. He will be hungry.
Thanks for reading!

Tuesday, July 11, 2006

The Bumps in The Road

Those bumps in the road on our journey of life seem to be around too many corners at the moment.
We have been all elated with the arrival of baby Harrison. Enjoying most of my time with Riley and Joshie.
However, family problems with our eldest daughter, Andrea has certainly put a damper on the elation.
We knew that Andrea and husband, Jethro, were having some serious problems but things have escalated to very unpleasant scenarios. Hence I have been over with her in Cranbourne a lot (there goes my holidays!) providing moral support and babysitting when necesarry. It's a constant thing at the moment.
However, she is going to get some legal help soon and that should quiet him down.
It's one of the most horrible things to go through as a Mum. Here is my daughter who is now nearly 30yrs old in a relationship which I now know has been physically violent. He has left the house but can come in and out whenever it suits him and shout and yell at her in front of the kids. Say whatever he likes and leave her an absolute emotional and mental wreck. Every time I call her and she says 'I can't talk, will call you back', I know he is over there. And I get all anxious waiting for her to call. When/if that takes a while I start imagining horrible scenes and my anxiety goes through the roof. The relief when she calls and I hear her voice is amazing.
She is a strong girl and she won't be manipulated by him anymore which is frustrating him.
We pray that she will be able to have the energy and mental strength to be able to get through this time in her life.
This will be a very important page for her to scrapbook. Maybe for me as well. When I look at photos of her as a little girl my heart breaks because of her innocence and sweetness. As a Mum I never hoped then, that she would have to deal with these things now.
It's tough being a Mum. Even when your children are older you don't cut the nurturing ties with them. Their pain is my pain. Their joy is my joy.
So, today I have stayed at home. Finally! (well, OK, I did make a trip to Scraptacular!) and having been making a mini album for my Handmade books class. I like it! I hope others do too!
I am so 'proud' to be part of Team Scraptacular! The new website is amazing! I knew it could be done! (by someone else! not me!).
And....knowing some of the plans coming up for the future it is all so exciting!
I can't wait for the weekend away.
Although I do have the Crafting Connection to look forward to before that!
Ahhhhhhhh!!!! Thank goodness for scrapbooking.

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

July 4th

July 4th is a very special day in my family. Firstly it was my Mothers birthday (she has passed away). It is my father's sisters birthday (otherwise known as my Auntie) and now it is my brand new baby grandsons birthday as well!
Forget American Indepence Day!!
Baby Harrison Joel was born at 2.40am and weighed 7lb2oz. He has lots of dark hair and a round little face. He is very cute. Mum (Carolina is doing great!)
So you might ask where is a photo?? Well, Nanna Anna, the great scrapbooker forgot her camera!!! Ok now wise cracks! (about the 'great scrapbooker' bit that is!). I do have some photos on my phone but I havn't worked out yet how to get them on to my computer. I will get some on my camera today.
So I have had a very busy time going over to their home at midnight. Trying to get some sleep, but there were lots of text messages and phone calls happening all night.
Joshua and Riley had the biggest grins on their faces when they saw me in their house when they woke up. I told them where mumma was (in hospital) and that they have a new baby brother. Riley: "Has Harrison popped out now?" Joshua: "What team is he on?" Well to the first question I could calmly say that yes Harrison had popped out now. To the second question...well. The team thing is that Carolina and Joshua have green eyes and Daniel and Riley have blue eyes. Joshua decided that meant they were on teams. I tried to explain that we won't know for a little while which colour eyes Harrison is going to have.
So yesterday was very busy. Packing clothes for them both to bring over, taking Joshua to kinder. Doing some shopping for dinner. Making dinner. Riley having a very short sleep. Picking up Joshie from Kinder and going to the hospital to visit their new baby brother. No wonder I forget something essential. (the camera!).
Then home, in the dark. Dinner, bath and then bed. I was wasted. Just stayed on the couch to watch All Saints when Riley decided he needed to do poo! Now Riley doesn't just do poo and get off the toilet and back to bed. It takes him forever. So didn't get to see much of All Saints.
Anyway it was nice to get to bed.
A very special day for our family and especially for Daniel and his family. What a blessing it is when each new life comes to join our family.
We are now blessed with 10 grandchildren. Hard to believe! Each one is sooo unique and have such sweet spirits. They certainly 'complete me'!
So, today has been full of running around to kinder, a bit of shopping and partly made dinner. Soon I need to get Joshie. We're having Maccas for lunch. Home for a little rest. Back to the hospital. etc.etc.etc.
Thanks for reading.

Sunday, June 25, 2006

Counting Down.Orwas it Up???

What a day today! Do I keep starting all my blogs with the same thing? I am going to have to be more creative in my writing. Better get my Tracy White book out again.
I went back to the Doctor this morning after having been told he needed to see me for my chest xray results.
Happy news!! My lungs are clear! However........the xray showed I 'may' have signs of osteoporosis in my spine. Great!!!! I am going to become a bent over old lady any day now! So now I have to have a bone density test. Now all you 'young Mavis' read carefully. On this blog you will gradually become very informed about the 'natural or otherwise' ageing process. You will become familiar with all the tests and medical sagas that will unfold in my life and this information will prepare you for when you get to be my age. Arn't you all lucky to have this information first hand?
Had fun at stocktaking last night. At Scraptacular we closed the doors to all public at 4pm yesterday and we all started counting. Now we were all doing pretty good until Sarah came out with some outrageous remark and we all lost our count didn't we? Sarah is a lot of fun to work with. I love your sense of humour kiddo. Of course Tamay was chanting quite a bit. I think he may have been counting aloud in turkish. Not really sure what it was.
Can you believe we counted everything in the shop in one day. Including the back storage room. It is quite remarkable when you start counting as to how much is actually there. Phew! I'm glad I havn't paid the bills!
Today we had a family dinner at Andrea's. It was very hectic and rather exhausting. The kids....all 10 of them (one extra) were all crazy. It was fun though. It was in honor of Joshua who just turned 5, and Riley who turns 3 in a couple of weeks. But because they are expecting a new baby brother in a few weeks both birthdays were combined.
Well, time to go to bed.

Friday, June 23, 2006

Especially for Sharon


It's Friday evening. We are waiting for Andrea to call so Colin can go and buy some F&C for dinner. She is on her way back from Werribee after picking up Blakey who has been visiting with his Dad.
I have been sooooo tired today!!! Colin has had the day off. We had lots of plans (way too many!!) of things to do. We managed to go to DFO and then to Parkmore. Home for lunch and I had a 2hr sleep. So I feel much betterer now! Just finished the ironing which has been sitting looking at me for a few days.
I havn't been back at work yet. Yesterday I did do some classes layouts. I finished H&F and also Large & In Charge. Maybe that's why I am so tired today.
And...I did stay up and watch 24! But...I did not get up and watch the Socceroos. I did however get a text message from Tambi at 7:30 this morning with...'Go Aussie'. I think she might have been watching the game!!
Today I called the Medical Centre for my chest xrays results expecting to be told everything is clear however I was told that Dr.Burke needs me to make an appointment to see him. What the!!!! I can't see him till Sunday morning so now I am wondering what the dickens is going on.
Now, to the most important part of this post. My friend Sharon!
This remarkable young woman has touched us all! Her enthusiasm and her courage in the rather unknown world of scrapbooking is just amazing. She is not afraid to copy anything!!! Whatever she sees she has the courage to just take it off the original creator and duplicate it. She gets so enthusiastic with her accomplishments (as do we) and is actually considering establishing a company. The name of this company will be THE Copy Team. Of course Sharon will be the director, accountant and CEO of this company. In fact she will probably put it on the open market within a short time due to its already well known success.
Sharon I honor you and wish I could be just like you. Copying layout after layout!!! Could I please put my name on the waiting list as a member of your company???? Oh, I nearly forgot there is something else which Sharon does extremelly well. She is unashamedly seeking notoriety and fame so if anyone else wants to introduce her anywhere at all she will love it.
Enjoy the photo of the 'stupid Mavis' at Sharons house!! We always have a blast together!!

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

"Uhmmmmmm. Interesting!!

Time gets away from me when I havn't posted a new blog for a while. I can't remember much of anything exciting. Oh yeah!! I did manage to buy 30cans of dogfood at IGA on Saturday. Enough for a whole month and that way when it's on special again in a few weeks I can top up again. I know that you are 'all' very interested in this.
I had fun being the boss for Sensational Saturday. I enjoy being with all the girls and having a laugh.
However, as per usual for me at the moment I got sick again. I could feel that some bug was trying to worm it's way into my system and without much resistance it has taken over, again. I can't talk without massive coughing fits. And if I can talk my voice sounds like a mans. That's great!!
So the doctor is sending me for a chest x-ray tomorrow. As if that isn't bad enough I also have to have a mammogram at the same place. Ouch!! I have antibiotics again, and some days off work to stay where it's warm and cozy. I just feel very tired all the time and need to re-build my reserves a bit.
Apart from all those woes and 'poor me' things I have spent some time with some of the 'little people'. Andrea and Orson & Sahn on Friday. We went to browse around the shopping centre and I spent way too much. Sunday Colin and I met up with some friends that we used to associate with but havn't seen for about 25yrs. We had lunch at their home and it was great fun. Seemed like we only lost touch a year ago.
Monday I cooked an extra meal and took it over for Daniel and Carolina. They had a rough weekend with Joshua being taken to hospital in an ambulance in the middle of the night. He gets croup very badly and his breathing was sooo bad Daniel rang an ambulance and they had to give him adrenaline and rushed him to the hospital for some more drugs etc. He was fine by the morning thank goodness. Riley isn't well either so poor Carolina was wasted. A meal helped a bit.
Today I had Lamont to look after and we met Andrea and the kids and Tambi and the kids at Karingal movies and saw Over The Hedge. It was such a funny movie. I asked Monty what he thought of it and he said: "Uhm.....interesting!" What a funny boy!! But because i'm not feeling well we came straight back home and Monty and I played UNO. He beat me 3 times and he's only 5yrs old! Does that mean he is a fantastic player? Or does it mean I am a rotten player? Maybe a bit of both.
I have scrapped a little bit over the past day or two. Nearly finished Large and In Charge for a class and have done a couple of single layouts for Hard&Fast. I just find it difficult to get some time to prepare these classes. I can't seem to stay up late like I used to because I get sick straight away. It's a bit of a nuisance really. Maybe I'm just getting older!!
Well, that's it. I am going to watch Medical Emergency and then All Saints and then.......The Blanket Show! Never heard of it? It means to go to bed! Goodnight!

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

So Excited

I am so excited this morning. Tuesday 13th June is a good day. Firstly IGA have 'dog food' on special. Again!! I can go and buy a whole months supply this morning. Whoopeee!!! I know, it's pretty lame. But if I can save some money I can get pretty excited.
And then, of course Colin had to watch the Soccer last night. And I kept on sleeping but I could just hear (in between snoring) what was happening and I thought we were gone, and then it all happened. Three goals in the last 8 minutes!! I didn't think I cared about soccer!!! But gee it was exciting!!! I had to use my lovely lavendar spray to help me get back to sleep. Actually it was more to disguise the sweaty smell from Colin. He thought he had been playing soccer with the Aussies - and he stank! So needless to say all the bedding is churning around in the washing machine right now.
Then the other exciting thing is that I am not pregnant or in labour. This might be an odd thing to say, but 28yrs ago I was. It's Martins birthday today! It seems a strange thing to actually take in that it was 28yrs ago. It seems like about 6yrs. And sometimes he behaves as if he is 6! Only kidding!
Then also today is Scraptaculars 4th birthday! That's an achievement for Jodie and one she really needs congratulating on. Cuz Scraptacular is a fantastic place to come to, to work at and to meet new friends.
After all that what else have I done? Last night we had dinner with Martin,Tambi, Isaac, India and McKenzie at ???? I can't remember the name but it starts with an M and is just around the corner on Springvale Road. The food was yummy and it was lovely sharing some time with the 'junior Blyths'. I guess that makes us the 'senior blyths'. Poor India wasn't very well. She was cold all the time and started shaking. Once she had a blanket wrapped around her she fell asleep. Poor darling!
Sunday night we had our family pot-luck dinner at Martin and Tambi's. Everyone made such yummy food. There is always too much. But that's good because there is always someone who needs a bit of help with a meal for the next day. Carolina being 8months pregnant is the recipient at the moment.
We took Riley and Joshua in our car from Big Gramps' (colins Dad) and Joshua asked me if their baby is going to be in the blue team or the green team. It took a while to work that out but he meant what colour eyes is their baby going to have. Blue or Green? Riley pipes up and says: "I'm in the blue team!" He does have blue eyes. And Joshua: "I'm in the green team". Gee they are funny with the things the little ones say.
Saturday I spent running around shopping and doing bits and pieces! Then home to make a cake and a casserolle for Sunday.
It's nice to feel reasonably well again. I still feel a bit washed out and tired but I am doing really good. Which is great.
Today I am going in to work. Not to work, but to play!! Jodie is doing a class (impromptu) using the new Collections tiles. And it is Scraptacs birthday to celebrate and it is also a crop. So a happy day it will be. Although I do need to come home and finish my little Handmade Book number 7 for a class.
That's it!
Except I have another Monty-ism. He was in the car with Mum (Sara) and they were driving somewhere where he wasn't familiar with the area and he said:"This is like driving in mayonaise!" What? After a bit Sara figured out he meant ' a maze'.
Then when it got foggy he said said:"It's very froggy out there Mummy, can you see OK?"
I love it!!!!

Wednesday, June 07, 2006

Where has it gone?

Wednesday evening. Where has the time gone. I think I have spent the last few days in a blurr. Not feeling great yet, and I think the anti-biotics are also making me feel pretty yuck. I still don't have too much energy. However I have managed to get a few layouts done to complete the revampt of Funky Five classes. So, now I can devote my time to my 'one of' type of classes again.
Spoke with Jodie on the phone for quite a while last night. It was nice having a chat with you (if you read this!!) And believe it or not, I am quite happy to not have to work a 12hr day tomorrow because my roster has changed a bit. I don't think 12hrs when first back at work and not being sure if I am well or not is going to be any great help at the moment.
I called into the shop briefly today. I just love the new Lil Davis chipboard collection. Have put aside one of everything, of course!!! I just love it!
Apart from a bit of shopping and a bit of scrapping and a bit of TV I havn't done much in the last couple of days so not really worth writing too much.
Oh yeah, I will have to take some photos of my 'new ribbon' storage. It isn't my idea but it is fantastic.
That will keep you in suspense!!!
And...... guess what?? Coles had dog food on special this week! Our dog is eating better than we are.
Although, I must say this. I did cook yesterday. I made a vegetable egg and potato casserolle that has white sauce in it as well. It is yummy! So I don't feel that I have been too neglectful. We had been living off tinned soup and toast for a few nights.
That's it! I am going to try and make a present for my son for his birthday.
TTFN

Saturday, June 03, 2006

The Health Issues

I knew I was going to be 'in for it'. Went to the Doctor yesterday and the first thing he said to me was, 'you're overdoing things again!'. He confirmed the sinus infection but I also have conjunctivitis. I havn't been around anyone with that as far as I know. Maybe it's related to the sinus infection. So, I'm on antibiotic tablets and drops. So far, nothing has changed. I still feel yuck and my eyes are still sticky. Let's hope that from today I start to feel some improvement.
Can't even scrapbook because my eyes just run. I have had a 'big' lecture from Carolina (dl) who gets very concerned about me when I am sick because it reminds her of her Mum. She said I look like her Mum used to when she was overdoing things. Tired all the time. Especially in my eyes. Andrea said pretty much the same things.
So, I have to do some re-evaluating things in my life, again. This will be a bit of a process because there are (like anyone else) so many aspects to look at and work out what to do differently.
I'll leave that for another time - when I can think!!
Well, the eyes are no longer coping with looking at a computer screen and seeing as I havn't done anything apart from spitting into tissues and coughing and blowing my nose and dealing with blood noses - I may as well sign off for today.

Thursday, June 01, 2006

CRICUIT (PRONOUNCED CRICKET)

Well it was bound to happen! I have worked a lot in the past couple of weeks and on top of that babysitting and on top of that wanting to scrapbook when I do have so spare time - now I'm sick.
I know I have a sinus infection cuz the stuff coming out of my nose is well....(I guess I don't have to go into details!) And I am coughing quite a bit and my voice sounds like a man. I am just a bit nervous about the cough because I don't want to be hospitalized with pneumonia again like last year.
So, if I am not better tomorrow I have the day off and will go and see Dr.Nick.
Well, the CRICUIT made a visit to Scraptacular yesterday. It is amazing!! Like a printer but it has a small blade in it and you put in a cartridge and a keypad that matches the cartridge and you choose whatever you want to spell it also has a lot of preprogrammed cute things and lots of flowers. Everything can be cut into heaps of different sizes and you can also do shadows and silhouttes for each thing you cut out. Fantastic machine. Not cheap though. Will be saving up each month so it won't bite too hard.
I I have to do a 12hr day today. Don't know if I can do it all. I can always come home and have a sleep during the day and go back to teach my class tonight. Bummer getting sick. It happens everytime I push myself a bit.
Oh well too late to worry about it now.

Wednesday, May 31, 2006

I shouldn't but I will

It's wednesday morning and I really could be sleeping in and lounging around. But not me! I am going to scrap at the shop for a while. Have a lot of Kerrie O's album to copy!!! I am a fledgling member of the 'copy team' and having a ball.
Robyn from Printblocks is coming in demonstrate the new die cutting machine that is all the rage. It's called a cricuit (I think that's how you spell it) . Jodie has had a little play with it at Printblocks last week and is raving about it. She said we will all want one and need to start saving now because it will come to our shores in December roughly.
I probably shouldn't be going to scrap because I have a cold. Raspy voice, runny nose and sore eyes. But I can't give up the opportunity!
I have worked a few extra shifts in the past week because Sarah has been unwell but I need the $'s to pay my CC so I am not complaining.
Guess what? Dog food is on special at Safeway. So each day I have been buying about 5 tins (I can't carry any more than that!) I am sooooo excited!
We had a lovely order from Printblocks come in to the shop. New Karen Foster papers that are devine. All the Autumn Leaves, Mod and Foofala papers and some embellishments. Some new Making Memories 'stuff'. Some more Rhonna Farrer clear stamps. You won't have to buy Basic Grey rubons with swirls anymore if you invest in one or two or three of these. The clear blocks are coming this week as well. My poor CC.
Well, I had better get ready for my day at Scraptac.

Saturday, May 27, 2006

Too Much to do & Not Enough Sleep

Hi Ange - thanks for your comment on my blog! Be good to see you again it has been ages!!
In the last 8 days I have worked 4 nights and babysat 2. I have forgotten what it is like to hae a relaxing evening at home.'
Mind you I am not complaining because I love working and if it means a few hours at night well that's OK. Just gets a bit hard to get up in the morning!
Colin has been good about it which really helps heaps. I hate it when I need to do things and he does the 'silent' thing. But that has been ages since it's happened. I think he might be growing up at last.
When I have had a spare moment I have been rushing around from one Spotlight to another getting my ribbon organisation stuff.
For those who don't know, we got the idea from someone else who got the idea from someone else but what it is is the following:. DMC make plastic sticks to wind embroidery threads on to and then they also make plastic sleeves with pockets in them that the sticks slide in to. Then they can be put into a binder.
Well, I didn't realise I had so much ribbon, did I?. I have had to go back for more supplies 4 times. I think I am just about there. But now I'm thinking that the embroidery threads I have could be part of my ribbon organisation too.
It does look fantastic and you see each ribbon individually at a glance. I love it.
Ribbons were the one thing that have bugged many of us scrappers as to the best way of organising them. I think this is it! Thanks to the whoevers who thought of it originally!
Well, I am off to work to teach a 5 hour class.
Then tonight I need to cook because tomorrow we have the whole blyth bunch arriving for a pot luck dinner. I am making beef nachos and will probably buy something for dessert.
Will write again soon (I hope). I thought I was fanatical with chasing down cheap dog food - now I'm becoming a pro at ribbon sticks and sleeves.
Mind you, at the moment, Sandown only has sticks. Moorabbin has nothing at all and Frankston only have sleeves.
Just in case you're interested in the hunt.
Bye for now.

Monday, May 22, 2006

The Best Layed Plans

I had a very busy but great weekend. Friday night was babysitting for Daniel & Carolina so they could finally go out for her birthday. Joshua and Riley were so good for me and were no trouble at all. Colin came around for a bite to eat but he didn't stay thank goodness! As soon as he is in the picture it's like having the naughtiest child on the block turn up. He needs/wants all the attention from me and is impatient with the littlies. Some 'men' never grow up!
I worked all day at Scraptac. It was Sensational Saturday and I worked the 12hrs. I had a great time with all my friends there. I was pretty wasted when the day came to a close but it's fun to do now and again. (Next month being the next time!).
Sunday - up early and off to Church. Sara dropped Monty at Church and he wore his suit that his Dad had bought him for the wedding in Queensland last week. He looked so smart and cool! And of course that always means Nursery as well. With 8 little people in there today. It seemed like there were 38! They were all ratty and noisy and grumpy.
So in the arvo I had a very well deserved Nanna nap whilst Colin went to visit his Dad.
Finished off some layouts and got to bed about 12:30am (so much for the benefits of a nanna nap).
Today I have plans. No work so I get to do some chores and some fun stuff. Taking some cash to Gramps so he can buy more huge blocks of chocolate and cans of drinks that he keeps giving away.
Then I might go and watch Tambi's netball game (must take the camera!).
I have to teach a class tonight so I may go early to the shop and do a bit of 'copying of layouts' just to get some of my millions of photos in an album.
I wonder if this will all actually happen!!!!
Hmmmmm! Will have to get back on that one

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

Accepted

I started the day of badly! I got up a bit sluggishly and a bit later because I didn't have to work today. However I did plan to attend a class at Scraptac. just for fun. I needed my handbag for something and I couldn't find it anywhere. I searched high and low and no sign of it. I then realised that I must have left it in Gramps' room at RSL Park in Frankston, last night. Darn!!! So I flew into the shower got dressed and drove all the way there. He was sitting on his bed still in his pj's and as soon as he saw it was me he lifted up my bag and told me he had been taking good care of it. What a sweet man! He was very proud of himself too!
So then I had to rush back and get my stuff for the class ready and head on off to Mentone. I could only do half of the class because I needed to leave early so I could pick up Joshua from kinder.
He was so excited to see me. "Nan!" (that's what he calls me!) "Nanna!" You have come to take me home?" "Can I watch a movie?" "I had my feelings hurt today, Nan!" All this before we got out the door. Mind you he was so happy to see me he left his bag and coat behind so I had to gently persuade him he had better get those as well.
Carolina had a midwife's clinic at Monash for a checkup so we met her at Maccas (oops! I know I shouldn't be there) and I shouted lunch.
Riley was so upset when he had to go in their own car and home for a sleep. He was crying and saying;" I want to sleep in your bed Nan, I don't want to go to my bed!" Poor little treasure.
I got some work done today. A replacement layout for transparency class and finished this mornings two layouts. Now I need to do two other replacement layouts for transparencies and I will be getting on top of things a bit.
Nothing else major has happened. Oops! that's not right!
A few weeks ago I had sent off a bundle of layouts to Express Publications. They came back today and they have accepted 1xsingle layout and 3xdouble layouts for publications.
I had had a senior moment when I sent the layouts because I was meant to stick some photos on one of them before sending it. So I had to leave a message with Kris Yealand to explain what I had done. She wrote on a letter from them that she really likes the layout but with photos it would look a lot better :)! And could I please send it back to them when it has the photos on it.
So that was exciting news.
I'm going to watch the news on TV now!

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

The Starving Room

Monty is back home from Queensland. Hoorah! I have always helped look after Monty since he was born (5.5 yrs ago). And when he goes away to visit with his Dad it is always strange for me too. I don't have to pick him up or take him anywhere.
So this morning I got to take him to school again. It's a lot of fun. I told him I had missed him and that maybe I could spend the day with him at school. And he told me that if I was to come I couldn't hang around his class room that I would have to go to the 'starving room'. Uhmmm.....well after a bit more discussion I figured out he meant 'the staff room'. I just love the special things he says.
I went to the movies with Andrea, Orson and Sahn today. We went to Fountain Gate and saw Mission Impossible 2. It was pretty good - we enjoyed it. Sahn slept and Orson slept so we were very lucky.
I had to buy another trimmer. Yep! The pink one from K-Mart at $14.95! Do I need another trimmer? No! Should have saved the money for when the dog food is on special!
I bought Gramps a battery powered shaver. He has been using blades for always and now he keeps cutting his face and the sores are not healing well.
So we will take that over to him tonight and hopefully we can help him with that.
I've been having fun making a perpetual birthday calendar. It isn't my design but it's fun to be a member of 'the copy team' sometimes.
I really need to be doing more class stuff. Tomorrow!

Sunday, May 14, 2006

Sunday Mothers Day

Today started off the same as any other Sunday. Me getting up first. Feeding the dog, putting the budgies outside. Having a shower and getting ready for Church. Colin just gets himself ready!!!! (hmmm!).
He did wish me a happy Mothers Day -but seeing as I am not his Mother there wasn't any need for a pressie.
At Church the little children (all 10 of them) had a great time pasting hearts and flowers etc. onto a card for their Mummies. I added some Kindy Glitz and the kids were so proud of them.
For lunch we went to Andrea and Jethro's. Everyone put in towards the meal and it was yummy. Had a great time chatting and playing with the 'little people'.
I got some lovely presents which included the Greys Anatomy Series 1 DVD, Human Nature's new CD, some body lotion products and would you believe it - CHOCOLATES. I hid them from Colin cuz then I would have to share! Shame on me!
We left Andrea's about 5:30pm and visited with Gramps for about an hour. He is so sweet. He has kept all his oranges for a whole week and given them to us in a bag. The rotten ones with the OK ones. (They are all in our bin now!) Last week when it was his birthday I gave him a homemade card and he has written all over it saying thanks to everyone for his lovely birthday.
He is so funny. There are notes all over his room. He stuck one on his door and it says: 'the only person to get everything done by Friday was Robinson Crusoe'. I hope that doesn't need explaining.
Well I'm home now. And like Kim I havn't scrapped all day - so I am getting to go and play in my room for a while.
It's been a really lovely Mothers Day. I am very lucky and very blessed with my children and their spouses. We are all very close and times like today make me really appreciate each of them. Sara wrote in my card that I have helped her be a better mother - so it that's all I've ever achieved in this life the journey has been worth it.

Great Day

Today was pretty good!!! Work was very busy. Trying to get new products priced and on the shelves and serving customers. Sarah and I felt like we were chasing our tails all morning. In the arvo I taught the last of my stamping classes. The girls all enjoyed it. Had 5 in the class.
Then at home I made a Tiramisu dessert (replacing coffee with caro!! of course!).
After that I needed to prepare some stuff for 12 18mths-3yr olds to make mothers day cards from at Church today. Punched out lots of flowers and hearts and butterflies.
I had a relaxing evening watching Doc.Martin and The Bill. I love those two shows.
Martin & Tambi called in on their way out to dinner. Mckenzie and India were with them (Isaac staying at Blakeys house). I won't be seeing them on Mothers Day so they brought me a lovely present. A perfume called Beauty by Elizabeth Arden.
Sleep time now.