My Soul Whispers...

I am closing this blog down...

2008-02-27T18:04:00.004+11:00

Go here to find out the latest with me and mine *smile*
A little surprise awaits!

Oh and to be technically "correct" I am not really closing this blog down, I will keep it "open" for archival purposes... but from now on I am over here.

A new era begins...

3 more sleeps...

2008-02-20T12:00:00.006+11:00

and we have a naming ceremony for this little one...
Right now:
Our little boy is sleeping peacefully.
Daddy is driving across the Hay Plains (be safe honey!!).
Big sister is at school.
Mummy is doing some laundry, finalising some packing, doing some creative 'stuff', listening to Ronan Keating (teeehhheee, I am SUCH a dag) and getting ready for a 4am wake up call. I wont be okay until I know Nath has arrived at his parents safe and well.

EDIT: Nath has arrived safely in the Adelaide Hills. Phew! Thank God!

Happy Hump Day loves...
Bx

Happy Tuesday...

2008-02-19T06:31:00.004+11:00

Good Morning *smile*

AMAZING, I have managed to update Joshua's daily photos, HUGE achievement!

We have FOUR (4) more sleeps until Joshua's naming ceremony and it's a beautiful and busy time for us!

So here are a few pics of what we've been up to lately...
Mikaela has tickets to the High School Musical Ice Show (she is OBSESSED by them)...

Mikaela's birthday party:
And cake:

Mikaela's Dad got her these shoes ages ago, they are too small, but every horse riding lesson she SQUEEZES them on...

Kim is amazing with Mikaela's hair and I ***LOVE*** her to bits for it!
I had my pedicure before I collected Mikaela from school, then we went straight back to have nails all spruced up for her brother's special day:

Have a gorgeous day loves...
Bx

Quickly...

2008-02-17T23:29:00.003+11:00

I will be posting tomorrow.
Update since the last post in brief is: Valentines was gorgeous, watched Casablanca for the first time {I know that is lame I've never seen it before LOL!}.

Mikaela had her 7th birthday on Saturday, she had an Indoor Rock Climbing party... twas a lot of fun for the kids and adults alike.

Today she had her usual weekly horse riding lesson. Then she and I went on a trail ride, lots of trotting and Mikaela was one happy little girl.

My gal pal Kim came over this afternoon with her two older boys. We watched a movie, I did some ironing, Kim did Mikaela's hair again... while our men were at the pub.
All in all a good weekend.
Bx

Hey Mikaela...

2008-02-13T19:27:00.003+11:00

How many brothers and sisters do you want?
188 she responded as I took this photo.
Uhm, yeah, okay!
Cute as a button, here she is with the gorgeous 5week old babe, Brock.
Joshua was all but forgotten LOL!
LOVE THIS photo so much!

Hugs
Bx

The girl can ride...

2008-02-11T13:10:00.000+11:00

Solo, which is SO VERY exciting for her. Mikaela has been having "Little League" riding lessons for a few years now, where we lead her {and the horse!}. Yesterday was her first "Junior" lesson where she rides all by herself. She was way overdue for solo riding, so she really loved it and did well. Here she is going for a trot. Mikaela always chooses the largest pony (not necessarily the fastest, though she is yet to believe me on that one) LOL !

A sneak peek of my creations for Maya Memories this month...

I am loving my MOZI mouse pad and "to-do today" pad all in one. Cute as. Well at least it makes me FEEL more organised.

Happy Monday peeps...
Bx

Unveiling…

2008-02-08T11:50:00.000+11:00

Of this little side project I have been working on for some months.
“Oh Gosh Josh” is a photographic daily diary of our little boy since his birth day, today Joshua is 149 days old.
I have not loaded today’s photo yet, will do later *smile*
Unfortunately I have missed quite a few days here and there, but hey, thats kewl!
I love looking over the blog, it is just incredible how much babies grow and change in the first year... SUCH JOY !

Other JOY... I am still cleaning my studio space in between my real life :)!!

Happy Friday to you and yours...
Bx

Time to just BE....

2008-02-07T10:09:00.000+11:00

First I have a LOT to clean, I am feeling all boxed in and my energy is blocked.
I realise this is part of my process... I have LOTs of new ideas and exciting things to share with regards to my artistic endeavours, but first I need to clean the "slate"... and spend a bit of time to just BE. {You ever feel that way?}

Going to get my hair done this afternoon... SOME SERIOUS grey going on right now LOL!
Love out
Bx

My BIG second grader...

2008-02-05T10:36:00.000+11:00

I do NOT know how she is already in Second Grade, but she IS... a BIG 2nd grader.
The morning went well, she was a bit aprehensive last night, but today she was A-okay! A friend of hers was having a teary, so Mikaela was able to come to her rescue.

As I left her she had a huge grin on her face, ready and excited to start a new year.
I **LOVE** the first day of school.
Josh and I then went into Kingston, put in my memory stick to get a few photos developed. I bought some lingerie (oh-la-la), induldged in a coffee and couple of choccies. Josh slept on the couch after I fed him and I had a quiet moment or two to myself (MUCH needed)...

Now in my studio to get some work done.

I hope your day is a beautiful one.
Joy and love out...
Bx

This and that on a Thursday...

2008-01-31T08:06:00.000+11:00

Notice, I got the day right this time, always a good start LOL!

Can I say NO WAY... I am in Creating Keepsakes, February 2008 issue, page 27 NO WAY, okay... its not really *ME* as such, but the advert for Exquisite Scrapping is in the magazine, and as I am a permanent design team member, one of my layouts is included.... whooo hoooo. Seriously excited. I didnt even know, I knew the same add was running in Scrapbooking Memories but not CK, Nath is the one to have seen the ad and pointed it out to me. I was feeding Josh and he came into talk to me, picked up my latest CK delivery and started flicking through, it just opened up at the ad... he was excited for me, too cute. OH and he saw a photo on the back with Ali and her Mikey ears, he was like "is that Ali?" oh YEAAAAAHHHHH he is IN the KNOW, cute as. Lus's hubs is like that too.... SO sweet!

I am going to be able to share a few published layouts VERY soon. I started to submit my layouts a few weeks after Joshua was born, in October 2007... since then I have had 9 pages requested for publication... it takes a while before those acceptances actually get out to the stands and over the next few months they'll be "out there". I am so excited, its great!! I fully encourage everyone to just give it a go! Oh and DO go take a look at Exquisite Scrapbooking site... we are running a competition for you to win a CRICUT MACHINE. How much JOY would it be to own one of those babies??? MUCH I am thinking! So go for it.

Another few things I am feeling joy about: My friend adorable Lusi recruited as a permanent member and a HUGE role at Scrapbooking Creations, go girl! She is so super talented and I am thrilled for her, ALI and her blog (I make no secret that Ali is my HERO... I **LOVE** her in a "I wanna be her when I grow up" kinda way. Tis serious love!) her Valentines mini album has won my heart !!!

I thought maybe I could do Joshua's naming ceremony books something like those... only I have 36 to do, not one! Ha! Fool... I'd love to be able to do that... but really sleep IS very important so they say!

So I am plodding along with ceremony booklets, doing the graphic design in InDesign and trying not to stress about it and all the other projects I have going on - I have about 12000 words to write for a few projects I have been working on, thankfully I am almost done on that, plus some. Also expecting two kits this week. So I am kinda busy busy bee like.

We are off to Sydney this weekend for four days to show Nena the sights, she is back from Adelaide tomorrow morning and we'll drive up then. Sure to be doing tonnes of fun stuff I'll share next week.

While in Sydney, I am getting my camera serviced too... no more blotches, SO happy about that! Only been almost 2 years since I bought "Ella"... so mayyyyybe time for a wee service!

I leave you with this pic of our boy... I cut off his "wings" (his God Mother kinda insisted :))... I think it makes him look like a little boy now :( GORGEOUS yes... but not so baby as before the trim.

Joy to you...
Bx

Book Share...

2008-01-30T06:14:00.000+11:00

So I am up and planning my day while my family sleeps... looking forward to walking Mikaela to holiday program, where she will be off to Questacon today. Honestly, the main thing I am looking forward to RIGHT NOW is my coffee LOL...

Before I do, just quickly, thought I would share a book that I bought at the airport, or a couple rather, this past weekend...

My Body After Baby by Kellie Hush, I have enjoyed reading all the stories from 17+ women on how they felt about their bodies after childbirth. It is true that we have SO many books to arm us prior to birth, and not much for afterwards. I am reasonably happy with my body now (helps that Nath recently bought me a size 12 pair of JAG jeans THAT FIT ME nicely too... Oh the joy of that first pair of NON maternity jeans :)). I have NO intention on going on any crazy diet, that would be impossible for me, trust me!! Of paramount importance to me is that I am breastfeeding Joshua... 100% until 6months and probably 50-60% thereafter for another 6-12months, depending on what feels good for us.

I am however trying to budge off the last few kilos (mind you 10 of the excess were from BEFORE I even fell pregnant, which is the REAL issue)... so I am walking and trying to cut out my excessive sugar intake, I am limiting myself to one lindt chocolate a day. Another reason for this is that we would like to pregnant again in June, I dont want to enter another pregnancy already overweight... seeing the difference of being 10 kgs lighter with Mikaela was tremendous. ALSO really gets me thinking about my book idea of writing womens birthing stories...

The other is Raising Happy Girls... Mikaela is such a dear girl, she has such a loving nature, but there are things that trigger her and I need to understand how to manage and help her through these stages. Her social life is of prime importance... and her relationship with her natural father is also a big influence. We have {again} ceased contact with him, and she is all the better for it. Needless to say he has been given endless opportunity with Mikaela and we just want to protect her from any further abuse from those she is supposed to be able to trust the most.

Having said that... I could improve my skills on dealing with an [almost] 7 year old daughter myself!!

So there you go, two books I am reading right now! Oh and I MUST share this beautiful one that Kim bought for me at Christmas, I finished while on holidays... it touched my heart deeply, it is a beautiful book and poetically written:

Off to have my coffee and chat with my guy before our little'ns are up. My day will consist mainly of finishing up a major project, finalising some naming ceremony "stuff" and hanging out with our little dude.

Hugs
Bx

Happy Monday...

2008-01-29T08:08:00.000+11:00

Last night I was in STITCHES... I went in to give my girl her last kiss good night before I hit the hay. When I put her to bed she had all her clothes laid out for the next day (A DAY AT THE POOL) ... jeans, swimmers and her new pink sparkly "high" heels. When I went to kiss her one last time... she had them ON - yep jeans and high heels, totally passed out and I could not stop laughing. The girl is a crack up!

So we spent our Australia Day long weekend in Adelaide with Nath's family. Kind of, there are just NOT enough hours in the day. We are ALWAYS run off our feet when we visit Adelaide trying to fit everyone in, this time even MORE so as we had lots of appointments for Joshies naming ceremony. I can breathe a deep sigh of relief because we are getting there... in just 4 weeks the day will be over in a flash :(

So we caught up with Tim, Heather and their two girls, Nath's GodFather Ross and his lovely wife Di... Tom (Joshie's GodFather) and his wifey Rach... and of course the GrandParents... Deda and Nanna Jean (who is SO SUPER fabulous with Mikaela)... we also met Temika, Tom's cutie patootie neice.

I will load some photos later... right now waiting for Nath and Mikaela to return from collecting out cat from the catery... then off to walk my girl to holiday programe (and a day at the pool).

EDIT: 1728hrs, spent a day hanging at the pool with Kimbo and her boys, Mikaela with her school holiday program. Was lovely, fresh and pretty cool. I also got a major part of a project done JOY JOY JOY !!!

Here are the photos as promised:
Nathan’s childhood “hood”… a walk into the centre of Mt Barker to get a kitchener bun… A MUST DO whenever we visit…

Getting a tour of GodFather Tom’s work place…

I could photograph Laura all day…

Tim and his girls…

These girls are so cute together, seriously CUTE!

The girls frolicking…

St Stephens where we are holding Joshua’s naming ceremony….

At Ross and Di’s…

Nathan’s God Father, Ross… does that make him Joshua’s Great God Father?? :)

I was super proud of Mikaela being able to do this, however I am embarrassed to admit I was kinda acting like a soccer mum, yelling instruction AT her… sheez how embarrassing!!! …

Temika, the sweetest girl ever…

The lads and their girls…

The Vavic’s so to speak… our little guy was sleeping :(

Love out...
Bx

A day in the life of...

2008-01-23T09:03:00.000+11:00

the most gorgeous 4month old babe....
Huh, what, who, me?...

Believe it or not the stupid cat was actually purring, sheez!:

Having fun in his Chrissy gift from Auntie Cass and Uncle Matt:

ALL tuckered out:

And a quick share of a layout I did for Keep'n The Memories, I did eleven (11) layouts and a mini album, such a beautiful kit. Go check them out, great kits and a gallery full of heaps of inspiration. Helps too that Mikaela is such a cutie:

OKAY so 1month TODAY until Joshies naming ceremony, and you know what… aside from the finer details, I think I am pretty much done. It’s a BIG job.

This weekend we are off to Adelaide and have about 8 meetings in relation to the big day fast approaching. I **LOVE** that Nath is super organised like me, makes life easier, we make a beautiful team.

Life is so awesome right now. Seriously blissful. No jinx!

On other scrapping matters… Sine tells me we are on page 89 of the latest Scrapbooking Memories magazine (Vol.9, No. 9)…
I am eagerly awaiting my Maya Memories pack to get started on… my Sissey pack arrived with the yummiest stuff (as always) tho I am not sure when I will get to play.

AND the lovely DanQ sent me a package from her with the most adorable pics, and the cutest little things… I *LOVE* that super talented girl, she is fabo let me say!! Thanks Dan, you are darling heart xoxoxo!
Here is my fav-our-ite (ABSOLUTE). Mikaela, those eyes just totally hit me right in the spot. I was told today about her coming to the rescue of a child that hurt themselves at the pool (holiday program)... Yeah, I know, she is an empathetic soul, my girl:

Okely dokely…
Running out the door for pizza with the family.
ANNE MARIE - I HAVE NOT forgotten you love... I promise, soon I send you a ROCKIN' RAK oxoxoxo!

Joy to ya!
Bx

Monday morning...

2008-01-21T10:50:00.000+11:00

1050am... I am in my studio, I walked Mikaela down to holiday program this morning (she was super excited)and I REALLY needed the 1hr brisk walk, Joshua is sleeping, I am listening to some tunes and getting some work finished for Keep'n The Memories...

Pot of Fenugreek tea brewing...

I am looking forward to Nath coming home for lunch and seeing what goodies have arrived in our PO BOX, DanQ tells me to expect something from her, HOW exciting. Maybe even my Sissey pack, that would be nice (and helpful)...

Yesterday I followed the MadeIt (Aussie version of Etsy) link from Dan's blog and found these gems:
Illustrations by My Charlie Girl are just stunning!!!
Ali J also has some gorgeous illustrations and jewellry... oiw!
KJS is clean, simple and really tasty illustrations.
Also loving Dudley Redhead and Yellow Monday.
SUCH talent and inspiration... go have a look-see, you will **LOVE**

Lus, thanks for the call last night, cutie pie pie!

Happy Monday loves...
Bx

Simple Joys of life...

2008-01-20T11:32:00.000+11:00

These cute little cupcakes Nena, Mikaela and I made… Nath even helped with the icing… they were yummy!

My cuz Jan… she is so gorgeous, a breath of fresh air… and a soul sista too, I feel I have known her forever tho we only just met less than a month ago. We both feel the same, that the moment we met we felt an instant soul connection. I am blessed to have found her and I know our friendship will be long and rewarding, she is just wonderful!! I am looking forward to spending many hours with this woman. We just get each other.

“Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls.” Mother Teresa

Last night out for my lifer friend Jodies birthday (Happy Birthday Goddess)… we had a beautiful dinner and girly times.
Nath brought Joshie down for a feed half way through (my) night… he wasn’t even hungry, just wanted to play. About an hour later Nath is worried that Josh wont settle, I figure I will call it a night. When I reach the car Josh is already asleep!!!
Getting home early allowed me to start on a new creative endeavour, so its all good…
I am thinking of another blog for these pieces. I just need to make a few more.
Mikaela painting her mask this morning… I love how much joy $1.50 and some of my TIME can bring to her…

Doing some more on my latest project…

The cutest thing I have seen {today}…

Love out...
Bx

How cute...

2008-01-17T21:49:00.000+11:00

We are having a lovely time with Nena (Nath's cousin visiting us from Serbia), we've been to the pool, a bit of shopping and general day-to-day life. Josh had a clinic appointment today... and he is doing SO well. He is all babbles, giggles, cuddles, snuggles, kicking, reaching, rolling at the moment and it is so kewl. He is definitely getting to know about "strangers" but has really warmed to Nena this last day or two... at first he was rather wary, now he is all smiles and chats.

Kim and I did Mikaela's hair this past weekend (thanks my darling Kimbo)... and she is so happy with her "long" hair, happy that it moves. She keeps asking me, as she walks away "Mum, can you see my hair moving?" Cute as. She is being so super sweet during these holidays. There ARE times when she tests my patience, but she is so sweet and just an all round good kido who I love hanging out with... trick is to keep her SUPER busy. She likes doing things with "energy" she tells me, LOL! Or reading "Go Girls"...

Life sure is good.
Life is beautiful...
I am blessed beyond measure, that is for sure!
Bx

A few things...

2008-01-15T09:19:00.000+11:00

So my word for the year is JOY. Some of you have noticed I have changed my blog name from My Soul Whispers to "A Joyful Existence"... I think I have the "listening" to my soul down pat now :) So onto the next phase in my life...

I am BUSY preparing a naming ceremony for Joshua, we are travelling to Adelaide to hold it there, a small intimate gathering... we are very excited. It is going to be a very special day indeed :)

4.54am...

A few mornings ago at ours, Nath was in Sydney collecting his cousin...

Now she is here, today we are off to the pool for some Aussie Summer fun...

Love out...
Bx

Palm Cove in Photos...

2008-01-11T15:31:00.000+11:00

We arrived and our room was not yet ready… it was SO HOT… we relaxed in a nearby café…

Four in the bed… just chillin’ out…

This girl is growing SO FAST…

Big Sister and Cute Baby Bro…

Mum “Can I go in the pool?” (say this about 1000 times over and you get the picture)…

I’m not posing… on our “veranda” of the apartment…

My Man …

An itty bitty crocodile (with its snout taped closed!!)…

Nice crock, niiiiiiice crockie…

New Years Eve… the ragers were out at 9pm to watch the fireworks at the local jetty…kinda hard not to notice those breastfeeding melons….

Oiwwwww pretty….

Then there was the engagement… and home again.

We had such a great time with gorgeous Cass (Nath's sister) and her hubs Matt... they are so easy going. It's so nice to share holiday's with family. REALLY nice! Nice holiday memories indeed.

Been busy busy planning Joshua’s naming ceremony, which is in 6 weeks time.
Decided not to do the French course this time around, not enough time.
Nena (Nath’s cousin) arrives this weekend…
Working on some design team projects, wish I could share. Will do when I can.
MUST finish of Em's cards and post those... AND start the new annual project.
Spending a bit of time at the pool.
That is about it really.
Its only two weeks into the new year and I feel "behind" LOL!
Love out…
Bx

Yes, yes, yes...

2008-01-06T09:48:00.000+11:00

We had just finished our double spa treatment at Angsana (which in itself is SUCH BLISS). Nath told me to put my rings back on, when I looked down there was an "extra" ring in the dish... OMG!! I was already crying when he asked about 2 seconds later
It is SO SO SO beautiful, diamond and platinum designed by Creations.

I am one VERY lucky chicky indeedy do dah day! I guess people assume since we already have a baby and we've been living together for a few years, oh and the referring to each other as "wife" and "husband"... that we are already hitched. Not yet..

I hope you all had wonderful Christmas and New Years.

Now that I am back I have two days to get our home all spick and span (we still have our live tree up, THAT will be fun to remove LOL!)... then 3 DT packages to collect and work on, plus an intensive French course over the next 3 weeks... AND Nath's cousin is visiting from Serbia.

Busy, happy, joyful times... HAPPY 2008!
I will share our holiday details soon too, such relaxing calming bliss :)
Love
Bx

Josh just giggled...

2007-12-27T18:45:00.000+11:00

For the very first time... Mikaela was blowing kisses to him and he was giggling his head off.

We were in the car on the way home after visiting my cousins.

Christmas at ours was lovely, much better than I anticipated with my mother and father meeting up after not seeing each other in 15 years... all went well. We had both Nath and my clans here and it was a great lunch.

Flying out to Palm Cove in the am, getting up at 4. Looking forward to some relaxation on the beach and poolside.

I hope all is well at your house.
Talk soon.
Bx

Merry Christmas 2007...

2007-12-25T18:25:00.000+11:00

LIVE AND ACT IN A SPIRIT OF LOVE

The place to begin to improve the world
is in your own heart, head and hands.
To get along with others, love them
without forcing your love upon them.

Imposing your beliefs on people will not bring you peace.
Have concern for others, respect their rights and freedoms, and let them be themselves.
Do this and you will enjoy peace.

Having consideration for others is the basis of a good life.
Most people are not against you, they are merely for themselves.
Let differing ideas clash, but not those of the heart.

Peace comes to you when you live and act in a spirit of love.

That was yesterday...

2007-12-22T09:14:00.000+11:00

Things with Mikaela are on the improve. She has been spending time with friends that love her and make her feel good. Thursday night we were out to dinner with friends, their daughter and Mikaela adore each other, so it was a great night. Yesterday (LAST day of school for the year, 7 weeks of togetherness, yah :))... we went to the local pool and she had a ball with another friend... so all is goooood here.
Or improving :)

Life is good.
Enjoy.
Bx

Heartbreaking...

2007-12-20T10:12:00.000+11:00

It breaks my heart when she is hurting, especially the heart and soul kinda hurt!

Mikaela has been in some trouble at school of late, with her "best" friend. Theirs is not a healthy realtionship, it is very LOVE-HATE (even co-dependant :()... and it is awful to watch.

We are in the process of setting up a more supportive environment for Mikaela at school. Your prayers for her easy transition to this change in her life would be much appreciated.

This mother/teaching job sure is a tough one, forget office politics, this is the REAL DEAL...

Bx

Easy Christmas Gifts...

2007-12-19T07:56:00.000+11:00

I think Christmas gifts are getting easier and easier, or maybe its just me (I used to make lavendar bath bombs for my girl pals, now not so much :() just dont have the time.

So this year Mikaela made** some noodle boxes filled with lollies for her class mates and friends. We had a great time putting the gifts together. ** we didnt actually MAKE the noodle boxes, they were premade. Cheap as chips too, like $4 for 5 of them or something like that. Basically with the boxes and the lollies the gifts worked out to be less than $1 each. JOY :)

Mikaela also made cards. We acually made the cards back on the 2nd, Mikaela was really good at stamping and writing the message on about 20 cards. The whole production line set up went pretty well. There were a number of steps, 1. stamp top front, 2. stamp Merry Christmas 3 times, 3. ink the edge of front, 4. write message inside of card, and 5. stamp 5 times inside of card. We got out of sync a few times, but all in all it was smooth sailing and Mikaela was really happy and excited to be making gifts for others.

Happy ME. Happy Mikaela... and I am pretty sure today there will be lots of happy kidlets too.

Nath is seriously counting down the days, TWO more days and he is home with us full time for about 2 weeks JOY JOY JOY.

Oh and we just got her teachers a bottle of red. Lazy but useful, no? LOL

Happy Days...
Bx

My Only...

2007-12-17T11:57:00.000+11:00

Photo taken by JinkyArt about 3 weeks after our little man was born... Life sure is goooood!
Bx

My little studio buddy and muse...

2007-12-15T13:30:00.000+11:00

Inspired me to create these:

These layouts were also VERY inspired by Ayo and her beautiful music! The quotes are lyrics from her debut album.

Josh may also be Mikaela's muse... she was inspired to create this recently. Its the title page of a mini-book she is creating. She is obsessed with writting "chapter" books (as she calls them). I have quite a collection of them... they are so sweet.

Anne Marie, thanks for your questions in my previous post :) And thanks to all of you who emailed me too :) So here are the answers to your questions Anne Marie:

(a)I love the look of using white pens for journaling and hand-drawing doodles, but I'm having trouble finding a white pen that won't quit on me the 2nd time I use it! What brand do you use? I use Uni-ball Signo, they are my favourite by far. I also use a Bic Correction Pen, Wite Out too... idea from classes I have taken with both Em and Celine.

(b)I've just applied for my first Design Team. I know there's amazing talent out there and my chances are so slim ... but I'd like to keep trying. Any advice? Just keep applying, submit EVERYTHING. Even the layouts of yours that *YOU* dont particularly like, someone else will LOVE. We are our own worst critics. Mainly just ignore the rejections and keep going :)

(c)What are your "can't live without" scrapbooking embellishments? Ehmmm, good question! Is paint an "embellishment"??? WeeeeeL I would have to say chipboard, letters, shapes. Also prima flowers (LOVE THEM) and buttons. I go though phases, like everyone I suppose. My style is just like me, ever changing and evolving.
For your questions Anne-Marie I am sending you a RAK (you have inspired me to another purge of my scrap room)... email me your addy :)

I hope you are enjoying the last few days before Christmas. I ***LOVE*** this time of year, its just gorgeous. The sun, the warmth, the anticipation and excitement mounting in Mikaela...

We've done all our shopping, well Nath is out now getting my gifts, but other than that we are DONE :)

Peace out...
Bx

Imagination rules the world....

2007-12-13T13:47:00.000+11:00

according to Napoleon Bonaparte and my "Art Quote of the day" some time ago... over that-a-way -------->

Therefore I am handing it over to **you** my dear reader... ASK ME ANY QUESTION YOU LIKE and I will answer soon...

Or if you dont want to ask a question, let me know what you want to see more of on my blog.

I have not been blogging as much as I like because I dont think reading about changing nappies, or bouts of mastitis are particularly interesting LOL! I want my blogging mojo back... and I need your help loves!

Go on, dont be shy.

Brought to you by: Finally-giving-in-to-brain-clearly-not-functioning-at-optimum-levels-for-interesting-posting! and cool-with-that!!
Bx

Life is tough...

2007-12-10T08:40:00.000+11:00

For some *grin* ...
Joshua is such a cool babe... so happy and content. Last night he slept from 1am to 6am... a first! Whooot whoo! Lately Josh has been doing a LOT of squealing and "going off" with the hands and feet discovery.

Here is one of the layouts I did recently for Scrappers Warehouse.

There are another seven layouts and an OTP (off the page) to take a look at here.

A favourite poem of mine I share with you today. I got this from a family friend and put it up in my bathroom (where else??) when Mikaela was a baby. These words got me through LOTs of hard times let me tell you :)

“As you think, you travel; and as you love you attract.
You are today where your thoughts have brought you;
You will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you.
You cannot escape the result of your thoughts,
but you can endure and learn…
You will realize the vision (not the idle
wish) of your heart, be it base or beautiful…
for you will always gravitate towards that which you,
secretly, most love.
Whatever your present environment may be, you will fall, remain or rise with your thoughts, your vision, your ideal.
You will become as small as your controlling desire;
as great as your dominant aspiration.”

-James Allen

Love and peace out...
Bx

Christmas Decorations...

2007-12-06T12:54:00.000+11:00

This was a class project I finished this week with Mikaela's class.
So cute.
They loved it.
All of them were so excited.
Basically I (along with a lot of help from Nath the night before... thanks hun) prepared most of the project before hand. Therefore the children just had to do the designs on the alfoil. I did the Indian Ink part for them and then they put it all together, with help from their teacher, Heather. It was a hoot. They were such fun, I had a ball. Little cuties they were, so eager and happy. My kinda morning :) Josh was awake when we arrived, then just put himself to sleep and slept the entire time :)

I got quite a few strange looks as I had indian ink all over my hands for the rest of the day (actually I just realised, I STILL do)... and it was SO worth it :)

I only have Mikaela's ornament to share due to privacy... but seriously some of the kids were SUCH artists!! Well they are ALL artists... but some of them had serious talent.

This little project is totally inspired by Celine, who came to visit and did a "Show and Tell" with them a few weeks back. I'd promised Mikaela's teacher, Heather, MONTHS ago that I would do some arts and crafts with them... who says 2 weeks from end of year is too late?? LOL !

Next year I am going to try a "Term Project"... I can't wait!

My 2008 new years resolution... to make it Christmas "time" all throughout the year :)
Love out...
Bx

Weekend in Review...

2007-12-05T08:28:00.000+11:00

Now that it is HUMP DAY (already???) I can go over the past weekend... Friday night my sister Meeges arrived with her girlfriend Jayne to spend the weekend. Jayne made some fantastic pesto and I chewed their ears off until I reluctantly went to bed ALONE (groan). Nath was in Sydney for an annual work networking function... racing cars!! and staying at Star Casino overnight.

First up... Saturday early morning I had a radio interview with ABC 666... all about creating and recycling for christmas. NERVOUS was I !!! I have never done a LIVE radio interview before (I have NEVER done ANY kinda radio interview before LOL) and it was nerve racking! If I can post the audio here I will, it is rather funny. No photos... but go here to see the instruction sheets I created (links at the bottom of the page).

THEN we had Mikaela's ballet concert at the local Street Theatre, it was so great. Mikaela was really good, tho she did wave to me, which I am sure she is not allowed to do... it was very cute. I did her "stage" make-up just slightly TOO MUCH, but she didnt notice or realise, so thats good.

A quick stop home before we going to see Nath play his social basketball grand final. They lost, which was disapointing because up until about half way through the second quarter they actually had a reasonable lead. Nath played really well and I got heaps of photos. I am so proud of him.

Rush home to greet our guests as we had a house full of people to cook for. In celebration of Lee's 32nd... we had Katie, Lee, Jodes, Jake and Kim come over to celebrate. We ate very late (especially for us as we normally eat at 6-630ish) it was around 930 before we got to eat, but thankfully in bed by midnight.

Sunday breaky with Meeges and Jayne before they took off back to Sydney... relaxing and papers before Nath took Mikaela to horseriding. Kim came over for a few hours, we took some chrissy photos of Josh.

Nath looked after Josh while Kim, Kaela and I did some shopping at Woden. THEN Nath and Mikaela rode their bikes, while I walked Josh in his pram, to our local park for a picnic dinner. A storm was brewing and we saw the MOST incredible rainbow,or a double one, tho the main one was so amazing. It was the most spectacular sight. Gave me chills. I dont have any decent photos because I had my macro lens on.

Home and bed for the little lady, while Nath and I watched Rainman.

Its all good.
Bx

Life is all about the juggle...

2007-11-29T22:23:00.000+11:00

... Or otherwise known as “balance”
Balance between negative and postive.
The ebbs and flows of life.
I like that.

Today I received a number of bunches of the MOST beautiful flowers you have ever seen!!

From my friend Lana.
She is passionate.
And talented.
And very successful.

Lana was exactly what I required today.

A couple of other “things” I required today:

Walking my girl to school:

Having some down time with my girl and boy:

Spending some quality time with Kim.

I have had a couple of very reflective days… I get blue sometimes with situations.
Not necessarily my situations, but my friends.
I am at a loss as to what the “right” words are; what the healing and comforting words are…
It hurts to see my friends upset.
This week, it wasn’t just one… but 4 friends that came to me with sad news.
Which made me sad too.

We all have our own journey’s to live and we only get one life.
Let us just try to live it to the best of our ability, and our individuality!
I know my friends are on the path they need to be... and that even though it does not always seem that way at the time, everything happens for a reason.

"We are today were our thoughts brought us, and we will be tomorrow where our thoughts take us"

Peace and Love out...
Bx

Who is that H.O.T guy in a suit???

2007-11-28T12:50:00.000+11:00

Oh... mine *grin*
I love Jinky Art photography... Barb is a seriously talented woman. Take a look at her delightful portfolio here (there is gorgeous beautiful music, be warned).

I just ***LOVE*** her!
Bx

This little cutie...

2007-11-27T10:40:00.000+11:00

Is 32 today!

My younger sister Leanne.
Happy Birthday Gorgeous!
She is my SSS Sister: Sweet~Sensitive~Soul Sister.
She is a treasure.
Have a wonderful day angel.
I ***LOVE*** you...

HOW BLOODY CUTE do you look in this photo???? SO frickin cute. I think you look a bit like Dad actually!!
Bx

The reason he is GodFather...

2007-11-25T11:22:00.000+11:00

... asides from being Nath's bestfriends since they were about 4years old... he makes me laugh until I cry. He is a funny bastard!

Recently I got this recipe chain mail, basic gist of it is that you pass it on and you get all these recipes back, like 36 or something like that. The ONLY one I got back was this one from Tom, and frankly... it is worth 336, its brilliant - made me laugh SO MUCH. Here is his reply:

Recipes. You’ve come to the right bloke.

You know those times (they happen so often) when you’ve popped out for a quick visit to the country…

The dirt’s red, the roads rough, the road kill is chassis destroying and you realise you haven’t had breakfast.

Don’t stress.

A quick snack can usually be found on your front grill. Particularly in the early afternoon when the sun has heated the metal and cooked the blowies, dragon flies and bees up nice and crunchy. Great meal and that’s why you’ll always find a small plastic plate, a roll of toilet paper and some tomato sauce in my glove box.

Another nourishing dish can be found at the nearest ant nest. Simply pick the little blighters up by their front end and lick their back end. In Queensland, the green tree ant has a strong citrus flavour. In other states, they just taste like ant… but you are still licking an ant’s bum. And isn’t that what a quick snack is all about.

In those instances that you find yourself hungry, but without a car grill or an ant’s nest, simply stand up straight, face west and poke out your tongue. Its common knowledge that prevailing winds scour the nutrient rich top soil from our country, and carry it off to New Zealand. If you stand in the path of these winds with your tongue out, you achieve two things. You’re getting a nutrient rich meal and you’re also stopping any more of our stuff being pinch by the Kiwis (how dare they try to claim ownership of Crowded House and Russell Crowe.) If it’s not a windy day or you find yourself on the coast of Western Australia you’ll need to work a little harder for you meal. You’ll need to get on all fours and lick the ground. Be sure to only lick the nutrient rich parts.

For more tips on how to survive in the bush, feel free to give me an “oi.”

I had TEARS... he is SERIOUSLY funnnnneeeeee!

Tom IS actually a big fan of game food, as am I from time to time... so we're all off to enjoy some at a local resturant for lunch today.

Tom is visiting us from Adelaide this weekend to meet his GodSon, and his GodWife... I mean the GodMother... and sort out dates and details for the Naming Ceremony.

Asides from being funny... he is an all round great guy and a beautiful soul. We are so happy he is going to be Joshua's spiritual guide :)

Life is gooooooooood.
Bx

Slightly stoked about...

2007-11-23T09:52:00.000+11:00

... being able to finally share some exciting news with you :)
The reason I have not been posting much of my scrapping stuff of late is because... most of it is awaiting publication in a few magazines(squeal) or is being done for design teams.

Exquisite Scrapping have given me the wonderful opportunity as a permanent design team member. I cant wait to work with Jo and the team :-)

I also have two guest DT postions: one with Keep'the Memories (which may lead to a permanet position) and another with Scrappers Warehouse.
Go to Aussie Pub Calls to find out all the latest with the Australian scrapping industry. This site has links to all sorts of competitions, design team calls (including digital) and also the major magazine submission requests. Go for it girls!! It took me seven YEARS to finally get the courage to do so myself and within 3 months of my first application... well lets just say 2008 is gonna be a busy one LOL!

I leave you with this poem which I have written on the inside of my treasure chest (scrapbooking supplies cupboard LOL)...

Off to do the ironing and watch Flash Dance. Whoot woooo!

I am SO EXCITED :-)
Life is really good.
Bx

EAJC #s 42, 43, 44,45 AND 46...

2007-11-21T07:27:00.000+11:00

Just a couple of Emily's challenges to post :) So behind!!
#42, Grateful Week...
Grateful for so many little things: Nath being patient with me while I scrapped till midnight to meet a deadline (knowing I would be super cranky in the morning), doing readers with Mikaela and her class mates, walking Kaela to school, getting Ali's book, family movie night... you know all the little things make me very grateful :)

#43, Scary...
It is SO SO SO scary how quickly Josh is growing... and the scull and bones tshirt is OH so VERY scary (scary CUTE!).

#44, Home...
My home is with these three, my heart belongs to them. Such is life!

#45, Self Realisation...
It struck me so hard one day early in 2005... I had been working a LONG time to get there... Here, I suddenly realised that my ENTIRE life was my choice... I decided how to spend my days, my attitude... EVERYTHING. It sounds so simple, I know. Even obvious but it took me a long time to understand this at a very deep (soul) level. So glad I did because my life has been a dream since!

#46, Rejuvenation...
I LOVE to get a massage to rejuvenate, unfortunately I only manage one or two a year {TOO much spending on scrapping supplies!} Mostly I just have a Loooooonnnnggg soak in the bath ALONE (no kids) or a pedicure :)

So there you have them.. and for a couple of days... I am up-to-date!
I LOVE Em's challenges, love her art, her concept... her heart and down-right Aussie self! All good is the Ems!

Oh "Hiya Rossco, yes *YOU* I know you are reading this :)... we'll see you in January and March, so set aside some time for us {and your "great god son"...is there such a thing?} I am sure there is!

Toodil iw...
Love out...
Bx

She was thinking of me too...

2007-11-20T19:19:00.000+11:00

... when I wrote my last post! I found it in her bag when she came back home. Mikaela had left a message on our answering machine, and made a note of it while at her Dads. Cute!

Peace out...
Bx

I miss her on Saturday mornings...

2007-11-17T14:27:00.000+11:00

Even though I know I am fortunate that she spends most of her time with us, I still miss her on Saturday mornings as she spends Friday night each week with her Dad. Mikaela is such a sweet child and so very good with her little brother, totally doting and SO SO inlove. It is a beautiful thing to see. Sometimes she is a little TOO enthusiastic, but for the most part she is a delight.

Josh giggles and coos at her, and they are the sweetest to watch.

Mikaela USED to call me at 6am on a Saturday morning:
Mikaela: What are you doing?
Me: Sleeping (said smiling, because although she has called at a very early hour, I have only just given Josh his morning feed... and I think she is cute)
Mikaela: What is Josh doing?
Me: Sleeping beside me (only just moved into bed beside us, which we do sometimes at the EARLY morning feed, anywhere from 5-6 am)
Mikaela: Oh... okay, bye then!
*************************
The first time after Josh was born, I think she called around 4 times in two hours!

We always speak on Friday afternoons when she finishes school, tho she doesnt call me at 6am on Saturdays anymore. Some Saturdays she doesnt call at all until just before I collect her in the late afternoon. I guess that is a good thing, she is enjoying her time with Dad. Plus she has ballet class AND ballet rehersals, so she is busy.

And even tho its only one night, I still miss her and I think Josh does too.
Bx

Movies and Love...

2007-11-16T10:46:00.000+11:00

We went to see this movie last night as I got free tickets and Kim (GodMother Extraordinaire) babysat for us.
September, I really recommend this movie... it is so beautiful, the cinematography, the relationships, the heart and soul of the movie struck me and I loved it. Spectacular!

I want to say a HUGE BIG heartfelt congratulations to an amazing person I know, she is family I have chosen in this life... the aforementioned GodMother Kim began her teaching career yesterday, or a new chapter of it *smile*. Kim worked her first day as a teacher’s aid at Turner Primary, specifically she worked with the special needs children... and from what she tells me - it was challenging and rewarding. I think she was AMAZING - our children, our education system can only but benefit tremendously and strive with Kim as their teacher. She makes such a positive impact in children’s (and adults) lives. She is mother earth. Kim will touch many in her life and even more now in teaching career. I have always respected and admired Kim’s ability to connect with Mikaela (and her love for Joshua is grand scale HUGE). Kim does what many don’t bother to do, she intentionally takes (and makes) time for OTHER peoples children as well as her own. Not many people do that, not many people even consider it… and that is why I she is my family, even my sisters consider her family according to their FaceBook profiles *grin*. Kim is a unique and gifted healer, nurturer, listener and teacher… that is for sure. Good luck my dear friend, tho I know you won’t need it :) I am SO SUPER PROUD of **You** my shinning star friend!! I love you much!

My thoughts are also with another darling friend of mine Jodes... who is in South Australia for her Grandfathers funeral. Its a very sad time for her and I know he meant the world to her. My thoughts, prayers and love are with you during this time Jodes xoxox

Love out...
Bx

Tired but happy...

2007-11-14T08:10:00.000+11:00

Life is so busy! Now that I have finished another major design project (not yet made public, will share when I can *smile*)... I am taking time to SLOW down before my next series of deadlines comes along, before Christmas mania (LOL!!) ... taking time to B.R.E.A.T.H.E and relax...

Slow living isnt about doing everything at a snails pace;
its about giving weight, time and urgency to those things that require it and relinquishing those things that just cause anxiety.

I love this quote! It is on my dreamboard I created 17 September 2006... and is hung above my desk for me to take in regularly.

What I love about life... is that we CHOOSE, it is a CHOICE how busy we are, or how much time we take for ourselves... for our family, our life. To walk in the grass, to pick flowers... to enjoy this life we create. THAT is such a powerful amazing thing.

I *LOVE* being busy... LOVE it! I love challenges that inspire me. What I don't love is when I get CRAZY busy and it impacts on my mood, my family, my relationships... when I become that "WHOA is ME.. I am SO BUSY!!! " person - I hate being that person! A martar, a person incapable of saying no, of taking charge of their life. I can feel myself roll my eyes into the back of my head when I begin on this treadmill. LMAO! Thankfully I snap out of it pronto.

Whereas some people just live there constantly... we live in a society where expectations of how much we "achieve" depends on how long our "to-do" list is... as opposed to how HAPPY we are WITHIN. Isnt that the REAL achievement of life? I think so and that's what I'm about, what is most important to me.

Perhaps that is because I have always been a "glass is half full" person, always... I have found that with a positive attitude and time to mediate and reflect... we can slow down quite easily. Your to do list may be just as long as anyone elses... but you take JOY in your list... in your life. If your "to-do" list is WAY TOO long - simplify - cull it, or accept it and take joy in doing the things you choose as important. SIMPLE. There it is again, SIMPLICITY and CHOICE... in attitude and action. Life rushes by so very quickly... we owe it to ourselves to live it well... in happiness of our choices. We owe it to ourselves to simplify and to live a slow life.

I think during the silly season, during the busy busy time of Christmas it is important to remind ourselves of all of this. To relax, chill out and enjoy our lives and loved ones because that is really what Chrissy is all about.

Today I choose to simplify and live slowly.
Enjoy your HUMP DAY gorgeous peeps...
Peace
Bx

No flies on me...

2007-11-12T09:32:00.000+11:00

When Celine and Damien were visiting, they commented that no-one had told them how many flies there were in Australia. I explained that it is not something we talk about...kinda like childbirth and like childbirth we actually forget. For me each winter I totally forget about Summer=swarms of tiny flies everywhere. I forget. Then as summer approaches, its "ahhhhh, flies AGAIN!!" I dont know how one can forget, I just do, must be like a survivial technique or something!

So this morning, I had tonnes of them and had to giggle to myself at the thought of Celine and Damien's horror. To make up with having to swat at least 20 pesky little flies away every second... my view this morning (he is now into his stroller style carrier during the day)...
And YES, they are tiny scratches on his face, self inflicted because his mother is appalling and doesnt cut his nails every two seconds. Seriously they grow SUPER fast!!

So now we are home again... listening to the best of Elton John and finishing off a couple of design projects.

Doing a little blog surfing... as always totally inspired by Ali, she is just amazing that woman! The STUFF she does. Life. Amazing how much she accomplishes, seriously! Check these out too:
SuperHero - Happy Birthday!!
Nicole - check out her fab mini album, LOVE it!
Wanda... this post in particular I adore!
Oh JOY... TOTAL eye candy as always. YUM! I REALLY have to refrain from licking my computer screen. LOL!
Karen... I just love her photography, such talent... her humor is fab too!
Lusi... super talented gorgeous friend of mine. Lucky ME! She is such a darling soul.
Patty... just an all round beautiful person. She is gorgeous. Simple.

Shout out to Kyles and Jas who both completed a crazy mountain bike race yesterday and did really well!! Superstars.

Also a huge hug and hello to Mattia, my friend from Italy some almost 8 years ago now! Glad you found me mate.

Hoping to see the God Mother today....

Life sure is beautiful... Elton ROCKS!
Happy Monday :)
Enjoy!
Bx

A mixed bag...

2007-11-09T10:07:00.000+11:00

WOWSERS... Firstly I want to let you know about the other two DT members for Maya Memories. I am so excited to be working with these ladies... They are REALLY cool... check out their blogs Sheree and Christie.

OKAY... almost a week in review so I start with most recent and work backwards:
**Mikaela got a Certificate of Merit yesterday for an Anti Bullying poster she created. So cool. She is such a great kid!

**Happy 3year anniversary to Kim and Sime... enjoy your weekend escape, especially the Kayaking and twilight horseriding... how romantic :-) xxooxx! LOVE you Kim! This woman is such a shinning star in my life!

**Yesterday I farewelled (for now) my gorgeous house guest and her man. It was SO Wonderful to spend some quality time with her and I am truly blessed to have her as a friend! She is darling, and even did "show-and-tell" for Mikaela and her class at school, which was SO adorable :) Spending time with Celine REALLY cyrstallised the power and meaning of real, true, soul connection friendships. Brilliant! I miss them already!!!!

**Monday my dear friend Tass had her baby shower, which was lovely and I caught up with darling Mary, Stella and her family. I SO miss Stel, she lives about 900km from me. PLUS my super cute younger sister Leanne. They were SO dotting all over Joshua! LOVE that!

**Joshua is doing great, smiling heaps like a little cutie and babbling away *smile* He has his two month vaccinations today :-( Poor little babes!

** Me and my guy have our "date-night" tonight {with our darling love child in tow}... as Mikaela is at her Dads. JOY, we cant wait :-)
Happy Friday peeps...
Peace
Bx

A weekend of...

2007-11-05T12:45:00.000+11:00

... in no particular order:
Fun, Gorgeous and Inspiring women, eating out, scrapping, meeting lovely people, enjoying wonderful classes, sisterly lovin', sun and surf, mini mum action, he and he and she! Here are a few pics from the last few days...

We had a wonderful time at PaperCrafts Festival in Sydney this past weekend. Got to spend some time with my lovely gal pal Celine and her man Damien. Also got to catch up with the lovely sweet Lusi. Both their classes were fabulous!! AND another wonderful part of scrapping for me is all the connections we make on this journey... all the beautiful souls we get to catch up with, such as cutiepieMel and Superwoman Beth {who had a baby girl AMY only 6 days prior, WOWSERS!!} both whom I met through Lus at KiwiScraps in April this year. HAPPY to see them. YES! Then there are always NEW people you meet, and at the time you cant quite recall how you know their face, but you do... and later you remember! Always happens to me! Funnneeee! I *did* get to meet and chat with the talented Danielle Quarmby, she's a hoot, has a great sense of humour! I *love* a good laugh, I am sure if we spent more time together there would be much snortage going on!

Its tough trying to balance such a major scrapping event and family. Nath was wonderful helping me get from class to class and taking care of Mikaela and Joshua. I had Josh in a two of my classes, or part there of and he was very cute and very well behaved!

Yesterday we headed down to Sydney, went past DavidMetNicole which was closed unfortuately. We then headed to Bondi, which was so great... we had the best time enjoying the sun and surf. I NEED to touch the sand, ocean and float in the waves as often as I can, its simply one of the best feelings in life!

Now I am home, working on some design projects, buying presents, off to a baby shower this afternoon and catching up with my sister Leanne.
Happy Monday!

OH and GOSH... I just want to say a HUGE thankyou for all your lovely comments about my DT position with Maya Memories... I am so chuffed :-)
Bx

Exciting News...

2007-11-01T13:07:00.000+11:00

I am so SO so EXCITED to be sharing my latest news... I have been selected to be a permanent design team member of Maya Memories...

I am delighted to take on this challenge and can NOT wait to share with you all my creations... sooooon. Just looking at the Maya site makes me want to scrap, its so yummy... go check it out. Delicious!

This is one of my things I wanted to achieve before my next birthday & it is here in purple pen on this here layout I did some time ago *smile*... and just secretly there are a few other major things in this list that have also come true. Hey when my birthday comes next May... won't it be fun to see how many things I have done on my list :-)?? Or not done for practical reasons...

I love that!
I love the whole "putting yourself out there and making your dreams come true!"
Taking a risk... and recieving SO MUCH joy for every single happy fortune that comes my way.
Whoo hooo...
Thanks for the opportunity Rajini.

Tomorrow I get to spend some time with her and her... and her, some other "dream catchers" I am blessed to know and call my dear friends.
Life is beautiful.
Joy!
Have beautiful weekends lovlies and I hope you do some dream catching of your own, big, small and inbetween... all dreams count :)
Right now I am dreaming of a latte and some cake this afternoon LOL!
Bx

Serendipity...

2007-10-30T08:33:00.001+11:00

So I really wanted to catch up with this chick-a-dee at my 20 YEAR (YEAR 10) REUNION... record scratch... YES I am THAT OLD :) But I didnt, she wasnt there... THEN this morning I get an email from her. There we have serendipity... ain't life sweet!

I did catch up with two other gals I have known since I was 11... what a bunch of hotties HA! We didnt stay long, I forgot to put my breast pads in after I got dolled up LMAO! That is just SO ME! *grin*

Sunday we went to the airport open day and ended up catching a joy flight down to the coast in support of Breast Cancer awareness, hence the pink plane (SO KEWL). It was so bumpy, but L.O.V.E.L.Y... Josh was so great, didnt bother him at all. He had to wear that little belt, very sweet.

Here is a quick pic of the cutest baby EVER :) Bathtime last night...

SO looking forward to this weekend and catching up with her!!! AND the lovely She too :)

Hugs and Love
Bx

Her face...

2007-10-26T10:44:00.000+10:00

When I ask to take a photo of her!! NICE one Missy Moo!

Tho I forgive her because I am sure I could swim in those eyes of hers.

A couple of Mikaelaisms of late:
1. She tells me I am looking FIT, with conviction. I LIKE that :)
2. When she got an icecream headache recently... she called it "brain disease" instead of brain freeze.
3. I sent her to her room as she was being WAY TOO exciteable and making heaps of noise... to which she replied "yes good because I need some peace and quiet"... ah ooooo K!
4. She told me she doesn't like me to refer to myself as "Mum"... she likes to WRITE Mum because its easier :), but she likes to SAY "Mummy" oooiwwww!
5. She refers to herself as "sissie" when talking to Joshua.
6. She has not lost her love for playing with snails... it's been raining the last two days... snails galore to her delight. LOL.

She wrote me this note a few weeks ago:

Translation:
I love you Mum. You are the goodest girl in the family we want you to be but are best. You will be the good mum. I love Josh and Nathan. We will look after you. We love being in our family. You are the best Mum and maybe Nathan thinks you are the best girlfriend.
CUTE AS... she is such a delight.

Or "oh how delicious" to use the phrase of Mrs Henderson (Judi Dench), from the movie of the same name which Nath and I enjoyed last night.

Happy Friday's beautiful souls...
ENJOY your weekends.
Kiss Hug
Bx

A few more layouts...

2007-10-22T21:39:00.000+10:00

You know I think I lost my scrapping MOJO for some time before Joshua was born. He, my dear gorgeous boy has certainly made it return with a vengence. I guess its the REALLY QUICK layouts that appeal to me most. With a newborn babe that is the ONLY kinda scrapping I can do. Asides - lets face it - with an ever expanding family, it wont ever get any less crazy around here LOL!! I wouldn't have it any other way *smile*
Here are my latest layouts:

I also made this OTP (off the page) item for Joshua, its to keep all his cards and trinkets in:

Happy Days...
Bx

My place right now...

2007-10-21T07:17:00.000+10:00

Looks like this:

No photo of me because I am feeling vain :-) And have not had my morning coffee yet!!!!

I should be in bed still but I just can NOT help myself... at Josh's 6am feed... I MUST get up (usually to the computer)!

AND - I am a bit "pumped" this morning - rather excited - because I am off to a scrapday. Its with CM, they are the only albums I use, aside from my minis, then of course... anything goes. Unfortuately my posse are not attending - due to uni assignments, european holidays and QLD escapes... SO I will be the only FreeStyler freak there!! LOL! Lucky for me I am taking the ulitmate universal LOVE item of a newborn babe... at 5 and a half weeks, this will be Joshua's first scrapday. How cute! Sure to be an even more distracting day then if my posse were there to chin wag with. Hopefully I still get a fair bit done!

I am also a BIT excited that first thing this morning we are off to an open day at the airport... we have not told Mikaela, she is obsessed by planes - cant wait to see how excited she gets LOL! EDIT: Ah... we went out there - tis NEXT weekend LOL!!Better a week early than a week later I say!

Last night we went to the Nara Candle Festival... was lovely!

Anywhooo - just a quick glimpse into my Sunday morning - when CLEARLY I should still be sleeping.

But I am up now... coffee time!
Hugs and love out to you all...
Bx

This is what I see when I walk her to school...

2007-10-18T10:48:00.000+10:00

So far today, I have managed to:
* Get my family up, showered and dressed for their days.
* Get Mikeala's hair done - such an issue some days, and a breeze others. Girls!
* Walk Mikaela to school while she rode her scooter.

* Take a few "artsy" photos on the way.
* Do some groceries.
* Post another RAK pack - I posted all the others yesterday... so they are on their way peeps :-)
* Enjoy our neighbourhood.
* Have an SMS conversation with my youngest sister.
* Breastfeed Josh at the local park on the way home, listening to the birds.
* Put the slow cooker on with our dinner - a creamy chicken mushroom concotion.
* Change a nappy or two.
And its not even 11 am. Life is GOoooooooood. Write your own list of all the things you have done SO FAR today, and I am sure you will be surprised with how much you've accomplished. Or not. Maybe its just me - I AM always surprised LOL!

Inspired by my latest InsideOUT magazine, here is a random Q&A...
WHAT ARE YOU...
Buying - as little as possible! May be a first for me LOL! Tho I am always buying scrapping stuff - ATM I am sticking with the bare essentials (my monthly Sissey pack)
Changing - nappies :-)
Drinking - Illy coffee, only two a day - tho usually one.
Doing for dinner - see above
Planning as a Getaway - PalmCove at Christmas time, we have an apartment - its our annual family retreat - we cant wait:-)
Listening to - whatever I have downloaded onto my computer. ATM Crowded House.
Reading - Magazines, mainly house, home and garden ones - they are my FAVOURITE inspiration items. Plus brain can not read a novel just yet LOL! Maybe when on holidays.

If you are interested in playing along, answer the questions on your blog and send me a link, I'll add it to this post. I really like doing these short quick Q&As, its a good snapshot of today and works perfectly as a layout. Actually I have a "Gal Pal" mini album where I got them to answer these questions... MUST finish it and share with you.

Here are few finds from the magazine too - inspiration galore:
DavidMetNicole - a very kewl shop in Surry Hills Sydney - must get myself there, when?? I do not know, soon!
This site - which is all about trend spotting fashion, architecture, food and more.
Will add more later... seriously kewl stuff!

Have a lovely day people.
Gotta Love this life! - Crowded House like!!
Bx

So far, so good...

2007-10-16T08:19:00.000+10:00

With the "schedule"... tho the timings were a bit out - I managed pretty well and we had a fabulous dinner I made too!! Mind you I was in bed by 930pm LOL - that is SO unheard of for Nath and I - we are totally night owls.

So I managed to get a few hours studio time in yesterday, with a my little studio mate to keep me company (and totally distracted *grin*)...

These are the layouts I got finished:

They have all been "works in progress" for some time - I lay them out on my table and just add bits here and there when I have a few minutes spare. Then when I assemble them it takes me no longer than 30mins - 1.5 hrs. Most of my layouts are SUPER quick - or I get bored before they are done LOL!!! Layouts that take a long time to finish are not my cup of tea at all! Tedious even!

I have about 100 layouts "organised" and ready to go at anyone time. I will share my organisation strategy another time.

Right now... off to take Kaela to school, today we have opted out of the 2x 1hour round trip in favour of the car as I have a postnatal yoga class to attend.

Happy Tuesday lovelies.
Oh and RAK winners - your packages will be posted tomorrow morning :-)
Bx

EAJC #41, Magic Carpet...

2007-10-15T17:51:00.000+10:00

Where would I want a magic carpet to take me to right now???... Italy.

Actually it is ALWAYS Italy! I have loved many places we have travelled to, but my heart belongs in Italy.

I hope one day we'll own a villa in Tuscany. Maybe you'll see us on the LifeStyle channel renovating LOL!!!

Thanks for another great challenge Em.
Happy Monday peeps.
Bx

And the winners are...

2007-10-14T20:26:00.000+10:00

ALL OF YOU! (who commented on the RAK post)
If that is **YOU**... please email me your addy so I can get them out to you :-)
Joy joy JOY !!!

I really like Sunday nights... getting organised for another week ahead, I feel that all in our lives is sorted and in order... by Wednesday that feeling has all but disappeared - which is why we have Thursday and Friday to enable us to look forward to the weekend approach! LOL.

I am looking forward to walking Mikaela to school tomorrow... the start of the fourth (and last) term of the school year for us. 10 weeks of a finely tuned routine. BAhahahahaha HA ! I can dream :)

I HAVE actually attempted to put together a schedule of what my day MAY?? look like. How funny it'll be to look at in a few weeks, when the REAL schedule becomes clear!

Just for fun... I share with you this photo of Mikaela and her totally ridiculous manicure she did herself. Whist on the phone to the lovely Lusi recently, Mikaela comes into my studio and says "mmmmm, yeah... not very good" I am distracted and not sure what she is speaking of "what?" I ask. Mikaela shoves her bright red nails (and MOST of her fingers) into my face and asks "are you cranky?" Ah... YES, if I were not so busy laughing!!! Silly girl!

Off to watch some teev with my guy. Not the cricket either!!
I hope you all had great weekends...
Now email me your addy!
Bx

Friday at ours...

2007-10-12T16:59:00.000+10:00

Hanging with Kim, Mikaela and Josh in my studio {technically Josh is not actually IN the studio, rather outside the door in his pram}. Listening to Ayo, Ben Harper and Bob Marley...

I created a slightly cleaner studio so that we can get a few things sorted...

Mikaela sorting the threads getting ready for our RAK giveaway! (Make sure you have an entry :-) Dont be shy!! You have until 1124am 13th October to enter) She is really helpful, especially when she is put to task (thanks to Kim... who is the one to get the project underway).
Getting Josh's birth announcement cards done, again - with Kim's help :)
Finishing these layouts...
Happy Friday peeps!
Bx

2am conversation...

2007-10-11T08:45:00.000+10:00

With my man went something like this.
N. What time did you last feed Josh?
B. 4.30
N. But its 2am now
B. Yeah, you were asleep!
N. So you fed him....
B. 2 hours ago!
N. Not yesterday afternoon??
B. {realising some kind of brain malfunciton on my part} whatever, shut up, go to sleep!

5am conversation
N. you are like a different person, at 2am you were snapping at me and saying you fed Josh at 430.
B. {both laughing} I know!!

And whoever thinks babies dont smile before 6 weeks is CRAZY MAD. Joshua was smiling at his 4d scan (30 weeks gestation) and this has been proven.

Experts suggest that babies smile heaps in the womb, then the trauma of birth takes them 6 weeks for the smile to return again. Thankfully for Josh, even tho we did not have a "delightful" experience... he was smiling again within days. Admittedly most of it is just "face twitches" STILL OH SO CUTE to see!

He is so cute (Nath says I say this about 100 times a day... can you blame me?)

Happy Days
Bx

Making your dreams a reality...

2007-10-10T11:32:00.000+10:00

This is my Wish Jar I created some time ago... inspired by Keri Smith.

Along the same lines as my "dreamboard"... making your dreams and desires tangable and therefore achievable...

In very basic terms, my wish jar contains my list of 100 things I want to do before I die.

Interesting that I find at different times my blogging community are thinking along the same vein, Ali recently posted along this same matter.

I must say... the list IS very powerful. Since I created my wish jar... I have realised a number of wishes, such as:
. Meeting Emily Falconbridge
. Climbing Pisa tower (and let me say my "wish jar" is the ONLY reason I got to the top... otherwise there is no way I would have done it... in fact I was even chanting the mantra "100 things, 100 things" as I climbed, kinda terrified to the top LOL!!!)
. Climb the Eiffel tower (okay...technically not met as we took the lift!!)
. Have a healthy and happy baby in 2007
(there are many more... but I have a baby boy on my boob and dont have the time to elaborate!!

A few of the 100 things still to do:
. Meet Bono and Nelson Mandela
. Meet SARK, Sarbrina Ward Harrison and Keri Smith
. Meet my blogging sisterhood... friends I have made over the years
. Own a villa in Tuscany
. Work in Africa as an aid worker for a year or so
*grin*... loving dreams, we have gotta have them!!

I have more to add to my life list... I will post in its entirety soon.

Oh and please make sure you are part of my RAK giveaway!!

Gotta go change a dirty nappy!!
Peace out...
Bx

Oh My GODNESS....

2007-10-09T15:15:00.000+10:00

Look what my FIL just gave me... I am ONE LUCKY GIRL!!!

I think there must be about 400 of the cotton embroidery floss...

Plus another 500 or so of the Tapestry Wool...

When Nath was just a wee-een, his parents owned a hobby store, these threads have been stored in their garage for some years... and now they are mine YAH!!!

SO I MUST GIVE SOME AWAY... make a comment on this post (by 11.24am, my time... 13th October - Joshies 1 month bday). Tell me what it is you enjoy about scrapping classes, or what you'd like to learn in a scrapping class? Even if you are not a "scrapper"... I am sure you have an opinion...

Come on all ya lurkers, I'd *love* for you to "de-lurk" yourself!
Bx

EAJC #40, Not Anymore...

2007-10-09T13:21:00.000+10:00

Emily's challenge this week was "Not Anymore", what is not anymore in your life?

For me my NOT ANYMORE is that once upon a time, I did not think of myself as "worthy" to have the life I dreamed of. SoulMates were for other people, my friends... but I would not have one. A job that both inspired AND paid well was not something I "deserved". To have a happy, content and well adjusted family. To really **LOVE** myself was not even in the realms of possibility... these fears and feelings were left over from my childhood, which was pretty traumatic. I grew up in fear. My mother was (and still is today) a herion addict and alcholic. I spent 17 years in pretty awful conditions and the situations that her addictions exposed me (and my siblings) to... I would not wish upon anyone.

That feels like a lifetime ago now to how my life is today.

That is not to say that the scars do not remain, they are there... and every now and again something will trigger me to revisit some of the most violent and terrible times in my childhood. Thats okay. I have learnt it is okay to have had such experiences so long as I do not allow them to define me. I *am* defined by how I have dealt with these experiences, by how I have overcome them. I am the person I am today in spite of my experiences but not because of them. Today I have the strength to be honest about my abusive childhood, it happened, it is real... it is not "who I am" I do not need to feel judged for the wrong doing of adults in my life, especially since I was just an innocent child. The more we talk... the more we can heal and help others...

I came to a point in my life where I realised that I was the one in control. I could not change the past... but I could change and take control of the future... of today. Of my behaviour, of myself. To be a survior and not a victim for the rest of my life. That is all I have ever wished for my mother, but you can not take responsiblitly for others... only for yourself.

That is when my life took a major turn for the better. I became grateful for all my good decisions. I treasured my life and my daughter, my friends, my career... MYSELF!! and things have been on the up and up ever since...

That is why my blog is full of gratitude and all the bits and pieces of my life that make me happy and even proud.

Proud to have broken the addiciton and pain that had been part of my family history for at least 3 generations I know of.

Proud for creating a better *me* and a wonderful, bright future for myself, my family and my children.

Life really is what we make it.
THAT is why I am SO grateful... and why my "not anymore" is that I no longer consider myself "unworthy" to live the life I dream of.

Oh and if you managed to get to reading this.... you deserve to know about my RAK :-)

Love and Peace
Choose Happiness...
I did.
Bx

Joshua's first layout...

2007-10-05T14:30:00.000+10:00

I just finished today :-)
He is SO CUTE!!
Bx

EAJC #37, 38 and 39...

2007-10-03T08:37:00.000+10:00

Been a while since I had time to get these done... tho I had them in my mind for a while :-) As always I love Em's challenges, and these were no exception...

Emily's challenge #37, Draw Something...

Emily's challenge #38, I wonder...

Emily's challenge #39, Someone Spec...

REALLY happy to just be able to get this small amount of creative fun complete... MAYBE I will get a couple of layouts done soon... all about Joshua of course :-) Go here to see more of our new little man :-) And here if you want birthing details EIK! LOL!

We have school holidays here at the moment... we are off to a major park with some friends... will share later :-)

Love and Joy to you all...
Bx

Almost 2 weeks old...

2007-09-26T20:13:00.000+10:00

... we are still trying to get into some kind of routine.
In some ways it seems like only yesterday... and other ways it seems ages since Josh was born.

I really have nothing else to blog... except for our little guy, cause that is about 95% of what my days are all about right now *grin*

Couple of events this week:

* Nath went back to work, tho comes home at lunch time every day... and is only 5 mins away.

* Joshua showers with his Dad every morning, its the cutiest thing. We take his change table into the bathroom and its a real team effort.

* Joshua had his first "big bath" with Mum today. Again... total team effort.

* I got my hair done... at the hairdressers! almost a year since I did that! Thanks to Kim for coming to assist me with Josh.

* Kaela had a storyboard to do for home work... to present as show and tell. Of course, she only told us two days prior... when Josh was about 5 days old. So on the morning of the show and tell ... we were all still working on the project. Josh was crying and ready for a feed, Nath was tending to him as I had only 5 mins to go on helping Kaela with her assignment. I called out to Nath "are you okay babes"... just as Josh cried. Mikaela turned to me and said "Mum, Josh needs you" She is such a sweet child.

I am tired.
Josh is darling gorgeous! Except if he is overtired and not settling, then... only gorgeous, not so darling.
Nath is being super supportive.
As is Kim (she makes a great surrogate Mum :-))
Mikaela is being very helpful.

I am itching to scrap - no brain power, time, or energy.
Also really looking forward to being able to walk Kaela to school with Joshua in his pram... a couple of weeks off yet - hopefully the start of Term 4.

Geez - I am way too impatient and tough on myself at times. I just want to be in the routine I envisage my days to be... not to still be in recovery. Mind you... I have had a couple of days where I have over done it and then paid the price later... so I am taking it easy and napping more. Asides, I am getting into trouble from Nath... and I know he is right - I do need to take better care of myself. In just two short weeks I have already made much progress in my recovery, so I am sure in another two... I will be feeling almost fabulous :)

Nath's Mum is visiting for a couple of weeks to meet her Grandson and to help us out.
JOY!
Cant wait to catch up on all your blogs when I get a chance... dont know when that will be :-)

Love and Peace out...
Bx

TOTAL opposite ends of the spectrum...

2007-09-20T09:08:00.000+10:00

... yet both join in the middle be the most miraculous and precious gift of my life!
What am I talking about?
Childbirth!
The amazing, joyful and intense experience we, as women, experience.
I really believe that we are the luckier gender to be able to experience giving birth, whether easy or "not so easy"... its brilliant and I wish I could have another 7 !!

Mikaela and Josh's birthing experiences were like chalk and cheese. One of the midwifes said to me that I have had the best and the worst of experiences. Stop reading right now if you do NOT want to know about the frank description of two very different labour expereinces!!!

Mikaela...
Arrived 3 weeks early.
Contractions came on naturally and strong, very quickly.
I felt an overwhelming sense that I was not really doing anything, my body was doing it all itself and it was almost as though I was having an outter body experience.
I would say that this was definitely an "estactic birthing experience"
I felt estactic, amazing.. in tremendous pain, but not fearful.
She was born in 3 hours, 43 minutes after I arrived at the birthing centre.
I had no intervention.
No assistance (no gas, drugs, anything).
I did not tear.
I DID stand up and try and walk out of the room when her head crowned... LOL!
I left the hospital 16 hours later... enjoying a coffee at a local cafe with my sister and mother before going to get some clothes for her that would actually fit her.
She was 45cm long and 6 pound 13 (3120grms)... she was size 00000 - 5 zeros.

Therefore I thought my experience with Josh would be just as easy... or even easier. I was WAY wrong!

Joshua...
Was induced one week earlier than his due date because we knew he was big.
I had my waters broken, but no drugs required.
Contractions came on, my body was doing it all... but Josh was snug as a bug and not assisting.
I felt fearful and that I must have been doing something wrong, I could tell he was not budging.
He was born in 3 hours (THANK GOD)
I had A LOT of gas until the midwife took it from me !!!!
Josh did not decend at second stage... he was too big for me.
I required assistance via forceps delivery.
I tore, nothing TOO bad, but bad still and a very rude shock!
I hemorraged quite badly.
I then had to take drugs to contract my uterus and stop the bleeding.
I lost close to half of my blood supply.
Two blood transfusions were required... a total of 4 units, scary to say the least!
I had a catheter (small blessings :-))
I got an infection requiring antibiotics.
We stayed in hospital for 5 days... I had the VERY BEST care possible.
Josh was 50cm long and 8 pound 9 (3900grms), size 000 - 3 zeros (2 pounds heavier than his big sister - basically Josh was the same size at birth, as Mikaela was at 5 weeks).
He got slight swelling over one eye, which is gone now.
EIGHT DAYS LATER... I almost feel 100% again, still walking slowly and trying to rest as much I can.

I am SO grateful for the care I was given - it was amazing, my Doctor was totally on top of every complication... the midwifes were caring, supportive and attentive. Even tho the experience was nothing like Mikaela's I am sure it could have been much worse! Imagine how much bigger he could have been *eik* ... and it is likely that an emergency caesarean would have been required.

Thankfully the blood transfusions, intervention, shock, trauma... did not prevent my milk coming in! That would have been the worst for me as I breastfed Mikaela to 14 months and for me its one of the most special gifts as a mother. Its the most wonderful intimate experience... and at 3am when its just me and my boy in the rocking chair... I feel I am in heaven (well not every night, sometimes I fall asleep too and wake as my head bangs on the edge of the chair... LOL).

Josh is doing brilliantly, he is a great feeder and sleeper. Feeds pretty much by the clock every 3 hours, and we get a good nights run most the time. He is wonderful and I would do it all again to have the most precious gift in our lives, without a doubt, in a heartbeat.

I had some healing done the other day by a beautiful friend of mine, Vanessa. Yesterday I had a gorgeous massage... at the exact same time I was in labour with Josh a week prior!

At the end of the day, when all is said and done... I am feeling SO BLESSED!
Nath is the best father and partner.
When I had my "3 day post blues break down" he just held me so tightly as I sobbed and sobbed, I had nightmares the first couple of nights, and I am one of those totally daggy people who can not sleep without my guy... so I got about 2 hours sleep those first two nights. Thankfully he was able to stay in the hospital with Joshua and I on the third night as his sister Cass and her hubs, Matt, had arrived from Adelaide to visit. Nath has been the most brilliant support to me and he is so amazing with Josh. Our love has been strengthed by an inmeasureable amount. It is the best! He is the best.
Mikaela is the perfect doting (tho sometimes a little too enthusiastic, big sister) She is gentle and unselfish. She gives great cuddles to her brother. Mind you she is JUST SO BIG NOW - I feel like I am snuggling up with Nath when we have bed time cuddles and chats *grin*...
Kim has been THE BEST God Mother (allomother and sister) in the world... I am sure we lived together in Italy in a previous life... LOL!
Nath's family have been wonderful, my Dad and Sisters too....

I have some darling friends who have been checking in with me...

And *you*, thanks for all your prayers, I am sure they helped me a great deal in my recovery, and will do so in my continued recovery.
Life sure is perfectly beautiful... including the "not so good bits"
Oh... I have heard some incredible birthing stories over the past week... I want to write a book *grin*
WOWSERS women are amazing!!!
Say it with me sisters : "WE TOTALLY ROCK!"
Love and Peace out...
Bx

Look who's home...

2007-09-17T19:05:00.000+10:00

Here are a couple of my fave photos of the moment.
The first photo is the most recent... and it is brilliant how much his hormonal rash has cleared up with my breast milk coming in... he is doing WONDERFULLY!

Joshua is the best little babe.
Mind... his delivery was not quite what I expected. It was a tough one, but we are over the worst of it now (gotta love the amazing female body) and we are HOME.

Thanks so much for all the blessings and emails from you lovelies.
To say that I am beside myself giddy with love and happiness would be a ridiculous understatement!
I have *SO MUCH* to share once we are settled.
Love out...
(hugs)
Bx

Its a.............. Baby Boy!!!!!!!

2007-09-13T17:20:00.000+10:00

Joshua Robert Vavic was brought into the world at 11.24am today. He weighed in at 8 pound 10 (or 3.9kgs) and is 50 cm long.

Both Mum and Bub are doing well.....

Rebecca and the rest of us are thrilled with our new addition to our family. Bek is still in hospital and probably won't be out until after the weekend.

A big thankyou to Kim who was there to help us look after Mikaela and anything else we may have needed. Also a big thanks to the hospital and doctors and midwifes who assited us.

Unfortunately I don't know how to upload photos so we will have to wait until Bek and Josh are home.

Nathan

EAJC #36, Life is Beautiful....

2007-09-11T08:57:00.000+10:00

YES, yes it is :-)
Em's latest challenge is a good one indeedy... here is my take on it:

Thanks Ems.
All good here, just tired and waiting, or waiting and tired... or tired of waiting!
*smile*
Love and Peace.
Bx

Sunday Morning...

2007-09-09T10:50:00.000+10:00

Nanna is here!!
Nath's Mum, Jean is visiting for the weekend. Life is good.
Bx

New Space...

2007-09-06T13:11:00.000+10:00

Well ... it is re-organised space and so it feels new.
The lateral filing cabinet DID arrive before baby afterall!
Nath re-arranged the furniture for me last night and this is my new look studio.
Well "in-progress" new look studio as of course, there is still some cleaning to do.

AND now that I have my filing cabinet I can get super organised with scanning negatives and photos and placing things in ORDER! Mind you... I am preferring to read right now :-) I have this and this to keep my mind distracted/occupied for a day or two. Actually I am almost finished Penny's book and so I am avoiding it... as I dont want it to end!

Spring is definitely in the air here (well it WAS, tis a bit cool ATM). Tuesday I was inspired by the lovely Nicole with this and especially by THIS (I LOVE THEM TOO!)... to do similar to celebrate spring:

Happy Days.
Oh and go here to see a little bit of me :-)
Chuffed am I!? Yessim.

Nothing new on the baby front. Due the 20th, just that Mikaela came three weeks early and this one is a big one... so was hoping - but hey you know they have a mind of their own! 2 weeks to go today... and trying NOT to focus on it TOO MUCH. LOL!

I hope all is well with you and yours lovelies.
Bx

Says it all...

2007-09-05T08:05:00.000+10:00

Happy Happy 34th Birthday to the very best man I know!
I love you Nath.
Bx

Happy Fathers Day...

2007-09-03T21:31:00.000+10:00

We had a beautiful day.
Three+ in the bed.
Snuggling.
Reading.
Relaxing.
Horse riding.
Friends visiting.
Not much else.

Finally I got this mini-album finished TODAY!
Its a gift for Mikaela from Nath, to give to her in the hospital when our babe arrives.
Something special, go here to take more of a look see!
I *love* getting them involved in the art of scrapping!
Of recording memories and sentiments for our family.
Creating treasures for years to come.
As do they... all I need to do is look at their faces to know that :)

Bx

EAJC #35, Strength...

2007-09-03T20:41:00.000+10:00

Em has yet another great prompt (and card to inspire) this week... what is your idea of strength, what do you consider your strengths to be?
My card is made up of torn japanese paper adhered with mod podge, some $2 letter stickers from the newsagent, mine freestyle word quote by Margaret Mead and the ever trusty monthly calendar from my Sududo desk diary...

I consider my main strength to be that I am an optimist. I am the one to always see the silver lining. It kinda drives my friends a bit mad at times, but mostly they are totally loving it, especially when I get it right against all the odds. Thats real fun!

I like this strength in me.
It is who I am.
Only, sometimes this strength can lead to great disappointment by others inability to turn a bad situation to gold.... but hey, thats what makes *me* ME and them ::them:: I suppose *smile* AND I have learned not to hold expectations on others, just myself.

Of course... I DO have crap, blue, rotten, funky days, but ultimately I will always see a better solution than the one I was thinking of...

Life is as good as you make it, believe and realise... its just that simple.
Enjoy
Bx

All very good here my loves...

2007-09-01T08:01:00.000+10:00

Thanks for the sweet comments and especailly all the beautiful emails :-)
I really appreciate your thoughts.

Babe is still very comfy!
Me not so much... but all good!
We are off to our birthing class today :-)
So Nath can learn all about what to do LOL.

Couple of things... Bach Flower Remedies in "Impatiens"... adding a few drops to water, helps!
I AM GETTING some books today!
Anything other than my photography manuals which I have been reading in the bath of late LMAO!

Edit: a few additions for the day:This layout I did quickly last night for the current One Little Word Challenge - Balance. I still have a couple do to for catch up, but this is the latest:

Kaela spent the day with my beautiful girlfriend Kim and her family... thanks Kim, Sime and Haz for taking good care of our girl, much appreciated :)Bx They went to KidsCity which is always such a hit!

Ohhhiwwwwww - and we learned quite a bit at the prenatal class, nice to be informed and get a tour of the hospital, to feel more comfortable with the whole process {whatever that may be :)}... OH and Nath MADE ME snort with MUCH laughter... making rude comments about the "birthing" positions - seriously SUCH A BOY. Almost as funny as another Dad suggesting the umbilical cord clamp was infact a nipple clamp so women dont waste the precious liquid. A sense of humour IS very important... just before you snot them one in the shoulder!! :-)

Love and Peace out...
Happy Saturday!
Bx

Spot the difference...

2007-08-30T08:26:00.000+10:00

My belly cast from Mikaela some 6+ years ago - done five days before she was born!
And the one we did on Saturday of our babe I am HEAVILY pregnant with right now!
Vast difference :)
We will wait to find out whether babe is a boy or girl before I finish decorating.
We did the cast at the same time of my pregnancy.
Mikaela and this babe were/are both due on a Thursday.
In terms of gestation - Mikaela was born, today!
Three weeks early.
I really dont think this baby has any intention of coming early... tho I keep hoping I am going into labour at any slight niggle :) LOL!

I am quite bored and restless...

Is it fair that I think it REALLY amusing to call Nath at work and tell him I am in labour :) ?? I only did it once... I thought I was SO FUNNY... kept me amused for at least 20 mins.

Other than that.... not much else going on in my world.
My attention span just sucks!
I have been getting LOTS of things done... none of which are all that important as going into labour - frankly!
Just waiting :)
Impatiently!
I am turning from "glowing, happy pregnant Bek" into "cranky, bitch... totally wanting baby OUT pregnant Bek"
Be glad you are not near me LOL!
I am however, still laughing and the sun is shinning.
So really its all good, just so so impatient am I!
Have beautiful days loves...
Bx

Kaela's Play Date...

2007-08-28T14:47:00.000+10:00

This past Sunday from 2-4pm, a group of six year olds came over to ours to play. It was SO much fun, even for Nath and I... we laughed SO MUCH! One of the other parents, David stayed to assist also, which was greatly appreciated.
Ingredients for successful play date:
A whold lotta PARTY FOOD!!
REAL eggs for egg and spoon race
Few pairs of old stockings to cut up and use for 3-legged racing.
A few very excited 6 year olds....

So they ate and drank until their fill.

We walked down to the local park (and football oval).
Most of the kidlets ran ahead and had to wait at each corner or road crossing.
They played on the park equipment.

Then they played some games:
* egg and spoon race
* three legged race and
* marco polo.
(HILARIOUS)!!

Drank and ate more - played more.

Another walk back to ours... and some relaxing infront of the teev for some, and courtyard games for others.

It was such a great afternoon, with lots and lots of belly laughs!
Spring is definitely in the air.
Loving this life... JOY !
Bx

EAJC 34, Funny Ha HA...

2007-08-27T17:06:00.000+10:00

Ems challenge this week is Funny Haha... here's my card:

Jodes took this photo of us on Saturday. Even tho it is a blurry photo, I love it as it captures the moment perfectly. Nath is nestling into my boob... SUCH A BOY! Nath is always doing silly things like that to get me laughing.
And it always works!!

In fact... Nath prides himself on being able to make me laugh more than anyone else, and its true most the time.

He TOTALLY LOVES the fact that if we have an argument he can always make me crack into a smile. I at times find this SO ANNOYING, but in a "how can I possibly be annoyed kinda way" - puts things in perspective!

Nath is especially pleased with himself if he manages to get me to snort, as thats what I do when I find something (or him) EXTREMELY funny. Not a very graceful habit - but funny.

I'll take fun over grace anyday :-)
Thanks Ems for another great challenge...
Happy Monday.
Bx

Romance...

2007-08-27T08:08:00.000+10:00

I am not sure that this is strictly under the category of "romance" but here are a few photos my dear friend Jodes took of us on Saturday. Jodes came over for a roast with her boy Jake, who Mikaela has known since day dot as Jodes and I have been friends forever. CUTE AS ...is watching those those two hanging out.

Saturday was the usual, a day of ballet, shopping, basketball, PLUS gorgeous girlfriend :-), roast dinner, photos and football. Nath and Jode both go for the same team, and are both really funny to listen to or watch when they watch the game!

Today I am off to get the baby car seat fitted and then we are SO READY for baby!
Have a great Monday!
Bx

Saturday is a good day to...

2007-08-24T22:20:00.000+10:00

Get BE from here.
The word "Romantic" is a photo I took in Serbia May this year.
Inspired by Jen. Thanks love!

Not a bad aim for tomorrow...
Have a great weekend romantics!!
Bx

Pinkie Promise...

2007-08-24T07:41:00.000+10:00

So Thursday afternoons are swimming lessons for Mikaela, once upon a time I used to go into the pool with her after her lesson, pretty much every week. I love to swim, float... to just be in the water.
Not so much lately.
However, the trickster.... MADE me pinkie promise I would yesterday... that damn pinkie promise!!!

So I HAD to go in.... mmmmmm nice heavily pregnant woman in a swimsuit! Funnnneeee.
Sorry I dont have any photos to share. LOL! At least I wasnt in my bikini (only because it wont fit!) Hahaha.

It was hilarious - Mikalea and one of her class mates (Jessica) had me in stiches as they swam underneath me as I floated.... what was I some giant whale?? Probably :-) They were playing all kinds of imagination games, mermaids... creatures under the water. Me as a whale, wellllll its not much of a stretch.

I almost drowned as I was laughing so much. Have you ever tried to float and laugh at the same time?

Happy Friday peeps...
Bx

Finally I can share....

2007-08-22T09:38:00.000+10:00

The most fabulous news.
The uber talented, the wonderful, my friend "Ms Celine Navarro" is coming to Australia to teach classes at PaperCrafts 2-4 November....
Whooooooo - Hoooooooo! She is a little excited about it too!!! Just slightly :-)
So whats gonna happen is this.... Me and my clan are all going...Nath and Mikaela and our newborn bubba are going to stay at the hotel at the Penrith Club... were its being held.

I will either take babe with me to Celine's classes, or Nath will look after him/her with Mikaela. Depends on the booby sitch etc. I couldnt express with Mikaela, such a numpty :-) Its just weird to me... like what the???

Soooooo... a couple of other friends and their hubs and kidlets are coming tooo..... so this is sure to be an AMAZING weekend and adventure...

Celine is coming to Oz... Whoo hoooo!
STOKED peoples, totally stoked.
Even more so, that my guy agreed to this adventure... but of course, he is such a darling!

Anyways loves...
hop to it,
get registered,
get organised...
I can NOT wait to see you all there!

LOVE!
Bx

EAJC #33, 10 minutes...

2007-08-20T14:34:00.000+10:00

Wow, this was EXACTLY what I needed today :-) Why is it, when we have time on our hands to "spare" we get all funky and unable to concentrate??? I dunno!
Actually, may have a LOT to do with me not sleeping well due to indigestion and being so big with this babe of ours... LOL!

Anywhooos... I *LOVED* Emily's latest card challenge. 10 minutes to get a card done, here's mine:
When I first started this art challenge, I painted all 52 cards straight up, so check, that part was done.
What I did in the 10 minutes:
* cut the three words live, love, laugh out of some 12x12 + stapled
* cut the calendar out of the suduko desk thingy I have + stapled
* applied some red crayon around the edges
* Stamped the following:
- Rhonna Farrer's Botanicals acrylics,
- Heidi Swapp "adore" journal block acrylic
- Cherry Art dragon fly acrylic
* stapled some ribbon on to the side (from my latest Sissey kit, which arrived today and is AMAZING!!)
* scribbled in some journaling "A beautiful time in our lives"... Can't wait for baby to arrive! Getting so big and sleeping on the couch"
* journaling on the back about indigestion and other such pregnancy related JOYS (NOT)... to make me acutally LOOK FORWARD to labour LOL! I am really looking forward to meeting our happy and healthy (still 2 weeks larger than dates).... very soon!

Thats it ... 10 mins up!
Done!
Just in time to collect Kaela from school and go feed some ducks in the sunshine.
Peace and jOY out lovelies...
Thanks Ems for another great challenge!
Bx

Cute as pie...

2007-08-19T10:53:00.000+10:00

And as cheeky as a monkey! Happy Sunday.
Bx

He is the best man I know.....

2007-08-18T09:47:00.001+10:00

I am so lucky, AND HUGE... The photos of me alone don't really show me in "scale"...
This certainly does...LOL!
Had me laughing for ages.
Bet I get a concerned phone call from my Dad! *grin*
Even tho Nath may disagree, I am still REALLY loving my pregnancy.
Asides from the indigestion and awkwardness that comes with final stages of pregnancy for me... I am doing well.
Its a beautiful thing!
I am savouring feeling the babe move, I love that feeling :-)

Thanks for taking the pics Kyle xx
Have a great weekend everybodies.
Bx

My haven...

2007-08-16T17:49:00.000+10:00

This is where I spend a great deal of my "spare" time... today all I managed to do in here was to put the blind up, check some email and collect a few things before dashing out the door...
This is my newly configured desk space with make-shift shelf... handy andy!
I try to keep it this tidy all the time, usually lasts about, oh... as long as it took to take the photo, LOL!
My supplies...

This pile of "STUFF" is awaiting a lateral filing cabinet we have on order, was hoping it would arrive before baby, but looks very unlikely. Oh well.

A few of my favourite items: This is a photo of me and Kaela when she is about 3 weeks old, ie her due date.
A great painting by Liza Paizis, I have this one and another "Autumn Angel" both are very beautiful.
Just plain cute...
And so glad to see Kaela taking after me. Lipgloss is my "if I only had one thing on me in a crisis" items, may not be practical, but its true. Cant believe this little lady here is the very same as the baby photo above!! Wowsers time flies! I SO remind me of my grandparents... already, LOL!
I had a LOT to do today, take Mum to the doctors and do some shopping, go to our health fund and medicare... basic errands to run. HOME for lunch with my gal pal Kim. Coffee with Ian, an old work colleague.... then collect Kaela from school and take her to swimming lessons.

I hope you had a good one too.
Bx

Daily Something...

2007-08-15T21:57:00.000+10:00

And so I "begin", and by begin - I mean - so far all I have managed to achieve towards my "Daily Something" is to buy this SUPER cute journal by this lovely artist {ALL her things are SO SO yummy}. I got it at Diafora, a fabulous home and giftwares store I have loved forever, it is such a beautiful shop. Being there gave me my DS for today, but I am too tired to do it right now. So I will do it tomorrow!

I just had to share how very adorable this journal is...
Other things for today...
** It was my *very first day* of being a SAHM again! WhooHooo. I finished work yesterday. Such a relief. NOW I can get onto my list of a trillion things to do before baby arrives LOL!

*** Nath caught a plane to Sydney to collect my new car. When I picked Kaela up from school this afternoon- she was REALLY excited, jumping up and down and squealing. She made me laugh SO MUCH. For Mikaela... a car is ALL about the alloys, or mags... or whatever they are called. She approves. I feel very spoilt, she's a beauty! Nath has an IS300 - they're the same colour and they look very CUTE side-by-side in the garage. We are seriously DORKY! I have been told that a Lexus is a "pimp" car in the USA... mmm that is funny, they aren't here, unless you are in your early 20s... I have seen a couple. Quite hilarious really - I assure you Nath has no intention of "pimping his ride" anytime soon LOL!!

***** I CLEANED my scrap room, like sparkly clean. Will post pics tomorrow.

There are other exciting things a happening too, like people booking flights and plans to visit when baby arrives... all very good stuff indeedy.

Happy Hump Day loves...

EAJC #s 27, 30, 31 and 32....

2007-08-13T20:09:00.000+10:00

Playing catch up here... and I forgot to post Ali's one from some weeks ago... sheez!

EAJC #27 was a challenge set by Ali, to use junk mail... This was the weekend when Nath's parents were visiting from Adelaide and we went to buy our baby furniture and items, there was a lot of looking at the "junk mail" of baby catalogues that weekend.

EAJC #30, Count them... your blessings: * My family, He, She, Me and baby on the way
* Having a great pregnancy
* Our Health, SO SO SO grateful
* My sisters unconditional love
* My "sisterhood"... lifer friends who are my sisters
* Our city, neighbourhood, lifestyle
* The best life partner EVER!
* Our happy home
* My strength, compassion, optimism
* My life, making GOOD decisions and choices.

EAJC #31, No Regrets... I dont regret being honest and truthful, even when it hurts. Life is not a fairy tale, life is real. I would rather tell the truth and know I am on solid ground with whatever the outcome, then to lie and live a life on false, fake and ultimately shaky grounding.

EAJC #32, Quiet... We have just over 5 weeks until our baby is expected. This weekend we managed to set up the nursery. I find myself going in there numerous times a day, just to look at all the tiny clothes and soaking it all in. Its gorgeous. Right now it's very quiet, but not for long!!

I have added all my "Emily Art Journal Challenge" cards to my SIS Portfolio too, go here to have a look-see. I am up to date, feels so good :-) !!

ALSO at my SIS Portfolio.... is a mini-album, or not so mini, tis about 10" x 10"... an Emily Falconbridge mini album, Shiny Happy People. I did her SHP class at KiwiScraps Freestyle in Sydney April 2007. I finished this album in May and found it TODAY. Go take a peek if you like. It is very shiny, and happy!

I feel so accomplished having done all this today LOL!

Happy Monday
Bx

Share-sies...

2007-08-12T11:51:00.000+10:00

As you may have noticed, lately I have been playing a bit with PhotoShop, which I *love*. I am a big fan of the Adobe Creative Suite and was first introduced to it some years ago. As a Technical Writer... I found it to be an invaluable tool of the trade, creating manuals and quick reference guides. Only recently have I been able to dabble in the fun (un-work) related side to the package, and I am having a ball. I am in no way an expert by any stretch of the definition {or imagination :-)}. Fortunately for me, most of the enjoyment is in the learning, which is such a good thing as there is SO MUCH to learn. I have done an evening course for InDesign, but mainly I am self or on-the-job taught.

A few finds I thought to share as you may find useful also:
Action Central - has a VAST and WIDE variety of actions and tutorials for FREE (and we like free :))

Of particular interest to me was this tutorial on CREATING ACTIONS... I am yet to give it a go, but its on my list of things to do!

PhotoShop Support... lots of kewl stuff here too!

I recently purchased these gems... Itty Bitty Actions (borders) by the talented JinkyArt. LOVE LOVE LOVE them! Seriously yummy stuff. REALLY love her colour popping actions too. Much!

I am hoping to upgrade from CS2 to CS3 veeeerrry soon. Okay, really I am just wishing and dreaming LOL! Tho my ability to manifest is rather remarkable at times!

In the meantime I am having a ball altering my pics... and taking more.

TODAY... we are taking photos of our "love" room being set up for baby :-)
Life is good.
Happy Sunday peeps.
Love and Peace out...
Oh and if you have some links or resources you'd like to share, I'd love to hear from you.
Bx

Who's this girl ?...

2007-08-09T14:26:00.000+10:00

Some of you may recognise my EXTREMELY talented friend here.... We did a photo swap a little while ago.
I have finally overcame my fear and just got the layout done today :-)

Plus I did this one here for our 2004 album... a beautiful photo of my gorgeous friend Stel.

Go here to see more details of these layouts.

Lucky me to have such beautiful friends that is for sure. One this note, I have another project celebrating the wonderful women in my life to share very soon.

Oh and Nath's condition is Crohn's related for those interested. Not nice, but manageable... we are just happy and grateful that it is treatable!

Peace and love out...
Bx

This weeks recap...

2007-08-05T10:53:00.000+10:00

I *LOVE* this photo of Mikaela, I took one day after school this past week when we went down to the lake and fed the ducks and swans. The scratches on her face are courtesy of our cat Paris. I was not home when it happened, it occured last weekend when I was at GreenHills.

The story I received:Nath was in his study. Kaela outside playing in the courtyard, came tearing into the house....
N. (to Kaela) whats wrong??
M. Noooooooothing

She runs directly into the bathroom and applies wet tissue paper to her bloodied face. THEN goes into see Nath to show him after she's patched herself up a bit.

I found this story SO funny... when they arrived at Green Hills to pick me up, Kaela ran towards me in excitment and all I could see were the scratches all over her face... meaning she'd been tormenting our cat.

The fact that she tried to hide it... well that just cracks me up!

Kaela has had Paris since she was about 3 years old, no amount of scratches have ever stopped her bothering the cat, and I doubt they ever will !!

Here I am at 33weeks pregnancy... all is going very nicely.
Photo was taken on Friday morning before we headed off for the day. I attended an "Artist Business Workshop" with the Australia Business Arts Foundation. It was such an amazing day, to say the course was SUPERB would be a serious understatement... it was SO informative and inspiring. I have so much information and a tonne of resourses to run with.

Not to mention the other 20 fabulous artists I had the pleasure of spending the day with... it was by far one of the best things I have done for *me* in AGES.

Check out the timetable, and if there is a course near you soon... GO GO GO!

It was a great day... Nath came to get me at the end of the day... and I am pretty sure I spoke non stop without taking a breath until we reached Mikaela's school some 20 mins later LOL!

I now have LOTS of ideas percolatting in my mind about how to use all this wonderful information, and where I am going to take it all...

This weekend has been pretty great, went to Cootamundra (about 1.5hours drive) to attend Lilly's 2nd Birthday celebrations... so cute. There were 5 pregnant women there, including myself and I felt right at home *grin* There were also about 8 kids and quite a few babies for Mikaela to practice playing big sister on. She has been SO insistent about having a brother... it was great to see her bonding with an 8mnth little girl and decide that she was rather cute and that a sister wouldn't be so bad afterall *grin* Nath was the proud father-to-be just grinning most of the day!

Then there was all the usual weekend stuff... Kaela's horseriding, fruit and veg shopping at the markets, getting creative... making mini-albums with Kaela, family time... snuggling and watching movies, chatting with girlfriends. A nice relaxing weekend. I love driving in the country-side too, so that was nice to do.

Nath has an operation tomorrow... so he has to drink all this yukky stuff. Hopefully its nothing to serious. Drs are just taking a look-see to make sure all is a-okay. I am going to be there to hold his hand and will be sure to let you know how it goes.

EDIT 7 August: Nath's operation went really well... he is like a "super recovery" type, which is fabulous! We found out the issue and he will need to be medicated for life... but it is no MAJOR biggy and we are grateful to know what it is and that we can treat it! Whoohooo! I am SO proud of my guy... so so so proud :)

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.
Happy Sunday evening...
Love and Peace out.
Bx

GreenHills...

2007-08-01T20:18:00.000+10:00

Here are a few pics from our weekend retreat just passed...

The weekend at GreenHills is SO fabulous. Myself and about 6 of my closest gal pals are all passionate about scrapbooking {and getting a WHOLE weekend to ourselves once a year, with nothing to worry about but scrapping - no kids, no chores, nothing but scrapping and yapping}.

We stayed up until 0130am both the Friday and Saturday night, then had to be at the meals hall for breakfast 8am SHARP, or you miss out. We made it... we HAD to, I cant function at the moment without breaky... anyways I digress...

Our friendships span from 3 - 20+ years, most of them I have known for around 13years! One of them, I am pretty sure we met in a previous life :) We have seen each other through many of lifes ups and downs ... I am grateful daily to have them in my life. We all are. These are seriously wonderful women! Strong and courageous.

The only downer is that we look forward to it for ages... then it is done in a flash! At least we have next year to look forward to. These are (some of) the projects I did over the weekend:

Go here if you'd like to see more details on these projects.

Peace Out...
Bx

EAJC #29, define perfection...

2007-07-31T08:35:00.000+10:00

Firstly, thanks so much for all the SMSs and emails in my unplanned absence of late. I am certainly feeling lots of love right now :-) Everything here at the ranch is great - I have just been super busy.

Baby is wonderful... infact baby is a big one we are told :) Not long now....

Anyways, in the meantime, I have much to share and so I begin with this little post.

Operation Organisation.... was a HUGE hit - I got 47 layouts prepared, papers and journaling all set to go. PLUS 7 mini albums. Actually I won a gift (a very kewl tote bag) at this weekends retreat for being the most orgainsed... chuffed am I :-)

GreenHills weekend was f.a.b.u.l.o.u.s... I only managed to get about 12 layouts and 3 of the mini - albums completed, all good. Still have lots of lovely stuff for me to play with :) Will share my completed art soon.

So Em's promt for the 22nd July... was PERFECT, to define what you consider to be perfection. Happened to be the same day that Nath, Mikaela and I went to Corin Forest with a number of friends for some bobsleding and snow fun. Here is my card to celebrate what I consider to be perfect: NATH is the PERFECT stepdad, the kind we all dream of {especially for our own child/ren} The kind every child deserves. The very very best kind. Mikaela and I are so blessed to have Nath in our lives... of this I am acutely aware and super grateful for my good decisions and blessings.

Nath is the BOMB!
More to share soon, so come back, I promise I will have updated :)
Oh and to see some more of my work... go here.

EDIT.. this day was also the one year anniversary of the death of my step-bro Brett... you are missed dearly and I know he would have been happy we were celebrating the life we have created for ourselves. Hugs and Love to Bec and Wade.
Bx

Enjoying hanging with Mikaela this week...

2007-07-18T08:54:00.000+10:00

NOT so enjoying working at the same time… and coming out to an ALMOST totally demolished house at times LOL! No, not really, Mikaela is pretty good… and I do take her out for lunch dates. She hangs out with me in my studio/office and works on little art projects.

We do get out and about, tho its so cold here that there is not a LOT of outdoors time we can tolerate anyways… a quick ride down to the local shops and we are near frozen!!!

So I am doing a fair few hours, after-hours and my house remains a tad neglected.
Oh well, thankfully the cleaner is coming today. Its all good.

I am also enjoying these new found delights when I get a spare moment or two...
*Nic Howards blog

**Pencil Crayons blog This was in one of Ali's newsletters... I *love* the use of pencils and scrapping... fun fun!

Managed to squeeze in Emily's latest challenge, Goal of the week:
Mine remains "Operation Organisation" for my girlie scrapping weekend, which is only 9 sleeps away... slowly slowly I am getting there!

Not much else to share right now... tis supposed to snow today!!
And my sisters are coming to visit on the weekend... and that is about all.

(hugs) and love
Bx

lots of projects under way...

2007-07-14T11:23:00.000+10:00

As Nath said to me as we walked (me a little uncomfortably) to the movie (nice one, I got a free pass in the mail this week :-))...last night "honey, you're on the home stretch" with this pregnancy. I still have a ways to go, thankfully my anxitey has been taken over by pure excitement... basically I am totally obsessed (really?? LOL!) - ALL I can think about is meeting our little babe. That 4d scan made me even MORE obessed than I was before, if that is at all possible, plus lots of other little babes arriving to the world. Its a wonderous time in our lives and we are so very blessed... this I know.
However, it is nice to break away from the obsessing from time to time (or just redirect it)! Thankfully I have tonnes of other things going on to keep me occupied, a couple of which are:

* Mikaela is on school holidays for two weeks... this week she was in a swim focused program, I went with her on Thursday morning - it was so nice to just hang out together for a few hours and limit the gravity pull on my body. Mikaela is getting so big now!! She and Nath are out for their usual Saturday morning bike ride.

* My gal pals and I have an annual weekend retreat at a dormitory style conference centre about half an hour out of town... we are all so excited - scrapping with great friends from 8pm Friday to 5pm Sunday, and they put on some pretty fabulous (okay probably NOT fabulous as such, but I am not cooking.. and for me THAT is fabulous enough :-)) meals... which leads me to the next matter keeping me occupied...

* ""Operation Organisation"" is under way... so far I have about 11 projects conjured in my mind and only 4 of them are "set to go" Last year I got some 43 layouts done in the weekend (all pretty simple). This year my focus is albums and mini albums - and I suspect I am being rather too ambitious, but that is kewl! Once I have them all prepared, they are set to go... and I can do them at anytime!

* My travel journal from our recent Europe/Asia trip remains "a work in progress" and I need to get all the journaling typed up for my 12x12 album (argh!!)... so here are some sneak peaks of where I am at with it so far:

Yesterday I was totally spoilt by my dear friend Kylie, who bought me the latest Basic Grey range, collection pack (Infuse), as a belated birthday gift! She is such a darling :-)

Nath and Mikaela just got back... Nath collected this from our PO BOX... another little goodie for me (Kyle, you will LOVE LOVE too)...

Right now... we are listening to Beethoven for babies (BTW, do you think? If *I* dont like too much beethoven.. the babe wont?? LOL!!)... as Mikaela creates a canvas masterpiece... and I get on with my travel journal!! Nath is off to work for a couple of hours...

Tonight we are having family movie night, watching BarnYard, enjoying popcorn and snuggling on the couch all together.

Tomorrow my gal pal Kim is coming over for a few hours of scrappin time (seems like forever since I scrapped with her)... JOY JOY JOY.

Enjoy your weekends lovelies... I hope your heart is smiling :-)
Bx

Hello Baby...

2007-07-10T20:46:00.000+10:00

Can you believe technology today???
I can NOT!!
These are photos of our baby.... STILL IN MY BELLY (you know what I mean)!!!
4D scan images.
Incredible.

So amazing!
Cute too.

So Nath's parents and my Mum, Nath, Mikaela and I ... were put on quite a show last night!
Baby was smiling heaps, sucking his/her thumb, drinking... it was just the most delightful incredible experience.
This past weekend we got the cot, linen, change table, pram, bassinet, car seat... and lots of little clothes. I keep going into look at them... SO CUTE!
Its now just over 10 weeks now until we meet our babe in person... we are all so so so very excited.

For MORE baby goodness, see Yindi and Connor.
Bx

29 weeks now...

2007-07-07T20:35:00.000+10:00

Which means:
11 weeks to go! JOY JOY JOY! Things are going really well... we had an appointment with our obstetrician on Thursday... and he laughed (I am pretty sure AT ME) because the baby is 31 weeks in size. Mmmmmm. Men!!

For Shaz and my sweet lil' sis, Lee..... HERE YOU ARE - another photo of me and baby... I guess seeing this I can understand the laughter. Tis rather funny!! See for me... looking down, I dont think I am THAT big *smile* and asides, even if I am... I am only going to get bigger hey! LOL!
Nath's parents have arrived from Adelaide today, and Jean tells me that the clothes I have bought for bubba today are too small. Lucky we are going to buy some more tomorrow... AND begin setting up the "love" room for bubba.

Speaking of LOVE... inspired by the ever-talented Lusi and her love letters box... I have made one for me and Nath:
Thanks Lusi Lu Lu for inspiring me with this lovely project, I had such fun creating this keepsake for us. For more detailed pictures, go here.

I hope you all have a great weekend...
Bx

One of my main life blessings...

2007-07-05T18:17:00.000+10:00

is STELLA and her family...
REALLY gorgeous. So sweet. I have known her forever, or since I was 11 years old... so almost forever.
She is one of my favourite peeps, totally full of energy, makes me laugh until I cry... ALL the time, lights up the room (she kinda demands it... its the Leo in her I think :-)) Anyways I just love her and her family to bits!~ !

I am SO SO SO happy to have her in my life... heartbreaking that she lives 800km away, I miss her terribly. Tho when we catch up its as tho we saw each other yesterday... so its all good. Oh... and Mikaela is STILL totally in love with Nicholas!! I MUST "share" the layouts she has done of the two of them together over the years.... yeah, she'd LOVE that!!! Tho Nikki has seen them, so its not a secret!

Love
Bx

EAJC #26, Celebrate Daughters...

2007-07-05T12:12:00.000+10:00

Rightly SO... given that Ems just gave birth to another little daughter... this weeks challenge, set by Margie is Celebrating Daughters.

Thanks Margie, most fitting and SUCH an easy one :-)then I guess celebrating anyone you loves, loves loves... is easy, so here's mine...
I "thought" I wanted a son until she came into my life... as soon as I held her in my arms any thoughts of a son vanished. I had "his" name chosen and everything, I would refer to my unborn baby as Ethan for ages... a few months after Mikaela was born I could not, for the life of me ... remember "his" name, took some time before it came back to me LOL!

Mikaela is my dream come true.
For sure.
I am SO blessed to have such a wonderful daughter and so proud to be her Mum.
Love and Peace out...
Bx

We couldn't resist...

2007-07-03T08:34:00.000+10:00

Weeeeeeeeeeeeks ago now, when we were in Piccadilly Circus, London... we passed a large group of artists doing portrait drawings. OF COURSE we could not resist getting one done of Mikaela. I have not photographed the entire picture, it says "Mikaela 6 years, London 18 May 2007" and of course the artists name. He was just so talented.

So many talented brilliant wonderful kind artists in our world. He was so sweet and really into his craft, you could tell by watching him how much he enjoyed what he did... and particularly drawing Mikaela.... they giggled and smiled. It was so sweet to watch. Mind you, Mikalea took it all VERY seriously, I have never seen her so quiet, calm and serious for such a long time. LOL!

I need to get a frame for it. Add that to my list of TTD!
Peace and Love out...

Word Up #4, New...

2007-07-01T10:39:00.000+10:00

Here is my One Little Word challenge for this fortnight... For more images of this layout, go here.
Nath and I were SO excited yesterday morning... taking apart our old bed, setting up the guest room and jumping up and down when our new King sized bed arrived. Seriously exciting stuff for us. OLW challenge being NEW fit our new bed nicely. My journalling is totally corny and sentimental :-) ... that the best thing about our bed is laying down with Nath every night to share everything... our hopes and dreams, our fears, our lives, our future... you know, all that stuff! The GOOOOOOOD stuff...

Speaking of "the good stuff" here are a few other things making me squeal with delight right now:
** Mikaela had Elise stay over Friday night... naturally they were up for AGES giggling and squealing, very sweet. They took off to the pool with her parents yesterday and had a great day together.
** Having "Creative Friday's" with Kyle... I created this piece. Fun. Kyle made the most gorgeous cauliflower soup... seriously delicious!
** Ayo, Joyful CD... I LOVE so much!
** This piece I found in one of my old Artists Journals recently... This is how I felt when pregnant with Mikaela and how I feel pregnant with our little one now! These products remain on my wish list, pricy... but oh so yummy! Alas all I have is the tear from the magazine LOL!
** Now we have a "guest room" for visitors, the first will be Nath's parents in two weeks.. Whoohooo.
** My oldest gal pal... I have know for 24 years is HERE in Canberra... Oh my THIS had me squealing a LOT last night when we spoke as she was on her way... I so can NOT wait to squeeze this girl. S T E L L A!!!!
** Go here to see the cutiest newborn babe!

Love and Peace out and happy Sunday...
Bx

Mikaela's first year mini album...

2007-06-26T14:21:00.000+10:00

We thought as well as a "baby-alive" doll (not the baby... a doll!), Mikaela may appreciate this little gift when our baby arrives. Its a mini album with 14 photos of Mikaela in her first year, basically month by month. I hope she loves it!
For more of the album... each page scanned, take a look at my portfolio HERE. SUCH a kewl new site Scrap in Style TV. I LOVE IT!! All started by the kooky talented Jeanette!!

I used my Sissey kit from the June collection. Love it!

What else?
* Loved chatting with Lusi last night...she is SO lovely!
** Delighted by this blog... as always.
*** I received the MOST STUNNING necklace made by one of my besties... I have to post that on its own, its just SO LOVELY! I am so lucky to have such talented gorgeous girlfriends. Seriously blessed!
**** Speaking of talented gorgeous girlfriends... this is the mini album that I did at our crop on Sunday, well half did. Only just finished. As usual... way too ambitious, which means I have other projects to get into. All good!
*****REALLY loving working from home... so I can get in a quick nap because my tummy is aching! {EDIT: didnt get the nap! Ha} I think the baby is having a HUGE growth spurt TODAY all at once. Hurts. 12.5 weeks to go... 12.5 weeks to go... 12.5 weeks to go... YIPEEEEEE! HUGE big perma grins going on around here now... and Nath is telling all his clients *grin* CUTE AS!! I am kinda beyond the needing to actually "tell" anyone LOL!!
Love and hugs...Bx

EAJC #25 and #18...

2007-06-26T10:35:00.000+10:00

So this week Tara has set the challenge... as Ems had moved house and has no internet access AND MAY be in labour, I think Tara eludes to that fact. How exciting!!! If she is... here's to hoping for a wonderful labour and a perfect baby girl. Go Ems!!!!!

Here are my latest cards, which brings me totally 100% up-to-date (with Ems challenges, nothing else... still feels good) LOL!

EAJC #25 is a photo that means something to you
Background to this photo is that it is Nath and my first New Years together... Mikaela was in Europe with her Dad... we took of to Thailand. New Years was at the Vertigo on the 61st floor of the Banyan Tree in Bangkok. NOT SURE, but I am thinking we were a "little" bit tipsy! This was one of the best nights of my life... a night I realised and accepted that dreams DO come true. I have been nurturing the dream ever since... and I always will *sappy grin* I love you babes [insert here "pathetic sappy pregnant woman" LOL!!]

Also included my EAJC #18, Nature... 6 May (just a little late)
I love autumn... I love the crisp sunny days and it reminds me of when Nath and I fell in love.

I am totally loving my new scanner, makes life so much easier. I have a little mini album to share... a surprise for Mikki Moo when the babe arrives (pretty sure she doesnt log in, so surprise will remain till then).

Soon.
Later dudes.
Bx

My little ~artiste~...

2007-06-23T20:08:00.000+10:00

So we were heading out the door to see Shrek 3.
Mikaela drew this.
In Microsoft Paint.
How cute is that?

Shrek 3 was funny... quite a few laughs for the adults too.
Home for a great roast chicken {I am loving winter food}.
We watched Tim Burtons Nightmare Before Christmas (aGAIN... I think Mikaela has seen it about 100 times, tis her favourtie)
Then some more Paint art (I will add the updated version of Shrek later... right now Little Miss needs my help)
Then its bed...

Happy Saturday JOY!...
Bx

Thank God its Friday!!! ...

2007-06-22T18:20:00.001+10:00

I am so grateful its Friday for a few reasons:

Kaela and I get to hang out while the sun is still out... on this afternoon we collected "autumn" leaves... tho it is clearly winter... so should they be winter leaves? MMmmmmm!
My work actually respects that Saturday and Sundays are "NO WORK" days... whereas not so much with my Thursday and Fridays!

Kyle and I get to hang out for a bit.

SO looking forward to the weekend... the transition from spending ALL our time together to usual amount has been hard for me... I miss my guy and gal very much. Feels weird that we are apart for HOURS everyday. LOL!

Preparing for my scrap day Sunday... getting lots of projects organised and ready to go.

Kaela and I went to my favourite photographics shop this afternoon, so that I could have some photos printed. I was expecting them to be ready tomorrow. Eric, the BEST photography friend... says "come back in 20mins" .... YAH!

Which gave Kaela and I JUST enough time to have a hot chocolate and brownie...
Nath is cooking a lovely dinner, Kaela is watching Gilmore Girls and I am about to head down to the kitchen and annoy (chat with) my dear one...

Life is sweet!
Bx