Create + DT call...

Hi Everyone.  It time for the new sketch reveal over at Sketchabilities! And if you wanted a challenge for scrapping multiple photos on a layout, then this fortnight is the place to visit!  Check out Karan's new sketch...

[Water Fight]

products used: cs - DCWV, Stampin' Up; alpha - October Afternoon; other - machine stitching, Tim Holtz ink, versacolor ink, foam tape, black pen (sharpie), fiskars circle template.

I love that I got to scrap these photos so quickly!  They are from our camping trip, in early October.  The water was freezing cold.  No.  It was actually ridiculously cold.  All the kids wanted to go swimming but no-one wanted to go in the water.  LOL!  I think it was one of the adults that started the water fight... Mark probably!   hee hee.. But the kids soon got involved and then it was just Tahlia and our camping buddy Liam R (note: not her brother Liam!). 

In the end Liam just picked her up, threw her over his shoulder and dunked Tahlia in the water!!
 

And then there were fireworks!!  LOL!!  Meanwhile... all of us (supposed) grown-ups were rolling on the ground with laughter!! Definitely a good day.  Well... for most of us!!

Sooo... If you would like to have a good day as well, head on over to Sketchabilities and give this sketch challenge a go.  And while you are there check out the details for Karan's new DT Call.  This is a such a fun place to visit and you will create some wonderful layouts.  Don't be shy.  Submit your entry now.  Good luck..x

Create with Get Picky...

Hello Friends.  I hope you all had a lovely week-end.  Mine was filled with nine year old boys playing x-box!! LOL!

Today I want to share with you my layout created from this Get Picky sketch...

Hmmm... Do you see that.  More round things!  LOL!! I think circles really must be the "in" thing at the moment.  Have I mentioned that before??? hee hee..

Here's my layout:

 [Simple Things]

products used: pp - Bo Bunny; alphas - Basic Grey, Adorn It; other - paper clip, tulle, machine stitching, black & green pen, mist, textured paste.

Straight from the sketch to paper with the exception of NO round photos! ;)

 

I have to admit I was totally inspired by the lovely Julie Winks. And who else do you know that can ROK circles like she does? Well... The DT at Get Picky did a pretty amazing job too!  You should go and enter your interpretation of the sketch because there's a fabulous prize up for grabs.  

Our November sponsor is Australian flower manufacturer, Manor House Creations and we have a beautiful prize containing 5 packs of flowers for our sketch challenge winner.  BUT please remember that this challenge site is for MULTI-PHOTO layouts! :)  Entering a layout with more than one photo will take you a long way towards possibly winning the prize.

Good luck....x

Happy Birthday Liam!

We are so proud of our big boy!! 

Today, on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, 2011, he turns nine years old!  He thinks he may have a very lucky day today!  And I think he may be right.  After all... this week has been very good to him already - in a non-birthday related way!  Goodness knows what adventures and opportunities will open up for him in the coming year!

Earlier this week Liam received the coveted school award "Aussie of the Month".  Wow!  Two brothers have been given this award in the four short months it has been in operation! They are the only siblings thus far to share the award.  A huge achievement in a school of 1200+ kids!  And for the month of November, Liam was THE only boy on stage!  Even the school Principal told him (and everyone else) on parade, that Liam was having a fantastic week! ;)

We are so blessed to have this young man in our lives.  We love you very much Liam.....x

Create + Share...

Hello Friends.  I'm back with another crafty share today.  AND..... It is Christmas themed!! YIKES!!  Did you know that it is only SIX weeks until Christmas! sheesh!!

Any way.... Now is the perfect time to get last year's photos scrapped. (or if you are anything like me!... photos from 2009!! LOL!)  Hee hee...

Pretty Little Studio has an amazing Christmas/Holiday collection.  It is so sweet!  So sweet in fact, that Studio Calico and Ali Edwards, have picked up some pieces for Ali's current December Daily!!  Very exciting for PLS!

So here is what I have created for this week's reveal....

[Decorating the Tree]

 products used: cs - Stampin' Up; pp - PLS: Jingle Bells collection; other - PLS: Document Christmas paper ribbons, Peppermint Journaling cards, Train Ticket cards, vintage tags; buttons; stamps: Kaisercraft, Darkroom Door; string; machine stitching; glimmermist; Tim Holtz distress ink; ribbon.

 

I know I am putting some of these items aside for my own DDaily.  I can't wait until I actually find the time to pull it all together!  tick, tick, tick.... yep.  I know.... I'm running out of time!  Wish me luck!! ..x

Scrapboxx create...

Once again it is time to share some layouts that were created for The Boxx newsletter using the September and October Boxx of Scraps. 

The wonderfully talented Gina put together September's BOS using plenty of Authentique and My Mind's Eye papers. Yummmmm!

[Blissful]

[Father's Day]

And I got to put together October's BOS. (There is only one kit left in the shop... so be quick if you want it! ;D ...)

[The most delightful kind of wonderful]

[Hula]

Don't you just love those Manor House  flowers!!!

I still have plenty of product left over from both kits but I have also made use of the packaging as well!  I just can't let anything go to waste! hee hee... Especially when it is all so pretty. :D

Thanks for visiting...x

Kids in kayaks...

Hello Friends.  I just wanted to share a few family shots from  the week-end.  We went away camping, for two nights out at Wivenhoe and wet the kids kayaks for the first time! 

  

We only purchased two kid sized kayaks (they carry up to 60kg).  Tahlia and Liam were ecstatic when they were brought home and promptly named them after holidays or significant dates from the months they were born in.  Liam's birthday is this Friday.  Remembrance Day.  Hence naming his "boat" Remembrance.

Tahlia's birthday is in May.  And maybe a little more thought should have gone into it but....  her "boat" is called..... MayDay!!!!  LOL!

And.... Because we only purchased two... we now think we will have issues the very next time we hit the water.

We didn't get one for Ethan.  He is terrified of the water.  He usually will only go so far as to get his feet wet.  It seems he has a lot more confidence than we gave him credit for... We are very proud of him for trying something new. :)  And he is very good at kayaking too!!

So the three older kids had a fabulous time on the water.  And when they weren't floating around on the "boats", they spent most of their time floating and playing in the water!

Cam too...  although his style is a little more sedate... :)

It always feels too short when we go away for a week-end.  :)  Plans are already in the works for a longer and more leisurely holiday in the near future.  The very near future if my hubby has anything to say about it! LOL! 

But of course after going away camping there's always the inevitable pile of laundry waiting to be decontaminated!  sigh... I guess someone has to do the dirty work.... SIGH!  hee hee..

And lastly... before I sign off, I have to give credit to our VERY good friends, Cindy & Calvin (but mostly Calvin!!!) for finding this wonderful camping spot.  

Happy now, Cal?  LOL!

**edited - okay... so Calvin ALSO needs credit for this week-end retreat too.  LOL! Men!!!  Are they ever happy??! LOL! **

Thanks for visiting..x

Create + Share ...

I often wonder at the relationships developing between my kids.  I mean... There are so many dynamics!  (Of course there are bound to be, with four of them! LOL!!) But, among the craziness of our household, I see their relationships developing none the less.  Tahlia and Liam share a bond.  Sure.. at the age they both are.. (11 and almost 9), it is a challenging bond!  hee hee... brother/sister love and all that! :D  But they were here first.  They stake their territory.  When they are friends, which is most of the time, they are best friends.  Tight.  Standing strong together.

There is a more boisterous one between Liam and Ethan.  Sure... It all works out when they are on the same team playing the Wii or superheroes but when asked to clean their shared room... well... let's just say it's not all amicable!!  It ALWAYS ends up with his side of the room versus his side of the room! LOL!

Ethan and Miss T are like passing ships in the night.  Their interests don't intertwine just at the moment.  There is a six year age gap.  But she loves to read stories to him, watches him closely when they travel on the school bus, and is protective and proud of him while at school.  He in turn loves to share his exciting news with her.  Can't wait to tell her what he learnt at school that day and pesters her to read him one more book at bedtime... just after I've already completed the task! LOL!

Soooo... Where is all this rambling leading to.  Well, Cameron of course! hee hee..  Child #4.  The baby. 

Tahlia adores her baby brother.  Adores him with probably too much fervor.  And Cam, well he sometimes resents all the smothering attentions!  hee hee.  He however, adores his biggest brother, Liam.  AND Liam is fabulous with him.  Plays endlessly with him.  Guides him.  Teaches him.  Is a BOY with him.  hahaha...

But Tahlia is like a little mother.  And she is a huge and willing help.  And he is starting to appreciate her affections.  Lately he as been asking me ( in the middle of the day) to drive to school and get Tahlia.  Not Liam (as he alway used to do).  But Tahlia.  That is so sweet...  Like I said... I love seeing their relationships develop.

This week over at Pretty Little Studio I have shared this layout.

[Big Sis]

Product used: cs - Bazzill Swiss Dot; pp - PLS: Antique Store collection; Alphas - Basic Grey; Other - PLS: Bingo Cards, notebook brackets, pennant flags, vintage cutouts, cookie cutter labels, word flashcards; kaisercraft: paint, paper flowers and rhinestones; Martha Stewart butterfly punch; heart punch; machine stitching; glimmermist; Tim Holtz distress ink; black pen (sharpie).

The photo is about two years old but since when do I scrap in chronological order! LOL!  So now I have a question for you.  What types of relationships do you see developing right in front of you?  Is it between your kids? You and your partner?  What idiosyncrasies do you see coming to light?  Food for thought.  And maybe a scrapbooking page or two...

Thanks for visiting...x