Where does time go?

I cant believe its been a week since Ive updated my blog. I did do a huge post while I was talking to Mel on the phone last Thursday, but blogger ate it and wouldnt let me publish it GGGRRR.

We had a great weekend away. We left Friday morning and drove the 5 hours to Horsham in Victoria. Craigs Pop was turning 90 so we had a weekend of catching up with all the rellies over there. It was actually really good. The boys all travelled well, and were well behaved for most of the weekend! We stayed in a cabin at the caravan park, right behind the botanic gardens. The boys could go and play and run around whenever they wanted. I fell in love with the gorgeous morning light and autumn colours...and the old wooden fence, so the boys were subject to lots of requests for photos LOL. I did manage to get some nice shots of each of them though, so all the bribery was worth it!!! These are just a few of my favourites...

I also have a few LOs to share... (hopefully blogger will play nice and let me upload them!) This first one is a pretty simlpe LO, which is really more about the journalling that anything else.

As you can see this one is about how lucky I was to be pregnant at the same time as both of my younger sisters. I faded out the belly shots and cropped mine heaps so I didnt look like the fat chick with stretch marks next to my two very skinny sisters - you gotta love the magic of the computer LOL!!!! The belly shots are all taken at about term, its cool to see what different shapes we all were.

Lastly a sneak peek at my LO for scrapbook station for this fortnight. Its not up yet, but you have to go and check out the other LOs from the DT. I especially LOVE Lydells this month! The theme was 'about me'.

What I love about winter...

...Sitting by the fire with a cuppa, snuggling up in bed in my flannies, a steaming hot bowl of porridge, toast cooked over the coals, big pots of homemade soup simmering away on the stove, the sound of rain on the roof, and waking up to a frost covered world!

Its VERY rare that we ever get snow in this area, but down in the valley where we are frosty mornings are quite common. The boys are so excited when they wake up and find out 'jack frost' has been. This morning I captured a few shots of the frost on the plants on the garden. Everything was covered in a sparkling white blanket of ice. I never realised how pretty the tiny ice crystals were close up. The boys picked up chunks of ice out of the trucks in the sand pit that were at least 5cm thick!

Ive also got a couple of LO to share. Ive been busily scrapping away when ever I can steal a few minutes for the last couple of days. Trouble is, Ive got about five LOs partially completed on my desk. I get half way thourgh one and the inspiration strikes for another, and I some how manage to let myself get side tracked and start it. I think Im going to have to try sketching some ideas or something because its getting a bit hard to find any room to work LOL. I promised myself that as I finished LOs this year I would put materials lists etc straight on the back of them. Ive been a bit slack lately, so yesterday I managed to get caught up with that as well.

This next one is one I did a while ago. I still just love it. I love the photos, and I love the BG rubons. I was keeping this in my little stash of possibles for the masters, but it doesnt fit any of the criteria so I may as well share!

hey baby

On Wednesday Isaac and I met up with Kathie and Jamie for lunch. After we had fed the boys, I got a few photos of them. When I looked at the first few they just cracked me up. Jamie is teething atm (hence the cutest little bright red cheeks you ever did see!) and Im sure this is
what all their babbling to each other was about...









Jamie: "Open wide, just want to check if youve got any teeth yet Isaac"















Isaac: "Nope, what are teeth? Come here...can I have a look at yours"









Isaac: "Psssssst Ive got a secret....does your mum always want you to smile for the camera?...lets try not to both look at the same time"

Jamie: "Yeh, great idea! then we will get to watch them both dance around being silly to try and get us both smiling"




Well thats my take on the whole situation anyway. Poor little Jamie didnt know what hit him when Isaac started trying to 'kiss and cuddle' him. It looked a little more like they were trying to see how far they could stretch each others faces, ears and anything esle they could grab. I think they both ended up with little scratches, but they wernt the slightest bit worried, There was lots of giggling, gooing and gahing. I think the Mummys were more concerned than they were.

It was so nice to get together again. Its great to have someone else to chat with who is going through all the same things at the same time, and knows just where your coming from. Thanks Kathie & Jamie!

After we left them, I met up with my Mum & Dad for a coffee. Grandpa gave Isaac his first taste of froth from his capaccino - he was VERY impressed. He now eyes off my cups of coffee with a look of desire in his eyes LOL.














Ive got a few more LOs done. Im really enjoying the smaller size still too. Maybe Ill become a convert yet! Im working on a way to fit them in with my other LOs in a 12x12 album though - especially those I do of Isaac, because I want them to go in his baby album still. I will share a few when I get around to taking pics of them.

We had our six month check this morning and Isaac is on the 50th percentile line for height and weight. He weighed just a smidge under 8kg, and was 67.5cm long.

***edit*** A huge congratulations to Kate, Jeff & Georgia on the arrival of a precious, tiny little girl, Charlotte Daisy Jane. I just read the awesome news on Kates blog, and saw her gorgeous piture. Big hugs to you both!!!

Moving on

OK Ive actually got something to share today besides the gripes about my lack of sleep. Kathies comment made me put it all into perspective a bit (in the nicest possible way!)There are mums all over the world who have got it so much worse off than me. I have a gorgeous healthy baby - so what if that means missing a little sleep. I will survive. It wont be forever. OK moving on from that topic.

YIPPEE!!! I got some scrapping done today. Had a little fun with this one. Tested out a new stitch on my machine, and tried 81/2 x 11. It was so much quicker, and used up some scraps - always a good thing. The stitched border is from my machine. Any other stitching is autumn leaves rub ons.

Journalling reads: When I look at this photo I see so much more than just a caredree day at the beach. Its really so typical of the relationships I have with my boys at the moment. Isaac is so totally dependant on me for everything. Calebon the other hand is searching for independence, pushing the boundaries, testing the limits. But there are still times when the only thing he needs is a cuddle from his mum! Behind the camera is Nthan. Always helpful, reliable, looking for ways to please everyone. Right in the middle is me. Juggling all of this, tryiong to treat everyone fairly. My boys are all so different, but one thing is for sure...I LOVE them all!

Hopefully I might get another finished tonight. Im feeling all inspired now.

....Bugger

Well I thought that I was being a little optimistic hoping a bottle of formula might solve the sleeping problem!!! We didnt need a feed through the night, so I guess thats one good thing, but he still woke every couple of hours, and only settled when I got up, stumbled down to the other end of the house, and put the wreched dummy back in.

My other boys were fantastic sleepers. They were sleeping from 6pm - 6am by three months. Im running out of ideas. He does have bulging gums, so suspect that may be playing a part, but this was happening long before the teeth issue came up. If anyone has any 'in my experience' type of advice, Id love to hear it! He isnt screaming in the night (thank goodness) but he wakes and talks really loudly, eventually this turns to whinging, which continues until I go and put the dummy back in.

Tonight we are trying out bonjella, and another bottle of formula. Im actually coping quite well with the broken sleep, but its just getting annoying now. Id really like to try and get it sorted before Ive got a two year old waking all night!

Fingers crossed :o)

Ive just given Isaac his first ever bottle of formula to see if it helps him get through the night a little easier. he polished it off with no fuss at all and is now settled back into bed. Hopefully he might sleep better witha nice full tummy...well thats my theory for now anyway. Might have to go back to the drawing board if it doesnt go quite to plan!!! Its got to be better than last night though, he fed at 10.30pm, 1.30am & 5.15am...by the time I get up, feed, and settle him theres not much time left in between. Ahh the joys of being the mummy of a six month old - I wouldnt swap it for the world though!
Night Night, keep your fingers crossed for me!

knock knock

I'm going visiting in cyber space. Ive decided to go and check out some blogs that Ive never been to before, and make the effort to make a comment and say Hi. So watch out anyone that is linked from any of the blogs I frequent LOL. Not that any one will actually know who I am, but its kinda cool when a complete stranger drops by here and says Hi (although some droppers by are stranger than others LOL) so I thought Id venture out into the big wide blog world and do the same!

Back to something a little less uninteresting to everyone else (I know who cares whos blog Im viisting if its not yours!) ..my little man...well I think he is really interesting anyway. After his yucky few days last week he seemed to be back to his usual happy self , he didnt come down with anything, so I thought it must be just one of those things...until last night. I was up most of the night with him. He just wouldnt settle, and when he finally drifted off it was only for 30min or so at a time. Its just so frustrating not knowing what the problem is. At about 3am I even resorted to a dose of panadol - this seemed to help a little, but he was still really restless. Hopefully tonight will be a better night.

Got to see my gorgeous little niece Georgia Charlie tonight when she dropped by with her Mummy and Daddy for a quick visit. She is just so tiny - Isaac looks like such a big boofer next to her. All is going well for them, and they seem to be settling in to parenthood really easily. It helps that she is such a good baby so far as well. In fact I think they are getting more sleep than me at the moment LOL.


Big Congratulations to Nat on the arrival of her precious little bundle, Elijah Christopher. Beautiful name isnt it.

I got a little more of Isaacs room done this afternoon. The lampshade is now covered in matching fabric. I should have everything finished by the time he starts school LOL. My next project is some art works for the walls, and the knobs on his chest of drawers. Cant decide between pics from his quilt, or painted canvases for the walls, and I want to make knobs in the shape of stars for the drawers.

OK must go wake my little precious (he is precious right now, but if Im up all night again I might have come up with a new name LOL) and give him a feed before I hit the sack and try for a good nights sleep - ROTFLMAO, whats that!!!!!!!!

Six months old

19th May will see my little man turn six months old. Its hard to believe how fast time goes past. I took a few pics today for a LO, which I hope to do tomorrow, and I will use my letter to him on it as well.

My little Sweetpea…

A mere six months have passed since we were blessed with your arrival. That’s not even three quarters of the time I was pregnant with you, and yet, I couldn't imagine our lives with out you in it.

The last few weeks I carried you with in me, felt like an eternity. It seemed forever until I would finally hold you close to me, feel your soft newborn skin, smell your sweet scent, finally kiss you and tell you how much I loved you, face to face, for the very first time.

The day arrived. I was in awe. As they placed you on my belly, you looked so divinely perfect. The photos show your skin tinged with blue, your eyes puffy, and your body smeared with blood. But, in my eyes, at that moment in time, you couldn’t have looked more beautiful. As you suckled at my breast, instinctively knowing what you needed to do, you looked up at me. A tear welled in my eye, I knew that I would love you unconditionally forever.

As days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months, you’ve thrived. You have found a special niche in each of our hearts.

The bond of love between you and your brothers grows stronger by the day. They can always bring a smile to your face, or comfort you when you are tired. They rush to you when you ‘call’ offering a toy, a tickle or your dummy. They are surprising in tune with your needs. You are lucky to have two big brothers who love you so much. They will always be there to look out for you, and lead you on the mischievous path of childhood.

You have always loved to be held high on your Daddys shoulder. You see the world, and love to explore with him. As you walk with him, safe and content, you take everything in. You listen intently to every word he says. You listen and learn the ways of being a daddy, a man. A path you too will one day walk.

I watch you. Everyday sees something new. A new sound. A new reaction. You grow out of clothes that only weeks ago looked big & baggy. It all seems to be happening so fast. I tried to hold on tight to those new precious new born days, but they are well and truly past. I must now enjoy these fleeting months of you being a baby before they too become just treasured memories. I nurture you, tend to your every need. I hope and dream that your future is filled with love and happiness. I know that one day you will grow to be a strong and able man, but for today I will hold you close, love you, guide you, and cherish this special time we have together.

You react to everything with intent. You show, joy, sadness, surprise, contentment, happiness, anticipation, tiredness, recognition and joy. You have definitely started testing out your range of vocal sounds. You goo and gah contentedly as you play after a feed, you squeal with delight, giggle with anticipation, grunt for attention. You occasionally cry out when you are tired, hungry or just want some attentive company. You purse your little lips to blow the cutest, sloppiest, little raspberries, and suck in your voice to make a funny high pitched playful noises. You are not yet able to speak any words, and yet you say so much.

Your smile lights up your little face with the sheer joy of everything around you. Your wondrous blue eyes betray your emotions instantly. They smile that tiny fraction of a second before the corners of your mouth begin to curl, and they laugh before any sound comes from your rosy lips. They can also show your uncertainty. You gaze cautiously, momentarily assessing new people and situations before that tell tale twinkle can be seen, or before you sheepishly bury your eyes into my shoulder and feign shyness for a few seconds.

No longer do you move with the jerky involuntary actions of a newborn. You reach out to grasp objects. Your chubby little fingers manage to hold on so tight. You see a toy, turn and twist, and eventually roll over so your outstretched arms can reach it and pull it to your mouth. You pat your hands on the water in the bath, knowing full well the resulting splashes will make me react with delight, as that cheeky giggle fills the room with the joyous sounds of a happy baby. You are beginning to revel in the predictability of games such as this little piggy, and round and round the garden. I pull you in tight and blow raspberries on your cheek, or plant noisy kisses on your neck. As I let you relax you strain to lift your head and pull your body back towards me. Your eyes are twinkling and you’re ready for more.

You love being outside, swaying rhythmically back and forth in your swing, or going for walks in your pram. Perhaps it’s the feel of the gentle autumn breezes tickling your face, or the beauty in the colours all around you, or maybe its the warmth of the morning sun enveloping your body. These are the times when we are unhurried, content with each others company. Time just for us. Moments to treasure.

Like your eyes, your body language gives so much away. I see you suddenly stretch out and stiffen your arms and legs, they begin to shake and kick, almost as though you have little control over them—something has caught your attention and it is very exciting. You begin to make the tell tale noises that I recognise as a sign of tiredness. I gently scoop you into my arms and put your dummy in, you immediately turn your head to the side, shaking it gently, nuzzling into me like you do your teddy in bed. Your eyes flutter closed and often by the time we walk to your cradle you are already beginning to drift off to sleep. I place you down and gently pull the covers up over your sweet sleepy body. I put teddy next to you and you wrap your arm around him and draw him close, burying your button nose in his soft fur as you snuggle down to sleep.


Each morning as I pull back the curtains on a new day I am greeted by your precious smile and reminded how truly blessed we really are. I love you more than I could have imagined my little sweetpea and I will be forever grateful that you are a part of our lives. You help make our family complete. You fill a void in our hearts we didn't realise existed.

I will love you with all my being—forever

Mummy
xoxox

Luckily I started this letter a while ago. My little cherub has had a few unsettled days and nights. Im not sure if its something he is eating (one bad night after trying peas in his tea) or if his teeth are getting ready to cut, or if he is coming down with something..but the grizzling is starting to drive me crazy. He only slept for about one hour all day today, and was grizzly unless I was holding him, or walking him in the pusher of pushing him in the swing. He wasnt even contented in the bath!!! Very unlike him. Hope we get it sorted soon though. If I had of written this all tonight, in my sleep deprived state, it may not have been such a sweet and rosy veiw of motherhood six months on LOL

Welcome to the world....

I went to visit this afternoon, and Georgia is SO tiny (especially compared to my boofy boy LOL) She weighed 6lbs 10oz and is the sweetest little thing. Its almost enough to make a girl want another baby!!!

Vic is looking great but they are both really tired though so I hope she lets them get some sleep tonight.

I got this shot of both my sisters and I with our latest additions. Riley is 9 months, Isaac is 6 months and Georgia is just six hours old (aawwww)

Before I sign off I actually managed to get a LO done on Saturday night. Its of my little sis with Isaac the other day. All Basic grey stuff.

ITS A GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Georgia Charlie was born at 10.38am today!

All I could get out of my sisiter is that it hurt like hell, and that she was born in the bath cause once she got in there she wasnt getting out for anything LOL (- how cool a water birth...I really would have loved to try the bath, but my labours progressed too quickly to even think about filling it LOL.)

I will post a pic and more details tonight after I visit!

SO excited I cant sit still!!!

Today is the day

Well my little sister is in labour as we speak!!! Good luck blic!!! I will update once she has the bub! Im VERY excited!!!

OK Happy Mothers day to everyone for yesterday. I hope you all had an awesome day and got spoilt rotten - thats what its supposed to be all about isnt it (did you catch the hint of sarcasm in my voice there!) I don't think I even got a cup of coffee made for me yesterday, it was about the farthest from being spoilt Ive ever been. The kids did give me some lovely pressies and cards from school. I even printed out a really cute card for Isaac to give me...but no one even bothered to write in it. We did have a yummy lunch at my mums though - loud and chaotic with the six kids, but nice to all be together. Vic popped in after lunch for one last pat of that gorgeous bump of hers, before having to go in to be induced last night.

I wanted to give my mum a copy of one of the photos of my sisters three kids and one of my three for mothers day. Of course I left it till yesterday morning to try and take the photos of my lot. What a debarcle. You would think Id asked them to chop their heads off or something, not just get changed and tidy up for some photos. After much carry on, I managed to get some pics, but Im far from happy with them...I think I might have to update them really soon!!! They were rushed, not even close to being nice and crisp and clear, Caleb refused to wear anything but an un ironed pair of jeans (in the end I just took the pics cause I was so over arguing about it all...what happened to giving mum a break sionce it was mothers day????) I then realised I still had no editing programme that I actully know how to use - GGGRRRRR what a morning. Here is the one I ended up with. Mum loved it, so I guess thats the main thing!

My neighbour popped in, as her kids were watching this all happen (another part of the saga, cause they had all been outside playing together) and I got her to take a shot of me and the boys. Unfortunately its out of focus, but at least I have something to remember the day by LOL!!!

I got the wall in Isaacs room finished on Friday and put the cot up Saturday. I just love the linen that Ive got for the room, and the paint on the feature wall matches the curtains exactly (quite by accident). I will take some pics of the room when Ive finished adding all the little bits and pieces. Ive always wanted to fully decorate a babies room and Im having heaps of fun doing this. Ive picked a theme that should see him through for quite a while. The cot set etc is in blues, greens and a touch of deep orange, with an outerspace theme. Its an old pattern from pumpkin patch. After many phone calls last week I managed to track down two cot valances in this pattern as well. Ive never really been into these and was going to cut them up and use the fabric for other trims in the room, but I tried one on the cot, and I really love it!!!! I will still cut the other one up and use it to trim the curtains, lampshade, and a blanket for the single bed thats in the nursery. I think I will use stars to accessorise for now, after all he is still just a baby, and then as he gets older we can change elements to show more of the little spacemen/aliens etc from the quilt. I want to get a heap of those stick on glow in the dark stars, but do you think I can find them anywhere atm...always the way isnt it...the cheap shops always have them..till you want them LOL.

OK Im off to sit and wait for THE phone call - I so want to go visit my new niece or nephew. Ive got my money on it being a boy...but you never know!!! I have three boys, and my middle sister has one girl and two boys, so for Jessies sake it would be lovely to have another girl. It would also be nice if it was a boy though, so Isaac & Riley have another little mate to grow up with. Time will tell!!!!

PS THANK YOU all so much for dropping me a note on that last post. Its awesome to see who is dropping by, and please dont appologise for not leaving comments, its just nice to know that you bother to come see whats happening in my little world. So if you havn't added your name to the last post please do, I want to see how long I can get the list now LOL!

Hark - who goes there???

Ok like everyone else who has a counter on there blog, that ticks away steadily each and every day, Im really starting to become curious as to who it is that comes to visit me in my little blog world. Please , please, please if you are reading this and it is somewhere between Wednesday 10th - Wednesday 17th May, could you leave me a quick message - just a simple Hi will do! so I can satisfy my curiosity.
Thanks
Nic xxx

PS No scrapping done again today, started cleaning out Isaccs room ready to paint the wall, and do a little decorating before I make the big move into a cot!!!

***Edit - Thanks so much for those of you who have left a message. Im looking forward to visiting some of your blogs soon (if I dont already) Ive extended this for the whole week, Im loving finding out who is popping by.

Waiting

I went to visit my little sister yesterday and wanted to share this pic of Isaac and her.

Im sure the babbling coming out of his mouth can be translated to " hurry up and come out of there so we can play"

She is 40 weeks pregnant (she was due on the 7th) and so over being pregnant. She looks absolutely gorgeous though, I wish my bump was a nice neat little package like that at term!!!

I spoke to her today and she is booked in to be induced Sunday night if bubs hasnt arrived by then! This is her first baby, and Im SO excited about becoming an auntie agian, and seeing her and her DH finally become parents- they will make a fantastic mummy and daddy!!!

I took a few other shots of her and her belly - what a task - she hates having her photots taken. Ive been trying to edit them, but Im struggling big time even trying to resize or recolour a pic in photoshop...Ill keep on plodding away, surely it has to get easier! I even hit the point today of trying to track down the disc of iphoto express that I had on here before - it couldnt do much editing wise, but at least I knew how to use it LOL.

Isaac has taken to solids like a duck to water. In just two weeks we progressed from a few spoons of rice cereal to a decent serving of pureed chicken and vegies. Ive only found one thing so far that he refused to eat - chicken livers. they were mixed in with vegies, but there was no way he was eating more than the very first taste!!! He has pureed fruit and natural yoghurt for breaky and mixed vegies, somtimes with pureed chicken or beef or ricotta cheese, for dinner.

I had forgotten what a delightful age this is. He is such a happy baby and is becoming so responsive to us now. His brothers have him in absolute histerical laughter sometimes. He is becoming more aware of other people too. a friend dropped by this afternoon - there was no way he was going to crack a smile for her. His little face was so serious - till a gave him a little tickle LOL it didnt take much for his eyes to light up and a gorgeous grin to appear. He has started blowing rasberries too. Caleb is sure it was him who taught him how to do it LOL. It is so cute EXCEPT for yesterday when he decided to try it while eating his dinner - YUK what a mess - how do you convince a 5 1/2 month old that its not OK to do that to poor mummy?!?!?!

(Touch wood) we havnt had a regular night time feed since last Wednesday. I just get up and put the dummy back in. He is feeding at 6-7pm and then going through till about 5-6am This morning it was about 4.15am though,(thats not morning, definately a night feed!) and we had a really unsettled night too - teeth maybe???? cant feel anything though. Who knows, hopefully tonight is better. Im knid of past worrying about the slepp deprivation thing now. I think Im used to it - I never thought I would ever say that LOL

I just love reading Kathies blog. Isaac and Jamie are very close in age, and she has such an amazing way with words. Its almost like Im reading about what my own little angel is going through. She has really inspired me to take the time to try and become a better writer. Ive decided to lift her idea of a very simple LO with a letter. Kathie writes to J every month, but I think once every six months will be a big enough challenge for me for now. I will share my six month letter and LO once its finished.

I finally got around to using the voucher I won ages ago in the aus scrap idol contest and had a hundred of Isaacs pictures printed up. It was actually quite bizzarr seeing 'proper' pics again. Many of these Ive never printed up, and have only seen on the computer screen. For some reason I decided to get them done in 5"x7" though, so now I have to track down an album that they will fit in.

I havnt got any LOs to share cause I havnt scrapped a thing in about the last two and a half weeks. Ive got one on my desk 3/4 finished but havnt had the time or the inclination to get to it. The last day or so Ive been getting itchy feet and wanting to get back to it though - hopefully tomorrow I might get a chance. I found that its just not worth even trying to scrap when the motivation isnt there.

To all my friends - thank you

I was sent this email today - how true is it!!! So just in case I havnt told you how important your friendships and support are to me lately -then thankyou all for just being you and keeping in touch!
Love Nic xxx

Too many people put off something that brings them joy just because they haven't thought about it, don't have it on their schedule, didn't know it was coming or are too rigid to depart from their routine.

I got to thinking one day about all those women on the Titanic who passed up dessert at dinner that fateful night in an effort to cut back.

From then on, I've tried to be a little more flexible.

How many women out there will eat at home because their husband didn't suggest going out to dinner until after something had been thawed ? Does the word "refrigeration" mean nothing to you?

How often have your kids dropped in to talk and sat in silence while you watched television?

I cannot count the times I called my sister and said, " How about going to lunch in a half hour?" She would gas up and stammer, "I can't. I have clothes on the line. My hair is dirty. I wish I had known yesterday, I had a late breakfast, It looks like rain." And my personal favorite: "It's Monday." .She died a few years ago. We never did have lunch together.

Because we cram so much into our lives, we tend to schedule our headaches.. We live on a sparse diet of promises we make to ourselves when all the conditions are perfect!We'll go back and visit the grandparents when we get Steve toilet-trained. We'll entertain when we replace the living-room carpet. We'll go on a second honeymoon when we get two more kids off our hands.

Life has a way of accelerating as we get older.

The days get shorter, and the list of promises to ourselves gets longer.

One morning, we awaken, and all we have to show for our lives is a litany of "I'm going to," "I plan on," and "Someday, when things have settled down a bit.

"When anyone calls my 'seize the moment' friend, she is open to adventure and available for trips. She keeps an open mind on new ideas. Her enthusiasm for life is contagious. You talk with her for five minutes, and you're ready to trade your bad feet for a pair of Rollerblades and skip an elevator for a bungee cord.

My lips have not touched ice cream in 10 years. I love ice cream. It's just that I might as well apply it directly to my stomach with a spatula and eliminate the digestive process. The other day, I stopped the car and bought a triple-decker. If my car had hit an iceberg on the way home, I would have died happy.

Now...go on and have a nice day.

Do something you WANT to......not something on your SHOULD DO list.

If you were going to die soon and had only one phone call you could make, who would you call and what would you say? And why a re you waiting?

Make sure you read this to the end; you will understand why I sent this to you.

Have you ever watched kids playing on a merry go round or listened to the rain lapping on the ground? Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight or gazed at the sun into the fading night? Do you run through each day on the fly? When you ask "How are you?" Do you hear the reply?


When the day is done, do you lie in your bed with the next hundred chores running through your head? Ever told your child, "We'll do it tomorrow." And in your haste, not see his sorrow?

Ever lost touch?

Let a good friendship die?

Just call to say "Hi"?

When you worry and hurry through your day, it is like an unopened gift....Thrown away.... Life is not a race. Take it slower. Hear the music before the song is over.

It's Friendship and FAMILY WEEK Show your friends how much you care. Send this to everyone you consider a FRIEND. If it comes back to you, then you'll know you have a circle of friends.To those I have sent this to... I cherish our friendship and appreciate all you do.

"Life may not be the party we hoped for... but while we are here we might as well dance!"

A Day In My Life

Be warned this is VERY long. I really wanted a detailed look at our day to tuck away for Isaac to look back on and I only wanted to type it all out once. Sorry thats its not really all that exciting either!

A record of a typical day - Mummy & Isaac (5 1/2 months)

Wednesday 3rd May 2006

4.00am Get up and breastfeed Isaac.
Ive already had to get up a couple of times in the night to put your dummy back in

4.20am - 4.30am Im back in bed listening to you talking loudly to yourself.
I hope you dont wake everyone else. I pulled your door over, so its not as loud

4.30am We both fall asleep

6.00am Im woken by the sound of you talking loudly again!
Daddy is getting up anyway so I stay in bed till seven, hoping to get a little more sleep. I dont know why I bothered, you are talking loudly still and so is everyone else. I lay there anyway.

7.00am Shower for me while Dads still here

7.15am Pick you up out of your rocker for good morning cuddles and kisses. I smell straight away that you need a nappy change.

Why is it that no one else noticed that??? I put on a clean nappy and get you dressed.

7.30am Put a muffin in the toaster, while it cooks I wash a few dishes left from last night, pack the dishwasher & put away everyone elses brekfast stuff. I remind the boys to finish getting dressed and put their lunches in their bags.

7.45am - 8.00am Eat my breakfast while Nath sits with you to keep you amused. Have a quick flick through the paper while I eat.

8.00am Breastfeed
I know its supposed to be a nice peaceful time for the two of us, but I find Im nagging the boys to finish getting ready..still!

8.20am I lay you on your playmat with your toys while I get my shoes and jacket. I walk past the boys room - that was supposed to be cleaned up..WHAT A MESS..let them know we are not going to school till its cleaned up.

8.25am Check emails while the boys get their room tidied. There is some sort of altication and Nathan ends up in tears - what else is new. I send Nathan out while caleb does his side first. If they just went in and did it, it would only have taken them about 2 min. GGRRR Hurry Up!!!

8.35am Its done. Caleb carries Isaac out to the car for me while I help Nathan pick up the last couple of things.

8.40am Drop off boys at school

8.45am Home again. Make a quick phone call to the caravan park to book an extra night- get the answering machine, leave a message...again. I rang them yesterday and they still havnt called me back.

8.50am Make your breakfast. Pureed pear, rice cereal & natural yoghurt.

9.00am Feed you. Of course my call is returned today while Im feeding you. At least our extra night was available.

9.15am Kisses, cuddles and songs. You love twinkle little star, hey diddle diddle, galumph, round and round the garden & this little piggy

9.25am Bed time for bubbies! Put on your washing. How does someone so little have so much washing??? I have to pop in and out twice to put your dummy back in so you can settle off to sleep.

9.35am You are asleep. Time for a coffee - finally. While I make my coffee I put away the few dishes I washed earlier, put your breaky stuff in the dishwasher, put away the newspaper, placemats etc and wipe down the table and benches, put the toaster away. At 9.50am I finally sit down to actually drink my coffee. I flick the TV on to watch a bit of 9am.

10.00am Sweep floors & do a quick pick up arpound lounge/kitchen. Get side tracked in the office - check emails. There is a flash of excitement as I see an message from SM -short lived - a rejection for my little princess LO. Go back to picking up.

10.20 You cry out - dummy back in and you settle straight back to sleep. Put on some potatoes to boil. Im going to make tuna patties for tea. The boys have football training tonight so if I get organised you and I should have a couple of hours of peace and quiet. They have jumper presentaions after training so they will be gone from about 4.45pm -7.15pm. They can have patties if they are still hungry when they get home. Must remember to take out a bit of potatoe for you to have with your tea.

10.30am On the computer...again. Need to burn a heap of photos to disc to get printed. You stir again and I pop your dummy back in.

10.40am GGRRRR computers. I have new versions of all my programms and Im still learning how they work. You are talking to teddy - loudly..I try your dummy one last time, but Im not hopeful.

10.50am Give up on you going back to sleep, and get you up. you sit on my lap in the office while I still try to get this disc done.

11.05am Lay you on your playmat while I turn off the potatoes and get a cover for the disc that is finally done. Your NOT impressed, and want to be picked back up. You stop crying and lugh the second my hands start to lift you up - cheeky monkey. You sit on my lap while we finish sorting out the photo order. Whata saga...its finished when I realise the order form is over a year old. Back online to dowload a new one, get stuck checking out their site and you fall asleep on my knee - you wake as soon as I try to put you down though.

12.oo Cook up some mushrooms, tomato, capsicum soy and garlic with rice left over from tea lat night YUMMO. You sit in the beanbag and watch. I talk to Toni on the phone while I cook.

12.20pm eat lunch with you watching, grunting and reaching for my plate.

12.35pm Breastfeed. You finish really quickly and dont seem all that satisfied. I think it it might be nearly time for something a little more substantial in the middle of the day as well. We have playtime - singing songs, giggling, tickiling, laughing - you are so precious!

12.50pm We go out in the fresh air and pick up the mail. More cuddles before your sleep. Read the mail.

1.15pm Sleeptime. You settle straight away. I check my emails, and try downloading some songs Daddy bought online. The first one is fine, but it wont let my do any more...same as last night GGRR

1.25pm Tidy up lunch stuff & make tuna patties & a pot of vegie soup. Put wood on the fire.

2.25pm - You stir -put dummy in, it lets me download one more song.

2.30pm Finish chopping soup vegies. Wash dishes again.

2.45pm Your still not settling so I get you up. Sit and have a cuddle. As I sit a million things are running through my mind. I still have to..... get washing out of the drier, fold the other washing, give the bathrooms a quick clean - the cleaner has hurt her back and cant come till next week (I have a cleaner come in and do my bathrooms once a fortnight - LOVE IT!!!) cook the patties - oops forgot to take some pototo out for you, post off photo order...

I plant another million kisses on your sweet smelling head...

...get Nath a mouth guard for footy,, pick up Dillon from school as well, get milk & lunch meat...the list doesnt seem to be getting any shorter !

3.00pm Jackets on and pick up the boys. Buy Naths mouthguard.

3.40pm Home. Check diaries, read newsletter, remind the boys to hurry up and get out of their uniforms and into their footy gear - which of course they cant find because they didnt put it away in the right place!!!

4.00pm Breastfeed

4.15pm Grandma & Grandpa call in for a coffee. I have to get G'pa to run me down the street to get milk, and a few other bits and pieces. You stay and have a cuddle with G'ma. Craig and the boys are leaving just as we get home again.

5.15pm I get your tea ready - chicken, carrot, peas & sweet potato. You are just loving your food. While its heating up I finish packing the diswasher& turn it on, pack away the dishes that I washed earlier, get your clothes out of the drier.

5.25pm Tea time for you.

5.35pm Cook the patties - so much for being organised - while you sit in your rocker and play with a toy. I move you into the kitchen because you start getting cranky when you cant see me. I realise you smell again. Turn off the stove, change your nappy and lay you in front of the fire for a kick around. Put more wood on the fire, put the second lot of patties on. Your sooking again. I pick you up and hold you while I finish up.

5.55pm I run your bath and you cry again cause I left you on the floor. Your so not used to being left by yourself. usually one of the boys come running to amuse you, as soon as you call!

6.00pm Bathtime. and a massage in front of the fire. You cry as soon as I put you down, very unlike you to be so clingy and cry this much. I tidy the kitchen, sort the recycling and dish up my tea while Im holding you.

6.25pm We sit on the lounge together while I eat tea and watch the weather. You seem really tired. I realise why, and why your a bit out of sorts - you didnt have a late afternoon nap because G'ma & G'pa were here

6.35pm Breastfeed

6.50pm I put your sleeping bag on, big hugs and kisses and into bed. Nighty night sweetpea!

6.55pm pack up your toys and playmat

7.00pm sit down to watch home and away

7.05pm remember I havnt emailed through my fruit and veg order. Go and do it.

7.10pm Boys arrive home from footy. Caleb comes home with out his BRAND NEW footy boots :( someone else picked them up. I take a deep breath and remain calm...and no they didnt have his name on them - so of course that would make it my fault!!! Hopefully they are returned on Saturday.

7.25pm The boys are showered and hungry. Get them some eggs and cheese on toast

7.35pm Put the patties on to warm up. Make school lunches - Pita pockets with corn relish dip, grated cheese & grated carrot. Give the boys a pattie to try. Let Craig know his are ready.

7.45pm Wash dishes, stack the things that go in the dishwasher, in the hope that the dishes fairy might come and unpack the dishwasher and put them in! Wipe down the benches/table etc. Put soup away in the fridge.

8.00pm Sit down to watch the end of beyond tomorrow with Caleb & Nath. I would rather they went to bed, but Craig had said they could watch it.

8.15pm Craig wants help with something on the computer. Help him then manage to download one more song LOL thats three for the day. It will only take a couple of days to get his 12 songs at this rate!

8.25pm Just as I sit back down Craig wants to know how to lsten to the downloaded tracks. get up and show him, lay back on lounge.

8.35pm Boys brush teeth, kisses and off to bed. they both go straight to sleep. I sit down to watch Prison Break

9.05pm I boil the kettle, sterilise the new non spill spouts for Isaac to try tomorrow. Fill a bottle with boiled water and put in fridge. Hopefully you will drink some water tomorrow after you meals.

9.25pm Check emails, blogs, do a tag, manage to download one more song.

10.40pm Time for bed.

Have to search for clean PJs cause I didnt get the washing folded.

Kiss Craig goodnight xxx

have a peek at the photos I printed yesterday.

Get an idea for a LO - jot down some notes.

Brush teeth and check the kids

mmmmmmmm its 11.00pm - lights out!

tagged again! and a challenge for you

Just doing my usual round of blog checks LOL and saw Kathie has tagged me - there is no time like the present!!!

In my Fridge left over rice and one tuna pattie, milk, juice etc that I went and got tonight, two bottles of boiled water - for Isaac to try, a big pot of vegie soup that I made today, 1/2 a small bottle of soda water thats been there for yonks!!! the kids school lunches for tomorrow - grated cheese, grated carrot & corn relish dip pitta pockets.

In my Closet precious little!!! I had a big splurge on maternity clothes last year - they have all gone to my neighbour now; some T Shirts that are to tight for me atm while Im still feeding; a couple of pairs of jeans; trackies; my new brown jumper with fake fur trim that I bought a couple of weeks ago.

In my handbag ..that would be the baby bag! Nappies, wipes, chuck rag, nappy sacks, mobile phone, change of clothes for Isaac (which are probably too small now - must see to that!) lip balm, rattle/teether toy, brush, nappy cream samples, my purse and keys.

In my car Pram, empty drink bottles, entertainment book, car seat, chuck rag, baby toys, kids clothes, socks etc, mine & Nathans rain coats and the big golf umbrella, green shopping bags

In my video/DVD player ????????? dont remember the last time I used it - I think the kids were watching a cartoon DVD

I am tagging Katie Rozzie (since she is back in computer land again!) and Kate - in your spare time LOL. Sorry if youve already been tagged ladies!


The kids have only been back at school a couple of days, but I still feel like Im achieving nothing during the day. Today I kept a bit of a diary of exactly what, when, how and why of my day - after reading back through it I realised that I actually do achieve heaps in a day!!! Its just a lot of it is the unseen stuff, but stuff that needs doing never the less! and LOTS of my time is taken up with Isaac and his needs atm too. I needed to do this I think, just to validate me to myself, and to reinforce that being a mother is one of the most thankless, neverending, worst paid BUT BESTEST most rewarding and important jobs in the whole wide world!!!!

I will share my day when I get time to type it all out and Id love to challenge you to all record a whole day in your life. Just an ordinary day, doing ordinary stuff. Im sure it will make cool journalling for a LO and that you will love to look back on it in the future. Id love you to share it on your blog too!!! leave me a little note if you do, cause Id love to come take a peak at a day in your life!!!

tagged

I actually logged on to come and do this tag from Michelle, but I got a little side tracked when I checked a few blogs LOL. Kathie had done the which muppet quizz from mels blog, and when I poopped in to check that out I found heaps of other bizzar quizzes - which I did lots of.
Heres the results of one

You Are Olive Green

You are the most real of all the green shades. You're always true to yourself.For you, authenticity and honesty are very important... both in others and yourself.You are grounded and secure. It takes a lot to shake you.People see you as dependable, probably the most dependable person they know.

What Color Green Are You?

For the record I was Kermit the frog in the muppets quizz!!!

Anyway now for that tag

Born: almost 36 years ago -where does time go???
First Job: Baby sitting
Fondest Memory: I have many but the one that came straight to mind was the smell of Craigs aftershave that lingered on me once I got home, on the night we first got together.
Last thing purchased: new PJs for Isaac, and a school shirt for Caleb
Fish, Chicken or Beef: Chicken - but love 'em all!
Movie: Cant remember!! We are going to see Ice Age 2 tomorrow though
Retreat: Sitting in my hammock chair in the afternoon sun (shame about the flys and the kids whining and the housework that needs to be done, and the neighbours mower that always starts up if I happen to try and steal a few moments of solitude!!!)
Flower: Sweet peas
Day of the week: Sunday
Indulgence: a massage
What scrapbook lines/products, etc. do you dislike? Not good with the real bright ranges - not that I dont like them, I just cant use them myself
What technique do you use more than anything else? Stitching & handwriting
Who or What are your biggest influences on your style? Im constantly seeing great ideas and colour combos in clothing
Have you ever had any scrapbook related tiffs with your Husband? Nothing major, thank goodness. I never really thought he thought much of my scrapping till a girlfriend said he was talking to her about it and said how good he thought I was, and telling her all about my published work and how much I enjoyed my scrapping!!!! He doesnt tell me this though LOL
If there is one person you have met through blogging that you know will be a life time friend who would it be?: ??????????? most of the people who comment on my blog are people I 'knew' before blogging. Its been great to get to know so many much better through there blogs though.
What music do you listen to while you scrap? None - Ive always found music to be really distracting when Im trying to concentrate
Obsessions: Scrapping, magazines, my bubba.
Scrapbook Companies….Do you have an addiction?? Not really, I likie to use bits and pieces from everywhere. Nearly all my CS is bazzill though.
Out of the box, (well on it ) who do you lust after on TV..? no one really comes to mind
One quote that defines you: Leave that one with me - Ill get back to it later when I think of one!

The good, the bad, and the ugly

The good
Isaac rolled from his back to his front for the first time today - what a clever little boy (Well i think so anyway LOL)

We got our computer back today an have had XP installed (we were in the dark ages and still running with windows 98 before) also have photoshop, a DVD burner, cordless keyboard and mouse, more HD space and more memory - YIPPEEE....now all I need is some time to work out how it all works LOL.

The Bad
XP is so different to 98, and its taking me a bit to work out where everything is, and to set things to just how I like them. Im sure I will get used to it, and as you can see the inportant things like the emails and internet are all just fine.

I did loose all the contents of my address book though, so if you read this could you please send me off an email with all your details so I can update it - Ta!

The Ugly
Craigs MYOB is giving us grief - we had the disc so it wasnt reinstalled by the friend that did the computer for us, and we are hoping all we need is in his back up disc to put all the info in once we reinstall it!!! Hopefully we can get it all sorted in the next few days!

I couldnt believe how many times in just two days I felt the overwhelming need to check my emails, or use the computer for something....hard to imagine life without it!!! sad but true!!!

There is still another five days of school holidays - Im ready to have a little more time for me really soon!

Nic xxx
PS - Ill get to that tag next time Michelle!

trepidation

It was with much trepidation that at 4.15pm today I made the decision to give my little man his first taste of something besides breast milk. I think he was much more ready than me. He eagerly gobbled down a teaspoon of rice cereal mixed with breastmilk, and looked for more. I on the other hand was still feeling a little reluctant to let go of my totally dependant newborn - but watching him devour what I had made for him, smile and then snuggle up for the other side of mummys milk, made it all so right. I know he is ready to take that next step in his tiny little life, and I think Im finally ready to go there too!

five months today

I cant believe my little man is already five months old! Thats nearly half a year since we were blessed with the arrival our third baby boy, and I couldnt imagine my life any other way.
If you dont want to be bored with the whole run down of what he is upto these days skip the whole next (long) paragraph LOL Basically though the entire letter below could be summed up by this gorgeous quote I came across the other day...

You are more perfect than I could have hoped

more beautiful than I could have dreamed

more precious than I could have imagined

I love you more than I could have known

To my sweet little bubba,
The last five months have just flown by, and its hard to imagine our lives with out you in it. You are such a sweet and placid little baby. About the only time we hear your cry is when you get hungry, or something gives you a fright. You are still fully breast fed, and I treasure the special time that feeding gives just the two of us...Ive got to admit that Im a little over the middle of the night feeds now though ( there are nights when you manage to get through with out one, and these are happening more often) although sometimes I think its easier to give you a middle of the night feed and have you sleep soundly for the rest of the night, rather than having an empty tummy and stirring and calling out every hour or so because you have lost your dummy. You are reaching out to grab toys, and even manage to hold them for a while, you are fascinated by the TV, and absolutely adore your brothers, you chew on anything you can get into your mouth and although you have rolled from your tummy to your back, you dont do it much at all. You obviously recognise the people that you see often, and are just starting to tuck your head into my shoulder and pretend to be shy when people speak to you. You LOVE your bath and are fascinated by the tiny bubbles, amazed by the little toes that keep popping out of the water, and very excited by the big splashes you can make with your hands and feet. You love getting a rub after your bath and especially like having your feet rubbed, and having some nappy free time in front of the fire after your bath. You go to bed somwhere between 6pm & 7pm (depending on when you had an afternoon nap) you sometimes have a 10pm feed, but often if I dont wake you, you will sleep soundly till around 2ish before you want another. You wake somewhere between 6am & 7am for a feed - usually snuggled up in my bed. I love the beautiful smile you give me first thing in the morning, and the funny little talking noises you make. The latest is like a squeeky little sucking in of air - too cute!! You love giving mummy big sloppy 'kisses' on the cheek and are a real snuggle bunny. You have had several bottles of expressed breast milk and drunk these from a bottle with no problems. You really enjoy going out walking in the pram, but dont much like sitting around in it when its stationary. We put up the swing we gave you for christmas last weekend and you were so happy swinging away in it. You are still sleeping in your cradle and snuggle your teddy while you sleep. You bring so much joy to our lives and we love you so much my sweet little man.

All my love

Mummy xxx

I have also been busy scrapping. Here are a couple of the LOs. I was going to keep all my work to have a big choice for my masters entry, but then when I looked at it all I realised that quite a few used the chip chatter tall letters, so I did a bit of a cull already. The first is of Nath playing golf.

This next one is of Angies (Isaacs god mother) gorgeous little girl Zyla - dont you just LOVE those curls!!! Hope you like it Ange!!! I used an outline of a framedangoe (or what ever they are called LOL) to make the bit at the bottom.

Last one that I can share is the photo I shared a couple of posts ago of my nephew Lucas - hes a real cutie too!

Everyone needs to pop into the new forum at Scrapbook station and say Hi. Ill be watching to see who drops in LOL. Keep an eye on their home page each week for new LOs from the awesome DT as well. I so happy with my next one - the theme was mothers (easy topic for me atm !!!) You can check it out here at the end of the month.

Thanks for sticking with me if you made it this far. Hope you all had a wonderful easter...after that mammoth post I dont think Ill even start about my easter - except to say it was filled with family and friends, eating, drinking and going to church, and was really relaxing and enjoyable few days.

Truly blessed

Sometimes there are things that happen to those around us, that just make you sit back and ask - why? Why do people have to endure such difficult things? It is so hard when friends have to deal with 'stuff' and all you can do is sit back and try to be a good listener, but in all honsety, feel as though there is so little you can do. It really makes you take a good look at your own life.

Today is one of those days.

I have so much to be greatful for - a loving husband, beautiful healthy children, wonderful & supportive friends, a close and happy family, a beautiful house, food on the table and the means to be able to live a comfortable life. For all of this I am so greatful.

I am truly blessed.

To all that are not so fortunate today, who have had to endure heartache, pain or sickness or suffering - you are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope that tomorrow is a better day for you.

LOs to share, Happy Anniversary & Thanks girls

Here it 'tis...
I will also share this one. Its a quicky I did the other night with the pics of Jamie and Isaac I took at Kates last wekend. I wanted to use all three pics, and printed them out a bit big so its not a stunning LO by any means...but I still love the photos!!

Ive finished off about 6 LO to chose from for my masters entry. The details are going to be in
SM 7.10. Im living in hope that they will have changed it and I wont need to do BTP or accent LOL - dont fancy my chances.

Its our 11th wedding anniversary today - I dont know where time goes. I can remember when I thought it seemed like forever to have been married for that long (mmmm come to think of it, it does feel like that at times LOL!) and now here we are 11 years and three children later. I couldnt be happier though. I am really blessed to have such a wonderful, loving family. We are off to tea with my youngest sister and her DH tonight. Wanted to go out with them before their first little bub arrives, and since he/she is due in four weeks (Oh how exciting - cant wait to be an auntie again!) we may as well make it tonight!

Congrats to Rozzie & Clint on their wedding anniversary today too. Big Hugs guys. Hope you have an wonderful day.

Lastly thanks so much to Michelle, Kathie & Mel for a fantastic day yesterday. We all got together for lunch at my place. Four adults and, by the time my two got home from school, 8 kids. It was great to sit around, eat, drink, chat and just relax for the day. Gotta do it again soon girls...and hopefully Kate will be able to make it too.

thats it from me.
Nic xxx

Wednesdays Photo Shoot

Another busy week in our household. Wednesday my sister asked me to take some pics of her kids, for a suprise they are putting together for her DHs birthday this month. I decided to go all out and try a full on photo shoot.
It was actually quite fun, I set up in my playroom, and although the lighting wasnt the best, and I need to work on getting to know how to use the manual settings on my camera heaps better, I was really happy with the results. I have to have a play around with photo editing etc as the white back drop was a bit ordinary (the back of my curtains LOL) but this is my favorite shot of my nephew Luke...he is at such a beautiful age to photograph - old enough to follow some direction, but still young enough that you can capture that natural innocence that children have before they start getting really self concious in front of the camera. I played around in the VERY basic editing programme that came with me camera and came up with this - DH looked at it and commented that you couldnt see his arm GGGRRRRR rain on my parade why doesnt he!!! I loved the effect!!!

Also thought I would share a LO I did a while ago. I borrowed Michelles copy of Love your handwriting and the night I read it I was inspired to create this LO - it was quite fun. It was more of an experiment than a 'real' LO, but Im happy with the results. And its great that I was able to capture the feelings that I had as soon as I has read the book. I think Ive hit a point in my scrapping now that Ive realised that I dont have to scrap every single photo I have, and I dont have to scrap every event. I will just scrap what inspires me - it might be a great photo or a precious memory, it might be something we did today, or it might be a heritage photo of my great grand parents. I dont want to have to scrap things that dont inspire at the time. Its OK to keep my photos in albums as well as scrap them..in fact Im planning on having all the pics Ive taken of Isaac printed off to put in one of those slide in abums as well as having his scrapped baby book. I will never scrap many of the 'ordinary' photos that I have taken, but they are just as important and still are part of his life. Im raving now so I will move on...

(GGGRRRRRR :0( blogger wont let me upload any more pics so I will put it in another post)

blue eyed bubbies

I think I need a holiday to get over my busy weekend LOL. Friday night after sports day the boys had a friend over each for a sleep over. The second half of sports day got cancelled due to the rain so I had them all from Friday afternoon. I didnt know that boys could giggle so much - they didnt stop. They decided that they wanted pizza for tea and devoured a whole party size in no time (Craig and I had a couple of pieces each). Craig headed off to the airport to fly to Melbourne for the weekend for the Grand Prix. The kids were really good, noisy but good!
We had pancakes for breaky Saturday morning and hot dogs for lunch - I think they had more crap food than they usually have in a month, but what the heck it was their first time having kids for a sleep over, so I wanted it to be fun. Saturday night we went to my girl friends for tea.

Sunday we eventually got organised and headed down to Kates for a bit of a get together and scrap. Kate was so nice and Georgia is just adorable. Kathie and Jamie were there as well.

This is a pic of Isaac, Georgia & Jamie. They are just too cute - well we think so anyway!!! as you would probably have realised if you visit our blogs LOL. I and J were only born two days apart, and G is about 6 months older than them - she is such a beautiful and petite little thing and our boofy boys (well mine is definately the boofiest LOL) are as big as she is already !!!! They all have the most gorgoeus blue eyes. G didnt know who to look at when she was plonked between the boys. She kept looking from one to the other. What a task it is to try and get three babies all even looking toward you at the same time, let alone trying to get them to smile on cue!!!

Thanks for a wonderful day and a yummy lunch Kate, and thanks to Jeff for being so cool about having a house full of woman and kids while he tried to watch TV and get stuff done LOL. It was great to meet you all. I didnt get much scrapping done, but I got a couple of 'those' LO stuck down that were half finished on my desk, so I did achieve something. I also met Kates lovely sister Jane who is due to give birth REALLY soon - all the best Jane! It was great to get together and chat about our passions - scrapping & babies!!!

Ive got Kathie, Mel, Michelle & hopefully Kate coming for lunch at my place on Friday. Can't wait! I just love getting together with these gorgeous girls!

Oops I forgot - Ive been tagged

Well it was quite a while ago actually (sorry for taking so long Katie!!!) but all the kids are in bed, Ive finished one of those LO that I wnated to get done, and so I may as well rack my poor old brain and answer these questions. Here goes............

What scrapbook lines/products, etc. do you dislike?
Stickers - unless they are alpha ones, and really bright papers - its not that I dislike them, just that I really struggle to use them.

What is the hardest thing you have ever had to scrap?
Probably LO on life altering moments for a BOM. It was about my gorgeous god-daughter being diagnosed with west syndrome, and coming to terms with the long term implications of this.

What technique do you use more than anything else?
Sewing, sanding & inking - I just love that aged look (on my LOs LOL) so just about everyone gets the once over with at least one of these techniques.

What is the smallest scrap of paper you save?
Just about everything - not sure why though, I hardly ever use them - except to fill my scrap drawers :o)

Finish this sentence, "If I wasn't a scrapbooker/stamper, I would spend my money on..."
It used to be on quilting fabrics, so probably I would still be doing that. Otherwise things for my home.

Give us your best storage or organizational idea.
I love playing around with various storage options and trying to find something that is practical. My latest storage solution is video cases - I have most of my chipboard in them now. They stand neatly on my shelf and fit in my drawers. I also have my foam stamps in them. Its also easy to chuck stuff back into them - a plus when your a slacker at packing away as you go like I am!

You just won a week long scrapbooking cruise for 5. Who is going with you?
My best friend Sabine - even though shes not a scrapper, I couldn't go away on a cruise with out her. (Since she isnt a scrapper I dont think she counts in my five LOL)
Katie - cause I love her scrapping style, and I want to smuggle her home in my suit case to take piccies of my kids LOL
Rozzie - she is just the nicest person and would love to get the chance to spend more time with her
Shell - she is just SO funny,and so nice as such an optimist. She would have everyone happy and
laughing.
Kathie - so we could go have a break from being mummies for just a little while (we would take our bubbies and their Daddies could look after them all day while we scrapped, but we could go for kisses and cuddles (from J & I!) when ever we wanted. [ HA, HA,HA this definately has no credability now!!!!]
All the rest of my wonderful scrapping friends, especially all of you who come here to visit my blog. Im so loaded that I could afford to buy you all tickets as well (this already had lost any sense of vague possibility when I started on about DHs looking after babies all day while we scrapped - so I thought Id just run with complete unbelievability!!!)


When you received your first publication notification, who did you tell?
Anyone who would listen - I was so excited

After answering the questions, tag four of your buddies.
I think you have all done this one already!!!

OK its getting late and I think Im starting to get the sillys and ramble so Im going to love ya and leave ya.
Nighty night
Nic xxx

PS ((((Big hugs)))) and HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY to Michelle's little man Daniel. Hope you had a great day.

Too much MoJo

My head is just spinning with scrapping at the moment - great you might say - well normally I would be extatic about having all this inspiration BUT Im not getting anything finished. Ive got three LO sitting on my scrap desk, from the last couple of days, which are only half finished. I keep getting all these new ideas when Im only half way through a LO, and Im striking while the iron is hot, printing out the pics and getting a start. The unfinished LOs only need to be stuck down, or have a few little finishing touches added but in the same form of the last couple of days Im ready to print out another pic tonight and start yet another. The boys each have a friend over for a sleep over tonight so I should have plenty of scrapping time later - who knows I might even get something finished (if I can find an unoccupied space on my desk!)

The boys had their school sports day today. Umfortunately the running races in the afternoon got rained out, but they got all the tabloid events done in the morning. Just love this shot of Caleb doing the long jump! He got third in the 600m, third in the high jump and came first in his heat of the 100m, so he was pretty happy with himself. Nathan still just gets to play all sorts of 'games' with all the reception, yr 1 & yr 2 kids. He enjoyed it, but he cant wait to be in year 3 next year and get to do all the other events.

Dribble pot

Isaac is becoming quite a dribble pot lately. He is always chewing on his hands, his fingers or anything else he can manage to keep hold of long enough to get to his mouth...I think he looks just adorable when he is sucking his fingers, chatting away to himself and gives me a cheeky grin all at the same time.

I have been giving him a bit more tummy time lately as well and he is getting quite used to it. He looks so much like Caleb at the same age, with his head up grinning that cheeky little grin.

Thought Id share a few pics I took last week. I cant believe he is four months old already - where did that go?


He also loves sitting on my lap while Im on the computer. He quite often falls asllep in my arms. He is starting to take a lot more notice of the screen too. He was chatting away and smiling at these baby pics of Jamie on Kathies blog the other week. It was just like when we hold him up in front of the mirror - too cute!

Im still feeding him (obviously!!!! breastfeeding I mean LOL) and am getting ready for when he starts on solids. I want to wait as long as I can, but I can see the time drawing nearer - he hasnt really seemed satisfied with just his milk for the last couple of days. I will give it a bit longer in case its just a bit of a growth spurt or something and it settles down again. There is no turning back once the progression to solids is made! I have been getting hold of any fruit or veggies that are in season at the moment and cooking them up, pureeing them and freezing them for when the time comes. Its a veritable gourmet restaurant in the freezer - beans (fresh from grandpas garden), apples, pears, peaches & plums, tomato, sweet pototoe & zucchini...so far! Hope he likes his friut and veg!!!! Its bizzar how when your a scrapbooker you look at things so differently (wierdly obsesed might be a better term LOL) as Im popping the little gourmet (well Im sure Isaac will consider pureed mush gourmet!) goodies out of their ice cube trays and into snap lock bags Im admiring the lovely colours, imagining how I can sit one of each on a plate...mmmm which plate should I use?....... to photograph them, and trying to put together a basic plan in my head about the page I will scrap about them!!!

Just as well most of you who read this are scrappers and I know you will completely understand!!!

funny email

Since most of you that would I would send this onto pop in here occasionally I thought I may as well just post this here. Its a great one to read when your having one of THOSE moments (days/weeks etc!!! LOL) with DH!!!!!

15 PIECES OF ADVICE TO BE PASSED ON TO YOUR MUM, YOUR DAUGHTERS OR GRANDDAUGHTERS, NIECES, AUNTS, GIRLFRIENDS, ETC.

1. Don't imagine you can change a man - unless he's in nappies. (even then I reckon there isnt much chance!)
2. What do you do if your boyfriend walks out? You shut the door. (quickly)
3. If they put a man on the moon - they should be able to put them all up there.
4. Never let your man's mind wander - it's too little to be out alone.
5. Go for the younger man. You might as well, they never mature anyway.
6. Men are all the same - they just have different faces, so that you can tell them apart.
7. Definition of a bachelor: a man who has missed the opportunity to make some woman miserable.
8. Women don't make fools of men - most of them are the do-it-yourself types.
9. Best way to get a man to do something is to suggest he is too old for it.
10. Love is blind, but marriage is a real eye-opener.
11. If you want a committed man, look in a mental hospital.
12. The children of Israel wandered around the desert for 40 years. Even in Biblical times, men wouldn't ask for directions.
13. If he asks what sort of books you're interested in, tell him cheque books.
14. Remember a sense of humor does not mean that you tell him jokes, it means that you laugh at his.
15. Sadly, all men are created equal.

Dont get me wrong I love my DH dearly BUT...yoiu know what men can be like sometimes LOL

Hope you got a giggle out of this like I did.

Back to my little man now!
Nic xxx

LOs

Here are the two LOs from this weekend. TFL!







This was a very quick one I did (it only took about 45min form start to finish!) so I could have somewhere to put Isaacs hospital ID band in his album. I used the prima flowers on three of the four LOs I did this weekend, they are so versitile - even on boy pages, dont know how I lived so long with out any LOL. Must track down some of the next size up in the mixed colours for my stash now!




This one is another quicky to tell the story about Isaac having difficulties settling now he isnt being wrapped, and the things Ive been trying in a bid to help him learn to put himself off to sleep again.

I had actually settled him with his teddy, and when Caleb went in to check on him about an hour later he was still cuddled up with it. Caleb came tearing down to me so excited, and told me to hurry up and get the camera and come with him. (hes learning well about the obsessive photo opportunities that are the nature of the scrapping mummy!!!!!) Admitedly he did look VERY cute!

They named the new BG after my kids LOL

I thought I was going a bit batty today, when I was writing the materials list on the back of my finished LOs I noticed that two of the baby boy papers are named Isaac & Nathan LOL I had to recheck it three times to make sure I was reading it right! and yes I know Im being way to organised writing the lists straight on, but in my list of goals for this year I promised myself to do it as soon as I finished a LO...we will see how long it lasts! I know I said I would share my LO about my intentions for 2006 BUT the LO had a bit of a run in with the printer!!!! The text ended up half off the page and it was pretty much all finished except for the list..it was unsalvagable...I spat the dummy a chucked it, and havn't got around to re doing it as yet. I have the list though so I guess thats the main thing!

Ive been so inspired over the past couple of days - dont know if its being surrounded by all the yummy new stuff from my last couple of shopping trips or what, but Ive finished four LOs in three days - a pretty unusual thing for me, Im normally a terrible procrastinator! Two I really love, and the other two are OK - dont love them, but I dont not like them either - they are both for Isaacs baby album - I will share when I take some pics tomorrow.

The other two will be the start of my little stash for this years masters. One of my intentions for this year is to put together an entry for this. I dont want to put up all of my LOs and start from scratch, so I thought I would start squirrling away a few so I have a choice when the time comes. Knowing my luck they will have really strict themes or something and none of my LOs will fit them LOL. Speaking of the masters, does anyone know when this years in launched? Realistically I dont think I have any chance of becoming a master, but you have to be in it to win it, and I would be absolutely extatic if I could manage just one little honourable mention...in fact I will have achieved my goal by just putting together an entry and sending it in!!!

Hope everyone is having a great weekend. Its a public holiday in little old Adelaide tomorrow, all so a few thousand people can go and watch a bunch of horses run around a track. DH works most public holidays anyway, so all it means around here is that I get an extra day to spend with my kids at home - YIPPEE!?!?!?!?! Hopefully I might even get a little more scrapping done.

Night all
Nic xxx

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

I Just wanted to wish my best friend Sabine and her hubby Pete all the best for their 8th wedding anniversary.
Love ya both heaps guys!!!!!
Nic xxx

Yummy stuff

Well finally my tax is done!!! What a relief, I hate leaving things this late, but being pregnant and having Isaac threw a bit of a spanner in the works so I guess Ill excuse myself this once.

Anyway after the accountant I headed down to Scrapbook Station. Janine has the most awesome range of stuff in there and the best prices!!! I picked up a few little goodies and had a great catch up with Janine. I just had to take a piccie and put on here, cause I so love seeing what everyone else has been buying on their blogs (especially Carol-lea, what a shop-a-holic LOL Id love to see her scraproom!!!) I love the new basic grey boys stuff, and the rubons are just to die for! Some chipboard, and my first ever primas!!! I dont know how I resisted the urge for so long to get some of these, they are just so gorgeous. I know they are probably a bit 'old hat' now but who cares LOL. Unfortunately they had sold out of the medium sized ones in the mixed colours , so I could only get the tiny ones. Some chatterbox papers and a few other bits and bobs! Cant wait to get scrapping - hopefully I will have some time tomorrow.

Well thats about all for now...no LOs I know but at least its an update for you Janine LOL!!!!!!!

Nic xxx

PS I also got Isaac one of those baby sleeping bag thingies - hopefully this will help him settle better now that he doesn't want to be wrapped. It will also stop him kicking off his rugs and ending up feeling like an icecube like last night! Hang on and Ill go take a photo............................................he looks so cute and snuggly! It makes me laugh how he sleeps all spead eagle like this - I think it has something to do with being wrapped up like a mummy for 3 1/2 months, now he figures he will spread right out just because he can.
Night night my sweet little bubby -night night, sleep tight, dont let the bedbugs bite! xxxxx

Jump

Well I had so many plans today, and didn't really achieve much. Ive nearly got my tax finished though, so at least I achieved something. We had a really busy day Saturday and were away from home most of the day. When we got home at about 9pm I bathed Isaac, fed him and headed off to get some much needed sleep myself...the little treasure slept through till 3am - gotta love him!!! BUT the people down the road were having a big party and between the cars roaoring up and down our court, and the drunk people in the middle of the road talking VERY loudly (basically right outside my window) till 12.45am I didnt get my much needed sleep after all! I can't complain, its not as though they do it all the time, or it went particularly late...its just I wish I could have had my sleep.

I got the Jolly Jumper out for Isaac today and he really loved it!!! He had a wonderful time while I folded the washing, and worked out how to use my camera to take video - which was actually a really easy thing to do. Im not sure who had more fun though, Isaac or Caleb and Nathan, who loved getting him to laugh and jump! They really adore their baby brother and Im so greatful for all the help theygive me...most of the time that is LOL.

Gotta go and try and settle my little man to sleep now, he has decided he doesn't like being wrapped to sleep anymore, but is finding it difficult to put himself off to sleep without it. Im sure he will stop yelling and give me one of his heart melting smiles as soon as I walk in the door though - he knows how to wrap me around his little finger already LOL.

We're home

We had a wonderful trip away - I will admit it wasn't quite as relaxing as the last couple of years with a little baby to tend to, but it was just fantastic being surrounded by my boys and best friend and her family.

There was lots of eating, swimming in the sea & pool, bike riding - we hired a tandem bike and took the kids on it, eating, fishing, a bit of shopping, eating, talking, drinking and more eating! The first night we just had a chicken and salad as the boys didnt end up getting up there till quite late - they had a flat tire, and when they had finally got the whole station wagon unpacked to change it they discovered the spare was flat too LOL Glad I wasn't there!!! Luckily they were at Pt Wakefield when it happened, and were able to get it pumped up.

Friday Craig took the older two out fishing early and Isaac & I got to have a sleep in. They didn't catch anything big enough to keep, but Nathan managed to catch a pigeon that flew out from under the jetty LOL (For all you pigeon lovers out there it managed to free its self without getting caught on the squid jag!)

Sabine, Pete & Monice went for a bike ride - they have got new mountain bikes and the coolest buggy for Monice to ride in. When I get the photos off her camera I will post one of it. Meanwhile we went into Kadina and got a new tire and the kids had a play on the playground for ages.

There was a bit of rain, but not enought to really cool anything down though. For tea we had a seafood BBQ. 1kg of bug tails, 1 kg of scallops and 1 kg of prawns on the BBQ and a salad - YUMMO!!! Yes we actually managed to get through it all too. Caleb loved the bug tails so he had quite a few of them!

Saturday saw more bike riding and fishing and a swim before we headed off to Kadina to the pub for lunch, and back to the very cool playground for another play. When we got back there was more bike riding, swimming and fishing. I seriously dont know where kids get their energy from - no sooner had they finished one thing they were wanting to do another - one plus though, even thought they went to bed late everynight, they were asleep as soon as their 'sweet' (?) little heads hit the pillows, and they didnt wake to early either. Tea was stuffed baby squid tubes.
We eat really well while we are away!!! Sabine is the bestest cook....it was all relatively simple to prepare and cook, but was absolutley delish!!!!

Sunday was looked like it might be quite cool and rainy, but it didn't take long for the temp to start climbing and the cloud to burn away. We all went out fishing on the breakwater, and caught quite a few king george & yellowfin whiting, but unfortunately they were all to small to keep. It was good fun though. There was more bike riding & swimming (its exhausting me just thinking about it all!) I took four mags up to read and only managed to read a few pages.
Caleb & Sabine went fishing on the little rocks in front of our units and Caleb managed to catch a seagull - what is it with birds and fishing line up there??!!! Sabine had to jump in the water and practiacally hold the bird under the water to stop it attacking her while she got it untangled and freed it!! Wish I hadn't been inside feeding Isaac at the time, would have loved to see the whole thing LOL.

While we were in the pool at about 4pm Nathan started crying and saying his ear hurt. It didnt really ease off even after a dose of pain stop. So at 7pm we headed off to the Wallaro hospital to see the doctor. It was an ear infection. (Last year we had to see the doctor with tonsilitis) Luckily it only flared up when it did, he didnt really miss out on anything. He got antibiotics & eardrops and has been fine ever since.

I got back and helped finish tea off - prawn pasta. Then when the kids were in bed we did the usual night time sit around drinking and chatting. It is so nice to go away with friends that you get along with so well, its just so relaxing and you can just be yourself. The conversation is highly amusing, sometimes a little heated, sometimes REALLY deep & meaningful, sometimes serious and sometimes side splittingly funny!!!

Isaac also rolled over from his tummy to his back for the first time on Sunday. I had just given him his bath, and was giving him a bit of a rub when over he went. He looked quite pleased with himself too. We managed to catch it on DVD when he did it again. He hasn't repeated the preformance since we have been home though. He was really good. We took up his little baby swing which he loves. He slept well in the potacot - although he was in our room, ... Im so glad at home he is at the other end of the house - he is such a noisy sleeper. It was nice not having to trapse to the other end of the house to put his dummy in or feed him though!!

Well if your still with me after that your doing really well. Sorry it went on so long, but it was really more to keep a record of the daily events for me and future journalling etc.

Now that Im over the holiday I have to get all my tax ready to do next week (still from 04/05!!!) then Im feeling all inspired about redecorating my scrap room/playroom. I picked up a heap of paint charts and I want to finally get around to strippng back the top of my desk. Im going to paint the bottom in a warm cream colour and leave the top timber. I want to rehash my shelving and sort out all my storage. I have great visions in my head..just hope I can make it all come together!!! My scrap space has been a work in progress. It started on the kitchen bench, then the dining table, then a card table and other bits that I used to have to move from the playroom into my bedroom each day and back out each night, then to my desk. Im a messy worker and I really need to rectify that. I think more organisation will be the key. My desk is a huge old one I picked up a while back so I really dont have any excuse! Check out the pics of my gradual accumulation of scrap stuff and space LOL Hopefully with in the next few months I will have a completed scraproom to post pics of.

Im off to check out a few more of your bloggs now!