Life according to Pauline

Buzzzing Hexapuffs Beekeepers Quilt

2011-08-06T18:13:00.000-07:00

What have I got myself into!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am making a quilt.......
ok knitting a quilt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes knitting!!!!

It is a pattern by the extremely talented Stephanie Dosen (tinyowlknits).
It is called The Beekeepers Quilt
It is a work of art and I am loving making the wee hexapuffs.

This is Stephanie's quilt.....

And here are the hexapuffs I have made so far....

It should take me about a year, Steph's took one year, on and off.

I want to have it done for my daughter, Samantha's 6th birthday in April next year.
There are a bunch of us on http://www.ravelry.com/groups/tiny-owl-knits doing a knit-a-long and we are having a blast!

You can get the pattern here http//www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-beekeepers-quilt

I ♥ this pattern!!!!!!!!!

Wool Cabinet

2011-03-20T17:10:00.000-07:00

I had to share this with you...

One of my knitting angels Stephanie Dosen (tinyowlknits on Ravelry) (my sister Diane is the other angel)shared pics of her wool stash in her magic attic, drool and sighing followed I can tell you!!!!!!!!

I showed it to my husband and went on & on & on about how gorgeous it all was

Well the next day he came with this...

I screamed at him and hugged him.

I loved it, it was perfect!!!!!!!

Any way after I calmed down we took out the panels in the doors and gave it a good clean.

Added fabric to the doors.....

Moved it to my knitting corner in the living room and this is now my wool stash cabinet...

I love it so and love my darling husband David even more ♥

Hello My Name is Pauline & I'm addicted to Knitting!

2011-01-30T14:25:00.000-08:00

Thought I would show a few of my finished projects from the last few months...

Skull hat for Spencer, my first multi-coloured project...

Rapunzel Hat (viking hat as my hubby calls it)

Hello my name is Helga, hehehe...

This is one of my fav's a violet muff, about 200 crocheted violets were hand felted and sewn on...and I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A little muff I made up for Samantha...

A knitted and beaded crown for Princess Samantha...

A lacy hooded shrug...

Finger-less mitts (planning to use cable pattern to make up my own socks)...

A cowl (neck warmer)....

A shawl called Hawthorne...

Another fav Where The Wild Things Are jumper.

Jumper with hood and ears

LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So much fun to wear.

The violet puff, Rapunzel hat and Where the Wild Things are Jumper are all designs from an extremely creative and talented US singer living in the UK Stephanie Dosen ( you can find her blog here http://www.owlinthedark.blogspot.com/) who I adore! Her designs are so fun! The little puff I made for Samantha is inspired by her to

Trip To New Zealand

2010-12-10T17:14:00.000-08:00

He everyone. Well we have been to NZ and are back home again now. I had to wait a little over a week before I could post pics because looking at them just made me cry! I miss my family so very much!

Any way here are a few pics for you...

Nana & Grandad with Spen And Samantha

Samantha in skirt Aunty Diane made her..

Spen & David in the Manawatu Gorge

Mum & Dads cat Pepsi, kids loved her!!!!

Tricycle fun...

The main reason for going over was my brother Graham's wedding to Angie...

Saying vows...

The gorgeous cake...

Mr & Mrs Campbell

My brother Darin & his wife Karen

My other brother Kelvin & his fiance Fiona...

My sister Diane & Spen

Me & David

Mum & Dad...(love this photo)...

Samantha...

It was a lovely garden wedding. I had never met Angie but she was lovely and Graham seems very with her.

We had a great 12 days in NZ, staying with mum and dad and catching up with family. My dad met my husband and daughter for the first time which was lovely. Samantha hasn't stopped talking about him since!

Me & Mum

Me & David agian...

I miss them so very much! Had a great time and guess what....we have to do it all over again in March for Kelvin & Fiona's wedding!

Happy Hallowen

2010-10-30T21:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween

Last Snow Of The Year

2010-10-20T16:31:00.000-07:00

We had a cold blast over the weekend which is likely to be the last one of the season so we decided to go play in the snow for the last time this year. We had a blast and everything was just pristine and gorgeous...

The road was closed up to the top so we had walk part of the way...

Our snow man...

Icicle eating Samantha...

I kept expecting a unicorn or The Snow Queen or some other mythical creature to come out of the bush it just looked magical...

My husband and son think I'm weird when I take photos of trees and bush, but to me it's the beauty of nature. On the way back we passed the cutest thing, had to stop and take photo...

Busy Busy Busy!!!

2010-10-11T16:04:00.000-07:00

Well it has been a busy few weeks here, we have all been sick with the flu, then Spen got serious dose of tonsillitis and I had conjunctivitis as well!! We are all slowly getting over everything now.

I have been busy knitting away, have become a knitting addict I have to admit! Not a single day goes by when I don't do at least some knitting. I have 3 projects on the go at the moment and just finished my first pair of socks!!!

I love them so much and am very proud of myself. My lovely sister gave me the gorgeous yarn and all the encouragement I needed to get these done, thanx sis, love ya xxx

The big news is we are going to New Zealand next month for my brother Graham's wedding!!! First time I have been back home since moving to Oz 5 years ago!!!! Haven't seen dad in all that time, looking forward to giving him big hugs!! It will be the first time dad meets my husband David and my daughter Samantha! Can't wait to see my family!!!!

Wedding

2010-07-22T17:08:00.001-07:00

My brother-in-law Andrew finally married his girlfriend, Ashley on July 10 near Sydney. Woo hoo, love a good wedding. Some of us had been trying for months ( and I mean MONTHS!!) to try and help Ashley (the bride) plan a wedding, to no avail! She wanted to lose weight first, then couldn't pick a date, doesn't like dresses, didn't want white, didn't want big wedding. Well she ended up going to Sydney (they live near Melbourne around the corner from us) to stay with her mum, and her mum planned the wedding, and paid for most of it, in about 2 months flat! Remember the not wanting big, white wedding, this is what they ended up with...

Mr & Mrs Spinks with daughter Skye

Wedding party

Cake table

Andrew & Ashley with my husband David, Andrew's brother.

There's nothing like a small wedding!!! lol

Me (looking pregnant! Hate this shot!), David, Spen & Samantha.

Sam doesn't look happy it was about 8.30pm and she was very tired. About 20 mins after this shot she was asleep in arms.

It was a lovely day, long, but lovely.

Time For A Change

2010-07-14T22:31:00.001-07:00

My son Spencer (age 13) and I coloured our hair the other day!

He went from this...

And I went from this...

During...

To this...

And this...

It is the first real colour Spencer has put in his hair and he loves it! It has taken a bit for every one to get used to but I'm used to changing my hair so it didn't really shock me. But gee my boy is growing up! As for me this is the closest to blond I have been. I was shocked and horrified when I rinsed the colour out, it looked very orange, but as it dried it got better and now 2 days later I LOVE IT!!!

Photos of my brother-in-laws wedding coming shortly.

If Only!

2010-06-15T18:10:00.000-07:00

I had to post a pic of a shrug I just crocheted from a pattern I purchased off Ravelry. I love it! I am wearing it with my wedding dress and love it! Love it, love it, love it!!! If only I actually had this for my wedding ( and if only I looked this good in my dress on the day!!!).

The New Me

2010-05-22T18:31:00.000-07:00

Well I did it!!!! I have been saying for months that I want my hair cut, it was driving me insane!!!! Dry, fly away and frizzy. I had tried treatments and potions and lotions but nothing helped so I finally got the big cut!

I have gone from this..

To this...

And when it is straightened

I'm not sure about it at the moment. It is a big change and taking a bit to get used to. So much easier to do though!!!! And oh the money I will save on conditioner!!! My son (aged13) said I looked like a nana when he first saw it but then later said it was growing on him. My husband David said it will take a while to get used to it, but that it was ok. My daughter (aged 4) just wants to know what I did with my hair.

I have all of a sudden become very aware of clothes. I think because I have been a larger size clothes haven't meant that much to me because there wasn't a lot to choose from in a size to fit me, but now I can buy nice, exciting clothes!!! I love shopping now!!! I even bought my first short skirt!!! OMG!!!!

It is choc brown corduroy and I love it with my boots!! I know for some it's not short but for me it is! I also found this tunic/dress that I fell in love with, it is so soft and floaty...

My poor husband doesn't know what's happened to me!!! He is used to me wearing track pants and being very dull, now I show a bit of leg and wear makeup and do my hair. Bring on the clothes!!!!

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T16:43:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to say that I hope all you mums out there had a terrific day yesterday and that your kids spoilt you and made you feel like queens (even though you should feel that way every day, if you have kids or not). My darling 13 year old son Spencer made me breakfast in bed, and what a breakfast it was!!! Toasted English muffin with smoked salmon, poached egg and Hollandaise sauce!!! YUMMY!!!!

He did such a good job, so proud of my boy. Spen and his sister Samantha (along with my husband David), gave me a bottle of Vera Wang perfume, Princess, smells divine and I love the bottle...

They spent the rest of day looking after me and making sure I relaxed. I am a very lucky lady indeed. I love my family so very much xxx

I also have to share with you my two new loves...

First my boots, yes I know that may seem strange to some of you, but when you have been over weight most of you adult life and had fat calves like me finding boots that fit those calves is not easy! I love boots but could never find any that fit so when I tried these on and they fit, I GOT THEM!! I love them!!!!! And a bonus was they have given me that boot (excuse the pun) up the bum I needed to get back into my weight lose journey again, been a bit slack I'm afraid! Haven't gained weight but haven't lost any either since January and I do still have about 20-30kg to get rid of!

And second of all, I wanted to share my latest knitting/crochet project with you...

My wonderful sister Diane bought this pattern for off ravelry.com and sent it as a mother's day gift. Stephanie Dosen is the talented young lady who posted the pattern and I have admired it for months. So I got straight to work and made it in about 4 days. I LOVE IT!!! So comfy and frilly and fun. I have even started my second one in teal colour. Thank you Diane for the gift and thank you Stephanie for a stunning pattern.

Bogan Alert!!!!

2010-04-17T19:20:00.000-07:00

Davids best mate Harry ( real name is Cavan would you believe), had his 40th birthday yesterday and his girlfriend Christine threw an 80's party for him. I wasn't sure if we would be going to the party as David's Grandad Les died last week (aged 98) and David went up to Coff's Harbour in NSW for the week to attend the funeral. Me and the kids didn't go, Spen just went back to school after holidays and I don't think it is appropriate for young children like Samantha to attend funerals. Any way David got back on Friday so I had literally 1 day to come up with costumes!!! And might I add I had to use things we had at home! Any way Samantha and I were really the only ones that dressed up, Spen and David (being dull males) didn't really make an effort (or want to). This is how Samantha and I looked...

Sorry hubby cut half my head off in this shot...

Most people got dressed up and we all had a great time. I forgot that I taken the camera until later in the evening so didn't really get a lot of pics but here's a few...

The birthday boy Harry and David...

Spen and the hot rod he loved...

Me as the Bogan bride of Frankenstein...

Harry and his son Brendon...

Harry & Christine...

The cake...

It was great fun and we had a good time. I just wish David's family were more like that! I would love costume party's but none of them would dress up!!! Thank God for Harry!

Birthday Quilt

2010-04-12T23:44:00.000-07:00

I am finally getting round to posting photos of the gorgeous quilt my step-mother-in-law Maree gave me for my birthday in March. It is simply gorgeous and I love Maree so very much for giving it to me. Maree is one of the few people over here in Oz who is keeping me me from going insane at the moment. She is the next best thing to my mum in New Zealand, whom I miss so very, very much!!!! I love you Maree and thank you from the bottom of my heart for being a rock for me xxx

The Winds Of Change

2010-03-24T15:26:00.000-07:00

Hi all, sorry it has been so long since I blogged, just haven't found the time or really felt like blogging. I have been a bit depressed I have to admit, missing my family in New Zealand so very much! Not getting along with half of David's family, that just makes me miss mine even more!! Turned 38 the last weekend and most of Davids family didn't even remember, which hurt me and pissed David off so much! Any way I spent the day with my husband and children who are the most important people in my life any way. By the way its my mum, Dorothy's, birthday today (25 March) so happy birthday to my precious wonderful mother. I love you so very much and miss you like you wouldn't believe xxxxx
Ok what else.... have lost nearly 30kg! I am under 100kg for the first time in many years and feeling really good. And my husband and I haven't had a smoke in about 2 and half months!!! There are days I would kill for a smoke but most of the time it's a breeze and as a matter of interest I now can't stand the smell of cigerette smoke when I pass someone who is smoking all I can think is "my god that stinks!"

Wardrobe Refashion

2010-01-11T14:21:00.000-08:00

Hi all. Been a busy few days, been working out like crazy trying to lose the 2kg I put on over Christmas, Spens birthday and New Year's! Have managed to do that so I thought I would show you my progress so far. Here I am holding up a pair of jeans that I used to fit into...

You will have to excuse the messy hair and no make up, it was 44 degrees yesterday and even though we have air con now I couldn't be bothered! But I am so glad I kept these jeans, so I have a reference point as to how far I have come. So far it is 25kg's that I have lost and sadly a lot more to go!!!! Just an added note, my husband David and I are in the process of cutting back on our cigarettes and trying to give up our smoking habit! Well whats the point in loosing weight to be healthy and continuing to smoke!

I also wanted to show you a wardrobe refashion I have done. My mum sent Samantha a parcel for Xmas and included in that parcel was this skirt...

Being a size 12 there was no chance of her wearing it anytime soon so I removed the bottom frill, scalloped the underskirt and used the removed frill tho make little cap sleeves. This is the end result...

I love it and think I did a pretty good job. Samantha puts it on and dances around like a ballerina.

Merry Christmas To You All

2009-12-29T16:07:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas. Things have been hectic here for the last month or so. Spencer graduated from primary school, high school next year! So we have been getting things ready for the big move to high school and had his graduation ceremony which was really nice. He had to give a speech, which he was nervous about but wrote a great speech and did well giving it...

Growing up so fast...

Giving his speech...

Some of Spen's class mates, girl on far right of the front row, Kathryn, is Spen's girlfriend...

We were very proud of him and had a lovely time.
We bought a new air conditioner, THANK GOD!!! We didn't have one up til now and during summer on 40 degree days you could not be inside it was so hot and stuffy. We would go visit any one with air con or go to the river to cool down. Now our house is cool and comfy! At a cost of nearly $2500 we decide that that was the main Christmas gift and just got the kids a couple of small gifts each.

Then we had Christmas with Davids family. Spit roast lamb, salads, blini with smoked salmon, Xmas cake, pav and my croquembouche wreath, doesn't look as good as I had hoped but everyone loved it, which is the main thing...

Kim's Christmas cake...

Waiting for presents. Matilda, Skye, Jessica and Samantha...

The girls had a great time riding this bike down the hilly backyard..

Then we had Spencer's 13th birthday on the 28th December! We had a party with the family, he didn't want his friends, we tried to convince him to invite Kathryn but to no avail. We all had a good time though. He got this cool truck clock from Nana and grandad in NZ...

It has an alarm that sounds just like a big rig horn. It is awesome and he loves it! I made a triple decker chocolate as requested by the birthday boy...

So as you can see it has been go go go here and in January we have uniforms and books to get for Spencer and get him all organised for high school!!! Can't believe my boy is 13!!!!

Well from my family to yours we hope you all had a lovely Christmas and have a wonderful New Year, may 2010 be eventful and good to all of us

Teach A boy To fish....

2009-11-18T15:50:00.000-08:00

David and Spencer went fishing with David's brother Danny on the weekend and they caught about 15 King George Whiting between them. Spen caught about 5 and got very sun burnt and sun stroke as well. He was not himself for a couple of days but we made him rest and drink lots of water and now he is fine. They had a good time, but Spen will put sunscreen on next time someone tells him to put it on!!!

Party!

2009-11-07T21:27:00.001-08:00

Our niece Jessica turned 3 the other day and for her party we went and made teddy bears!! We all had a great time and made some gorgeous teddy bears!!!

You pick an unstuffed bear and take it to the stuffing machine....

Then a lovely shop assistant gets you to put your foot on a peddle that activates the machine to stuff the bear...

From left to right you have Skye, Ella Rose(seated),Samantha, Jessica and Regine(seated at front)

And then you get to do the fun bit, dress the bear!!! They have an endless choice of clothes, shoes, wigs, bags, sunglasses etc.... From left to right my teddy Rose, Samantha and Teddy (have to get Samantha to think of better name for princess bear). They are so soft and so gorgeous!!!! A great time was had by all, adults and children!!! We came back and had dinner with family and friends. Jessica loved her cake....It was a lovely day. Oh and by the way I have sorted things out with the mother-in-law, we are all talking again and getting along fine. Much more peaceful and calm for everyone.

Just thought I would share a photo of me and my lovely husband David. It was taken by David's Aunty Pauline(GREAT NAME), on our wedding anniversary, and it is probably the first photo of myself, full-length, that I really like!!

Doesn't look as good shrunk, but any way, apart from the hair being a bit out of control, I like it. My tummy isn't bulging out like it used to and I look good, even if i do say so myself! I have now lost 22kg's and still going. Feeling happier and healthier and more confident in myself. A few people have commented on how good I'm looking, which boosts my ego and encourages me even more.

Party!

2009-11-07T21:27:00.000-08:00

One Year Already!!!!

2009-10-21T16:43:00.000-07:00

The 19th October was our first wedding anniversary, where did that year go!!!! It hasn't been the easiest year for us but we made it! My darling husband organised a night away for us. We were hoping to go to the cottage we went to for our honeymoon but it is no longer available for use, nearly cried when I found out. Any way David planned a get away, his dad and his partner Maree looked after the kids and this is where we ended up...

The Loft

It is near a town called Healesville, about 30 minutes drive from home. This cottage is so sweet.

It was made up of three levels. Level one was the main living area....

Second level was the spa bath, with gorgeous stained glass window....And the top level had the amazing four poster bed...The views were amazing over looking a lovely lake and mountains in the background...

It was simply a lovely place. Cute little bunnies running around everywhere, of course they run away as soon as you get the camera out! The peace and quiet was heavenly!!! Longer than one night would have been nice, but considering it's the first night since our honeymoon we have had alone as a couple it was heaven for us!

Busy Busy Busy

2009-10-07T00:11:00.000-07:00

Been a busy few weeks. Spen was on holiday and David took 2 weeks off work so we were all home. Of course most days it rained! But we managed a few good days, spent them painting the house, still not finished but it's looking really good. We took the kids to the Melbourne zoo for one day, took the train in and had a great time. Sadly most of the big cats were asleep but we still had fun. Only one thing ruined it for me...to many people! But being school holidays we had to expect that. Here are a few pics....

Giraffe

Toys for the kids. Spen wanted elephant and Sam wanted the tiger

Elephant

My Fav the Butterfly house

David, Samantha, Spencer & friend

Monkey mum and dad with baby

Baby Hippo

Spen & Samantha

Lions

Bears

We had a great time, but it was a long day, we left at about 9.30am didn't get back until about 7.30pm

Cushion I made for Samantha's bed. Would love a blanket made in this for her room but at nearly$7 a ball and knowing that this cushion took 4 balls can you imagine how many balls and what cost a blanket would be!!!

Here is a stool my son Spencer made at school for David. He has done a great job with it, we love it. So proud of him...

Samantha's New Do

2009-09-19T23:26:00.000-07:00

Samantha had her first real haircut at the hairdressers yesterday. I want to grow her hair long but she won't keep clips or hairbands in and the front just gets in her eyes. So I made the tough decision to get it cut and hopefully when it grows back she will leave clips in, because it is lovely and wavy when it is long. Any way here is little Missy and her new do...

Still alive

2009-09-01T16:22:00.000-07:00

Yes I'm still here, just haven't been in the mood to blog. Been busy knitting, knitting and more knitting, Here are a few few things I have made....

I made a bag for my step-mother-in law Maree for her birthday, love this bag want to make one for myself.

Made this skull pattern beanie for Spencer, he loves it,he's very much into skulls at the moment, which is good because all the clothing in the stores for his age have skulls on them! It is the first time I have knitted in two colours so I'm very happy with the end result...

I have made this hat and neck warmer for my mother for Christmas. I love the subtle lacy pattern on them, might make one for myself as well....

I have knitted a couple of other things but can't show them as someone who is to receive them for Christmas will see them.

We also got Spencer a new bed, he did have very ugly blue wooden bunks that were given to us. He hid dirty washing and rubbish under the bottom bunk all the time and his room just looked cramped and messy. Now the room looks twice the size and he is actually keeping it tidy!

Bag Lady

2009-07-18T21:37:00.000-07:00

Yes it is true, I have turned into a bag lady!!! I have knitted two bags in the last week. One for Samantha....

With beads and cables and very girly, she loves it! And one for me...

Mine, a chunky black cabled one, that I even lined!!!

I have to say I am very proud of both of them.

Yes I know....

Hello my name is Pauline, I am an addict, a knitting addict!!!! If I'm not knitting, I'm thinking about what to knit next, what yarn to get get, what colour yarn to get, do I have the right size needles??????? But I am enjoying knitting after so many years of not touching knitting needles.

Knitting, Cables and Beads!!!

2009-07-11T22:33:00.000-07:00

I have just finished knitting Samantha the cutest dress, I couldn't wait to post pics, so here it is....

I got the top of the dress from a pattern on ravelry.com and just made the skirt up as I went. Lots of stitches on a circular needle, round and round I went, adding a few stitches every now and then. I love it! So proud of it.

I am now knitting something else, but I don't want to say what it is 'til I'm finished it, but I will disclose it has cables (which I haven't done in years!), and beads knitted into it (which I have never done!). Stay tuned.

Spencer

2009-07-06T15:57:00.000-07:00

A few quick things to mention. Spencer won an award at school, Student Of The Month! We were so proud of him. David, Samantha, Grandad Ray, Nanny Ree and I went down to the school for the award ceremony. Spencer didn't know he was getting it, so was a bit worried when we all turned up, he thought he was in trouble!

My lovely son also made me this gorgeous box, which now holds all my necklaces that were just thrown in a drawer....

He did a great job with it, I love it!

I made Samantha the cutest little top!!! I have one question for you all, how do you stop the bottom of the knitting rolling up? I love this top but the rolling up, especially on the ruffle ruins the look for me....

I have also made a few hats and scarves, nothing to exciting. Though I did make Ray and Maree's new dog, Mini, a little coat to help keep her warm...

So I have been busy making things as you can see. I've been a bit depressed the last month or so, not really getting on with David's family, hate family get together! Missing my family so very much!

On the weight lose journey, I have gone from 126kg to 111kg, gone from size 26 jeans to size 20 jeans, never had a pair of 20 jeans, did a little dance when they went on!!!! Still have a long way to go my Dr wants me at at least 80kg.

Where Do I Start!!!!!!

2009-06-02T15:13:00.000-07:00

Hi all, sorry it has been a while but so much has been happening here! Ok where do I start? Ok first my dad....

I got a phone call a couple of weeks ago from my mum, and I knew right away something was wrong. She told me dad had been taken to hospital the night before, he had been vomiting blood and collapsed in bed. I can't tell you how that made me feel!!!! She said they were doing tests and she would let me know as soon as they knew anything. Of course I have all these cancer thoughts and "oh god what if he dies" He still hasn't met my husband or our daughter!!!! And I haven't seen him in nearly 4 years!!! I was a mess the whole day, until David and his dad, Ray said to me don't panic until you know for sure what is going on. I think the waiting was the hardest thing. Finally got a message from dad himself on the Wednesday (he went into hospital Sunday morning), he was home and had two peptic ulcers. Needless to say I cried with relief! Dad and I have had a few ups and downs in our relationship, but I love him so very much and the thought of him not being there is hard to think about, but I think this has made us all realise he is nearly 80 and his health is not to good, we should all make the most of him while he is here. I love you dad xxx

I better introduce you all to the newest member of the Spinks clan....

Summer Rose Spinks

David's brother, Andrew and his partner Ashley had their baby, FINALLY, 8 days past due date on 30 MAy 2009 at 12.02am, Grandad Ray's birthday. They thought they were having a boy, just a feeling they had, but turns out they were wrong, another girl!!! Out og 10 grand kids there are now 3 boys and 8 girls!!!!

And lastly, I finally finished Samantha's blanket, my first major crochet project.....

I am so very proud of it and it looks great in her room. What to make next, mmmmmm??????

3rd Miracle

2009-05-04T16:13:00.000-07:00

Yes that's right a 3rd miracle has occurred!!!! I have finally taught myself to crochet!!!!! After years of my sister, Diane, (who is an amazing crocheter and knitter) telling me "to give it a try" and "it's not as hard as it looks", I brought a little book on how to crochet, a hook and some wool and well..... I CAN CROCHET!!!!!

This is my first square....

Then I got hooked (ha ha) and have decided to make Samantha a blanket for her bed...

Then I decided to give a hat a try and this is the finished product...

I then gave making a flower a go, so added that to the hat as well....

I am really enjoying it and can't believe I wasted so many good crochet years saying "it's to hard" and giving up. Well Diane I should have listened to you after all shouldn't I. Note to self....Listen to your big sister!!!!

Two Miracles!!!!

2009-04-25T17:23:00.000-07:00

The first miracle....

I KNITTED!!!!! I bought some yarn and a pattern and started knitting. I haven't knitted in years!!! Well here is the finished product...

It's not perfect but for someone who has not knitted in a few years I am happy with the end result. I have added another toggle to the front since taking this photo.

I also made up this little hand bag I bought as a kit from my fav craft store Spotlight...

I love the colours and it as just so whimsical, I love it! Gave myself a huge blister on my finger from doing all the stitches but it was worth it!

The second miracle....

We finally got our deck covered!!!! We have been saving for it for a while because every one said it would cost about $1000, but we managed to do it for under $500!!!! David and his dad Ray did all the work with a little hand from Spencer and they have done a great job I must say....

It is so great being able to stand out there when it is raining and it just looks really good. Thank you my darling husband David and the greatest father in law a girl could want, Ray, with the help of Spencer you all did a great job.

I have lost 12kilos on my diet, mainly from my hips and stomach. A long way to go but feeling much more confident and sexy I must say.

I know we don't look all that happy in this photo, but it was about the 10th photo Ray had taken of us and we just wanted to go out to dinner! The first dinner we have had alone as husband and wife sine the honeymoon 6 months ago!! We don't really get a lot of time alone together, so when Ray and Maree offered to look after the kids we jumped at the chance!!!

Samantha Turns 3!!!!

2009-04-19T17:00:00.000-07:00

I can't believe our wee girl is 3!!! Where did the time go???? Here are a few photos from her party that we had last weekend...

The Birthday Girl in her party dress....

She loved dancing around in it....

"Happy Birthday To You..." Samantha loved everyone singing to her...

Blowing out the candles...

The birthday cake I made...

Flower biscuits I made, I love these, they look gorgeous....

Butterflies I made and hung over the table, everyone loved these...

Gift bags I put together for the girls, Samantha, Skye, Jessica and Matilda. Each included a necklace, feather pen, balloon and lollies...

The girls playing in the tent we got Samantha...

The duvet cover we got Sam and Spencer gave her the giant Upsy Daisy doll..

Playing with the tea set sent from Nana, grandad and Aunty Diane in NZ...

Fairy doll I saw and just HAD to get my little girl...

Raro

2009-04-15T16:37:00.000-07:00

My sister Diane had to have one of her beloved cats, Raro, put to sleep yesterday. I bawled my eyes out when I heard! Diane and I were living with our brother Graham when we got Raro and she is very special to us. She was a lovely cat and will be greatly missed.

Rest in Peace our beautiful Miss Ra xxx

Raro is the tabby, Scotty is the little minx tormenting her which he did from the moment we got him! Scotty will be lost with out you Ra. Our thoughts and love are with you Diane xxx

A Beautiful Day

2009-03-15T13:26:00.000-07:00

Well here I am 37 and doing my 101st post on my blog! I had a great day for my birthday (13th March), my husband took the day off work and spoiled me!! He took me to a book warehouse that I have been wanting to go to for ages where they have nothing over $5! I bought 5 novels. Then he took me to Spotlight (craft heaven) where I bought some scrap booking things and a duvet cover for our new bed. Speaking of our bed... HERE SHE IS....

I am sure my sister will be very surprised as it is not the usual style I go for! I like romantic beds, but this caught both me and David, and it matches the drawers we already had. It was delivered on Saturday and we had it up within minutes! Then I decided to make the brown cushion covers to put on it as well. I love the end result the whole bed ensemble looks great!

I got cards from all of my family and text messages from them and a phone call from my wonderful sister, Diane. Hearing her voice made my day!

David's Dad and step-mum Maree gave me some lovely candles that I put in our bedroom...

The rest of David's made no effort at all, no cards not even a phone call or text. But David, Ray, Maree and my kids along with the phone call from my sister helped me have a great day!

Oh The Calmness!!!

2009-03-07T18:19:00.000-08:00

Well ladies and gentlemen, the fire threat is over.... THANK GOD!!!! We had rain last weekend and even though a few fires are still going they are controlled and not a threat to anybody! It is so nice to have everything back to normal, Spen back at school,no packed bags sitting around waiting to be whisked away if we evacuated, no water bombing helicopters flying around, no stress every time the smoke gets thicker!!! Thank you to all CFA fire fighters, fire fighters from around the world, SES workers and all who helped keep us all safe during this trying and tiring month.

Diet is going well, people have started to notice the weight falling off me now, not sure how much I have lost but clothes are loser and had to put stitches in jeans to hold them up! I don't like weighing myself so I go by how loose my clothes get. I'm happy with the result and as a reward I dyed my hair! I was contemplating cutting it all off... going from this..........

To this....
But David said he loved my long hair (even though he complains about finding it laying around every where), so I decided to dye it instead, from the natural red to dark brown...

Not the best photo sorry, I am still not sure if I like it or not, David and Spencer love it!!! David's dad Ray said I looked expensive, but he didn't say I looked bad, so that's good coming from him!

Going to be a big week, my 37th (OH MY GOD) birthday on Friday, not planning anything special, Spen won't be here, his dad is coming over from NZ and having him for a few days, David might do something I don't know. He has bought me (us) a new bed for my birthday, gets delivered on Thursday, can't wait!!! What a darling he is. Diane, I think you will be surprised at the bed I picked!!! Stay tuned!!!

2009-02-17T14:01:00.000-08:00

Well the threat of fire has eased but is still there depending on what the weather brings. Luckily we have had mild weather for the last week which has helped the fire fighters contain most of the fires but still a couple have the option to flare up if the wind picks up, so our bags are still packed ready to get out if we have to.

The death toll is now at 200, but still expected to rise as they still have about 80 people unaccounted for!

Where we are in the Yarra Valley there is a command centre for the CFA just down the road from our town where the water bombing helicopters are stationed, two big orange ones and a New Zealand helicopter arrived to help the other day...

Samantha thinks they are great, they fly over all the time and we went down and actually saw them take off the other day, she was petrified but excited at the same time.

We have fire fighters from all over Australia, New Zealand and the USA here fighting these massive fires at the moment, god bless them all!!!

Australians have raised about 100million dollars for the bushfire victims which I think is totally amazing!!! Thank you to all those who have given money, clothes, food or the time and services to these people, you are all angels xxx

Why????

2009-02-08T13:26:00.000-08:00

I am fighting back tears as I write this post. Our state is in turmoil. Fire rages across much of it leaving a trail of destruction that is unbelievable!!!

So far 108 people are dead, 750 houses have been burnt to the ground and 31 fires still burn, 10 still out of control!!!! They are expecting the death toll to reach nearly 200, if not more. Complete towns have been wiped from the map!!!! And what really hurts is that many of these fires were deliberately lit!!!! How the hell some one could do that, cause this much pain for so many people and then live with themselves is beyond my comprehension!!!!

I should add these photos are not taken any where near us. We are safe for now but are told by the CFA (local fire fighters) to be prepared to leave at a moments notice, so we have photos, documents and clothes packed just in case.
I was going to put some photos of Davids car covered in ash and our packed bags on here, but they seem meaningless and silly now after everything else and what other people are going through!!!
Please keep those who have lost loved ones and all they own in your prayers and hearts.

Hottest Day On Record

2009-02-07T00:17:00.000-08:00

Well we thought last week was bad...today Victoria had it's hottest ever day on record....46.4 degrees Celsius!!!!!! It has been sweltering!!! What makes it even worse is that there are dozens of bushfire's roaring around the state. We have had gusting northerly winds which is just fuelling the fires and as we are in the middle of a major drought things are tinder dry!!!! We don't have any bush fires close to us, well not close enough to worry about...YET!!! But today we have had scorched leaves and ash falling on us and smoke in the air, which makes you worry a bit I have to admit. I took some photos to show you....

Normally at around 6pm, when I took these photos there is blue sky and it is very light, but today this is what was outside and it was dark!Then we noticed this plume, which we are not sure if it was smoke or cloud, but it looked amazing, and kept growing like a volcano eruption!!!!And this is what our white outside furniture looked like...Covered in ash!!!!

The good news, yes there is some, is that for the following week the temperature shouldn't get above 30!!!! THANK GOODNESS!!!!I will keep you up to date with developments.

Heat Wave From Hell!!!!

2009-02-04T15:32:00.000-08:00

Hi all, yes I am still alive... JUST!!! Last week was the week from hell!!! We had a massive heat wave here! Normally in summer we get the odd 40+Degree Celsius day which is tolerable, but last week we had 4 days of over 40 in a row!!!!!!! It was horrible. We don't have an air conditioner in our house...SILLY US!!!!! Fans just blow the air around more, so we had windows and curtains shut all day trying, with no success, to keep the heat out. By the time David got home from work at around 3pm we were all ready to cool down in a big way!!!! We would head down to the river and stay there for hours!!!! It didn't really cool down at night time which makes it even more hard to handle. A couple of times I just cried and said I wanted to back to New Zealand, you get nothing even close to that heat over there. But we managed to get through it and are now looking at air conditioners!!! They say it was a 1 in 100 year event, having that many in row, but we want to be prepared next time!!!! Our poor garden was looking lush and green two weeks ago, this is what it looks like now...

Everything is wilted and burnt!!! As we are on tight water restrictions we haven't watered anything and they are truly begging for water! Hopefully we will get rain soon!!!!

Any way, my wight loss effort is working, I lost just under 3kg in my first week and I'm exercising more and more every day. I haven't been tempted by all the chocolate in the fridge that my family keep bringing home!!!! Eating lots of good fruit and veg and actually enjoying it!!!

Let The Battle Begin!!!!

2009-01-21T14:30:00.000-08:00

Well I have finally decided to get serious with my battle with the bulge!!!! I am sick and tired of being this big, no I'm not going to reveal how big I am, I am disgusted at how big I have gotten and can't bring myself to let any one else know!!! Not even my husband David knows my weight! Lets just say I would like to, no, I WILL LOOSE, about 4 or 5 dress sizes!!! I have really good reason's to loose the weight...

*My health. I have been having back pain, my knee packs up on occasion, worried about stroke & heart attack!

*My children. I want to see then grow up and have kids of their own. I want to be able to play with them with out getting tired after about ten minutes!!!! I want to be able to run around with them and have fun!

*My husband. I want to be more attractive and sexier for my husband, who by the way is skinny and as fit as you can be! He loves me as I am, but is being very supportive as he is worried about my health as well.

*Clothes!!!! I love clothes!!!! But when you are my size you have a limited selection of nice clothes, VERY LIMITED!!!! I want to wear stunning dresses and look good in jeans. Some of the clothes I see make me cry because they are so cute and I am WAY TO BIG for them!

*My self esteem. My self esteem is so low and I have no confidence in my self. Hate going out in public because I think people are talking about "the fat lady", ME!!!

*Not to mention my wedding photos!!! I hate the tummy bulge you can see in the photos!!!! I tried this dress on so many times before the day, and I never once saw the bulge, I thought I looked great in it!!! It wasn't until I saw the photos and nearly died of embarrassment!!! I wish I worn a different dress, or some suck me in underwear!!!!

I started taking meal replacement shakes for breakfast and lunch yesterday, even got myself a smaller dinner plate so that I have a smaller meal at dinner time. Got lots of fruit and vegetables that I am allowed to snack on. Even did exercise!!!!! I am truly serious this time and I WILL BE A SIZE 16 BY CHRISTMAS!!!!! I really wanted to put 14 or 12 but I know I am always going to have big thighs and a butt, it's just my body shape, but a 16 for me would be fantastic! But as long as I'm healthy and feel more positive about myself that is the main thing!
Wish me luck my friends!

Ashley's 21st

2009-01-15T15:37:00.000-08:00

My sister-in-law Ashley turns 21 today, she decided she didin't want a big party so I invited her, her partner Andrew and daughter Skye around for dinner tonight, told her she wasn't allowed to cook or do dishes on her birthday. I wanted to make a special cake for her and as she loves chocolate cake that is what I made, but I spent the last week making chocolate roses to decorate it..

Having two nearly 40 degree days I couldn't make any on those days as the chocolate mixture just got to soft, but I got a few made. A very fiddly job but not to bad. Samantha and Spencer hung around like flies wanting the chololate! They are made from a mixture made up of chocolate and glucose syrup. Here is the end result...Hopefully she likes it!

Here's Another One

2009-01-09T19:16:00.001-08:00

Yeah Yeah I know, you are all sick of these...

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Greatest Find Ever!!!

2009-01-06T21:41:00.000-08:00

I have been looking for a birthday invitation for Samantha's birthday, yes I know it is in April and I have plenty of time, but I can't help it, I'm organised!!! I hadn't been able to find one until I decided to look on Ebay the other day and found a lady, Alanna, who does digital scrapbooking invitations and I ordered one and this is the end result....

It made me cry when I saw the end result. Alanna did an amazing job and I can't wait to give them out, in about 3 months time!!!

Yes...Another Smilebox Creation

2009-01-02T19:31:00.000-08:00

Sorry guys, I can't help myself with Smilebox! I'm having so much fun with it!!! I'm sure I'll get sick of it soon...MAYBE!Don't count on it. But I will run out of photos to use.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Smilebox Creation Number 2

2008-12-31T00:44:00.000-08:00

Here is another Smilebox creation I made....

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

I am so loving Smilebox!!!!

Spencer Turns 12!!!!

2008-12-27T16:14:00.000-08:00

Well Christmas is over for another year!! We had a lovely day with Davids family, Danny & Kim were friendly and happy like all was well so we went along with it, Angela and I avoided each other like the plague!!! But it was a nice day and the kids had a great time.

Today is Spencer's 12th birthday!!! Where did that 12 years go???? David took Spencer and our nephew Shannon to have a go at archery yesterday as a birthday treat...

They had a great time, and didn't shoot anyone, always a bonus!!! We had a little get together for afternoon tea after that with some of David's family and just hung out and relaxed. Then I got to reveal the truck cake I made Spencer. I wasn't very happy with how it turned out, but Spencer loved it and said I did a great job (liar) and everyone else said it was good. I guess I can at least say I tried.

Spencer had a great day and that is all that matters. I love you my young man xxx

I tried out a website called Smilebox and here is a wedding album I made (hope this works)...

Make a Smilebox photobook

Merry Christmas

2008-12-23T15:12:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to you all from my family to yours xxxx

Skye's Party

2008-12-14T15:30:00.000-08:00

Our niece Skye turned two on Tuesday and they had a fairy party for her yesterday. The girls dressed up like fairies and looked GORGEOUS!!!!

The birthday girl, Skye...

Samantha....

Samantha and Skye looked just gorgeous together and they had a great time dancing, playing and eating together...

Skye's mum Ashley made cupcakes and her and I made royal icing butterflies to go on them and they looked YUMMY...

And they past the kid test....

Even I got into the fairy spirit and made an effort. I put a temporary flower tattoo on my face and wore wings as well...

and Samantha had a butterfly one on her face...

And even the girls Nanny Maree got into it with wings and a butterfly on her face...

I have to admit it was a little uncomfortable for a while as David's mum is still not talking to me and now it seems she won't talk to her son either! And this is all made even worse because "The Golden Family" now have another child. Kim had baby Matilda last Sunday, another golden grandchild for their Nana Angela to fuss over!!! So when they turned up to the party and didn't talk to David and I, and got fussed over by Angela, David silently fumed ( didn't want to cause a scene at the party), but needless to say I think we may just have a quiet Christmas at home by ourselves this year rather than be ignored and watch The Golden Family be fussed over!

New Dress

2008-12-01T23:44:00.000-08:00

We received a parcel from my mum and dad today full of goodies, and one of the items was a skirt my mum had found in an op shop, it is a size 8 but she said she had to get it. I saw it and fell in love and wanted Samantha to be able to wear it but as she is only 2 and a half and tiny she would be 12 before it fitted!!! I can't wait that long so I proceeded to alter the skirt. I fold the top down and added ribbon tie straps and here is the end result...

I love it!!! And I have to say the parcel cheered me up and I enjoyed altering the skirt. I have been a bit depressed since the wedding, not a good way to be after marrying the man you love is it!! Missing my family so very much and having issues with David's mum and sister-in-law the are making me wish I wasn't here. Don't get me wrong, I want to be with my kids and David, just not in this town so close to David's mum and her "golden family", David's brother Danny his wife Kim and their soon to be two kids Jessica and baby, (baby due any day). Not really looking forward to Christmas but I have put the tree up, Samantha loves it!!!

Any way, some good news, Samantha is out of nappies and in "big girl undies"!!!!! She uses the potty and the toilet, it depends on her mood as to which she wants to use. It only took a week before she got the hang of everything and is doing great! Our little girl is growing up so very fast!!!

Wedding Album

2008-11-08T15:21:00.000-08:00

As I promised my big sister yesterday here are pics of the wedding album I finished scrap booking yesterday. I haven't done scrap booking much lately, to busy with wedding things, so I really enjoyed doing this. Usually I'm a bit of an over decorator when it comes to scrapping, I put a lot of embellishments on, but I wanted the photo's to be the focus in this album so I have with held my urges and kept it very simple. Used the same paper for every page, a gorgeous butterfly embossed off white paper that was on special for 49cents instead of 99cents a sheet!

I started off with an album I bought in a set of three, the colour of which I did not like...

So I covered it in satin and added the flower I wore in hair....

The Kiss, my fav photo of the day...

Arriving at the wedding with my mother...

During the service...

The first kiss as Mr & Mrs Spinks. I wrote a little poem to on this page...

An emotional Spencer and us with the kids...

Our families....

The Men In Black...

This is the only page I haven't finished. In the album it is opposite to the above photo of the men in black, so I was hoping to think of a movie title to use on this page, but as yet have not come up with one. Any ideas very welcome.....

Our run away flower girl Samantha, she spent the whole ceremony running around the garden with her Aunty Karen chasing her....

My stunning mother...

I love this photo of me and mum, nearly brings me to tears when I look at it...

Cutting the wedding cake (or cup cake as Samantha called it)...

The reception room. This place blew me away, I nearly cried when I walked into this room after the ceremony....

The Honeymoon...

Wedding wishes from our wedding guests....

So that is it. I am very happy with the end result and love looking through the photos.

Thank You Aunty Diane

2008-11-04T23:56:00.000-08:00

Hi all, just a quick post to show you all a dress little Miss Samantha got from her Aunty Diane when she came over for the wedding....

As you can see it is still a little bit big for her (what isn't!!), but it is a stunning dress! I love the colour. And Samantha loves dressing up in what she calls her "pretty dresses". Thank you Aunty xxxx

Also thought I'd show you a surprise parcel I got a week after the wedding. I entered a competition in a bride magazine and guess what... I WON!!!! I won 4 books....

There is one on cakes, one on flowers, a best man book and one called "500 Great Dates - Creative, fun and sexy ways to spend time together", I have to say I wish I had the flower book before the wedding but I am very happy to have won them any way. I am sure I will put them to good use in the future.

Introducing Mrs Spinks

2008-10-23T01:03:00.000-07:00

Hi everybody it's the new Mrs Spinks!!! Still can't get used to that!!! Well the big day has come and gone, and it was perfect!!!! I could not have wished for a better wedding day. I had most of my family here with us, it was a overcast but not to cool day so everybody was comfortable and everyone looked stunning!! Here are a few photos for you to look at.

Signing the register with my sister Diane (maid of honour), who looked stunning in the skirt she made and best man Harry...

The Men in Black, Harry, my husband David, Andrew and Danny...

David and I with Samantha and Spencer...

My family, brother's Kelvin and Graham, sister-in-law Karen, my brother Darin, my sister Diane (maid of honour), mum Dorothy and my boy Spencer who did a great job as one of my attendants....

David's mum Angela, my mum Dorothy, me & David, Maree and Ray, David's dad and partner...

Me with my beautiful mum, it was an honour to have her give me away...

Our cake table, when I walked into this room and saw what Amanda at the archery Park had done I nearly cried, it was gorgeous...

Our niece Jessica (my red-haired sister!!), Samantha, and our other niece Skye...

My favourite photo of the day with my handsome husband...

It really was an amazing day and I can't believe how calm I was all the way through it, didn't even cry which surprised everyone!!! A special thanks goes out to my amazing sister-in-law Karen who did the hair of my sister Diane, my mum and then mine, and what an amazing job she did, I love my braids and the curls are spectacular, thank you Karen xxxx

We spent our wedding night at a little 100 year old cottage called Teddy bear Cottage in the Dandenong Ranges, it was an amazing place...

It had the most gorgeous four poster bed and king size spa bath, beautiful gardens and teddy bears every where. It was very hard to leave!!!!

I would just like to say thank you to my family and to David's family for all their help in making our wedding perfect. And a huge thanks to Amanda and Ian at the Archery Park in Launching Place, Victoria for the amazing job they did for our garden wedding and reception, I was overwhelmed by the beautiful job you did.

Pretties

2008-10-11T02:29:00.000-07:00

I thought I would show you all my wedding "pretties" that is what Samantha calls them....

These are the earrings I fell in love with....

Then I found the bracelet and I made the necklace to go with it...

I wanted something a bit different and original so I added the butterfly charms. I love it.

Then I found this ring and couldn't help myself, had to get it....

I can't wait to wear them all! Only 7 days to go!!! My brother Kelvin arrives from New Zealand tomorrow, then my sister Diane in Wednesday, and finally my mum, brother Graham, brother Darin and his wife Karen arrive on Friday. I can't wait to give them all big hugs!!! I haven't seen Diane or Graham since we moved to Australia in 2005. Can't wait!!

Our Boy Is Growing Up!!!

2008-10-04T17:32:00.000-07:00

12Days and counting!!!

Here is a photo of our Spencer in his wedding outfit...

Doesn't he look stunning!!! He doesn't know how to smile in photos! But then he wasn't happy about having to put the whole outfit on, but then after he did he said he loved the pants. He is looking forward to seeing his Nana, Auntie Diane, and his Uncles. As well as being one of my attendants at the wedding he is going to be usher, showing everyone to their seats and letting them know where everything is, he is very excited.

My nerves and stress levels go up and down all the time! Sometimes I'm so relaxed you would think it was any normal day other days I'm so stressed it's not funny! But I'm trying to take it one day at a time and to just relax. The only things left to do are buy flowers the day before the wedding and decorate the cake, everything else is bought, made or ready to go!!!

3 Weeks!!!!

2008-09-29T01:39:00.000-07:00

3 Weeks 'til the big day and counting!!!

My stress levels were going threw the roof, until I spoke to my mum and my sister on the phone yesterday, they both said things that have helped me relax a little bit. Oh what would I do without my family??????

Thought I would show you the first stage of our wedding cake....

I made the two layers of chocolate cake yesterday and they are now in the freezer awaiting a date closer to the wedding when I will ice them in royal icing and then either decorate it with these icing flowers I bought, which I thought give a very spring like feel and colour to the day...

Or I use this ribbon which I couldn't stop myself from buying, for a simpler look...

Or.....

do I use the spare pearls that I have to wrap around the bottom of each layer for an elegant feel, and yes I am wearing pearl jewellery so it would all match.

I have to say the flowers are my favourites at this point in time, but that could change at any point!! And here is the lovely cake stand that my amazing husband to be found...

I love it and can't wait to use it! And I am so looking forward to icing our cake and decorating it!

Oh and here is a pic of the wedding favours I got Samantha, Skye and Jessica...

It is not the best photo I am afraid, they are silver bracelets with glass beads and filigree butterflies on them. I fell in love with them and had to get them! I do that a lot don't I?

Flower Girl Samantha

2008-09-12T01:46:00.000-07:00

Thought I would show you all a picture of Samantha in her wedding outfit...

She loved being in her dress and wanted to go outside and play in it!!! She was dancing around our room and having the time of her life. I made the headband and added a butterfly brooch, as I have a bit of a butterfly and heart theme going on. How long it will stay on her head is anyone's guess, but I'm picking not very long! I think she looks simply adorable!!! When I have Spencer's complete outfit I will post pics of him as well.

Spen and Sam

2008-09-10T00:33:00.000-07:00

Hi all. Finally found Spencer a pair of pants for the wedding, black pinstripe...

I think he looks great in them, he hates them of course!!! Just have to get a shirt and some shoes. Got the pants off Ebay for only $9.60, beats paying $50 for a new pair that he will only wear once!

As for Samantha, she was helping her dad in the garden this evening and ended up looking like this...

According to my mum I used to eat dirt as a kid, so I guess that's where she gets it from!

6 Weeks to go!!!!

2008-09-08T02:25:00.000-07:00

6 WEEKS!!!! 6 weeks until I become Mrs Spinks!!! I'm really starting to get nervous and starting to panic that I have forgotten something! The last two nights I have had very little sleep either thinking about wedding things or dreaming about wedding things. I had a great idea about how to make my flower vases a bit more interesting at about 2am Saturday morning and set to work on Saturday making these...

I tied some raffia around them but wasn't really happy with that so then proceeded to spend the next few hours threading tiny beads onto florist wire and adding the same heart buttons I used on the wedding invites...

I guess you could say it's my little bit, of what I call "rustic bling". I really liked how they turned out. Also bought some church candles and worked out how I will set them up...

I have to say they are looking a bit bland to me I am feeling the urge to add something, not sure what, to them, but I don't want things getting tacky and over doing everything, so may just end up leaving them as is.

6 WEEKS!!!!!!!!!

The Good and the Bad

2008-09-06T03:37:00.000-07:00

First the bad..

We woke up this morning to find this greeting us on the road outside our house..

It is a dead wombat that we thought had been hit by a car until David discovered what looked like a bullet hole just behind it's ear! How can someone do that to an innocent animal!! And then to just dump it in the middle of the road, I'm sorry but what a bunch of wankers!!!!

Now for the good news, well the funny any way. Samantha went into her room yesterday and came out about 10 minutes later looking like this...

She had put two pairs of knickers on her head and looked like she was ready to rob a bank, I laughed so hard, she is a clown my little girl.

And to finish off with, Spencer got Samantha's Christmas presents today. She utterly adores the kids program "In The Night Garden", and they have just released the range of toys here in Australia so he got her these...

Makka Pakka, Upsy Daisy and Igglepiggle!! She will flip when she gets them!! Her favourite is Upsy Daisy and she also goes round the house saying "makka pakka, makka pakka ohhwoop", so cute. Roll on Christmas!!! I'm actually organised this year, the kids things are either in our wardrobe or on lay-by and David's (AC/DC cd) should be released just in time for Christmas.

Oh and Happy Father's Day for tomorrow to my darling David and to my own lovely father who I miss terribly and love with all my heart.

Does This Make Me Australian???

2008-08-28T02:37:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, we celebrated the 3rd anniversary of Spencer and I moving from New Zealand to Australia. 3 YEARS!!! Where did that go??? A lot has happened in that time, got pregnant (almost as soon as I stepped off the plane! Not planned at all), got engaged, bought a house, had a gorgeous, but very prem baby girl, fell pregnant again (again not planned), had a miscarriage and now getting married! I guess 3 years classes me as an Aussie!!! Not by me, I will always be a Kiwi, and proud of it! I made a special dinner, lasagne, every one's fav, and chocolate cake.

And to make the day even more perfect, my darling husband to be, arrived home from work with these for me...

David doesn't get me flowers very often so they were a wonderful, very appreciated and loved token of his love.

I thought I would share a few more photos of the reception venue for our wedding..

They have a Ned Kelly theme going on in this area, they even have to Jack Russell dog's, named, Ned and Kelly! I love it, very casual and relaxed, complete with a huge chandelier hanging from the ceiling, old comfy leather sofa's, pool table, and no matter how sunny it is, it will be dim inside, perfect my dream of lots of candles!!Hopefully a fun time will be had by all.

The Best Wedding Website EVER!!!

2008-08-09T17:39:00.000-07:00

Hi all, today I thought I would share with you a website I found and have lived on it for the last couple of days and it has filled me with ideas and made my head spin!! The picture are just glorious and have given me so much to work with in planning our wedding reception.

The site is http://www.stylemepretty.com/ and I stumbled upon it using Google, what did we do before Google?

I want to do something similar to the top right picture, put lace around candle holders to put on each table at the reception, and make a few cornucopia's like the picture on the right near the bottom to hang on chairs for the ceremony.

If you love weddings, are planning a wedding and need inspiration or just love gorgeous pictures have a look at this site, it won't disappointed

I don't know if I have put these pics on before, but this is the garden we are planning on getting married in, weather permitting, it is lovely...

And this is where we will be having our reception...

As the tables are only small I am only going to put a single candle on each, with maybe a love quote printed on the same paper as invitations, on each as well. Maybe a lace doily under the candles. There will be a special table for the cake and one for the wedding favours I made. The bar that runs part of the perimeter of the room will have 3 vases of flower's and plates filled with candles on it. And I'm thinking of a way to decorate the chairs, but may just leave them, I don't want to get to carried away and end having it look tacky.

Our Little Lady

2008-08-04T16:55:00.000-07:00

Samantha is growing up so fast! It only seems like last week when we were having her in the hospital, now, we are going through the lovely potty training phase!!! Oh the joy! She is great at doing wee's in it, but when comes to doing poo's in, NO WAY!! She did it once and now just holds it in until we put a nappy back on her. We have tried bribing her, chocolate, watching the Fairies, lollies, but nothing helps. We aren't to worried about it at this point I mean she is still only young.

I have started to get a bit nervous about the wedding now that it is getting closer and closer! I have little nagging things that bug me about things that may go wrong, I'm am trying to tell myself that every wedding has hitches and none go perfect so just relax and take it as it comes. I am getting excited as well, especially about having most of my family here, my mum and middle brother booked their flights over from NZ the other week, can't wait to see them!!!! The only things left to do is to find Spencer an outfit to wear, finding black dress pants in his size that don't cost $55 is a mission!!! Considering he will probably never wear them again, I don't really want to spend that if I don't have to. And the reception decorations!!! I will be making the cake a few weeks before the day and freezing it, decorate it the Friday before. 9 weeks to go!!!

HELP!!!!

2008-08-03T02:59:00.000-07:00

Hi all, yes I am still here, just haven't been in the mood to fight with the computer trying to get photos to upload!

Hope you are all fine and dandy, things going swimmingly here, been cold and wet but I guess that's what you get in winter isn't it?

We bought a new dining setting off Ebay (love Ebay!!!) the other day. It is very much needed as the set we had only had three chairs and two off them were nearly falling to bits!!! And with most of family staying here for the week around our wedding we need every, decent, chair we can get!

HELP......

Just when I thought we had made all the decisions we needed to for the wedding, someone mentioned decorations for the reception!!!!! Totally had not even thought about it!! So if anyone has any ideas for cheap, but elegant, table top decorations, all ideas gratefully received. I'm thinking maybe just a pretty candle on each table, but will consider anything.

Bride Fun

2008-07-08T03:34:00.000-07:00

For those of you who are bored and enjoy clothes and love Vera Wang here is a game just for you, go to....
www.addictinggames.com/verawang.html
I had a ball and could do it all day long.

Disco Goblin

2008-06-22T16:19:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, how are you all doing?

Spencer's school held a Fairy Twilight Fair the other night, and Spencer had to dress up as a goblin, but a friendly goblin, and to those of you who know goblins know that they are not friendly, so we just had to make it up as we went! And this is what we ended up with, after a heap of green eyeshadow, silver glitter powder and a black wig....

We took Samantha down to the Fair and we all had a good time. The school raised $1000, not bad for a little country school on a cold, wet and miserable evening.

Find OF The Year

2008-06-08T18:16:00.000-07:00

I made the find of the year, for the wedding any way, over the weekend! I had decided that I wanted candles as wedding favours, but everything I looked at would have cost a fortune by the time I got the candles and holders, I was getting a bit down hearted about it when I found the perfect candles! I got them home and started work on them. I printed out " David & Pauline 19.10.08" and glued these around each holder, finishing them off with ribbon that I had used on the invitations. I put them into organza bags and added name tag, sewn on with heart buttons that I used on the invitations as well, so they are all tied together in a nice theme.And I am so happy with how they turned out....

Even David and Spencer were impressed with them! They look stunning!!! And the best thing is each candle and holder only $1!!! Yes $1!!!! What a bargain!!!! For the kids I am just going to put some lollies into the little bags, I'm sure they will appreciate that more than a candle!

My Son The Cook

2008-06-03T16:20:00.001-07:00

Spencer baked his first "real" cake the other day , not a packet cake, but from scratch!!! He was so excited and I was so proud of him! He did a really good job and everyone loved the end result....

Spen has been trying really hard with his behaviour and he has been very helpful and a lot happier the last few weeks. I am very proud of him. He has been a real handful the last couple of years, he has had a lot to deal with, moving from New Zealand, away from his family and friends, getting used to having to share his mum, first with David and then Samantha. He has been so used to mum all to himself. But as I said he has started to settle down now and seems a lot happier.

We had hard garbage over here about a month ago, that's when everyone gets to put all their old junk on the roadside and the council guys come and pick it all up to dispose of. It is a great idea and you can find some amazing things in amongst the rubbish. Everyone goes through everyone else's piles to see what they can find! It may sound gross to some people, but the stuff some people throw out is unbelievable!!! David came home with a chest of drawers in the car and all that was wrong with it was one of the drawer bottoms was broken! We fixed it and it looks good as new and we saved ourselves about $350, which is what it would cost to buy a new one!!! And don't they look great in our room....

It looks really good and has given us some very much needed storage.

It has been a quiet few weeks here which is lovely, no major issues or problems (for a change). I have just been plodding along doing little things in prep for our wedding. i made a little drawstring bag for all my make-up an hankie the other day and it turned out better than I expected...

It is made from satin I had left over from making a wrap and I have sewn a flower trim around the top and then single single flowers sprinkled around the bag. I love it!!!!

Our Little Fairy

2008-05-20T16:43:00.000-07:00

Samantha has a new favourite thing... The Fairies!!!

She has a couple of dvd's of these girls, they have there own tv programme over here and she LOVES THEM!!!! I have to admit I love them as well LOL.

I have tried to add a little video of her dancing but I haven't been able to make it work so I will try again on a future post.

She loves them so much I decided to make her a fairy dress so she could dance around in it, but I got a bit carried away and ended up making 2 skirts and a dress....

I haven't got a photo of her in my favourite skirt, the one on the right in the above picture, but I will get soon. She is adorable in the dress below but has realised that I have sewn beads onto the bodice and tries to pull them off....

This blue skirt I bought so she could have something to wear while I made the other skirts, as I thought I would take a while, but I ended up making them in one morning..

The wings were bought for her by her Nana Ree, isn't she just adorable! She would watch the dvd's all day long if she had her way, she constantly (well nearly constantly) says "more fairies", but I keep it down to once or twice a day at the most, so that she doesn't get to sick of them. I am definitely planning for a fairy themed party for her 3rd birthday next year!!!

Mother's Day Picnic

2008-05-12T16:01:00.000-07:00

Hi everybody. I am feeling much better today! We had a wonderful weekend, and I had the best Mother's Day I think I have ever had!!! Spencer and David started the day by making bacon and corn fritters, one of my childhood foods, and they were YUMMY!!!!! (so much so David wants them for his breakfast in bed for his birthday on Sunday!). Spen and Samantha gave me two necklaces and some bath bombs that I wanted, lots of hugs, kisses and cuddles, exactly what every mum wants and needs.

We headed to the Upper Yarra Dam Reserve for an early picnic lunch at around 11am. This place is one of my favourite places ever! It is so peaceful and serene...

We had a great lunch, carrot and cheese sticks with two dips, mini chocolate doughnuts with whipped cream, choc-dipped strawberries, strawberries and drinks. Simple but oh so YUMMY!!!

The kids ran around and a ball. I also got some lovely photos of everyone, I especially wanted some of me with the kids, as I am usually the one behind the camera, I don't have many of me with anyone so this was my chance...

I even got a nice photo of David and myself taken by my lovely son Spencer.....

A great time was had by all. We came home so that Samantha could have a nap before we headed out again to have an early dinner with David's mum and the other family members. We had pizza at a park down by the Yarra river (dumb me left camera at home!), and I even made amends with Angela!! I said I was sorry, even though I don't feel I have anything to apologize for, but I'm sick of the tension and the silent treatment, I mean we do have a wedding coming up! Any way Angela ended up in tears and said everything was forgotten, David is very relieved, and I feel a bit calmer! It was an amazing mother's day thanks to my gorgeous children and my wonderful partner David xxxx

Oh speaking of wedding, my brother Kelvin and my sister Diane in New Zealand have booked their flights over, yippee, makes it all seem more real now, and makes me feel a tad nervous, but excited!!! I tried my dress, shoes, and jewellery on just before, and Samantha came in and said "cute mummy" which really made my day, I nearly cried!

To finish off with I have to show you the handkerchief that Davids step-mother Maree made me for the wedding, it's gorgeous....

I haven't worked out how one carries a handkerchief as a bride but I will work something out I'm sure. My sister Diane came up with a brilliant idea to do with the "something blue" a bride has to wear, as I don't want to wear a garter (not on my fat leg), she suggested threading blue ribbon through the edging on the hankie, a great idea I thought! So I now have the something old, my dress, something new, my earrings and bracelet, something borrowed, the necklace and something blue.

Still Breathing.. Inhale...Ex-hale

2008-05-10T02:06:00.000-07:00

Yes I am still here, taking deep breaths all day to get me through the days. Angela still not talking to me, yet I still found it in myself to be gracious and include my kids in a grandchild photo for her for mother's day tomorrow. I really wanted to say to Kim that "why should I when she isn't even talking to us", but if none of this had happened I would have thought it to be a lovely idea so I took (another) deep breath and said yes, they could even do at my house. This is the photo we ended up with....

From left to right we have Spencer and Samantha, Jessica (the golden one) and Skye. Jessica's mum and dad informed us the other day that they are expecting their 2nd child in December.

Having some serious issues with Spencer at the moment, ok if I'm honest we have had them since we moved here, and slightly milder before I moved over to Australia. He has never really shown me respect and that has gotten worse and now he argues with us, answers back to us, gets very angry indeed and has now started swearing at his teacher!! We have asked his dad if can help us sort him out, not that he can do much from NZ but he is Spen's idol and just knowing that his dad knows exactly what he is up to may curb some of the bad behaviour. It is getting to the point that we fight almost every day and I end up in tears at least once a week. The last couple of weeks have been really bad and I'm desperately fighting some serious depression!!! I don't want to get out of bed in the mornings and feel like I'm walking on tip toes waiting to break down at the slightest thing, not a nice feeling. But as I said I'm fighting it! I'm standing on the edge of the black hole, and hopefully can give it the finger and walk away from it soon. We have planned a picnic tomorrow for Mother's day, just me, David and the kids, Spen helped me prepare most of it this evening, we had a good time together.

I would love to share with you what we are having for picnic but I will wait until my next post so I can include photos as well.

To all mums out there, have a wonderful Mother's Day and love your kids with all your heart because who knows how long we have them for. And to my mum... I miss you so very much and I love you from the bottom of my heart xxx You have made me the person I am today and I thank you for everything you have done for me over the last 36 years.

Let It Snow

2008-04-30T18:45:00.001-07:00

Well we had our first dump of snow for the year on the mountain behind us on Monday. We took the kids up for a quick play...

Snow Bunny Samantha

If you look hard you can just see Spen at the top of the tower.

We didn't stay for very long but the kids had a great time, but it was nice to get home to the wood fire and warmth!

David's dad and his partner have been staying with us for a couple of weeks, they are from Bunderberg in Queensland, so the cold weather was tough on them! It was great having them here, the kids love Grandad and Nanny Ree, and it was nice that we could all spend some time together.

And as Angela is still not talking to me and avoiding us, it was nice to have grandparents around for the kids. I have been missing my family so very much the last few weeks!!! I don't know what to do about Angela, and it is stressing me out! No one else seems to be worried it, but I am trying to plan a wedding and that is hard to do when some one as important as the groom's mum is being difficult! David says he doesn't care if she comes to wedding but it worries me and I don't want a wedding if she is going to be spiteful. What really gets me is everyone else in the family thinks the same way about how Angela treats the 3 grand daughters differently (favours Jessica over Sam and Skye), but I was the one who stood up and said something and now no one wants to back me up and say its nothing to do with them, yet they have nagged to me to say something, and moan to me when Angela does it! it really pisses me off!!! Kim and Daniel won't say anything because they have a babysitter when ever they want one and its their daughter who is the "favourite"! Andrew and Ashley ( Skye's parents) won't say anything because they have only just moved down from Queensland and need to borrow money off Angela. It all just makes me so bloody frustrated I want to tell them all to fuck off, but I won't because they are David's family after all. I guess I will just suffer in silence and see what happens.

I will finish on a happy note. I found this hat the other day and had to buy it, it was to cute not to get....

I love it and Samantha looks so damn cute in it!!

Our Baby Girl Turns 2!!!!

2008-04-23T01:39:00.001-07:00

Well our baby girl turned last week, how old do I feel!!! We had lunch at our place with David's family. Samantha got all dressed up...

She got very spoilt from everyone. A blackboard/easel, outdoor table and chairs, books, hair clips, play dough, clothes, flowers, bath toys and even $70!!! Her big brother gave her a little toy dog and a cat as well, she loves them, and her dad and I got her a little bracelet, seems she had already got the duvet and wardrobe (see previous blog entry).

It was a good day for our little girl, well not so little girl any more is she! She even managed to blow out one of her candles on her cake all by herself...

A good day was had by all.

We also have good news about Samantha's weight, she has gained a whole kilo in the last four weeks, she is now 10kg! I was very relieved and nearly did a little dance when I read the scales!! Hopefully she will keep putting on weight.

Now for the bad news, I have now alienated the mother-in-law to be!! I went around the other day to have a chat with her about a few issues I have, trust me you don't want me to go into detail, that I have had for a while and it is making stressed and ill. When ever I'm around her now I clam up and fell sick. Well I had a calm discussion with her and lets just say it did not go down well! She is now not talking to me and I think I feel even worse about everything now! It is getting to the point where I am thinking about calling off the wedding. I guess we'll see how things pan out.

Birthday Girl

2008-04-09T17:44:00.000-07:00

Our little girl turns 2 on the 15th!!! Where has the time gone??? It just seems like yesterday I was in the hospital having her! Any way David and I went shopping for her present yesterday, we wanted to get her a doona (duvet) for her her bed and a cover for it, and this is what we decided on...

Its not very clear but it has flowers and butterflies and little girls skipping, it is so cute, I love it!

Samantha saw it and kept saying "flowers", I think she likes it

We also finally got her a wardrobe, hers is the only bedroom that didn't have a built in one so we have been looking for one that I like (yes I'm fussy), and we finally found one at a garage sale on the weekend...

It had hideous pine handles on it that I took off and replaced with brass pull handles, much nicer. It has a few scratches and marks on it but it's pointless sanding it and making it perfect when Samantha and her cousins are just going to ride things into it and make more scratches, so I'll wait until she's a bit older then sand and varnish it. And it matches her bed perfectly, which I didn't even think about when we we bought it! Oh yeah the best thing is it only cost $10!!!!!

Having a get together at our place on Sunday for her birthday so will let you know how that goes.

Wedding plans

2008-03-30T18:07:00.000-07:00

Hi fellow bloggers, how are you all going? Me and my little family are doing well. Summer has gone again, we actually had our log fire going the other day, it was freezing!!!

Been busy, trying to get the outside of the house painted before the cold weather set in, don't think we won that one! We have done about a quarter of it but cool days and rain have been a hindrance. We'll get there.

Wedding plans are coming along nicely, I bought my mother a gorgeous outfit on Ebay the other night (what did we do before Ebay?!!!)....

As my lovely mother is giving me away at the wedding I wanted her to have something very special, when I saw this I had to get it. I know she will kind of blend in with me but I love this outfit and mum will cry when she sees it I think! She is going to look gorgeous!!!

I also bought my flowers...

As my dad won't be here for the wedding I have attached a bone carving he made to the flowers so I can have something to remind me of him and he can be here in spirit. I was going to do my own real roses but as we are on a very tight budget I saw these for only $15, which is a hell of a lot cheaper than real ones and I really love them so I'm very happy.

Made up our wedding invitations the other day as well...

Sorry the picture isn't very clear but you get the general idea I'm sure. I am really happy with how they turned out and even happier that I actually made them myself, and saved us a fortune! I found the rose picture online, and glued ribbon to the bottom of the invite with a gold heart button threaded onto it.

I think I have finally found a hairstyle that I like! This has been one of the harder decisions I have had to make and it has been keeping me awake at nights let me tell you!! Any way this is what I have chosen (maybe)....

So let me know what you think. I love that it has wispy bits hanging down and it is elegant and special, something that I never have with my hair!! I don't want anything perfect and tidy as it would clash with the style of my dress I think. And it will show off my pearl and diamante earrings and pearl necklace to perfection!!!

Not many decisions left to make, thank goodness!! We think we have finally chosen a colour for the guys shirts...black! It seems to be the only colour all the guys agree they will wear and it will set off the pink of the girls really well.

Well I had better go now. If any of you have any pictures for hairstyles that you think I might like feel free to let me know! Love ya's!

To Whinge or Not To Whinge......That is The Question!

2008-03-17T16:05:00.000-07:00

Hi all, I was going to get on here and whinge about the hell week I had last week but have decided that life is full of bad things and winging so I am just going to take deep breathes and try and just let it all go, you all don't want to hear my crap any way I'm sure!

I will mention that we have all, except the very lucky Spencer, had a tummy bug. David had it first and probably the worst, he actually collapsed on our bedroom floor at about 5am and scared the living daylights out of me!!!!!! He was ok though luckily he missed the window but inches!!! Samantha had a very mild case, thank god, she couldn't take much being as tiny as she is, and I had a medium case of it as well. But we are all over that now.

I have also sprained the right ligament in my right knee. I did it weeks ago but you know just though I would let it get better by itself, but of course it didn't, so finally went to the Dr, on my 36th birthday of all days, and I am on anti-inflammatory pills. They worked a treat and the pain was all gone in about 4 days......until yesterday when we went to the river to cool down (yes summer has reared its ugly head again!!), and as I was taking a big step out of the river I felt this pain tear through my knee!, So we are starting from scratch again, but in more pain than I started with the first time!!

As I mentioned it was my birthday last week, not that I had such a great day. My highlights and what great highlights they were, were Spencer giving me breakfast in bed, wait for it......chocolate cake!!!! With a candle and singing "Happy Birthday" to me, what a treasure he can be!!!! And phone calls from my family in New Zealand. Davids family didn't try at all, that is all I am going to say!!! But David and my kids and my family made it a nice day.

Speaking of the chocolate cake Spen gave me for breakfast, I did a test run of our wedding cake....

It is the best cake I have ever made so moist and yummy! For the wedding I want to make a large round bottom layer with a smaller heart cake on the top. Decorated with a cream or gold ribbon around the bottom of each layer and a string of pearls and either sugar roses or real roses on the top and one or two sprinkled around the edges.

Speaking of roses, our rose bushes are loving the hot, dry weather (unlike me who is wilting more each day!). I picked some the other day and bought them inside, aren't the gorgeous...

Well I had better go now, catch up with you all soon.

Lots Of News....And All Good!!!

2008-02-29T18:21:00.000-08:00

Hi everybody hope you are all well. We are all good, a bit cool here though, summer has left Melbourne I think.

Ok where do I start..........

Samantha had visit to the dietitian on Friday, all went well there, she said that what we are feeding her is great, we just need to up her intake of bread, pasta, rice and potato and a little more milk each day should get her weight up. Blood tests came up all good, she is just going to be skinny like her dad. Would you believe the dietitian said we may actually be giving her to many veggies!!!! A toddler her age only needs two tablespoons a day for all the nutrients they need and Sam gets about 3 or 4 times that!!! It was good news all around though.

Staying with Samantha, she got her first pair of real boots the other day...

She loves them!!! First thing she does every morning after I get her dressed is put her boots on. I wanted to get her real boots last year but her feet were to small then so all she got was Ugg boots, so you can imagine my joy when boot season came round this year and I found some that fitted her!!!! Of course then the hunt for black tights started! What a mission that was! About 30 shops (I kid you not!) later I finally found black tights that would fit her. Then of course I found more nicer boots and had to get them as well....

I love these boots they are just gorgeous! The little black pants that look like jeans are a fav of mine as well.

David has finally picked a best man for the wedding. He had to choose between his brothers Andrew and Danny or his best mate Harry. He didn't want to upset anyone by not choosing them so rather than upset the brother by choosing one over the other he has chosen Harry. Danny and Andrew will be groomsmen along with Spencer.

I finally found a flower girl dress for David's daughter Celeste. What a mission that has been! I though finding a pink dress in a size 12 would be easy.....HUH was I wrong!!! They all seem to be cream or white! David's sister-in-law Kim and I went to one of the big shopping centre's the other day and we finally found one I liked after looking all day....

The lace at the bottom of the dress is just gorgeous the photo does not do it justice!

Well I had better go it is 2.41pm and I haven't had lunch and I'm starving!! Talk to you all soon.

Samantha

2008-02-19T16:28:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a big day for Samantha, we had to take her to see a pediatrition because of her weight. Being a prem baby, 10 weeks early, she is always going to be small, but Dr's are concerned with how small she is the moment, she is 9kg and 22 months old. If she gets sick she has nothing to fall back on so we are going to see if we can get her weight up. We now have to take her to a dietiton who will probably recommend a high calorie diet for her and as she had blood tests taken yesterday they are going to see if her thyroid is working ok and if it is a geneitc thing. She did really well with them taking blood we thought she would scream the place down as she was tired and hungry, but she didn't even cry! She just gave the ladies evil looks, but then who can blame her. Our big (but small) brave girl! David and I think its is just how she is, she takes after her dad, David eats and eats and is still skinny (yes I know we all want to swear and call him names don't we), she's lucky not to have her mother's build!! I just need to look at food and I gain weight!!!!
Buying clothes for her is not easy as size 0 and 1 are to big around the waist but anything smaller is to short for her, so I do a lot of taking in with her pants and skirts! A few stitches here and there and things stop falling down!

Sam just afer her birth.....

Sam now....

I will keep you up to date with how things go.

New Bathroom...Well Kind Of

2008-02-11T14:40:00.000-08:00

As promised I have pics of the new bathroom for you all. First the old bathroom.....

As you can see it was a mess!!! It has taken some hard work from both David and I but here is the end result.....

We still need to replace a couple of wall tiles and get new handles for the cupboards but you can see what we're aiming for in the over all look. I love the wall colour. The candle sconces have been sitting in my wardrobe since mid last year, a mother's day gift from my kids, I wanted the perfect place to put them and I think they look perfect in here! I used to hate walking into this room, but now I love it!!! Well worth the hard work we put into it.

In other news, Samantha slept in her big girl bed for the first time on Sunday night!...............

She did really well the first night stayed in the bed, the second night she got out about 3 times to knock on the door but finnally went to sleep. Then last nigh she got out about 15 times to look out the window and play but then it got dark so she stayed in the bed, but I was woken up at 12.38am by her sceaming, then heard a thud! She had woken up and tried to get out of bed and fell on the floor. So I put her back into her cot for the rest of the night. She looks so cute in the bed but I don't know if she is really ready to be in it yet, she has always been a fidgeter in the cot, never stays where you put, through the night she travels all the way around the cot! We will see how we go in the bed tonight and decide from there.

I have also finally found my wedding shoes!!! Yes I know I still have 8months to go but what can I say I like to be organised!................

You can't see clearly in the phot but the butterflies have little diamantes all over them.

I saw them and knew they were perfect, as I am a butterfly fanatic! I have a butterfly tattoo on my left shoulder blade, Samantha's room has butterfly's everywhere and i have a lot of butterfly jewellery. These sandles will be comfy yet glamerous at the same time. I'm not really a heeled shoe kind of girl and as we are having a garden wedding heels would just sink into the lawn anyway so I think these are perfect. I have every thing I need for the wedding now just have to get Celeste a dress (who knew finding a girls size 12 pink dress would be so hard!), shoes for her and Samantha and shirts and pants for the guys.

Happy New Year!!! Better Late Than Never!

2008-01-30T00:50:00.000-08:00

Hi all, long time no blog!!!!
Don't have a heart attack D!
Hope you all had a great Christmas and a happy New Year. It has been a busy few weeks here for us, organising wedding things, painting the bathroom (what a mission!), Spen coming home from NZ and getting him ready for school (went back to school today).

Where do I start.....

We had a quiet Christmas here, had lunch with Davids family which was nice then had a quiet but very hot New Years eve. We didn't go out, David and I had a few quiet drinks on the deck, to hot inside!! It was like 43 degrees that day and didn't cool down that much at night!! Yes I know we are boring, but with no one to watch Samantha it is a bit hard to go out and party....Who am I kidding we wouldn't go and party ....ok ok you caught me out we are boring!!!!

Wedding plans are coming along nicely, we met with the celebrant today, her name is Nola and she is perfect! We also went to look at a garden and venue to have our wedding and reception, as David's mum Angela has offered to pay for it.....

It is a lovely garden, not what I was expecting, better!!!!! I love it, it isn't formal it is relaxed and rustic, and the best thing is it is a load of stress off me because I don't have to worry about perfecting our garden and we are having the reception there as well and I don't have to cook YIPPEE!!!!

The Bathroom!!!!

My god what an epic (thanks D) that has been! When we moved into our house, nearly 2years ago this was the only room that needed work, and it really needed work!!! The ceiling was covered in mould. the walls were washed in a white paint put on with god knows what, the shower was disgusting and had a shower curtain, hate those!!! Tiles were falling off the wall blah blah blah I think you get the idea. David and his dad Ray re-tiled the shower and we had a shower screen put in, they did a great job! We just never got round to painting it 'til now. I will post pics of before and after when we finally finish it, which should be before to long, oh please don't let it be to long!!!

Well I had better go and be a good mum and get Spen's lunch ready for tomorrow.

Will blog some more soon, I promise!

Merry Christmas To All

2007-12-21T15:10:00.000-08:00

Well we are down to a family of three for the holidays, Spencer flew to New Zealand to be with his dad on Thursday evening. He was lucky the flight wasn't yesterday as we have had severe rain and storms and he would have been delayed for a few hours!! He loves planes and flying and loves flying by himself! We had a special dinner for him with Davids family on Wednesday night and he got to open Xmas pressies which he thought was great!! I miss him so much already!!! It will be a long 4 weeks without him!!!

Before he left he gave us gifts that he had made at school, first for David....

He made this tower out of Popsicle sticks that you can take the lid off and put things in it. Very colourful and a job well done.

Then there was mine....

It is a little box in the shape of a Xmas tree ( bad photo I know, sorry). I have it sitting in the Christmas tree but little miss Samantha keeps taking it out!!!

And he also made this....

He did such a great job of this weaving, I love it! I have hung it in the kitchen so that everyone can see it. Very proud of my little man! He did a great job of everything! I love you Spencer xxx

Well in case I don't get to do another blog before the big day I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, be happy, share the love and don't eat to much!

Who Knew I Was A Lady!!!

2007-12-13T18:43:00.000-08:00

My Peculiar Aristocratic Title is:
Lady Madame Pauline the Convincing of Kirkby Overblow
Get your Peculiar Aristocratic Title

Flowers In Bloom

2007-12-10T14:44:00.001-08:00

Our garden is looking glorious at the moment. When we moved in this patch of garden was bare so over the last year and bit we have just added plants that we have moved from other gardens, or bought or that David's mum has given us....

No that isn't a garden gnome it is my darling David doing his best pose! Isn't he a spunk!!!!

This climbing rose was in the front garden when we moved in and not doing well at all, she didn't even flower our first year here so I decided to move her and give her something to climb up and just look at her know! She is gorgeous...

I am not sure what this plant is, Angela gave us a cutting from one of her plants and it has done so well and just keeps flowering!....

Samantha got to have a close up experience with Daddy's motorbike yesterday! She has been eyeing it up in the shed for months so Dad got it out and put her on it...

She wasn't to keen on it but was fascinated at the same time...

Then Daddy decided to start it up and have a spin around the back yard. I thought Samantha would scream the place down but she thought it was great!!!

I haven't really shown many pics of my darling David so this should make him feel good, that or he will want to kill me!!! The picture of him pulling a mono was a fluke! He rode past me and I just pushed the button and was just amazed that I got him in the shot and that he wasn't fuzzy!!!

Long Time No Blog!

2007-12-08T16:54:00.000-08:00

Hi all, sorry it's been a while since I have blogged but I have been busy making Xmas gifts and wedding decorations, shopping for Xmas and wedding as well. Have been baking cakes every week to help us decide what cake to have foe wedding, so far a plain vanilla cake with butter icing is top of the list, with maybe a chocolate cake in a heart shape on the top so we have enough cake to feed every one.

I have found earrings and a necklace to wear, made a satin wrap in case it is a bit cool and made and beaded heart decorations to hang from garden arch as well. We found a dress for Samantha yesterday....

I saw it and knew it was the dress for her, it is simply stunning! She will out shine me that's for sure!

Oh I haven't mentioned we have changed the date for the wedding to 19 October 2008, a Sunday as we discovered that it is cheaper to stay in the cottage we are looking at on a Sunday night, you save about $100 if you don't stay on Saturday night!

Well I had better go, I have a list of things I need to get done while Samantha asleep.

Hope you are all well and I promise I will get back into the blogging properly soon.

Our Princess Is Home

2007-11-10T16:00:00.000-08:00

Samantha got the all clear from the Dr yesterday at around noon so her and David are now at home!! YIPPEE!!!! She still has a bit of diarrhoea, and still not eating very much but she has re hydrated and looking much better. I have to say I was worried about my little girl ,it is a huge relief to have her home again! She didn't react the way we thought she would when she got home...we thought she would be happy to see Spencer and mummy but no all she wanted was dad! Made me cry and upset Spen, every time we went near her she would cry and scream. But I thought about it and spoke to David and we can understand now, everyone who came near her in the hospital poked and prodded her except daddy and she hadn't seen us for 2 days so I fully understand her reaction now. This morning, after a 12 hour sleep she is happy with us all and a lot brighter! We just have to get her to start eating a bit more and keep her fluids up as much as possible.

Her is photo of Missy in hospital the day before she came home, so she actually doesn't look to bad here....

A Very Bad Week

2007-11-08T00:23:00.000-08:00

Well where do I start.....Samantha has contracted gasto from her cousin, had vomiting on Monday night then diarrhea on Tuesday. Her temp went through the roof and we couldn't even get her to drink so David took her to our Dr, as I had contracted it by this stage he had to take her by himself. Dr Hanna said take her straight to the hospital!!! She has been in there since Wednesday morning with a drip in to get fluids into her and bandages wrapped round her hands to stop her pulling the tube out,she looks like she has boxing gloves on, she hates both!!! We were hoping she could come home today but she has lost 1/2kg in one day and being tiny (9kg) to start with she can't afford to loose that much and she won't drink by herself and brings up everything she eats!! The really hard bit for me is I can't be in there with her as I am contagious!!! David is staying in there with her, thank god he has an understanding boss! She will be assessed again tomorrow but we don't think she will be home until at least Saturday or Sunday because she has to stop vomiting and pooing and have wet nappies (which she isn't at the moment)and start drinking again. It is so heart breaking not being there for her!
And just to make things worse yesterday is the anniversary of our miscarriage last year. Let me just say yesterday was a tough day for me!!

We have a date!!!

2007-10-28T15:49:00.000-07:00

Hi all, well we finally set a date.....18 October 2008!!!! All very exciting, to me any way! David actually said he was looking forward to getting married, I nearly fell over!!!

Plans coming along well I must say, I have a million ideas going through my head at all times rather over whelming at times! But I'm enjoying making plans.

Other news...

I won a little gift hamper from newsagents in Lilydale the other day, nice surprise....

It contained a lot of little stationary things for kids, notepads, pens you know the things kids leave on the floor or in their beds!! And this gorgeous soft Forever Friends bear....

He is a hunny buuny (very cute).

Well I had better go and finish a few things before my little angel wakes up again. Speaking of little angel here's her latest art creation....

If you look really close you can see her work, luckily it was in pencil!

CHow for now all.

Wedding Bells

2007-10-21T16:00:00.000-07:00

Well people I have news.....We are Getting Married!!!!!!!!

We have decided to get married in Spring 2008, late October here in Oz. No set date yet, but I have begun planning with a vengeance!!!! We are going to have a simple ceremony in our backyard with family and a few close friends. I have chosen a pink and cream theme, with roses.

Bought my dress yesterday off Ebay............

Nothing to flash, but I saw it and loved it, just felt right and the lady selling it was lovely and help full. Looking at wearing a long veil hanging down my back ( not over face) some sandals and maybe a bone carving my dad made as he won't be there it will be a piece of him close to me.

The girls, my sister Diane, Davids daughter Celeste and Samantha will all be in varying shades of pink and the boys will be in black pants and cream shirts. No ties at this wedding, David would rather die than wear a tie!! That's fine with me, he has to be comfortable to.

I am planning on doing the flowers myself, a bunch of cream roses wrapped in satin ribbon for me...

And a single pink rose tied with ribbon bow for each of the girls.

Going to make cake myself to (God willing), a single layer chocolate cake with ribbon around the sides and roses, real or maybe icing ones, on the top and scattered around the sides, similar to this....

I have been having a million ideas going through my head so have bought a book that I covered in quilters batting and lace so I can keep all our plans and ideas in it and know where everything is....

If anyone has any ideas about decorating a backyard please feel free to share, I have a few ideas but more are very welcome.

Will keep you up to date with plans

A Gift for my Sister

2007-10-08T15:59:00.000-07:00

Well I finally sent parcel to my sister for her birthday (later this month), she received it yesterday so I can finally show you all the secret things I have been making her.

I sent her a whole pile of scrapbooking supplies, and I made her the following...

I handmade this bag for her. It all stemmed from the little cat charm and grew from there. It took me a while to make it but I was very proud of my accomplishment, and not a sewing machine in sight!!!

I got a free gift in a magazine over here months ago, it was a little photo album and it took me a while to work out what I was going to do with it, but I finally decided to make a little album about Samantha....

Once I had finished this I decided to do one about Spencer as well...

I found it a lot easier to do Samantha's, I have to admit I have trouble doing boy scrapbooking, I mean you can't use pink, lace and flowers, all the things I like using!! But I'm happy how Spen's one turned out.

Diane sent a message yesterday saying that she cried when she saw them, which made me cry! She hasn't met Samantha yet and last saw Spen Christmas '05', she will see him this Christmas as Spen is going over to be with his dad in NZ for the Christmas holidays, so will probably get to spend a few days with my family over as well.

Hope you liked everything sis and I hope you have the best birthday on the 31st.

I love you so very much

xxx

Spen and Friend

2007-10-08T15:48:00.000-07:00

While in Brisbane at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Spencer got to have a moment he will never forget!!!

These are photo's that I took, Spen has the official one in his room. He was amazed at how heavy the koala was, but thought it was an amazing experience. It was great to see the smile on his face and the look of wonder in his eyes.

More Queensland

2007-10-03T03:11:00.000-07:00

Yes I am back to bore you with more holiday snaps!!!!!

I thought I had better add a photo of Jack....

Grandad Ray has some lovely flowers around his property, would love to have them in my garden but its to cold down this way for them, DAMN IT!!!

Gorgeous Lillies

Amazing & Tropical Hibiscus

And lovely orchid's

David took us to see some fruit bats, I was expecting to see 5 or 6, but this is what we saw....

There were hundreds of them!!! I kid you not!!! This is just one branch, they were hanging from every tree along the river for about 1-2km!!! Half of them were squealing because Cockatoo's were bugging them and waking them up. I couldn't get over how many of them there were and what a commotion they were making!!!

There was a wonderful array of birds at Grandads as well...

Rainbow Lorrikets (Spen's fav!)...

Unknown Bird, isn't he mean looking?...

After Bundy we went to my brother Darin and his wife Karen's place in Brisbane, about a 4-5 hour drive, not to bad really....

Uncle Darin

Aunty Karen

It was great to see them and spend some time with them. They came down to our neck of the woods last year with my mum and my other brother Kelvin so it hasn't been to long since we had seen them.

They have two pets, first we have Ottis....

Don't you love the look on Ottis's face?

And then there is the ever elusive Saffy....

She drank out of the pool every morning, I secretly kept hoping she would fall in! Mean of me I know.

It was usally all we saw of her, she wasn't keen on Samantha!

The first day we were there Darin took us to a local market next to the Brisbane river, but due to tight budget we didn't really buy anything except a couple of little trinkets.

Darin took us to a place called Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, which I think was my highlight of the holiday....

We got to see Dingo's..

Snakes...

And croc's.....

Wombat's...

Lizard's...

And we got to feed Kangaroo's....

Isn't the baby roo GORGEOUS!!!!!!!

More pics next time, trust me you won't want to miss then, especially one of Spencer!!! No more will be said til next time.

Photos I Promised

2007-10-01T01:16:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the photos I couldn't get on my last blog...

Sam with Nanny Ree...

Sam with Grandad Ray...

Skye...

Spen with Uncle Andrew...

The Truck, which had another trailer on it when they went to Brisbane...

The Beach...

Spen & David looking for sharks.....

Sam holding on for dear life...

Roo's in the backyard. Look closely and you will see the little joey in it's mum's pouch...

Bundaberg Rum distillery...

I will do another blog in the coming days with more photo's and stories of our holiday.

Good To Be Home

2007-09-30T16:34:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to post photos on this blog, but my darling David has installed some new software and for some reason it won't let me post the photos, which is totally frustrating me I can tell you!!!! I will get him to fix it tonight and hopefully be able to post photos shortly!!! It's boring without the photos isn't it?

Well the holiday is over but I must say it is good to be home again, boy you miss your own bed when you are away don't you?!
We had a great two weeks up north catching up with family and having a look around.
We left home 6am 8 September, spent the first night in Coonabarabran, New South Wales. Left there at 5am on 9 September and arrived in Bundaberg, Queensland at around 4pm. It was a very long 2000km drive made a bit worse but Samantha who is not used to being couped up in car, not being able to run around all day like she usually does, but she could have been a lot worse!
It was great to get to Grandad Ray's & Nanny Ree's and relax knowing that we didn't have any long drives for a few days!
We got to meet little Skye, who is nearly one and has just stared to crawl. She is a little cutie I must say.
The first day we took things easy and just relaxed after 2 days in a car. And I finally got to see real live kangaroo's!!! After 2 years in Australia would you believe the only roo's I had seen were dead ones on the road and one bouncing around a friends lounge, she looks after injured wildlife, but it's just not the same as seeing them live! Grandad Ray feeds roo's in his back yard every morning and evening so I got to see them every day! It was great!!!! Samantha kept calling them dogs, anything with four legs is a dog at the moment.
The second day we were there we went to a local beach and had a BBQ lunch. It was the most gorgeous beach I have ever seen!!! So blue and clean, and not a single person to be seen!!!!!!! Sam was terrified of the waves so clung on to dad for dear life!!!! But she loved the shells and the sand and the BBQ!!! Spen went for a swim and loved it. I have to explain the temperature difference from home and Qld at this point, when we left home it was raining and about 13, in Qld it was sunny, not a cloud to be seen, and 29-31!!! We all slept well after our beach trip I can tell you.
Spen had his highlight of the holiday with David's brother Andrew, who drives large trucks. He had to do a trip to Brisbane and he asked if Spen wanted to go with him. Spen was so excited!!! They left at around 9am and got back about 7.30am the next morning. Spencer was totally exhausted but had the best time ever!!! The truck is a large Kenworth flatnose with trailers that are called B-doubles over here.
David and I went to the Bundaberg rum (a very popular drink over here) distillery for a tour, and were rather disappointed with what we got, you don't get to tour the factory unless you pay a fortune, so well just got to look around a little building they have full of displays and received a free drink at the end. At least we can say we have been there I guess.
Will continue the run-down at a later stage, I'm expecting a phone call from family in New Zealand so have to get off the computer, sorry family comes before blog! No disrespect to you all.

Daisy Chain

2007-09-09T17:16:00.000-07:00

I Finally got to do something I have wanted to do forever!!!! I made my daughter a daisy chain!!! I love them, but you can't really make them for boys, so while outside playing with the kids yesterday I thought oh now's my chance, so I proceeded to make my little angel a daisy chain....

She kept it on her head just long enough for me to take a photo, then.....

Grabbed it off her head and proceeded to rip it to bits.............

Loving every minute of it!!!! I didn't really mind, even though it took me about an hour to make!!! I got my photos so I was happy.

This time next week we will be in sunny Queensland!!!! Yippee!!!! We are going up north for two weeks for a holiday. Spending time in Bundaberg with David's dad, meeting little Skye (David's brother Andrew's little girl)...

Having a look around up there then spending some time in Brisbane with my brother Darin and his wife Karen. We are all looking forward to it especially Spen and I, having only been in Victoria it will be great to see some more of this country and spend time with family. It will be a very long drive with 2 kids but still I can't wait!!! Taking laptop with us so if I'm not to busy will do a few posts while away.

I will leave you today with some photos of our tress in blossom, very pretty. This is our nectarine tree....
And this is our weeping cherry.....

Oh How Cute!!!

2007-09-05T17:41:00.000-07:00

Spencer and his class mates got to write letters to someone they love and post them the other day, he decided to write one to his baby sister Samantha. It arrived the other day and we waited until Spencer got home from school so he could read it to his sister. Here's what he wrote....

To Samantha

You are the best sister I have had. I love you so much. Before you were born I was bored. So when I saw you I was happy and excited. You get into everything but I still love you. Everytime I go to bed I think of what you will be like.

Love Spencer

As he read it to his sister I had tears in my eyes!! It was a lovely letter, especially since his letters usually only consist of hello, how are you and I love you. He did a lovely job and I have put the letter so that Samantha can have it when she is older.

I finally got some photos off my old mobile phone that I have been wanting to get so I thought I would share them with you...

This one was taken when Samantha was still in the hospital, she was so tiny!!!...

This photo of my two babies is one of my fav's! Spencer was so proud of his little sister, still is.....

I love the gorgeous little smile on little missy's face in this shot....

Samantha was feeding herself chocolate custard and this is the end result....

Another cute little smile.....

Yes I am Still Alive

2007-08-31T18:20:00.000-07:00

Hi all, yes I am still alive!!! What a long few weeks we have had! Everyone had colds or the flu and on top of that I got a chest infection and ended up bed ridden for 4 days! Aches and pains, sweats and chills, vomiting, coughing, temp of 39.5, pains in the head like you wouldn't believe and no energy what so ever!! David had to take a few days off work to look after Sam, and me as my Dr said I was highly contagious and we didn't want Samantha or Spen getting it! I'm still very weak and still coughing but better than I was! Haven't been able to do any craft, or much of anything else if comes down to it, which has been driving me insane! I had been making my sister a little something (can't say much), but that has been sitting waiting for me to get better. I managed to make this gorgeous little dress for Samantha just before I got ill.....

It's nothing to flash, just a basic shift dress. It is all done by hand as I don't have sewing machine, and I was amazed at how quickly I managed to make it. The fabric I found at Spotlight in the remnant bin for $1!!!! I love paisley and when I saw this I had to have it!

It will be nice and cool for her in summer as the fabric is so light. Can't wait to see her in it!

My sister Diane has a pen pal in Scotland, Susan, hi Susan! that sent a cute little teddy bear over to me nearly 11years ago when I was pregnant with my son, well Spencer has handed Teddy on to his little sister and I thought Susan would like to see how Teddy has stood the test of time....

He has had a very interesting life has our Teddy! Flown from Scotland to New Zealand, from New Zealand to Australia, he has been camping a few times and on school camps. He even went missing for about a month at one stage and just turned up again under Spens bed one day! He is lovely and both kids have loved him. Thank you Susan xxxx and thank you for your well wishes when I was sick.

I have made a couple of things that I am dying to put on my blog but I can't until I have sent a parcel to my sister and she has seen them first then I will post them, so stay tuned.

Oh The Joy Of Sick Kids!!!

2007-08-17T20:06:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love it when your kids get sick, and then even better you get sick as well!!!! David came home with a cold and he passed it on to Samantha who is teething as well, yippee! She gave it to me, but mine escalated into the flu! Spencer now has it as well. Last night was the first decent sleep I have had since last Sunday!!! Hence not much craftiness has been going on here. We are all slowly getting better (thank god). Will hopefully be back to 100% soon.

I designed and downloaded this little sweety from blessthischick.com, isn't she just adorable!

I Would Like To Thank......

2007-08-11T19:40:00.000-07:00

The ever amusing Susan at Random Blethers has bestowed upon me the Creative Blogger Award!!! I nearly fell off my chair with excitement when I read that!!!!!!! So I wish to thank Susan of course and my family for their encouragement, god for making me (and mum and dad), who else do those Oscar winners thank?, hey its the only award I'm likely to get so I'm going to make the most of it! The rules are that I have to pass the award on to 5 creative people as well so here they are....

1. Diane = The Sound Of One Hand Knitting

2. Sal = Thirty Something Hobbies

3. Emma = Sew Recycled

4. Carol = A Stitch In Time

5. Blair = Wisecraft

A special mention is the lovely Susan herself who is an inspiration herself!!

You all inspire me and encourage me with your creativeness and talents and I thank you for that. Especially you Diane, you are a marvel to me and my biggest inspiration, the person I turn to when I have no clue as to what I'm doing, and if you don't have the answer you always help me work it out.

You all now give the award to 5 people as well.

Scrapbooking

2007-08-09T18:26:00.000-07:00

I thought I would give you all a peek at some of my scrapbooking that I have done. I was introduced to scrapbooking by my future sister-in-law Kim who does it herself, and I love doing it. I haven't done any for a while been caught up doing the cross-stitch things and the kids, you know how it is. I really wanted to scan the pages but of course they don't fit in the scanner do they!!!!

These two are of David's 11year old daughter Celeste....

These two are of our little princess Samantha...

These two black and white ones of Samantha and Spencer are two of my favourites.....

These ones are David and I telling 5 things we love about Samantha.....

These two are of the three kids together. The bottom one has an envelope with a card about each child in it where I wrote down what they were like and what things they liked so I can always remember how they were. I have to say I was brutally honest on these!!! But I wanted that......

Spencer did this page, what a talented boy he is, takes after his mum!!! I love it....

And this one is of Samantha contemplating life. I love the little butterfly button...

Lastly this one is of my best friend Tania who I left back in NZ, and who tragically died in a hit and run accident nearly a year ago, one month after giving birth to a new baby daughter, Shilo. The baby in this photo is Jordan who we called Bam Bam. Oh how I miss you Tania....

Grow Little Flowers

2007-08-09T17:12:00.000-07:00

Would you believe that I found these little darlings growing in the lawn next to our clothesline! I saw them while I was hanging the washing out last week and they brought a smile to my face. I dug them up and transplanted them into my garden and they are just blooming and thriving! Violets are one of my fav flowers, I just love the combination of the green and the violet colours.

Speaking of little darlings....

This little darling spends a lot, and a mean a lot of the day doing this, removing her socks!!! When I took this shot at about 10am it was about the 6th time she had done it today!!! She takes them off and then brings them to me and says "Ta", or she sees me and runs in the opposite direction, her socks in her hands giggling her head off!!!

The jeans she is wearing here are my favourites. Being as tiny as she is it is not an easy task finding jeans that fit her without the assistance of a belt! She has a very tiny waist and no hips (Oh how I wish that was me I was describing!!!), so when I came across these and discovered that they were a perfect fit I was ecstatic!!!!! And I love the flowers and hearts around the bottom, just adorable!

Men Are Funny Creatures

2007-08-08T17:22:00.000-07:00

Well another cross-stitch finished. I finished my little heart sampler yesterday, a relief to David!! Men are funny are they not, maybe unexplainable would be a better description!! David had been a little jealous of my cross-stitching over the last week (though he would not admit it to you!), I have been doing little bits of it every night as this is usually the only time I get to do it when Samantha is asleep and the house tidy, so David has been feeling little left out as I am busy and not able to tickle his feet as I usually do in the evenings. Any way here is the final product...

Th amazing thing is David even said it was very nice and that I had done a good job, I think he was just relieved it was finished! Sadly for him and his feet I have others planned! Oh that almost sounds a bit evil of me doesn't it??? The sampler is now hanging on the dining room wall with me other cross-stitch....

The kitchen sampler in the middle is my biggest cross-stitch achievement to date and I am very proud of it I must say. I made this just after I had my son Spencer nearly 11 years ago, it took a while but I loved every minute of it....

I love everything on it, my dream house would be a cottage in a field somewhere with all these things in it! Well dreams are free are they not?

Any way David made up for his miffyness (just made that up, I like it) last night, I gave Samantha a bath and when I came out and went into our room this is what awaited me...

It's a little hard to see, but he spelt out I Love You in my strawberry candy which is even cuter because the candy has little hearts in the middle!! I know, I know you all just ran to get buckets to throw up into, but to me an unashamed total romantic, who never gets romance, and I mean NEVER this was gold!!!! It was so sweet of him, get it SWEET=CANDY, oh never mind! I love you so much my darling David xxxx
Well I better go plan my next craft project....I want to make my sister D a birthday present, what do you make someone who can make things better than I can can???????

Fat Quarters

2007-08-07T18:31:00.000-07:00

I had to show a photo of the fat quarters I got the other day! Every time I look at them my heart gives a little flutter.... is that a little sad? I don't care, they make me smile and dream of all the things I could make with them. There was no rhyme or reason for me buying these ones in particular, I just loved them!!! I have no clue as to what I will use them for but the right project will show up for each of them eventually I am sure. Here is a closer look at each...

The top three have a gold fleck in the design which gives them a gorgeous lustre and when I found the rose one I HAD TO HAVE IT!!!! Yes I know D I'm so predictable!