Farewell...

Yesterday morning, just before 10am, a beautiful soul rejoined her beloved husband in heaven. My Nan, Esme McDiarmid, has been fighting for months, after being diagnosed with cancer that was pretty much everywhere through her body. She had radiation and a dose of chemotherapy. She was taking so many pills we thought she should rattle. As time went on she wasn't able to walk by herself, and in the last few days wasn't even able to get up out of bed. For most of those months she has been staying at my mum's place, just down the road from us, and was helped by her two daughters (my mum and aunty), and her youngest sister. Last week, knowing that the end was coming, she made the decision to go to palliative care.

Over the past few months she has been surrounded by people she loves - family from all over the country, literally, have travelled to spend valued time with her, and it's been lovely for us to be able to see her every day, and make the most of those few precious moments. On Monday afternoon, her pain became too much, and they doubled her morphine. My sister and I sat with her all monday night, but she wasn't really conscious ... sleeping, in obvious pain, and moaning quietly. It was so painful an experience for everyone there to see her like that, and it was heart-breaking to leave that night, knowing that it would probably be the last time we saw her.

As it turned out, it was. I got the call at work, and some awesome people stepped in to cover my classes so I could be with my family. I got to see her, lying there in her bed, the pain lines gone, and looking really peaceful, and as hard as that was, it was also kind of a relief, if that makes sense.

Telling the kids was the hardest, as we knew it would be. They were as prepared as they could be. They knew she wasn't well. They knew she wasn't going to get better. But the reality of a world without Nan hit them hard. Tayla, though, the little legend, was also a bit happy. "Now Pa isn't alone, him and Nan are together again." And that really sums it up for all of us, I think.















The funeral is on Friday, so I'm sitting here contemplating how to talk about this beautiful woman in a way that will do her justice. Love you Nan. Give Pa a kiss for us!

Really??

Really? It's necessary as a teacher to go through a massive about of bullshit for no particular reason at all?? I'm not talking about parents. I'm not talking about obnoxious students (and trust me, I have a few!!) I'm talking about staff members. I'm going to be very non-specific here (I don't know WHO stalks my blog from work! lol) but I'm so over people who think they are all that with no reason ... who talk themselves up ... who use big words to make themselves sound impressive ... who feel the need to attempt to put other people down to make themselves appear more superior. I'm SOOOO over it, and there are some days that I wonder what I'm doing with my life. Sigh. Today was a mix of one of those days, and one of the good ones - the ones where I walk out of a classroom just feeling alive, like I've made a difference, and that someone is a bit closer to being successful in their schooling career because of something I said or did. And THANK GOD that moment came not once, but twice today ... that's the only reason I'm going back tomorrow. And the next day. And the day after that ... well, no actually, because it's saturday, but you get my point.

Hmmm ... what's going on apart from that? Lots of stuff to make me sad. Yes, I've spent a massive amount of time in the past 4 or 5 days just bawling. Bushfires. Loss. Tragedy. It's just inhumane that people are dying, not just because of a natural phenomenon, but due to the work of some sick disturbed arsonists. It's something I'll never understand ... and thank god for that.
For every beautiful image that comes along, like the wondrous picture of the CFA worker giving that koala a drink, there are so many more to break your heart. Houses. Land. Belongings. People. Too sad for words ... and it's not often that I'm lost for words really, so that's something huh. One of my classes today actually brought it up - we were talking about character traits, and they all had to pick 10 out of a list that described them. Compassionate was on the list, and one of the kids said that was me - and then asked how I was feeling about the bushfires. I said that, in all honesty, I just couldn't talk about it, and they all sat there stunned - totally stunned. "That's a first, Miss!" came the comment from the back of the room. Yeah, that lesson was one of my highlights ... love that group.

Other stuff to make me sad ... Nan isn't doing so well. Yet again, too heartbreaking for words. She has deteriorated a lot in the past couple of weeks, and whilst we are all hoping that she is here for Bella's first birthday, we aren't really holding our breaths. I'm just not ready ... are you ever? Crapola. Totally.

I was reading Lusi's blog today ... she has this "Get Real" thing going on, and I was planning on starting it - I was going to tell you about how I didn't make the beds this morning (in fact, I haven't in AAAAGES!!) and how my laundry basket is full to overflowing. I was going to tell you about a whole lot of average, ordinary, real-life stuff ... but I guess what I've already posted is just about as much reality as I can cope with today. Love the focus on the real Lusi - I think I've been doing that for a while actually! No-one could ever accuse me of being superwoman (except in jest! Lol) So I am going to leave the reality of destruction and despair as my "getting real" for today. And I thought I might share some of the other realities in my life that keep me grounded! Some layouts of my favouritest people. God I love my kids!!

These are all layouts using some of my yummy new Basic Grey, and my beautiful new printer ... oh how I love thee, Canon Pixma 630!! Just awesome.

Basic Grey is the MAN of the Month at Scrap Therapy this month - check it out, there is a lot of great stuff on sale, and some new ranges due in any day now!

K, I'm off to get ready for work tomorrow, and get the kids school clothes ready - they are having a mufti day to raise money for the bush fire appeal, and they are very excited about it - they have been gatherin every cent they can to take in!!! Hug your kids, and tell the special people in your lives how special they are!

A new profile pic!

For all of you who were wondering how the hair is growing back - check it out! I have hair again. It's seriously so much cooler - I don't know how I coped in summer with that much hair before! I'm loving it (even if I do look like a toilet brush ... don't you just love my DH!! LOL)

So, back at school. The girls are just loving their teachers and their classes. I'm loving my classes, but not so much my classroom - I had to move at the end of last year, and my new room isn't airconditioned. Most of our school isn't actually, so I guess I was lucky that I had aircon in my old room. I'm more missing my mural than the aircon though - 2 years ago my classes, who new how happy I was to finally have my own classroom, painted the back room of the wall for me, and I miss looking at it every morning. It made me happy. A big bright rainbow. Some very funky butterflies. Sunshine on one side of the rainbow, and storm clouds on the other. And beautiful fish and sea creatures swimming along the bottom of the wall. Sigh ... I miss my wall!

Not much more to report on at the moment - it's hot here, I'm sweltering, and sooo not looking forward to playing softball tomorrow!! It's wrong, it's just wrong. Thank goodness for air conditioning! Oh yeah - do you feel like scrapping tonight? Cybercropping at Scrap Therapy - it's OSCAR'S month!! Come along and check out the challenges and chat - bingo is on tonight! I'll be back to share some scrapping soon - I've been doing heaps, but I can't share them, as most of them are DT layouts. Take care!!

What a day.

America officially has a new president. Yep, I stayed up all night to watch the inauguration. The coverage started around midnight here in Australia, with the official ceremonies kicking off at about 4ish ... I don't really know, as my eyes were falling out of my head about then. I did see most of it, but drifted off to sleep after Obama's speech, so I managed about an hours sleep before Dennis got up to go to work. Today Tayla has her BFF from kindergarten over to play - they are in full swing dress-up mode at the moment. I've had princesses, witches and fairies running all over the house, goodness knows what they are turning into now!

So, the inauguration. He's such a great speaker. I was moved, and I'm not even American! There's just something about a stirring political speech which speaks to my soul. Loved it!

Less than a week until back to school, and back to work ... so wishing we had a bit longer! I've been making the most of my scrapping time though, and managed to squeeze in some scrapping with Michelle, and some cuddles with Holly. Lots of layouts done for the LSBS cybercrop - it's the most challenges I've managed to do for this for ages!

This one was a pic I took while playing with the new lens ... working out how to get different things in focus in a picture. The Sass Lass Reindeer Kisses paper was just perfect - how cute are those little reindeer?

I love this diecut stitched cardstock - it's Bella. Add some cool papers, some gorgeous lace, and you have my favourite layout at the moment!!

This one was for a challenge set my Nic ... to scrap an ordinary moment. This was that day last week where the temperature hit a squillion ... the girls found their own way to keep cool!

Kelsey grading to Orange Belt/white stripe at Karate ... what a legend!

And, finally, Dennis and the girls cooking dinner. And he says I'M a messy cook! lol I used a lot of old supplies on this one - I'm trying to use up some old pp, so I don't feel guilty about the yummy new stuff I've got coming from Scrap Therapy. BG Bittersweet ... yumm!!!

K, I'd better go ... the girls are playing Dance Factory on PS2, and want to show me their moves. I hope they don't want me to dance, I don't think I'm awake enough to be able to follow all those moves!

Scrappin' and singin' ...

I love listening to music while I scrap ... and Scrapping The Music has has some great songs the past couple of weeks! This week it's Pictures of You by The Last Goodnight. I love this song ... I had actually scrapped it once before!!

This is the one I did last night - another picture from Colo playing around with my new lens. I need to work on getting rid of those shadows a bit, but I love this photo - it's my neice, Bella-Rai, who is seriously the biggest character! She's a total clown ... love her to bits.

This is the one I did last year - lots of pics of Kelsey, between 1 and 2 years old. She's almost 9 now - and growing up WAY too fast!

K, I'd better go and finish de-christmasing my house ... there's still little bits everywhere!!

Happy New Year!

Yes, I know I'm late ... I've been on holidays!! Our annual NY trip to Colo. Bliss, total bliss. We slept in, ate too much food, had afternoon naps, spent time in the pool, went canoeing, did a bit more swimming, read, read some more ... the kids rode their bikes, got totally filthy, and had a fantastic time. I could fill pages with how much I love Colo! Plus, it gave me the perfect opportunity to play with the new lens I got for my birthday. I got some fantastic pictures, and I've already scrapped a few of them! I got lots of scrapping done while I was away - it was nice to scrap for the fun of it, not because I felt like I had to fit the layout to specific challenge criteria, etc etc. I had fun! So, what did I do when I got home? Did a challenge layout! lol of course. I can't help myself.

I did this one for Scrapping The Music - the song this week was Hands by Jewel. It has made me dig out my Jewel cd - I forgot how much I loved her music! This was my annual "NY reflections" layout ... very deep and meaningful. Look at that bald head! It's grown back a bit since then - I'm looking very fuzzball-ish right now.

I'm doing a "52 pickup" layout challenge this year - a layout a week, with specific criteria. The first one was to use some metal on your layout - and lets face it, most scrappers have heaps in their stash! I used an old metal frame on mine, cut in half for the photo corners. I'm going to do my 52 layouts using photos that I've taken in that week, so it'll be a record of my year. Some people at Scrap Therapy are doing a photo a day, but I just don't have time for that, so one a week is as much as I can commit to. This one is a picture of Kelsey at Colo, using my new lens.

K, that's it for now. Take care of you!!

Christmas wishes

What are yours? Mine are simple this year - and things just aren't going to cut it. My Nan is ill - she's been diagnosed with cancer, pretty much everywhere. She has it in about 5 different organs, as well as throughout her bones, and swelling at a fracture on her spine threatening to press on nerves. They are starting treatment on the spot on her spine to try and stop the possibility or paraplegia, and are talking about chemo as a palliative care move. After losing Pa earlier in the year, she is ready to be with him again, and is coping pretty well with the dr's assessment that she has months, not years.

So our christmas wish - that her new meds help her cope with the enormous amount of pain she's in over the christmas period, so she can enjoy the time we'll have with her family ... all our family from pretty much all over the country are flying in for christmas, which is going to be awesome. That when she goes, it's with dignity. She's a lady, my Nan, and the thought of her hanging on and losing her dignity, needing people to wash her, and feed her, and having machines keep her alive, is really far more painful a thought than that of losing her. So we're praying for a wonderful, blessed, and peaceful end to an awesome life.

So, after that depressing start to a christmas post ... who's ready for santa? Not this little black duck! I've battled the Plaza three days in the past week (anyone who's been to Penrith around Christmas knows EXACTLY what I'm talking about!!) and I've had amazing luck - driven pretty much straight into a parking spot! That, dear readers, is where the luck ended though. I've wandered around aimlessly, not able to find anything that really takes my fancy. I had a run-in with one manager from a store which will remain nameless, but then was saved by another - God Bless Glenn, who saved my bacon with my DS-loving 6 year old who is desperate for a blue one off Santa! I've got to say though, she's missing out from Santa ... I decided this year I don't want some random fat guy in a red suit getting the credit for the kick-arse presents I've been slaving over, so the really good ones are coming from me and Dennis!! So that's been my dilemma, actually ... coming up with a present that looks substantial enough to be a Santa gift, but isn't going to break the bank - we didn't want to spend too much this year, and I'm trying my hardest to stick to that! We eventually found some great gifts, but there are still little bits and pieces to be sourced. My kingdom for a decent junk shop!! And I'm battling that age-old issue ... what to get our next door neighbours who I KNOW have been baking yet again, to give us a special hand-made christmas gift. Is a large box of Cadbury's Favourites a suitable enough gift in return for hours slaving over a hot stove? Probably not, but that's as good as it's going to get!! lol

I whipped this up last night. How cool are these colours! I stumbled across these papers in a LSS, that used to be a fabric store. It has the best collection of scrapping and habby stuff, omg ... I was in heaven! And a gorgeous wooden book shaped box. I've been dropping hints, but I think I'm going to have to go and buy it myself for christmas! This is Pink Paislee Vintage moon paper - the owl and branch are cut from another sheet from the range. It's officially my first non-square layout! Those of you who know me know how stressed I would be getting at the thought of how this is going to look in my album .... but I've solved that dilemma, it just needs to go back to back with a layout done on Kraft cardstock, and has no brads or stitching, etc, peeking through the back around the edges! lol Yes, I'm anal. I keep looking at this layout and thinking it needs something else, but it took less than 15 minutes, and I love the colours in the pp - every time I add something else I keep taking it off again! So it's going to stay like this. How hot are we? ROFL.

This one uses some beautiful Basic Grey papers and alphas, and Melissa Frances and Fancy Pants trims. I love how the colours of the paper match the colours in the water!

This one is from a little while ago, but it caught my eye again while I was adding pics, so I thought I'd share it too ... how big is my Kelsey girl getting? Sigh ... it makes me proud and sad all at the same time.








K, off to tell Kieran, aged 14 and waaaay too cool for his own good, that he's coming to get a Santa photo taken today. Wish me luck! PMSL.

It's my birthday and I'll whinge if I want to!!

OMG ... what kind of person subjects themselves to pain on their birthday? This kind, apparently! It was my birthday yesterday, by the way, just in case you were wondering ... happy birthday to me! lol
So, the pain - well, we had Karate. I would normally have skipped it - I'm all for a good excuse not to go to training. But Kelsey was grading. And she ROCKED!!!! She's now an orange belt with white stripe. Go you little ninja you! So since I was there, I stayed for the adults class ... they knew I was around, it was a bit hard to sneak out. OMG ... OMG ... OOOOO MMMMM GGGGGG. Who knew that there were so many kinds of push-ups? We did normal pushups. We did scorpion pushups. We did some wierd kind of yoga-like prayer pushups (I tell you, I was praying during them ... ouch!) We did the specially patented, Kumiai-Ryu, "I'm a sadistic bastard and want to inflict as much pain as is humanly possible in a 60 minute period" pushups. And do I hurt today? Yes I do. Will I hurt tomorrow? You bet your sore little butt-muscles I will! But am I proud of myself? Abso-friggin-lotuley! I kicked all my tension from work out. I did some serious kicks that I've NEVER been able to do before. And, this overweight and unfit 34 year old held her own with teenagers and black belts. Go me!!

Hmmm ... what else? Well, it's time for a message from our sponsors ... lol. Who loves scrapping? Who loves Kaiser? Well, if the answer is you, my friend, then get yourself to ScrapTherapy, where this month's MAN of the month is Kaisercraft! Such nice new ranges in - you'll love them! Plus, the beautiful new Clear albums - I can't wait to play with these! Everything is super-cheap - some of the ranges this month are reduced more than Lee-anne's usual generous 20%!

This is my favourite otp of the moment - our "Christmas wishes" hanger! Kaiser papers and bauble album - cute huh? The back of the decos have a piece of clear plastic on them, so we can write our christmas wishes, and then they can be wiped off and used again for next year. I really like this!

A layout for the Therapy monthly challenge - to scrap a layout using one of a few great christmas quotes. I love this one, it's one of my faves, and this pic from last year of my kids plus our cousin Phoenix is so nice.

This album, a Kaiser one, is part of the girls' christmas present. It's got Veronica's lyrics, pics, and concert tickets. They are just going to go nuts - they think the concert is WAAAY too expensive. I can't wait to see the looks on their faces!

K, I'd better go - I've got so many teacher presents to make, and so little time. This is the problem with making something really awesome one year - they all begin to expect it when you've established a precedent! That'll teach me ... lol.

A rarity ... a totally wonderful day, in every single way.

You know those days that are just awesome? When you feel like you've done something good, you enjoy your day, and you go to sleep content? That was yesterday. I took my senior English class to some workshops yesterday, one of them run by an old lecturer of mine from uni, and they were awesome. I learnt a lot. They learnt a lot. We had a good time, and had some really interesting thought-provoking conversations. I found a totally divine second-hand book store, and brought a couple of books, one of which I'm about half way through and LOVING. I could have done some serious damage to some of those shelves with someone else's credit card!

The big deal, though, was the workshops. They inspired me to stop just dreaming about doing some post-grad literature study, but to actually start doing it. I've decided that a PhD is probably a bit out of my ball park at the moment, so I'm researching Masters Degrees .... anyone know any good distance ed English Lit Masters courses around? I spend an hour or so searching around last night, but I'm so out of touch with academia - I don't know if I'm looking in the wrong spots, or what I'm after just simply doesn't exist!

So, after some research research last night, I did some scrapping. And I got HEAPS done!! Pretty happy with them all too, so that's a good thing. Do you wanna see? Well too bad if you don't ... go and check out someone else's blog then! lol

I finally finished a layout for Scrapping the Music in time to enter it ... amazing really! I love the song that was the prompt for this week.

This was my totally sexy hair cut, just before my current sexy hair cut! lol I seriously hardly EVER go to the hairdressers, and I'd just gotten this 'do done about 4 weeks before I shaved my head ... what a waste, huh?

Two layouts of the girls at physi this year - I didn't deliberately do them using the same things, it was a bit of a mistake, but they look really good sitting next to each other in my album.


These two are some yummy American Crafts products - still on sale at Scrap Therapy until the end of the month. The Christmas one is over in the forum as a step-by-step, if you want to have a go at it!

Well, I think my bath is ready - hot water, bubbles, a glass of red, candles, and a new old book. What could be better? Night all!!

What a MAN!!!

You know what I love about the site I am sooooo blessedly on the Design Team for? Scrap Therapy has an awesome Manufacturer of the Month thing going on ... affectionately called the MAN of the month. The forum is buzzing every month, just before the announcement, not only trying to guess the real MAN (as in scrapping manufacturer) but also coming up with a new MAN - a real life, hot, often shirtless one - that Julie will scrap into a cute little ATC each month. It seriously rocks! Check out the Scrap Therapy blog for this month's MAN ... nice, very nice!


So, the REAL MAN of the month is one of my faves ... American Crafts!! Gotta love the colours. Gotta love the variety. Gotta love the ALBUMS!!!! Gotta love the cardstock. And, most importantly - GOTTA LOVE THE THICKERS! The really exciting thing is that every month, the MAN of the Month is on sale - 20%! (hence the shirtless thing, I think. 20% off ... roughly 20% of the outfit would be a shirt ... get it? Yeah, I know, I'm grasping at straws ... shutting up now. lol) So, this month American Crafts is on sale at 20% off the prices listed in store - the reduced price will come up as you go through checkout. This applies to everything but the cardstock, which is already at the rediculously low price of 55cents, so buy up big on that anyway!


Here are a couple of MAN Creations that I've done so far - both are using the Amplified range, which is vibrant and gorgeous, but also really versatile. So many of the sheets in this range are embossed, die cut, or foiled - just beautiful! I've also used the obligatory Thickers, and the journalling blocks are done using the AC clear stickers - love them to bits!

This one isn't AC, but I wanted to share it anyway - this was a layout I did just after attending the Relay for Life in Blacktown. It was such an emotional event, and I came home finally ready to scrap this amazing man. Love ya, Pa! (Basic Grey Granola, in case you were wondering!)

Ok, that's about it for me ... I've got so much going on here at the moment I can't even see straight! Reports to write, stuff to scrap, floors to mop, kids to nurse (Kieran has tonsilitis again, Tayla has an allergic reaction to something, and I'm feeling crappy!) and at some point in all that I need to remember to breathe. So what do I do? That's right, I blog ... of course! LOL

Oh, a quick note - I haven't forgotten about the rak draw for people who donated to the head shave thing for breast cancer research ... I'm just waiting on a few names from our lovely GNI organisers, and I'll get it done.

K, all, off I go - cya later! Mwah!!

Yumm ...

I'm so in love with Peters Creme brulee icecream right now- and my husband for getting it for me! What a legend - I love that man! (even if he does have longer hair than me ... he he)

I've been having some fun scrapping this week - some stuff I can't share just yet, so keep an eye out for that soon, but here is some stuff I can share!
I did both these layouts for the CC at LSBS, and I love them! The "In focus" one was thanks to a colour challenge set by the beautiful Tracy, and I just love it - it is something I would normally never do! The other one was done in my effort to use up my stash, so I can feel a bit better about just having placed a couple of orders ... lol. So, Goofy Girl is mostly Fancy Pants, with some Heidi and American Crafts alphas, just in case you were wondering! lol I also used up a HEAP of Love Elsie papers I had sitting here - I don't feel so bad about buying the whole Melissa Frances Thankful range now! Actually, I didn't feel bad about buying it anyway - it's too nice for words. So pretty and girly -really me. Plus, I got some of the vintage trims and embellishments, and some ticket tags ... watch out for some baldy pics scrapped in pretty pink coming soon to a computer screen near you! lol
























These two layouts aren't mine, as much as I'd like to take credit for them. Kelsey did these - isn't she a talented little cookie? She was given an 8.5x11 album for her birthday last year, and she loves scrapping that size. Her album is almost full, and she's decided she wants a ring-binder one next - seriously, how many 8 year olds decide they want to upgrade their scrapping albums for christmas? Too funny!







So, back to work this week with no hair - and the reaction I got from the kids was overwhelming! One girl was in tears - she couldn't believe that someone would willingly do that to their hair. The best reaction, though, came from one of our resident bad-boys. He had been kicked out of class, and was on his way to see the deputy principal, and I was walking the same way. I'd just put a bandanna on, because my head was FREEZING (we've had a cold snap here this week - just my luck!) and he told me that he'd just brought the same bandanna for his Nan, because she has cancer. I told him why I was wearing it, and why I'd shaved my head, and this tough guy who takes everyone on whenever he gets a chance said "you're a f*cking legend Miss."So there you go ... I'm a legend!! lol Moments like that - that's why I love my job. Something little, a seemingly insignificant conversation in the corridor, and it makes a connection. And that's what teaching is all about - making the most of those little connections in the hope that when it matters, you can make a big difference. Moments like that make me LOVE teenagers - they swear heaps, they give you attitude like you wouldn't believe, but they are honest and appreciative when it counts. I wouldn't work anywhere else! (NOTE TO SELF: RE-READ THIS NEXT TIME YOU ARE HAVING A SHITTY DAY/ WEEK/ MONTH/ TERM/ YEAR AT WORK!)

K, I'm off to play with my new pretty things! Take care, luv ya, thanks for stopping by!

A new 'do.

What a couple of days. I can't really begin to tell you all how touched I am at this point. I've been planning the head shave for a couple of weeks now, and we were supposed to be doing it next weekend, but I got a phonecall on Thursday night to say that Shelley's hair was starting to come out, and I thought we'd be moving it forward. So, yesterday, the scissors came out, the clippers were plugged in, and the hair was cut. And I love it! Not the type of haircut I'd normally ask for, but it feels really cool, and I'm so honoured to have been able to do this for someone amazing.
So, speaking of amazing people ... there are a lot of them out there! On Friday night, Tracy Belinda and I headed off to Canon headquarters for a Scrapbooking Memories Pixma party, and got to chat to a truly wonderful woman. Melissa Frances (you can can check out her website if you don't know her!) was there with her fiance Brian, and we had the chance to talk to them thoughout the night. Melissa shared her experiences as a breast cancer survivor, and it was very touching. It also gave me hope - we've been focusing on now with Shelley, and not so much on the future, and this reminded me why it's important that we raise money for research into this disease, so that there are more stories like hers. Anyway, we told her about my impending shave, and I was really honoured by her reaction. To be told what a truly special thing it was by someone who would know what that would mean to a breast cancer sufferer ... it really touched me. It was an evening I won't forget in a hurry!

Other amazing people at the SM party ... well, there were heaps. I felt so privileged to be there among all these names that I recognised from the mags, or the forums, and whose work I admired. The awesome Sara Pearcy, looking totally glowing (partly due to the projector shining in her face! lol) gave us some great tips on photography. We got to play with some AWESOME printers ... omg, A3+ sized photos onto rag paper - I'm in love! And, I've found glossy prints that make me happy in my heart!!

So saturday ... I was stressing out a bit because we didn't know when we were doing the shave. It was looking like we were going to be waiting till today, and I was SOOO ready to go. Then my sis rang me and said "do you want to come down here now and we'll do it?" I was there in a shot. I tell you, we have some seriously funny photos from during - never in my life have I had short hair like it was after we hacked off the plaits. Or a mowhawk. Or a racing stripe down the middle! In fact, my mum came down to watch because she's never seen my head - I was born with a heap of thick black hair, so this is officially the first time my scalp has seen the light of day! And I've gotta tell you, I really liked it short - I'm looking forward to it getting a bit longer than it is now so I can play around with some different hairstyles!!

So the wierd - well, I didn't realise how much like velcro my head would be. Seriously, taking my hat off at softball - it was EXACTLY like ripping the two sides of velcro apart. Freaky! Or, how much my head would stick to my pillow case. We shaved with the clippers, then when I got home I went over it again with a razor, but my hair is so thick that there is still the tiniest bit of stubble. Oh yeah - I have something cool to share! I have a new weight loss tip. Firstly, what you do is grow your hair for most of your life, with only occasional trims chucked in. You make sure you are born with rediculously thick hair. And then, you shave it all off. Hey presto, you'll be almost 2 kilos lighter. Seriously! I weighed myself before and after, and it was 1.85kilos difference. Too funny!

So, you're really only here to see photos aren't you? Well, without further ado, I'd like to introduce you to - TAMARA'S HEAD!!

The bottom pic is me, Shelley in the middle, and my sister. Aren't we a sexy bunch?? lol

Oh, yeah - the Girl's Night In yesterday! I'd like to say a massive thankyou to Karryn and Gill for an amazing job, and to all the sponsors that provided awesome prizes. Also to Cath at LSBS for her contribution to the night. It was wonderful to be a part of such an amazing group of women who were happily giving to a good cause, and I felt so overwhelmed walking in to a massive round of applause ... I can't even begin to tell you all what the comments and support meant to me, I feel really touched. It was great to share a table with some beautiful people too - Michelle, Steph and Missty were great scrapping companions, thanks girls! I hope I didn't take up too much of the table.

And now for the thankyous. Thanks to everyone who has supported me, either through your well-wishes, or your financial contributions. Big or small, they have all made a difference, and added to our total which I THINK is getting very close to $1500. It's still not too late to make a donation ... check out the next post down for the link to donate straight to our Girl's Night In page, via the Cancer Council's totally secure Credit card donation site, and they'll email you a PDF tax invoice straight away, so you can claim it back on your tax next year - gotta love that!! Otherwise, email me and I'll give you some bank details, if you'd rather not use your CC online. Don't forget to leave me a comment if you do make a donation, so I can add your name into the draw for one of a few little prizes I have to give away - a personalised button cupboard (you can see my version in the next post down too) and some scrapping packs, as well as some nice little pamper packs. I also have a Red Earth hair care pack here that I was given a little while ago, which I don't think I need any more - it's been opened so I could smell the yumminess, but not used! lol

I think that's it for me now - I'm off to moisturise my head. I didn't pull my camera out at all at either the SM or GNI events, so if you were there, and got photos, please email them to me! (I know there are some photos of me from the GNI - I felt like I was surrounded by the paparazzi when I arrived! LOL)

And if you are still reading at this point, well done - give yourself a pat on the back! I wonder if this is my longest blog post to date!

Bye bye hair!!

I just want to show you all a picture ...

That's me with hair. In fact, that was me at the beginning of the year with hair - it's a bit longer now!

Take a good look, because it won't be there for long! On Saturday October 25th, it's all coming off. You can read a few posts down about a chick I love to bits - my sister-in-law, Shelley, is undergoing chemo at the moment, fighting Breast Cancer, and my sister and I were talking about shaving our heads to support her. Well, I'm doing it, and I figure with this much hair, I might as well try and raise a bit of money for research as well. A couple of friends are running a Girls Night In event on the 17th of October, and they've let me link my impending baldness to their event - they've even kicked off the donations!

So, if you'd like to help out an awesome cause, and help me feel a little bit better about losing my beloved hair, I'd so love you to be a part of this!

There are a couple of ways you can support the cause ... go to the following link:

GLENWOOD GIRL'S NIGHT IN

You'll find the details for the event that's taking place next weekend, and there is also a link for you to donate using your credit card - it's totally secure, and you'll recieve a tax receipt in the mail. Yes, donations over $2 are tax deductible, you've gotta love that! You can also come along to the GNI, for some paper-crafting fun (if you're into that kind of thing! lol). Gill and Karyn have organised heaps of awesome prizes, and some great classes, so it's going to be a great event.

You can also check out the FACEBOOK PAGE or LIVE PAGE for more details about the event.

If you'd like to donate, but aren't comfortable about putting your CC details in over the internet, please email me - tamara_rodgers@hotmail.com. Gill has set up a bank account to take donations directly, so can give you those details. Any donation, big or small, will be greatly appreciated, and every cent makes a difference.

I'd also like to give a huge thanks to Leeanne at Scrap Therapy, who is letting me advertise this on the forum. I know that she's a huge supporter of the cause, so keep your eyes peeled, there might be another way you can support Breast cancer research, and also your scrapping habit, coming soon!

I also have a special thanks to any of my awesome scrapping friends, or people who I don't know yet from the scrapping world who pop in and support this. I've just completed a really cool little botton cupboard, using some great products from Scrap Therapy, and I have a spare one of these cupboards, not yet decorated. This is what mine looks like:

If you make a donation, and post a comment here to let me know, once the deed is done, I'll be drawing a name out of a hat, and you'll receive a personally decorated cupboard, done to your specifications! If you want it the same as this, that's no drama, but if you'd prefer other colours in the paint (I think hot pink under a black crackle would look awesome!!) or in the paper behind the jars, I'll do it to your specifications. No, the buttons and jars aren't included - you'll have to provide them yourself. lol

I also have a couple of other little goodies that will be making there way to a new home, so if you make a donation, please let me know so I can pop your name in the draw!

So, that's what's happening so far - I'll keep you updated with any new developments. Thanks in advance for supporting such an awesome cause - and keep an eye out here on Saturday 25th of October for post-shave pictures!

Some scrappy weekend stuff

It's cybercrop weekend at Scrap Therapy this weekend - lots of cool ROCKtober challenges! If you need some scrapping time, head on over. The first game was run and won last night, but there is bingo tonight, 7pm NSW time, so pop on in to the forum and make sure you PM me your list of bingo words before we start! There is also an extra challenge this afternoon, in honour of World Card Making day, and some extra giveaway prizes from a few of the DT members, which will be taking place periodically over the weekend - we have some extra Sass Lass goodies that we didn't use from our DT packs, so we are sharing the love!

Here is the layout I did for my theme challenge - you need to use the word "ROCK" somewhere in your journalling, song lyrics for your title, and curves somewhere. I love these pics of Tay, and the Sass Lass papers are too nice for words. They are on sale until tomorrow night - 20% off - so don't miss out if you want some!

This one is one that I did for the monthly Write Stuff challenge in the forum ... to do a layout with no photos. I'm really happy with how it turned out!

I've been having a great time this week - school holidays, so I've been scrapping up a storm. Lot's of new MAN of the month goodness ... I'll share those layouts after tomorrow night, and the big announcement at Therapy.

I took the kids to Taronga Zoo yesterday, with my sister's childcare centre. I was helping supervise a group of 10 little girls, including my 2. We managed to lose Tayla near the gorillas (appropriate really!) and then both Kelsey and Tayla near the penguins - they got caught up listening to the keeper talk. Yes, I was very stressed - not nearly as stressed as poor little Tay the first time though! They had only just noticed we were gone at the penguins when I got back there, thank goodness. One good thing about it was that as much as Tay was stressed, she did the right thing - went and found a keeper, and told them she couldn't find me, and showed them the phone number. The girls were just starting to talk to the penguin keeper when I went back around the corner. So, all those talks about what to do if you are separated paid off!

I got some great photos - loving the Canon EOS 350D! Man, it's heavy though - I didn't realise until I spent a whole day with it around my neck. I've just ordered some great accessories through an online camera store - a lens hood, card reader, new memory card, some filters, and something else ... it's bad when you can't remember huh?? lol It was heaps cheaper than I've found them anywhere else, so I'll definitely be going back there when I need/want more camera goodness!

Ok, I'm off to scrap a bit - and set an alarm on my phone! We have to pick up Kieran after a week at cadets camp. He's going to stink! lol But I know he will have had a great time. Catch you all later!

An update of sorts.

Well, Kylie gave me a kick up the butt, so I'm updating for her! Are you happy? lol

It's been a week of ... well, stuff. Not so great stuff. Some awesome stuff. Lots of stuff. Hmmm.

Tayla turned 6 last week, and had been counting down to it for ages! It almost felt like a non-event really, because the anticipation had been so high. She did, however, get her most-requested gift - FLOWERS. In fact, she got 2 bunches, so she was feeling mightily spoilt. And, she's taller - measurably so! lol She can now sit on the seats at Red Rooster and her feet touch the floor, which they didn't before, she reliably informed us. So, definitely getting taller and taller in her old age.

September is a big birthday month around here - 2 more to come along were Shelley, my sister-in-law, and Dennis. Shelley's birthday is the day after Tayla's, so they shared a special dinner, and we went out for the second night in a row, on a school night no less - it's no wonder Tay feels so much more grown up now! Dennis' bday is a week after Shelley's, and really marked a sad time for us all ... not because of his getting older (although I think that was sad for him) but because it coincided with us receiving some horrid news. Shelley has Inflammatory Breast Cancer. If you haven't heard of this particularly horrid form of breast cancer before, then you should really check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3s9_UrVtc6c

If you are a woman, or you know a woman (and that should cover you all, huh?) it's really important to be aware of this ... as much as we all know by now about the usual ways of keeping on top of changes in your breasts, this is one that probably wouldn't occur to a lot of people.

Shelley is my sister's partner, and they are so totally devoted to each other. My sister had a baby earlier this year, and they, along with Shelley's two grown sons, are such a wonderful family. It's going to be a horrid time ahead, and we are praying for miracles, but we are all scared ... this is a particularly aggressive form of breast cancer, already at Stage 4 and most likely in the lymph nodes.
Telling my kids was sadly not the hardest thing I've had to do this year ... and that's too tragic for words! We went back to Lithgow, where we used to live, last night, for a couple of reasons (I'll talk about them soon!) so I decided to tell them in the car - at least then, I could concentrate on driving while I was talking, and I'd be less likely to burst into tears, which has happened a lot the past couple of days. I know, it's worth crying over, but I also know that my kids have been through a lot this year. I do want them to be aware of what's going on, as they are going to see her a lot, and need to know why she is sick from the chemo, but I also want them not to be too upset and alarmed unless there is a reason for them to be ... does that make sense? It went as well as that type of conversation can go. The heart-breaking bit was when Kelsey said "mummy, thank goodness Tayla doesn't know what that word can mean, but I do. I hope that doesn't happen, because we've been sad enough." I almost lost it - thank goodness for the road! She's taking the whole praying/being positive/helping whenever we can thing very seriously, the little darling. I'm with her ... we've been sad enough this year, I don't think any of us can grieve any more at this point! So, if you are the praying type, they'd all be appreciated. I'm at the point where I just don't feel like I know how to pray, so I'm crying, and just saying "please God" over and over. I think he'll get the message though.

So, this weekend - more mixed stuff! Today was the last of the girls' slightly more informal physical culture competitions, before Champion Girl ones start, and they had a great time - Grandma even came to watch them, which they loved! Kelsey did as well as Kelsey always does - had a ball, grooved along in her own little world, tried her best, and came away with another participation badge to add to her collection. She had a ball! Tayla, on the other hand - she's very competitive. She was soooo convinced that she was going to get First this time - she came third and fourth at the last 2 comps. I kept telling her that she should just concentrate on doing her best, and having a good time, like I always do, but once her section started, it became very obvious that she was likely to get her goal. She is soooooo good! She just seems to switch on. And, she came first. She was so proud of herself - it was really cute!

So, that was the good. The not so good ... today was the day we put Pa's ashes in the memorial wall. Well, some people did anyway. I got there after it was all over, as there was a mixup with the times, and it was on an hour before I could make it there. So I arrived to see his new resting place. And it's nice. He'd like it. He's back at home - my grandparents have lived on the South Coast of NSW for years now, but Portland has always been home. I took some photos of the wall, and the scenery around it, and some great "Pa's hometown" pics- the cement works where he worked for most of his life, the town pool that he helped raise funds for, the house he lived in. And it feels right, him being back in Portland. I'm still a bit bitter about missing the service, especially after hearing at dinner tonight with the family how nice it was, and that everyone got to hold the urn before it was place in the wall ... but that's ok, I'll get over that. I spent a bit of time gathering some photographic memories of my Pa. And they'll last me a lifetime.

I'm treasuring memories at the moment - I've been so aware of the fact that the time we have here is precious, and that we need to grab hold of them whenever we can. So, here are a few special moments I've been scrapping lately. Just some random, fun, wonderful memories that I'm going to treasure. Because they all should count, huh?

I wasn't really sure about the "Dream" one, but it's growing on me - normally I'd cut the crap out of this paper, but it just seems to work. I can just imagine all this stuff going on in her head while she's sleeping - nothing Tayla does is ever simple and uncomplicated! lol

The two bright ones are using the new Sassafras Lass papers, which are on sale this month at Scrap Therapy, so if you are feeling the need for some retail therapy check them out. (New thickers too ... who could resist? Not me!) There is also some great stuff going on in the forum too - new challenges, new competition, it's full steam ahead! I may have mentioned I love Scrap Therapy before ... let me tell you why. It's not just because of the top products, service, etc etc. It's because the people there, from the top down, CARE about you. And I've felt very loved and supported over there. I know that I'm among friends. And I've made some awesome friendships there that will last me a lifetime. I'm so grateful for them - from Therapy mum, to fellow Design Therapists, and the therapy attendees. Love you all heaps girls, if you are reading this!

Ok, that's my emotional purge for the night, I'm heading off to bed. Take care of you and yours. And tell them you love them. NOW! Don't wait for a time when it feels like it's your last chance. Do it now. Do it often.

It's sunday again!

The only thing wrong with a sunday is the day that follows it. Sigh.


Man, what a weekend! Tayla had a gymnastics competition yesterday. It was a State Trial. I have NEVER seen this confident little girl so nervous or excited. She's viewing this as good practice for when she has to do trials to get into the Olympics, God love her. The girl has ambition! Tay is only 5, and trains once a week, whereas most of the other girls competing in her division are a year or 2 older, and train 2 or 3 times a week. We made the decision at the end of last year to only put her in one class, as she started school this year, which wasn't really popular with a couple of the coaches, but I think we made the right decision! Anyway, she is still really little, but she does so well in all her apparatus. The only thing she struggles with is the bars - the little monkey loves them, but there is a particular skill, the pullover, which she has never been able to do. It involves jumping up and pulling herself over the bar, legs going around first, if that makes sense ... anyway, it's very tough for her little muscles. Last comp she had to have a coach help her, and she has been getting very frustrated that she can't do it by herself. Well, yesterday at the competition, my little legend DID A PULLOVER ALL BY HERSELF! She did it in her practice run, and I thought her face was going to split in two, her grin was that big. So then, the judged turn, she went do to it, but couldn't - her feet dropped back to the floor again. Her coach stepped in to help her, but she had another go, and she DID IT AGAIN!!! She was just over the moon. She did so well on all her apparatus, and didn't fall of the beam, which disappointed her at the last comp. She didn't place, and she didn't get selected for the next trial, but does that matter to her? Not at all. Her beaming smile hasn't dimmed at all since yesterday, and she tells everyone who'll listen that she's sooooooo proud of herself because she did something she's never been able to do before, and she did her best routines ever. Gotta love that! That's what junior sports should be about, don't you think? I just hope she keeps that attitude as she goes on.

Here she is after having done her pullover by herself ... she told me on the way home that she wants this one enlarged so she can scrap it. What a cutie!

This weekend has been the announcement of the winner of the Make Believe Masters at Scrap Therapy, and the very talented winner of this years' competition is the wonderful Mandy! There have been a series of surprise challenges this weekend too, and a free class run by yours truly ... this was the sample layout I did. If you want to have a go at it, you can pop on over to the forum and check out the instructions! I'd love to see what you come up with.

Some sad news, but also some great news if you are after a bargain. One of my bestest friends in the world, the gorgeous Nicole, has made the difficult decision to close down her business, Acacia Papercrafts. They are a wholesaler of some fantastic brands, including MME, Daisy Bucket, Reminisce and Everlasting Keepsakes. They have just opened up their ordering process, so that members of the public can order directly, and save heaps! Check out the blurb ...

Friends,

Acacia Paper Craft is now live to the public... both online and at our premises.

Visit our website, and register. We will issue you with a username and password (you'll receive advice via email) and you can shop til your hearts content!

We are also open at 5-7/12-14 Campbell Street, Blacktown NSW 2148 from 10 to 2pm Monday to Friday. We are located above Campbell Street Medical Practice. Feel free to pop in for a browse and to grab a bargain!

Tell your friends, family, even strangers in the street! Everything must go! All genuine wholesale pricing, some products even below cost!

Will be looking forward to packing your order (and your friends... and your friend of a friends... and their friends! lol)

Feel free to pass this on to anyone who you think might be interested... there is some great stuff to be had, but it's not going to last forever, so I suggest you get in quickly!

K, that's it from me for today ... take care!

A bit of a sunday share!

I love school holidays. Sleeping in. Reading. A few glasses of wine. Dealing with my own kids, and NOT everyone else's. The only thing I don't like about them is that they are so short. Ho hum. We are already halfway through them!
Today is a pretty exciting day - for christmas last year, we got Kieran a voucher for a session in a flight simulator at Flight Experience Darling Harbour. Today is the day! Man, they are hard to book into - they're so busy! The only downside is Dennis can't get off work until 3.30 - Kieran's appointment is 5.30. I was hoping we'd get into the city heaps earlier, and spend some time wandering around, but no, we'll probably just get there in time, with all the expected pilgrim delays! Dennis and I get to be his passengers, so I've got the batteries all charged up! Kierna wants to be a fighter pilot, so he's been hanging for today to get here.
I've been scrapping heaps these holidays! Here are a few of the layouts I've done over the past week. For the last few weeks I was making thankyou cards for Nan to send out after Pa's funeral. (Note to self: get a cuttlebug of your own before you give this one back to Tracey!) I've had fun, pulling out some older products I've had laying around for a while and scrapping just for the fun of it.





A few of these were for the Scraptherapy CC last weekend, and the (Im)perfect one was from Bon's blind scrap - thanks Bon! I've done more this weekend, but I'll upload those next time. K, I'd better go and figure out the best parking for Darling Harbour ... eep! Cya all later!