L.I.S. Life In Segments

Thrift shop finds

2012-01-25T14:42:00.002+10:00

While the boys have had school holidays I didnt get to spend as much time browsing through the op shops as I would normally do. The boys really dont like to go and whilst I could leave them at home and just go by myself I was in holiday mode myself and actually didnt go out alot unless we had things planned.
Here are a few things that I did find;

Fab Tasmanian wooden bowl, perfect to sit on the bookshelf and hold all our keys.

Not sure what this may of been for originally, but so cute and Im certain will be perfect for a scrapbook page someday soon.

I love to do jigsaws and this one was marked complete so I just had to have it (more on this in a later post).

A few books that Ive been after or just caught my eye and I plan on working my way through.

Music in the night by V.C. Andrews - I have pretty much her whole collection.
The Diary of Anne Frank by Anne Frank - read this before but didnt have a copy and want to read it again.
The shelter of stone by Jean M. Auel - have read 4 of her books and this is another in the series that I didnt know about.
(if anyone sees any of her books in their op shop travels I would love if you picked them up for me, more than willing to pay postage to get them to me)
Jessica by Bryce Courtney - enjoyed reading some of his books last christmas.
Marley & Me by John Grogan - movie was sweet thought the book would be a good read.
The Last Juror by John Grisham - have quite a few of his books and enjoy his style.

I have quite a few books to work my way though there but I love to read so am planning on reading a little every day if I can.

Cheers Lis :)

Wicked sketches

2012-01-22T20:14:00.005+10:00

To get myself back into the swing of scrapping I thought starting with a sketch would be a good way to go, and of course the Wicked Princess sketches are just fab so thats where I headed.
They have a new sketch every week and they never fail to inspire me to create.
So here are the layouts I managed...

Sketch 3

Sketch 2

Sketch 1

Really enjoyed creating again and looking around already to see what to do next. Think I might need to get some photos printed!

Cheers Lis :)

Remember When ?

2012-01-18T15:08:00.002+10:00

Everyone who reads my blog knows that I love art journals, I have quite a few. I find them very relaxing and Im free to just let my creativity flow with no boundaries.
Always on the lookout for new inspiration around the web so when I read on Emily's blog about her getting back into her journals and a new one she was doing for this year I decided to play along too. If you want to read more about Emily's journal and her prompts and the FlickR group she has started then just head on over to her blog.

My journal cover - a lovely hardcover journal I found whilst thrifting it has a red elastic band to hold it all together. I used pattern pieces and book and music paper with a vintage image and inside because the pages are quite thin I pasted a few together to make it sturdier.

I decided to stay with the Nanna prompt and dedicate it to her home, it was such a warm and loving place, you always wanted to be there.

Stay tuned for more of this art journal journey.
Cheers Lis :)

Scuba diving 101

2012-01-15T16:01:00.002+10:00

Last week we had some beautiful weather and spent alot of time out in the pool. John decided to get his scuba gear out and blow some of the cobwebs out, the boys of cause were all keen to have a go. Josh and Dan both started with just the snorkle and mask and then breathing with the tank before he let them under the water. They both caught on after some initial too quick breathing and loved it. I think there might be some scuba courses in the future.
Poor Jay really wanted to have a go to, but is still a little young so he sat and watched with me. Im the only one that isnt interested in having a go, the thought of something over my face like that freaks me, im quite happy to sit and watch.

A few pictures of their efforts...

Cheers Lis :)

What I wore Wednesday

2012-01-11T15:33:00.002+10:00

My first What I wore post since before we moved, but with a little difference. Seeing as the temperature the last few days has been 35C+ Ive been wearing togs or pj's, neither of which is a good look tobe showing on my blog lol so I thought Id share a few things Ive recently picked up on my op shopping.
This one a Piping Hot picked up for $4

This one I needed to stitch a little at the front so it wasnt so low cut, it had the tag cut out so I dont know the brand, but $5

This ones my favourite of the three a Lily Whyt dress for $6. I figure in summer I can wear it as is and I could team it with jeans and a cardy for winter.

Check out what the other ladies have been wearing the links are all on my side bar.

Cheers Lis :)

Visual Journaling

2012-01-09T20:50:00.004+10:00

I used to keep a diary/journal wrote in it every day until it seemed tobe the same things going in daily (yup boring life here lol) and it was feeling more like a chore than something to enjoy., so I stopped. Ive always had a diary, with the boys school/sport/work I would never know where I was if I didnt. I have been keeping these diarys and when we moved I realised whilst they held memories of things we have done they were taking up alot of room.
So I decided to make a monthly calender style visual journal. Jotting down the important things we did each month, but making it all pretty and stuff...adding stamps and pictures , doodling, whatever took my fancy at the time.
So now I still have a record of each month but in a much more condensed and creative style.

A look at Oct, Nov and Dec 2011

Do you keep a journal of any kind ?

Cheers Lis :)

and the WINNER is.....

2012-01-09T11:06:00.002+10:00

I'm a little shocked that only two people entered into the giveaway, I thought every one loved a freebie, oh well....
Seeing that there was only the two comments it hardly seemed fair to give to one and have the other lady miss out, so I have decided to split the giveaway and share it with both Aga and Car.
So ladies thank you for reading and commenting on my blog and if you will both email me with your details I will get a package in the mail for both of you.

Back later with a share of my calender journal Ive been working on.

Cheers Lis :)

"Start the year" giveaway

2012-01-04T16:05:00.003+10:00

As you would know if you read my blog we recently moved. So seeing as its a new year and I have a nice clean sorted out craft room (that has been purged) I would have a "Start the year" Giveaway.

All you have to do to enter is leave me a comment with a link to your crafty space ( I love browsing through other crafters spaces) comments will stay open until Sunday 8th January 2012 at 11.59 Qld time.

Here is what you will win if your the lucky random person chosen.

Cheers Lis :)

Craft Blogs

2012-01-04T14:24:00.005+10:00

I have just linked my blog up to the huge big list of crafters over at Universal Craft blog. Going to slowly work my way through the list and soak up all the inspiration to be found.
Have you linked your craft blog yet ?

Cheers Lis :)

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T15:14:00.004+10:00

I found this on Pinterest here. Iplan on filling my year with a whole lot of new things as well as those I already love to do.

original picture source

Alot more scrapbooking than last year...

More art journaling...

Getting my sewwing machine out more and attempting to sew things rather than just mend...

make more jewellery as gifts and to sell...

Crochet more....

Get my stockpile of cards back up again....

Decorate my home with more thrifted and made things....

I also want to be alot more organised early rather than last minute, socialise with friends and family more and try (teenage boys make it hard) and do more family activities.

What are your plans for 2012?

Cheers Lis :)

Happy Birthday Jayden

2011-12-30T16:30:00.002+10:00

My baby boy celebrates his 14th Birthday today!

<a blogger_onblur=" try="" {parent.deselectbloggerimagegracefully();}="" catch(e)="" {}="" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kq9w7xn0fSI/Tv1bPwxsHpI/AAAAAAAAE9Q/fuTHifCHJh4/s1600/2011_1204house0052.jpg" />

Hope that you have a fantastic day mate love you lots xox

Cheers Lis

A Place to call home.

2011-12-08T15:48:00.004+10:00

It has been 6 weeks since my last post about hating to move, back then we were madly sorting and packing and making trips to the tip/thirft stores, as well as scouring every rental site around.
First week into November we were lucky enough to find a fab place, a little out of the area we wanted, but workable. Boxes have been unpacked (well mostly) and homes found for almost everything and its starting to feel alot more like home.
Whilst the whole move had us mentally and physically exhausted the new home is bigger than our old place, the boys all happy they have their own room, plenty of room inside and out for everyone tohave their own space (I get a bigger scrap space!!) and a pool which even though the weather hasnt been the nicest has had plenty of use.
I now have to try and get organised for christmas, I hadnt done a thing before we moved which is so unlike me.
Hopefully in the next week or so I will get back to regular blogging and some creating as well.

A few photos of our new home to share..

The front view, I really love the fact the access is from the bottom floor and the stairs are internal.

Deck leading of the dinning room, lovely cool space can see this getting alot of use.

Not only a pool, but a great big back yard as well and no back neighbours!

I think in the month we have been here there has only been maybe 3 days the pool hasnt been used, even yesterday with the rain and all Jay was out in it lol

Want to send out huge thanks to Christine, Bronnie and Jim for all their help with our move, couldnt of done it without you all xox

Cheers Lis :)

I hate moving

2011-10-29T11:37:00.003+10:00

Blogtoberfest 2011 - day 29
Ive really fallen of with the daily blogging the last week, I just dont have the energy or time to come up with a post and I dont think Im going to get the next 2 days in either, oh well I gave it a good shot.

This is what our place is looking like, empty boxes, full boxes lotsof junk and trash, its stupid how much stuff we accumulate.

Actually packing is the easier part of the deal it seems, finding somewhere else to live that we can afford and that will fit us all (even at a squeeze) is prooving to be the major issue.

Oh well back to it.

Cheers Lis :)

What I wore Wednesday

2011-10-26T20:24:00.002+10:00

Blogtoberfest 2011 - day 26

Im a bit late this week with my outfit post been a pretty full on day with sorting and packing and scouring real estate web sites for a place to live still.
Im not looking real flash this week, needed to be cool and comfy to pack boxes.

jean shorts - target
Singlet - thrifted
no shoes I never left the house except to hang the washing.

Check out all the other ladies playing by clicking on the links in my side bar.

Cheers Lis :)

Interview with Me.

2011-10-22T22:54:00.004+10:00

Blogtoberfest2011 - day 23 During my browsing around reading blogs that are taking part in Blogtoberfest I found this interview idea on Nathasha's blog (she originally got it from Falling Ladies) and decided to use it for todays post.
Can you tell I am running out of things to blog about lol
So, here's a little interview with me :)

1. What should you be doing right now instead of sitting on the computer?
I should be packing boxes, but I just needed a break from it.

2. What's the messiest area of your house? and dare you to show us...
Right now, the whole lot is full of things to throw out, things to donate and things to pack, as well as boxes that are already packed ready to move.

3. 5 simple things that make you happy right now, above and beyond the obvious like your family and your health...
My son finally getting his provisional licence!
A good cup of coffee
Sunshine

4. When did you last cry?
Sunday night, watching Marley and Me.

5. Favorite book...
Oh hmm I havent read anything in ages, I really like anything by John Grisham. Christmas time I read the Potato Factory by Bryce Courtney and I really enjoyed it.

6. How many pets..
We have goldfish and yabbies, Id count, but yabbies are like rabbits they breed like you wouldnt believe lol

7. 2 Goals... one huge and unrealistic one, and one achieveable one...
Huge and unrealistic - to visit relatives in the Netherlands for christmas, having just found them it would be so nice to spend some time getting to know them, sadly it isnt going to happen this year.
achievable - to find a place to live that suits and we can afford and pack and move before the 14 of November

8. 5 things in your purse besides money and a cell phone...
My camera
notebook
sunglasses
lip balm
diary

9. The emotion or feeling you hate the most...
This is really silly but I hate that I cry so much, it doesnt take much at all to have the tears rolling down myface. Even seeing someone else cry, someone that i dont even know, and that can be embarrassing.

10. If you could have 50 pounds of anything except money or gold what would you want?
ooh this is a hard one, I think possibly jewells, diamonds, sapphires, rubies fit for a queen.

Cheers Lis :)

Summertime will soon be here.

2011-10-22T19:36:00.003+10:00

Blogtoberfest 2011 - day 22

In just over a month it will officially be Summer, but the days are already quite warm up here in Brissie. The long tops and jumpers have been put to the back of the wardrobe and the summer clothes brought forward.
Browsing around looking for great summer bargains and inspiration for outfits I headed back to Birdsnest a great site with ladies, mens and childrens clothes and outfit inspiration.

Here a few that I would definately wear....
The striped outfit on the right over a pair of shorts though not as a dress. Love that bag with that outfit, its just so pretty.

Shorts and tanks are pretty much my summer staples its too hot to wear much else.

Now you could dress these shorts outfits up with a different pair of shoes or you can even interchange the tops for even more combinations.

For those times when I need to dress it up a little more a maxi dress will do the trick, nice and casual still with a pair of flat sandals.

or a dressier look with a pair of heels.

What will you be wearing this summer, do you have your favourites or do you need to buy some new things.
This is pretty much my favourite time of year.

Cheers Lis :)

In full bloom

2011-10-21T16:16:00.002+10:00

Blogtoberfest 2011 - day 21

I totally missed yesterday and never even thought about it till just now, its only the 2nd day Ive missed all month so I think thats not a bad effort for someone who was lucky to blog twice a week.

You might remember this post on my blog a little while back about my Hippiatrum plants and how they finally had buds after so long not flowering.
Well they are now out in full bloom and they look so pretty, its just such a pity that they dont last very long.

Cheers Lis :)

What I wore Wednesday

2011-10-19T11:21:00.002+10:00

Blogtoberfest 2011 - day 19

Another Wednesday and another outfit to share, today I am running around sorting this house out to move still, I have to go look at a house that *fingers crossed* will suit and they let us have, then going to have coffee with Maree and Bronie.

So, not very elegant, but comfy, and will prolly throw on a cardy when I go out as the wind has picked up.

Jeans - thrifted
Singlet - tempt
striped tank -Tempt
sandals - Williams Shoes
necklace - as seen before
bracelet - also seen before thrifted

Close up of my Sandals, I love these and they are so comfy.

To check out what all the other ladies are wearing this week click on the links in my side bar.

Cheers Lis :)

A little bit creative.

2011-10-18T16:51:00.005+10:00

Blogtoberfest 2011 - day 18
(missed yesterday oops was just too exhausted to even think about my blog.)

Recently I started to renew my interest in costume jewellery, its come along way since I was a teen. Shops like Diva and Equip have done alot to help this refreshed trend along.
Being on a tight budget and the creative person I am, I look at things and think I could make that, do you do that ?

I have had a good collection of beads and bits and pieces for quite a few years, always picking them up and op shops in my travels thinking one day I will do something with them.
Well I did something with them, they are not fancy or anything but either am I and I like my jewellery simple.
So here are a few pieces that I have made.

A simple but easy crochet lanyard thats looks alot prettier than the store brought ones :)

I have a few pieces on my Pinterest that I am thinking about making too, you can check them out here.
P.S. I made this is a great site for inspiration as well, she has made some amazing pieces.

Cheers Lis :)

Packing up the house - Blogtoberfest 2011 - day 16

2011-10-16T21:52:00.002+10:00

A week or so ago the real estate informed us that the owner of the place we rent had decided to sell. They said they would try and find someone who wanted an investment property so that we could stay on, we have been in this house for 8 years.
Last weekend a young guy came and looked at the place then Tuesday the real estate informed us that a contract was in place and gave us notice of 30 days to vacate the place...
30 days OMG I freaked how can we find some where else and pack up this place in that time.
I have been scouring real estate websites, ringing around and visiting houses and so far we have found nothing that suits, I pray that we find something soo.

In the meantime we have started to sort and organise and pack, we decided that downstairs storage and workshop was the best place to start so we have spent the last week doing this. How the hell we accumulated so much stuff is beyond me.

We have alot of storage space here and havent gotten rid of any of the boys things since they were alot younger. After getting it all out on the front lawn and going though and sorting what we were going to keep, I asked my neighbour (who has young children) if she wanted to come have alook at it, she did and pretty much took the lot. I helped her take it all back to her place, the kids were so cute they were so excited it was like christmas.

We then emptied out the shed where all the bikes and skateboards etc are kept, Oh my why did we need this many lol they too got culled and we have only kept enough for each of us. Instead of like a shed full.

The garage/workshop has been the hardest and at this stage we are prolly only about 1/4 of the way through it. Two trips to the tip so far and most likely a few more to come makes me wonder why again do we keep so much stuff.
Should make a pact to not hoard so much lol not liking my chances though.

So that was my weekend, hope that yours was alot more relaxing and fun.

Cheers Lis :)

Blogtoberfest 2011 - day 15

2011-10-15T23:30:00.002+10:00

Just barely making it for todays post, nothing to show been too busy sorting and cleaning out ready to pack for our move, then had Dan's footy presentation tonight.
Tomorrow's post will be a little more interesting.

Cheers Lis :)

A little bit of the everyday - blogtoberfest 2011 - day 14

2011-10-14T17:40:00.003+10:00

Our three boys have always been the outdoor type, loving to get out in the yard and kick a ball around or play some basketball or just generally muck about. As they have gotten older it hasnt changed, even with Josh at work now and the others in senior high school they still get out in the yard any chance they get.
I love the fact that (most times) they all still get on and are willing to hang out with each other.
Some photos from last weekend.

Cheers Lis :)

Whats your obsession ?

2011-10-13T17:50:00.004+10:00

Blogtoberfest 2011 - day 13

Everyone has something that they totally obsess about, need to have even if they dont really need it, some even have more than one thing.
My whole life I have been a tomboy, more interested in sports and hanging out with dad and the guys rather than girly things like makeup and clothes.
There are two things though that bring me right back into that girly zone, shoes and handbags/purses. For some reason I just love them both and have probably (the hubby says definately) more than I really need, but thats ok right ?

I thought I would share some of my bags and purses with you.

This one was given to me by my SIL and I love it, fits everything that I could ever need to put in there including my camera!

My current day to day bag, little pockets on the outside for keys and phone and an adjustable strap so it can be hand held or over the shoulder

This is my go to bag for op shopping, the footy, anywhere that I want my hands free. Its lightweight and has a smaller pocket and fits quite a bit in it.

My dressy evening purses quite tiny and only fit the bare essentials but so pretty!

I got given this one too, its ever so elegant, but despite its size doesnt really fit all that much into,I use this one more for special occaision outings.

These last two I crocheted myself, really easy to do and such pretty wool, I do need to line them though. I took one out shopping and without being lined they stretch rather alot.
A much nicer and earth friendly version of the plastic bag too .

Whats your obsession ? Love to hear what you love and just cant do without.

Cheers Lis :)

What I wore Wednesday

2011-10-12T12:45:00.003+10:00

Blotoberfest 2011 - day 12

is Wednesday and that means an outfit share. Nothing special today, im trying to sort out this place and organise boxes in preparation for moving. Hence the no shoes im inside and I never wear shoes inside.

Pants - op shop (cple years ago)
White singlet - Tempt
Khaki tank - op shop

If you would like to see more What I wore Wednesday posts and check out what the other ladies are wearing then click on the links on my side bar. I fyou want to join in with us then just leave me a link to your blog :)

Cheers Lis

The many uses of scrap papers - Blogtoberfest 2011 - day 11

2011-10-11T23:35:00.002+10:00

One of the most common things scrapbookers share is the amount of scrap papers that we end up with, it amounts to ALOT very quickly.
I store mine by colour in plastic folders and every so often I will go through and cull, I give to my kids (as there getting older they dont want them as much) the little kids next door or the local kindy.
Sometimes I even create things with them, I went looking for some circle embellishments to use on a layout and realised my supplie was low so I got all my scraps out and started cutting, scrunching, inking and gluing together till I ended up with a big pile of circle embellies to use.

After I had made all the circles I still had a pile of papers left on my desk so I decided that rather than put all the bits back into the folders I would make up some cards.
Generic styles.

Girly styles

I try and make all my cards (I really dont like paying $5 for a store brought one) and like to have a good supply at the ready so that Im never caught short.

Cheers Lis :)

My little scrap space - Blogtoberfest 2011 - day 10

2011-10-10T17:41:00.004+10:00

I havent shared any photos of my space for a long long time, so as Ive had a clean up (haha) and move around I thought Id share.
The tiny room is only half mine, hubby has his desk,computer and things in it too, also all our family papers etc are in this room too.
Ive written little notes on all the photos so you can see what I have stacked up where. Its not the ideal space, but it is somewhere I can just leave it all and come back to it when I want and not have to pack it all up when im done scrapping or creating.

I love browsing around looking at others scrap areas it inspires me, so feel free to share links to your own rooms.

Cheers Lis :)

Backyard DIY - blogtoberfest 2011 - day 9

2011-10-09T20:19:00.004+10:00

A couple of months ago the boys borrowed a fire pit (similar to the one pictured below) from our neighbours to have at a party. After that they got to looking around at buying one for themselves, now either they couldnt find one or they werent cheap, Im really not sure, but they come up with the idea to make one.

A 44 gallon drum was sourced, paid for and brought back to our yard, now it sat for a couple of weeks before Dan decided that he had a party comming up and wanted to be able to use it.
With dad's help they cut the drum in half and with lots of tools (I hardly know the name of let alone how to use) and instruction from dad Dan set to turning the drum into a fire pit.

I was a little nervous watching him welding and such but he did such a good job, his first attempt at it. In just over a week the drum was all welded, a stand made and the lid attached and they had themselves a fire pit.

Apparently at some point they are going to make a rotisserie or some such so that it can be used as a spit as well.

Both John and I are proud of the fact that they dont mind getting their hands dirty and trying to make things themselves.

Cheers Lis :)

Saturday - Blogtoberfest 2011 - day 8

2011-10-08T23:40:00.002+10:00

Popping in quickly to get my daily post in, its been a day of nothing really.
Last night at Girls Night in was a blast, had lots of fun, thanks to Janette and her team for yummy food, great company, laughs and some amazing fundraising, thanks to Bronie for getting me home safely :)
Today I struggled to get moving, but had no choice as the real estate were showing prospective buyers through so the place had to be presentable.....
I did manage to grocery shop, but other than that its been a veg on the couch day.
Some good news from Dan last night after his induction course, he has a JOB!! Starts his first shift Monday at Coles!

Tomorrow is another day.
Cheers Lis :)

Girls Night In - Blogtoberfest 2011 - day 7

2011-10-07T17:47:00.003+10:00

Just a quick one, am of to a Girls night in, sure to be lots of champagne flowing and lots of fun as well as raising funds for a great cause.

You can read all about the details in my previous post Here.

Cheers Lis :)

Blogtoberfest 2011 - day 6

2011-10-06T16:38:00.002+10:00

Some days around here are really slow and I dont have that much to do at all other than housework and create, then you get days like today where I am flat out and hardly at home.
My day started with taking Josh to work (cant wait till he gets his licence) then back home, get the other two of to school, get myself ready (and presentable) and tidy up before back out to pick Josh up and get to the train station so he can get to Tafe.
Then quickly head of to the high school for a special recognition breakfast (morning tea) for Jayden.

(blurred details for privacy)

Was so proud of Jay being awarded a Positive Behaviour Award.
I then headed to the local shops to get all my bills and errands done, it was packed with people today for some reason so that made going slow.
Home for a quick coffee before I was again out to meet the boys after school and head to the bank to organise opening Dan a bank account. Now back home for a little bit to organise something for dinner, with Tom here as well, then heading of to take Dan to pre season footy training.

Once I get back home, im hoping I can settle back on the couch with my crochet bag and some fav tv shows.

Cheers Lis :)

What I wore Wednesday

2011-10-05T08:58:00.002+10:00

Blogtoberfest 2011 - day 5

Its Wednesday again and that means another outift to share. Hanging out at home today, with a quick trip to the local thrift store hopefully later on today.
So here is an outfit worn this week,

Jeans - Jay Jays (thrifted)
White singlet - tempt
striped singlet - Big W a few summers ago
sandals - Kmart $8
bracelets - made by me
necklace - Cosmetics plus for the owl, restrung onto my own sterling silver chain. (allergy to metals stops me just using store brought chains)

Close up of my bracelets.

If you want to join in with our weekly posts just leave me a comment to let me know and if you would like to see what all the other ladies are wearing this week check out the links on my sidebar.

Cheers Lis :)

Its flowering!!

2011-10-04T16:41:00.005+10:00

Blogtoberfest 2011 - day 4

When we first moved into our home there were two pots sitting out that back, they looked dead, bulbs exposed nothing really that looked like a plant. Now having black thumbs (family laugh that I killed a parsley plant once) I just left it....
To my huge surprise come spring these pots started to flower, every year after that we had 3-4 flowers in each pot. Dad visited one year and informed me they were Hippiastrum (sp) he also decided to take cuttings back home for himself. Didnt bother me, until that is spring came around next year and no flowers, next year no flowers, whilst the cuttings dad took home flowered and continued to every year.
Its an ongoing joke between me and dad about his Hippiastrum flowering and mine not, I blame him of course lol
With all the work we are doing out the back we decided to move the pots and put near the back steps, figured it wouldnt hurt they werent doing any good where they were anyways.

WELL.... this morning I go out the back to hang the washing and I have buds!!! OMG they are going to flower this year!! Obviously the move was good for them.
I was so excited I had to share, and yes there will be a phone call to dad tonight to brag lol

Cheers Lis :)

He is all grown up - Blogtoberfest 2011 - day 3

2011-10-03T13:02:00.003+10:00

When you become a parent you go through stages of wishing they were a bit older or doing something sooner than what they are, other times when you wish they had stayed babies or toddlers.
My oldest, Josh turned 18 earlier this year and I struggle (still am to a certain extent) with the fact he is now no longer a child but an adult (add feelings of being old here), surely he couldnt have got there this soon, but he has and overall we are very proud of who he has become.
Well even prouder at the weekend when he brought his very first car!!! Saved up and paid in cash for it all by himself!
Looking at him with keys and hand and the biggest smile ive seen on him in awhile made me even prouder.
Sadly he doesnt have his licence yet, he got his book passed just before he went in for his knee reconstruction, so has had to wait until he got the ok from the specialist to be able to drive again - which they gave this week. So he now just has to book in and go for his test .
This again scares and excites me, firstly he will be out there driving all by himself, with mates etc I WILL be aprehensive each time, but I think thats a mums right. Yes ?
On the otherhand once he is able to drive himself, my duties as taxi driver diminish ALOT that I am looking forward to lol and if I play my cards right, he can take over some of the driving his younger brothers around lol
So, the new car a 1995 Ford Laser. He wouldnt let me take a pic of him in the car with it, so just have the car by itself.

Well done Josh, so proud of you, but please becareful .

Cheers Lis :)

Blogtoberfest 2011 - day 2

2011-10-02T12:33:00.002+10:00

I have had my blog for a number of years now and sometimes I am diligent in updating it and other times it can be weeks before I remember to upload a post.
I found a post on Car's blog ablout Blogtoberfest that i thought I would give a try. I am a day late starting, but I figure that wont matter, hopefully I can get through the entire month with a post a day.
Disclaimer; Its possible that some of the posts for the month might be less than interesting, just bits and pieces about whats happening around here with me and the family.

You can find more information about Blogtoberfest 2011 Here.

I managed to find time to finish of another crochet blanket, this ones not as big as the others, more of a lap blanket for the couch on a chilly night. I love the bright colours, it adds a little bit of spring to the loungeroom.

On a recent thrift shopping day I found this solid wood black frame for $5, it was missing the hanger on the back (easy fixed with a trip to the hardware store) I played around a little and finally came up with this family sign to hang on the wall above my wall unit where I have all my family photos.

Lastly, just wanted to share a picture taken a few days ago of the sky as the sun was starting to go down.

Back tomorrow with an exciting post about something new in our household.

Cheers Lis :)

Girls just want to have funds...

2011-09-29T09:09:00.003+10:00

The football club the boys play at hold a Girls night In every year to raise funds for womens cancer, this year will be my first and has been promised to be lots of fun.Ladies this is for a great cause so come along and have some fun whilst raising some much needed funds.

All the details are below, if you need anymore details then pop me an email or comment.

Gather your female friends and family and enjoy a fantastic night out at our 6^th annual Girls just want to have FUNDS – Girls Night In raising money for women's cancer and helping out the Springwood Pumas at the same time.

Finger food, champagne on arrival, door prize ticket included in your $30 entry/sponsor ticket ... and a gift bag of Yuva products valued at around $180 is available to the first 100 ticket holders.

To ensure you don’t miss out, please click HERE and SPONSOR our event for $30 and we will email your ticket to you.

For the latest updates on the nights events, join our Facebook Group “GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUNDS”.

We hope you can join us and help us to achieve our goal of $7,000.

If you would like to help out but cant make it to the night then you can find all the donation details on the Qld Cancer council website Here.

What I wore Wednesday

2011-09-28T08:14:00.002+10:00

Wednesday again and time for another outfit post, I am really enjoying browsing around all the other ladies blogs and checking out what everyone wore. I think ive mentioned this before, but these weekly posts have had me being a little more thoughtful about what Im wearing on a day to day basis. As a stay at home mum it can be so easy to just not care what I wear and chuck on anything that fits every day, but I am now thinking about what to put on and mixing and matching and looking a little (hopefully) decent each day rather than sloppy and "I hope no one comes to visit looks" lol

The weather here is warming up nicely so the spring/summer clothes are getting moved to the front of the wardrobe. It is so much nicer to get up and not have to worry about being cold too.
So, my outfit for this week....

Jeans - Just jeans (thrifted a few years ago)
Singlet top - Tempt ( I have 2 in diff colours, love this top)
Cardigan - SES Fashions $3.95
Sandals - Corelli, Williams Shoes, hubby brought a cple years ago.
necklace - Diva brought by hubby for last christmas
bracelet - thrifted

A close up of my shoes, a favourite of mine for summer.

Dont forget to check out all the other ladies playing along the links on my sidebar and play along yourself, leave me a comment if you do.

Cheers Lis :)

Thrifty Finds

2011-09-25T20:46:00.002+10:00

Shopping of any kinds would have to be a favourite of mine, I dont always buy things but I love wandering around browsing an looking at all the pretty things.
Thrift shopping is something I have always loved doing, I mean who doesnt love finding a great bargain. I am pretty particular when I do thrift shop, picking through and only taking things that are in good condition or that i really need.

So this week I headed of to a couple of our local thrift stores and here are some lucky finds.

Such a cute little stone owl he was begging me to take him home.

The vase and branches I found at 2 different stores but love the way they look together in my lounge.

Some craft bits and bobs, the large roll has a heap of leather thonging such a bargain find.

Orange scarf which is really lightweight and can be used through spring as well as this great black and grey striped long singlet.

better view of the singlet.

I had a great week finds wise but im not always so lucky, sometimes I come away with nothing at all.
Do you thrift shop ? Love for you to share your finds with me.

Cheers Lis :)

Punky Scraps

2011-09-23T09:47:00.003+10:00

The girls over at Punky Scraps have some awesome challenges and the one for September did not disappoint, a fab sketch.
I adapted the sketch a little to accomodate my smaller layout size and documented about how Jaydens hands seem to wrinkle up really easy even after only a few minutes in water.

Check out all the other awesome creations over on the blog.

Cheers Lis :)

What I wore Wednesday

2011-09-21T09:54:00.002+10:00

Time again to share another outfit I wore this week. It's school holidays here at the moment and usually that means lots of late mornings, relaxed days of doing nothing much at all. Yeah, not this time, with Josh still recovering from his Knee reconstruction I am having to drive him to work every morning, so still up early. I also seem to be in the car more during school holidays than I do when the boys are at school, go figure...
Anyways, my oufit this week decided to take a self portrait a different way than the usual in the mirror kind.

Jeans - Just Jeans (thrifted)
Tshirt - Bauhaus (thrifted)
Crop Jacket -Kmart a few years ago
Sandals - Corelli from Williams a birthday gift from Hubby.
Necklace - thrifted $3

Be sure to head on over to the other ladies taking part (links on side bar) in the What I wore Wednesday shares and if you would like to join in with us then just link your blog post up in the comments :)

Cheers Lis :)

Scrap the boys

2011-09-19T14:41:00.002+10:00

I had such good intentions this month of doing a heap of scrapping, made a list up of all the challenges I wanted to do and even started doing this one for Scrap the Boys back in the first couple of days.
Fast forward to now and ive just finished the layout, just this one, it has sat on my desk for over 2 weeks waiting to be complete.
So here it is my layout for the September Scrap the Boys challenge. Have wanted to document Josh's love of fresh Boost juices for awhile now and found these Boost bucks when I was cleaning up.

I have made a start on another layout today, hopefully this one doesnt take me as long to finish.

Cheers Lis :)

What I wore Wednesday

2011-09-14T08:20:00.002+10:00

Some days I open up the wardrobe and pull things out and put together an outfit that I think looks good, I wear it all day and then I see a photo of it later and think OMG what was I thinking. Well this one of those days, really unsure of the dress in this outfit, its unusual for me to wear a dress to start with, im more a jeans and top kind of gal, and the bold print...
I did buy the dress originally to wear around the house in summer when its hitting 40 because its lightwight and easy wearing.

Dress - Op shop $4
Cardigan - Suzanne grae, op shop $3
Leggings - Kmart $8
shoes -Kmart sandals brought last summer $10

Be sure to check out all the other ladies playing, all the links ae on my side bar, would love to see you play along too and share your outfits.

Cheers Lis :)

Making a house a home - Part 2

2011-09-11T11:56:00.001+10:00

With Spring here and some warm weekends we have been able to get out in to the yard and work on finishing some of the projects underway.
If you are a regular reader you will remember how we started working on the back and front gardens, if not you can read more about it here..
Out the front under the front steps has had a plant and some stones added, still need to get some larger stones and not sure what else yet, maybe some sort of ornament.

Out the back...
I spent one Saturday afternoon on the little cactus garden, next time I really must wear gloves so my arms dont end up looking like I had a fight with a cat haha, so I got the back part all cleared out and the front all weeded and looking cleaner, added in some trellis, this is mainly to stop the cactus growing through the otherside of the rails but I think it looks good too.
The ladder is a very old one that we were given and that John said was unsafe to use, it got put there at one stage to get it out of the way and I kinda like the way it looked so it stays.

The biggest project in the back yard is still a work in progress, but its comming together slowly, with llimited materials for boxing the guys are only able to concrete a little bit at a time.

Cant wait till this area is complete, its going to be the perfect place to spend weekends during spring and summer.

Cheers Lis :)

What I wore Wednesday

2011-09-07T09:03:00.002+10:00

The days are rolling around so quick lately, its Wednesday and time to share another outfit I wore this week.
The days are warming up just a little, still a bit chilly first thing of a morning and at night, but really nice during the day generally.

Cardigan -Jeans West (op shop find)
Top - Tempt $9.95
Jeans - Target (op shop find)
Shoes - Kmart $8
Necklace - left to me by my MIL

A close up of the necklace. It looks really heavy but its actually quite light.

Be sure to check out all the other ladies participating, find the links to their blogs over on my side bar.

Cheers Lis :)

Inspired by a sketch

2011-09-04T13:50:00.002+10:00

Managed to get the last of the Wicked Princess sketches done just in time to upload. Some great sketches by Krissy and loads of fab creations with them over on the forum to check out.
Here are my examples.

Have been busy around the house re organising and working in the yard making the place a little more liveable and looking nice and not so much like a teenagers dumping site lol, back soon with some update photos.

Cheers Lis :)

What I wore Wednesday

2011-08-31T10:13:00.003+10:00

Its Wednesday again and time for another outfit. Its a stay at home day today getting alot of work done and preparing for a birthday dinner tonight for Dan who turned 16 today.
So my outift today is very basic.

Jeans - Jay Jays (op shop)
tshirt - Expressions (op shop)
Cardigan - Tempt (op shop)
Necklace - owl from Cosmetics plus taken of original chain and put onto one of my own sterling silver ones (due to being alergic to metals)
no shoes today, I hardly ever wear them around the house, just a pair of slip ons for going outside.

Dont forget to visit all the other ladies taking part lots of lovely wardrobe inspiration.
You can get all the links in my side bar.

Cheers Lis :)

Lets get picky

2011-08-29T19:17:00.002+10:00

Another Punky Scraps challenge, really enjoying these get picky challenges. This time around the girls chose.....

Tamara - Use Paint
Kat - Use sequins
Cheryl - Use a tranparency (branded or homemade)
Kerry - white space
Marie - something you found in your bag
Jolanda - Use something orange

I used black paint down the side and under the photo, sequins clustered in a few different spots, a transparency under the photo, white space and orange papers, and a hairslide I found in my bag (really weird things in there lol).

Cheers Lis :)

Heading into Spring.

2011-08-25T16:35:00.007+10:00

Spring officially starts on the 1st of September, but the weather person hasnt always been great at getting it right lol.
Apart from a week of rain that we just had our days are starting to become a little warmer. The mornings and nights are still a tad chilly though.
A review of the wardrobe which Ive done recently after taking part in the What I wore Wednesday posts, has seen me rearranging and moving the more wintery type clothes to the back as well as deciding what I am lacking and might need to purchase.
Accesories are a big part of my outfits, you can change an outfit with a necklace or scarf and I have quite a few of both. I used to think that a scarf was just a winter item, something to keep your neck warm, right ? Well it seems that a scarf is for any occaision, and some of the ones out
for spring a very cute!
A couple that caught my eye,

Orange/peach is quickly becomming a favourite colour for spring, its just so pretty.

I am not much of a girly girl, not really a skirts or dresses kind of girl, but I do have a weakness for shoes and handbags, you can never have too many of either right ? hahah
There are some really sweet shoes out for the spring season and these might just have to end up in my wardrobe I think...

Now my hubby would say I dont ever need another handbag, I have that many, pfft what does he know lol outfits change, looks change, you have to have a purse/bag that matches right ? Of course you do, these few are just too darn cute and perhaps may become new purchases.

Now I found this last one, and perhaps its not really my style for an everyday handbag, but its so cute might have to find a use for it. :)

Are you ready for the warmer weather, do you need to "spring clean" your wardrobe, what are you favourites out for Spring ? Share them with me, would love to see :)

Cheers Lis :)

What I wore Wednesday

2011-08-24T09:27:00.002+10:00

Wednesday again and another outfit worn this week. I would of thought that it being the end of August that the weather would start warming up a little, but for the last week and a bit it has been bitterly cold and windy and wet up here.
Still struggling to get a good picture, I need a free standing mirror I think.

So, my outfit this week some of which you have seen before - gotta love mix and match)
Pink top - Cotton On, op shop buy a few years back
Black Cardy - Target, op shop
Cargo pants - op shop
Black slip ons - Kmart
Grey scarf - gift from son

A close up.

Can you see a trend here lol Yep I love op shops! There are so many bargains to be had and so many amazing clothes that just need a little TLC and a new home.

Dont forget to go and check out the other beautiful ladies playing along and would love for you to play along too!
Mardi, Janelle, Yvette, Kylie, Car, Jane, and Charlotte who has her adoreable little man joining with us.

Cheers Lis :)

Punky Scraps

2011-08-18T16:32:00.002+10:00

Played along with Punky Scraps again this month, a fabbo sketch by Marie to get inspiration from.
Layout using a really old photo of Josh and his Pop.

Cheers Lis :)

What I wore Wednesday

2011-08-17T14:16:00.002+10:00

Wednesday again and time for another outfit reveal. Back to the selfie in the small mirror again this week as the boys were all out.
I dont have alot of warmer clothes as its not really cold enough for that long, so mixing and matching pieces I do have with different accessories is the only way I make it look like im not wearing the same thing all the time lol

Jeans - Just jeans (op shop a cple of years ago)
Top - Femme Connection (same one I wore a cple of weeks ago.)
Cardy - Navy this time SES Fashions (This is a newish store opened at the local shops and has 3 racks of marked down clothes out the front and every week its something different)
Scarf - a rare buy (I usually make them) from Cosmetics Plus

Last week I got asked about the bracelets I wore and what they were made from. I thought i'd just show you all. I made them myself using jewellery elastic and assorted beads just threading till I got the length I wanted. I then wind them around my wrist to wear.

If you would like to check out lots more great outfits then check out all the other ladies participating, Mardi, Janelle, Yvette, Kylie, Charlotte, Car and Jane. A few more have joined in the fun withh us now but would love to see more of you join.

Cheers Lis :)

Making a house a home

2011-08-16T17:23:00.002+10:00

Your home is a place that you want/need to be relaxed and comfy and suitable for your lifestyle. Living in a rented home it isnt always easy to make some of the changes that would really suit your family better.
Ten years ago back in Tassie, we were getting to the stage of having our yards right how we wanted them, but then the big move happened and circumstances change and here we are back renting again.
We have been in this high set Queensland home now for almost 8 years and have done the best we could with what we were allowed to do. Our landlord spoke with us recently and has told us that since we have no plans on moving any time soon that we could make improvements to the place if we wanted (as long as they improve not degrade the property)! Score ? Yes we realise that anything we do does have to stay if/when we leave, but for now we are relishing in making the place feel more like a home.

Last week with John home for a rare day during the week we decided to make a start.

As I mention before we live in a high set home so we have a number of steps at both the front and back of the house. The area under the front steps has been this ugly bed or dirt and crap since we moved in, we did try some plants, but it gets barely any sun and no rain to speak of so nothing really grows.
A trip to the garden place later (been wanting to do this for years) and a ute load of pebbles and ALOT of heavy shoveling on my part lol and it looks so much better (sorry for the bad photo sun was in a bad place).
It is by no means finished, we plant to keep an eye out for driftwood and large stones etc to make the area look great!

Under the back steps was a mixture of grass and broken croncrete,not really suitable for anything much. We had extra of the pebbles we brought so we filled up the back as well. We added a couple of concrete statues that John calls griffens lol and an old oriental candle thingy, still got more to do but its much better than it was.

Living in Brisbane almost all year round is about outdoors and we lacked somewhere out the back to entertain or just have family BBQ's that was under cover to protect from rain and Sun!
This one is still a major work in progress, with the roof needing some tweeking and the floor to be done, but as you can see the boys have certainly found uses for it already.

John has worked really hard on it and im so proud of him and thankful that he is great with his hands!
This big pile of what looks like dirt is actually some sort of concrete dust and will soon become the base layer under the pergola, all compacted down for pavers to be laid eventually.

This is the last wip for the moment, it was already here when we moved in and has plants on both sides of the broken timber fence (which looks rustic and I love), our plans are to pull out everything from the yard side and let the grass grow over it and just tidy out the front section. The boys are always out in the yard kicking some sort of ball around so by getting rid of the back part of the garden bed im making it easier for the boys and safer for the plants lol

I will be sure to update again as the different projects are completed.
What things do you have in your yard, would love to see them!

Cheers Lis :)

Inspired by a sketch

2011-08-15T11:12:00.002+10:00

Every month Wicked Princess inspires us with 4 fabulous sketches, the first for August was no exception, Krissy did a fabbo job with the sketch which you can see here.
This is my interpretation of it, as always adapted to fit my smaller layout size.

Using up some old scrap papers I have huge amounts of as well as some older photos of Jayden on the computer playing a game that has held his interest for quite awhile now.

If you are needing some inspiration then head on over to the Wicked Princess forum and check out their sketch challenges, sure to get you mojo happening.

Cheers Lis :)

Phase one done and dusted..

2011-08-13T15:03:00.002+10:00

Finally the day had arrived for surgery. After injuring his knee back in May during a footy game and many doctors, specialists, xrays, mri's etc later it was time to head of to the Mater. We were up there at day surgery by 6am, by 6.45 he was taken of to pre op. We were told about 4 hours for surgery and he would be back in recovery and then admitted to 8A.
First things first for me was coffee, I was really good and had nothing while we waited as Josh was fasting. I found a comfy spot in one of the waiting areas and sat down to read.
12pm comes, then 1pm, then 2pm and he still isnt even out of surgery, I admit I started to get worried then why was it taking so long. Finally at 3.15 he arrives back on the ward, apparently they had delays and he didnt go into surgery until after 11am.

Back on the ward he was awake just, very dopey still and not really with it, he wasnt in any pain though which was good.
We got told that everything had gone well, he would be taken for an xray just to check and make sure everything was where it should be.
By the time we left later that night he had become a little more alive and said he was just thirsty and hungry.
We left him to settle in for the night and returned the following day, doctor had been to visit and given him instructions and exercises, physio had been in and sized him up for crutches, he had his medications and was just keen to get home.
Navigating crutches he soon worked out wasnt as easy as he thought it would be, and the pain was a little stronger than he had imagined.
So phase one over, now the next phase is healing, then rehab. Think we are in for a long frustrating journey with him.

Cheers Lis :)

What I wore Wednesday

2011-08-10T15:34:00.003+10:00

It' s that time of week again. Time to share another outfit. I have learnt a few lessons doing this prompt every week, 1 - need to clean out wardrobe 2 - need to add some colour to my wardrobe and some pretty shoes would look great with some of my outfits haha.
Anyways here is this weeks outfit...

Black cardy - op shop
Grey singlet and overshirt - SES Fashions
Skinny Jeans - Femme Connection
Black Canvas slipons - Kmart
Birdcage necklace - Cosmetics Plus (I took the birdcage of the chain it came on and put it on one of my sterling silver chains as I have a major metal allergy)
Bracelets - made myself.

Check out the other ladies participating in What I wore Wednesday....
Mardi, Janelle, Yvette, Kylie

What I wore Wednesday

2011-08-03T13:19:00.004+10:00

Playing along for the 2nd week in the What I wore Wednesday posts with Mardi and Janelle. I think a few more girls are playing along too now, should find links for them on Mardi's blog.
Not having a full size mirror other than a skinny one in the boys room makes it rather difficult to get a good shot of what Im wearing, I think I might have to start getting Dan to take a photo for me before he leaves for school.
So this is what I wore.....

Grey cargo pants - Op shop
black canvas slip ons - kmart
grey striped top - kmart
grey scarf - xmas pressie from son

Ive realised doing these posts that I have an awfull lot of grey and black in my wardrobe. I think its time to add a little bit of colour to the mix!

Cheers Lis :)

Turning back the clock

2011-08-02T17:20:00.002+10:00

Remember back all those years (in my case lots lol) to when you were at kindy and you would happily sit and tear up lots of papers, magazines anything you could find and use lots of clag and stick all those bits into a scrapbook....
Well I've taken a llittle trip back there trying my hand at some collage. A few weeks back I was browsing through Donna Downey's blog and saw a post about Collage Monday. I instantly wanted to have a go too, so I scrounged around and found an old exercise book and some scrap papers and got tearing.
This is the cover of my journal.

Each Monday Donna is posting a collage that she has done, she generally has a theme, I'm taking inspiration from that theme and creating my own page.

Maps - this is a story about out big move from Tassie to Brisbane.

Flowers

Magazine cuttings - Can you imagine sitting on the beach surrounded by warm sand, sunny skies and breathtaking views...Magic

Paint chips

It has been such fun creating like this, thanks Donna for the inspiration.

Cheers Lis :)

Punky Scraps

2011-07-30T11:35:00.002+10:00

The gorgeous Tam introduced me to this awesome site, Punky Scraps a fun challenge site to help bring out your rebellious side and get those paintbrushes & inks out to grunge & punk up your Prima :)

Have to love a challenge that gets you thinking outside the square a little.

Challenge 23 is Get Picky
the criteria;
Michelle - Use photos of items, no people.
Camilla - 3 circles
Elin - Use Turqoise
Mandy - Stitching (real or doodled)
Nat - Use Red.
Jess - Use 1 or more staples
You can use all or just one of these for your project whilst we test this out.

and here is my layout for it, I think I pretty much covered all the criteria

Thanks Punky for an awesome challenge!

Cheers Lis :)

What I wore Wednesday

2011-07-28T17:19:00.002+10:00

Every week I read Mardi's What I wore Wednesday blog post and think I am going to do that, all my good intentions just never happen though, untill this week, finally I managed to get a photo (sorry its so crappy no one around to take it for me).
So here is what I wore yesterday.
Jeans - op shop
Boots - Big W
Cardigan - SES fashions
Shirt - Femme Connection
Scarf - made myself

Why dont you join in with the fun and post your own outfit. Can check out other ladies taking part Mardi, Yvette, Mel, Janelle.

I just had to share this amazing find, one of the best op shop purchases ive ever had I think.
A cream wool coat from Myer for $5 omg what a bargain!!
It really needs a dry clean, but I love it!

Cheers Lis :)

Its only hair..

2011-07-27T08:33:00.002+10:00

I have been a bit slow this month with the scrapping, with all the doctors and hospital visits i have had to get my men folk to I just havent had as much time as I would like to get creative.
So far I have managed to get sketch 1 for July over at Wicked princess done.

I was going through my photos trying to pick one to use for the sketch when I came across this one of Jay, straight away an idea jumped out at me. You might notice that in this photo he has a little bald patch on the side of his head...
Jay has this habit of pulling at his hair when it gets too long (apparently my dad used to do it as well) sometimes he doesnt even realise he is doing it.
When we took him of to get his hair cut, they found this little patch where he had pulled the hair out completely.
He just shrugged his shoulders and went "its only hair" lol boys.....

cheers Lis :)

Whats happening around here....

2011-07-22T09:53:00.002+10:00

Time for a little family update, not very interesting for most of you, but it keeps my interstate family friends up on whats happening around here :)

Finally we have a surgery date for Josh's knee reconstruction, 11th August. He is pleased that he now knows when its all going to happen, but a little aprehensive I think, not that he would ever admit it.
Its been so frustrating for him not being able to play footy this year, but at least after its done, he will be able to focus on recovery and getting back to play.

Mum, you were right, we hardly see him much anymore, he is quite the socialite these days with parties to attend and mates to hang out with. Weekends is when it all happens, sometimes he leaves here after work Friday and we dont see him again till Sunday....on the upside not going through as much food lol

Daniel, now we always said he was different, now we have proof lol Had our appointment with the fracture clinic yesterday, after looking over the xrays, checking with head of orthopaedics, the general consensus was what he had done to his arm was very rare and the resident had never seen it before, the consultant only once before....
So, this bone spur ? he has had on his arm for a few years now that he hurt playing footy 2 weeks ago and actually fractured is going to be the subject of a case study by residents today.
The outcome for Dan, is that is could be either Hereditary Exostoses or Arcase Stratus (pullling due to accelerated growth) dont worry I was lost too...
Either way there is no cause for worry, it will heal itself and wont cause him anymore damage to his arm.

My baby boy... driving us all crazy haha typical 13 yr old. He just returned from school camp, very tired and sore and grumpy, spending 3 days out in the bush with a group of boys doing all sorts of boy stuff lol.

My man, is going through his only little medical journey at the moment. His back got to the point where he had to do something else about it. So a neurosurgeon appt was made....
Wednesday he had an anti inflamatory injection in his spine, and whilst it hurt like a bitch and gave him a dead leg for pretty much the remainder of the day/night, it seems like maybe it is going to do some good. Fingers crossed because if not it may have to be surgery, which neither of us want to go through again.

Me, well im taxiing people around to doctors, hospitals, work and footy, same old same old, the weight loss regime got lost still waiting for it to reappear lol

Cheers Lis :)

Scrap the boys

2011-07-16T23:56:00.002+10:00

I am on a roll with scrapping, getting someof my older photos onto layouts finally. Im also using up lots of older product and bits and pieces laying around on my desk.
This layout is for Scrap the Boys July challenge, the challenge was...
To use TAPE on your layout, this can be decorative tape, masking tape or even think outside of the square and make your own.
You also need to use PLAY in your title.

I have used some photos of Dan and Jay playing with their skateboards out the front of our place. Love that we live in a very quiet street that allows them to do this.
I have used lots of different tapes, blue & white electrical tape, finger strapping tape, micropore 3m tape, data cable tape (the strip with all the 1's on it) and Tim Holtz tissue tape.

Will try and get back tomorrow with a bit of a family update, not very exciting for most of you but it keeps the interstate family happy :)

Cheers Lis :)

Happy mail!!!

2011-07-15T10:55:00.003+10:00

Everyone loves receiving mail that isnt a bill and when its something yummy that you can create with its even better.
I recently took part in a scavenger swap over at Wicked Princess. My partner was the gorgeous Barb and the other day this yummmy bundle of goodies turned up in my mail box!!!
Thank you so much Barb, you really spoilt me and I cant wait to get creative with it all.

Cheers Lis :)

Reality Show junkie.

2011-07-12T10:10:00.007+10:00

Confession time... My name is Lisa and I am a Reality TV show junkie hahaha. The cold has taken me out of my scrap room where its really cold of a night and into the lounge in front of the tv. I am really enjoying all the different reality shows on at the moment, not sure why they hold such a fascination for me, just have to watch them!!

Just finished Dancing with the stars has been something ive watched since the first series. This series I really liked Samantha (even though she really struggled) and Manu who was just so entertaining to watch, and WON!!

Now those that know me well, know that my kitchen is not a place that I enjoy being, lol I really dont like to cook. So does it seem strange that I like a cooking show ? Quite possibly, but I think that maybe Jamie makes these 30 minute meals look that easy I might even be able to do them lol.

Again with a cooking show, Masterchef is another favourite I enjoy seeing what different dishes they come up with each episode but have no illusions that I could reproduce any of them lol. What I do like is that my boys enjoy sitting watching the show too and have often asked can I cook that.

From food to travelling around the world, now I am not going to get overseas anytime soon, so what better way to see some of the world than watching a group of people race around it. They have travelled to some amazing places and it makes me want to travel even more, when I watch each episode and see the countries and places they go to. My favourites are the cowboys!!

Back at home and lets do a little renovating and decorating,The block, love love these type of shows. My dream would be to get a house and do it up from scratch. John and I have even chatted about maybe applying to go on the show ? haha dont think we will actually do it.

Also looking forward to these two new shows starting soon...
Top Design with Jamie Durie.

and.. The Renovators.

What are you enjoying snuggling up on the couch watching at the moment ?

Cheers Lis :)

Beating the winter chills.

2011-07-08T10:10:00.005+10:00

Winter has rolled around again and it seems alot colder this year than it was last year, or its me not able to cope with it.
I have never liked the cold and always felt alot colder than the rest of my family. You would think the move to Brisbane would have me coping alot better than living in Tassie right? Well the first few years were good, but I think ive got used to it now, because come June im reaching for the uggies and snuggly blankets, whilst the boys are still running around in shorts and tshirts.....weird...

Have been browsing around the net looking at different clothes and came across this cute site Birdsnest. Shows you different outfits for all different occaisions and weathers, had some fun playing around on the site last night and have come up with a few favourites to beat the winter chills.

Not sure about the jewellery in this one, but I love the boots and would probably wear a long sleeve tshirt under the cardy.

This is my fav for hanging out at home or for football training, swap the singlet for a long sleeve tshirt and you have comfy and warm.

A little dressier for those trips to the shops or coffee with friends.

This one is my favourtie, I love that jacket and boots.

Not a big ballet flats fan, but switch them for boots or a pair of cute volleys and ditch the hat lol, whilst i love hats am not brave enough to wear one.

What do you do to beat the winter chills, love for you to share.

Cheers Lis :)

When motivation hits.

2011-07-05T22:20:00.003+10:00

So, its been school holidays here and the boys have been pretty much self sufficient, not needing too much of mums attention. Unless of course its to take them somewhere haha.
Thursday afternoon they were off at Short sword skirmish courtesy of the Krank program through the council.
Whilst they were gone I got the urge to scrap, and when motivation hits you have to go with it right ??
I had been checking out different challenges during the week and had bookmarked a couple ready to do.

June sketch 4 from Wicked Princess.

This one is the June sketch from Stuck sketches, I havent done one of their sketches for ages, really enjoyed this one.

Today I went and visited my sister and nieces, had a wonderful morning with them all, finally giving Nica her birthday present (yay she loved - I can buy cool girl gifts haha). Reading with Jess then going through her HUGE dress up collection one by one as she explained to me what each piece was lol.

Hope all mums are surving the holidays.
Cheers Lis :)

Scrap the boys

2011-06-30T17:40:00.003+10:00

This month I decided to have a go at some blog challenges again, its been ages since I did, this one is for the June challenge at Scrap the boys.
Had to use Red, Aqua, Yellow and White.

Cheers Lis :)

Completing half started projects....

2011-06-28T10:21:00.003+10:00

Surfing around the internet at all the amazing and inspirational items and tutorials is something I seem addicted to lately. I bookmark them or save to my HD and alot of the time I even start on some of them.
I get distracted easily and quite often have alot of half done projects lying around. Well the last couple of weeks I have worked on getting some of those UFO's finished.

A crochet granny square blanket for myself, the squares were fairly easy to crochet up but wow, sewwing in all those ends afterwards took almost longer than it did to crochet the blanket lol. Really pleased with how it turned out and I tried a different way of crocheting the squares together that I found here. It took forever and used alot of wool, but it looks really good (imho).

I also worked out how to do a scalloped border instead of the standard straight one.

Baby blanket for a friends daughter who is due to have a little boy very soon. A bit simpler pattern this time around, using a really soft 12 ply wool (a little out of the ordinary for a baby blanket but wanted to do something that he could keep for quite a few years).

My next UFO I plan to complete, a blanket for the boys, I have a few more squares to get done then comes the sewwing in ends and joining... maybe before winter ends lol

I decided to have a go at creating my own crochet trim, took awhile to work out patterns but pretty pleased with how these turned out.

Hope you are having a great day!

Cheers Lis :)

Wicked Princess sketches

2011-06-26T18:19:00.002+10:00

Getting back into the swing of things with my scrapbooking lately with the help of some fabbo sketches from Wicked Princess.
These are the first 3 sketches for June.

If you are looking for some inspiration then head on over to the Wicked Princess forum and check out the sketches and other challenges they are sure to get the mojo flowing.

Cheers Lis :)

A past not forgotten...

2011-06-21T16:51:00.002+10:00

Having inlaws that were born on the otherside of the world had made it difficult to put together a family tree for Johns side, trying to track down relatives some of who dont even speak English.
Through the magic of facebook we recently connected with family in the Netherlands. Its been fantastic to chat and find out about abit about their part of the world.
Imagine how excited we were when Jonna recently uploaded some very old photos of FIL's family, his parents and grandparents and of him as a child!!
We are so thankful to have family willing to share and cant wait to get copies in the mail. I am certain that Hank (FIL) will be so thankful and emotional when he gets to see them.
Thank you Jonna :)

A few of the photos she gave us...

Cheers Lis :)

Nuffnang

2011-06-19T09:55:00.002+10:00

A little while ago I happened across a blog survey on the nuffnang facebook page, I think it said something about winning something, but I didnt take too much notice. I did the survey and then forgot all about it...
That is until this week...I received in the mail a free ticket to any Hoyts Picture theatre. Woooot!!
I hardly ever win anything so I was super excited, now just to decide what movie to go see!!!!

Thank you nuffnang!!!

cheers Lis :)

Wicked Weekend!!

2011-06-07T15:28:00.002+10:00

Two weeks ago I attended the Wicked Princess retreat just north of Brisbane! Oh WOW it was just the best weekend I have had in ages. I got to see my girl Tam again been way too long, and meet so many other girls for the first time. I havent laughed so much in one weekend ever I dont think lol.
Krissy outdid herself with the preperations for the weekend both her and her mum made sure that everything went perfectly, thank you to both of you!!
I even managed to scrap 8 layouts!!
Here is a little collage of photos from the weekend.

Cheers Lis :)

This week....

2011-05-24T17:22:00.002+10:00

This week has been so full on and its only Tuesday. Monday for us (me) is normally catch up day as we have spent all day Sunday at footy. Trying to get kits made and work out lists for what I am taking away on my very first Scrapbook retreat - more about this later - trying to finish crochet projects in time for birthdays and deadlines, add to that a house inspection on Wednesday and washing that seems to multiply overnight lol I havent stopped.

A couple of art journal pages that I got done last week.

Friday I am heading of on my first ever scrapbook retreat!!!!!!
Wicked Princess are having their first one too, its going to be so much fun and it sounds like Krissy has put alot of work into making it an awesome weekend!
To make it even more exciting for me I get to spend it with not only a great group of girls from the WP forum but my gorgeous girl TAM.
Its been way too long since we spent some REAL time together and im counting the sleeps!!!!

Cheers Lis :)

In the land of all things crafty

2011-05-14T12:09:00.003+10:00

I have been backwards and forwards from all sorts of diffferent crafty endeavours the last week or so. I have a list of things that I want to complete or try out thats way too long and I have this problem where I cant seem to stay with one thing untill its finished. I really have to work on that.
So a little share of what I have been up to....

A couple of Art journal pages, love my art journal, it seems to really help me get out of a scrapping slump by just playing around in it.

Have been crocheting as well, its like an addiction now ive learn lol currently have 3 different sets on the go in different colours, making a blanket for myself and a couple for friends daughters having babies.

Made a few more crochet lanyards to be sold at LissiB Handmade

This cute little crochet basket I made for a friend, but have ideas and wool for a few more.

I have a retreat comming up at the end of the month that I really need to get organised for as well as fitting in football committments and taxxing the boys around to various social events, so its full speed ahead at the moment...

Better get back to it
Cheers Lis :)

Crochet

2011-04-23T10:52:00.002+10:00

I learnt to crochet!!!!!!! Not just chains and squares which ive been able to do for awhile now, but I wanted to make some of the gorgeous things I see around the place. It looks so much prettier than knitting and the progress is alot quicker believe it or not.
So with a little help from Marie (thank you so much) I got my circles looking flat instead of like bowls lol and I mastered the double crochet stitch.
I started on some granny squares, and oh I love this pattern and probably will crochet up more squares than I know what to do with lol.
here are some examples of what ive done so far..

These ones are so pretty and so very soft, love this wool its so easy to crochet with.

So after mastering the granny square I decided that a flower was a must learn (being a scrapbooker and all), so many choices and uses for them.

It took a little while to find a pattern that I understood (im a visual person so pictures really help) I managed to work out what a 'hdc' (half double crochet) was and more impportantly how to do it.
Hello little sweet flower! Isnt it so pretty, so proud of me for mastering this lol

Here is what it looks like finished of and made into a ring for a friend :)

My next attempt is a triangle, ugh i searched so much yesterday and had so many attempts but just couldnt get my head around it, but I will perservere. If any of you have a really easy pattern (preferably with pictures) please let me know.

Cheers Lis :)

Why do "I" scrapbook

2011-04-19T12:21:00.004+10:00

After a conversation with some ladies the other day, I got thinking about why I scrapbook. We started chatting about photos and what we do with the 100's and 100's we take, of course this turned into chatting about scrapbooking (with a few of the ladies being scrapbookers).
I really enjoyed chatting with them about the craft that I love, not very often I get to do this in real life, that is until the talk turned to products and what we use. One lady was very strong in her opinions that scrapbooking is all about the latest and greatest products straight of the shelves of the best scrapbook stores.
Now I of course LOVE scrapbook stores, could spend hours in them, but thats not always practical nor does my bank balance love it too much. Whilst I do buy products, I guess mainly papers and stamps, I really enjoy handmaking elements for my pages (purse loves it too :) )

picture source

Scrapbooking is about preserving memories and telling stories for me and my family to have and share many years from now. Sometimes my pages are just photos and journaling and no fancy papers and embellishments.
Part of the enjoyment of the craft for me is playing with different elements and using imagination and creativity to make something.

Cutting papers and gluing, painting all those things we enjoyed as kids right? Well I for one still enjoy them.

I know this post isnt too exciting but, i just wanted to get out there that scrapbooking isnt always about the same thing for everyone, it is a craft that is personal and different for each individual and we shouldnt be judged because we wish to do something thats not classified main stream.

Cheers Lis :)

More scrappy shares

2011-04-14T09:07:00.003+10:00

I must admit that I am really enjoying getting back into scrapping again, forgot how much joy playing with papers and glue and paints is!

I took part in the Wicked Princess March Cybercrop, some awesome challenges got me motivated to scrap these layouts.

Kates challenge

Kerrys challenge

Krissys challenge

The beautiful Krissy at Wicked Princess has allowed me to organize an Art Journal challenge, every week a prompt will be put up in the forum to inspire you to get creative. There are no deadlines or prizes, this is just a fun journey into the world of mixed media. Come on over and join us in this messy, creative journey, its fun!

This is my page for week 1 - Art

Thanks for stopping by
Lis :)

Eighteen (18)

2011-04-08T08:34:00.002+10:00

Eighteen years, it seems to have just flown by so fast. I remember so clearly the day he was born like it was just last week.
He really has grown up into such a handsome young man, and we are so proud of who he has become.
Happy Birthday Josh, we love you mate!

Giveaway goes to.....

2011-04-05T08:58:00.002+10:00

Congratulations to Melody, you are the winner of the LissiB giveaway, email me with your colour choice for your bracelet and I will have your package out to you very soon.

A little give away

2011-04-01T10:20:00.004+10:00

As I metioned in my last post, here is a little giveaway, something to celebrate my return to scrapping. Have done another 3 pages this week and am starting on a mini album!!
To go in the draw to win this crochet lanyard (keys not included :) ) and a bead bracelet (your choice of colour) just leave me a short message below in the comments.

I will leave the comments open until Monday at midnight then will do a random draw for the lucky winner.

To check out the colours of lanyards I have up for sale and the rest of my jewellery then head over to facebook and like LissiB
Some of the pieces are one of a kind, but I can make colours to order.

Cheers Lis :)

I' ve been scrapping!!

2011-03-23T10:36:00.003+10:00

It has been over a year since I scrapped on a daily basis. My ankle injury and Life and lack of motivation had me on a scrapping draught. I did dabble a little with painting and my art journal and some other crafty avenues but not actual scrapbooking.
You know what ? I really missed it!
So im not back into daily scrapping but I am getting pages done and enjoying it again.

Wicked Princess put out some amazing sketches every month for their sketch challenge. There are usually 4 sketches every month done by the talented design team and this month so far ive managed 3 of them (working on the 4th now).

Sketch 3

Sketch 2

Sketch 1

I made a promise to myself that I wouldnt go and buy anymore pages until ive used up most of my stash - two 12x12 binders full (not alot in the big picture, but for me its lots) so these pages and alot to follow will be made using papers that are from 2 - 3 years ago.

Have some of my other crafty projects to share very soon...stay tuned there might just be a give away to celebrate my return to scrapping too!!

Cheers Lis :)

January - February

2011-03-17T17:42:00.005+10:00

I think after this post I might be upto date with the year so far, cant believe that its almost April already, only seems like we just got back from Tassie.
Whilst I expected the start of the year to be busy I never expected to have to pack so much into the first 3 months of the year.

First day back at school, this year just the two younger boys, with Josh having graduated last year.
They begrudgingly posed for the "must have" 1st day photos lol

Football is a winter sport, right ? hahah yep thats what they tell you...training however started for us last November with the senior team and February for youth.
Alot of changes this year with teams and clubs and without going into alot of detail both Josh and Daniel are now playing at Springwood. Josh into his 2nd year of 18's and Dan into his 2nd year of 16's.

The 18's had an intra club practice match against the reserves, and whilst no scores were kept the 18's did themselves proud and really served it up to the older, bigger reserve team.

The 16's coach has had them at Broadbeach (very very) early on Sunday mornings for training sessions. The word back from Dan is that it has been awesome.

Bit hard to pick which they enjoy more, the beach or the park play afterwards lol

Josh made his Senior debut and really stepped up and "owned" (his words lol). So proud of him he played so well and alot of feedback from the club about how well he did.

Bushrangers trial this year was a bit of a nightmare with the weather and it being cancelled then back on again. Springwood because of this didnt manage to get a team together, but Dan and a couple of other boys went along and got slotted into another team to try out.

We are now nearing the end of March and actually looking forward to footy getting underway properly, will be alot more of a relaxed year for us this year with no committee committments.

Also planning an 18th birthday party, my boy turns 18 in 3 weeks!!!

Back soon with some scrapping (yep im back into it) soon.

Cheers Lis :)

I sewwed!

2011-03-08T19:05:00.004+10:00

I have a had a sewwing machine pretty much all my adult life, two years ago I got given a new one thats does all these fancy stitches.
Alas, other than doing some basic mending the only time it ever got used was on my scrapbook pages lol
That is until now.......
I needed a cover for my sewwing machine, it was starting to collect dust. After a bit of thought and the realisation that it has to be put away after use, as I dont have a permanent spot for it to be left out, I decided that a bag would be the better option.
Now I could of gone out and brought one, or I could of taken one of those Eco bags and just used that to stick it in....but why have a sewwing machine if you dont use it right ???
So I took one of those Eco bags, and undid the side seams, I got all my material scraps and bits out and patchworked over the Eco bag. I wanted it to have a really messy look so I just zig zag stitched over the top of all the bits of material. Whilst its by no means a masterpiece im pretty impressed with how it turned out, and now my machine is all nicely protected from the dust!

Inspiration taken from here.

Cheers Lis :)

Floods

2011-03-04T22:44:00.006+10:00

Sitting in Tassie watching the news hearing all the stories about how much rain they were getting and of all the flood threats was a little worrying, I had constant calls back home to John to get updated news. I wasnt too concerned for our place, not being that close to Brisbane city, but John works close to the Brisbane river, and we have friends in areas being warned to be prepared.
We flew home on the 10th January, arriving at Brisbane Aiport to rain and lots of it, it didnt let up for either in the days to come and as all have seen and read the Brisbane river did break and so many homes and work places were lost and ruined.
John and the rest of the staff were sent home from work on the Wednesday as those in the know were expecting the streets around his work to go under - and some of them did.

Whilst our home was not at risk, the main street near us did flood, these following photos are 200 m from our place.

My boys had their photos taken against that first column a couple of years ago, the waterhad come 100m up to the road edge.

The local park, photo taken from the foot bridge above, where all that water is was grass the last time we were there.

Cheers Lis

Turning 13

2011-02-27T15:42:00.003+10:00

My baby boy turned 13 while we were in Tassie. It was a little sad that John and Josh hadnt been able to stay until Jays birthday, but work had to come first. With no friends from school to have a party with he asked if we could go bowling with nan and pa and his cousins, Chelsea and Lincoln.
So we all piled into cars and headed to the nearest AMF centre.
Dad and Sally (both with back problems) joined mum watching the rest of us play - some of us were much better that others...pretty much Dan and Jay had the rest of us whipped, but it was lots of fun and everyone enjoyed themselves.

We did have a family party back at mum and dads for him with candles and cake, Dad took photos of it all I think so will have to get them of him.

Cheers Lis :)

Tassie trip part 3

2011-02-27T15:21:00.007+10:00

I think the best part of our trip home was just being able to spend time with everyone, there have been holidays before but usually only quick trips where the time has been limited. This time around was longer and gave us the opportunity to just hang out and soak up every bit of family we could.

There was lots of just hanging out around home, playing and chatting and hearing stories from our childhood and dads that for someone who scrapbooks was invalueable.

Lots of park time...

of course for electronic minded boys (with no internet at Pa's place) the Wii got a huge workout.

John and Josh headed to Launceston for a few days before flying home to Brisbane and work. Was good for them to have the time just with them and Johns dad.

the boys learnt that mum and dad had not forgotten how to play monopoly....lots of cheating went on though i think lol

New years eve saw the boys sitting up till midnight and watching the fireworks from the wharf out the kitchen window. Jay felt left out of the "having a drink to celebrate" so we rinsed out at stubbie and filled it with soft drink for him...he thought he was so cool lol

Dad was so grateful to have the boys to help him out around the house and with things that he now finds a little tougher to do.

Most people find a chair to rest on lol not my boy....

Dad's pool table also got a major workout....

Had to capture this...Cat and fiddle arcade in the CBD, it plays the nursery rhyme on the hour..although not as good as I remember it to be as when the boys were smaller but still very cool.

Fishing trips a plenty...although not much fish was caught..

As much as we were looking forward to getting home after 4 weeks away it was really sad to leave everyone. Look forward to the next time that we are all toghther again.

Cheers Lis :)

Tassie trip part 2 - Christmas

2011-02-27T15:05:00.004+10:00

Oh my what a huge hectic day, its been so long since we celebrated christmas with so many people it was awesome. Was so busy and noisy and lots of fun, but sadly the camera didnt get alot of use as there was just so much going on.

A few we did manage to get of the christmas present giving :)

Nerf guns = amazing fun for the whole family - little kids and BIG kids alike lol

Sally and I decided it was much much safer to sit protected by the steps and watch lol

Part 3 comming soon.....

Cheers Lis :)

Tasmanian Holiday - Part one

2011-02-22T22:41:00.005+10:00

It had been way too long since we last saw family and even longer since we last went back home for a visit, so we were all pretty excited to be heading south for the holidays.
It was a bit of a weird trip for us this time with time constraints and work committments for John and Josh we had to split the holiday up.
On the 17th december we all headed to the airport (thanks to Dave and crew for getting us there) John, Dan and Jay flew via Melbourne into Launceston and Josh and I flew via Melbourne into Hobart.

What do you do on a flight to Tassie....turn on the ipod and drink lol

I was so excited couldnt wait to see my sister,

and mum and dad again I really miss them so much.

I never tire of seeing this view...fromt he kitchen window of mum and dads place (only looking south)

Josh hung out with dad and Brendan as much as he could.

and I think he enjoyed hanging out with the little ones equally as much, I know they couldnt get enough of him, hanging of him every chance they got.

Nothing funnier than listening to these two plugged into the same ipod singing California Girls at the top of their voices whilst waiting in the city hahaha

and what else do you do to fill the time.....test your muscles of course lol

Not sure who had more fun here decorating mum and dads christmas tree.

meanwhile up north in Launceston John and the other boys were enjoying and soaking up every moment with Johns dad.
I know that John was especially happy to be spending time with his dad and was more than a little sad when it was time to go.

When they werent hanging out with Pop or helping him out around the house they spent some time wandering around Launceston trying to see what they could remember from last time they were there (not alot I dont think)
City park

York Park - well thats what I will always remember it as but as it is now know...Aurora Stadium, the Tassie home of the Hawthorn Hawks.

This is just a short version of the first 10 days spent in Tassie, it would take me pages and pages to recal every little moment and would bore you all to tears most likely lol

Tassie part 2 still to come..stay tuned

Cheers Lis :)

Celebrating

2011-02-20T12:52:00.005+10:00

Once again its been absolute ages since I updated, this year I am hoping to be a little more diligent with my blog and keeping it updated regulary, if only for my own records, not sure anyone even reads it anymore lol.

Over the next few days im going to catch up with everything thats been going on since I last posted back at the beginnning of December.

This year we were heading down to Tassie for christmas so we decided to have a bit of a get together with family and friends before we left. As it turned out the only day that we were able to hold a bbq was my birthday, so it became a joint celebration.
We headed of to Alexander Clark Park with,
Christine, Rhys and Tiarna

Jim and Vicki and the girls

The obligatory we are at a park cricket match

Lets try and get a bbq going with wood thats been rained on for the last few days, I think nearly everyone had a go lol

It did drizzle a little but it was still nice and warm and so relaxing.

Fun had by the kiddies (both big and small) on all the play equipment.

A fantastic day was had by everyone.

Back tomorrow with photos and story of our trip to Tassie.

Cheers Lis :)

The end of a chapter

2010-12-01T16:50:00.007+10:00

***WARNING***
HUGE PHOTO OVERLOAD
1- Beacuse im way too lazy to try and make a mosaic
2- Because if I dont do it all now I probably wont get around to doing it lol

November and December started a pretty full on month for my two older boys, Josh in particular.
Year 12 just flew by and before I knew it my boy was fast approaching his last weeks of school for EVER, it has been hectic and very emotional (well for Mum) and exciting.

We started with the School Sports awards at a breakfast at Fitzy's restaurant. With both my older boys making me so proud.
I must apologise for the photo quality in these first 3 I still cant manage to get nice photos inside that place.
Josh accepting Age champion.

Dan accpeting Age champion.

Josh taking out hte biggy - Senior sports allrounder!

Next on the agenda was Formal. I thought yep easy i've got sons wont be stressful at all...hahahaha yep right think again.
He wanted a white suit, couldnt get white shoes to fit his bloody huge feet so he went with the black, the he wanted a vest to match his partners dress, that proved to be a huge task and in the end he opted for just the tie. Three days before he decided he wanted to get his partner a corsage... nothing like leaving everything to the last minute.
So the outcome was one very handsome young man who made me so very very proud.
The boys were all so good at letting us take photos, they didnt winge (much) and just went where we directed them.

Josh and Adam

Josh and TK

"The Lads"
Josh, TK, Sean, Alex, Patrick, Daniel

Josh and Daniel

Adam, Patrick, Alex, Sean, Josh, Daniel, Tom

Josh and Tom

They headed of in the awesome black Limo where im told they did blockies around southbank so they didnt arive early lol

Josh and his partner Orsi

The beautiful corsage he gave her.

Josh and Adam with their partners Orsi and Andrada.

Josh and Zac

They all had a great night then headed of to the after party which was enjoyed rather too much by my big boy and a few others lol

The final chapter for Josh was Graduation, a good night (well maybe except for the principals 40 min speech lol) which was capped of with Josh taking out the 2010 Sportsman of the year award, I was so very proud (and yes I cried).

It seemed that all that was over and Josh was done and dusted and I was getting Dan all ready for his Semi-formal, the end of year 10 and looking ahead to Senior years for my boy.
They had a great night out on "The Island" cruising around the Brisbane River.
He looked so handsome!

I sit back now with Daniel finished for the year and Jayden with a week to go and wonder where all those years went to. I realised the other day that in 4 years time all my boys will have finished school and be out in the big wide world. It only seems like a little time ago they were all little and needing their mum for alot more than money and taxi rides lol.

Inspiring Interiors share

2010-11-16T09:55:00.006+10:00

There used to be a time when I just had to blog everyday, that I would diligently scan and photograph everything little thing and spend the time writing up posts to share with everyone.
Fast forward to now and it can be weeks and months before I get around to doing up a blog post. It just isnt a priority right now, and I think facebook hasnt helped with this sharing process, now that I can share photos with all my friends there the blog has sadly just been let slide.

So I have made a decision that I want to get the blog up and going again, and hopefully I can stick to it. I have done a bit of scrapping that I am going to share over the next week or two as well as some photos from some of the major events happening with us.

Going to start with the Inspiring Interiors ( refer this post) competition that Wicked Princess ran a couple of months ago,
This was the most I scrapped since I did my ankle last year, and it got the mojo running again.

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Week 5

Week 6

This was for a mini game that was included in the challenge - photograph your flower/button stash somewhere unique.

Now hopefully will be back alot sooner with some more shares.
Cheers Lis :)

White men CAN jump...

2010-09-28T15:46:00.002+10:00

Josh recently took part in the School Baksetball titles for Shailer, the boys only won the one game but they played with so much heart it was great to watch.

Cheers Lis ;)

Inspiring Interiors

2010-09-06T19:08:00.002+10:00

The first week of the Inspiring Interiors competition is underway and the gorgeous picture below was our first inspiration.

I love the picture but struggled a little with scrapbooking it, shabby chic and romatic feel layouts are so outside the square for me, but I perservered and this is my example.
Josh and his now ex girlfriend, still a beautiful photo, I had to scrap it.

Cheers Lis :)

Josh

2010-09-03T20:47:00.004+10:00

Josh was lucky enough to be asked to spend a whole day Deep sea fishing with the Loganholme PCYC. Only an handful of boys from his school were asked. He didnt even mind getting up at 4am, his dad had a bit of fun at work with the boys saying he had just dropped Josh of at the Police station lol.
Josh arrived home around 8pm that night, tired, damp, smelly but really pleased with himself. He had caught the most fish and got to bring some of them home with him.

(ps last night he cooked the fish up all by himself and it was very yummmy)

The under 18 football presentation this year was a Black Tie event. We had to go out and get Josh a suit for it (but he can use it for his formal), he was a little uncomfortable to start, and as you might be able to tell from this photo below, he so didnt want his photo taken and he wouldnt stand still, this one is the best of a bad bunch.
He did look so smart though.

The night was fantastic, alot of awards given out to very deserving players, an awesome video of the season made up by the coach, and the "hot seat" was so funny.
Josh was lucky enough to be awarded the "most improved" trophy, he was pretty impressed, even made a thank you speech.

All year a group of us mums had been selling margin tickets to raise enough funds to get the team something special. With the Help of Shane Jones (thanks for allowing us to buy your jersey) we were able to present them with this (very large) framed jersey and photos, I think they were suitably impressed, there were a few oooooohs in the crowd when we unveiled it.

Cheers Lis :)

Inspiring Interiors competition.

2010-09-01T09:38:00.003+10:00

A exciting new challenge is underway at Wicked Princess, its all about being inspired by photos based on interior design.
Here is what Krissy has to say......
Over the next 6 weeks the Princesses and I are going to be challenging you with another interior to be inspired by
Here are a few things for you to know before we start:
Each new challenge will be uploaded wednesday mornings and they are due the following wednesday at midnight so you will have 1 week to complete your entries and upload them in the relevant gallery.
Weekly winners will be decided by votes from forum members -each week the winner will be given a small prize. Major prize winners will be the entrants with the most points during the competition.
Bonus points will be awarded for participation and winning mini games.
There will be no eliminations during the competition Its just something fun with inspiring challenges and great prizes

The rules:
* creations are to be made ONLY for these challenges anyone found to have used their entries for other challenges or competitions will be disqualified
* all challenges must be completed to be in the running for the major prize
* entries are due in the gallery by midnight each wednesday
* Winners are decided by votes from forum members
* HAVE FUN!!

Sounds exciting doesnt it, first challenge is already up so hurry on over and check it out!!

Winners!!!

2010-08-25T17:17:00.006+10:00

The Springwood Pumas under 18s after going the whole season undefeated capped it of on Sunday with a great win in the grand final!!
All the guys played so well and deserved the win!

The day started of early with all of them fired up for a good game.

The National Anthem.

The boy had a really good game.

The final score.

Medal presentation. ( The AFLQ guy asked him to get down low, so he could reach)

Coach and captains with the Premiers Cup!!!!!

Very very happy premiers 2010. Making it back to back for the Pumas.

So then they moved to the Club house and started to celebrate the win....

Then back to coaches place for lots more celebrating....

The celebrating went on well into the night.....and morning!

He didnt looks so good at 10am Monday morning let me tell you lol

So proud of my boy and the team for a great win and a great day. Thanks to Oppy and his team for all the effort they put in over the season!

Cheers Lis :)

The creative bug

2010-08-19T17:50:00.004+10:00

Has stuck around and ive done lots more layouts and art journal pages.

Scrap the boys August challenge

Wicked Princess July sketches.

Wicked Princess BOM - art journal pages.

Wicked Princess August sketch 1

Bec Vavic Art Sunday art journal challenge pages.

Cheers Lis :)

This time of year....

2010-08-10T20:24:00.003+10:00

Is when I really start to wish footy was over and it was summer already. Over the out and driving so much and over the cold. Dont get me wrong I love footy and that the boys are so involved, but its just a very long season.
So in the last month....
*Footy training + games - Joshs team went through the season undefeated and are now in the Grand final in 2 weeks!!
*Josh has been getting a little more work so has been able to save for his "schoolies week" (he is going camping instead of the Gold Coast - and yes mums very pleased hehe)
*Dan just finished up the season umpiring for both the under 10's and the reserves & seniors.
*Dan did a weeks work placement at Goodyear, throughly filthy every day but thoroughly loved it.
*John got to do the Melbourne AFL game at the Gabba again this year.
*I got my hair cut - and hated it for a week...now im ok with it.
*School athletics carnival and Josh and Dan both finished with quite a few ribbons and will both be attending districts.
*Attended a race day function at Beaudesert with Johns work, was a fabbo day!
*birthdays - Chelsea, Jim, Dad, Matt

That was pretty boring for most of you, it was mainly for me and family interstate. Next post should be a little more interesting.

Cheers Lis :)

and the mojo returns....

2010-07-27T18:02:00.003+10:00

Yay!! My mojo finally found its way back to me....its been a loooong time comming let me tell you. It was so nice to finally get some paper action happenign haha

This one is from July Inkurable Stampers challenge "Stars"

Wicked Princess Everyday moments challenge.

Wicked Princess June sketch challenge.

Wicked Princess June cover a cover challenge.

Inspired Blueprints sketch 50

I am a little behind in updating this blog and hopefully will be back tomorrow with a catchup.

Cheers Lis :)

Art Journals

2010-07-19T09:51:00.005+10:00

Wicked Princess have been running a BOM challenge since the start of the year, with prompts monthly. A BOM is a great way to record all those memories of yourself.
I thought I would try someting different (as I already have a BOM) and do mine art journal style. I have only just joined in on the challenge so have a fair bit of catching up to do.
The front of my art journal.

My word of the year.

Staying with the arty side of scrapbooking, I am also joining in with the gorgeous Bec Vavic
and her art journal 2010. Here are the pages that Ive created so far.
Monochromatic.

Fabric.

Circles.

I have finally started some traditional scrapbooking after my long break, this one if for Scrap the Boys challenge... Just the facts.

Have a great day Cheers Lis :)

The years half gone

2010-07-07T15:13:00.005+10:00

Where did those first 6 months go to, only seems like last week I was posting about footy season just starting, and here we are now 3 months later well and truly into it.
May, not sure where that went or what happened accpet that there was lots of footy and running kids back and forth to different places.
June started of with my baby boy having a night in hospital. After 8 years he is certainly used to all the needles and bloods he has to have whilst in there for his fasting study, he does however not like the having to go 24 hours without food (can you blame him really ??).
From a doctors point of view all went very well and it was 20 hours before his bloods dropped to danger levels. From Jays point of view it went way too long and he really did enjoy a huge meal and double helping of desert afterwards.

Footy...it consumes 4 week nights for training and both days of a weekend, makes for not alot of time to do much else.
Although Jay isnt playing this year, he likes to get in and help out with his brothers teams. He and the manager for Dan's team have a 'contract' apparently lol

Dan's team have been up and down with wins, still having issues with players and teamwork but there playing which is the main thing.

The two different guerseys - being a joint team they take it in turns wearing the prospective clubs guerseys for different games.

John's birthday this year fell on the Queens birthday weekend, thought he was pretty special getting a public holiday for his birthday lol

Isnt this little kitten just the most gorgeous thing, she was only 3 weeks old, abandoned by her mummy. Jay fell in love.
Sadly she didnt survive very long.

Josh and the Under 18's are having a sensational season, not losing so far and sitting way ahead on top of the ladder.
Has been different to see him playing up with the big boys this year, but he has stepped up to the plate and proven himself.

With a squad of 29 not every player gets a game each week, but when they dont play they still pitch in and support their team.

The under 18's held a Players Revue, OMG I have never laughed so much, it was just hilarious. The boys all did an amazing job and everyone had a fantastic night.

Syncranised Swimming...

dancing midgets....

the news team...

Fashion parade....

aerobics....

Even the mums enjoyed the night...

Cheers Lis :)