friday funday!
i love fridays .... they are good days. I guess it the start of the weekend, end of the busy week - chance to have a glass of wine and relax (in the late afternoon of course!!!!)
today has been a lovely friday - its been raining - which we SO need here in QLD. Feels like a sleepy sort of a day - usually I would have swum, but motivation went to nill when I saw the weather. Had coffee with a couple of friends who i really enjoy being with, but don't get a chance to see very often - that was so nice. Then we were fridge shopping - and I manage to talk hubby around to my point of view - long story, but my idea made heaps more sense (if you know what I mean) Had a friend drop by for a coffee, chat and a lamington - hello, yes we love lamingtons in this house! and now hubby is picking up the big girls from school and I have the pleasure of being able to blog and chill - yay! of course I will have to go and make a cup of tea soon ... as I really feel like one!
Funny story ..... hubby did this online IQ test the other day, so hilarious! I saw the test sitting on the desk yesterday and decided to give it a crack ... WELL, I was 2 points less than him (which he was surprised about, and totally offended me that he thought he was so much smarter than I am - hello, we all know who keeps this house running and its not HIM!) but we obviously scored points in different areas as our results then analysised our personalities as quiet different - it was very accurate too! if you are keen the website to check it out is http://web.tickle.com/tests/uiq the test is called the the Classic IQ test. would love to know if you try it - post me a comment and let me know. another bookmark - i made this for a friend during the week

fun day
i have had such a fun day today ... went swimming this morning - and that was really hard work, but very satisfying (once it was over) rushed home and got dressed and my lil sis did my hair before heading to meet my two girlfriends for lunch. I honestly can't remember the last time I went out for lunch by myself (you know without kids) it was so so so lovely to have some free time, especially after the past couple of weeks of being house bound - it does so much for your soul. These girls are dear friends too, and we always have such fun when we are together - we solve the world's problems and try to fix our own too ... its usually quite hilarious. I went straight from lunch to school to pick up our biggest girl ... so really a different day for me.
After school we headed out with lil sis, and all girls in tow to do a couple of errands - then ended up at Kidspace. I can't remember the last time I swung on the swings it was seriously SO much fun ... like when you were a kid and you could do it for hours - i think we need to do these fun things more, it makes you feel alive. Sis and I were cacking ourselves taking pictures of each other on the swing - real belly aching stuff!
Finished off with a delicious lamb curry for dinner from the new Donna Hay mag - awesome!

see post below for details!


today i have made hotcakes, dropped off eldest child at school, posted mail for hubby, been swimming, picked up new dancing shoes, had passport photos taken for 2nd child, bought herbs and potting mix, hung out washing, cleaned up after major mess in kitchen was made at breaky, hung out washing, planted herbs ... oh i have forgotten to have lunch ... better go do that now!!!!!
enjoy!

trying times ....
we go through ups and downs in this life ... most of the time, my life is so fantastic that I can hardly contain myself. I feel so blessed in a billion different ways, that truely sometimes I feel like its too good to be true. Then your kids get sick - I know I hear you laughing, but seriously the past two weeks have been full of interesting things with each of our 3 girls. I think i generally cope pretty well - but friday night after taking the littlest one to the hospital in the middle of the night with a scary dose of croupe was the straw that broke the camels back. So I will come clean with you (and I know I'm putting myself out here with this one - but honesty is a good policy) yesterday I didn't feel like doing it - being a mother that is. now I will explain:- I still wanted everything I have, but just not the commitments and responsibility that goes with it ... just for yesterday, I wanted to just care about myself - not even hubby. JUST ME! You know just get food for me, just read a book if I wanted to .... have a nap if I wanted at anytime I wanted. I seldom seldom have days like this, but yesterday I was pining for it. I think every mother in the world must have a day now and again when she feels like this .... just wanting to switch off, and the realisation that the job we do is so completely and utterly HUGE!
Well, good news is today is Sunday and a NEW day, and I am feeling fine again and happy to be caring for everyone again and moving on and enjoying this completely wonderful life I have. I had a fun day today with my girls. Hubby was having a blokes day with a mate at the V8 Supercars - grunt grunt! So we went visiting this morning to my girlfriend (her husband was the other one grunting with my hubby) we had a cuppa and a chat and ate delicious yummy chocy biscuits - I mean how could you not enjoy that! then with my sister we went to the movies and saw Over the Hedge. It was fun, and good to have an outing. The girls and I then went to church and I felt uplifted even tho it is only an hour, it does give me time to reflect on some things - usually pretty important things. Made Donna Hay's Meatball Subs for dinner (a take off of Subways meatball sub) they were scrummy!
I am tired now .... I have been playing with my new printer ... I love how I can just print my own photos out, how totally cool. Here is a small notepad I sent my sister ... couldn't show you until I knew she recieved it - she was the one who got the bookmark too! nighty night from me ..... ok can't get the photo up, so check that for next time ....

fun
today some of my friends and i gathered at our lovely friend's house and had a bit of a crop session. A couple of the girls wanted to try scrapbooking and it was just an excuse to come together have a bit of fun and a good chat. I had some new MM stamps which i loved trying out and am totally in love with now ... they are "love" stamps too (how corny) this is the page I did ....
also very excited because I went and purchased a new photo printer and have just installed it and printe two photos out and they are great. Now I'll really be in my element. Time to bath the littlest one .... I'm glad its friday! A glass of wine is calling my name ..... better go!

the damage!!!!
read post below for details!!!!

early start for me ....
well, this is a different start to the day, usually right now I would be rushing into the car and zooming out of my driveway on the way to school - but both big girls are not 100% so I made the call to let them rest and try and get in front of the sickness we've all been fighting. Its amazing how busy school life is ... not today tho!!! Ha ha! I too have been fighting whatever they have, so have been laying low this week, no exercise so far - early to bed last night and consuming heaps of vitamin c! i am so determined NOT to get it. will keep you posted! my lovely sister bought her God-daughter and my littlest one these really cool Nemo wall stickers yesterday - she is in love with Nemo and Dory. It was hilarious watching her reaction yesterday when her wall was transformed into an aquarium.
Did have a fun day yesterday too - spare of the moment, spontaneous shopping spree engineered by on of my friends. We have this favourite shop called Petrol which has the coolest clothes in the world - well, they have a massive sale on - all winter stock is down to $30 a peice, that is shoes, clothes, bags ... awesome. So within a 5 sec frame 4 of us were heading straight from school drop-off up there to do some damage. I was the one who did the most, which I'm not sure if I'm that surprised about - i really do love clothes, and I did get 2 pairs of shoes .... so that was seriously 1 1/2 hours of great great fun! I should photograph my items that would be funny - i'll try and remember to do it later. thats all for now folks .... check back later and enjoy your day!

catching up
its tuesday night, and we have FINALLY watched the final of Prison Break .... it was a bit of a let down, after all that build up - anyway, look forward to the next series and to what may happen next. Have had a bit of a catch up day today, did some baking, did some tidying up, just caught up on some odd jobs that have been stock piling - its amazing how time consuming all those little jobs are. Made a few small gifts that are overdue - this bookmark is one of them, you can see the rest in a day or so (or the recipiant might see)
A good day - my girls seem to be on the winning side of their colds, and it was a beautiful sunny day here today too. Off swimming in the morning .... so better get some beauty sleep. have been working on some LO's for a project (under cover for now) but will show you a sneek peek (just because I can't help myself)

sunday night
the end draws near to another lovely weekend ... i am tired, a late night last night and early start with the littlest one waking a tad earlier than usual today - it has finally hit me and I am TIRED! So as much as I'd like to go a create something ... as I had a fun night doing so last night, i can't do it .... sleep takes priority this time.
Our smallest one had toncilitis and I am SO thankful I took her to the doctor on Friday night and got on top of it. a couple of nights sleep deprivation seriously turns you into a different person. I feel so calm now she is lovely and better again! I realise now how long last week was too ... I already feel this week is going to be a wonderful one! I was going to blab on about all the things we did ... but my eyes are slowly shutting and I don't feel like sleeping right here on the keyboard tonight. So I will do that tomorrow and leave you with this photo of our very first baby ... this is her cutest face ever - because food was right behind the camera!!!!!

here is the LO I was telling you about ... will have to keep scrappin my Sydney trip - am a bit behind! Have some other cool projects I'm working on at the moment - can't tell yet tho!
this is another photo i wanted to upload the other day. We had to get IN the teacup with our littlest ones - and have to say those teacup rides have a few G forces - HA! ok i'm only kidding, but I had consumed a beer, so maybe that was why! LOL!
I seriously can't believe its Thurs! This week is screaming by. I did have a working day today so I have achieved a bit here in the office. Still some to go tho ... so will have to keep it short. Did get out for a ride on my bike today. Am really enjoying riding ... even went by myself in the cold and dark - oh know, I hear you saying that is pretty awesome, and quiet frankly I felt pretty awesome after doing it today too. I popped my radio on and enjoyed a ride by myself too! Of course I had to cook hotcakes when I got home. The littlest one has had a bit of a virus I think, and has been a bit grumpy, always makes for a longer day ... hopefully she's at the end of it now. THe bigger girls are back into school and enjoying that .... have had a few minor hiccups with the computer, thats been a bit of a pain, but nothing a bit of time and software won't fix!
better get back to it ....

tuesday and back to school
how fast did the holidays go? we had such fun and enjoyed the change of pace. Now its back to usual business! Monday was teacher only day, and the weather here has been so stunning, and because Katya needed a new pair of character shoes for ballet we all went to Sandgate to the dancing shop and took the bikes and a picnic lunch and made a few hours of it. The kids love the beach, and the big girls are loving riding their bikes. It was a nice way to finish the holidays.
We had a great weekend too - seen as I haven't been online for a bit (due to our computer going in for a bit of a check up and make over) we got it back yesterday and its working like a dream! The rugby was on Sat night - big game, All Blacks vs Australia ... so we organised to go to this great local hotel and watch the game - they have this amazing park their so the kids could play and everyone was happy happy! how cool is this ride - the kids just love love love it!

I think this photo of the girls is so cute ....

we had a friend's son's 4th party on Sunday morning - so the girls had a fun fun fun weekend. I must say I was quiet wiped out on Sunday arvo and just couldn't be bothered doing anything. .. i actually hate it when that happens - i am used to being able to find motivation from somewhere, but when the body just shuts down - that is not good. I finished this page from our Sydney trip ... I love Bill Granger since going to two of his restaurants on our trip and eating just awesome food. Have been making Ricotta hotcakes at least 2 - 3 times a week - so addictive! ok ... i can't get the picture on, so will post it tomorrow when I post again ... off to watch Grey's Anatomy (taped from last night)

school hols
i love the school holidays ... so good to go with the flow, not stick to routine or having to be rushing by the clock. I went swimming this morning - it was pretty hard actually, i guess that counter acts the chocolate biscuits I've just consumed! I am trying a new tactic this week - i have bought a packet of mint slice biscuits (don't you just love them!) and once they have gone, that is it ... so its is giving me the incentive to ration them out and make them last till monday when I do the shopping again! I had two tonight ... couldn't help it!
Took the kids to the park - they have this cool mini road, so we took the bikes and they just love blatting around there pretending to follow the road rules. met some friends with their kids too, it was good school holiday stuff. the mums had a cup of tea .. very civilised, I must admit I do love my afternoon cup of tea.
am working on a page that I need to drop to my local scrapbooking shop tomorrow (its for a monthly comp they run) I enjoy doing them as it makes me have to think outside the square, as you only have a few things to work with. so I will go finish that now - as hubby is watching the State of Origin and I'm not that keen on the league! Off for a ride in the morning ... not so early, 6am which is nice (usually its 4.45 during the week - ahhhH!) so 5.45 is a sleep in! Hope its not too cold! here is a page i finished earlier in the week

weekends

i really really love weekends. Just the ability to go with the flow, and not race around. The phone is quieter on the weekends too. the weather this weekend has been glorious. After visiting a friend in hospital yesterday (he had a bad accident in his truck, had to have surgery on his hip and is now recovering)i decided to go for a ride - seize the day. I have been in hospital in bed, not being able to move - too much time on my hands, and its horrible. Made me want to make the most of the day. It was such a beautiful afternoon too, that going for a ride and enjoying the sun and seeing the water was brilliant. we got a dvd last night - the Last Samari. It was really good and I'd have to say Tom's best work. The scenery is stunning, and it gave you an appreciation of just how beautiful Japan must be. Hot cakes for breaky today - delicious! some scrapbooking and a small nap .... just about to make a cup of tea and have some chocolate brownie - that I why I love the weekends! this layout I just finished ... the photos were sitting on my desk and I decided to use them ... i love the blue!
the one above i finshed a couple of days ago ... more beach photos (these one taken on my birthday)

Oh I have had one of those "tired" days today. I was supposed to meet my friends for an early ride this morning, but I was just too tired to get up .... and I have struggled all day! So early to bed for me I think! The middle of the night soccer game on Monday night is catching up on me. This photo here was taken at 2am, when after 2 hours sleep we got up and went to Park Road with 20 000 other people to watch Italy vs Australia in the World Cup soccer. Such a great game, still can't believe how it ended. This is a friend who came with us .... we got home about 3.30am .... hilarious!
Its been a busy week - even tho its school hols! Today has been crazy ........ some of it is self inflicted - I was at Target at 8.30am because they had sheets on SALE! and I knew the chocolate ones would sell out asap. then stumbled over this really cool chocolate bean bag (the fake fur type) and thought that would be a great idea ... it was half price too. Got a few more good bargains - man I love Target! Got home and decided we needed another bean bag to match, and after much discussion with the girl at Target she allowed me to put it on hold for an hour so I could go after dropping the girls are dancing and get it. So hubby has to get a heap of beans to go in them now - he loved them too, as they will be perfect for when we get the big screen upstairs!!!!
this picture was taken yesterday, hubby got the girls some clay to make some creative things ... which they have loved doing. well ... nighty night from me .....

Nearly bedtime for me .... its been another wonderful weekend - highlight was the ColdPlay concert which was incredible. They are so good live, and it was worth every penny - I would definitely see them again! We had a friend's Lawn Bowls Party today, it was such fun - as they threw in the twist of wearing a funny hat - when I get some pics I'll post them - very humourous! A friend of mine asked me to try Bikrim Yoga - my philosiphy is "don't knock it until you try it" so I went along and gave it a go. It was much harder than what I thought, and the room is so totally hot .... which at times I didn't like - as I sweat alot and was saturated, but I must say I feel so very very relaxed and chilled out, and the stretching side of it really is needed for my unflexible body! Its probably not something I would do alot - i guess because it takes 11/2 hours, but maybe once in a while would be good. I will go next weekend as I have this special I can use within 10 days, so maybe after the next go I'll reevaluate. Was a good experience tho. We had dinner at our friend's restaurant afterwards, and I must say it was one of those nights where it just would have been easier to be at home, maybe its because of Gianna's age - as she is on the go, and has such a short attention span. Anyway, the food was delicious. well I am stinking and need a shower before going to sleep! holidays for us now ... yay, keeping fingers crossed that the kids will sleep in .... wonder how much of a chance that will happen?

I am so TOTALLY excited ... tonight we are going to see COLDPLAY! Yahoo ... I love love love them .. they are such a great band and their music just totally does it for me - gets under my skin! I just saw an interview on TV and am going to go and play all three CDs back to back now and get in the spirit .....
Have just finished this LO of my nephews. I took this photo out of a frame as my sister just sent me a lovely black and white photo of all of them - so I decided to scrap this photo of the boys straight away - they are so cute, and of course really big now, not little like in the picture. Wish we could catch up more as our girls love playing with them. They will chat on the phone later, but that is not the same ....
Hubby has taken our little princesses to dancing this morning ... nice to have a bit of piece and quiet to myself. I always use this time to do something creative ....
do have to go and hang out the washing now tho & rock on to ColdPlay for the rest of the day ....

as promised the finished product from some bead creations that have been happening in this house over the past 24 hours! The girls are enjoying making this cute things, hopefully it will carry over onto the holidays!!!! (it does take some time to do ..... fingers crossed - ha!)
Another good day here, after waking to rain this morning I did manage to find some motivation and go swimming. We did quiet a big set, so after having lunch with a friend, I did have to have a nana nap ... next thing I know the afternoon has gone and its time to pick up from school .....
Prison break is on tonight .... yay! bye for now

Its great to see rain here in QLD .... water is a real problem at the moment, and now we have a water tank its good to know we are saving some for the future!!!!
Its a real "stay inside, cosy - drinking soup" kinda day. Actually I think I feel like a roast for dinner! The littlest one is having a sleep, and the 2nd daughter is watching The Sound of Music. We bought it the other day (I got a bit sentimental - as it was the first movie I ever saw) the girls LOVE it. Its really really cute.

This photo was taken under pressure (as you can see the littlest girl wasn't co-operating, and the battery was going flat on the camera) so its out of focus and not the best, but it was Yani's 9th birthday yesterday and the girl's were giving her a hug. She shares her birthday we dear JJ who is in heaven, so we think that is pretty special. We've had a fun day today, I was going to ride with the boys this morning, but it was showery - and actually I was just too tired from not enough sleep last night, so was happy to get another 2 hrs sleep this morning. We went to Playgroup (a friend of mine runs) was fun and the girls really enjoyed it, so will do that again in the future. Went to a couple of cool toy shops, got the girls these cool beads they make creations with and then you iron them and they become groovy shapes. Here is an action photo - will post the finished product!

At the Brisbane Scrapbooking Convention I picked up these cool MM oversized letters, one for each of the girls, I have did this one on the weekend.

Ok so I'm a bit behind with my blogging ... this was taken on Monday the holiday we had nearly a week ago! I went for a ride with a friend and we came back and met our families at Sandgate for a play. The kids had their bikes and wanted us to ride around with them. It was fun.
How is it the weekend goes so fast? I can't believe its Sunday night again ....
We did have a fun weekend. The school had a bush dance on Friday night, which was really fun. Unfortunately I didn't get any really great photos, its hard to get good bush dancing photos - lots of movement and not enough light!
We had our good friends son's Christening today. It was a lovely day - Hubby is the Godfather ... and did a great job. Food was awesome at the lunch ... very very nice day! Well, it is time for me to get some sleep .... before I take on another week.

Today I went back to swimming after having 2 weeks off being sick. I do love being in the water - even tho it was alarming evident how much fitness I had lost in a mere two weeks! Today has been a gorgeous day ... absolutely beautiful.
I decided to make a lamb curry from a Delicious magazine, so at lunch time decided to get a jump on that - glad I did cause I am so organised now - I LOVE THAT! Time to play with my girls .... cherio!

What a lovely Monday holiday .... it started with Bills hotcakes - absolutely delish! I finished cleaning and organising my desk ... what a job that was! Feel a lot more in control tho! YAY!
And then, I did the canvas with paua shell I got when we were in NZ. I must confess I did see the idea at the Ohope Markets, but I do like my style of heart better. Have to make another bigger one for our bedroom next! Am loving the new camera!!!!

I am excited!!!! Today we purchased a new digital camera, I have been using my mobile phone up until now, which does have quiet a good camera but only 2 mp and not good enough for the amount of photos I take or the type of things I want to be doing. So this image here is the first one I have uploaded and is a wee photo album I have just scrapped for my aunty's upcoming birthday. the photos will be much better quality from now on ... yay yay yay!
I went to a Scrapbooking Expo here in Brisbane yesterday with my friend, it was really great. Got some cool new products, so now we both have heaps of things to keep us busy (you know in my spare time .... cause I have so much of it - ha!)
Had such a great cruizy day today, starting with a sleep in ... oh, don't you love a sleep in - especially when its cold and windy outside. Hubby made his signature ommeletes for breaky - delish, and then we just mozzied around reading, drinking coffee - very nice!
Hubby is watching the rugby and yelling at the TV at the moment ... funny how blokes get so passionate about footy! So I am going to do some more creating before I head to bed ... which may be sooner than later, am feeling a bit jaded! sleep well

I love the weekends. Its so great to be able to meander around ... enjoy a nice breaky and coffee - have time with the girls. At last we have rain too ... much much needed, as we go onto level 3 water restrictions next week. Luckily we have installed a new water tank, and hubby - being the clever thing he is, has hooked it up to the sprinkler system so now we will be able to irrigate again - YAY!
I am just about to go to a scrapbooking expo with my friend - it will be nice to do something different this afternoon and check out some cool stuff (hopefully)
I made Bill's (bill granger) ricotta hotcakes AGAIN for breaky this morning, everyone in our house LOVES them and they are so much quicker for me to cook than our old pancake recipe, so everyone wins! In case you didn't know pancakes are a bit of a weekly thing in our house - yum!
finished this LO for the littlest one's album - she is so cute

at last I get a chance to sit at the computer and blog! It hasn't worked for me lately, either too tired or other people are at the computer ..... next thing you know a week has passed. It has been an eventful one however!
My biggest girl made her first communion on Sunday! Very proud of her and she had a lovely time. We had a small morning tea to celebrate afterwards and this is her cutting the white chocolate cake I made for the occassion.

I was under pressure to make her a card a great deal of my time last week was spent doing the calligraphy for 22 certificates - phew! I was a touch stressed by Saturday .... but happy to help out none the less.
I did get a bit run down last week, and have ended up with a bit of a sinus infection - bummer! I hate the "being tired" bit that goes with it .... I just don't like being zapped of my usual energy load - it frustrates me. I think I'm getting on top of it now. well ... it will be early to bed for me tonight as I am fading! here is a page I did for E's first day of Pre-school, I am finally getting into gear and catching up on the scrapbooking I have to do for this year already.

Had the best time in Sydney with m

y dear dear friend who i love to peices! I love Sydney so much, the town is totally groovy and has so much going on! The weather was great which made it that much more enjoyable. We jammed heaps into the 3 nights we were there - but man it went fast (what is that?) Found this fantastic shop having a HUGE sale, so had to do the right thing and make a few purchases - and then some! HA! seriously got some awesome bargains! love it when that happens!

Had drinks down at the Rocks .... as you can see the Opera House in the background - stunning!

Went to the movies and saw the new dancing movie with Antonio (can't remember what its called) he is so sexy tho! Ate really well at some delicious restaurants, Cafe Sydney which had a spectacular view, Bathers Pavillion also a stunning view on the North Shore - and both outstanding food. Also dined at Bills for Breaky at Darlinghurst - this was probably the highlight of my time - as I do love Bill's food. here I am enjoying the absolutely brilliant Ricotta Hotcakes - to die for seriously!

I have more pics, so will post when I get organised. Still coming back to reality ... the house was pretty awful so its been all go getting things back on track - wink, I know you know what I mean! I totally not complaing tho, was awesome to have some time out. The past two days have been real busy getting sorted, and also have 20 certificates to do in calligraphy for the First Communion group that Katya is a part of - she is making hers this week. Have to go dress shopping tomorrow! for now tho, i might go and create something. one last shot that I took tonight ... just have to share this with you .. Suz got me this cool pink heart shaped dish for my birthday which I totally love ... and I cooked a pie in it for dinner tonight - check it out! (ok - can't get the photo up will try again tomorrow)

I am getting some work done today ... yay! I have been chasing my tail for the longest time, so now have come to an arrangement with lil sis that helps us both out. She has taken the littlest girl for a walk to the shops - I am not used to having so much peace. I am trucking thru the work which is cool .... having a quick break to post this and go make a coffee (eyes are hanging out of my head) my past few weeks of playing hard are catching up with me - obviously as you get older you can't handle the fast pace of late nights and champas regularly! So my natural detox system (my liver) is expressing to me to tone it right down! I must say it is fun to have a social life again ... the spirit is willing, its just the body which isn't co-operating so well!
Anyway, better get back to it ... am already feeling much more at peace with my work load!!!!

It was an eventful weekend, again! Life is full of fun at the moment. My littlest sister is here with us now, and its so nice to spend time together. She was awesome and babysat for us on Friday night when we went to a friends 40th party. It was a dress up party, and you had to go as someone who had already passed away - not the easiest task (especially for girls) we went as Adam and Eve - we must be mental!!!! It was really really funny tho, and I think hubby will probably NEVER live it down. It was tasteful, but I can't bring myself to post a photo ... just too much skin showing.
We went up the coast for a surf again on Sunday. The waves were better than last week, and I progressed on the surfboard - i really like surfing its heaps of fun. And great to have a challenge of learning something new. We got fish burgers for lunch - TOTALLY yum! Went and visited aunt and uncle at Bribie on the way home - their new house is underway and looks very awesome.
Today I have been on a total mission ... I am so OVER the clutter in this house (i get like this from time to time) so I have been putting it all away in its real place. Its a very time consuming job I must say! I am feeling much more on top of my life tho - yay!

Did finish a wee mini album for mum - a late mothers day present. Good to do some scrapbooking again! this is the cover .............

the open version

How cute are these pink ramekins? I thought they were gorgeous and I was thinking of all the cute deserts I could make in them!!!! My lil sis and I went shopping this morning and I found more pink accessories for my kitchen - cool! We went for coffee at Spoon which I love, great coffee.
She moved here to live on Monday, which is so exciting. Already she has work promise (she's a hairdresser) which is great. I think she'll go really well here as she has a great personality and is totally outgoing. We are loving having her here - she keeps me young, with what the fashion is doing etc. well, I am supposed to be working ... I only have half an hour before having to pick up my big girls from school - I seriously don't know where the day goes. Life feels a bit hectic at the moment, way too much going on - you have times like that! Its all good tho, I have just SO much to be thankful for!

Today is the start of my 34th year of life .... its been such a great day. I am quiet tired, as I did see my birthday in with a lovely rendition of Happy Birthday from some friends who were here for dinner, and after 3 bottles of champange and some sambuca (you know I have a weakness for it - yum yum yum) it was about 2am before I hit my pillow. So I do confess to have two panadole and half a bottle of cytomax as soon as I woke up this morning. I did back it up with an awesome day at the beach and surfing both this morning and this arvo (lookout) I wanted to start learning to surf and what better day to start than on my birthday. I this arvo I was standing up - not exactly going off, but never-the-less still on my feet - YAHOO! it was fun, and the water was so stunning really beautiful. I could see fish swimming in the waves and also saw dolphins this afternoon - how cool! I did have a glass of champange at lunch ... just because I could!!!!! And it was delicious! so now, I am quiet tired, and ready to eat my indian takeaway that my dearest has just bought home! I am looking forward to a new year, more chances to better who I am, and work on who I want to be - and live my BEST LIFE! cheers!

I really don't have time to be bloggin right now ... I am under the pump at the moment, just so much happening and not enough hours in the day! Somehow I have slipped behind with my work (thinking I was doing enough to be ok) and actually have a tonne to do .... which is what I've taken a quick break from to type this quickly. I would rather be going to bed ..... so will keep it short. Its going to be another busy week - until I catch up on things.
Had a fantastic weekend away ..... man I love the beach. the weather was really stunning and we found our favourite new cafe RIGHT on the beach where the kids can play in the sand right below where we can sit and have a nice coffee, champas or beer (depending on the time of day) I will confess to having a champagne at lunchtime on Sunday and man it was sensational! ok ... back to the grindstone!!!!! sigh!

What a day ... I'm exhausted. Actually its been a really busy week .... our 5 year old had a brilliant day today, and a great princess party today. How beautiful do all the girls look? I have a love/hate relationship with kids parties. I love all the planning and making cute things, and even setting up - it just looks so damn cute .... but then they all arrive and its FULL ON and I have to race around like a woman possessed! Then they all leave again and I love it! So anyway, its over and I can't believe she is 5 - just goes to show you have to savour every minute as they grow up so fast. I am going to fall into bed soon ....

how cute is the fairy wand cake, not bad for a little idea in my head hey!

Tomorrow my middle girl turns 5 ..... wow, how time flies. I have just finished icing a zillion cupcakes ... they look so darn cute too! I have a pic here of the littlest one, who was mesmerised by the little cappincino cups we made for pre-school tomorrow - the photo tells the story really, she just wanted one so badly! Too cute for words! I am up to wrapping the pass the parcel, for once in my life I am actually trying to be organised for one of my girls parties - I always always always seem to leave it to the last minute .... and I'm sure it gives me more grey hairs each time!!!!
Today has been a busy one, we had friends arrive from Lennox Heads yesterday (to stay the night) and had a spontaneous lunch with mutual friends (it was ANZAC day) - the plans all came together on Monday night, and I have to be honest and say I was a bit stressed at first thinking it was going to be a major, but acutally it was really fun, and easy and such a fantastic time. I don't have any pics, as I have to download some pics off my phone. I ended up being late for school this morning after chatting too long .......... opps! Went swimming, which i was good to blow out the cobwebs and have a chat with the girls - i love swimming! Then it was onto the party planning - making the cake, which is going to be a fairy wand - will definitely have to post photos of this when its finished. well ... better finish the pass the parcel .... am getting tired now.

Yesterday I did my first triathlon in 8 years - YES, 8 years! The last race I did I was 6 weeks pregnant with Katya (and happened to be the same course that I raced yesterday) It was hard! Actually I forgot just how much it hurts to do triathlon - and how much is mind over matter! I was having some pretty full on conversations with myself throughout the race .... I did finish and was VERY very very happy to see the end. What I have decided is that I will either do a whole series next summer, or I will never do another triathlon again. A one off is too hard on your body, from past experience I do know that your body actually gets used to racing and you get "race fit" something I definitely WASN'T yesterday. It is still an achievement and I am glad I did it. I was completely wiped out for the rest of the day. Hubby played golf all afternoon so i went to friend's who live over that side of town and chilled out - it was great hanging out with them!
Today has been quiet a busy day, getting groceries, tidying up .. .and generally picking up after not being able to function all that well last night! I do have a confession!!!!!!! I was going to do the shopping with the two youngest darlings, and low and behold there is a NEW nail place at my shops - and they have 20% off opening special! I mean HELLO!!!! So I booked in for a peticure and a manicure at 12 and it was absolute bliss! and cheap - yay, so that might be happening alot more regularly!!! hee hee


this is a wee snippet for Nana of the littlest one wearing her fluffy slippers. Nana sent them when she was born!

Just playing with my photoshop software - trying to get it all sorted, here is an Easter pic of our precious ones!

Well .... i am slowly warming up to being back into normal life again, I was pretty hopeless yesterday and just didn't know where to start - too many things to do! So I ended up starting heaps of things and not really finishing anything! Today has been alot more productive - yay!
Got the housework done (well, most of it - man, the house was terrible) also the grocery shopping, made some biscuits (choc chip of course) the girls had swimming this afternoon ... so all is all quiet a busy day!
I am having some trouble uploading my photos, so will have to get that sorted before I can post them - sorry! Time to chill in front of the tv ............

Kiora! Have not long been home for our journey back from NZ ... had the best time! was so good getting a good dose of NZ life again .... I feel like I've been away for ages! Do have a wee cold, so am going to finish unpacking and hit the sack .... will post some pics tomorrow! Happy Easter (I know its a bit late) I ate my quota of chocy of course!!! Someone has to do it! hare mai!

EleVEn years ... wahoo! Today is our anniversary ... here is the card I made for hubby. We have enjoyed a yummy breaky together, and are going to have a quiet night by candlelight on the verandah, nice food, nice wine ... good conversation - the perfect setting for our 11 year reminise!

Oh I am so tired today ............. we had the pre-school mums dinner last night, which was such fun - such a cool bunch of women! I had a blast, I just WISH I could stop chatting and go home at a respectable hour .... and not have my eyes hanging out of my head (like they are today) two coffees haven't helped AT ALL either!
I had the biggest surprise this morning - I bumped into an old childhood friend (who I've been meaning to see for like the LONGEST time) and there we were at the shops, and it was just so spontaneous and lovely! She has the cutest kids, and I am so looking forward to seeing her more in the future, its nice to have some history with someone I have known almost all my life.
So after having a wee power nap, I am going to make an anniversary card for my sweetest one, as tomorrow is our 11 years .... far out, I am starting to feel old - but loving the place we are in our marriage, you are so more in tune with each other this far down the track ... its fun!

My biggest girl has NO FRONT TEETH .... had to photograph it - its quiet hilarious! So the tooth fairy will be visiting YET again ... hope she still has some money left .....
off to bed.... am very tired! too tired to scrap!!!!

Its Wed afternoon, and I should be cleaning out the spare room (which is full of baby stuff that I need to organise) but I am struggling to find motivation .... one of those jobs that is like LAST on my list of "want to do". Half way thru the week already. I have been draggin the chain a bit today after getting up to ride at 5am this morning. I have committed to do a triathlon in 3 weeks time and am pulling my finger out so I can give myself a decent shot at it - my body is suffering tho this week, and sleep is quiet high on the list of priorities! ok might go check out the damage in the spare room ....

I LOVE this photo of us ... it was a quick project putting it on one of these Rob n Bob Coaster cards ... I really like how it turned out. Have to go, have kids here for a play date and they want food delivered to the cubby house .... of course, I need a coffee too!

Have just finished this lo .... having a great weekend, went riding this morning - first time in ages, so my legs are a bit tired now. Its just a gorgeous day here today ... stunning actually! Am going to put a focaccia on for dinner, its going to be a bbq to enjoy this gorgeous afternoon!