Leanne's Little Place

Talk about busy and BIG achievements

2008-05-24T15:06:00.005+09:30

Far out, time just gets away from us here at the moment...but we have had some exciting stuff happen since I last posted.

Renee has been working hard toward her Australian Scout Medallion, she finishes Scouts in less than two weeks, sadly, she will turn 15 and then be too old. I know she will miss it, particularly her Scout Leader, Griz, they are great mates and I know they will continue to be so.

Back to her Medallion, yes she achieved it!!!! We are all so proud of her. It was lots of hard work and the last few weeks have been fairly stressful to say the least, with getting it all finished, but she got there in the end. She is the first Scout in her Group to achieve her Green Cord and the Medallion. Here are some pics of her getting her cord, very proud moment.

Renee with her leaders above, from left to right, Skip....Renee...Griz. These guys have been awesome leaders. Below is her troop that she took away for her Scout Medallion Camp. She had to plan everything, buy the food, book the venue, organise equipment. The camp was last weekend and it rained the whole time, they even had hail. I tell ya, it's something about Renee and camps, she tends to bring the bad weather.!!!!

Her Medallion will be presented to her by the Govenor some time in September or October a very big occassion.....how cool, eh!

Still on Renee, I tell you, our life has been revolved around her at the moment, I guess her being the oldest, it tends to happen, poor Aaron, his turn will come. Renee managed to secure her first job, yeeha!!! She is so excited, her first day today. She is working as a party host at our local ten bowling centre, she started this morning at about 10.30am. I have just come back from up there, because Rod dropped her off this morning with no money, I figured she would be looking for a drink or food right about now, so had to go up and give her some money. She looks tired, and she said she was tired, but at the end of the day the $11 an hour, will be the reward, not bad money for a nearly 15 year old. Her Scout leaders wife, helped out with that one, gave me a text the other afternoon and said for Renee to come up with her Resume, she was there bowling with her daughter at the time and noticed the sign that said they were looking to recruit. We left and within about 5 minutes of being home, she was phoned and asked to come to an interview the next afternoon. You couldn't wipe the smile of her face, her own money, how awesome.

I have had a Birthday, celebrated quietly, a whole 38 years. Dad kept saying he didn't think I was that old, I just don't think he wanted to believe it, because it made him feel old LOL. To me it's just a number.

Anyway that's my news for this time, have a great week or month, whatever it may be before I get back onto this again.

Cya
Leanne
xxx

Kayak trek....very exhausting

2008-04-30T16:58:00.005+09:30

Well the Kayak trek was hard work. Weather was very ordinary...wind and rain and got cold. Dad and I were the land crew, so we had the easy job. We met up with them each night and camped out with them, was lots of fun...although I hate the outdoor toileting, girls really aren't made for outdoor living like that! LOL.

Due to the weather the kids didn't make it to Morgan which was the intention, they instead got to Cadell, all up they paddled about 52kms, which is a fair effort given the conditions. At the end of each day they would set up their tents, then pull out their little trangia's (camp oven's) and cook their meals, by the end of the weekend they were exhausted and very sore, blisters and muscle aches being the main complaints.

They also had to go through Lock 2 I was a little worried about that, but they made it through fine, they lock master was lovely and made sure that he let the water out fairly slowly so as to not swirl up the water too much for them.

We got home Sunday night at about 8.30pm and I think that I am still getting over it.

So here are a few pics from the weekend.

I'm on Holidays.....just for a week!

2008-04-21T14:48:00.003+09:30

Yay for a short break.....I have been so busy, which has made me so darn tired.....but I have the next couple of days off, yippeee.

Renee has a kayaking camp this weekend, so we are busy getting ready for that, she will be doing 60 kms over three days, rather her than me, although the scenery will be gorgeous. They are travelling from Waikerie to Morgan. As with all hikes or treks that she does, she has to cart her own gear in the Kayak, set up camp each night and cook her own meal, sounds like fun!

Dad and I will be the land crew, so we don't get out of it, LOL. We will be camping with them overnight.....they do have two leaders rowing with them. Rod and Aaron will have the weekend off, Rod just having had shoulder surgery, so doesn't really deem him useful for the weekend, hence dad coming instead. So think of us this weekend, starting at dawn Friday morning with Dawn Service for Anzac day, then off to Waikerie we drive.

On a side note, I got creative last night and made this for mum for Mother's Day. The pics are of her five grandchildren....I loved doing this, was so much fun. Only thing is I can't keep anything a secret, so when she drove around today, I just had to give it to her LOL. Oh well I did get her something else.

I found the Easter Bunny......

2008-04-13T18:34:00.002+09:30

Ok, so Easter has been and gone.....However, I was looking through some of my pics tonight and came across this one, and I just had to add it to my blog, LOL. This is my Dad, we were at Taeqwondo one night and he decided to throw the Bunny Ears on, what a dag!!!

Kids have started school holidays as of Friday last week, thank heavens to some point. It will give Renee a break from her Science teacher, they seem to have a major difference of opinion and the two week break may be a good thing. She had an excellent report ( 4 A's and 2 B's) and still managed an "A" for Science, but we will be keeping a close eye on the whole personality clash thing. Argh teens....although I have to agree with some of the issues that Renee is having, threatening to reduce percentages to give her a lower grade, is just not on in my opinion, and I do totally understand that Renee can be vocal in her opinions, however if the child is doing what she needs to do and getting the percentage that she needs to get for her "A" then I dont think threatening to take it away from her is appropriate, simply because you have a problem with the child. Oh man I didn't realise it bothered me quite so much still....it obviously does for the whinge that I have just had. I did ring the school and discuss the issues with the year level manager, so we will just wait and see what happens now.

Still on Renee......how is that no matter how many times you can say something to your teen, it appears to fall on deaf ears, LOL.

Renee, can you pick up your clothes and put them in the wash?

Renee can you tidy up your room and put your clothes in the wash?

Renee can you hang the clothes up that you have tried on for 10 minutes and clean up your room?

These are just some of the questions that are asked on a regular basis. This morning I am doing the washing and just when I have loaded up and started the machine, madam decides that she is going to bring out her washing, a whole darn load of it, honestly she has a machine full and I have a big washing machine!. I start hanging her stuff on the line and find tops that I haven't even see her wear....trying to explain to her, that something she has tried on for 10 minutes is not dirty, but simply needs to be hung again, is major drama LOL, I suggested to her that during her two week holidays, she may like to do the ironing, man the look I got from that was like I had asked her to cut her right arm off!!!!

All in all though she is a good kid and we are getting on relatively well at the moment, not too many major arguements, thank heavens, I think I may have finally worked her out!

Aaron, well he is just plodding along, he has hormones raging through his little body, drives us crazy at times. He grunts at us now, when we ask him to do something, and if he isnt grunting he moans LOL. Having said that though it is fairly short lived, thank heavens and he tends to move on fairly quickly, boys are so different to girls, she would scream at us for hours LOL, what am I saying, she still can at times.!

So thats me, thanks for listening to my moans, really haven't had a lot going on in our lives of late, but thought I had better put something up here, to keep you all interested...

And just when I think my kids are hard work.....Renee just now, this minute, randomly said

"I Love You, MUM'

and Aaron, quickly followed suit, LOL, not to be outdone..

Kids, they can be hard work, but where would be without them LOL

Have a great week everyone.

Leanne

xxx

Some Cards....

2008-04-03T12:30:00.002+10:30

I have been so quiet on here of late, just getting on with life. We have had sickness in the house. Aaron has had a cough for a week, and just can't seem to shake it, and I have had some viral thing, it has kept me off work for a few days, but am feeling a whole lot better today, so back to work tomorrow.

I went to my first Stampin Up party last weekend, at Patty's, had a blast, mum came too. So now mum has booked a party, can't wait. A whole new world awaits me in stamping, some of them are so beautiful.

I also made my first cards this last week. The first one being for a baby boy. The pattern for the torn teddy, I got from the "Scrapheap" site. I love these little guys and they are so easy to make.

I have also made some Thank You cards for a couple of Renee's teachers. Quick and easy but I thought that I would share it. The photo on the front of the card was taken when the teachers took the girls to Kelly Clarkson concert a few weeks back. They had an amazing time, they even glammed it up and were lucky enough to be in a corporate box, totally awesome.

Thanks for stopping by...

Further to my previous post....How cute are these!

2008-03-24T20:12:00.003+10:30

We took Bunny Ears around to Donna last night for Caitlin, mum found the cutest fluffiest ones! Donna was left with instructions to take some Easter pics, so she did, and here are the results. I love them all! Good job with the camera Donna.

Happy Easter everyone....

2008-03-24T10:32:00.007+10:30

We have had a great weekend, albeit short notice. The kids and I went to Taeqwondo Wednesday where Dad and a friend, Angie, were discussing going camping overnight. The next thing we know Dad and Renee were leaving Thursday night to stake out a spot and the rest of us would meet them on Friday morning.

For minimal planning though we had a hoot of a time, the weather was perfect and the camp site great, just a small car drive to toilets which is my one must have luxury when camping, I can live without the shower for a couple of days.

We got home yesterday at about midday, spent the next three hours unpacking and washing everything, yuck I hate that job, and now have a mountain of washing to get through today.

So here are some pics....

Scrapping like mad.......

2008-03-10T19:51:00.008+10:30

It has been so darn hot this weekend. Renee went away on a camp Kyacking, poor kid, too hot, but she did have a good time. We picked her up at about 5pm tonight.

So whilst she was away, I sat in my little scrap room, right under the air conditioner and did some serious scrapping.

Firstly I had thought that I had better get into Donna's pregnancy album again, seems as the baby has now been born........so this is the layout for 20 weeks. Still have a few more to go on this, but I will get there!

Then did three more pages for Caitlin's album, I am on a roll at the moment, although it does help when I have such a cute little subject to scrap with. I totally adore the last pic of her, looks like she is almost smiling. She is starting to get a little chunky now, so cute at nearly four weeks.

Have a great week everyone

Leanne

xxxx

My first "Caitlin" page

2008-03-01T10:18:00.003+10:30

Baby Caitlin is four days old here, just hanging out with her dad!

The drought has finally broken this is my first page for months, LOL

I went to Clipsal, totally AWESOME!!!!

2008-02-25T21:40:00.003+10:30

OMG how much fun did I have yesterday. Celina had bought tickets for herself and John and the boys to go to Clipsal as a Christmas present. Unfortunately John was unable to go as it turned out, due to work. Celina asked Dad to come with her which in the end he declined, saying he was too old, LOL, so I got to go instead. I wasn't sure initially if I would enjoy it, but man it was awesome.

As kids we would go to the drags and then later as a teenager and into my early twenties, I would regularly go to the Speedway, so I guess it's in the blood. And I tell you from the minute I heard those cars and then the first smell of the hot rubber tyres, my heart was racing, it was totally awesome, took me back about 20 years or more.

Celina was a total crack up, every time I turned around, I saw her goofy little hat and those great big Ford hands, she was a total scream. Even funnier considering that we were right in the middle of a million Holden supporters, LOL. The boys loved it. I'm definately going again, the kids want to come next year, so we will be working on that.

My heart goes out to the family of Ashley Cooper, the driver that died today, so terribly sad, a family man, a brother, a son, so devasting. A brutal reminder of how dangerous the sport is.

Have been a little busy, meet "Jelly" and a couple more pics of Caitlin

2008-02-23T13:27:00.006+10:30

Have been flat out again, this last week or so and internet hasn't been working, argh the pains of modern technology. I swear I don't know what I did before the internet, I really miss it, when it's not around...not to mention the inconvenience of not having it, paying bills the old fashioned way, so time consuming LOL. I did have an excuse though to go to Donna's for a cuddle however, told her I needed to come early to pay some bills on their internet, but quietly it also gave me a little more time for my cuddle fix!!!!!

Last weekend we had a Chinese exchange student stay with us. The Chinese come to Australia for about 10 days, spend three days in Adelaide with their host family and then go on to Melbourne, Canberra and then Sydney before flying home, bit of a whirlwind trip.

So meet "Jelly" this being her nickname because she likes to eat Jelly. She was an absolute sweety and by the end of her three days we found out that she was quite the rebel, which we affectionately told her. She is quite the modern young Chinese woman, very open minded about her country and the politics that surround it, and is not afraid to stand up and say she doesn't like something. She had us in stitches with some of her thoughts. Her English was excellent, she was even able to share jokes with us on Saturday night, talk about laugh, I had tears she was hillarious.

It was sad to see her go Monday night, I would have loved to have had her for a little longer, three days really isn't enough, you start to get to know them and then they are off again. Renee, really connected with her, which was great, I think they shared the same "outthere" personality and Jelly knew how to have a good time, so here are some pics.

We did the dolphin cruise on Sunday, not many dolphins unfortunately, but it was a nice outing, the school had taken them to the Wildlife park on the Saturday to see the animals, which she loved. The last pic is saying goodbye, she was in tears, poor thing, aw gee the mother in me comes out when they are like this, I hate seeing them so sad!!! I am getting better though, LOL.

And to finish up with this post here are a couple more pics of Caitlin, she really is the sweetest little thing. Donna and Ben came home with their precious little bundle last Friday night and they are going great guns. Caitlin has put on 250 grams so is doing just great and breast feeding so far is going well. Donna is so relaxed and so happy, I am so proud of her!

The pics of Caitlin her daddy took, she was still in hospital, aint she just the cutest and the last one, is of Celina, our middle sister. I love this pic, the emotion you can see on Celina, (not sure why I didn't include in my last post, so just had to share it now). Celina has two boys and was always the sister that I could see with a little girl, however she loves her nieces and this little one is extra special because we both have more time as Aunties to spoil and spoil, it's the best.

Renee and I went shopping last Saturday, to buy up for our newest addition to the family and boy did we have fun. Aunty Leanne, ending up very happy, having bought Caitlin her first pair of bathers, they are so darn cute. Nothing better than seeing little fat legs and a baby butt in a pair of cute little bathers, and yes they are a little big for her at present but won't be long LOL. Also bought lots of pink other things, I love pink. Found the cutest, ruffliest little dress for her and just had to have it, unfortunately it's too big for her at present, so hoping she will grow into it before it gets too cold. Anyway enough rambling from me, enjoy the pics. Really got to find the time to start Scrapping some of them, havent done any for ages, still have Donna's pregnancy album to do, at this rate it may be a combined pregnancy album and first year of Caitlin, hopefully finished in time for her first Birthday, LOL.

IT'S A GIRL.....Woohoo!!

2008-02-12T07:08:00.000+10:30

Very excited Aunty here. We got the phone call at about 1.30 am this morning to say that

CAITLIN ELISE

a little girl, weighing about 7 and half pounds arrived at 12.35am

Stay tuned there will be lots of photos tonight.

Have a great day!!!

Love Leanne.

Ok so here some of the pics. Donna and Ben are doing great, although Donna was getting a little tired by the end of our visit, it has been a big day. Caitlin is gorgeous, hardly makes a sound, so far......She has a real little frown on her and not sure if she has eyes yet, because we didn't see them, but she has ten fingers and ten little toes and a little shell ear, just like her mum did, but very cute. So enjoy the pics everyone, we are totally in love!!!

There are plenty more, but will put some up another time, am so tired, couldn't get back to sleep after our early morning phone call, but I am so stoked I have a niece, she has been a long time coming and we are all counting our blessings tonight. Welcome baby Caitlin.....

D Day for Donna......but she is still here

2008-02-09T20:13:00.000+10:30

Baby is due today and at this stage it doesn't look like it's going anywhere!!! Was talking to Donna today and she said that she went for a huge walk.....about 2 hours or so and it's done nothing. Baby has engaged and she has "dropped" according to her doctor, she does look a little lower, I think.

So here are the photos from Thursday, 39 and half weeks.

Oh and on a side note, for those email friends of mine, that drop by to keep up to date. Our puter is finally back on track, so if you love me enough to send me some emails so as I can re add you to my address book that would be wonderful, I lost all of you when our puter died!!! LOL

I'm still alive and Donna's still Pregnant.......

2008-01-31T19:20:00.000+10:30

Yup for those faithfuls that do occassionally check in here to keep up to date, I apologise for being so slack. No real excuse, apart from getting into the New Year, School holidays etc etc. Oh but more recently my puter died, very sad that is, so at the moment I am sitting at Renee's laptop doing this entry, feels very unfamiliar to me, a bit like cooking in someone else's kitchen LOL, not that I do much of that, totally don't get into cooking.......so here I go in trying to catch up on the last few weeks.

New Year was great, we went to a friend's place and played on Singstar most of the night was so much fun, but we were a little shy, not having played on one before, it was enough however to inspire the kids to put together some of their Christmas money and go and get a Singstar bundle once the shops opened again in the New Year. I totally love it, my favourite CD being the "Legends", all the oldies onit like, Jimmy Barnes, John Farnham, and so funny, I get Singstar often and now no one wants to play with me cause I always win, love love love it. Sad really given I am the mummy, but it feels good to win!!!!!

The boat was taken out a few times, more recently last weekend and Aaron has now mastered the art of Water Skiing he has done so well, didn't really take him long to get up either, he is totally chuffed with himself, he is still a little wobbly but can manage to go quite away now before falling off, he has even managed to get around the turns as well, we are so proud of our boy. Renee hasn't had any more attempts since the last time, she has struggled a little with this and therefore isn't as interested!!! Maybe a little peeved that her brother beat her in getting up!!!

The kids went back to school again, not unlike the rest of the country, I was like most mothers relieved to finally be back in routine again, earlier nights etc etc. The last couple of weeks are the worst with the kids getting tired and bored with each other and they just seem to drag. The only problem I have with the whole back to school thing is having to cut lunches again, don't think much of that job.

And finally for this post, Donna is still pregnant, 9 days to go and counting today. She looks amazing and certainly not like a woman who is about to pop. She skips in and out and around the place, no real sign of being very uncomfortable at all, even her Doctor apparently passed a similar comment today when he saw her. She is getting sick of herself though and just wants it over now, hmmmm I am sure most of us can relate to those words, I can't imagine what she will be like if she is overdue, and as much as she hates me saying it, I think she will be....I also reckon a little boy, so not long now and the waiting will be over. So here are the last few weeks pics of her.

The above shots are at 36 weeks, the last few are with Renee, I had to get a couple of shots with her in the pic with Donna because I have a shot of me pregnant with Renee, with Donna striking a similar pose. If I was on my puter I would upload that photo.........but alas I can't LOL.

37 weeks with very swollen feet

and these are from today at 38 weeks nearly 39, I would love to say that she has "dropped" but I don't think so. I did get to feel a couple of movements today, I so love that.....most of her kicks are up high on the right hand side, not much room in there for that little baby though, not long to go now. So stay tuned.........................

Our Christmas Festivities............

2007-12-29T21:28:00.000+10:30

We started off a couple of days before Christmas with exchanging gifts with our dear friend Patty, had a couple of Chrissy drinks was a really nice night. Renee received a gorgeous handmade gift from Lauren, a Scrapbook page of their friendship, you will see her in the pictures with it, was so special and Renee loved it!

Christmas Eve, was at our place. We did the full Christmas lunch for Mum and Kevin, Donna and Ben, before heading up to Waikerie to have Christmas day with Celina. Check out our tree, it really was a money tree this year with all those special envelopes!

After lunch and present opening we headed up to Waikerie with Dad to spend Christmas Eve night and Christmas day with Celina and family. Celina was working until about 9pm, so she managed to get home to see most of the Carols, she is normally working and doesn't get to indulge like that LOL, check out this pic of Renee to the right singing her little heart out!!!

Christmas day started early with us rising at about 6.30am, Jarrod was the only slow one LOL, took a little while to get him moving, even Renee was up early and that's saying something! Was so nice to be able to wake up with Celina Christmas morning, we were kids the last time we did that. It was also really nice to have all the kids together on Christmas morning, this is the first time that this has happened, so was extra special. Only downfall was, was that I forgot the video camera charger....bummer....I had everything else, even remembered to buy extra tapes, I was not happy!!!

Christmas Eve we set a small tree up outside, as Celina's lounge room is quite small, I don't think we would have been able to see the kids for paper otherwise.

So here comes Christmas in pictures. I love the first one, it's Renee dragging Phillip outside to see what Santa has brought them, how cute LOL.

Then came Celina's surprise to her family, Clipsal tickets and merchandise, she was so proud of herself because she actually managed to keep it a secret from all of them!

And then time for Santa to give out the presents from the families to each other.

And the lunch, to the left. Celina and John had also asked John's Aunt and Uncle over for Christmas Dinner, It was Uncle Les's Birthday as well, it was so lovely. Aunty Mary has not long been in a nursing home, so was great that she was able to come out for the day. In a few days this lovely couple will be celebrating 60 years of marriage, amazing, huh! The group photo taken was taken on Renee's new camera. She loves it and was taking photos of every thing, even dishes and dinner being served, she just could become a scrapbooker armed with this device. It's a great little unit with the self timer feature, was so funny waiting for the camera to take the pic, I think you can almost see the anticipation in some of our faces!

Then to finish off here are a couple of pics generally from the day.

We headed home Boxing Day, but not before stopping in on an old family friend. This was totally a blast from the past for me. As kids we grew up knowing Uncle Ted and would knock around with his kids most weekends. He is now in a band and lives out in the bush, he and his partner, Maxine have a lovely set up, having built everything from scratch, no electricity, just generator power, cheap living I guess, but you wouldn't want to forget bread and milk.

The most amazing thing to see was his old Chev Ute. As kids we would be at the drags a lot of weekends watching this old ute race down the track. We would spend hours polishing wheels and to go and see the ute in the shed was very special, really brought out the OOOHH's and the AAHHHH's. However it has changed a little since those days, it now collects wood!!! It almost made me cry seeing it like this LOL.

Then a group photo, not the best, oh well.

So here's hoping your Christmas was as much fun and as special as ours...

BRING ON 2008

Holidays are here and Donna at 32 Weeks

2007-12-22T15:23:00.000+10:30

Wow we have all been on holidays for a week and we have been busy.

Last Sunday we took the boat out again, up to Walkers Flat, had a great time. Tried to get Renee up on Water Skiis, she nearly got there, was so close. In the end she was getting tired and decided it was "boring" so then spent the rest of the day on the kneeboard. Aaron on the biscuit only because his knee was hurting from a small accident that he had at school!!!!

I even got brave enough to tow Renee on the kneeboard, was so scared, but I managed to get her up out of the water on about the third attempt and she got back safely, phew, LOL. Dad also wanted to have a go, I tell you I was a little freaked out at the thought of trying to get him out of the water. He never got up on the skiis, but did manage about two seconds on the kneeboard before his shoulder gave out on him......oh well at least he got up!!

So here is a couple of photos of my beauties, no kneeboard shots today.

*******************************

We spent early in the week painting Renee's room, she decided that fairy floss pink had to go after all these years LOL. We made the mistake of when she was about six, letting her choose whatever colour she wanted and that's what she picked. I never really liked it when it went up, but she did and that was the main thing, so I must admit I wasn't too sad to see it go.

She wants a Betty Boop theme this time. Initially the paint sample tins came home coloured Red and Cream, she wanted a Red feature wall, with the other three Cream. I wasn't too keen on the red wall idea, I figured she already has an issue with teenage attitude, without throwing up a red wall to help it along!!! Thankfully with a little bit of coaxing she also decided that maybe it might be a bit much, so in the end it was decided to go a light blue, the idea here is that it will match in with her new quilt cover set that she is getting for Christmas, the mummy said, thank God, let me tell you.

It also was an opportunity to give her room a good clean out and so I then ended having to find boxes to store all the unwanted items, but not so unwanted that she wants to give them away or sell them on EBAY, so subsequently the spare room, now has two additional boxes with Renee's treasures in them. I tell ya though for the size of the room that she has there sure was a lot of stuff in there, check out this pic LOL. This is it all piled up in our loungeroom, was very glad to see it safely back to her room again!!!

Haven't got an after shot yet, will post one of those later once she has her quilt, but here are a couple of before and in progress shots. Her quilt is blue and red, I am thinking that red curtains would look pretty good here, would give a real retro feel, but at the moment, madam is not buying it, perhaps I should have suggested green first, LOL, then maybe she would have come to the party, it just seems lately that if I say black, she will say white, argh teenagers, who needs them!!!

*********************************

Then finally for this post, we went to Donna's yesterday, to see how the nursery is progressing, only 8 weeks or so go to go now, very exciting. It was also belly picture time as well. So here are the pics of her nursery. It does look a little male toned, even the tiny little clothes in the drawer have a definate male feel about them, but man they are so darn cute. If she does have a little girl, I am sure she will be inundated with lots of pink!!!

And here are her 32 week shots. Her best friend Kirrily was there also, so it gave us an opportunity to get a few pics of the two of them together. Kirrily is 6 weeks behind her and having a little girl. And Donna being so obliging for her big sister wore a pink top for her photos this time. I love to scrap in pink....not that I have done much of that lately, really must get back into that, just a little short of time at present and am enjoying doing a little bit of nothing at the moment.

That's about it from me, took me ages to post all this, have been having trouble with my camera recognising the computer for some reason, a real pain, so had to download photos to Renee's laptop first, oh the hassels LOL.

Anyway for those that stop by and have a read I hope you all have a very Happy and Safe Christmas with your families and friends, because I don't think that I will be back here again until after Christmas.

Take care

Leanne

xxx

A Baby Shower, A Birthday and a Black Belt!!!!

2007-12-09T17:59:00.000+10:30

Wow what an awesome weekend our family has had, this will be a big post, sorry, but please persevere to the end!!!

Yesterday was Donna's Baby Shower, was so much fun. Lots of noise, lots of laughter and lots of friends and family. Donna was given some lovely gifts, lots of cute little clothes that will suit either boy or girl, baby blankets, cute little cuddlies, baby rocker and an activity centre and her sister's (Celina and I) gave her something oh so practical LOL a Breast Pump, bottles and bottle brushes and even a video on Breast feeding, so at least the baby won't starve, hopefully!!!!

So here are some pics......

Pin the dummy on the baby, one of the rules was no touching the baby, Donna is such a bugger for the rules, check her out, she had her hands all over the baby LOL.

We played this fun game also, I called it Multi-tasking, the object of the game was to hang as many clothes of baby's on the line in 30 seconds, whilst talking on the phone and holding baby, eight items was the most achieved and I think we had about five people on that, so Donna ended having to draw the winner out of a hat!!! Poor Nicole (Donna's sister in law), really showed us what it was like, with a baby literally hanging off her leg, although you can't really see the baby in this photo and a toddler as well giving her a helping hand.

We played the dirty nappy game, what a scream, great for pictures. You need six nappies, and six different types of chocolates, melt them into the nappies and then let your guests open and see if they can work out what's in them, the looks on their faces are priceless, check out these pics.....some even get brave enough to eat it!!!!

a nice one of two pregnant friends, Kirrily is 6 weeks behind Donna.

Then onto present opening......

So that was the Baby Shower................

******************

Then last night Celina and I took Dad out for his Birthday, we went to Charlies Diner - an all you can eat place, yummy!!!!! Dad's Birthday is tomorrow but he got his pressies early, lucky him, eh..........

BUT THE BIGGEST NEWS OF ALL.................is the Taeqwondo Grading, both the kids were grading today and both were successful.

Aaron progressed to Red 3, so now his next belt is black, which should probably take about 12 months or so and Renée has exitedly acheived BLACK BELT. We have had the most stressful week, with stress tears after training Saturday week ago, she was so worried about breaking her boards, she was not confident at all. We had to schedule an extra lesson to give her the extra bit of confidence that she needed.

The grading was tough, Renée got a little overcome with an adrenilin rush and had to take 10 minutes or so to get herself back together, I thought she was going to pass out, poor kid, but like the spirited kid that she is, she got back up and acheived what she has worked so hard for. I am one very proud mumma right now and Rod is pretty stoked too. In fact the whole family was there, which was so nice Dad, Mum and Kevin (stepdad), Celina and Donna, it was great to be able to share this with all of them............so here are the pics, the first three are of her breaks....

and then the presentation of their belts, firstly Aaron.....poor little bugger he got left in the shadow of her acheivement today, but he did great and we were so proud of his efforts as well, he also was very proud of his sister, he such a good boy, he was happy to make it her day.

With Mike, who I have affectionately nicknamed Cojack, but not to his face LOL, too scary, he does the grading.

Renée and her instructor, Michael

*************************

These are from tonight (Monday 10/12/07), she was presented with her certificate at training tonight. (I blurred out the names)

Its Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas....

2007-12-02T21:32:00.000+10:30

I love Christmas, it's my favourite time of year, apart from the shopping....LOL. Have been so slack with getting the Christmas tree out though. The thought of moving all the boxes and everything out of the spare wardrobe, made getting the tree up a little late this year. Normally we put it up pageant day. Anyway up it went today, now I just need to wrap some pressies to put under it. Christmas here we come!!!!

Donna at 28 weeks.......

2007-11-20T19:00:00.000+10:30

Yup here she is again, really starting to get close to the finish line now, and going along so fast. I have been so slack with the last two lots of photos, I haven't even done anything with those one yet LOL, still got a couple of weeks before the baby shower, phew, so need to get cracking.

Donna arrived last night for her next lot of pics at 28 weeks. It just so happened that Celina was down, and she managed to see Donna here for about half an hour before they headed back home. I tell you though, every time Celina comes down she fits in about a weeks worth of appointments and shopping, has no time to stop LOL.

It was great having here though cause we managed to get some photos of Donna and her together, and look how they colour co-ordinated their tops, they reckon they didn't make phone calls to each other in the morning to check out what the other would be wearing LOL.

Doesn't Donna look great.....

Red top is 24 weeks and green is current at 28 weeks

We did belly shots this month as well, but they were done in her bikini's, so decided against showing those ones here, but she looks beautiful.

Happy Birthday Jarrod

2007-11-18T06:53:00.000+10:30

Happy Birthday Jarrod

Today is the Birthday of my youngest nephew, Jarrod

So to you Jarrod, we hope you have a wonderful day, full of surprises and fun! We love you lots and are so very proud of you, love from Aunty Leanne, Uncle Rod, Renee and Aaron.

To watch you video click on the pic above and make sure you have your sound turned on, sit back and enjoy.

**************************

An update on Jarrod's Birthday. One of the surprises that Celina had organised for him was for Aaron to come up and stay over night. It meant a day off school but Aaron thought it was a cool idea - no surprises there LOL. Initially Aaron was going to go up with Dad, however, in the end, all of us went up, which was so much fun.

Jarrod was so surprised, so here are some pics of his surprise Birthday Bash, it was a great day, too hot, but lots of fun.

Some Aunty and niece bonding going on here LOL

John also bought himself a Manta Ray to be towed behind the boat, he such a big kid. So we took that out for a spin. Scary stuff, you have to wear a crash hat, because apparently they can become quite airborne, although not today, Dad was there and he was playing it safe for the first time. This is John, cracked me up, he looked like one of those crash test dummies, done up like that LOL. Then Phillip had a go on the biscuit, so much fun.

A Big Weekend, no housework, but who cares!!!!!!

2007-11-12T20:38:00.000+10:30

Wow we have had a full weekend, busy, busy, busy.

Saturday morning started off with a Birthday Party for Josh. What a hoot of a party. Laser Skirmish and then Go Karting a real boys party, it was totally awesome. Way to go Patty, the boys had a blast.

Here's Aaron in the Go Kart and Josh, the Party Boy, turning the BIG 13 on Wednesday, that's two teenagers in Patty's house now, you had better watch out girl!!!

Then yesterday we drove up to Walker's Flat to have a day on the river with the boat. Patty and the kids came up with us, it was a beautiful day weather wise, and was so much fun. The kids loved it. I even got brave enough to drive the boat and tow dad on the biscuit. Was so scared, had my heart in my mouth the whole time. Pretty sad really given that I got my licence last summer and still haven't allowed myself to practice enough to actually use it LOL. Renee came out with me, and told me what to do. The scary thing was is that she actually does know what to do and I was hanging off her every word LOL. Anyway Dad mangaged to finally get behind the boat, which was cool, he said I did OK, well I must have I didn't kill him, so that was a bonus eh?

So here are some pics, just random ones of the day. Check out the kids faces, you don't need words when they throw you smiles like that!

This pic of Josh (above) is my favourite of the day. A bit blurry, but the smile says it all!!

Above and left, Ryan and Renee, the first pic I think was total adrenalin, he soon had this look of concern on his face, but he did finally settle back down again, to actually enjoy it. He had another go later in the day, so can't have been too bad. He was so scared about falling off and not being able to touch....Renee kept telling him he had his life jacket on, but that wasn't enough!

Then it was Dad's turn, with me driving the boat, scary stuff that!!!

Then Patty's turn, check out the air she took, totally awesome. I had a turn after that, but those photos are private LOL!!!!!

Then it was time for kneeboarding

Josh, had an attempt, but didn't quite get there, you were so close Josh! Second go and you would have made it up for sure. Next time!!!!

And finally, here is a slide show of the rest of the pics taken on the day, I succumbed and left the ones in there of me, ewwww. I figured I would cop a fair bit of flack if I didn't LOL

Happy Birthday MUM

2007-11-09T07:21:00.000+10:30

Happy Birthday Mum

Hoping your day is a very special one, like some of the moments shown in your video above.(click on the link to view and make sure you have sound on)

We love you, MUM

Love Leanne, Rod, Renée and Aaron

For the Benefit of Celina.........

2007-11-05T08:24:00.000+10:30

Celina does miss out on a lot of the family ongoings down here in the big smoke, so she uses the "blog" as a way of keeping in touch........

So just for you Celina, here is Donna, showing you the Nursery colours, (Celina, just click on the photos to make them bigger). Donna and Ben have been painting and yesterday they started putting the freeze up, a bugger of a job I hear, but they are doing a great job (well Ben is, not sure how much help Donna is, but that's OK Donna, lap it up I say, after all it's not every day we get pregnant!!!). Sex of the baby is unknown so neutral colouring in order.....

and just a cute pic to finish off, very unco-operative the pair of them getting pics yesterday

***********************

..............and after visiting there yesterday, I had to go and pick the kids up from Patty's, it was Matthew's 11th Birthday yesterday - HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MATTHEW

Renee, turned on the most beautiful performance, check this pic out. I swear of late she is giving me the most fantastic 21st shots..........Patty snagged this shot of her, excellent shooting Patty

This glamorous photo, is currently being used as my computer desktop photo, and it looks hilarious so big. I was in stitches when I put in up there, my ribs were killing me from laughing, how did we get one like her?

Donna at 24 Weeks.......

2007-10-25T20:25:00.000+09:30

Each time she comes around for her pics, I don't think she looks a lot different. However, when I look at the photo from the month before you can always see a difference in her shape. Donna is so neat and tidy, she looks fantastic!

We took a measurement of her waist line last month and she has grown 3 cms since then, so that was exciting!!!!

But in bigger news......I FELT THE BABY MOVE.....yup that's right, very excited Aunty Leanne here. Aunty Leanne has had a big week! We were sitting at the computer looking at the photos. It was a very gentle movement but I felt it all the same, how cool is that!

So here are this months pics.............

1st pic 20 weeks and now 24 weeks

.........and this pic to the left is my pic of the month.

Totally natural, although the sentiment behind the pic is nothing like it portrays....at first glance you would think that she was fondly nurturing her growing belly.........yeah right........, she was in fact trying to get rid of a dirty mark on her top!!!!!!

But I love it anyway!

I Love this Kid.....

2007-10-23T19:14:00.000+09:30

I got Phillip this jumper on EBAY, initially I was going to keep it for Christmas, but changed my mind. So I gave it to Celina to give to him, the last time she was down.

I rang her tonight to see what he thought of it. A little while later I got this email from him....

Hey!

I tried on the jumper you gave to me, and I think its not too bad. It is a bit long at the arms, however I will grow into the sleeves soon enough, LOL.

I really appreciate this gift, and it shall warm me up on the coldest of winter's nights.

Lots of Love, Phil

Isn't it just the best email, how polite is my nephew. One very proud Aunty here, I just had to share!

I love you too, Phil. You are one of the best!
Love Aunty Leanne

Scout Leadership Presentation.....

2007-10-20T10:21:00.000+09:30

Last night, Renée was presented with her Scout Leadership Certificate and Badge, we are a very proud family right now!!. For those that aren't Scout minded that read this, it's lot of hard work and a very big achievement.

Renée had attended a course in March this year and there were several other activities that she had to plan and run within her troop, document them and submit them for assessment.

The success here is paramount to her getting her ultimate goal of the Australian Scout Medallion. She has about 7 months to get all the work finished that is required to achieve this, so fingers crossed she will get there.

Here are some pics

....with the District Scout Commissioner

She loves Betty......

2007-10-16T21:09:00.000+09:30

Renée's girlfriends went to the show this year and they all put in to come home with a Betty Boop Show Bag for her.

So a couple of weeks ago before Taeqwondo practice, hence the uniform, she displayed some of the items that came in the bag, namely the Bandana on her head!!!!

This kid of mine can be such a scream at times, check these out.......

and

then

this

one

wait for it

Taeqwondo - Aaron grades to Red Belt 2

2007-10-14T14:49:00.000+09:30

Aaron had Taeqwondo gradings this morning and he did really well. He successfully graded to Red Belt 2......therefore only Red 3 to go and then the big one - Black Belt!!!!! He was most impressed with his efforts today, as were we, he was fantastic!!!!!

Way to Go Aaron!!!!

Here he is doing his pattern and to the right receiving his certification.

Below....his belt adorned with his second stripe!

Part of his grading, is to spar. He isn't too bad at either, getting quite aggressive, although I do get a little nervous when Aaron has to spar against Renee, she can at times get a little overbearing with him. Today however, he did really well against her, check out the video link below and watch them spar!!!!!

The link will take you to a site to view. You can also view Renee doing her pattern getting ready to grade to Black Belt at Christmas time. The video isn't the best but you get the idea.

Little Blue Eyed Casanova......

2007-10-12T17:08:00.001+09:30

This little dude is the son of my best friend Patty, everybody meet Ryan. He makes such an impact on everyone that meets him. Ryan is full on, but gee he makes you laugh, he is so witty at five!!!!

He loves the girls too, and he isn't too fussy on how old they are. A few weeks back I took Celina up to Patty's place for a bit of girl time. Ryan took quite a liking to my sister, cuddling up with her most of the night, hanging off her every word, was so funny. The next thing he is asking Celina if she would like to come to his bedroom to laydown on his bed for five minutes!!!!!! Celina was stunned LOL.

He wanted to take Aleisha home last Friday night as well, only for a little while, but wanted to take her all the same, totally cracked me up.

And here he is when he stayed over the other night, curled up in bed with his sister Lauren (left) and Renee totally lapping it up.

Yup nothing wrong with his male hormones.....

Aunty Leanne loves you Ryan.

Lazy Sunday.......

2007-10-07T11:35:00.000+09:30

Sundays can be the best day can't they.

The boys woke up at about 8.30 or so this morning and we didn't hear a peep out of them. They just laid back in bed playing gameboy and nintendo, doesn't get much better than that!

Breakfast was eaten at about 10.00 and we haven't seen them since. They are still in their PJ's, but who cares, total relaxtion. (Oh and don't mind Aaron's Pyjamas, they were meant to be mended, in the end the whole leg was torn off and he likes them like this LOL). They are now playing playstation together. All we hear is laughing and giggling, totally funny.

We are having a quiet day too. Renee is working on the Family Tree and I have washing in the machine. Rod has put a roast on for tea, yummy!!! Totally a No Rule Sunday today!!!!!

A further update, the afternoon of today was much the same as this morning, totally quiet and relaxing, the best kind. Check the kids out each with a computer, hmmm modern technology at its best here.

Then there was time this evening after showers for a little rough and tumble. Both boys are so enjoying the time they have spent with each other. Right after this pic was taken they both collapsed in fits of laughter.

And to finish off, check out these smiles.......

Fun Filled Friday night and Saturday

2007-10-06T21:46:00.000+09:30

Gosh it was busy here last night, people coming and going and the phone going crazy LOL. Dad went up to Waikerie yesterday morning with Aaron, to pick up Jarrod (nephew) to come home for a couple of days. Aaron and Jarrod although cousins are also best mates and just love getting together, you only see them at feed time, when they are together and even then you have to be at them to stop what they are doing to get them to come out.

The boys arrived home last night at 8.30, they had a fun filled day at Celina's first though, having gone bowling and then playing on Papa's CB radio. That was great until Uncle Barry got on the other one and came on saying that he was Policeman Barry. Phillip, being the eldest of the boys, quickly took charge of the situation apparently, taking the radio from Aaron explaining who he was trying to resolve the situation. Aaron was freaking out....LOL, thinking for a while there that it really was a policeman on the other end. Jarrod apparently cottoned on pretty quickly. All in all though it gave Dad, Celina and Barry a good laugh for a while! Would have loved to have seen the look on their faces, Dad said it was hilarious....

We also had Aleisha stay over last night, now she is a little girl, who is lives with her brother and her Grandfather. Their mum died a few years back and she is on the look out for a mum. She is trying desperately to set Grandpa up with someone, telling him he needs to get out more, she really is a love. Although having said that she is a little hyperactive and does get quite excited, but she is a darling. So we had her over last night, to give Grandpa and big brother a little bit of a break and also give her some girl time.

We pulled out the kites today and she had a hoot doing that, she managed quite well too, given there wasn't a real lot of wind around today, we spent a good half an hour doing that, it was great.

We also had Lauren, stay over to add to the whole girls night in. Now Lauren, try as she might had some real trouble getting that kite up and keeping it up LOL. Was so funny and Aleisha thought it was great.....Aleisha was trying to be so helpful and offered her kite to Lauren, but she was determined to get it up herself, she got there eventually, it was hilarious...Lauren was really willing that kite up in the end, desperation LOL. And check out Renee, she really got dressed up for the whole affair, she managed to stay in her PJ's all day today.

The kite flying took place whilst the boys were at the movies, seeing the new Jackie Chan movie, Rush Hour ( I think), they loved it. Rod said they were laughing the whole way through it.

By the time they got home, Aleisha had left. They both sat down and played computer - Runescape, rocks around here. We have just got a second computer (thanks Ben) so both boys were able to play together along side of each other, they had a great time.

And Celina, Jarrod is just fine. We served up his favourite meal tonight, Chicken and Chips. As I type this they are in the spare room playing on playstation, although just at this second they have just emerged looking for Icecream. Life is Good!!!!

A fun couple of days.......

2007-09-30T16:18:00.000+09:30

This is going to be a bit of a long post, I don't really feel like scrapping, but have some photos that I want to share, so blogging is a kind of comprise.

School holidays have started and even though I am working all the way through these holidays, it still does give us an opportunity to slow the pace a little, without all the rush that comes in a busy household with school aged kids. Renée's report was excellent, she is just showing a little attitude, comments like "she is spasmodic" and "could achieve more if concentrated on the task" were written. However having said that she got A's in her core subjects, so we were very pleased with that. She likes to have fun at school, I remember being a little the same!

Aaron didn't get a report this term but he did get his school photos back, he doesn't like them, he thinks he looks a little goofy....I dont' think so. I tried to explain that this is how he looks and sometimes the funny faces are one of those little personality traits that you have this time, this year. He will probably still hate the photo when he looks back through them in years to come, but a mother loves any photo of her kids, isn't that right!

End of school term also brought the end of Scouts for the term, and the kids went ten pin bowling Friday night. My psuedo daughter, Cyra (Renée's best friend at school), also came. Cyra and Renée get along so well. Renée can be a little plain jane, she is a little like me in that respect. Cyra, however, knows very much how to use her girly charms and likes to make the effort to look her best LOL. Renée who would ordinarly take about 10 minutes to get ready to go out, took about an hour along with Cyra to get ready the other night. Hair straightners, make up, mouse, spray.....you name it was used. I must admit though it is nice to see the girls dress up occassionally, we don't get to see Renée do it very much that is for sure. This is a pic they took of themselves on the mobile phone.

Yesterday morning it was early up for us girls. Dad took the girls and I to Waikerie to see Celina, John and the kids. Rod and Aaron didn't want to come this time, instead they opted to stay home to watch the footy (which we won't talk about LOL, both are Port supporters). The idea was to take the boat out, this was the first time, since earlier in the year, so dad was keen, as were Renée and Cyra. Celina and I however, thought it would be a little cool, it was very overcast, but hell what do we know, we are just the mothers!!! We got up there and the boys didn't want to come, instead they stayed home and helped John build a pergola, they were the smart ones.

We went to Barmera - Lake Bonney (for those of you that may read this and don't know where that is, it's in the Riverland, South Australia. The lake was awful, so choppy, but that boat was going in regardless. On the way up there, I had a phone call from Renee, asking if there were sharks in there, along with crocs....dad had obviously been spinning the girls a yarn and Renée rang to check it out with me, talk about a scream, Celina then pipes up and says "yep and there are Piranas too". Renée had it sussed with that, but up until then the girls weren't too sure.

Here they are ready to get in the water. The first one is their fat impersonation, not sure of the purpose of that, they are mad, totally mad! The second one is meant to be the nice one, I tell ya, gone are they days where you acutally smile for the camera and actually look happy, so frustrating!!!

The biscuit was first, I love this thing, so much fun and all you have to do is hang on, nice and easy to do. Renée is heavier than Cyra though and subsequently the balance of the biscuit was off, but got some cute pics of them before Renée just couldn't hang on any more.

(right) Then it was Cyra's turn on her own......

...and then Renée (left). Here she is totally showing off, we were coming into shore so the boat was slowing down, it wasn't long after this pic, however, that Cyra suggests we give her a little burst of the throttle and off she goes, straight off the back!!!!!!

Then it was out with the knee board. Cyra hadn't done this before, but wanted to give it a go, despite the water being so rough and choppy. Renée had her turn first.

Cyra, also got up after a few attempts, but I forgot to take the camera out with me, when I was spotting for her, so I missed out on pics of her, was pretty annoyed about that LOL.

***************

We got back to Celina's, John and Phillip had finished the structure for the pergola, it looks great, Celina was so impressed.

They did however have some sad news. They have geese, and they had two babies hatch in the morning, only to be found by John shortly after hatching, dead. The big male goose stomped on them, they were so fluffy and cute. I suggested to John, that he separate the male from the others, to try and have her save her last egg (although we aren't too sure that one is fertislised).

Here John, is with the big male (doesn't he look like Farmer Joe LOL), rotton goose, then with Jarrod, giving it a pat, and the last pic is of the mummy on her egg. Poor thing she was so distressed. She is the bird in the back ground, you can just see her egg under her.

Aside from that though, the day was great, I so love spending time with Celina, we are very close. I love her bits. We crawled into bed about midnight, Celina and I shared, and then chatted until about two in the morning, I was so darn tired when I woke up this morning. We had to get up early to get Cyra home before midday.

The final pic is of my sister, with her puddy cat Elliott, she loves her cats, they have two, and they are totally spoiled. It's not the best pic of her, as we weren't long out of bed LOL, but I figure on my blog I can put anything on here and that will teach her for keeping me awake half the night!!!!!! Sorry Celina, NOT!!!! Love your guts girl, Leanne, xxxx

Congratulations Pat and Belinda

2007-09-25T17:38:00.000+09:30

To our friends

PAT AND BELINDA

CONGRATULATIONS

ON THE ARRIVAL OF YOUR GORGEOUS

TWIN DAUGHTERS

These precious little darlings arrived on Saturday morning at 1.30 am,

22nd September, 2007. Weighing in at a healthy 1.8 kilos.

Bubbies were born at 32 weeks and given how early they were are apparently a good size and nice and healthy, how cute are they!!!!

(left) Liarna Rose and Mikaela Jade (right)

The photos aren't the best but they have been taken on a mobile phone and text to us.

How sad they are interstate and we can't give them a cuddle!

Big Brother Ethan and Big Sister Bella, are quite chuffed.

Happy and Healthy at Halfway - Donna at 20 weeks

2007-09-24T21:28:00.000+09:30

So here are the next lot of photos, taken today (red top) the other photo in the green is the one taken at 16 weeks to do a comparison shot. Donna is officially half way and she is looking great. The photos are getting wackier every time we take them LOL. She is really starting to round up now, which is so cool.

These shots are the more serious shots (above) now check out some of these, they are cute and cheeky. Sorry Donna, just had to share some of these, I love them!!!!!

Donna also had a scan last week, how cute is this pic....(dad had a look at the pic, Donna and he thinks that the baby has your nose LOL). She also had a video done of the ultrasound, and Renee and I think we saw a little boy feature, but we can't be sure. So far so good with the baby, everything seems to be developing normal.

Cub District Cookoff and Woodhouse 50th....

2007-09-23T10:04:00.000+09:30

It never stops in this house, it's nearly end of term so there will be a break from Cubbing and Scouting in the next couple of weeks, phew!!!!! Friday night we took both the kids up to Woodhouse, in the Adelaide Hills for the Woodhouse 50th Camp (it's been 50 years since Scouts have had Woodhouse, so it was a Birthday Celebration). We didn't get home from there until about 10.00pm. Here is Aaron ready to go....

Then yesterday morning up at 5am to go back up there again. Rod and his Cubs made it into the District Cookoff, so we had to be up there for an 8.30 start....oh these early morning are a killer.

The Cubs did so well, they didn't really compare to other the teams, they were alot older and you could definately tell that they had more experience.... but our Cubs had fun and that's all that matters. They learnt alot, but they did need a lot of help, they haven't quite got the skills yet to self manage themselves, still needing alot of direction from their Cub Leaders. They had five teams compete and overall our Cubs came equal third, they were pretty impressed with that. Look at how tiny they are....so darn cute!!!!

After the cookoff it was off to have fun with the other activities that were being held to celebrate Woodhouse's Birthday. Aaron so far has had a hoot, this is first Scout Camp and he is having such a good time. They did lots of stuff yesterday, lots of team building excercises. Aaron is in the blue "Get in the Game" T shirt and denim shorts.

Once back at camp though the fun really started.

It just so happened to be their Scout Leader's, Griz's Birthday yesterday, so Renee had organised a Birthday Party for him. So the rush was on to get the balloons and streamers up and set up the Birthday Cake. He was as pleased as punch with the result when he came down over the hill.

Birthday candles were blown out and the cake was cut.......and then one very mature Scout Leader decided to start a cake fight with Renee, they are great mates, and then it was on.....cake flying everywhere. Thankfully it was only those two, otherwise there would have been alot of cleaning up to do. Got some great pics though.

Anyway later today we are off to Woodhouse again to go and pick them up, gee the things you do for the love of Scouting LOL.

In hindsight we probably should have taken up our tent and stayed up their last night it would have saved us a trip. However, in all the rush over the weekend, it wasn't planned very well on our part, oh well!!!

He's home.....

2007-09-20T16:04:00.000+09:30

Yup, this is a pic of Aaron, home from camp yesterday afternoon actually, but didn't get to blog until now. He was so buggered and totally eaten by mosquitos, you can see his right eye how puffy it is. He has bites up both arms and all over his face. I packed repellant as well, and he knew it was there......little bugger decided he didn't need it!!!!! This morning he woke up and he couldn't even open his eye. Looks like he has had ten rounds with Mike Tyson.

This pic was taken of him at about 4.15pm yesteday afternoon and he didn't wake up until up 7.45, he was so tired. He had a great time though, loved doing the archery and said that the girls were funny, because all they did was laugh, totally cracked me up. I asked him if he missed me and he said "just a little", I can live with that LOL. He said he hardly got any sleep cause all the kids kept talking all night!! I'm sure he had nothing to do with that LOL.

Anyways he is home safe and sound and tonight we pack it all again for a Scout camp tomorrow night for two nights....no rest for the wicked!!!!

My little guy leaves for School Camp

2007-09-17T15:57:00.000+09:30

Aaron left for his first school camp today, along with 113 or so other kids. They have gone up to the Adelaide Hills and will be back Wednesday afternoon. Although it's his first camp with the school I kinda feel that this is going to be a picnic for him after some of the camps that he has been on with Cubs and Scouts, particularly the hike that he has just finished, but he was still very excited. Nothing quite like going away with all of your friends from school, just having a blast of a time.

There was a small hiccup this morning with the bus arrangements, apparently where they are staying arranged the buses to pick the kids up and they only organised two buses, when they needed three. It just so happened that Aaron's class was left standing waiting for the third bus to arrive, which did finally come some 20 minutes or so after the other two buses left. I was quite impressed to see that seat belts had been fitted.

Aaron was a little concerned about his gear being on one bus and him on another LOL. He went and checked out the rego number of the bus that had his bag on it, just so that he knew when he got there which bus to go to, to get it. I thought that was quite smart, actually. LOL.

And when he gets home on Wednesday there will be a mad rush to wash everything and pack it all again for Friday night, when he and his sister head off for another Scout Camp on the weekend. I tell ya the kids have darn good social life LOL, better than mum and dad!!!

Celina Visits - always entertaining!!!!!!

2007-09-15T09:26:00.000+09:30

With Phillip's Birthday yesterday and the Royal Show being on for the last week or so. Celina and family made the trip down to Adelaide and off to the show they went. They got back to our place last night at about 9pm. God love Celina, she didn't come home empty handed for our kids, she spoils them! Aaron got a Gag Magic show bag, which had these ever so gorgeous "bum pants" in them, the boys loved them LOL!!!!! Aren't they just totally gross. Aaron even slept in his last night - boys!!!

Celina was meant to go home last night, as she has Phillip's Party today, but Celina being her, always the spontaneous one, never quite got there....they had come down in two cars yesterday (the reason for that is another story LOL) so John left with Phillip and her and I got talking and next thing we know we are making up beds and getting out spare PJ's. I so love that she does that. Aaron and Jarrod just love one another's company, they are such close cousin's. Here they are all set up in bed, playing playstation, this was about 11.00pm last night.

Celina left this morning about 8.30 but not before she entertained us again with this classic. Her with her sunglasses tangled with bling.....she so loves her bling. She is such a breath of fresh air and I love her to bits.

Hope you have a great Party today Phillip. Love you all lots

Leanne

xxx

Happy Birthday Phillip

2007-09-14T02:26:00.000+09:30

Who would have thought that this sweet little baby boy.......

......would have grown into such a handsome young man

and this spunk rat, is my eldest nephew Phillip who is 14 today!

HAPPY 14TH BIRTHDAY PHILLIP

Phillip, you have grown into a kind, sensitive and thoughtful person. The last 12 months have seen some amazing changes in you and I couldn't be more prouder. I LOVE being your Aunty.

We all want to wish you the Happiest of Birthdays

With lots of love and kisses

(not too many kisses, he doesn't really get into that LOL)

Aunty Leanne, Uncle Rod, Renée and Aaron

xxxx

LOOK HOW MUCH YOU HAVE CHANGED

and HAPPY ANNIVERSAY Celina and John (my gorgeous sister and brother in law) 16 years married today.

Yup that's right Phillip shares his Birthday with his parents' Anniversary, he timed that beautifully didn't he.....LOL

Hike is Over......with some very very tired Scouts

2007-09-09T17:11:00.000+09:30

Day 2 of the hike is finished and I don't think I have ever seen a group of kids so happy to see a finish line, they were all totally exhausted. They arrived in at about 3.30pm this afternoon.

It turns out that it was a harrowing couple of days, particulary for Renee as Patrol Leader. She had a group of 7 scouts (including herself), 3 of which that were relatively new at hiking and therefore was always going to make the job a little tougher, but I don't think she even realised how tough it would be. There always seem to be one, that is going to make the job a little harder and she had him in her troop (and I am pleased and somewhat relieved, to say it wasn't her brother!)

One child, who will remain nameless, constantly whined and badgered the whole way, over both days. He had his pack removed at the second check point on day one and then proceeded to say how easy it was to hike without it, whilst the rest of them continued on with their packs on their backs- and that was after one of the other kids carried it half way to the second check point for him! He pulled several stunts like this over the weekend. Very mentally challenging for the rest of the kids that were hiking with him. I know he's only a kid, but so are the rest of them doing it. I just felt so bad for Renee, she was emotionally drained by the end of it, constantly trying to keep him on track and still support the others.

Renee's troop finished 15 minutes or so ahead of the second troop yesterday (not 40 minutes as stated in yesterdays post, not sure how we managed to get that so wrong, oh well). So this morning when they took off they had a 15 minute lead over their nearest rival. Unfortunately, they lost their lead today, with the constant battle to keep "nameless" child on track. They also missed their last check point and Renee at that stage had had enough and wasn't going back to try and find it, fair enough, I think.

All in all though, the kids have every right to be proud of themselves, they are ALL winners for having completed the course. 22kms in two days, carrying 9-10 kilos on their backs is not an easy thing to do. I for one, am not disappointed in them, quite the opposite, totally proud of them for what they achieved, they all did a brilliant job!!!!

OK, now there was a little vent in there and now I feel better LOL.......here are some pics of them coming in today.

Coming over the hill, finish line in sight - Renee in the middle front of the pack, Aaron coming in at the rear.

One very tired little Scout, drags himself to the finish line, he had his tent removed from his pack today to make walking a little easier - we are so proud of you Aaron, you did great.

Renee checks in for the last time!

Renee to the left, standing with her Scout Leader, a little bit of debriefing going on here and Aaron to the right of the pic, sitting, checking out his sore feet - he couldn't get those shoes off quick enough.

*************************************

....and on a side note, what are some of the things that we do when our kids are not home for two days? We clean their rooms of course. Renee's room was first, the amount of washing that I pulled out of that girls room, her school uniform was still there on the floor, despite being told several times to put her washing in the laundry, her Scout uniform - which thankfully was not required for hike, also screwed up and left in a heap in the middle of the floor!!! Her room took an hour, that included stripping the bed and new sheets put on her bed. Dusting and generally just throwing rubbish away that accumalates in a teenagers room, ARGH!

But I tell you her room, was nothing compared to what I found in Aaron's room, check out the pic to the right, this was under his bed. I am almost embarrassed to post the pic, but just had to. Aaron on the other hand, was quite excited to see the picture, he then proceeded to check through it, asking what I did with some of his treasures that he found lying in the middle of the rubbish!!! Go figure, boys! He is such a grot LOL. Anyway rooms are done, thank goodness. Mental note to self, must check under Aaron's bed more regularly!

District Scout Hike....off they GO!!!!

2007-09-08T10:31:00.000+09:30

Rod and I have just got home from dropping Aaron and Renee off, for their District Hike for Scouts......I am still getting over Mother Anxiety..LOL. Stupid really the kids have been involved in Scouting for quite some time, you would think that I'd be used to it by now. Having said that though it's not Renee I am worried about, more so Aaron, this is his first big hike like this, he has only just started Scouts, having come up from Cubs, so it is a huge challenge for him.

They started at 9.20am this morning. Renee is Patrol Leader, which brings me to another point, both Renee and Aaron are in the same patrol for this excercise....hmm could be interesting given they normally can't spend more than 10 minutes in the same room together, before the name calling or the dirty looks start!!! I am hoping that there are still 7 scouts on board when they get to their destination tonight and hoping that one of them hasn't been misplaced in the forest somewhere!

Aaron was so excited, I think more excited about his trail mix LOL, with MM's, Jelly Beans and Nutri Grain, what more can a boy want!!! He will be tired tonight though. They are walking 11kms today and 11kms tomorrow, carrying their packs with their own supplies - sleeping bag, tent, mat, clothing, first aid, food, cooking stove and water!!! The kids packs weigh around 9kilos, which is pretty darn heavy, especially when you have been lugging it around all day. When they get to final destination tonight, they have to pitch their one man tents and cook their own dinner, that's a big ask for any kid!!!!

We pick them up tomorrow at 4pm. Here are some pics.....

above - Just arrived at check in....Aaron ready with his pack..he wobbled when we put it on him, it's nearly as big as him!!!

above - Saying goodbye to dad. Renee is the only girl in her patrol, think she could be over the boys by tonight!

Second pic Renee in front followed by Aaron.

above - Waiting for the patrol to be called up to Go!!! Renee on far left and Aaron second to the right. 7 Scouts in all.

above - Checking in ready for departure.....

above - Off they Go.....Renee leads off....closely followed by her little brother...Good Luck kids!!!

*************************

Update at 1.30pm.....our kids are doing great!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are so proud of them, all of them!! Rod has just got off the phone from their Scout Leader who is as pleased as punch with them. Renee's patrol is currently 40 minutes ahead, having passed two other patrols......WAY TO GO KIDS!!! Aaron is going great guns and so far is still managing with his full pack, nothing as yet has been taken from him to lighten his load, I am so proud of him, even almost got a little teary for him. Yipee!!!

**************************

Update at 5.00pm.....they are WINNERS on day 1. They finished at 2.30pm, having hiked for a total of 5 hours and 2 minutes. How cool is that. Renee sounds tired, but feeling fine, even after having hiked all day in new hiking boots. Aaron, is also tired but totally happy with himself. He finished carrying his full load. He said that his feet hurt a little and his pack was heavy. He was cooking his dinner when I spoke with him. Time for them to rest up now to do it all again tomorrow. Go get em kids!!!!

*****************************

OH AND IN OTHER BREAKING NEWS,

I SCRAPPED TODAY

Well actually this is one that I had started a few nights ago, takes me so long to finish anything, I procrastinate way too much. I think I'm happy with it LOL. This is Renee when she was about 3 months old, I love this photo of her, she was so darn cute then, seems so long ago now, who would have thought that my little baby girl, would have grown up to be someone so responsible and smart, I am so proud of her!

My RAK, thank you Tess

2007-09-03T15:54:00.000+09:30

This is my RAK from Tess, from "Paying it Forward" - a little thank you book in a tin. I love it Tess, thank you so much!!!

Leanne

xxxx

Positively Glowing Layout

2007-09-01T16:45:00.000+09:30

The pic isnt the best, but here is the second set of pages to Donna's Album. I love the colours in it. Next photo is at 20 weeks and more ultra sound pics then too!!!!

Positively glowing at 16 weeks

2007-08-29T21:52:00.000+09:30

Donna at 16 weeks pregnant, this was taken yesterday. Her birthday was last week and she gave herself a treat and had her hair cut and coloured, I love it!!!! She is positively glowing!!!!

The photo of her in the purple top was taken at 13 weeks, I put this one on again, to do a comparison, between belly shots, I figure you would appreciate this Donna!

Click on the pics and make them bigger for a better look, I love the last photo, definately going into her pregnancy album!!!!

Pay it forward.....and I scrapped!!!!

2007-08-27T21:44:00.000+09:30

Ok to the ladies that posted a comment in my previous post, your RAK is on its way today, I am so sorry I have been so slack with getting your little something to you...and don't forget to Pay it Forward in your blog.

I have also been quiet in the scrapping front, have been a little busy these last few weeks! I have however, found my mojo again and completed these pages for my sister's pregnancy album. I am planning on doing a monthly snapshot for her, baby is due in February 2008.

The tag behind the photo pulls out for private journalling.

The photos of the layouts are quite average, the colours are a little off, they really are quite pretty in real life, the cardstock on each of the layouts is the same, even though they look very different here..... I will try and take some better pics in the next couple of days or so and update. The layout of the scans isn't even stuck down yet, that is very slack LOL, but I had to post them together. For products used on the layouts check out my gallery, all the details are listed there.

Thanks for visiting, Leanne.

Paying it Forward......

2007-08-18T19:57:00.000+09:30

Ok, now this is a first for me......but it sounds like fun.

This has come from Tess, this is her link

http://treezahs-treasures.blogspot.com/

I am not clever enough to be able to work out how to make her name the link, but hopefully this works just as well LOL. The idea of Paying it Forward didn't start with her, thats the fun of it, see how long we can keep paying it forward.

Here is Tess's little blurb about it - copy and pasted here from her blog!

and also Lis for a RAK on her blog for the Pay it Forward thingy on her blog!!!
So now it's my turn to pay it forward.The first 3 people to comment on this post will recieve a handmade gift from me! But you have to keep it going forward, so you will need to post it on your blog too! (that is if you want a gift from me lol you might not!!!)
Posted by Treezah at 8:22 PM 7 comments

So there you go, if you want a little something from me, be the first three people to post a comment on my blog and I will endeavor to make you happy with something handmade from "mwa" LOL and send it to you.......you in return though need to make sure that you also "Pay it Forward" by posting it into your blog and then passing it on with a RAK to three people (a RAK for those of you who aren't scrapping people is a "Random Act of Kindness", I had to ask Tess what it meant LOL, I had never heard of it before - so you make or give something for "just because", isn't that cool!).

Oh and keep reading and check out the World Record attempt in the post below, it was an awesome day today! Lots of pics to look at.....

Windjam07 - Breaking a World Record in Kite Flying!

2007-08-18T18:17:00.000+09:30

Today was so much fun. The kids love their Scouting and being 100 years since the beginning of Scouting this year has meant lots of fun activities to do to celebrate.

So today, was the day, that Scouting had decided to attempt to break the World Record for Kite flying. The record to beat was 627 kites in the sky at once, this had been set by Scouts in the UK, however they needed to have more than 927 kites in the sky to claim the record, this would therefore supercede another unofficial attempt also done by the UK.

Before all the excitement of kite flying, the day started off with some pretty spectacular sky diving.

They succeeded, having managed to get 1127 kites up, the site was amazing and so much fun. The sky was clear, which made the effort even more spectacular. Apparently it takes about 3 months before official recognition, but all who attended are very confident that all went well!

Here are some pics of before the attempt.....

above - Renee and Aaron and another fellow Scout in the middle

Aaron and Rod

Aaron looking pretty excited - LOL

and here they are getting their kites ready for flying....not long to go now!!!!!

Then off to the beach for the World Record attempt, what an amazing site......

Then the official counts on the big screens, they had two attempts......

Awesome, WORLD RECORD BROKEN!!!!!

And to finish off the day, had to get a nice pic of the kids before we headed home.

Once we got home, that was not the end of Kite flying, to fly a kite is so much fun, I remember when we were kids and mum would make them out of brown paper for us, we would spend hours flying them. We luckily have a park across the road from our house, which was a perfect spot to get the kite out again for Aaron. There is something about a boy and a kite, I love the last pic of the day.....total relaxation!!!!

Taeqwondo...not for the faint hearted!

2007-08-13T21:47:00.000+09:30

Last week, it was Renee breaking boards. Tonight was Aaron's turn, and he was awesome! He had been pumping himself up all week for this and it paid off!!

He walked up to those boards, measured up, bowed to his instructor and then let it rip. He got straight through on his first attempts, I was very impressed! Then again, I am his mother, of course I was going to be impressed LOL. He was so proud of himself, not once did he ever doubt that he was going to get through them and it showed.

Even Renee was stoked for him, which is really saying something, after all it is her little brother and sometimes in her eyes he is difficult to be proud of - hmmmm real sibling love there LOL. She was full of compliments for him, which was so nice to hear.

Check out these awesome pics.

Little Miracle in the making.....

2007-08-09T23:39:00.000+09:30

Amazing isn't it, how we start out, the beginning of something so precious. This is the first photo of my new niece or nephew at 11 weeks, this little bundle of joy is due in February. I must brush up on my baby skills before this little one is born, it has been a while since we have had a baby in the family!

And this is the mummy, Donna, my littlest sister, I know Donna you are probably cringing right now reading this, she so loves to be referred to as the "baby" NOT!!!! Anyway here she is proudly showing off her little baby bump at 13 weeks. I did check with her before blogging this, she said it was OK to post the photo, so long as I keep the pics of her wedding up there, showing her off at her best LOL.

Tough Stuff at Taeqwondo

2007-08-06T21:50:00.000+09:30

Taeqwondo was awesome tonight, tile and board breaking, after a night like this you feel totally pumped.

This is Renee breaking boards, getting ready for her Black Belt, which will hopefully come to her at about Christmas time. She was awesome, check out these pics....

Then it was on to roof tiles for the boys, this is the first time that either of these guys have done this, I tell you I was totally pumped after watching this, the boy in the second pic is only 15, they were both amazing! 6 roof tiles, smashed to pieces with their fist!!

Aaron gets his turn next week, breaking boards with his feet, this was enough for one mum to cope with for one night though LOL.

************************************************************************

On another note, Asuka left today. It was a very tearful goodbye, I knew it would be. She wrote us a lovely letter, asking us to read it tonight when we got home, which we did, made me feel sappy again! She was an absolute sweety. She will arrive home in Japan about 7.30am tomorrow morning, she will be buggered, I would imagine. Aaron misses her already!

Saying Goodbye.....

2007-08-05T21:41:00.000+09:30

Tonight is our last night with Asuka. There will be tears tomorrow for sure, there always is. We had to go to school today for their farewell lunch. This visit they did things a little differently in that when the student said their speeches, the host families also had to stand at the front with them and they introduced us to everyone. It was so nice to see how each student had become attached to their family, their were tears and hugs and moments of speechlessness, it was actually a little hard to digest at times, really tear jerking, I was bawling before it was even my turn.....LOL. Asuka said some lovely things about us which was so nice to hear, the one thing that made me laugh though was she had mentioned that "my host father likes to eat peanuts", what a scream!!!

Asuka and the other students also dressed in traditional wear, being a Kimono. It was the first time that any of the students that we have had had done this, and we loved it. It was so colourful and the girls appear so delicate when dressed like that.

On the way home it was tough in the car Asuka was crying, it must be difficult for them, I'm not looking forward to tomorrow morning, must get the waterproof mascara out LOL.

Here are some photos of Asuka in her Kimono, I really love the one of the three girls together, they look so happy.

Last night, we travelled down to Victor Harbour to show Asuka the penguins, they are so darn cute. They go fishing all day and come home in the evening to feed and stay with their chicks. They have about 400 penguins on the island at the moment. Unfortunately it is a little hard to get pics of them, as you can't use a flash, because it can send them blind for about 20 minutes, poor little guys. Victor Harbour is such a beautiful place and the walk out to Granite island is so nice, although it was pretty cold last night.

We came home via windy point, we thought that we would show Asuka the lights of Adelaide, hmm that was unsuccessful we got up there only to discover a nice thick blend of fog and the lights were not able to be seen, bummer.

Here are some pics of us walking out to Granite Island. The red lit photo is actually of a penguin if you can make it out.

This morning, we took Asuka out for some last minute shopping, she loves chocolate, so she asked to be taken to a Supermarket to be able to stock up on some for her friends and family at home. We took her to the lolly section in Big W, it was like she had died and gone to heaven, not sure of the set up that they have in Japan, but she quite liked this one.

I have also sent her home with a jar of Nutella and a tin of Milo, because she loved both of them.

We also took her to a souvenir shop to finish up with, check her out in the good old Aussie cork hat, she loved it LOL

I think that is enough for tonight, am a little weary after a big day.

Leanne

School is fun with Asuka....

2007-08-01T20:01:00.000+09:30

This is Renée and Asuka on their way in the bus to Cleland National Park yesterday. This is the first time that Renée has been able to go with the students on an out of school visit, they had so much fun, normally all the exchange students travel up their with their Japanese teachers on their own. I thought it was great that the Aussie kids were able to share this experience with them.

Cleland is home for lots of animals, similar to Gorge (see post below). Asuka loves our animals.

From Cleland they went to Hahndorf where they had lunch. Renée had a great time as did Asuka.

Tonight they have gone star gazing with Scouts, Asuka was looking forward to it, she loves the stars, but said that at home it is difficult to see them with the pollution in the air. That is one thing that all our students have noticed when they have visited, how clean our air is and how wide our sky is, we really do take our open spaces for granted.

Tomorrow she is going to Adelaide city for some shopping, what girl doesn't like shopping, she is quite looking forward to it. I have told her that she will feel like our city is sleeping compared to Tokyo, they have so many people there!

Gorge Wildlife Park with Asuka....

2007-07-29T20:50:00.000+09:30

We took Asuka to Gorge Wildlife park today, it turned out to be a beautiful day, the rain that had been with us most of the night had cleared by morning and then the sun came out. The ground at the park was a little wet and slippery and the animals did smell a little but it was lots of fun.

Asuka loved the Kangaroos and Wallabies and she also had her cuddle of Charlie the Koala, he was so sweet.

I have just thrown a whole lot of photos on here, you can click on them to make them bigger. Check out the pic of the ducks with the fancy feathers, they are so darn cute!!!!

Oh Boy, Reneé has her boat licence.....

2007-07-28T16:57:00.000+09:30

Yup thats right, scary isn't our Renee is now licenced to drive a boat, she passed her practical exam today. We went to Mannum, with Asuka it was cold but the sun was out and it was actually quite a nice day!

Here Renee is, getting ready with the Marine's officer and then off she goes....

then she was rubber stamped, how exciting..with a pass!

and then she took me for a spin and drove the boat onto the trailer, she thought that was pretty groovy, LOL.

Here a few other pics, that I thought I would share, up a tree is an ideal spot for a little bit of Nintendo, Aaron sat there for about 45 minutes until he started to cramp up!!!!

A picture of Aaron and Asuka on the playground and then I think a really nice pic of Asuka sitting in the gum tree.

Asuka has arrived

2007-07-27T16:18:00.000+09:30

Asuka has arrived and she is lovely, her English is quite good, which always helps! She was tired when we picked her up and took her home, understable really, she had done quite a bit of travelling to get here.

She had her shower about 8pm last night and then soon went to bed after that, didn't hear a peep out of her til this morning.

Here are the kids and Asuka exchanging gifts, and nope she doesn't think too much of Vegemite LOL.

Meet Asuka - our exchange student arriving Thursday

2007-07-22T15:53:00.000+09:30

hmmmm two posts in one day

Meet Asuka - our newest exchange student arriving from Japan on Thursday.

We have received a letter and pics from her, which I have attached for you all to read. I have blocked out the personal details for privacy, if you click on the letter it will make it bigger so easier for you to read. She sounds delightful but I say that about all the students we have had.

We really enjoy having them come and stay with us, the kids learn so much. Asuka will be with us for 10 days and even though it's a short period of time, they really do become part of the family. I get quite attached to them, with every student that we have had so far, I have always cried at the end of their stay, I am such a sap, I dare say I won't be any different this time. LOL.

If you want to meet out previous students click on the link to the right.

As part of the exchange programme it is traditional to give a welcoming gift. This is ours to Asuka, a little bit of Australiana to take home with her. We are yet to find a student who likes Vegemite!

Harry Potter - the final chapter

2007-07-22T10:49:00.000+09:30

Well it's here, we had pre-ordered our copy to ensure that we didn't miss it! The line was enormous yesterday morning according to hubby, Rod, he however managed to walk straight past it and be one of the first ones in to get the book, only he could get away with that LOL.

Once the book got home, we never saw Renee again only for food and water LOL. She curled herself up in our bed and read and read. She would have been further along with it, if it weren't for a Scout Meeting that she had in the afternoon, such an inconvenience!!!!

She slept with me last night - (the boys having movie night again in the spare room), I fell asleep only to wake up at about 1 am to still find her reading - she couldn't stop apparently it was sad!!! Oh dear, I don't want it to be sad LOL.

Anyway this pic was taken about 11.00pm last night and as I type this she is in the same position now, she won't stop until finished. I dare say that there are quite a few kids in the world right now that are doing the same thing, makes for a very quiet home, thankyou JK Rowling - it has been so peaceful, no sibling fighting this weekend!!

the most wasted of all days is one without LAUGHTER...

2007-07-20T20:25:00.000+09:30

Aaron just before he left for school a couple of months back for a footy carnival, he was so excited. He was still smiling when he got home even though they didn't win a game LOL.

Renee thinks this layout is a little girly with the flowers, they were meant to make it look happy!

Haircuts and colours.....

2007-07-19T21:09:00.000+09:30

Apart from what we have done over the last few days and also being the last week of school holidays, meant there were haircuts to consider. Aaron has been at us for ages to have his hair blonded again, he had it done about 8months or so ago for the first time and thought he just looked so hot LOL. So off we went tonight for the full on treatment, although I didn't get mine done, have put that off until next week.

I remembered the camera this time...

Here's Aaron with the streaking cap, he didn't like it much, particularly the part when they pull the hair through the cap LOL ( please excuse the dark circles under our boys eyes, hmm school holidays and late nights, they have a lot to answer for, dont they?)

and this is the end result, very funky indeed

Renee also had her hair cut and some foils, she however, was less than co-operative when it came to having her photo taken, I guess she knew that it would end up being blogged LOL. I managed to get this one though, of her kissing Rod (dad) goodbye, after he also had his hair cut.

An afternoon with friends and bowling...

2007-07-19T16:31:00.000+09:30

School holidays are here at the moment and I have a week off, how nice is that. So we have been trying to do some family orientated type things this week. We we went to the Drive-in Saturday night and saw Harry Potter and Transformers - Note to self, 2 movies is far too long to sit in a car for!

Tuesday, Rod and I and the kids went to the pictures, we were going to go to Victor Harbor but we woke up to rain, so didn't fancy travelling all the way down there hoping to see the whales and then get there and not see any and get wet in the process, so the movies won out there. We saw "Knocked Up" was funny in parts, a little old for Aaron, however he came out of there having learnt quite a bit, to say the least!

Yesterday afternoon was spent bowling with Patty and the kids, had loads of fun, although it is a little tricky keeping 6 kids happy all of the time! LOL. Overall though it was a good afternoon and it was just nice to sit and watch, rather than run and run, if you know what I mean, that was once we got the kids sorted anyway!

To the right is Josh, the look says it "Argh, so close!"

and below is Renee and Ryan, Patty's youngest.

Below is Matthew (just) Aaron and Ryan

Lauren and Renee

and then there was a question of bowling style LOL. Rod used to bowl many moons ago and the kids have picked up some pointers from him on how to release the ball. Renee has this very delicate way about her of delivering the ball to its destination, foot gently sweeping behind with the hand out for balance LOL, Aaron has a full on kneel down approach, Lauren - well anything goes there LOL and Ryan - determined to say the least!!!!!! I never got a photo of Matthew and Josh, but there style also varied.

Check them out LOL, from left to right - Renee, Aaron, Lauren and Ryan

To finish up with, the kids used their tokens and won some tickets, so then they had to go to the prize booth. Picking out their prize took nearly as long as one game of bowls LOL, took them ages to decide what they wanted.

It was great fun.....

Fairy Tales do Come True.....

2007-07-18T10:02:00.000+09:30

One of my most treasured pics, this was taken a few moments after Renee was born, I just love that she was so awake!

The layout is a lift of "Deebee's" layout, using the same Aussle pack from the Scrap Heap - so I hope you don't mind Debbie, I will try and see if I can do a link here to hers. I am so lacking in creative imagination at the moment, must be because I am on holidays LOL.

Ok here is the link

http://www.thescrapheap.com.au/gallery/data//4282/medium/044_-_Love_You_July_Aussle_.jpg

If you are interested in what I used on it, check out my gallery, all details are listed there.

Anyways, I had better get moving, need to have a shower, am going out with Patty and the kids today, lunch and bowling, should be loads of fun!

Leanne

Lego and Dress Ups...oh to be a kid again!!!!

2007-07-16T22:53:00.000+09:30

Isn't it nice when you get to finally have a bit of a clean up in the spare room, Saturday was the day for this. The bedrooms are quite small in our house so as the kids have got bigger, some of their old favourites have migrated to the "games" room.

Over time, however some of these things have been forgotten about especially when the "games" room turns into mum's scrap room, playstation area and just a good old general storage area for anything and everything! LOL. After the clean up however, the lego was rediscovered by Aaron, was so much fun, he spent a good three hours or so, just building and playing and having an absolute wow of a time, I even got into it, was lots of fun. So much better than sitting in front of the computer screen or getting majorly hyped up in front of playstation, this was good old fashioned fun at a nice slow pace!

This is a sample of what he made, a little car for his Star War figurines.

He also used quite the imagination and built the empire state building!

I was very impressed with that, although he didn't take a photo of that, took a photo of everything else he made!!

Sunday afternoon, Patty came over to drop of Josh for a sleepover. Lauren was looking for stuff to dress up as a pirate, ( the whole family has to dress up as pirates for a Birthday party they have coming up). So out came the dress up box.

How much fun was that! I found the elephant costume that I had made a few years ago for Aaron to dress up in for a school dress up theme - now that is love, making a costume like this just for a dress up day.

I just had to get Patty's youngest, Ryan to have a go in it. How cute are these pics.....mind you he lasted about 5 minutes before he started complaining about it itching LOL, man that boy is so hard to keep still, ATTITUDE ATTITUDE ATTITUDE!!

Anyway, Lauren left happy she found what she wanted to make herself look like a pretty funky pirate LOL no one else got a look in, gotta keep looking though, cause I know that I have some other stuff somewhere, hmmm may have to do some more cleaning up.

Till next time

Leanne

I Love You

2007-07-08T11:18:00.000+09:30

My latest layout, made with some of the goodies that I got from the Scrap Heap (see last post for details). Renee is about 10 months old here, wasn't she a cutie!

And to the right is a pic of the detail, just had to show a close up of the bling, it's so pretty - and that is big coming from me, cause I am so not a bling kinda girl, Celina and Patty will vouch for that LOL.

The paper is Sweetwater, but the pack itself was actually the "YOU" Aussle pack - April, was such a pretty pack, used everything apart from the ribbon, the purple accessories were added from my stash. I am pretty happy with how this turned out.
Till next time
Leanne

PS - Celina and Patty, I love you lots - you both know why!

Oh how I love parcels!

2007-07-02T22:50:00.000+09:30

Just had to share this. This is my first order from the Scrap Heap. I have bought things online before, but it's the first order from them.

I didn't buy a lot, you know there is such a thing called a budget, argh hate it! LOL. I so adore the Frangapanis they are beautiful, a little larger than I thought, but just so delicate, (Patty I just had to get them, I love flowers LOL, a girl can never have too many LOL). I got some pretty bling brads, couldn't decide on what colour so I bought a packet of each, oh decisions!! I so love the little idea book that they threw in for me, some really nice ideas there.

Oh I love my puter, it's so much fun shopping without leaving the warmth of your house and then coming home after a day at the office finding a box with some of your favourite things inside!

Patty I have pulled out one of the flourishes for you, so you can show me what to do with it LOL!!!

Simply Adorable - Best Friends

2007-07-02T16:19:00.000+09:30

As per my previous post, I made a layout to celebrate the girls friendship. Isn't this just the cutest pic. It was so hot that night, hence them being in their "nakedness" LOL. Patty took this photo from her kitchen window, so did a little bit of editing to bring the pic up like this. The girls, I think would have been about two.

This will go into the "friends" album that I am making Renee.

I really love this, looks a lot better in real life!

Aaron's Party......

2007-07-01T13:43:00.000+09:30

Well the party has now been and gone and I'm feeling a little tired LOL. All in all I think the boys had a good time, we did have an injury with someone falling on top of someone and the other getting squashed, but when you run around like crazy playing hide and seek I guess there is bound to be an injury or two - Boys can be so rough and tumble LOL.

The party started about 5pm, with playstation and Nintendo being the most popular form of entertainment. I'm not sure I have ever seen quite so many games being played all at the same time before...such intensity!

Pizza's were ordered for tea, the idea was for a no fuss party this year, so this seemed to be a nice easy option as opposed to the whole party food thing. We did that last year, was great fun, but lots of work, we also had 11 kids last year overnight as opposed to 6 this year!

After tea we played the smartie game, the idea is to move the smarties from the big bowl to their own bowl with a straw only, see how many you can get in your bowl in 30 seconds. To make the game go a little longer and to test the skills, we did it out of three rounds, with the total score from three rounds being used to determine the winner.....and the winner was Josh with a total of 39 smarties, he so rocked at it, his nearest rival was Aaron with a score of 32!

More playstation was then played and then it was time to cut the cake. We had an ice cream cake from the ice cream man, and it was delicious...Aaron did have trouble putting the knife through it...hmm guess I should have taken it out of the freezer for a while. Oh and this pic will let you identify the winner of the smartie game, that would be Josh on the right, with the ever so glamorous photo face!!!!! He is so mad, LOL.

We then brought the beds out, two queen size mattresses, luckily the lounge room floor is quite big, so they fitted just right. Quite funny, this morning, though. We had Matthew asleep on the lounge - although he had nailed that spot last night. Two boys were at the end of the bed on the floor. Josh had managed to score one whole mattress to himself and the other three were on the other bed - they would have all fitted, but nope they had other ideas.

They watched some movies. I went to bed about 11.30. I have no idea what time the boys finally fell asleep, some think it was around 2 or 3am so they will probably be a little tired today.

I had to get up early this morning, even though a small sleepin would have been nice. Renee had a Taeqwondo grading to go to and she had to be at her ride's house at 8am. Matthew and Josh also had to be ready reasonably early as they had footy. So breakfast was on and served by about 7.45am. Pancakes and cereal with juice. Yum!

After breakfast we had time for a game. We played Pin the Tail on the Donkey, although we didn't use the tails just the red sticker dots, was just a little easier.

Aaron won this game, with Matthew coming a close second. This is Matthew behind the mask in these pics.

The boys then spent the rest of the time, in the games room, waiting for their parent to come and collect them at 11.00, the last child having left at 11.30 - apparently Bryan had told dad that he could be picked up sometime between 11 and 12!

Aaron again was stoked, having ended up with $95 from his party guests. So guess where we have just come back home from - EB games - two more Nintendo games were bought, how lucky is he.

So that's that job done for another year!

What a Beautiful Friendship...

2007-07-01T13:18:00.000+09:30

This post may come out a little sappy LOL, must be feeling a little hormonal or something. May and June means lots of Birthdays for us. A significant double are the Birthday's of Lauren and Renee.

I met Patty, Lauren's mum at ante natal classes, we were both pregnant for the first time. I technically was due to have Renee the day before Lauren, Lauren however, had other ideas about that!!! Lauren, although late herself was born 5 days before Renee. With me having to be induced.

The girls and their dad's still in hospital

Renée is the dark haired baby!

The girls were born in the same hospital, and Patty was still there when I went to have Renee, she would check the board everyday of the labour suite to see if I had arrived yet! It was great having her there, she was able to show me the ropes around the hospital before she left! Between Patty and myself we have 6 kids and nope I can not claim half as mine. Patty, who has turned out to be my best friend had four in total - her last 3 being boys....one brave woman I say LOL.

Patty sent me some photos last night of Lauren's party and the last photo, which was the one of girls cutting the cake made me cry - told you I must be hormonal LOL. What a friendship these girls have, they have been friends from birth, well destined to be friends I guess. Patty and I had never met before, we were just lucky enough to be pregnant at the same time, and be booked into the same hospital, see the same doctor and as it turns out only live 5 minutes away from each other, how cool is that, some would call it fete!

The girls are so lucky to have one another, a friendship that will span a lifetime, and I so reckon that Patty and I scooped the gene pool, 'cause look how gorgeous they both are!

Aaron turns 11.....

2007-06-26T20:42:00.000+09:30

yup that's right, my little guy turns 11 today, I can't believe it. As I said in my earlier post on Renee's birthday I get so meloncholly around their birthday's, makes me sad and happy and proud, and all those motherley feelings come out in me LOL.

Aaron did quite well for his birthday and he is stoked. Renee and I went out looking for something for him on Saturday and struggled to come up with anything. Renee had suggested a Nintendo DS, but I just thought that at $200 and then the accessories and the book and potentially a game was a little pricey. However, it was what he reeeeaaallly wanted!!! So we came home and spoke to Rod and to him. It was decided that he could have it, but he would need to put $100 towards it, as the budget was set at $150, plus his party on the weekend, so he was very happy with that idea.

So along with the nintendo he got the accessory pack and the book that he wanted to go with one of the games that he has in mind.

How happy does he look in these pics.

And how sweet is this pic with his sister, doesn't happen very often LOL

He so did not want to go to school today, he just wanted to play. After opening his presents, he then started counting all the people that he was hoping to get money from LOL, because now he has a game in mind. So there was Papa, who he had got $20 from last night. Aunty Celina told him he was getting money (the card hasn't arrived yet Celina, should get here tomorrow), he had hoped that he had dropped enough hints to Aunty Donna and maybe some of the kids that are coming to the party on Saturday night will perhaps help him out a little. It was so hilarious watching him working all this out.

Granny, Grandpop, Aunty Donna and Ben ( he is technically uncle now, but the kids find it a strange concept) have just left after having tea here, and yes he has cleaned up again and money was what he got, totalling $50 so we are off to the shops tomorrow, cause he has it spent LOL.

Here he is blowing out the candles and cutting the cake

and some family pics

He has a party on Saturday night, five boys over for the night (well four have responded just one more to reply) and then that will be Birthdays over for another year! So look out for more pics after Saturday, I am sure there will be plenty LOL

Friendship Forever.....new layout

2007-06-24T14:10:00.000+09:30

When Renee had these photos emailed to her from Teagan's party in February, I just loved them, they just screamed fun....I had so much trouble doing the first page of this layout, ink going everywhere etc from the Zig pen...ARGH...ended up having to cut the patterned paper and photo away from the cardstock at the back and sticking onto a fresh piece...even then I still managed to write Teagan's name wrong in the second line, oh well it obviously was not my night to scrap LOL....

Do you remember when.....

2007-06-23T19:08:00.000+09:30

..........you started High School and the excitement that you had ahead of you with all the new lessons and discoveries that awaited you........hmmmmmmm I don't think it was quite like that for me, was just another school, with more homework and I remember feeling quite deflated being one of the "little ones" again, after being on top of primary school for the last 12 months!

Renee is in Year 9 now, so she has already felt and moved on from the above feeling. However the excitement of the woodwork, metal work and plastic class is still very much in her. She enjoys this stuff...I loved these classes too at school and you forget how excited you got until you have your own child come home with their projects.

She has made several things, the classic keyring (I remember making one of these myself), a pencil holder, a metal pencil case - she didn't do a bad job of this - although her soldering was not quite as good as mine LOL, I was the best in my class!! not bad for a girl, eh...

However, her latest project is brilliant I am quite impressed with it, check it out.....a footstool! It could have been sanded a little better, but all in all it's fab and she got 18 out of 20 for it, so not bad at all! Renee said she was a little afraid of the sander, and as a result this let her down a little in the marking.

I remember being afraid of the machinery also, particularly the lathe, especially after I nearly took one of the students heads off with my flying chip bowl that hadn't been attached to it properly....flung clean off the thing, as a result it ended up with huge chunk taken out of it from where the chisel had gouged in to it, right before it went flying across the room.

Hmmm memories they are good aren't they.....I love that our kids help us re live some of them from our own childhood.

And Baby makes Three...

2007-06-18T16:26:00.000+09:30

Just as the title suggests there is a baby on the way, whose baby could that be? Yep you guessed it - my newly married littlest sister is going to be a mummy in February.

I must admit I was a little shocked at first - especially the way she announced it, it kinda came mid sentence between something else - if I had have scratched my ear or something I probably would have missed it LOL.

Renee is stoked she thinks it is quite exciting about having a new baby cousin, one that she will actually be able to be quite hands on with, and as a result she has jumped right in to making the baby something. She has decided to knit a Humpty Dumpty - ironic really because that is what Donna made for Renee when I was pregnant with her. I figured it would be something relatively easy for her to do, given that she hasn't really done a lot of knitting before. So we did some practicing on Saturday and now she has got right into it. I just hope that it's only one baby, because I think Renee would be pushing to get two done before the baby arrives LOL.

CONGRATULATIONS DONNA AND BEN

Here are some pics of Renee, concentrating on her knitting.

So Cute

2007-06-17T14:18:00.000+09:30

Isn't this just the cutest pic of the kids, was taken so long ago. Renee 5 and Aaron 2, how sad!!

I'm not so sure about this one, now that I have done it. It is a total Scraplift from Scrapbooking Memories 2007 Volume 8 - Artist is Sandra Gerdes.

However, having said that I was only able to do it, thanks to my gorgeous friend Patty, who bought me the medium and small retro punches for my Birthday, along with a white Zig pen, I'll tell you they are the best for writing, love it!!!

The picture is a lot clearer in real life, looks a little blurry and washed out here. TFL

Evermore Rule

2007-06-15T16:19:00.000+09:30

The rock chic came out in me last night, we had so much fun at the Evermore Concert at Thebarton Theatre. Rod and I took the kids, they had a hoot, Aaron thought it rocked! He had never seen a live music concert before....I'm not so sure that the Wiggles and Banana in Pyjamas really fit the bill!

Renee had seen Evermore at the Scout Jamboree in January this year and said it was awesome. The atmosphere at the Jamboree would have been amazing given they had 10000 scouts or so there from all over Australia. So seeing them last night didn't really compare to her first experience but she enjoyed it all the same.

At the end of the show, which finished at about 11pm, we waited at the back entrance for them to leave. We went with the kid's Scout leader and his wife and daughter - Jayne has obviously done this sort of thing many times before and knew exactly what needed to be done LOL. It was absolutely freezing, but was worth the wait. Aaron (in the red hoody, darn that red hoody it was so in the way) got their autographs. Unfortunately the drummer was in a hurry to get in the car - he was totally awesome, so we weren't able to get his, no matter.

It was after midnight by the time we got home, the kids were exhausted so was I, jeez it was fun though.

Oh and just in case you are interested here is a link to a small video that I took on the camera whilst I was there. I wanted to attach "Light Surrounding You" but I was singing way to loud when videoing it and it has kinda spoiled it LOL....the video is a little shaky think I may have been bopping a little too much as well, hehehehe.

http://video.google.com.au/videoplay?docid=2969871698795218958

Hillbilly

2007-06-11T16:56:00.000+09:30

I have had three days to scrap and this is all I could come up with LOL, we have had girls here all weekend, see post below...

This is Renee ready to go to Lauren's Birthday Party last year, May 2006. She made the cutest little hillbilly LOL.

Girls, Girls and More Girls......

2007-06-11T10:25:00.000+09:30

Our long weekend has been taken over by girls, good girls but taken over all the same LOL. We have had Cyra stay since Friday night, she's a great kid!!

Cyra went home for a little while Saturday afternoon with Renee, to help her dad find their snake, yup thats right, their pet snake "Monty", its only 6 months old so still quite small, they did find him eventually wrapped up inside the spine of the computer chair, but that wasn't until they pulled the whole house apart LOL. I wasn't going anywhere inside the house until the snake was found, ewwwwwwwwwwww. Renee thinks it's kinda cool.

Whilst they were looking for the snake, we went and bought a slow cooker. I have wanted one for ages, but was a little scared of the whole concept of leaving it on all day whilst you're at work. Anyway the girls at work finally convinced me it was safe and they were on special for $49.95, so why not!!! I then remembered reading on Tess's blog about her yummy homely smells with her slow cooker and bread maker, so I blogged her for her Beef Strognoff receipe and I ended up with whole a recepie book for slow cooking, THANKYOU so much TESS, yummy yummy yummy.

We went to the drive-in Saturday night and saw Shrek, that was great, really enjoyed it. We also stayed to watch Pirates of the Carribean, it went for nearly 3 hours, it was far too long and it didn't really hold my attention, so that was a little disappointing.

Renee did another shopping trip with her girlfriends yesterday, had birthday money this time, and did really well with her efforts. She bought two tops, a pair of cargo pants and a really nice jacket, money very well spent. Whilst she was out she rang and asked if Tegan and Katerina could stay over. Given that we were having dinner at Donna and Ben's house last night, I suggested that she ring there first. It turned out all cool, so we then ended up with 3 extras last night.

DONNA and BEN did a beautiful roast, THANK YOU SO MUCH GUYS, it was so yummy and they kindly fed the rest of our extended family.

The girls thought the arcade machine was fab and Aaron was in his element with the X Box. Aaron and Ben even had a bonding moment later on the Arcade machine, such a guy thing!!!

After dinner it was out to the hot tub. Aaron got in first to have some peace time without the girls. Water temperature a beautiful 38 degrees, pity the night air wasn't something similiar, good way of getting sick, but the kids loved it!!!! The girls were in there forever.

Once we got home, the girls decided some girl time was in order, so the face packs came out again, right after some silly snapshots were taken, check them out. You ask for them for a nice photo and this is what you end up with. I guess they are good pics to blog though and I figure eventually if I continue to blog them, they will get sick of not looking their very best and maybe eventually give me something to decent to work with LOL.

and pics of the face packs LOL

Girls are still here, not sure what time they are heading home today am in no hurry, they aren't in our way, slow cooker is doing its thing for lunch, yummo, its a perfect day!!

I got "Layout of the Day" at Scrapjazz

2007-06-06T15:44:00.000+09:30

How exciting. I got layout of the day at the Scrapjazz site with my new layout of Renee, how cool is that!!!!!

Layout of the Day:06-06-07

Browse 100,000+ scrapbook layouts!

Here is a link to the Gallery, the layout itself will probably disappear after today, but it truely was there LOL!!!!

http://www.scrapjazz.com/gallery/

Renee turns 14..celebrated with a weekend of pampering.....

2007-06-03T18:52:00.000+09:30

Wow, what a weekend we have had, it has been so much fun, (I just wished I was feeling a little better, bugs are still with us). Renee's 14th Birthday has now been and gone, I can't believe she is 14. I get so meloncolly about 2 - 3 days before each of the kids birthday's, you remember when they were little and reflect on all those precious moments and then you look at how beautiful and handsome they have become and can't wait to see what another 10 years or so brings....

Her birthday started about 8.30 in the morning. Aaron came in and woke me up (just me because Rod had already left for his Cub camp) he wanted to give her the presents, poor kid she was still completely out to it when we went in there. Most of the unwrapping was done virtually with her eyes closed LOL, however her little eyes lit up when she opened the card from us and $50 fell out it, my how they all love the money!!!! From us she got a Adidas tracksuit, her first Dolly magazine, chokkies and money, not a bad haul, even if I do say so myself.

A little while later we visited Granny and Grandpop, I needed to drop around the pizza vouchers so that they could pick them up for us for tea. The present haul continued. Mum made her a Teddy Bear, which Renee has now called "Betty" due to all the Betty Boops around Teddy's apron, so cute. She also got a signet ring, which is something that she has wanted for quite some time. She loved it.

Lauren arrived at about 1pm, and we picked up Cyra at about 3pm. At this point I was about ready to die. I still have my dreaded bugs, although I am feeling a little better today, yesterday was pretty crappy though. Renee has woken up this morning feeling pretty ordinary now so am hoping that none of the girls end up catching our bugs. Lauren, Renee and Cyra spent an hour or two watching some old Calisthenic videos of Renee, was so much fun, they were so darn cute back then, Lauren being in some of the videos as well, memories are great.

Briannah arrived at 5.30pm. Donna, Ben, Granny and Grandpop arriving shortly afterward with the food. Pizza, Garlic Bread and coke - what a hit!!! The Birthday Cake was a White Mud cake from the Cheesecake Shop - yummo.... The Party was underway!

Donna stayed on for a while after Granny and Grandpop went home. Ben also left, I took Donna home a little while later. It was good having Donna there, an extra pair of hands for the serious pampering that was about to be underway. The girls had such fun, Cyra and Briannah had never had face packs before, so they loved it!!! We had non-alcoholic wine and strawberries and foot spas and chocolate, what more does a girl need!

After the removal of the face pack, it was then an opportunity for a photo session, and wow some of these girls sure do know how to pose, it was so much fun and with the scrapbooker in me, I was in my element LOL. The girls played the chocolate game, although they kinda cheated with warm chocolate and a real knife LOL and also the marsh mellow game, see how many marsh mellows you can get in your mouth and still say "white fluffy bunny", I tell ya that game was so darn lady like NOT.

The evening was spent watching "chick flicks". I was in bed by about midnight, the girls apparently were still awake at about 2.30am or so. I never heard them thankfully.

Renee, Lauren, Briannah and Cyra

They slept in too which was excellent, I tell ya girls at this age are fantastic! I crawled out of bed at about 10.00am, turned on some music which got them stirred up and cooked pancakes for breakfast. All of us then had a look through the photos taken from the night before - someone, I think it may have been Cyra said can we do some Scrapbooking - well as Patty (my girlfriend) said I was then automatically elevated to a very "happy place" LOL. So the rest of the day was spent in my favourite room of the house Scrapbooking - check them out, how much fun were they having?

And here are the layouts that they created. Lauren even did some sewing on hers, how clever was she. I was so impressed, didn't they do a great job!

Dreaded Bugs...

2007-05-31T21:46:00.000+09:30

Oh bummer we all have bugs, well half of us do anyway. Aaron started complaining of ear ache last night. Just what we need, he has had problems with his ears since he was 14 months old, three lots of gromets inserted with the last ones having to be surgically removed, because they wouldn't come out on their own, go figure!!! He has that many ear infections over the years that I have lost count. Anyway, he went to the ear specialist about three months ago and we were told, don't come back, everything looks good, yeeha....however, here we are three months later with another ear infection, what a pain. Off to the doctor tonight, $50 bucks up front for the consultation and another $30 for the script, gee you just can't afford to get sick these days. Fingers crossed this will fix it up. So that's Aaron...

and then there's me. Was feeling quite fine this morning, very normal morning, kids were even better than normal, should have known with that that something was going to turn sour! LOL. Head off to work, and then about 9.30am start dripping from the nose, what the? I mean where does all that yuck come from and for it to come on so quickly like that.....so at the moment I am sitting here with a bright red nose from blowing, itchy eyes, dry throat and all the other things that come with a darn head cold. I just don't want to be sick this weekend, with Renee's birthday and all. She is having a couple of girl friends over, and we are going to do face packs and foot therapy will be quite girly....no time for sickness that is for sure.

With me feeling a bit crappy though and having to take Aaron to the doctor's after work today, Renee said that she would make tea, God love her. She made sausage casserole with mashed potato and she didn't do a bad job either. Carrots and potatoes needed a little longer but overall it was yummo and her poor sick mum really enjoyed it. She even cleaned up afterward, gees they do come in handy don't they kids LOL.

So after dinner I finished off this layout that I had started a couple of nights ago. The colours are a little off in the picture, but you get the idea. This is our boy at about 4 weeks, wasn't he a cutie..

Hmm it's official I have taken over...

2007-05-29T21:14:00.000+09:30

Just as the title suggests I have officially taken over my kids games room...well half of it anyway. Now I just need to get a big table and .......and......hehe only joking, oh the mind boggles with what I else I could get to put in here, but I dont think that Aaron would be too happy with that, the playstation lives in this room LOL. I had this urge last night to move the sewing cabinet into this room. Given that I use the machine on some of my layouts, thought it would be good to have it with me, rather than trekking out to the front of the house every time I want to use it. It is so good there....I even did some mending...you would be so proud of me mum!!! Given that the last lot of mending that had been hidden in that cabinet mum took and mended for me, only to find that the kids had out grown half of the clothes in the pile waiting to be fixed...it took that long LOL .

The photo shows my sewing cabinet in the front left hand corner, with my scrapping area in the other corner. I couldn't take a pic of the other side of the room, that has a little bit of sorting out to do LOL, although nothing interesting over there anyway.

Leanne
xxx

Diaper Cakes

2007-05-27T20:52:00.000+09:30

How cool are these....I had never heard of such of thing, until mum came over today. Mum had been looking for embroidery patterns for her whiz bang embroidary machine, which she has just bought and she stumbled across these....."Diaper Cakes".

I just had to check them out on the net, they are amazing and what a really cool gift. For all those crafty people out there, I think they would be relatively easy to make as well. You wouldn't be limited to the theme either. You could do a "Kitchen Tea" one for the new bride, or "House warming", you are only limited by your imagination - instead of using diapers, use hand towels or tea towels, oh God I am giving myself a head ache, I'm having imagination overload LOL.

Here are a couple of pictures I found. These were borrowed from an American site, but there are lots of Australian sites, where you can order them if you don't have the crafty minded brain to make one yourself.

Oh and if you did want to have a go at making one yourself, there are lots of sites that offer instructions for how to do it yourself for free. I think they are neat.

A Footy Carnival and a Party....

2007-05-27T14:31:00.000+09:30

Aaron had Winter Carnival at School on Friday, he was so excited , it was all he was talking about for the last week! He was playing footy for the school with his mates and he thought that was going to be just "totally sick" . Mind you, he needed a little bit of a refresher from his dad on Thursday night asking him where the forward pocket was, god love him..he had me a little worried that he wasnt going to know what to do when he got out there. Anyway he did fine he played all day, 5 games in total and lost every one of them. He didn't care though, coming home and saying "I had fun mum, and that's all that matters". He did managed to kick 1 goal 1 point, so he was stoked with his effort. He got rough handled though, coming home with mud all over him and nice rip in his shirt, he couldn't wait to show the rip, for him it was like a trophy for playing hard LOL.

Renee and I went shopping yesterday, it was so nice, just the two of us. It's her Birthday in a week - 14 years, WOW, so I thought I would take her out for a bit girl therapy. We had such fun, we even managed to stay out for a few hours, which is pretty good going for us. Normally she gets stroppy with me and we all go home, cause it turns into disaster...we did have a couple of moments but it wasn't too bad...argh teenagers.

We bought some really nice things, a couple of tops, a pair of shoes and gorgeous green jumper - the green looks so nice on her and a Adidas tracksuit which will be kept for her birthday, I just need to figure out what to add now for the surprise factor! She is stoked with the tracksuit though, it's her first brand name tracksuit that has been bought new for her, I never could see the value in spending all that money on something that kids would grow out of in 6 months, at least now with her growing nearly done, it doesnt seem so worthless.

She had Lauren's party to go (which is her friend from birth, her mum and I met during antenatel classes and have been friends ever since, the girls are born 5 days apart, Lauren being the eldest) they share such a special bond and friendship.

So I got some photos of her getting ready. Mind you would think I had asked her for a hundred because the first attempt at getting some nice shots ended up in an arguement. I obviously took one photo too many, god forbid I only took five! Well, we finally get over that little hormone rush and then managed to actually have some fun getting some pics.

I like to call this series of pics "the Makings of a Beautiful Girl....

And finally today, I managed to get this layout finished, it took me days of fiddling around with it, but got there in the end...so funny though, cause when you look at it, it looks like a couple of hours work, hehehe

This one is called "Our Sweet Little Lady" Renee was about 18 months old

You.....

2007-05-23T16:46:00.000+09:30

My mum sent this to me, thanks mum I love it and now I want to share with all my other friends.

You...

....have a GREAT Day!!!

Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly!

Kiss slowly!
Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably..
And never regret anything that made you smile.

Oh wow my girl is growing up....

2007-05-20T21:13:00.000+09:30

Hmmmm I'm not so sure I am ready to be a mother of a teenager...Renee stayed over her girlfriend's place last night and then rings me today to ask if she can catch the bus to the local shopping centre with her friend as she had money to burn. I carefully say "yes" with the proviso of her ringing me when she gets there so as I know that she has arrived safe...

It's so hard doing that whole letting go thing, when do you know the right time to allow your kids to start doing these independant things...she is nearly 14 and is very responsible...but wow it freaks me out, this whole "I want to experience this stuff on my own, mum".

Anyway as it turned out, her friend's dad dropped them off at the shops, where they proceeded to happily spend their money. After about 4 hours she is ready to come home....LOL - hmmm she never wants to shop that long when she is with me! Renee tells me over the phone what she has bought with her money and I say something to effect of "that sounds great, love". I get to the shops to collect them where she is dressed in her new gear, carrying all her bags with big smiles...how happy does she look in the photos. I'm not so sure about the outfit, but it's her taste and she likes it and it was her money spent, so that's all that matters, right? LOL

Renee is on the left...

Oh and on another note, check out my birthday present and Mothers Day present, a little late, but that is cool. How lucky am I.....hubby made it for me.

It's my new cupboard for my scrapbooking paper, I so love it...gee I'm listening to myself saying this in my head, and thinking I gotta get a life, being so excited about such a thing but it really is cool. It's not quite finished yet, the top four shelves for the paper don't fit, so therefore need a little adjusting. Also needs a shelf for the albums half way up...but it's a great start and I am a very happy mummy and wife LOL. For those of you that are crafty minded I know that you get where I am coming from LOL.

Oh and Tanya and Ali, if you do find my blog, A BIG HOWDY DO TO YOU, and I will see you tomorrow.

Leanne

xxxx

My latest layout...Smile and the whole world Smiles with You

2007-05-19T20:57:00.000+09:30

I love this pic....Renee relaxing waiting for Carols by Candlelight to start last year...

Boys will be Boys....

2007-05-18T18:00:00.000+09:30

Well you just gotta love em don't ya, when you look through your camera and find a shot like this LOL, priceless!!!!

Aaron was obviously bored this afternoon!!!!!

God I love that kid!

Happy "Me Day" to me....

2007-05-18T13:11:00.000+09:30

You know how it is, every now and again you need to have a day just for yourself....well today is my day. I went to work yesterday and asked the boss if I could have the day off and here I am!!!!

I had money burning a hole in my pocket, from my birthday, thanks to mum and my two dads', and I had the urge to go and spend....now for those of you that aren't crafty minded - like Celina and Donna - you may find this totally boring...but for me...it's fun and exciting, and oh so relaxing - I find spending money on paper and ribbons and pretty scrapbooking things so much more fun than buying clothes...hehehe, as everyone in the family recently found out, with Donna's wedding having just past, I spent hours looking for a blouse and couldn't find anything I liked or the right size...so in the end Mum and I made something. Nothing like leaving that sort of the thing to last minute given that it was still being finished two day befores the wedding!!! Geez I hate clothes shopping. Renee has vowed never to come with me again after that little excercise. Even Celina, got in on the act with that one, having brought some outfits down from Waikerie from her local shop for me to try on...but I didn't like them either and the one I did like didn't fit....hmmm how frustrating.

Shopping for clothes totally boring, but shopping for my craft, well that is fun. See how many pretty things I brought today. I always end up with far too much pink paper, but oh well, I just can't help myself I am so drawn to it LOL. I still have money left over, so may buy myself a new handbag with that, and even though I have just finished whinging about my dislike for clothes shopping, I just may have to concede that some winter clothes are required and may have to drag myself out to the change rooms, god I hate that part, and see what I can find.

It's so nice to have a quiet day to yourself like this. Renee and Aaron tried it on with me this morning, wanting to stay home with me. Now that would have been fun, wouldn't it, taking them to the craft shop with me NOT.

The weather is supposed to be a little lame this weekend, oh how sad, may have to get creative...
I will keep you posted on how that pans out

Leanne
xxx

Something to think about

2007-05-15T16:56:00.000+09:30

Celina sent this to me today...something to think about

Celina and I

Tequila and Salt

This should probably be taped to your bathroom mirror where one could
read it everyday. You may not realize it, but it's 100% true.

1. There are at least two people in this world that you would die for.

2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.

3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be
just like you.

4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't
like you.

5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.

6. You mean the world to someone.

7. You are special and unique.

8. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.

9. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.

10. When you think the world has turned its back on you take another
look.

11. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude
remarks.

So...........If you are a loving friend, send this to everyone,
including the one that sent it to you. If you get it back, then they
really do love you.

And always remember....when life hands you lemons, ask for tequila and
salt, and call me over!

Good friends are like stars........You don't always see them, but you
know they are always there.

"Whenever God Closes One Door He Always Opens Another, Even Though
Sometimes, It's Hell in the Hallway"

I would rather have one rose and a kind word from a friend while I'm
here than a whole truck load when I'm gone.

Happy Birthday to me....

2007-05-14T22:32:00.000+09:30

37 today, it doesn't feel so bad LOL. I got more chocolates today YUMMY, still waiting on my cupboard, but sure it will come in time LOL. I also got spoilt with some cash from my parents, which is always lots of fun, so will probably be doing some online shopping in the near future! Such good therapy. I got a lovely Teddy, that my mum handmade made for me...I forgot to mention that in my original post, so I thought that I had better come back and add that, have also added a picture - isn't mum clever . I got a beautiful birthday card from sister, Celina, was so lovely, and a phone call from Donna, she came back from her honeymoon today and she had
an absolute hoot of time.

Renee came up to this morning whilst getting ready for work and asked how old I was (she already new but was joking with me) I told her 21 (figure I am old enough now to say that) LOL. She says "yeah right mum, that would have made you about 8 when you had me" so I then told her she was adopted, explaining to her that I didnt want to have tell her quite so directly but she so did ask for that! LOL. She isn't really but I guess you had to be there to get the funny side of it.

All in all it was a good day, fairly standard - getting kids to school, went to work, picked kids up from school, did tea, then had words with Renee and Aaron. They both put on a whinge about having to go to Taeqwondo, really kicked up about it. I tell you it really stinks having your Birthday so close to Mothers Day, it is just too much for my kids to be good for two days straight!

Anyway, time for bed....cya

BTW its not really 7.02 in the morning, not sure what the deal is with time on this thing, another thing I will have to work out, it is actually 10.48pm at the time of posting this

Happy Mothers Day

2007-05-13T16:28:00.000+09:30

Happy Mothers day to all the mums out there in blog world.

Happy Mothers Day to all the mum's in my family. I love you MUM. Also to you Celina, have a great day!

I am the luckiest daughter and sister in the world to have these beautiful women surrounding me in my life....Enjoy your day.

Love Leanne

Donna, Mum, Me and Celina

I have had a wonderful relaxing day with my family, quiet but very nice. Started with breakfast in bed and then being totally spoilt with lots of chocolates and cards and a gorgeous little teddy that Aaron bought with his own money, must upload a photo later. He was so proud of himself he had been going on all week about his purchase and how he couldn't wait to give it to me. They make these best gifts, the little things like that, so much love and thought go into them buying these special little things for you. I absolutely treasure them.

My pressies, totally spoiled, I also got a BIG box of Ferrero's my absolute favourite, but wasn't worth taking a photo of the box, 'cause it was pretty much empty. We have been eating them all day today, YUMMY!!!

Mum and Dad (Kevin) came over for lunch, we had Chicken lasagna, I have the best recipe for this totally yummy and is good for you being a Weight Watcher one...just let me know if anyone wants the receipe, I can post this if you would like it.

This afternoon have been blogging, very relaxing, have finished all my entries for our exchange students. Tomorrow is my birthday so get spoilt all over again, although am still waiting on my present. I have requested a cupboard to be made for my scrap paper, hubby is just getting quotes and stuff to get it made up for me. I can't wait, oh to be organised properly in my craft room the way that I like it LOL

Still here

2007-05-12T10:00:00.000+09:30

Oh wow this is so addictive, I didn't realise I had so much waffle in my head to share! Was playing around on here until 1.00am this morning. I discovered that I could move the elements down the side of the page, by clicking and dragging, perhaps if I read instructions better I may have worked this out earlier. LOL.
I have added a link to my gallery at the Scrap Heap, I so love that idea, and have added links to other talented scrappers who inspire me, I think their work is amazing...I like to call them online friends, even though they dont know me from bar of soap...it's funny though when you look at peoples layouts and read their jounalling you learn so much about their family and just want to keep up with what is going on in their lives...a strange concept, for someone who is new to blogging, kinda feel like a nosy neighbour LOL.
For those of you that stumble by me please drop in say Hi.
Cya