A day in the life Of Ali Russell

NEW Blog address....WE HAVE MOVED!!!

2007-01-01T17:07:00.000+09:30

We have moved....

Please re-link us on your Blog

http://embellished.typepad.com/ali_russell/

and checkout our Designers At Embellished NEW Blog!!!

http://embellished.typepad.com/designers_at_embellished/

Layout share for the last week or so!

2006-12-30T14:41:00.000+09:30

These first five are from our January Kit 'Summer Breeze' which will be available from January 1st!!

Friends, CS cowboys and some scrapping materials...What a great afternoon!!!

2006-12-27T09:01:00.000+09:30

Well I must say I had a great afternoon yesterday. Ang (AngC) came over to play and we drank CS cowboys, ate trifle, and scrapped....it was so much fun!

Can I just say that Ang makes the yummiest trifle!!! It meets the standards of my mums and now that is saying something! YUMMO!!!

I managed to scrap 2 layouts while Ang was here and also did another after her and Noel left. This makes it 8 for the last week...YAY I have got my motivation back!! Life has settled down ALOT now, so will definately finding more time to scrap and plan classes for next year.

Here are 2 of the LO's I did yesterday! Thanks Ang for a great day!!

A relaxing Christmas day!!

2006-12-25T21:31:00.000+09:30

Where to start....

Have been flat out working and entertaining guests since my last post. Glenn's dad left on Wednesday. It was so good having him here. We realised how much he is missed. Him and Luke had a great time together.

Worked Thursday and Friday all day. We decided to re-arrange the house yesterday. Moved the office into what was Luke's bedroom and moved his room out to where the office was...much bigger room....now the aim this week while Glenn is off work is to paint and re-decorate and set-up his room. We have decided that this year our aim is to re-sand, stain and seal all the floors in the house....starting with Luke's new room....but that may be a few weeks down the track...a weekend job!

Steven left yesterday to go back to Shepparton to be with Julie and the kids for Christmas. They are moving here in the first week of January, so not long now!!! Hurry Up Playmate!!!

Last night Luke started getting fevers...we asked him where it hurts and he kept holding his cheek....so after a battle...i got to feel him gums and YEP...there is a molar coming through...poor bubba. He has never had problems teething and always advanced with his teeth....his bottom 2 yr old molars came through and i didn't even know.....So today for Christmas day he was a little under the weather and a bit sooky la-la for his mummy.....

We spent the lunch time with Angela, Noel and Ang's dad for Christmas day lunch. We headed up to the Botanic gardens and let Luke have a play on the playground....was laid back, relaxing and really nice to not have the pressures of a formal lunch! thinking this might become our Russell family christmas traditional lunch....just casual and a bit of fun!

Well here is two Layouts i have done of Luke this week...have actually done 5...but you will have to wait to see those ones....lol

Merry christmas to you all....

chat soon

Ali x

Christmas Day ~Part 1

2006-12-17T20:37:00.000+09:30

Glenn's dad arrived from Newcastle yesterday. We decided that while he was here (until Wednesday) we would celebrate our 'proper' christmas with hime. Will go more into detail tomorrow, but here is a few picks from our Fantastic day!!!

5 Things I am thankful for today:

1. Family

2. Glenn's Dad~ Always so supportive of us and our decisions we make & a great poppy to Luke!!!

3. Christmas time, that we all come together

4. Luke's laughter

5. that I have done all my Christmas shopping~ no more fighting the crowds

Ali x x

A Tribute to Craig

2006-12-09T20:54:00.000+09:30

I have been wanting to scrap for the whole time I have been back. I wanted to do a Layout as a tribute to my Cousin Craig, who has not long passed away.

Never before have I wanted to do something so right and perfect, and I am still not sure that it meets either criteria...but it is from me and the hidden journaling says what I want to say to him. I must add that I have never cried so much doing a layout before either...but I know this in some way or another is helping me deal with him being out of our lives.

So 'CUZ' this is for you, Love you always x x x

5 Things I am Thankful for:

1. Life

2. Rain

3.Spending time with family

4. Friendships New & Old

5. That we found our dog 'Paddy'

Our Puppy is home....

2006-12-08T08:15:00.000+09:30

Some of you may know that our Dog 'Padme`' AKA 'Paddy' got out of the yard on Saturday afternoon. We have put posters up...rang the vets the pund countless times......and yesterday afternoon just thought I would check the pound website again...and what do you know...black and white X breed female.....hmmmm...this dog sounds familiar. I rang them straight away and explained that she had a very distinguishing marking on her back (shaped like the map of Australia)...yep...it was her....*First thing this morning (7am) we trecked down to the pound and got her out....naughty girl..here's hoping she won't get out again anytime soon.

Well I haven't had much time to scrap in the last few weeks with all that has happened. but I have had to get some class stuff organised for my final classes for the year. I have been teaching an 8 week 9x9 album class. We have one class left and that is to cover the albums and decorate the front. Here is my sample for the class.

Anyways hoping to do some scrapping today. Am home as spots appeared on Luke 2 days ago. Daycare refuses to take him, So I have missed work for 2 days running....Sorry Noel!! (my Boss). Took him back to the Dr yesterday to be sure...and he said we wouldn't know if it is chicken pox for a least another 24 hrs......Well the spots have faded a little today...so will have to keep an eye on him.... Working Sunday , so that should be good. I am really enjoying my job at the warehouse. It is good to meet new people and I love customer service...

Anyways have a GREAT day and remember to tell your loved ones...YOU LOVE THEM!!!

Chat soon Ali x

Good to be home....

2006-12-04T09:51:00.000+09:30

It is true what they say "There is No place like home".

Although it would have been nice to be visiting family for a different reason, it was still nice to go home and see all the family and comfort one another in the sad time.

The funeral was beautiful and if I can say ...My Dad does a gorgeous funeral. IT was so special and touched everyone there. My cousin was a mad holden fan and drove a Peter Brock special holden Commodore...his pride and joy! He took that with him when he died. His closest friends and family wore Holden shirts for him.....
Playing is his song, and everytime I hear it I cry and I am sure I will for a while yet....Love you Craig and we are all going to miss you SO much.....you were a loving Son, father, cousin and friend and we will never forget you....MWAH from us x x x

I was so glad to be coming home to Glenn last night. I have really missed him heaps.

Here are a couple of pics of my nephews from the week with them. Will blog again soon

5 Things I am thankful for:

1. FAMILY

2. LIFE

3. I am thankful that when certain tragedies happen, we are reminded of what is important

4. Thankful for that I now know what is most important to me

5. My wonderful Husband and gorgeous son...I LOVE YOU BOTH very much x x

A perfect verse:

2006-11-27T15:38:00.000+09:30

Aunty Lyn and Uncle David this is for you:

You can shed tears that he is gone,

or you can smile because he has lived.

You can close your eyes and pray that he'll come back,

or you can open your eyes and see all he's left.

Your heart can be empty because you can't see him,

or you can be full of the love you shared.You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,

or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember him only that he is gone,

or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back.

Or you can do what he'd want:smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

-- Author:David Harkins

Devistation

2006-11-27T03:05:00.000+09:30

This is just a really quick post. It is 3.30am and I a cannot sleep.

My Mum called a couple of hours ago to tell me that my cousin had been killed in a car accident this morning. He had a head on with a truck and was killed instantly.

I may not be around much today or over the next week. I am aiming to fly to Sydney tomorrow to spend some time with family and go to the funeral.

Please keep my family in your prayers as we prepare to farewell a special guy...who will be greatly missed. Please also pray for the truck driver that he is given a sense of peace as this was not his fault.

Thanks
Ali x x

Not alot to share....

2006-11-26T06:37:00.000+09:30

Okay I had a busy week last week and I know I am in for another busy 2 more weeks.

Thursday~ I worked at the warehouse and did a full day, normally I only work 4 hrs. They register trained me and I spent 6 hours on the service desk. This was kinda fun....I really enjoyed it. I love people and customer service, so the day went quick for me. I didn't even get my fott in the door after work to find I had a phonecall warning me of an offensive spammer and the kinds of post (17) and messages he had been sending. The ONE day I am not home all day...and they really had fun with the forum.
I AM SO SORRY for those of you who had to view this filth. I have done everything in my power to minimise this happening again. This was not something that was sent from Embellished or any of the team here. Unfortunately forum spam is becoming more and more common, but usually it is just someone advertising another site or a product not normally of this nature.......any ways the clean up has been done and life goes on.

Friday~ I didn't do a lot.....too tired and really was not feeling motivated at all....NOT alot achieved today!

Saturday~~ Slept in until 10.30...REALLY needed it. Woke up with a sore throat, but still felt pretty good within myself....totally cleaned the house...Glenn was a great help...THANKYOU Bub! Last night we went to a youth night at Karens church. Was just full of beach volleyball and ping-pong and just a fun night out....Thanks for the invite Karen...Oh and It was Karens Birthday yesterday....HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

Sunday~ Well Luke slept until 6.50am...still better than 5am. He is currently watching Cats and Dogs and I am sitting here typing my blog. I plan on going to church this morning, haven't been the last two weeks and really missing it! Well.....I have heaps of signwriting to do this week...So I plan on getting a few hours started this afternoon and spending all night on it tonight......might have to get me some DVD's to watch...

Okay have a great day
Ali x x x

So Tired.....

2006-11-22T21:57:00.000+09:30

Well this week has been SO full on.
I wish I had a minute to scratch myself. I have been running Luke around to Dr's and to have x-rays and back to Dr's.....Luke has finally been diagnosed with Asthma......Although this is not great, at least after 20months of rattly chest and gasping for breath he has been diagnosed with something. We have it all under control....we got all the gear to deal with it and he even holds the maske and spacer himself...GOOD boy Lukey. We go back to the Dr's next week for another check up to see how his chest sounds and whether it is clearing up.

I have just had a class tonight and I am just SO tired. I think i was a little snappy and was not myself...I am sorry if i seemed that way. Life is just full on right now!

I think some people think that I am just a SAHM.....well you know what? ...being a SAHM is a fulltime job in itself.....I am aWork at Home mum too...I run a business and I work Casual for the warehouse (10-20hrs a week)...and life is very busy at the moment....I need to get it all organised and in a routine again.

Well I NEED to go to sleep,
Will chat later!
Nite x x

Great Weekend!!

2006-11-20T06:13:00.000+09:30

Well Saturday was a fantastic day !

I met with a large group of ladies who crop every month together...but Saturday was their last one for the year and it was an all day crop from 9am ~9pm. I did ALOT of chatting and taking pics.....but I also managed 4 Layouts!

Thanks Kaz for inviting me to be part of the group!

so here is a pic of the girl that I scrapped with!

So that pretty much sums it up..A great weekend with Good Friends!!!

Thanks girls!!!

Ali x x

A 'MEH' Week!!

2006-11-17T08:57:00.000+09:30

Sorry it has been so long since my last blog...I have been busy but not alot of exciting stuff to tell. Luke has been sick again this week. High temps and that rattle in his chest is back AGAIN!
Took him to the Dr's yesterday and they have given him another dose of antibiotics. Hopefully this should help clear it up. I have to take him back next wednesday for a check up...It seems the Dr's are all thinking it is Asthma....I am praying against that!.....Poor bubba...just wish he was well!!

We have had some pretty HOT days up here the last week or so....lived inside with air-con on for 2 of the days....

I finally caught up with Michelle Roberts...It seriously has been months since we have scrapped! I did do two layouts which were strongly inspired by 2 of Kelly Goree's Layouts! Thanks for the inspiration ...I NEEDED it!

Well the final Round of Idol is on!!! The girls have uploaded their OTP projects and Amanda has also completed her Layout for this round too....Go check it out in the Embellished Gallery.
Apparently I have been tagged by Julie Dudley~~Working on that one chook and Francine

1. NAME: Alison
2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? My middle name is Ruth and I was named after my surrogate Aunty in Kingaroy (she has now passed)
3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? Probablly last week....a bit emotional these days
4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Yes I do
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Salami~Medium...like a bit of spice!
6. KIDS? Yes...Luke~20 months
7. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Yeah probably...I generally am pretty easy going and I will do anything for my friends.
8. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? yep...and I am typing in it...lol
No9. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Yes.....but in the funny way...not a nasty way
10. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes
11. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? NO WAY...Petrified of heights and why would I risk my life...Couldn't bare the thought of not watching my kids grow up!!
12. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?Just Right
13. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? nope, 14. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG PHYSICALLY OR MENTALLY? Definately not as much as I would like to be physically....Mentally...Yeah getting stronger...have had a few life experiences that have made me more assertive and stronger
15. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? HOKEY PoKEY
16. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? smile....and also eyes...
17.RED OR PINK? Pink
18. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?My teeth, One day we will be able to afford braces for me!!!
19. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? Family being close by
20. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Their choice...but no thanks
21. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES YOU ARE WEARING? black sweat pants and no shoes
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? blue
23. FAVORITE SMELL? I LOVE the smell of Rain!
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Karen Latham!25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Yep...Fran has been a member of Embellished almost since the beginning...so I really appreciate her support! THANKS FRAN!!
26.FAVORITE DRINK? COKE ZERO!
27. FAVORITE SPORT TO WATCH? NONE
28. HAIR COLOR?Red~Natural Redhead
29. EYE COLOR? blue
30. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? No
31. FAVORITE FOOD? I LOVE all FOOD....but I really like thai dishes
32. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDING? Happy endings...I am a big sook
33. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Cannot remember...I have a memory like a sieve...what was the question again...lol
34. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? black.
35. SUMMER OR WINTER? Winter in ROCKY is AWESOME...more like spring
36. HUGS OR KISSES? Hugs
37. FAVORITE DESSERT? I LOVE desserts...Lemon mirangue PIE
38. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Who can say...?
39. MOST LIKELY NOT TO RESPOND? probably aLL...lol
40. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING? Purpose driven Life~~ Good book should read it sometime
41. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? dont have one..
42. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST ON TV LAST NIGHT? Home and Away
43. FAVORITE SOUNDS? Luke giggling
44. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Rolling Stones
45. THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME? Rockhampton
46. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Ummm just very creative in general
47. WHEN WERE YOU BORN? November
48.WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Kingaroy Mothers hospital ,QLD
49. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO WITH THE REST OF YOUR LIFE?Watch my kids grow up...spend loads of quality time with Glenn~LOVE him so much.....and always be able to create in one way or another...If life is good I am happy!!!

I TAG JULIE Mc JULES and also NAT MARDON!!!!hahahaha

Have a great Day!!!

Tough Call

2006-11-13T06:33:00.000+09:30

Morning All,
I know I know I have been a very bad blogger...but i tend not to do posts on here unless I have some pics for you....sorry...yesterday was the first time I have scrapped in ages!
Here are a couple I have done. A BIG Thankyou to Karen....She is really encouraging me to use coloured cardstock again...and I am loving this simple joys layout I did while at her place last night!

I have actually done both of these as a challenge for Scrap of Faith Cyber Crop on Saturday night. Had fun scrapping with Karen last night. Thanks Kaz!!

Not sure if I have told you this already but I SOOOO cannot wait for Julie to move up here...!!! NOT long now chook at all! We are going to come up with some absolutely brilliant ideas for Embellished in 2007. Both the December and January kits have been chosen and they are fantastic...Remember you have to be quick as we only make up a certain number each month. Novembers has almost sold out, So be QUICK if you would like one!!

I have been making some tough decisions about our site over the past few days....this has made me really upset and emotional, so I am sorry if I haven't been as present on the site as I should be.

A HUGE Congratulations

Anthea, Amanda and Melissa

For being the FINAL three in

Embellished Idol.

Look out for their Round 8 Entries

Who will be Embellished Idol for 2006?

Voting Opens Monday 21st November.

Have a great Day!!

YAY!!! I finally scrapped!

2006-11-05T16:41:00.000+09:30

Well it feels like ages since I have Scrapped....

My lovely friends Ang and Karen came to play last night for the cyber crop...We did alot of chatting not alot of scrapping though! Typical story though!
I started off doing the ribbon challenge for the cyber crop...but then just got carried away and did my own thing...oopppss sorry girls!

A BIG congratulations to PAULA SMITH who won the Chatterbox Make it meaningful competition....WELL DONE !!! Cannot wait to see what your album looks like!!! Well done to all the other finalists...We should be proud for making it that far!

Here are my two latest layouts that I did last night and finished off today!

5 Things I am thankful for today

1. Making it to the top ten for Chatterbox and thankful that Gail Smith's entry touched the lives of those reading it...Well done Gail!

2. Air-conditioning!!! Been very hot here today!

3. Lazy days...gotta love them

4. Family and those around me....

5. Everything I have in life!!

Such a busy week!!!

2006-11-03T08:45:00.000+09:30

I am not sure where to start....

I haven't heard anything from 'Addicted to craft' so I am gathering I wasn't the winner for the Chatterbox Competition, but you know what...that is ok....I made the top 10 finalist list and that in intself is an achievement. Winner is going be announced today.....I think at the paper fair in Sydney.....Congrats to whoever won!!!

Been flatout getting bookwork up to date...Boring ...boring...boring...But the joy of owning your own business.

Our gorgeous New 'Tickled Pink ' Kit is now available. Be quick limited collections available

We have given Embellished a Fresh new look for Summer....Ok ok it is still Spring...however the weather is feeling so summery up here...that we decided to change it a bit earlier....I love changing the themes on the site with the Seasons....It seems to be our little trademark!

{Embellished Idol}
As some of you know we have thrown a twist into Round 6. We have 2 wildcards returning this round. We have 7 up for elimination also.
This Round we gave the contestants a different theme to work on...They got to choose from thee pictures to Scrap. The other twist is that the Layouts are only numbered now...no names of who's layout is who's.....So this should hopefully make the voting more fair, So that people vote for their tru favourites. I think the girls have loved the challenge....The Standard of work has been fantastic....WELL DONE to all of you who are participating in IDOL...It is great to watch you all work.
Check out the Gallery to see this weeks Entries

I have done no scrapping this week....I know I know.....TERRIBLE!!! I honestly have not had time to scratch myself!!! So I am hoping I will get the chance over the weekend....relax a bit and enjoy creating!

5 Things I am thankful for:

1.I made the top ten for Chatterbox Make it Meaningful Competition

2. I have had a great week with Glenn having some time off

3. Thankful for Daycare, which allows me to have 2 days a week to get what needs to be done.

4. My new job at warehouse~~I am really enjoying it

5. My fantastic girls who grace me with their presence each week in class....they are such a blessing

Have a great Day

Ali x x

What a week again!!!

2006-10-30T18:07:00.000+09:30

Ok ok I know I have been the worst blogger last week!!! But we were just SOOO flat out busy!

Ok Glenn finished his job with GE last week...he is on about 12 days off right now! He starts his new job on Thursday next week.

Idol has been heating up..We are down to 16 finalists so far....3 new wildcards this week. Our TWIST is all in the comp will be anonomous AND....they are scrapping a photo given by the team of Embellished....So this should be very interesting come voting time on Friday night!

Here are a couple of recent layouts I have scrapped over the past few days.

I have a class tonight so I gotta scoot...but before i do....

5 things I am thankful for:

1. My loving and very patient husband
2. My adorable firends
3. My little man who constantly makes me laugh
4. Family support and love
5. A productive weekend and day

2006-10-23T20:52:00.000+09:30

Okay I have been Tagged by the gorgeous Kelly

1.Things that scare me:- Mice, Rats

2. People who make me laugh:- Glenn, Julie, My Dad, My brother, Jo and Suse

3. Things I hate the most:- People judging others and I cannot stand back stabbing

4. Things I don't understand:- I do not understand how people can lose the joy in the simple things in life...sometimes they take things way too seriously!!!

5. Things I'm doing right now:- Typing this ...but thinking of Zzzzzzz's

6. Things I want to do before I die:- Watch my kids grow up and have families of their own and live happily ever after with my darling Glenny

7. Things I can do:- Create with flowers and also scrapping stuff.....not together though

8. Ways to describe my personality:- Friendly, Fair, Loving & a good friend!

9. Things I can't do:- be organised in all parts of the house at the one time...there is always a mess somewhere...bet you can't guess where right now???...lol

10. Things I think you should listen to:- The deafening sound of silence!!!

11. Things you should never listen to:- Others who want to bring you down in life, the truth is they are jealous and threatened by you.

12. Things I'd like to learn:- To sing properly and have lessons to have my voice trained......photography..properly

13. Favorite foods:- CHOCOLATE!!!! arrggg

14. Beverages I drink regularly:- COKE ZERO~ADDICT

15. Shows I watched as a kid:- Degrassi Junior High, henderson kids(loved that) and Astro Boy

I am tagging....Nat Mardon!!!, Lusi and Micaela

Night girls and chat soon
Ali x

Is it Sunday night already?

2006-10-22T21:35:00.000+09:30

Almost in tears.....
A friend of mine who was very very close to me when I lived in Newcastle contacted me by email last night. I had contacted her by phone a couple of times since the move...but sadly had never heard anything from her since......Struggled with it for a little while and was really sad the think that such a great friendship was gone.....I came to terms with this a few weeks ago and knew I had to let go....or I would make myself upset over it.
Well I got this email...and it really made my day....I realised all over again how much I missed her and her hubby and 3 kids......I replied back and sent pics of Lukey....and tonight after getting home from church...there was another email....this brought tears to my eyes....Another thing I had put in God's hand and he sorted for us...Thankyou God!!! God has been soooo good to us these last few weeks and after years of straying...we believed again and had faith in Him.

Church was really great...I am sure the sermon was written for me...lol....really touched me.
I am really enjoying Rocky Baptist...I think I have found my new church home....this is great!

I played with my camera today...played with settings that i didn't know existed...lol...

Here are a couple of favs from my day!!!

5 Things I am thankful for
1. Ang and Craig~Thankful we are in contact again
2. God's provision over our life
3. Enormous amount of love and support we have
4. My friends
5. My loving and very patient hubby and adorable son!!

So Blessed!!!

2006-10-21T11:36:00.000+09:30

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Jer 29:11 (NIV)

This is so true. God had His hand over the job situation for Glenn. Sometimes I think we need to just have some faith that God has it under control. I have seen my husband go from miserable to happy and his old self in a matter of a day. Leaving his current job is the best decision he has made EVER, other than marrying me and having Luke....lol

I did an online class over at Scrap Of Faith It was on Psalm 23.....Just so perfect for out situation lately. Here is the verse. I really enjoyed this class.

Psalm 23

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, [a] I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

I am loving Scrap of Faith as it is my home away from home if you know what I mean. I love Embellished and all you Fantastic girls. Sometimes I feel I need something for me...and I have found that something.

Glenn finishes work next Friday and doesn't start his new job until the 9th November (this was changed yesterday from the 2nd)...... Which is awesome he will get about 12 days off before he starts at CSA. It would be great to be flown to Sydney (to accept a prize that week....CBX...lol...hopeful aren't I) and be able to catch up with family for a few days...while Glenn is off....Oh well I can dream!

Ok blogger doesn't want to upload pics today....cannot be bothered fighting with it...maybe next post.

5 Things I am thankful for today

1. My loving family

2. My creative talent....love creating!!

3. Friendships.....IRL and online

4. My house

5. The fact that I am motivated to do ALL the washing today...lol

Have a fantastic weekend

Ali x

What a wonderful week!!!

2006-10-19T06:15:00.000+09:30

I honestly couldn't ask for a better week than I have been blessed to have!!

Last Friday the news about the Chatterbox comp....and finally after a very much delayed answer....Glenn got the job!!!! We found out yesterday afternoon!!!!

He is so excited and so am I. I know that he will be happy there and at least given a fair chance to show what he is really capable of!! I had a peace about it from last Thursday... God is AWESOME!!!

I have also picked up about 10 hrs work a week (well actually just happened, wasn't looking)

signwriting for the warehouse here in Rocky. It is great...Half of the time I can work from home and I will go in on a Thursday to do the signs in the shop! I have done the catalogue signs from home this week already and will be going into the shop for the first time to do the in-store signs this morning......Kinda exciting!!!Looking forward to working with you Ang, Deb and Noel!!!

No scrapping done...driving me nuts!!! Might get some done tonight....I hope. I think we may be going out for dinner to celebrate Glenns new job, so that will be nice!!

I taught my Album class again last night. The girls are such a hoot!!! Love them!! We have such a good time and they did fabulous work last night!! Karen...Your doodling was fantastic and see I told you it isn't that hard!!

Things I am thankful for today

1. God had his hand over Glenn's job situation and has provided and met our needs

2. My hubby is getting happy again....

3. My fabulous and supportive friends who just kept praying for us

4. My absolutely gorgeous little boy who makes life so worth while everyday

5. New opportunities opened to us each day

Have a truely amazing day

Ali x x

Ok I think it is safe to say.....

2006-10-17T13:31:00.000+09:30

Okay I found this out on Friday.......

& NO I am not pregnant again!!!

I made into the final 10 for the Chatterbox 'Make it meaningful' Album contest.....YAY!!!

I am so excited, but not getting my hopes up too high.....Would be really handy at the moment though.

Anyways...just thought I would let you know.....

5 Things I am thankful for today

1. That a friend has returned to us

2. God is changing life for the better

3. We will get some good news today (still waiting)

4. Love and support from those around me

5. All my wonderful friends old and new!!

Have a wonderful day!

Ali x x

What a journey....

2006-10-16T10:08:00.000+09:30

I am just going to tell you about part of my spiritual journey over the past few days. This is really exciting for me and that is why I am posting it here on My Blog.

I have always had a personal faith in God.....but for the past 5 years or so..I have really strayed away from Him and how I should be living my life. Over the past couple of months, I have realised that I am not in control of some areas of my life.....and no matter how hard I try I am never going to please everyone. I have found my self searching for that inner-peace again and I have learned that it only comes from God.....I found it again...It was never lost and He was always there....Do you ever feel like you have a void in your life, or something just missing??? I know that feeling and God is the filler of that empty part of your life. Friday was a really BIG emotional and spiritual day for me....
I know that only God knows what the future holds for me and my family and that we need to have faith in Him.

I joined in at SOF Cyber Crop on Friday night. The girls there are a hoot! Had alot of fun! Thanks sal and all the SOF girls for a good night and a good challenge.
Here is my layout from the SOF cyber crop, it is personal and important to me.

5 Things I am thankful for today:

1. That We are going to hear some good news today

2. Some fantastic new friendships made over the last few weeks

3. KarenL...You are an awesome friend and thanks for taking me to church last night

4. Glenn and his patience

5. My gorgeous baby boy who keeps that smile on my face all day long!!

Have an awesome day

Ali x

A couple of things to share....

2006-10-12T15:18:00.000+09:30

I have been doing alot of thinking over the past few weeks after certain events that have happened in my life.....Although some were a really big struggle for me....I have managed to get some really positive things out of it....I have joined up with Scrap of Faith....This is a fantastic Christian scrapbooking site.....and I have found alot of refuge there and starting to make some great friends....Thanks girls at SOF for all your prayers and support over the past few weeks it is fantastic! Thankyou to my girls at Embellished who have stood by me also through the hard times...you are all FANTASTIC!!!

Well Idol is almost half way through and it is getting more and more challenging....for thos eof us who have to vote that is...lol....The quality of work is AWESOME!!! Well Done to all of you, You are creating some fantastic layouts!

I ran a 'One Hour Challenge' at Embellished This afternoon and Tamlea and Suse joined in with me! Below is what I creted in about 40 mins....I had fun too!!

5 Things I am thankful for today

1. My day to myself

2. We are a day closer to good news! (I hope)

3. Supportive and loving family

4. My scrap supplies!!!

5. It almost being time to get my gorgeous son and then hubby!!

What are you thankful for today?

Ali x

5 things to be thankful for today!

2006-10-10T21:07:00.000+09:30

I just thought I would my 5 things I am thankful for today.

1. I have a loving husband and a gorgeous son!
2. A great group of friends
3.Thankful for those who can enjoy the fun in things
4. Thankful that my view of life is so much clearer than a few years ago
5. Thankful that God has his hand over everything in our life right now and that he is in control.

Have a great night!
Ali x

Just a few to share....

2006-10-10T08:54:00.000+09:30

Morning all,
Life has been really hectic and a little stressed over the last week. Thankyou to those who have been praying for Glenn and I, I really appreciate it. Your support has been so great!

Haven't been doing alot of scrapping, just been so busy. The Sale on saturday night was fantastic! All paid orders were sent with fastway yesterday, so you should be receiving your orders girls in the coming days or week for those in WA. We have sold out of alot of the new BG and Chatterbox and papers in general, so I have made a new order and should be here early next week I am hoping.

Sunday was such a lazy day here....It was quite hot! Stayed inside most of the day in the air-con. The boys watched Bathurst in between snoozing on the couch.

Really feeling like I am needing to join a mums playgroup or something at maybe one of the local churches. With 3 boys in the house, I am feeling like I need some girlie company. So if you are in the Rocky area and know of any good playgroups...leave me a comment!!!

Luke has been the BEST child over the last week or so...sleeping so well. Although waking at 5am most mornings...I come out to the playroom and lay on the lounge and go back to sleep...Sunday he let me sleep until 9.45....WOW...GOOD BOY!!!

Here are some very quick layouts I did during class last night...as samples of ((Round 3))~ Minimalistic theme....this is as minimalistic as it gets for me i think....lol

Have a great day and remember that the little things are not worth getting upset over...there is so much in life we need to be thankful for.
Ali x x

A bit of information for you all!!

2006-10-03T14:56:00.000+09:30

Just incase you need to pick up a bargain or two! This will be the last 30% OFF sale for a while. So grab yourself a bargain on Saturday night at Embellished.

Okay so you say what have I been doing with my day???

Well my precious little son woke me at 5.30 this morning...Was able to sleep on the lounge while he played until around 7ish. I have spent a few hours finding a new chat program to use on the site, as the previous 3 we have used , we have had problems with. So hopefull it should be all up and running before Friday for the Cyber Crop!

Here is a layout i did very quickly last night. I used the Simply Fabulous foam stamps from Making Memories and well the name is very fitting...love them!!!

Have a great evening

Chat soon

Ali x x

Kits @ Embellished is here!!!

2006-10-02T09:28:00.000+09:30

Well finally it is here.....

Check out Kits @ Embellished. 'Floral Delight' October kit now available.

Next month we will have a gorgeous girlie kit available.....Keep your eye out for the sneak peek!

Sneek peek for you...

2006-09-27T21:55:00.000+09:30

Well I haven't scrapped since Sunday & I am hanging for it!! I just couldn't be bothered tonight....I have however been working on some special projects for the site.....
The pics below are a sneek peek of what is just around the corner at Embellished.

{Tomorrow is my peace day....Luke goes to daycare Thursdays and Friday...really gives me a chance to do housework and also time to scrap and do other things that need doing!

{ We were offline yesterday, the power supply went in the computer first thing in the morning...Glenn found it quite amusing and was wondering how I could breathe and survive without it..I got HEAPs done..... I totally cleaned and changed our room around.....and I am talking SPRING cleaning...redoigndraws of clothes, unpacking the last three boxes of clothes......
I have moved Luke's cot into our room. Steven (Julie's hubby) is having Luke's room, so I thought it be beter to get him settled and sleeping well in our room first. I moved Luke's room around and set it out better for Steven....So I did do lots....I still have mountains of washing to do, but when don't I??
{Starting to get very tired, so I might hit the hay!

Have a great night and will catch up soon....

A fresh start to a new week

2006-09-25T09:54:00.000+09:30

The fresh start to the new week.....
We had a pretty basic weekend. Glenn spent alot of time in the yard...I even helped mow yesterday afternoon....it was like 31 degrees here....My face was SO red after I had finished.

Luke woke up this morning coughing and coughing until he threw up everywhere....so it was a bath for him and all our bed sheets at 6.30 this morning. He is peacefully sleeping now...and it is bliss!!

Life is about to change for us for a few months. Steven (julie's Hubby) is coming to live with us for 3-4 months, while she finalised things down south and then moves her and the kids up during the Christmas school holidays! I am SO excited...I cannot wait to be able to scrap with such a talented chicky like Julie!!!

Here is my latest!
Have a great day
Ali

To be Thankful.....

2006-09-23T09:47:00.000+09:30

These last couple of weeks have really got me thinking. We really do worry about petty little things and get all caught up in them. How much time are we spending with family? Do we take the little things for granted? How often do we just go for a walk and appreciate the outdoors and God's creation?

I will just leave that with you to think and ponder about!

Here is a layout I did last night, I put the challenge up on the Embellished Forum to 'Start with a number'.
This is also the first hint towards {ROUND TWO} of Embellished Idol....however do not just rush in...there is another BIG clue coming......SOON

Have a fantastic Day wherever you are. Look forward to catching up again soon

Ali x x

Another busy week...

2006-09-22T07:41:00.000+09:30

I have hardly had time to scrap this week. I set a challenge to Embellished members on Tuesday night. This challenge was inspired by Elsie Flannigan~Thanks Elsie!!!
To either use a very large photo (the length or width of the page) or to try a journaling style that you haven't done before. Well I did both and it was so much fun! I had this picture of Glenn that was very natural and I have been wanting to do something for a while! Here is the pic!

The entries for Embellished Idol are flooding in already and they look amazing!!! Well done girls, this is going to be so much fun!! We have a bit of a surprise install for you for round two and I will reveal those in the coming days. There will be a theme for Round 2 ~ and with the loss of some Aussie icons and also family members I have decided sometimes we need to sit back and really think about what is important to us.....that is all the hints I am giving today!

I have started the 9x9 Album class this week and taught my second lot of girls last night! It was a hoot. We had so much fun!! The girls amazingly finished 2 layouts for their albums and they look fantastic! Normally we all talk too much and we don't get alot done, but they were very keen and excited.

My license has expired and I REALLY need to go and sort that out today at some stage! The worst bit about living in QLD is that Queensland transport are not even open on a Saturday! So everything has to be done within the week.....but other than that little gripe, I LOVEit up here and I am so happy we moved! LIFE IS PERFECT!!

On another good note, I recieved an email from Scrapbook Creations yesterday askign me to do a little article for 'My Space' feature which they do now and again! They had stumbled across one of my layouts and decided to contact me! This was the little boost I needed!

Well I think that is enough jibbering for now.

Have yourself a GREAT weekend and look forward to catching up soon

Ali x x

Fresh start to the week....

2006-09-19T11:09:00.000+09:30

Life is really good this week. I think when you face some troubles and hurdles in life it makes you appreciate those who love and support you. My problems over the last week are so small compared to those around us who are facing tragedy and suffering.

Taught the first class doing the 9x9 Heidi Swapp mini album last night...Although not alot of scrapping done, we had a great time. This is an 8 week class series that i am doing and it is going to be so good. I am doing my Wedding album with the girls in the class, so it will be nice to scrap something other than Luke for a change.....Love scrapping Luke...but wedding photos need doing

Little Man is pretty much back on the mend...his appetitie is much better than the last few weeks and he is funny and brighter again.

{{Idol has started ....This is going to be so much fun.....And the best bit is I do not have to judge it!!! I get to vote like everyone else and it is still fair for all....Really needed the stress of judging comps disappear for a little while after all the mix-ups last week. Some of the girls have already finished layouts for round 1....and it really only started yesterday, WAY TO GO GIRLS!!
We will be eliminating around 10 from the first round of judging...however just remember this is for a bit of fun, nothing personal if you are eliminated....it is the rules of the game that some will be eliminated to dwindle the numbers down until we have a winner....
WHO WILL EMBELLISHED IDOL 2006 BE??????

Chat again soon

& Remember...somethings are just so trivial and not worth getting upset about....Life is too short, so enjoy it!!

Ali x x

2006-09-16T15:00:00.000+09:30

EMBELLISHED IDOL 2006

This is going to be SOOOO Much fun!!!

Go to Embellished to Register. All Registrations must be in by Midnight Sunday!!

***First Challenge will be posted on Monday***

Any of you who are going away for school holidays, we will be giving notice in advance for the upcoming challenges to give you a bit of extra time!!

Things have finally settled down after an upsetting week. But I am feeling great today and I couldn't be more excited about what is happening at Embellished in the coming months!

Thankyou to all of you who helped me get back on top of things over the past few days with your lovely comments and support. I really have learned who my friends are and I do appreciate you all, So THANKYOU!!!

Here is a couple of recent layouts I have done...

Thanks for looking

Have a great day!!

Time to straighten it out.....

2006-09-14T18:35:00.000+09:30

There have been a couple of issues with some members of Embellished. There are alot of versions going around that are not true. There were communication breakdowns and it has been blown out of proportion. I refuse to get into details, as I think that is not moral or ethical....however remember there is 2 sides to every story and you are only getting one side. There have been swearing,abusive and horrible things said to me, that of couse go unmentioned on other versions of this situation.
To think that part of the problem to start with was who we chose for our Design Team,and me not having enough time to comment on everyone's layouts in the gallery. I apologise for this as we have been extremely busy and the day just gets away from me....
I do not have to justify why we chose who we did for the DT...Each and every designer we chose offers a different and unique style who are always able to try new ideas. They have shown they play an active role on the website both in the forum and gallery.
I hope this may have cleared some grey patches up for you. I never wanted for it to go this far and I didn't want to have to post anything on my blog, unfortunately my name is being mentioned and too many lies are being told. This is slanderous and if it doesn't stop I will be left with no option but to seek legal advise. At no time were individuals named , however my name is being posted publically.
Sorry to have to mention all this.
Ali

So Sweet!!!

2006-09-14T12:41:00.000+09:30

You know when someone does something random to brighten your day & it is just what you needed to keep you going?

Well I was kinda Raked today, but not in the usual paper/scrapbooking sense.

Look what was outside the back door when Glenn left to go back to work after lunch.

Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou !!!!!

Micaela,

They are just beautiful and put a smile on my face as soon as I saw them.

Being a florist I never get flowers...and this was really special, So thanks heaps darl...you are great!!!

Busy Busy Busy!!

2006-09-13T07:41:00.000+09:30

Well it appears this week is a week of catch up, tying up all the loose ends. All of you who have waited patiently for prizes and the smaller bonus prizes from cyber crops....your gifts are in the mail as we speak. They should be to you in the coming days. That was a huge weight off my shoulders.
I am hoping that Luke is at the end of his illness. The poor kiddo has now got conjunctivitis....but we have started him on drops and hopefully...he will be well after this...fingers crossed!
I was finding it really hard to sleep last night and stayed up quite late.

Okay on a lighter note.....We have something exciting coming to Embellished....details will be revealed in the coming days.

Here is a couple of layouts completed in the last few days...oh Anthea...I will work on the photo you sent me tonight....I have it printed and ready to go!!

Have a great day
Ali x x

What a BIG Week!!!

2006-09-10T17:02:00.000+09:30

Julie and Steven arrived here last Saturday. It was so exciting as this was the first time that Julie and I had met face-to-face. It is really strange, I felt like we have known each other for years and years. We all got along so well. They left here this morning on their BIG trip back to Shepparton, Victoria. It was a bit sad...knowing that the next time I will see her will be the retreat in April next year......We had so much fun, I really didn't want her to leave!
The week was full of excitement and we were constantly busy. Lukey had been so sick all last weekend , and hospitalised 3 times in 6 days, poor baby. He was on the mend as of Tuesday and started to get back to his normal self (as normal as that can be).
Tuesday we headed up to Yeppoon for the day. Glenn was working so it was the Heardy's and Luke and me.
Thursday Night
We had a 'Meet the Design Team' here at our place. It was so much fun to have some of my students and the 3 members of the DT here.We made some cute quick make and take items....chatted, ate cake...Tim Tams and drank Wine and some just coffee. I know I had a ball girls, I hope you all did!Below is a pic of the Design Team

From Left: Nicole Rayner, Me, Julie Heard & Micaela Kirchin

Friday we went to Great Keppel Island. We had a great time. It is gorgeous! The aqua crystal clear waters and white sand....just a beautiful site! The Island was a bit dissapointing, as a day visitor. Unless you were staying at the resort , the activities were very expensive....and as for 8 of us...it just wasn't possible. The kids had fun playing on the beach.

What a weekend!!!

2006-09-03T16:08:00.000+09:30

I am not sure I know where to start......

Friday
Took Luke to the Dr's. Dr prescribed some antibiotics for Lukey....So started them straight away. Cleaned the house awaiting the arrival of Julie, Steven and the kids.
Saturday
Julie and Steven & Co. Arrive at about 11am...I am sure they flew from Shepparton as they drove straight through, No overnight stops...in approximately 24 hrs...WOW...CRAZY people!!!
Had a reasonably restful day ...As it was pouring down with rain....cleared in the afternoon....giving enough time for the kids to have a play outside andrelease some energy.

Saturday night
Kids in bed and Julie and I finally sit down ...flicking through her albums......gearing up to scrap. Luke had been unwell most of the day and I was treating fevers yet again with panadol and the antibiotics prescribed by the DR. Come about 8pm he was 38.7......stripped him off and we checked approximately an hour or so later to find his temp was 39.3....WAY TOO HIGH.....Hospital time again!!
We arrive at Rocky base hospital.....and we get seen straight away (which is always a bonus in A & E). Luke's temp is now 40.2....Nurses and Dr's are startignt o get very concerned as His chest , Ears and throat all appear clear...Time for some more tests!
That poor baby BOY.....They canulated him...he screamed and screamed...and I couldn't help but cry....Glenn too. They took some bloods and attached a bag to try and get a urine sample......
After Neurofen and about 4 hours...the temp dropped right off.... Now to await the blood test results...In the meantime he developed a rash on his face and neck....I personally thought it was from all the pressure of screaming while being canulated......as that is when i noticed it....just after.... This now became a concern for the Dr's as they were not sure if it was meningacocil or not.
Bloods came back fine...now to await this child doing a wee for them.....waited....waited....waited and kept waiting..... Lovely Dr Roy gave him an iceblock and some water to try to get it happening......They were so busy, they needed our bed, so we were sent to the consult room to wait for Luke to do his business...Finally after over 5 hrs of waiting for a urine sample....he did it!!! YAY for Lukey!!!
Test results came back and showed everything was fine.... It is so frustrating even for the Dr's as they can see he was sick...but could not diagnose anything.......So they sent us home again....with instructions that is the temp returns to get straight up there again. We got home at 2.30am and slept and slept...until woken by a certain mother of mine...thanks Mum.... But Luke had a good rest, so that was the main thing.

Sunday~AKA Father's Day
Woke up to the phonecall fromMum at around 8.30.....
Wished Glenn a happy Fathers Day at approximately 9.30 when he woke up. Luke was really tired still and unsettled. We waited for him to have another sleep, but wouldn't. He was just not happy! Julie, Steven, Glenn and I packed all the kiddos up and headed upto the botanic Gardens for a picnic Lunch and to visit the Zoo....
We had a great time....She is so cool!! Even better in real life!! I am so glad we have met! Thanks Julie!!
Here are some pics of out trip today....
Off to Sizzler shortly for father's day dinner

My poor baby boy

2006-08-30T12:54:00.000+09:30

Luke has been unwell for the past 2 weeks. Since starting daycare 8 weeks ago, he has picked up every bug going around! Last night he really scared us. The poor baby, he was gasping for breath and really rattly in the chest. So Off we trotted to the hospital at wee hours of the morning. Lucky for us...They got us in straight away. They checked him over and he had a chest x-ray. All seemed to be clear, Thankyou God!! His breathing had really settled down by the time they sent us home and told us to come back if his breathing worsened.
Little monkey is running around as usual today, you would never think he was sick. We will monitor him again tonight as the air gets colder.

Not alot of scrapping getting done this week. Above is one I did on Monday with my class with Ang. Julie, Steven and the kids all come up on the weekend, so exciting!!! Really looking forward to meeting them all face to face. I will give you a sneek peek in the painting in the diningroom....almost finished......now to have the lounge done by the time Julie and Steven get here on Sunday morning....did you say you are setting the challenge?? Ok you're on!!

Probably looks Yuck to you....Chocolate brown and caramel fudge.....But it looks really striking and once all the furniture is back in place I will take full room pics....

I am teaching another canvas class tonight, so this should be fun.

Have a great day

Ali

A quick catch up....

2006-08-26T15:11:00.000+09:30

It has been a few day since my last blog.

*{Thursday}*

Thursday night I went to Michelle's place to play. I actually achieved something. I wanted to play with some of the new chatterbox range....So I scrapped 2 photos's of Michelle and her sister, Kerry.

*{Friday}*

I spent nearly all day infront of the computer trying to get the silly newsletter out!!! Sorry girls...it is coming!!

I have to run and have a look at DEB and NEILS wedding....

BIG CONGRATS to you both!!!

Will finish my blog when i get back!!

Announcing.......

2006-08-23T15:35:00.000+09:30

We are proud to present to you

The Embellished Design Team

Congratulations Girls, your work is fantastic!

We look forward to working with you!!

A BIG embellished Thankyou to all of you who entered out DT call. You will see some familiar faces featured as our Guest artists over the coming months.

I will leave you with this layout I did last night, was going to use it for my For Keeps entry...but I put it on the gallery so it is too late...oopps....I will get started on that soon!

Okay Bye for now,

Take care of yourself and each other....

Ali x x

11 Days to go!!!

2006-08-21T08:27:00.000+09:30

Well It is only 11 days to go and I get to meet the fantastic and very talented Julie Heard & her adorable family. They are coming up to stay for almost a week and I cannot wait!!!

Julie & I have been good friends since January and talk at least 2 times a day on messenger and on the Embellished site also. She was one of the people who kept me going when I was still in Newcastle and Glenn was already up here in Rocky. Some people have the attitude that cyber friends are not real....WEll that is CRAP!! Since moving to Rockhampton, I have really learned who my friends are....those who have been really close to me for years have made NO effort to contact me, email me...anything...sad really...... But Julie on the other hand is always there...it doesn't matter where I live it makes no difference to her (except 17 hrs extra driving to come and visit...lol).

So thanks JULIE & Steven, You both are great friends and we are SO looking forward to seeing you!!!

This is a layout that I got 95% finished in the one hour challenge....YES this was the first time i didn't meet the time deadline!!! Anthea inspired me to stitch my title....I have realised stitched titles are NOT for one hour challenges!!....lol

I finished the journalling while watching TV last night....and above is the finished product!!

Have a great day

& remember

'Life is what YOU make of it'

Ali x x x

A Quick hello

2006-08-20T09:23:00.000+09:30

Ok where do I start....
We went to the Lifestyle and Craft show here in Rockhampton yesterday. ...VERY dissapointed. It was very small....and had a whole 8 craft stalls. Embellished might just have to rock the socks off it next year....
Came home and had a restful afternoon. Luke and Glenn had an afternoon sleep....
Someone very close to me said some very hurtful things to me on Friday night....It was going over and over in my head.....I needed to release some of the anger....I scrapped a page (sorry this one is a private one)...it looks angry & very black....But I felt so much better afterwards.

Glenn went out to a bucks poker night at one of our new friends house.....I had the house to myself...(okay Luke was here but asleep)...Got a phonecall at 10.30 from Ang (AngC) to see if she could come over for a while, as the bucks night was still going at her place. We didn't scrap, but had a good chat...Really enjoyed the company Ang, so THANKS!!

I did do 2 layouts earlier in the night and here they are above.

Have yourself a great Sunday and chat again soon
Ali x x

it's the weekend YAY!!!

2006-08-18T23:31:00.000+09:30

WOW,
Luke had himself another restless nights sleep last night. He and i ended up on the lounge again at 4am....bad habit....Once Luke and Glenn left for daycare and work this morning I went back to sleep....until 12:15pm....oooppss...I was just SOOOO tired. Little man hasn't been sleeping the best over the last few weeks...I know all part of being a parent, but it doesn't exempt you from feeling tired...
Achieved almost nothing all day, honestly didn't feel too bad about it though. too tired to care. Julie set me a 1 hr challenge....I did it in less than 40 mins and here it is.....

Well I really need to go to bed....We are going to the Rockhampton lifestyle and craft show tomorrow, so that should be a bit of fun.

Chat a bit later

Ali

Funky Chic.....

2006-08-16T08:22:00.000+09:30

My day off yesterday was not my day off in the end. I got a phonecall from Luke's daycare asking me to pick him up from care as he has a 'ringworm'......a What??? We don't have any cats, our dog doesn't have any ringworms.......I did some research on the net and it turns out you can get them from farm animals....Luke's Daycare had a petting zoo full of farm animals about 10 days ago....I am guessing that is where he has got it from. We had some cream at home that could be used for the treatment of ringworm...So I have been putting that on and keeping it covered. Hopefully it will go away soon......

So no scrapping was achieved yesterday....but i did get into it while watching 'All Saints' last night. I took this picture of Luke yesterday afternoon. Kept his eyes blue (as i do....my signature thing) and turned the rest B & W. It reminds me of an old photo that has been hand painted....not sure why, but it does. I love the blues and blacks together, reminds me of funky chic or something like that..... Like he should be sitting in a diner in the 50's.... Anyway I had heaps of fun just sewing and sewing.....Love the sewn blue paper on the layout. You can judge for yourself.

I have a tonne of housework to do.....maybe later...lol

Chat soon

Ali

What a weekend!!!

2006-08-13T11:01:00.000+09:30

One of the bad things about this time of year is that there are so many bugs and viruses and germs going around that everyone gets sick. I am feeling so much better the last 2 days. Luke has only gotten worse. We had 2 really bad nights with him on Thursday and Friday. I ended up on the lounge with him at all hours of the night.

Sorry to the girls at EMBELLISHED, that I couldn't be a part of the Cyber Crop...Luke was just too sick.

Here are two layouts that I have done over the last couple of days. The one titled '{Innocent} until proven guilty' is one of my favs.

Well I have so much washing to do and still have to clean the scraproom up...what a mission....Chat soon

Ali

Very very tired

2006-08-11T12:32:00.000+09:30

Luke had a terrible night last night. He tossed and turned and cried and cried......
At 3 am and after a couple of hours, both he and I moved out to the loungeroom and slept on the lounge....just to give Glenn some sleep. Unfortunately for me....when the sun was up, so was LUKE!!! So I am operating on 3 hrs sleep....
Here is a layout i did last night. Took the pic yesterday when Luke was not well.

Poor sick baby AGAIN....

2006-08-10T16:14:00.000+09:30

I feel terrible...Both Glenn and I have been sick and now Luke has got it....I know he probably caught it from us and I feel horrible.
He did a HUGE chuck today (I know TMI)...but is settling down a little now. He was just so upset, nothing i could do would help settle him at all.....He is laying up on the lounge, with his pillow, bedtime froggie and his blanky...and watching ABC.....What more could a 1 year old want?
Here is a pic I took a little earlier. Well I had everything ready to send out for one of the challenges, but unfortunately didn't get to the post office, as Luke is sick....
Will see how he is tomorrow...If well enough I will have the whole day to get organised again....as he will be at daycare. If not then I will play good mummy and look after my sick bubba.

I have so much planned for Embellished at the moment and just cannot seem to find the time to do it.....I think i still need to organise my days better......

Well I will blog again tomorrow
For now
Ali

3 in ONE day

2006-08-09T09:54:00.000+09:30

Above: Week #16 Challenge @ Embellished

{ONE} Hour Challenge @ Embellished
Scrap @ Home for Embellished Gallery

{Three} in one Day, huh?

I was on a roll yesterday. I was childfree and on my own....

After feeling unwell and i have been so busy over the last few weeks, I really craved some 'ME' time. I did the first layout in approximately 30mins for Nicoles week #16 challenge @ Embellished....They are so my colours scheme....Very calmin, relaxing....love them!!

The second one i did in under 30 mins for our {One} Hour challenge @ Embellished

loving those flowers...Glenn has told me not to go overboard with them...i have done 3 layouts in 2 days using them, So I will give them a rest for a while.... New pic of my sister and her family.

The third one I scrapped in front of the TV last night while watching ALL SAINTS. Took this pic on Saturday in the backyard. Luke was mezmorized by the moon in the sky...he would walk around looking up and then fall over because he wasn't concentrating on where he was going....kind of funny to watch. Glenn chose the titel for the layout and what better paper to use than clouds...I haven't used photographed scenery paper in so long.....But i think it all worked well and came together in the end.

Going to start Painting the dining room tonight, Hopefully. Chocolate brown with white trims and picture rails...and a lighter beige above the picture rail...yummo!! Is going to look really nice...We have new gorgeous cushions on the lounge and it is going to work perfectly......Now just to get it painted..I figure if i can undercoat the architraves tonight and then give them a gloss coat or two tomorrow....then come friday(my next childfree day) I will be able to paint the walls and finish the room....then to move onto the loungeroom......

Ok...that will do for now

Have a great day and remember

'Life is what YOU make of it'

Ali

Still under the weather....

2006-08-08T07:25:00.000+09:30

Well Where do I start......

Sunday I still wasn't feeling well enough to go up to Yeppoon. Glenn was feeling pretty ordinary also. We decided just to go up the road to the Botanic Gardens just up the road here. Luke loves being outside eve if he is strapped into a stroller for most of the time. We took some nice pics...then came home after about 2 hrs. Glenn slept from lunchtime until almost 6pm...not very well. He woke up yesterday and called in sick...still really unwell...he rested and slept most of the day. Feeling a little better this morning and going to work.
Had a class last night and by lunchtime I still didn't have a sample done....really running behind...at least Glenn could watch Luke while he was laying on the lounge for me. I decided to have a go at Julie's paper flowers on a layout. I am so happy with the result...very fresh...and not too feminine.
Slept like a log last night got up once for a choking ang coughing fit...but needed to clear my nose...Really still quite full up in that respect.
It sounds terrible...but.....Luke wan't awake at 6.30...I ran in to check on him (as for the last 2 weeks has been waking at 5am...got worried) he had his pillow over his head.....I started to panic...lifted it off...and the little angel just opened his eyes and looked at me and greeted me with his jibber jabber........phew.....

Ok will chat a bit later.... Could go and crawl back into bed as Luke is at daycare and Glenn has left for work......maybe i might just do that...

Ali

The Rose

2006-08-06T08:22:00.000+09:30

{ROSE}
I took this picture yesterday afternoon. Our neighbour at the back, Clarry who is 94 Has a well kept garden and this is one of his Roses. I love how it is in focus and the light can be seen through the petals....gorgeous! Love this camera, have I mentioned that already?

Silhouette Layouts???

2006-08-06T07:59:00.000+09:30

{Silhouette Challenge}

Julie set a challenge last night. She wanted me to do a 'Silhoutte' Layout....What the heck is that, I thought????

We went onto the freestyle Blog and had a bit of a look...Honestly this was not my kind of scrapping. I did it to think 'Outside the Square'. In the end I did have lots of fun doing it. Cutiing around photos...still not sure about that bit.....hhmmm......

Thanks for a great Challenge Julie!!! Here is the finished product.

{Plans for Today}

Now that I have my new camera (Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou Glenn, I LOVE it) I really wanted to head up to Yeppoon and Kinka Beach and have a look at the place that we may be holding the retreat in April Next Year. Really just want to get it all finalised. The last few days I have not been well & last night I felt the worst. Luke woke me at 6.30...So I decided to get up and get moving...try to clear the sinuses....I feel much better for being awake now. Luke has just gone down for his morning nap, So If I still feel this good when he wakes...We will head up there for the day!! Glenn really wants to find a 'Dog Friendly' Beach, so that we can take Paddy with us and take some "FAMILY" pics.

Have a great Sunday,

Ali

No more Curls......:(

2006-08-05T15:29:00.000+09:30

Today we finally took the plunge and had luke's hair cut. It was getting way too long. The bad thing is, he has no Curls!!!! I love his curls.
Really have not been feeling well the last couple of days. Coming down with a throat infection and a bit of a cold too. Feel like I need to sleep for a whole day....Like that is possible witha 1 year old.!!!
Here is a Layout I did of Nicholas~ Julie's Son....just wanted to use the new Kit that will be released very soon!
Hope you are all well....Chat soon
Ali

WOW what a week!!!

2006-08-04T13:58:00.000+09:30

YAY!!! It is Friday & what a week.
We had the Sale last Saturday night....Classes on Monday and Thurday night....I just feel like i haven't stopped all week.
{Good News}
I had 3 Layouts accepted this week. 1 for Scrapbooking Memories and 2 for Scrapbook Creations.Scrapbook creations also told me that I will be the 'Artist in the spotlight' for issue 38 WOOHOO!!! Julie will be the 'Artist in the Spotlight for Issue 37, so great news all round!
{Fantastic News}
Yesterday just after lunch I got a call from Andy at the Good Guys who told me that my gorgeous CANON 350D was in stock......Glenn went straight over after work and picked it up for me. I had a class last night, so I didn't get to have a play until after .....Was up very early with a certain someone...so took some pics of him too....Here is my special boy!

Another beautiful day in Sunny QLD

2006-08-02T10:46:00.000+09:30

Good morning all,

What a wonderful day!! The birds are singing and the sun is shining and it is a warm 21.3 Degrees. The weather is trueley gorgeous up here....hot enough to wear a t-shirt...yep t-shirts in the middle of winter!!! IT is colder in the mornings but the weather is just like warm spring days.....I love it ...love it ....love it!!!

Well the sale was a success....Just need to top up of all the things we are out of....we will be getting all the new goodies from CHA very soon.

Julie and I did a photo swap last night...just for a bit of fun. She scrapped Luke and I scrapped Maddy. Here is the link to what Julie came up with....and can I just say she is AMAZING!!! It looks fantastic!! So have a Squizz at this: http://www.embellished.com.au/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=1892&limit=recent

and above is what I came up with too. Don't get to do girlie layouts very often....so this was lots of fun!!

On another note....Glenn bought me my Canon EOS 350D....WE went out on Sunday and bought it, but i have to wait until it comes in....all sold out!!! YAY!!! I certainly have the bestest hubby in the whole world!!! Thankyou GLENN!!!

So Tired this morning.....

2006-07-28T08:10:00.000+09:30

Last night i went to Michelle's to play. It was great to catch up and have girlie time!!!

For the first time when we have had our Thursday night scrap, I actually finished something!!! YAY!!!

I loved these pics when i saw them on Julie's Blog...So as a bit of a surprise, I scrapped two of the pics for you Jules...hope you like...Unless the layout gets picked up by one of the mags, I will post it to you very soon.

Other than the fact I didn't get home until after 12.40am.....Luke woke up at 5AM to fidget and cry in our bed...he wouldn't settle....

Would be asleep, but i have so much to do...the house is a bomb....I cannot handle having it as messy as it is...Will do housework...maybe a nanna nap this afternoon and then scrap tonight...Just SO glad Luke is in care today, YAY!!!

Remember the 30% OFF SALE is on again tomorrow night from 5pm- Midnight AEST

Have a GREAT day,

Ali

Another Day.....

2006-07-27T16:19:00.000+09:30

I feel like I have been busy all day, but when I look around the house is still a mess and I haven't done much at all.

Had deadlines that I nearly didn't meet for scrapbooking Memories advertising...ooopps....just made it on time.....PHEW!!

Finally got the newsletter out...If you didn't receive it email me and I will get one to you mail@embellished.com.au

I am excited, I am going to play at Michelle's tonight. We had to skip a week as she was busy....not tonight...not quite sure what i am going to scrap, but i am sure i can find something.

Managed to get a semi decent photo of Luke today....generally he doesn't stay in the one spot long enough for me to take a good pic....I had a backdrop set up from a bit of a photo shoot i did this morning...just some product pics....Here is my special boy.

I did scrap last night. I had printed some pics out, but the qualty was shocking....I had some pre-printed, so I used them.

Just was trying to use some left overs up that were on the desk!

Here is the layout from last night and the one i did on Scrapping Friends yesterday.

Just so much Fun!!!!

2006-07-24T08:19:00.000+09:30

Although I didn't achieve much around the house at all yesterday, I certainly got some scrapping done. Julie and I were chatting on MSN about lunchtime yesterday , and challenged each other to a 1 hour crop. We went a little over an hour after stopping for lunch and me having to deal with a screaming child.....however we came close and did really well.
Here is my first layyout completed in just over an hour!

{Picture Perfect}

We had so much fun after doing this that wed decided to invite whoever was around in for another 1 hour crop. Lorrie and Terri joined us. I even finished the second one in 40 mins...I was so pleased....

{Rain Rain}

We had so much fun, that we have decided to do this every Sunday. So just after lunch each Sunday if you are in the forum or the Chatroom YOU WILL be invited to join in the fun.....Can you do it??? Are you up for the One HOUR Challenge??

If you are around on Tuesday sometime.....I might throw a random challenge in then.....BEWARE!!!

My little Rising Star

2006-07-23T07:04:00.000+09:30

I have been wanting to just freestyle a Layout. Just go where the wind takes me, so to speak!
I have been wanting to try something a little more daring and TessaAnn Style....Well here is my attempt.
This fortnights colour challenge is Cherry red and Aqua. Here is my take on those colours and my daring style too....hope you like. I also painted my doodling onto transparency paper, I am happy with the result!!

The Layout below I did while I was child free on Friday. I was playing with fabrics and also cutting my own titles too. Loving that pic of Luke, he is so cute.

Have a great rest of the weekend,

Ali

x x x x

I have been tagged.....

2006-07-23T06:40:00.000+09:30

1. How old are you? 26
2. How many kids do you have if any?
I have 1 child, Luke who is 16 months.
3.Are you married, single, divorced, widow?
married to Glenn
4. What is your occupation?
I am a florist by trade but I am a Stay at home mum, I also run Embellished Scrapbook Shoppe
5. What are your passions?
I love my family. I look forward to each new day. I love life and I am mad about scrapping!
6. Are you a dreamer or a dream seeker?
I am a BIG dreamer, but where is the harm in that. If I want something enough I will be the dream seeker.
7. Are you happy with the way you life has turned out?
Absolutely. I have been through some tough experiences, but without them I wouldn't be who I am today. I wouldn't trade my life with Glenn and Luke for anything!!
8. Are you a scrapper and if so how many hours a week do you scrap?
I am a MAD keen scrapper. I would scrap at least everyday, I suppose averaging about 20 hrs per week.....is that too much...???
9. What do you want to do before you die?
Mainly just want to see my kids grow up and give me grandchildren. Want to grow old with the Love of my life. Travel the country side in an RV .
10. What is your favorite food?
Love mexican and Japanese food....Terriyaki chicken- the proper way...hhhmmmm
11.What is the food you hate the most?
Not a huge fan of crumbed fish
12. What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you?
Too many to pick just one...sorry!!
13. What is the happiest day of your life thus far?
I have 2- The day I maried Glenn and the day that Luke was born!!
14. Are you a neat freak? Or a dirty house cleaner?
I used to be messy, not dirty.... but messy. Since Luke has been born, I like everything in its place and the house to be clean, but I am not a freak about it!!

Okay I am tagging ~Cat~ & Rachael!

Poor sick baby....

2006-07-19T09:48:00.000+09:30

Well my little man is sick again. He has a head cold. Runny nose and just miserable.
Was mummy's little sooky la-la yesterday and I have just had to cuddle himt o sleep.
Good news
Luke starts another day at daycare this Friday!!! Yay. Now that I have at least 2 classes per week, I need to keep organised. Having the extra day means i can get all the housework done on a Friday and still have the rest of the day to get ready for classes and a bit of time for me to scrap.
Will try to blog again a bit later...

What a Big Weekend!!

2006-07-17T06:36:00.000+09:30

{Where do I start??}

Friday night was our second ever Cyber Crop at Embellished. It was so much fun. Including the Team of Lorrie, Julie and myself we had a turn out of 28. This is so fantastic. It almost doubled last months numbers. The challenges from the weekend have carried on throughout the whole weekend.
Saturday I did lots of domestic chores....
Saturday afternoon I had my second class. We focused on doing a layout using Monograms! We used BasicGrey Undressed Monograms and it was so much fun. The girls all worked to the same sketch as from the Cyber Crop. Each one of them were fantastic! mine is pictured.
It looks like we will be having classes on Monday nights and friday nights. This is great! Really loving teaching and sharing my knowledge.
Sunday was cold and miserable and we had a very lazy day. It has been raining for the past 4 days. We need it , but it makes you feel like you would like to be in bed all day!!!
I am teaching another class tonight. We are doing a canvas class. This should be fun!

Am really loving life at the moment. So thanks for being a part!

Ali

What a Week...

2006-07-15T08:28:00.000+09:30

I feel like I have had an enormous week. The Chatterbox Make It Meaningful competition had to be posted yesterday, and that is when it was posted too. I was so organised when they first announced the comp....wasn't going to be a last minute girl....Yeah right!!!
The problem is, I changed my idea half way through and started again. I was really happy with the result. I hope they are too.... $5000 would be nice!! That could buy a nice new Canon 350D.....hhmmmmm I can dream can't i??

******************************
Another fabulous Cyber Crop last night....Including Julie, Lorrie and myself I think we had 28 involved!!! YAY for Embellished!!! It was alot of fun....I haven't even started the challenges....Maybe do one of the layouts in my class today...hehehehe

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I am also teaching today. I have 4 ladies coming over to play with me. We are going to do monograms and other techniques....as Well as completing a layout....I hope.

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Have been cleaning this morning , So that when Luke is sound asleep I can Vac and then work on my class stuff. I am also Teaching two of my girls on a Monday night. We will be doing a canvas class this week.... this is my example above....

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Have a great Day,

Ali

First Class today

2006-07-09T07:18:00.000+09:30

Well this is a bit exciting. I have my very first class in Rockhampton today. I have just two coming for a private class. We are going to do a layout and I will be showing the techniques of Paper piecing, Inking, Stamping and will try to touch on sewing on a layout.

I hadn't scrapped for days until Friday night. I have been working on something a little different. Using the Matisse Inks and also some beading. I finished it last night infront of the T.V. I am really happy with it, It gave me the opportunity to use different mediums and techniques. I really had fun!!!

Until later
Ali x x

The day out....

2006-07-06T15:02:00.000+09:30

Well yesterday Luke and I drove for almost an hour and a half to get to the secluded sites of the resort....
It is lovely.....It appears the owner was a little too busy to talk business with me....So all that driving for nothing.....
Am going to look around and see what else we can find around here....I will keep options open for that resort still...we will see what happens.....

Nothing exciting happening here...except...I am playing at Michelle's again tonight...should be great fun!!!

Well will leave it at that...just wanted to touch base with you...
Have a great night...
Ali

A Day out.....

2006-07-05T08:04:00.000+09:30

Good Morning,
Well today Luke & I are going to have some fun. We are going up to BYFIELD to have a look at Ferns resort for the retreat. I will take Luke for a bit of a bush walk around, he loves being outside, LOVES birds...so I know he will have a ball. Not leaving until he wakes from his morning sleep.

I did a Layout on the lounge while watching ALL SAINTS last night. I wanted to do a take on the *July Sketch*. Very basic and very much to the design, but hey it is another one of my Lukey to add to his albums.....

Better do some work before I go out. I will take heaps of pics for you.
Until Later
Ali

What a great night!!

2006-07-02T08:35:00.000+09:30

Well our Big Sale was a success. It was great to see some new Customers and some good ol' faithful returning ones too.
I spent about 4 hours scrapping with Michelle Roberts, What a woman! She is so clever and inspiring. Thanks for such a great day. I then came home and scrapped with another friend Mary for the afternoon. I did only complete 2 layouts all day, but was happy with Both. The first is one for the members album, Terri....Finally Done & Sorry for the delay!! The other is about Julie. For Keeps are calling for Layouts about online friends. As I speak to Julie everyday and can tell her anything...I did it about her. I am hoping to get enough pics of all our members to do a double page about all my friends.

Hope you all have a wonderful Sunday,
Enjoy & Chat soon
Ali

30% OFF SALE This Saturday Night

2006-06-30T11:02:00.000+09:30

30% OFF SALE This Saturday Night

from 5pm-10pm only!!!

We are discounting absolutely Everything This Saturday night but only for 5 hours!! Come and grab yourself a BARGAIN!!!

If you do miss out. We are 20% Off All Day, EVERYDAY!!

So always a great place to get more for your money!

{Plans for My Weekend}

Tomorrow I am honoured to be spending the day scrapping with Michelle Roberts. I will spend a few hours with her & see what creations we can come up with.... Will Post pics on the gallery once finished.

We have our Big Sale again tomorrow night.

Sunday...Glenn is finishing the fence....Woo Hoo!!! Cannot wait to see it all done....Will be watching Luke, so we might go to the Botanic gardens for a walk and play..

Ok, Until Later

Ali

Design Team Call

2006-06-29T11:16:00.000+09:30

Please go to Embellished Scrapbook Shoppe for more Information about our Design Team Call.

Winter Chill Kits

2006-06-28T07:39:00.000+09:30

Today I am releasing my New Kit called {Winter Chill}. These will be available at Embellished very soon.

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The Kit Includes:

*3- 12 x 12 Chatterbox Paper Designs

*3- 12x12 Co-ordinating Bazzill Cardstock

*1- Pkt of Heidi Swapp Ghost Letters (colour may vary depending on stock availability)

*1- 1 Pkt of Heidi Swapp Chipboard Label Holders

*1- Chatterbox Jumbo Letter Stickers

*1- Bazzill Basics Cardstock Accordion Album

Total Value over $35+$5 Postage

Your Price $33

including postage within Australia, email me for international shipping.

Email me if you are interested in a kit

Here is a Layout that I did Last night using some of the papers in the kit

So excited!!!

2006-06-27T12:43:00.000+09:30

{{Okay I have been a little hyperactive this morning}}
We moved 16 places on the Australian Scrapbooking top50 countdown....This was so exciting....!!! We are now ranked 41...WOO HOO!!! We are getting new members each day...it is so encouraging to watch our site grow all the time.....
We are so lucky, we have the best group of girls who visit our site daily....and if i ever won lotto, I would fly you all here and we would have a mega scrap!!! So thankyou to those who visit our site regularly....you are helping make our dream a reality!!!!
I am so excited to be working closely with {Julie Heard}. She is so talented and we are honored to have her on our team, thankyou Julie!
Another BIG Thankyou to Our Swap Queen {Nicole} !!!!! She has co-ordinated Swaps since the very beginning and has been a great friend and support to us.
We kicked off the 21 Day challenge as inspired by Rhonna Farrer....We have quite a few girls participating and it is starting to be alot of fun. I altered mylittle journal yesterday.....as pictured....

{Remember}
We have 2 spots available in our Design Team, so if you are interested click here.

Okay until later

Ali

Design Team Call

2006-06-26T16:31:00.000+09:30

**Want to be a designer at Embellished?
We are after 2 more Designers for our Team at Embellished Scrapbook Shoppe . So if you think you have what it takes, go to:http://www.embellished.com.au/competitions/index.php for more details. We have started a discussion board in the forum too.
Congratulations to {Julie Heard} who has been invited to join our Design Team. Julie has shown her ability to create different styles and uses a wide variety of techniques. Looking forward to working with you Julie!!

The 21 Day Challenge

2006-06-25T08:39:00.000+09:30

Okay I have a site I would like for you to look at it is Rhonna Farrer's Blog. I am going to start a 21 Day challenge on our site, which is purely a credit to Rhonna's idea.
I really want to get back into walking again. The pounds are finding their way back to my butt and I don't want them there......
When we do something 21 times it becomes a habit. So I am going to aim to start walking again....I started this morning. I dropped 50 flyers and walked a bout 3 kms. I also do not want to eat chocolate in this time......so not only will i improve my fitness, and possibly drop a bit of weight, I will be getting in a routine to walk each day. This will be doing me good and Luke loves being outside.
Thankyou for the inspiration Rhonna....Love your work...you are so Talented.

Do you ever have those days.....

2006-06-23T12:37:00.000+09:30

I just want to cry today.....

DH is such a hard worker and no matter what he does it will never be good enough for his boss.....He came home today at lunch, a bit down after a meeting.....It tore my heart out....I know how hard he is working and always improving.....But for some people it will never be enough.
Why do some people get a kick out of putting others down? Why do they enjoy discouraging others? I don't understand!! I have been brought up to encourage and to build up NOT put down others......
DH, I love you & no matter what anyone else may think ....You are the best!! Others are just threatened by you. You always make me proud!!

Just breaks your heart watching others tear down those you love....

All by myself......

2006-06-20T08:28:00.000+09:30

For the first time in over three months I am all alone. Nobody with me.....No Lukey, No glenny..... The silence is deafening!! Ever since the day we left Newcastle I have Luke with me everyday & todays marks a big day for him and his mummy.
Luke started Daycare today. He found himself some cars and trucks to play with and didn't even know if i was there or not. I am pretty sure that he will be fine and will justlove playing with the other kids..... I can't help feeling like i am missing something......It is kinda weird not having him around, he is such good company. We play for hours and giggle and have a good day together....but not Tuesdays...this is HIS day and MUMMY"S day to have a break.
Well feeling a bit lost and not knowing what i should do....I am going to make beds and tidy up (something i swore i wasn't going to do today) and then that leaves the rest of the day for ME....Scrapping and organising some more flyers for Luke's Daycare centre......

Okay better get to it....

Why am I awake already???

2006-06-19T06:13:00.000+09:30

Had a very restless nights sleep. Luke came in about 2am.....tossed and turned most of the night and was awake at 5am.....tried so gard to get him back to sleep...didn't work. The odd thing is he couldn't sleep last night and went to bed after 8.30pm.....so if anything he should have slept in longer this morning.......Guess who will be having a morning nap with him today....yep you guessed it.
Took some gorgeous pics of Luke yesterday......have done a double layout for this weeks challenge....looks great...just not sure about the paint i did on it....oh well too late now.
Well will catch up a bit later
Ali

What a lovely fence!!!

2006-06-18T09:33:00.000+09:30

Here are some pics of our fence....the first one is the house with the fence that was here and the other two are the new fence. Looks Great. Going to paint it, but will wait until the fence on the neighbours side is finished.

I Was a bit annoyed at the timber place we bought our wood from. The uy worked out everything we needed based on the measurements I gave him. We ended up with approximately 240 extra palings.....not happy as this equates to $396. Rather than let them go to wast, Dad suggested that We double board them on the front and corner sides. I am glad we did, It gives it a much more private loo. You cannot see into the yard, plus we think it will help with blocking the noise a little bit. The side street fence is just normal palings and the neighbours side will be too, once it is finished.

Well that'll do for a little while

Ali

So much to do.....

2006-06-17T10:17:00.000+09:30

I feel that I have completely fallen behind with everything that has to be done......I am drowning...HELP!!!

I have had so many SWAPS to get involved with and i am just so far behind with the whole lot of them...I have let my girls down on Embellished and I feel terrible for it.
I did complete Lorrie's Challenges yesterday, so that is something.......

Luke starts Daycare on Tuesday, So I plan on using that day very effectively...and make myself a list of things that HAVE to be done.

Have been spending a little time this morning trying to work out costs for our Retreat next April....Will spend a fair bit of time with Glenn tonight working it all out. Might treck across to the Holiday Park over the road to take some pics of the cabins and get some more info....

This is my latest Layout design. I took the photos in May of Glenn and Luke and have been wanting to scrap them. I was happy with how it all turned out......

Ok until Later Ali

Published Finally!!!

2006-06-16T07:36:00.000+09:30

Well finally I have Scrapbooking Memories in my hot little hand....and my Layout which was accepted in January has been published...YAY!!!! It seemed to take forever. I have just 3 days ago had Snug as a bug accepted and last month had Counting down accepted for Scrapbook Creations. Below is the page in the mag, where My work is. Our first ad for Embellished can also be found on page 157.

Well today is friday as you know. When Luke goes down for a sleep I am cleaning this house!! Have had a few other priorities since the Family left....But the mess is really annoying me!!!

I cleaned the Scraproom up last night....what a mission. Have decided that I need to spend the money on some more paper shelving.....I have 3 large stacks of paper designs that really need sorting.....

Have a great Day!!! Ali x x

In the Moment......

2006-06-15T07:27:00.000+09:30

I did this Layout last night of Luke. I took the photo at the Zoo the other day, while they were feeding the Lorrikeets. He couldn't take his eyes off them. He loves the outdoors and loves animals and birds.

I got the whole Idea from Jen Hall.....She has done some layouts lately using rounded corners and the colours blend came from her fabric kit Sublime...all limes and blues...So thanks for the inspiration Jen.

Have so much to do today....Have so much stock to load onto the shoppe and put away in the studio..... Housework will have to wait until tomorrow, this stuff has to be done. Just have been so busy with visitors for the last two weeks.

Okay until later
Ali x x

Peace and Quiet......

2006-06-14T09:30:00.000+09:30

**Isn't it funny how much you love family coming to stay, but you also enjoy the routine, Peace and quiet of your everyday life too....
I have loved having my Mum, Dad, Sister and nephew up here this week, but for some reason.....Us girls clashed so much more than any other time before. It was sad!!**

**Dad and Glenn did a great job with the fence.....just one side left to do. Will take some pics a bit later and upload them.....Needs the tops trimmed on one side and a lick of paint....but all will be beautiful when finished. **

***I have been wanting to scrap for days...just been hard with family here....first thing i did last night...was sit up on the comfy lounge in the office under a blanky, watched All Saints and scrapped..... The pic above is the finished Layout...... My boy is just so Cute!!!
Ok until Later ***

{{**Ali**}}

Don't take a fence......

2006-06-09T17:26:00.000+09:30

Can I say I have the best Husband and father in the world!!

Dad came up from down near Canberra to help us build a fence......Well Three sides makes one very large fence....They have had wrong materials turn up as well as many hurdles.....But by the end of today (sundown), they had almost one whole side done.....I now have a bit of a fence in my yard and it does look really good.....Okay it will look better with a lick of paint...but that is next on the list!
SO THANKYOU {GLENN AND DAD} you two are AWESOME!!!!!

What else is happening???
Mum, Kimberly and I went to the show yesterday....it was a good few hours out of the house. Luke had a ball...Both babies were so very well behaved.
Above is my little guy in the bath tonight....he is so special!!

Little Dribbler.....

2006-06-06T08:16:00.000+09:30

Well I am a bit excited today....My Mum, Dad, Sister and nephew are coming to stay for a week. I haven't seen them in almost 3 months. I am really going to enjoy having them up here...as long as mum still allows me some time to scrap!!

I have been itching to do a layout in days.....
Last night I did it.... I took some photos of Luke yesterday and in each pic, he has drool coming off his chin....this is a typical picture of my baby boy....he is the worlds biggest dribbler!!!

Well this is just a quick Blog today, as i have a bit to do....

Can I also just mention that I ordered Chatterbox stuff on Friday and it is here today.... Thankyou SCRAPGENIE for your excellent service.

Until a bit later
Ali

We cracked it......

2006-06-05T07:56:00.000+09:30

One of our goals for 2006 is to reach the top 20 at scrapbookingtop50. Only a matter of weeks ago we were still hovering around 70-80-90.....Last night we did it.....We cracked the top 50.
When i woke up this morning we were ranked 49 and just at this particular moment we are 48.....YAY!!!!

We held our first Cyber Crop on Friday night which was a hit. It wneso smoothly. We all had a blast.Made a couple more Clocks on Saturday night. One for Glenns Dad and one for my mum.

Glenns Dad went home last night. My Mum, Dad and sister arrive tomorrow evening. I am excited to see them all and I haven't seen little Hayden for ages, he is almost 6 months old. Should be a great week. The Town show is on for 3 days this week, so we will go and have a bit of a look.....

Until Later
Ali

What time is it...???

2006-06-03T20:31:00.000+09:30

We ran our first Cyber Crop on Embellished Last night. It was so much fun. Lorrie did a great job with organising it. So Thanks LOZZA if you read this.
We had three challenges to complete by 5pm Tomorrow. I have completed 2. One was a sketch challenge and the other was to alter a CD. Below is what I came up with.

I have had a really lazy day today...other than looking after Luke, I haven't done much at all.
We went to Sizzler for dinner tonight, which was nice. Glenns dad goes home tomorrow and then my Mum, Dad, Sidter and Nephew all come up for a week on Tuesday....So it is a busy couple of weeks here.

2006-06-01T10:27:00.000+09:30

Another day....Yay it is Thursday!!!
Have had Glenn's Dad, Ted here all week. It is really good to catch up with him. He is really enjoying being with Luke. I am going to drop them at the zoo this afternoon and let them spend some granfather/grandson time together. It will also give me the chance to do some things around the house...I am going to vacuum and mop....normally do it on Fridays, but it really needs doing.

Got some great news yesterday. I got my second acceptance for publication for one of my Layouts. This one will be published in Scrapbook creations.
Only another 2 weeks and Scrapbooking memories comes out....my first published Layout is in there and the start of our ads for the shoppe also.

Haven't scrapped in a couple of days...really getting the urge now...Glenn and i are taking a trip to Bunnings to work out what we need for the fence....We really have to get it ordered in the coming days....Mum and Dad will be here on Tuesday and The boys really need to start the fence.
Well Can i say a big Congrats to Julie.....Day 10 today.....She isn't a smoker anymore...YAY!!!!

Okay chat later.

How many 1 year olds get to hold a crocodile??

2006-05-30T19:23:00.000+09:30

We have had a great day today. Glenn's Dad, Ted is up on a weeks holiday. Today Luke and I took him to The Crocodile farm near Emu Park. It was really interesting knowing about those savage beasts.....However, Like any parent the only reason they attack humans is to protect their eggs or young....Heck...Wouldn't we all do the same???

Luke got to hold a small Croc, he was fascinated by them. Below is a pic of Lukey Dukey and the crocodile & also a layout that i did this morning.

It is so cold here in the mornings....

2006-05-26T06:41:00.000+09:30

My Mum and Dad live in the Southern Tablelands of NSW....they are an hour from the snow fileds of Cooma. It gets really cold there most of the year. I have been telling mum that is has been cold here in the mornings and at night...her reply is " You don't know what cold is there, what is it 15 degrees...hahahah".
Well Mother I checked the temperature here and there last night at 21:30.....It was 8 degrees here and 9.8 Degrees there.....
This morning at 7am I checked again it was 4 Degrees here and 2.8 Degrees there.....Sydney and Newcastle were warmer than us at 10 & 10.8 Degrees at 7am. So there you have it...We are cold too in the mornings but we are lucky to warm up to around 23 Degrees during the Day.......So Mum, It does get cold here.
Luke ended up in our bed again last night around 3.30am. He was good though slept thru until 6.30am.
Will Blog later when i have more to say.....

What day is it??

2006-05-25T07:36:00.000+09:30

Isn't it bad....I cannot keep track of the days...is it Wednesday or Thursday....??? All the days just seem to blend together.
Luke woke up about 3.30am today...and just wouldn't settle back to sleep. He has a very tired Daddy who looks like a bit of a zombie going to work today...Poor Glenn!!
Finally got the banner up on scrapbookingtop50.com.au last night. Had a few problems with PayPal.....all fixed now.
What is in my plans for today. Well I think I will finish the BIG Scrap studio Cleanup.....Glenn may be able to put my class table together over the next couple of nights.....will finish painting the last door (we re-did one of them) and the shelves......might even try and get them up on my own, to take a bit of pressure off Glenn.
Did a layout last night for 2 of the challenges we have at Embellished. One was a colour challenge and the other a theme challenge for Autumn. Everyone else is experiencing leaves falling off the tress...but we still have tropical weather up here. It is cold in the mornings...7.9 Degrees and warms up during the day. We have beautiful tropical plants up here all year round.....I LOVE IT !!! I also did another Layout for the member's Album. This one was for Rose.
Well Done to Julie!!! Today is day 4 of not smoking......!!! YAY!!! Doing well and getting closer to that Canon 350D.
Sorry have gone a little hyperlink mad....have just figured it all out....
Okay will chat soon
Ali

Just so BLESSED.......

2006-05-23T13:28:00.000+09:30

I have been watching Oprah this afternoon. Not something I do often these days. And she has given 65 Families who lost everything in Hurrcane Katrina NEW homes.....

Those families have been through Hell and more...over the the past 6 months.

I am sitting here just crying ....We are so fortunate to be in the country that we live in. We whinge and gripe about the smallest issues and problems....there are always others out there who are much and Far worse off than us.

So I take this opportunity to challenge you. Do you appreciate those in your life? Do you take for granted the luxuries that we have? Have you told those who are closest to you that you love them lately? You never know when your number is up...When the future is stolen from you.

Appreciate life and what you have....appreciate those in your life.....

WE are just so BLESSED.....

Time to do more work Tuesday...

2006-05-23T07:52:00.000+09:30

Well I have decided to make a roster if you like or a routine to help structure my day. I am finding that time on the computer is dominating alot of daily chores. Okay yeah sure, We run a web based business. But I do not need to be on here ALL day. Luke is the only one around here that has a great routine. Which helps as i can base my day around his sleeps, playtime, feeds etc.

Luke was such a good boy....Didn't make a noise this morning. It is only that i had a bad dream that i woke up at 7am to check on him, he was laying in his bed awake, but quiet..... Good Boy!!

Glenn is really had a great start to his working week. Lots of promising tasks at hand. I could tell he had a great day at work yesterday, He came home in an amazingly happy mood. I hope that all his work days are like yesterday!

Ok....need to start this roster.....

Ali

It's Monday already.....

2006-05-22T08:39:00.000+09:30

I had the laziest weekend...yeah sure I was and cleaned the car inside and out.....undercoated some more shelves for the scraproom....but other than that I did not much at all.....
Yesterday both Glenn and I had a headache ALL day....his eased off abit towards the night, but mine was there until i fell asleep. My neck and shoulders are really sore at the moment and I think that is where my headaches are stemming from.
I am feeling much better this morning, just have a really sore shoulder. I am guessing that sitting here at the computer all day does not help either. I might try to avoid being on here so much today.....do some housework, washing...ect...etc......ALL those things I should have done on the weekend but didn't........

Well Luke is almost ready for a morning sleep...I took some pics of my boys yesterday...here is a couple of pics.

Our Little Star

2006-05-21T07:28:00.000+09:30

Last night I sat down and scrapped...which feels like it has been ages since my last scrap...only a few days really.
Have started my album entry for the Chatterbox Make it meaningful Competition....but i am not allowed to show you, conditions of the competition.It is a very original idea...thanks to Glenn who helped me with the ideas. Wish me luck...it would be great to win $5000 CASH. Imagine all the new stock i could buy for the shoppe...anyway.....to make it into the top 25 would be great.
Glenn is sleeping in this morning. It is his turn....Luke should be going down very soon for his morning nap. Well might blog again througout the day sometime...oh and I did wash the car, cleaned it inside and out and it is shining....hasn't rained yet!

Should I wash the car??

2006-05-20T13:32:00.000+09:30

What a great Day. Glenn and Luke let me sleep in until 10.45 this morning. I felt so bad....but my body must really need it. Tried my hardest to do a photo shoot of Luke this morning....What a Mission!!! That kids won't sit still when you want him to and does when you don't.....
He is so adorable.....He is always so cheeky and is becoming quite humorous.
I have cleaned Lukes room out....Where are all those missing Dummies?? I still cannot find any....We had 9 and I am down to 1......I am sure we will find them soon...he is probably hiding them somewhere, but where?
*****************************************
Well here are some pics of my little man...kinda have played with the contrast and the colour a fair bit...but i am happy with the effect i got.
Now on the washing of the car business....I am keen to wash it this afternoon, just as soon as I know Luke is sound asleep.....but I can smell rain......there are blue skies outside...but big dark clouds.....Why is it, that when you wash the car it rains??

Leave you with that....
Ali

Another Day.....

2006-05-19T14:21:00.000+09:30

Yay it is Friday..
Not that it should mean so much to a SAHM.But it does, it means I have DH Glenn home all weekend.
We have a bit to do...We have to rip all the post from the previous fence out of the ground...that should be fun...NOT! Dad is coming up to build a new fence with Glenn in two weeks.
Started Sketch challenges on the site last night. Should hopefully get a few new faces there each month.Below is my interpretation of the sketch. My chatterbox papers arrived today, so I can start my entry for the make it meaningful Album competition.

Another Layout finished for the Members Album....

2006-05-17T09:06:00.000+09:30

I have really been wanting to do a layout for Lorrie for days. but the mess in the studio has prevented me from doing anything. I finally did a big clean yesterday, not entirely finished....But i do have a bench under all that stuff....LOL.
Just cannot wait to get the doors on my cupboards....i really hate seeing mess inside....at least when the doors are shut it looks tidy.
Okay here are the layouts I have done so far for the Members gallery.
Oh Glenn and I worked on a new page of the site last night...have a look... http://www.embellished.com.au/news/index.php

Another day....

2006-05-16T07:05:00.000+09:30

Good morning all,

I am a bit excited this morning and those who read this will be the only ones to know until I announce it on http://www.Embellished.com.au

I received an email from Heidi Swapp this morning....and She is going to be our feature in scrapchat in 60 seconds YAY YAY YAY!!!

I have a few things I have to tie up with her marketing manager, but it looks like it is all going ahead. I have been trying to organise this surprise for the girls for over a month now. I have now learned go straight to Heidi herself, she at least reads her emails.Ok....I really want to scrap at some point today.....that is going to be my goal. I really want to do Lorrie's Layout. The scrap studio has been in such a shambles for days...need to finish tidying up and just SCRAP!
Will update of any further news throughour the day.

Ali

2006-05-16T07:04:00.000+09:30

Your Power Color Is Blue

Relationships and feelngs are the most important things to you.
You are empathetic and accepting - and good at avoiding conflict.
If someone close to you is in pain, it makes you hurt as well.
You try to heal the ones you love with your kind and open heart.

What's Your Power Color?