Enjoying the Journey

The end is nigh

2011-10-31T20:54:00.003+11:00

So here we are the last day of October and the last day of Blogtober. What a fun ride it's been. I've enjoyed it but it was a challenge too. There were days I really struggled to think of things to write but all in all it was a good challenge. I only missed one day (well technically 2 but the first one was the 1st October and I didn't start Blogtober till the 2nd so technicality really).

Blogtober has been the kick in the pants I have needed to start blogging again. So whilst it's the end of Blogtober I am hoping to keep writing regularly here. Most likely not everyday (in fact definitely not everyday ha ha ha ha) but maybe 1-2 times a week.

So thank you to everyone that read my posts. To those that commented both here and on Facebook. Hopefully you'll continue to follow along in the coming weeks and months.

Till next time!

A different kind of Christmas present

2011-10-30T23:34:00.000+11:00

So as we all know Christmas isn't that far away. The decorations have been out in the shops for weeks and a lot of people have even started shopping for presents. I am one of those people. I love giving people presents. I love seeing the look on their faces as they unwrap that present I have chosen for them.

Since Joel was born, we've had a little tradition with a couple of other families in our church who have boys the same age as Joel. In the couple of weeks before Christmas we get together for dinner and the boys (and now the siblings) exchange gifts. They aren't huge gifts - $10-$15 spent on each kid. This year, Marina and I had really struggled with the idea of all the 'stuff' our kids already have and all the 'stuff' they would be getting at Christmas already. It seemed so unnecessary, especially when there are those around the world, and even in our own neighbourhoods, that have so little, if anything at all. They are concerned about where there next meal is coming from, whether their young child will survive the night from malnutrition, or how they are going to provide for their families long term. So we have decided that instead of the boys getting presents from each other, we will put the money towards a gift from the JustSalvos site. JustSalvos is the social justice department of The Salvation Army in Southern Australia. It's a great site with lots of info. They have a section called JustGifts. You can choose all sorts of 'gifts' from the site - things like building materials, toilets, school supplies, healthcare and animals. We are going to buy a goat. That goat goes to a needy family somewhere in a third world country - the goat will provide them with milk and meat (eventually!) and also they are easy to breed so that can be a source of income for the family.

We'll get a little card for each of the boys that explains what we have done and we'll talk about it with them too. I think it's really important for them to know that Christmas isn't just about getting getting getting. But it's about giving as well. I want my boys to have a heart for others especially those who are less fortunate than us. I want them to find the joy in giving to others.

So please, consider giving up one of the kids Christmas presents this year and buying a goat, chicken, pig, toilet, etc... Let's teach the next generation that it's not all about me me me. It's not all about stuff that we have, more stuff, more money, more more more. It's about doing, giving, being aware of the world around us and those in it that are suffering. To us $20, $30 is nothing but to so many around the world it could be the turning point. The break they need to get out of the poverty cycle.

Please consider it.

Till next time

I love Ellen

2011-10-29T17:10:00.001+11:00

I really love Ellen. In the "man I love her show she is so funny" kind if way. When I get a chance to watch her show it really brightens my day and gives me a laugh. The last couple of weeks there have been some really funny segments and I wanted to share some links to the YouTube clips of them then. Grab a cuppa, sit back and have a laugh.

Before you watch the Sophia and Rosie ones further down, watch their original YouTube performance here -Sophia is amazing (full on, but amazing!!)

Sophia and Rosie

Sophia and Rosie meet Nikki Manaj

Sophia and Rosie go shopping

Amy and her mum at the haunted house

Sophia Vegara Prank (I love her too - this one was from last year but I found it when I was on YouTube the other night).

Ahh I love YouTube. It has got me through many late night/early morning feeds. So fun. So many more links I could have posted.

Till next time

Megan

Learning letters

2011-10-28T23:15:00.000+11:00

Joel's been practicing writing his name this week. He's getting really good at it too. He's got the J, O & L down pat but the e is proving a bit trickier. I've been dotting out the e and he traces it. But we'll persist, keep trying and practicing and eventually get it. So proud of him for trying so hard. He's doing so well. And he's a leftie! Cool huh. First one in this family.

Till next time

A full day, a full heart

2011-10-27T21:48:00.000+11:00

Today has been a beautiful day in Melbourne. Perfect day to be spending time outside. hanging out together, playing and enjoying each other's company. We've done so many fun things - played cars, made a cubby, spent time hanging out under the trees. It's been lovely.

It's been such a good day and I have such a full, happy heart tonight. So grateful for my life and all that I have, especially my gorgeous healthy boys. Grateful that I have the opportunity to stay home with them in these first few years of their live. I love watching them grow up and discover the world around them. What a blessing.

Till next time.

Christmas Crafts for Kids

2011-10-26T21:41:00.002+11:00

I know Christmas is still a little while away (well not that far away really - 8 weeks or so - scary huh!!) but I've been looking at lots of different kids Christmas craft ideas on Pinterest. Pinterest is a fantastic online pinboard where you can save all sorts of inspiring and fun ideas. I have been having all sorts of fun finding craft ideas that I want to do with Joel leading up to Christmas. Thought I might share a few here as well

Source: lifamilies.com via Megan on Pinterest

Source: emptybobbinsewing.com via Megan on Pinterest

Source: parents.com via Megan on Pinterest

Source: familyfun.go.com via Megan on Pinterest

Looking forward to starting some of these soon.

You can find me on Pinterest here

Till next time

Finally some scrapping

2011-10-25T20:44:00.000+11:00

So I finally got around to doing some scrapping. And I even did 2 pages. Man it was good. I really need to find the time to do more of it. It relaxes me and I really enjoy doing it. Bit of me time!!

I think I almost forgot how to scrap. I wouldn't say they are my best pages but I am hoping they will get me back into the swing of things. Hope I have many more pages to share with you over the coming weeks.

First page is of my big boy and his cousin Sadie. They live in different states but have a great time when we get to catch up. Second one is pretty self explanatory. Joel and Noah meeting for the first time.

That'll do for today!!

Till next time

Food Inspiration

2011-10-24T21:53:00.000+11:00

The last couple of months, with me being off my foot, I haven't been cooking much. Andrew has been the cook in the family (something he does quite well and enjoys) but he doesn't really like to cook too much new stuff, especially when he was looking after all of us as well. Totally fair. So our meals have been yummy but same old same old. Even before I broke my foot, I was stuck in a bit of a cooking/food rut. Churning out the same 10-12 things every fortnight or so. There is nothing wrong with that. It fed us and it was easy and the food was good. But I like to try new things. So now I am back on my feet and wanting to get back into cooking meals again. We've been having lots of "freezer meals" - things we've batch cooked and then frozen serves.

So I need some inspiration and I need to start menu planning again. I find it easier to cook new things if I know ahead of time what I am going to do. I tend to fall back on the old faves if I haven't menu planned.

So I am wanting to try a couple of new things a week, and still have the old faves - spaghetti bolognaise, pies and veggies, steak and veggies, etc..

Any suggestions on recipes/meals I could make?

Here's my menu plan for the next 7 days. We'll see how we go with it.

Tuesday - Slow Cooker Butter Chicken (from here) Trying this for the first time

Wednesday - Corn and Sweet Potato Fritters with salad

Thursday - Still deciding

Friday - Falafels (from a mini cookbook I got with the Herald Sun) Trying these for the first time

Saturday - Homemade Pizza (using a Pete Evans base recipe - found on my friend Tam's blog)

Sunday - Breakfast for dinner (Bacon, eggs, tomato, mushies, spinich - recently discovered Joel loves it!)

Monday - Roast Beef and vegetables

Till next time

For the love of kids books

2011-10-23T21:06:00.000+11:00

Whoops. Yes yes I missed a day. It was bound to happen. Life got in the way and that's ok. I am back now. Blogging again. It was only one day. No problems.

So I am a big fan of books. I love to read and love reading to the boys as well. Joel loves books as well and I am so glad that my love of books has been passed on to him. I love the classics - The Very Hungry Caterpillar, We're going on a Bear Hunt, Possum Magic. I could go on and on. So many wonderful stories to read and share with the boys.

I love buying books as much as I love reading them. Which was becoming an expensive problem until a year or so ago I heard about The Book Depository. The books are really reasonably priced but the best part is free shipping worldwide. Awesome, hey.

Now I really want to buy some more kids story books and would love some suggestions of what to get. What were your favourites as a child? What are your kids favourite storybooks?

Would love to hear from you

Cause you can never have enough books hey.

Till next time

In memory of Hazel

2011-10-21T21:26:00.000+11:00

Today I attended the funeral of a very special lady. Her name was Hazel. I used to clean her house and for most of this year, every Friday, Noah and I helped her with her shopping. She loved going shopping with us. She'd treat Noah as if he were her own grandson, proudly talking about him to the people we met whilst shopping - the butcher, the girls at Bakers Delight, the checkout girl at Woolies. Telling them all how good he'd been shopping, how old he was etc.. It was very sweet.

She was such a strong independent woman with a generous spirit and love for people. She was funny, opinionated, caring. She loved the finer things in life - good food, good people, good wine. In her 65 years she had faced so many trials - 2 bouts of cancer, the death of her husband, a diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease and then a daughter who got breast cancer at 27. But none of these things was able to break her. She continued to live and fight and enjoy life. She had many passions - quilting, sewing, card making, photography, cooking, gardening.

She was an amazing lady and had a great impact on my life over the last couple of years and I will miss her. I will miss our weekly shopping trips to Eastland. Our coffee and cake date at the end of the shopping. I will miss her funny stories, her honesty and her views on life.

Death/funerals always make me value life that little bit more and make me hope that I will have an impact of those around me. That I will be someone that others will learn from. That in me, people will see a woman of love, strength, generosity, trust and determination.

Hazel was one such lady.

I am so grateful to have known her. To have called her a friend.

Peanut Butter and Choc Chip Cookies

2011-10-20T21:37:00.001+11:00

Found the recipe for these amazing cookies, on Smitten Kitchen, and wanted to share the peanut butter chocolatey love with you

1 1/4 cups plain flour

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup peanut butter at room temp (either smooth or crunchy. I used smooth!)

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

1 large egg, at room temperature

1 tablespoon milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 180 degrees.

In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder and the salt. Set aside

In a large bowl, beat the butter and the peanut butter together until fluffy.

Add the sugars and beat until smooth

Add the egg and mix well. Add the milk and vanilla extract.

Add the flour mixture and beat thoroughly. Stir in the peanut butter and chocolate chips.

Roll teaspoonfuls of the mixture into balls and place on a baking paper lined tray, leaving space for expansion

Using a fork, lightly indent the top of each roll with a criss-cross pattern but don't overly flatten

Bake for 10-12 minutes. Do not overbake. Cookies may appear underdone, but they are not.

Cool cookies on tray for a minute then remove to a rack to cool completely.

Seriously these are so so moreish. We made them today and i've eaten more than I would like to say. They are delicious! We are making up for the fact we haven't had peanut butter around for awhile.

Till next time

Kiddie Kutters

2011-10-19T20:42:00.000+11:00

Thanks to some friends, I've recently discovered Kiddie Food Kutters. These awesome little knives have made getting food ready at our house, a fun activity. They are able to cut through all sorts of food because you use a sawing action to cut rather than relying on the sharpness of a knife. This means it's perfect for little people as it doesn't cut their little precious fingers.

We've only had the knife for two day but Joel is loving helping me by cutting food up. Tonight we had steak and salad and Joel cut all the mushrooms, cucumber and capsicum up. Now the cutting is fairly uneven and messy but who cares hey. Joel is helping and feels useful, and he's learning the basics of cooking and food prep. All winning points in my book. He was so excited to use the knife tonight that he started asking me when we could start getting tea ready at about 3:30! Then continued to ask every 10 minutes from then on. Cutie.

So there you go. A clever little find. Just wanted to share it with you guys. I got mine from this site. Only $9.95 including postage.

Was going to share some scrapbooking LOs today but I forgot to take photos so that can be tomorrow's post.

Till next time

Grandpa Potato Head

2011-10-18T21:23:00.000+11:00

Joel loves to play with his Mr Potato Head. He loves coming up with new faces and combos. On a visit to our local kids secondhand shop over the weekend, we found a box of Mr Potato Head accessories. All sorts of things - pirate parts, hats, shoes, bags, funny noses. He's enjoyed making all sorts of funny faces that last few days. This morning he showed me his latest creation - Grandpa Potato Head. Now Grandpa (my dad) doesn't have a big nose like this one but the facial hair is very much my dad (or at least if was until he shaved his mo off a couple of days ago - only the second time his been missing the mo in the last 30 odd years). I thought it was very cute that Joel had done a Potato Head portrait of Grandpa. Love how the mo is above the nose! Cute.

Love watching him play with stuff like this - creating, imagining, discovering. It's awesome.

I'll be back tomorrow with a couple of scrapbooking LOs. You heard right. I scrapped!!

Till next time

Over halfway and Little Melbourne

2011-10-17T20:49:00.000+11:00

Well it's over halfway through October and I have managed to blog every day! Yay. So far so good. It's been hard some days coming up with ideas for posts, and then finding the time to write them, but I've enjoyed it. Hope i can see the next half of the month through.

Wanted to share another website find before I go today. It's called Little Melbourne. It's a guide to all the stuff happening around Melbourne for babies, toddlers and kids. What a great resource hey, Between that and Little Eats, you'll have plenty to do to entertain the kids. I am hoping to try out another cafe next week sometime so I'll let you know how it goes.

Till next time

Words that define the way I want to parent

2011-10-16T15:47:00.000+11:00

So last week I came to a decision that I wanted to write a mummy mission statement for myself (you'll find the post here). This came about from some reading I did on another blog - Everything is Edible written by Loiusa I wanted this mission statement to be something that would help me be a better mum and remind me of what I want to be about as a mum. First step was to come up with some words that define the way I want to parent. Some of the stuff I have borrowed from Louisa and others who are taking on this challenge. A lot of their words and descriptions resonated with me.

FAITH

I want Joel and Noah to know Jesus. I want to show them and teach them what a life of faith looks like.

LOVE

I want Joel and Noah to know and feel they are loved by me 100% of the time, by me, even when I am cross with them or grumpy. I never want them to doubt that. I also want them to learn how to love others.

SAFE

I want them to feel safe in our home and I want them to feel safe in sharing things with me and talking to me.

GENEROSITY

I want Joel and Noah to see me as a generous person. Not just financially - although I am sure that will come soon enough - but generous with my time, my praise for them and generous with myself. That I am available to them. Hopefully they will learn to be generous people too.

RESPECT

I want to be the sort of mum who Joel and Noah know will listen to them and respect them. I want them to know that what they say and think matters to me.

GRACE & IMPERFECTION

I want to be the sort of mum (and person for that matter) who is able to admit when I am wrong and show examples of humility and forgiveness. I also want to show Joel and Noah that it's ok to make mistakes and to handle failures and hard times with grace and a screwed on head.

FUN

I want Joel and Noah to see me as a fun person. Happy, laughing and confident. Able to be silly and funny. To get messy and join in their fun. To play with them and enjoy them.

There were so many words and things that came up but to make this doable, I needed to try and scale down a bit so these are my thoughts for now. A mission statement is only useful when it is practical so my challenge for this week is the following - need to choose 3-5 of the above words to practice and define. How do I do these things? What do they look like in action?

Hopefully that will help me get a better picture of what my mission statement will look like.

Till next time

Parenting. Illustrated with crappy pictures

2011-10-15T16:29:00.000+11:00

I was planning on sharing a bit more about my Mummy mission statement in today's post but I have a very tired Noah fast asleep on me and the notes i've jotted down are not with me. So I will have to post about it tomorrow. I thought i'd share with you a funny blog I came across a few weeks back. It is very funny and I have been known to actually laugh out loud whilst reading it. It's called Parenting: Illustrated with Crappy Pictures. It's brilliant. I love the stories and I love her pictures.

Wanted to share a few links to some of my favourite posts there

Five toys I love (and also hate)

Of course I want to play with them

Gifts from my children

Smile! or taking photos of children

Maximum cuteness (or tiny little manipulators)

I could go on and on. They are all so funny

Enjoy the laughs!!

Till next time

Fridays Five - Places I want to visit before I die

2011-10-14T19:09:00.000+11:00

Today is Friday and that means Friday's Five. I love travelling. Don't do a whole lot of it but plan to in a few years time when the boys are a bit older. I want to share with you my top 5 places that I really really hope to visit before I die. My travel list is a whole lot longer than 5 places but that's a whole other blog post!!

1. CAPADOCCIA, TURKEY

I've wanted to go here ever since I saw photos of Mum, Dad and Beth here. It looks absolutely beautiful and amazing and magical. The hot air balloon ride is a must too.

2. NGORONGORO CRATER, TANZANIA

Saw this on an episode of The Great Outdoors a few years back. It's got the most dense concentration of animals in Africa. It looks beautiful.

3, GIRAFFE MANOR, KENYA

How fun does this look. Saw this on a travel show as well. What an awesome experience this would be, especially with kids.

4. PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC

I have wanted to go to Prague for so so long. It looks absolutely beautiful and everyone I know that has been there says the same thing. It looks like it's out of a fairytale. Gorgeous.

5. THE MALDIVES

After all that sightseeing and walking around all the above amazing places, I am certainly going to need some rest and relaxation. Can't think of a more gorgeous place to do it that The Maldives. So spectactular. Bet the snorkelling is amazing.

How awesome is this world God has created!!

Till next time

Feeling inspired

2011-10-13T16:13:00.000+11:00

I really love scrapbooking. I love cutting and sticking and embellishing and making memories and telling stories. I love paper and typography and ribbons and buttons and paint. But the last 8 months since Noah has been around, I've really only done about 4 pages - and only one of them has had a picture of Noah on it. Gosh by the time Joel was this age I'd almost finished an album on LOs of him. A lot of the reason is time. I haven't had a lot of free time and the time I have had to spare I've been too tired to do anything. I kept hoping and praying that Noah would soon sleep through so that I didn't feel the need to be in bed by 8:30 most nights. But that is yet to happen and I think I may be waiting for a full night's sleep for a long time yet. The tiredness and lack of free time has left me feeling rather un-inspired about scrapping. But no more. I want to do it again. I need to do it again. I have so many fun products and Studio Calico kits I need to use. FULL KITS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN TOUCHED!! I planned on scrapping on Tuesday all day (Joel was at childcare) but Noah had other ideas. Not wanting to be put down at all! So tomorrow - Friday - I am going to attempt to scrap again. I am praying Noah will nap, or at least be happy to lay on the floor or sit in his highchair.

So tomorrow I scrap. I thought I might set myself a challenge of 2 LOs (hoping more for 3 but hey I'm out of practice). And another part of the challenge is to use inspiration from some of the following LOs.

Maggie Holmes (for Studio Calico)

Jen Jockish (for Studio Calico)

Nicole Harper (for Studio Calico)

Hopefully i'll be able to share some LOs soon.

Till next time

A cafe date

2011-10-12T15:30:00.000+11:00

Had to take my sister to the airport this morning so we decided to make it a bit more interesting and have a coffee somewhere beforehand. With the 2 little boys in tow, it had to be somewhere kid-friendly, but not Maccas. We headed to Jellystone in East Brunswick. It was lovely. Very cool cafe and then a walk through to the covered courtyard where there was a lovely sandpit with Tonka trucks, shovels and other toys. Joel loved it. The food was delicious (I had the Lemon and Pistachio gluten free cake - YUM!) and really reasonably priced. So nice to go somewhere and be able to enjoy the food and the company without worrying about whether Joel is going to muck around. He was awesome. Playing nicely and then came back and sat at the table nicely for his milkshake and gingerbread man. And Beth and I got to chat and enjoy ourselves. Not a Happy Meal in sight either!! Win all around really.
Jellystone is in Albion St, East Brunswick. If you are interested in other places that are good for a meal or coffee with kids, check out Little Eats. (and if you are in Adelaide - CLARE - there is a similar site Little Lattes) Lots of reviews on Little Eats of all different cafes all over Melbourne and they things they have on offer for kids. Not a lot in the outer Eastern suburbs :(
Might have to open one up!!
Think as the weather gets better I might go and visit some others. Maybe make it a fortnightly thing.
Anyone else have any kid friendly cafes they know of?

Till next time

10 ways to Love

2011-10-11T21:37:00.001+11:00

Found this on Pinterest a little while ago and wanted to share it here, not just for others but to remind myself. Might actually print this out and put it somewhere that I can see it regularly. I want to love better! (Click the picture for a better view!)

Till next time

A new found love

2011-10-10T11:25:00.000+11:00

Joel has always been a very VERY active boy. Always on the go, never sitting still for more than 10 minutes (unless he's in front of the TV) and constantly asking us to play with him. Very much an only child for a extended period of time. Whilst I love playing with him (most of the time!!) I crave for times when he just goes and plays by himself, just so I can get some stuff done. And I think it's really important for him to be able to do this. So I was very excited when he discovered he actually really loves to draw and colour in. He hasn't really been into it much until last week and now he LOVES it. He'll sit at his table for a good 20 mins or so, without needing me there, and draw pictures (mostly people) and colour in colouring books. He then proudly shows off his work and ask for it to be displayed around the house somewhere.

It's lovely to see him interested in a quiet, sit still activity for a change.

Just more proof that he is growing up as well.

Till next time

Almost 8 months

2011-10-09T16:59:00.001+11:00

It's hard to believe that this little guy came into our lives almost 8 months ago. Crazy right? Time seems to be passing so much quicker the second time around and I am barely keeping up. He's not a tiny little baby anymore, all squishy and new.

I want time to go slower. To keep you cosy and small for longer. Stop growing so fast my little baby. Stop rolling everywhere and eating everything and growing teeth. Stop trying to crawl. It's too soon. I haven't had you as a baby for long enough. I miss your floppy little neck and your scrunchy little eyes.

But no time won't stand still. So I embrace all the new things you are doing. The clicking with your tongue, your two bottom teeth poking out of your gums, your belly laughs and your animated and joyful interactions with Joel. How exciting it is to see you discovering all the things around you. What a proud mummy I am to see you growing so well. Just not too fast buddy.

On another note, thanks for all your sweet and encouraging comments on my last post. I know I am a good mum but I know I can be better and this is what this challenge is about. Thanks for coming along for the ride with me.

Till next time

Grumpy Bum Mum

2011-10-08T16:36:00.001+11:00

The last 6 weeks, having a broken foot, and not being able to do a whole lot. has been frustrating to say the least. This frustration (which hasn't been helped by severe tiredness, due to a baby who doesn't sleep well) has been flowing over into my parenting and I hate it. I hate being a grumpy mummy. I hate feeling like crap cause I've yelled at Joel too much. I hate this feeling and I want it to stop. I don't want Joel to feel unhappy at home, to feel like I'm always yelling and frustrated and tired. I want to be his biggest cheerleader. The person he knows will always be there for him, no matter what. I want to be a fun, happy and loving mummy to both of the boys. When I have good days as a mummy I think WIN, but the bad days always leave me feeling like the worst mummy in the world. And that's just crazy.

On one of the blogs I follow - Everything is Edible - it's author, Louisa Claire, set herself a challenge to write a Motherhood Mission Statement. Here's what she said on her blog..

"I want a mission statement that gives me a picture of what I am trying to achieve as a mum - the values and practices that matter most to me, so that when I am tempted to feel like I am failing, I have something realistic and tangible to measure myself against. I want to see the real wins for what they are, and same for the times I feel like I'm not doing a good job.... A mission statement is something enduring - it's not bound to a stage of parenting or a season of life but incorporates your goals."

So I am going to join in the challenge. I want to get this right.

Week 1 Challenge is... What are the words that come to mind when you think about the mum you want to be?

I'll post my thoughts in a few days. Need to really sit and think on what it is I want my mummyhood to look like.

Wanna join in?

Till next time

Friday's Five - iPhone apps for kids

2011-10-07T10:41:00.000+11:00

So the man behind Apple, Steve Jobs, passed away yesterday. He was the man he gave the world the iPod, iPhone, iPad, etc.. but he was more than that. He was someone who saw the big picture, a visionary and according to most, a really great guy. So in honor of him, and cause i LOVE my iPhone, I'm going to do a Friday's Five list of my favourite iPhone apps for kids (well actually these are Joel's current favourites). They are not all technically kids apps, but Joel loves them and can play them.

1. Cake Doodle

This is played at least twice a day at our house. Basically you make and decorate a cake. Lots of different choices of cakes, lots of things to do - mixing, pouring, decorating, etc. It's lots of fun

2. Balloonimals

This is another one that gets a daily workout. Joel loves blowing up the balloons and making them into animals and of course popping them.

3. Angry Birds

Joel loves this (as do Andrew and I) so much catapulting those little birds into the piggies!!

4. FingerDrums

A noisy little app which is basically a drum kit you play with your fingers (funny that!). The cool thing is you can pick a song from you iPod and play along. Definitely not one to play in church!!

5. Traffic Rush

Joel loves trying to control the cars and stop any accidents. He thinks he's a policeman!! I quite like to play this one too.

If you are an iPhone owner or user, what are some of your favourite apps? I'm always happy to hear about more!!

Till next time

Peanuts and Playgrounds

2011-10-06T20:44:00.000+11:00

Today we spent a good chunk of the day down in Frankston. Now Frankston gets a bit of bad rap here in Melbourne - lots of jokes about people walking around in their moccasins, etc.. but we discovered at the start of the year, that Frankston, and in particular the beach and it's surrounds, is really nice. We were heading down that way for an appointment for Joel at the allergy clinic (more on that in a minute) so we thought we'd make a day of it and go down early. We spent some time at the playground down there (which is huge and so much fun for the kids) and grabbed some hot chips for lunch. Then after the Joel's appointment, we headed to another playground next to Chelsea beach which is where the photos were taken. It was a lovely day for a hang out at the beach. Not too hot but not cold and windy. Perfect playing weather.

Got good news at Joel's allergy clinic appointment. He was diagnosed with a mild peanut allergy at 10 months old. At today's skin prick test, he tested negative to all allergens, including peanuts!! Very exciting news. We have to do a challenge at home, slowly introducing peanut butter to him over a couple of weeks but if there are no reactions we are in the all clear!! Yay to having peanut butter in the house again - oh how I have missed you!!

Good Morning Girls

2011-10-05T12:53:00.001+11:00

I'm participating in a online bible study at the moment from the website Good Morning Girls. It runs for 12 weeks and we are studying 1 John. The idea is to form a group and be accountable to each other whilst following the reading plan on a daily basis.

It's currently week 3 and i've really been enjoying it. I've found that lately my faith has been quite stale and stagnant but i've found through this study i've been keeping up with a daily quiet time with God (even if it is while ABC for kids) is on in the background. This time with God has really helped me in my Christian walk and i feel like this is the something i needed to give it a good kickstart again.

I'm in a group with 4 other women (Marina, Nat, Chrissy and Kayma) and we share in a facebook group. It's been such a lovely experience to share with them, get to know them a bit better and learn and study the Word together.

So looking forward to the next 9 weeks to see what God has in store for us.

Greek style Chickpea Salad

2011-10-04T15:30:00.001+11:00

I love food.

Love making it, cooking and eating it.

I recently discovered the recipe to this yummy Greek style Chickpea salad. It's so delicious

Ingredients

2 cans of chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1/2 small red onion, chopped finely

1/2 large cucumber, chopped

1/2 cup fetta cheese

olives (I love Kalamata ones)

fresh coriander, chopped

3 tbsps olive oil

2 tbsps balsamic vinegar

salt and cracked black pepper to taste

Mix everything together

It is best when made and then chilled for a few hours or overnight (if you can wait that long!)

It is good just as a salad by itself, or wrapped, or stuffed in a pita.

Enjoy

Currents

2011-10-03T16:07:00.006+11:00

Borrowing the idea for this post from my friend Tam.

Just a list of current happenings around here.

Drinking: lots of water (and some Coke Zero)

Eating: pear and havarti cheese YUM

Wearing: jeans and short sleeved top

Listening: new Glee soundtrack on the iPod and Mister Maker on the TV

Watching: new How I Met Your Mother and Survivor

Thinking: I need to start buying Christmas presents soon

Cooking: Chow Mein for dinner (hanging to do some baking when I am back on my feet!)

Dreaming: of a full night's sleep with no kids in the bed

Loving: watching Joel make Noah giggle A LOT! And mucking around on PhotoBooth with the boys. Noah loves it (as you can see from the pic above!)

Looking forward to: my appointment at the fracture clinic tomorrow - fingers crossed I can start walking again. And my mum and dad coming home - 23rd December. Not long now!

Blogtober

2011-10-02T22:02:00.005+11:00

So it's been awhile AGAIN since I have shared and i've been thinking about whether I want to keep blogging or not, and the answer is yes! I like to for many reasons but I just don't think to do it or I run out of time or I'm lazy. SO I am taking up a challenge - Blogtober. Basically the challenge is to blog everyday in October. It's going to be a challenge but I think this is just what I need to get the blogging juices flowing again. They (whoever they are..) that if you do something for 30 days it becomes a habit.

So here we go...

Till next time

Megan

As if it's August

2011-08-11T13:51:00.000+10:00

Seriously where has the year gone. Can it really be August. Life is good and busy and crazy and I feel blessed. I have 2 lovely boys who are growing and growing so fast. Joel turned 4 a month a go and Noah will be 6 months next week. They are both going well.
JOEL is a handful - boisterous, cheeky, drives me crazy a lot of the time. But he is also super sweet, kind, sensitive, helpful and thoughtful. He is a great little boy. I just wish he would listen to me!!! He is in the kinder room at childcare and loves it. He is really coming along well. We have discovered a program on the internet called Reading Eggs which helps kids from 3-7 with letter recognition and then eventually reading. He has done a couple of lessons on that which he loved and now proudly points out any 'm' 'o' 's' in words on books, signs etc.. Gotta love things that are fun and educational. Joel is adapting to being a big brother. It was a big change and he was a little rough with Noah to start with, but he is so much better now and relishes in the chance to help me with him. He is always trying to make Noah laugh and give him cuddles and kisses.

NOAH is really growing into a gorgeous little boy too. He has the sweetest smile which he happily dishes out to anyone and everyone. He is constantly smiling and goohing and gahhing. He is the loveliest baby. Not a great sleeper which is not so lovely but we can work on that. He's just started rolling and gets ever so proud of himself when he does it. He absolutely adores Joel, always giving him big smiles in the morning and loves "playing" with him. Can't wait till he's a bit older and they can play together.
Short update on the kids but a necessary one

And of course photos!!
Till next time

A family of four

2011-03-25T15:40:00.000+11:00

Another big change for me in the last year is that our little family of 3 has become a family of 4. We welcomed our second gorgeous boy into our family on the 14th February 2011. Noah has been part of this family for almost 6 weeks now and it feels like he's always been with us. We are all doing well.. tired and still learning how this whole 2 kids thing works, but we are good. Joel is doing ok with it all. He loves Noah so much and is always wanting to give him hugs and kisses, but moving from being the only child to one of 2 has, on occasion been tough. Not being the sole centre of attention, having to share Andrew and I, not being able to play with me as much throughout the day. But on the whole he is coping really well.

Noah is a pretty cruisey baby. He is not too bad at the whole sleep thing - he does 3-4 hourly overnight and generally goes straight back to sleep after a feed. Don't get me wrong, there have been some exhausting nights and I am sure there will be more to come, but we are generally getting a decent 5 - 6 hours a night.

I am really want to get Noah's birth story down... maybe the next post I can do that. It's important for me to remember how he came into this world.

Never thought I would be a mum of boys but I am feeling so blest to have 2 gorgeous healthy little boys. Looking forward to the next part of life, watching them both grow up and start to interact with each other and become friends.

Till next time

The Holiday of a lifetime - one year ago!!

2011-03-22T19:54:00.001+11:00

Well the last post I did last year was just after my overseas holiday. It was an amazing amazing time with my Mum, Dad and my 2 sisters. We were gone for 3 weeks and I missed Andrew and Joel like crazy. But they had a great time together too. We visited London, Paris, Greece, Moldova and Turkey. I cannot believe that it has been a year since we were over there. So to ensure this blog post doesn't turn into the world's longest post, I am going to dot point the highlights of each place we visited and add a few photos as well. Here we go

LONDON

Buckingham Palace
Notting Hill
Les Miserables
Oxford
Westminster Abbey
Riding the Tube
The Globe Theatre
St Paul's Cathedral
The Tower of London

PARIS

Eiffel Tower
Montmartre
Sacre Couer
Versailles
Crepes (especially Nutella ones!!)
Boulangeries (bakeries!!)
Stuart surprising Beth and proposing (he secretly flew to Paris and surprised her!)
Bread and cheese
Notre Dame
Shakespeare and Co Bookshop

GREECE

The Plaka
The Acropolis
Meteora tour
Delicious souvlakis
Aegina
Shopping
Getting handmade sandals

MOLDOVA

Getting to see where Mum and Dad live and work
The market
The cave monastery and others monasteries we visited
Going to a village with the mobile medical clinic
Meeting the people
Worshipping with other Salvation Army people in a different country

TURKEY

The Hamam (Turkish bath and massage) OH MY!!!
The Grand Bazaar
Apple Tea
Turkish Delight
The Blue Mosque
Hagia Sophia

We packed so much into our 3 weeks and I have so many precious photos and memories to remind me of the awesome time we had. It was so special to be able to share this experience with my parents and sisters as well. It was such a blessing to be able to spend 3 weeks together, especially at this time with Mum & Dad living overseas and Clare in Adelaide.

So grateful for this experience. I don't really feel like I've done the trip justice with this post. Maybe I'll do a blog post for each country later on. But for now, i've got the basics down and shared!

A new beginning

2011-03-22T15:56:00.000+11:00

So I'm pretty sure I have no blog readers left but I really want to give this blog a go. I want this to be a place I can share about my life and my loves. A place for me to keep a record of all the goings on in my life. So much has happened to me in the last year so I really want to try and do a couple of catch-up posts and then start the journey again.
I am undertaking a short online class called Blogging for Scrapbookers so I really think this is the perfect kick in the pants to get this blog happening again.
So here's to new beginnings. To a fresh start. To cliches!! As I said the next few posts will be some catch up posts. So here goes nothing.....

Jumping (back) on the Bandwagon

2010-05-28T13:03:00.000+10:00

Well after many promises of coming back here time and time again, I have yet again failed to do that. But I really really don't want to give up on blogging. I find it so helpful. So I am giving it another go.
So much has happened since my last post. I went on my big overseas holiday with my family which was so so so so good. I had an absolute ball - missed my boys like crazy though. I so want to share some photos here but that is for another post. Too much to do in my first post back!
I just wanted to share about a fantastic site I have been frequenting lately. Thanks to my mate Tam, who shared about Tumblr on her blog. She linked me to an awesome post over at the Studio Calico blog (here) that has a tutorial on how to set up a Tumblr account. I used to find all sorts of things that inspire me on the net - pics, quotes, etc. and I would save them on to my computer. Inevitably they got lost, or I forget where I have saved them. With Tumblr they are all on my page. It's brilliant. And I can follow other people and see what inspires them as well. So much loveliness to look at! You can find some of the things that inspire me on my Tumblr page here. If you decide to jump on the Tumblr bandwagon, let me know or feel free to follow me.

Hopefully I will be back in the next couple of days for the beginning of holiday sharing!!

Till next time

OH MY GOODNESS

2010-03-15T08:32:00.001+11:00

3 MONTHS!!! 3 MONTHS!!! Has it really been that long? It can't have been. SURELY NOT!
Well the last post doesn't lie. 3 months ago I last posted. Shocking bad bad blogger. After all my empty promises of updating once a week! I really really really want to keep going with this blog. It's great for me to look back and see all that's happened and remember what has been. So I am going to try again in 2010! Hey that rhymes! Trying again in 2010! My new mantra maybe!
So what has been happening - man so much to tell and so little space. Christamas has been and gone a long time ago - it was a lovely time for us as a little family. Hanging out together, enjoying Joel - he was lovely this Christmas - full of sparkle and joy.
What else. I am heading off on my overseas trip with Mum and Dad and my 2 sisters THIS SATURDAY! That's right - 6 DAYS AWAY!! Can you believe it? I sure can't. It's so cliche but it has come around so so quickly. I'm so excited and scared all at the same time. I am going to miss Andrew and Joel something bad and am the mummy guilt is really starting to set in. What sort of mother am I to be leaving Joel for 3 whole weeks? Will he forget who I am? Will he hate me for leaving? Oh my heart aches a little. I know we will all be fine but I can't help feeling a little anxious about it all?
But mixed in with all that doubt and guilt, is excitement - giddy school girl joy. I cannot wait. We are heading to London, Paris, Athens, Moldova (where Mum and Dad are living) and then Istanbul. Mum and Dad are meeting us in London and we'll be doing everything together. It's going to be awesome. I can't believe in less than a week I'll be in LONDON! It just seems a little surreal.
Anyway. enough gushing about my trip. We are all doing really well. Joel is growing like a weed and brings us so much joy, laughter, fun and a few frustrating moments and headaches as well. Life with a 2.5 year old is certainly an adventure and a challenge all at once. Andrew is doing well as well - life in the classroom is busy and tiring and he has a lot to do before I abandon him and Joel for 3 weeks. But I know he and Joel will enjoy the time together. And I am doing well too. Just carrying on with life as normal - work, playgroup, music, swimming, etc.. I have also started a Biggest Loser challenge with a few friends and have currently lost just over 2 kgs which is nice. Am hoping to lose a whole lot more in the coming weeks,

Anyway,didn't want this to be a long post as I don't even know if anyone is still out there reading this - I doubt it after a 3 month absence. But I just wanted to reconnect myself to blogging and start again. I'll leave you with a few recent potos of us, Just to remind you of what we look like!!

Till next time. Maybe from London!!!!!

Decorating the Tree - Dec 2nd

2009-12-08T17:56:00.000+11:00

We decorated our tree on December 2nd. It was a lot of fun and Joel was right into putting things on the tree. He loved all the sparkly baubles and other decos. We opted to leave a few of our more precious ornanments off the tree this year - nothing breakable or sentimental! Life with a 2 year old hey! Joel is really good with the tree though so far. He doesn't really touch it and has already worked out how to turn the lights on (first thing in the morning and they are on all day!!)
Here are a few pics of Joel doing some decorating.

Till next time

December so far

2009-12-07T11:58:00.000+11:00

I know I know. It's been a few weeks. So much for Friday's five hey. I will try and get back to it this week.
Life the last few weeks had been busy and hectic and crazy and I am looking forward to some things finishing up for the year so we can have a bit of a break.
December so far has been lovely. We have finished our Christmas shopping which feels so good. Christmas cards still need to be made but that will happen this week hopefully!
We spent the night of December 1st with some lovely friends, the Bests and the Battens.
We enjoyed a yummy tea together and then headed up the road from the Bests house to see the light display at one of the neighbours houses. It was gorgeous. Santa came out to see the kids, and the got given lolly bags. Then the kids helped Santa turn the lights on with magic powder thrown in the air.
It was such a delightful way to start the Christmas Season

I'll be back tonight or tomorrow with a tree decorating post
Till next time

When did you grow up?

2009-11-14T14:33:00.002+11:00

You are such a sweet and caring little boy.
If anyone is crying, you are always there to stroke their face, give them a cuddle and say "S'Alright Mummy, s'alright" You love cuddles and kisses and spending time with people. And you especially love babies. You are always wanting to hold babies and kiss them and cuddle them and just lavish love on them.
When your cousin Bradley came over one day, he was a bit upset and all you wanted to do was cuddle with him on the couch. You even managed to get him to fall asleep on you. You look so grown up in this photo - my baby has well and truly gone. You are definitely a little boy now.

I hope you continue to be so caring and sweet as you grow older.
You're such a sweet and caring little boy.

Friday's Five

2009-11-13T13:17:00.003+11:00

So here it is another edition of Friday's Five. I'm thinking I am going to do an current Etsy faves every fortnight and then alternate it with another list on the other weeks.
To get into the Christmas mood early, i am going to share with you some of my favourite Christmas movies (nicking this idea from Tam) So here we go.... in no particular order

1. Elf
I think this is a great movie. Funny and sweet all at the same time. And I love Will Ferrell.

2. The Polar Express
Love love love this one and can't wait to watch it with Joel this year. It is so magical and fun.

3. Love Actually
This is probably my favourite movie of all time - Christmas or not!

4. Home Alone 1 & 2
I loved these as a kid and still enjoy watching them once a year. 3 & 4 are not so good though! They should have left it at 2. Love the scenes in New York in number 2. And the bird lady!

5. Miracle on 34th Street
I love both of these movies - the classic and the modern one. Do you believe??

6. Joyeux Noel
I know it's called Friday's FIve but I really wanted to share about this movie. I saw it last year and it is really good. The film is about the World War 1 Christmas truce of December 1914, told through the eyes of French, Scottish and German soldiers. Sounds boring but it's really beautiful.

So there you have it. Some good movies to watch this Christmas season

Till next time

Triathlon Pink

2009-11-13T08:52:00.004+11:00

I am going to enter a triathlon. Not a crazy Olympic one but Triathlon Pink - raising money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. My sister Beth and I are going to do it together (although secretly I think she is going to kick my butt!)
It's happening on the 31st January 2010 which sounds awhile away but I have a lot (A LOT!!!) of work to do before then if I even want to finish this race.

We are hoping to do the long course - 300m swim, 9km bike ride, 3km run but we will assess the situation (and my fitness) closer to the date. I may opt to do the medium - 200m swim, 6km ride, 2km run (walk)
I am starting my training today. Aiming to exercise every day and eat a lot healthier. Cut back on my serious addiction to chocolate and start pumping my body full of healthy yummy foods.
Need to start working on the 3 things I will be doing in the triathlon - swimming, running and bike riding.

So it's out there. I've told you all my goal. Now to stay on it and keep accountable to you guys about it.
I'm a little scared but excited as well

If any of you are interested in doing it as well, or just want some more info, you can find it on the Triathlon Pink Website here

Till next time

Fulfilling every boy's little dream....

2009-11-11T12:49:00.004+11:00

of being a fireman

Joel at our local Community Services Expo last weekend

Friday's Five

2009-11-06T12:13:00.005+11:00

Inspired by my Blogging for Scrapbookers Class, I am hoping to start a weekly tradition of Friday's Five. Five things I love at the moment, five things I have seen online, five of my fave movies, five of my fave books, five things I would love to buy right now. Get my drift. It could be anything.
For my first Friday's Five I am going to share with you some of my favourite things on Etsy right now. Etsy is one of my favourite places to look and shop online. It's an awesome site where people can buy and sell all sorts of handmade stuff. Not your typical nanna knitted tea cosys and stuff (although I am sure there are some on there) but very cool things.
So here we go (in no particular order)

Crazy Sparrow Nest Necklace
This is so so sweet.

Felt Pancakes Set
This looks like so much fun

Vintage Messenger Bag
I think this would be so handy when I go overseas next year. Hmmm Christmas present!!

Green Bird Journal Notebook
Cute as. Would look great in the bag above!

Baby Pixie Hat
Oh my goodness. Does it get any sweeter than this.

So there you have it my first Friday's Five. Stay tuned for more blog posts and more Friday's Five in coming weeks!

Till next time

2.7.2007 - The day you were born

2009-11-05T12:34:00.004+11:00

For our Day 2 prompt one of our tasks was to share a story about one of the most amazing days of our lives. I've chosen the day Joel was born (2nd July 2007)
So here goes...

I went into labour with Joel around 2:30 on a Monday morning. Your daddy and I were so excited. We tried to get some more sleep but we couldn't believe that this was happening. We had waited such a long time to meet you and soon you would be here. We got to the hospital around 9:00am and after 5 or so more hours (and no drugs) you were born. Our gorgeous little boy. They laid you on my chest and you had your eyes open. You were looking up at me. Big brown eyes and long eyelashes. And there it was. Love like I'd never felt before. You were ours. And we were (and still are) so blessed.
The next couple of hours were some of the best of my life. Just laying there. Snuggling with you. Watching it rain outside. Staying warm and safe together inside.
The 3 of us.
Can't believe that was almost 2 1/2 years ago. You are still the sweetest little thing. And we still love snuggles
Just the 3 of us.

Thanks for letting me share
Till next time

A new blogging adventure

2009-11-05T12:13:00.003+11:00

So as you all know I am not the most consistent blogger out there. But I really want to change that so I signed up for one of Shimelle's classes - Blogging for Scrapbookers. I love Shimelle's stuff - I have done her Journal your Christmas class for the last 2 years.
So I am undertaking this new journey because I want to make this whole blogging experience bigger and better - for me and for anyone who reads it.
I am however already 2 days behind so I am going to do all the things for those days today - which means there will be 3 posts today!!
So here goes number 1 - my intentions for this class

I want to blog more regularly
I want to write more meaningful posts
I want to be able to use my blog to make my scrapbooking better
I want to inject both my blogging and scrapping with more life and energy

So there you have it. I am really excited about taking this class.

You can sign up for the class here - don't think it's too late

Till next time

Bon's Scraps

2009-10-21T12:52:00.002+11:00

I often visit a lovely little forum and online scrap shop called Bon's Scraps.
The lovely owner Bon is having a giveaway on her blog - celebrating 100 posts.
It is an awesome prize pack worth $100. If you want to have a chance at winning go here to Bon's Blog
Good luck!

Bon is also running a competion on the forum to win a 3 month scrapbooking kit subscription. Bon's kits are lovely and always so well coordinated. If you want to be in the running, check out the thread in the forum here

I'll be back tomorrow for some more blog love!

I'm Back

2009-10-09T12:12:00.005+11:00

I simply cannot believe that it was August that I last blogged. That is shocking. I doubt that anyone still even checks this little place but I am going to pick it up again. I just went through a patch where I didn't feel I had anything to share and if I did I really couldn't be bothered. BUT i'm making the effort to blog more.
So what's been happening. A bit. We've had 2 weeks of school holidays just finish so it was lovely to have Andrew home. We did a few outings - the zoo, Healesville Sanctuary, the Silvan Tulip Festival. All lots of fun.
Joel has been going great guns. His speech is going really really well. Putting together little 2 and 3 word sentences and chatting away lots during the day. He such a sweet little kid. Very kind and affectionate. He does have his fair share of tantrums though. We are in the thick of the 2s at the moment. So that can be a little frustrating for all concerned at times, but we are blessed to have him in our lives.
I am doing well. At the start of September I became a Learning Ladder advisor. I am really enjoying it. I love the range of books and games that they sell and I am enjoying doing get togethers to share the stuff with others. Also nice to make a bit of money to go towards my overseas trip next year which is fast coming around.
I was also chosen to be on the Design Team at a local scrapbook shop called The Scrapbook Scene. I am very excited to be part of the team at this shop. It is such a great little shop with so much great product. I have done my first few LOs for them and am looking forward to the next challenge that comes up.
Oooo and I turned the big 3-0!! I've been 30 for almost 2 months now and don't feel any different. I had a party which was lots of fun and i am getting a Digi SLR soon with the money my lovely family and friends gave me. I cannot wait!
Andrew is doing well too. Looking forward to the end of the year but not so much the reports he has to do before that comes around.
Not a whole lot else to tell. Just wanted to do a little catch-up before I get stuck back into sharing stuff on here.
Can't have a post without a photo so I will share a few

First 2 LOs are ones i've done using my own stuff

The next 2 are DT LOs for The Scrapbook Scene
This one using the new Allison Ellis Christmas papers.

This one using the new Imaginesce Christmas range. These papers are really cute!

This is a photo of Joel and his cousin Jessie at the zoo in the school holidays.

These were taken at the Silvan Tulip Festival.
Joel loves rabbits at the moment. I really want to get him one. Just have to convince Andrew!

Aren't the colours delightful!

Hope you made it this far. It was a bit picture heavy but I don't care.
Till next time.

A cybercrop tonight!!

2009-08-25T08:20:00.003+10:00

Just wanted to let you all know that there is a cybercrop on tonight at Bon's Scraps. They are always so much fun. Lots of chatting, great challenges and lots of inspiration

If you get a chance, why not pop over to the forum and sign up. We'd love to see you there.

Click here to get to Bon's

Bon's DT Call

2009-08-20T08:14:00.002+10:00

One of my fave places to hang out online is Bon's Scraps. The girls on the forum are awesome. Always lots of fun and inspiration there.
Well the lovely Boss Lady Bon is having a Design Team call which is starting this Monday (24th August). Here are the details if anyone is interested in having a go

Bon's Scraps DT Comp will commence on Monday 24th August!

If you are interested in applying make sure your name is in the DT registration thread here:
http://www.bonsscraps.com.au/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=7606

First and foremost forum interaction is a big part of being on the DT...

Whilst the competiton is running please try to interact on the forum the amount that you would usually...

There will be 2 spots up for grabs each with a 2 month trial leading to a 12 month contract.

The comp will run for 4 rounds.

If you make the design team you will recieve an exclusive monthly kit and also a store discount, in exchange you will create an average of 3 set pages a month.

Full Design Team expectations will be posted shortly.

I'm giving it a go. Why don't you!

Back later with some 30th party photos.

A catch-up

2009-08-12T14:00:00.006+10:00

Well it's been awhile (seems all my blog posts start with a similar theme) Our time with mum and dad has been and gone for over 6 weeks now and I still haven't shared photos. There are so many and I just don't know where to start so I keep putting it off. I'll get there eventually.
So what's been happening. Not to much. Firstly and most excitingly (is that a word, i'm not sure) my sisters and I have booked tickets to go overseas next year to visit mum and dad. Very exciting. We'll be going in March/April next year for 3 weeks. No kids, no hubbies, just us!! We'll be visiting London, Paris, Venice, Moldova, Athens and Istanbul. Sounds awesome, doesn't it. Now the countdown is on - 31 weeks to go.
Other than that, life is cruising along the same. I am turning 30 in a couple of weeks and am having a party on Saturday so I'm getting stuff prepped for that. Should be a fun day. Lots of food and good friends to share it with.
Been doing a little bit of scrapping when I find the time. Here are a couple of my latest LOs
This was for a challenge at Bon's Scraps

Using June's Studio Calico kit and my gorgeous niece

A sketch challenge at Bon's Scraps

Using a kit from Bon's scraps

Thought I'd share a couple of pics of Joel as well. He is lots of fun at the moment (and can be a handful as well - all about being a 2 year old I suppose!) He loves his trains, The Wot Wots (a show on ABC kids, Elmo and playdough is also a daily request. He also has a thing about hats - loves wearing them around the house. Starting to get into dressing up - i feel a trip to the local op-shops are in order for some dress-ups.

Snuggling with Elmo and some toast under a blanket

A bowls hat that Andrew had for a dress-up party. It's now Joel's!!!

I think that's enough for today. Really want to share some holiday pics. Might get on to that after my party.

Till next time

More LOs to share

2009-07-14T14:39:00.004+10:00

Just got a few more LOs to share. Am hoping to share some pics and stories about our time away with Mum and Dad in the next couple of days. Just trawling through the 1000+ photos we all took and trying to narrow a few down. It will be up by the end of the week

First LO is using stuff from the June Boy's Kit at Bon's Scraps (see sidebar for a link)

Second LO is using stuff from June kit from Studio Calico. The pics are of Joel and my Grandma taken at Easter this year.

And lastly I just whipped this one up today. Pic is of my sisters and I used stuff from the July Studio Calico kit. Such pretty stuff (and such pretty girls!)

Well that'll do

Till next time!

Some sharies

2009-07-09T13:27:00.005+10:00

Well well I am still alive. Had a busy but extremely happy last month or so. Mum and Dad came back for a holiday, Joel turned 2, Sadie turned 1, went away. Lots and lots. Will share more in the next post.
The reason for this post is to share some LOs I have done. I am the guest design team member for Arty Pants this month and Jodie sent me some of the cute Basic Grey Lime Rickey papers, some Buzz and Bloom chipboard and a Hambly Overlay - little circles in Teal. Was fun to work with

Arty Pants are also having a cybercrop on this weekend. It's their 3rd birthday and there is so much fun planned to celebrate. Come along and take on a challenge or play a game.
Just click here on Arty Pants

Anyway, i'll be back in the next couple of days to share some holiday pics (have to go through them all first!)

Till next time

4 things

2009-05-29T13:41:00.004+10:00

Well firstly, the DT comp at Arty Pants has concluded and although I didn't get a permanent DT Spot, I have been given the privilege of a guest DT spot for July. Very exciting. Congratulations to Kerry and Laura who did get the DT spots. Looking forward to seeing their work soon

Secondly, Andrew had a bone scan yesterday to determine exactly wants going on with his rib. He is still in a lot of pain that doesn't seem to be getting any better. Turns out he has actually fractured 5 ribs (yes 5!!!!) not just 1! That would probably explain the more pain! So he is home from work until after the Long weekend next week (it will be interesting! Hee hee)

Thirdly I have another LO to share. Was a sketch challenge from Bons Cybercrop on Tuesday night Pretty happy with how it all turned out.

And lastly, I just wanted to jot down a list of Joel's current words (don't worry, there isn't that many!)

Peese (please
Piggle & Daisy (from tv show In the Night Garden
Mummy & Daddy
Eyes, Ears, Nose
Ta
Momo (Thomas the Tank)
Nanna & Poppy
Hi & Bye
Play
Beep beep
Toot toot
No
Joel
Baby
Cheese, Toast, Cereal, Nana (banana)
Car
Ball
Fish, Turtle
Harold (helicopter from Thomas)
Shoes
Beabie (beanie)
Bowl
Wiggles
Eagles (much to Andrew's delight

Not bad hey. And he says them in such a cute voice too!
Anyway, that's long enough

Till next time

Some more LOs

2009-05-26T18:35:00.005+10:00

Well thought I'd share a couple more LOs. The first one is my last entry into the ArtyPants DT comp - we had to put together a mock kit and then use the supplies for a LO. I love these papers so wasn't hard to use them at all.

The second one is using my very first Studio Calico kit. I still have more than enough stuff left over for a least 5 more LOs. Such cool stuff. Can't wait to get more.

Life is going along well for us. Andrew is still pretty sore from the broken rib but is getting through his reports well so that's good.
Joel is as cute as ever. Saying lots more words. Making all sorts of silly faces and generally enjoying life. I might blog about all the words he is saying tomorrow or Thursday. Just for keepsakes.
I'm doing well too. Busy but not too much and enjoying life.
Thought I'd share a couple of recent pics as well. Joel is a huge fan of leaves at the moment. Loves running around in them, throwing them, collecting them. You name it, he does it!!

Cute isn't he!!
Anyway, must go. Oo oo there is a cybercrop on at Bon's tonight if you want to join in the fun. It's going to be lots of fun and chatting. See the link in my sidebar.

Till next time

A couple more shares

2009-05-15T08:36:00.003+10:00

Thought I would share a couple more LOs. These 2 are part of a DT Comp I am taking part in for Arty Pants. A bit of fun.

First one, we had to take inspiration from an ad in a magazine

The second one we had to use our blog title.

As for us, we are all doing ok - except Andrew. He has a cracked rib!! He was playing bootball (a form of baseball minus the bat!) at school. It was his turn and he was running to make a home run. One of the kids thought it would be funny to stand in his way. Andrew wasn't watching - he was watching the ball, but turned just in time to see the kid. He did a big dive over the kid (they all thought he looked like Superman!!) and landed flat on his chest. So he got pretty winded and is very very sore. So he is home for the next couple of days.
So because of that, Joel and I are trying to be out as much as possible cause all Joel wants to do is play with Daddy and jump on Daddy. Not a good idea.
Apart from that, life is going well.

Till next time

Some Layouts to share

2009-05-08T16:47:00.001+10:00

Just wanted to share some of the latest LOs I've done. They were both for Bon's CyberCrop which finished on Tuesday.
First one was Bon's colour challenge - had to use pink, purple, black and or grey. Had to have a pic of you and friend and a quirky title that only they would know!

Second one was a blind challenge - you follow instructions without a sample to show you how they page may turn out. I was pretty happy with how they both turned out.

Apart from that, not a lot happening around here. Although I have renewed my love of reading. Just finished the Twilight books - I started the first one the weekend before Easter and I finished the 4th one on Wednesday.
Have just started a new book called The Bronze Horseman. I am reading it for a book club that I have joined. It's very exciting.

Anyway, better go and do something useful

Till next time

Still kicking

2009-05-01T12:48:00.005+10:00

So I am still alive and kicking - unsure if anyone is out there still reading this but I thought I'd better update anyway. I really want to be better at this from now on.
So what I have been up to over the last few weeks. So much has happened. Firstly Andrew, Joel and I went on holidays together. We went to Adelaide over Easter, to catch up with my sister Clare and Matt and Sadie. It was so nice to hang out again. Beth and Stuart were over as well (my other sister and her boyfriend). Sadie and Joel had a great time together - although Joel was a bit protective of his toys and Sadie just wanted to play with them all - and suck and munch on them!

Had the opportunity to catch up with my Grandma while we were in Adelaide - was lovely to see her and spend some time with her. We got a few pics together as well. She is doing so well for a almost 95 year old!!

After Adelaide, we headed off to Halls Gap with my best friend Cath and her hubby Mark and 2 1/2 year old daughter Amaya. We had a brilliant time. Saw lots of wildlife - kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, even some monkeys! (at the Halls Gap Zoo!!!!) Did a nice little hike and visited the Cultural Aboriginal Centre there as well. The kids got on really well and enjoyed playing together (most of the time!)

And now we are back home and in the full swing of life again - Andrew's been back at school for 2 weeks now and we are slowly all adjusting back to normalcy - although Joel seems to be having quite a bit of trouble getting to sleep and is waking during the night, which is not great but hopefully it will pass soon. Just wish we knew what to do about it. It's like he scared to go the bed. It's so heartbreaking.
I've also been scrapping a little bit - went to Crop for Kids the weekend before we went away and had an absolute ball. Managed to get 3 LOs done there and have done one this week as well. Think my mojo is returning - here's hoping.

I think that is probably one of the longest posts I've done so I think I should stop there.
Hope to get back here sooner rather than later.

Till next time

2 more LOs and weekend fun

2009-03-24T15:41:00.005+11:00

Andrew was away for the weekend so when Joel was sleeping I managed to get 2 LOs done. It felt good. I think I am slowly getting some mojo back. Here they are..

This one is about Joel's first ice-cream

Joel and Tilly having a smooch at Playgroup.

Whilst Andrew was away, Joel and I did a couple of things together. We went and had breakfast at The Firehouse in Ringwood with Aunty Beth. Then later on Sunday, we checked out the Mooroolbark Miniature Railway. It's not far from us and only $1.50 a ride. It was brilliant. Joel was a little unsure on the train but loved watching them ride past. We'll definitely be going there again

Anyway that will do for now.

Till next time.

A few more LO and picture shares.

2009-03-15T13:53:00.005+11:00

WARNING PHOTO OVERLOAD!!!

Just wanted to share a few more LOs I've managed to do over the last couple of weeks. I've been trying to get back on the scrapping wagon and have really been enjoying it.

First one is a LO about a backyard picnic Joel and I had last year.

This one is a Blind Scrapping Challenge from Tam at Bon's Scraps

This one is showing a pic of my dad when he was little and Joel - just to show how alike they are.

We are all doing well. We've all been sick the last couple of weeks at various times, but are all on the mend now. We even managed to get out of the house of the long weekend last week and go to the zoo. It was Joel's first time and he loved it. We have become Friends of the Zoo so we can go to the zoo whenever we want for a year. So we are planning on doing that lots. Here are a few pics. Joel's favourite animals by far where the elephants. We sat there for a good 10 mins or so just watching them walking around, and he had great fun making the noises and making a trunk with his arm. Very cute

Anyway Joel is currently sleeping so I am going to try and fit in some scrapping before he wakes

Till next time

New Kit Club

2009-02-23T12:48:00.003+11:00

Came across this new scrapbooking kit website today - Simply Fresh Kits

They have some gorgeous kits and very reasonable prices. Should check them out!

A Layout!!!

2009-02-17T15:14:00.003+11:00

So after I typed my last post - Get Real, I had a sudden urge to scrap SO I give you my first LO since November last year!!! It's pretty simple but I love it and the photos are just so cute.
This is Joel and his little girlfriend Tilly from Playgroup.

That's all. Just wanted to share.
Till next time.

Getting Real

2009-02-13T12:05:00.003+11:00

Well I've been umming and ahhing about whether to do this or not, but have taken the leap. My friend on SOF, Lusi, has put out the challenge on her blog to Get Real Baby. To say what's really happening in our lives at the moment, instead of hiding behind the perfect housewife and mother mask. Cause let's face it, that ain't me!
So I'm whipping off the band-aid... here it goes.

I am way behind in my washing. I have at least 3-4 loads to be done. I have just about run out of undies!!
I spend way to much time on the computer and really need to not. It's not healthy!
I ate a whole packet of Chicos yesterday
Apart from playing basketball on Monday night, I haven't exercised in over a month
Sometimes I think I'm a bad mum who can't handle her own kid. He is at the lovely meltdown age but can't explain himself and I feel like I should know what he wants
I wish we had the money to buy a bigger house but know I should feel blessed to just have this one right now.
I love Joel so so much and would not trade him for the world, but I really wanted a girl first. But I am so happy now (as long as the next one is a girl!! LOL)
I've cried so much this week over the bushfire situation. I cried today at the local shops when I saw people donating goods. I'm such an emotional person.
I haven't scrapped a LO since the SOF Retreat in November last year.
I am one of 2 girls in my playgroup who has yet to have (or be having) their second child and I'm feeling a little jealous and a little pressure but know it's not time just yet.
I need to spend more time with God.
I watched The Farmer wants a Wife on Wednesday and liked it! LOL
I often lie to telemarketers just to get them off the phone

That will do for today. I really want to try and do this once a week (but seeing we are being real here it will more likely be once a month!!!!)

So there you have it. Me in all my reality at the moment.

I'm going to end with 5 things I am grateful for
1. That my family and i are safe from these fires (even though they aren't that far away)
2. That Joel did well at the Speech Therapist on Monday
3. For SOF website and all the girls there
4. That my mum and dad are coming home to visit in about 123 days!
5. That I had the opportunity to donate money to the Bushfire Appeal today.

Hopefully I'll be back soon to share some more.

Till next time.

Still here

2009-01-23T13:47:00.003+11:00

c

Still here. Been a good couple of weeks. Andrew is still on holidays which is nice. He goes back next Wednesday. Joel will certainly miss having him around, as will I.
Not a whole lot to report. Andrew is busily emptying and cleaning our big fish pond out as we are going to convert it to a sandpit for Joel so he's trying to do that in the cooler parts of the day.
Joel is doing brilliantly. He loves going outside at the moment and would spend all day out there if we let him. He's often found "crying" at the back door to be let out. Ha ha ha ha. He is speaking a little more now - as well as Mama and Daddy he now says Baby and Pease (please!) Pease is a new one as of yesterday and is said with big puppy dog eyes as he waits to go outside. Very very cute.
We've done all sorts of fun things in the last few weeks - paddling in his shell pool, playing in his pirate ship, gone to an indoor playground, swimming at the local pool.
I really want to take him to the beach so maybe next week sometime. He's never swam at the beach before.
So that's about it really for now. Haven't scrapped for a few days - my JYC still has 6 entries to go but I have pencilled in a couple of nights to get that finished next week. I want it finished by the end of JAN!!!
Anyway, I've spent way too much time on the computer today, so I'm going out to help Andrew with this pond while Joel is still asleep!
Till next time

Bye Bye Doggies

2009-01-10T14:03:00.003+11:00

A sad day at our house today. We said goodbye to Patch and Ali. We were dogsitting these guys for 2 years and the time has come for them to go back to their original family.
I'll miss their slobbery faces at the back window and their sad little eyes willing me to come and play.
But most of all I'll miss this

Joel giggling and running around the backyard with them. Giving them hugs and kisses.
He will really really miss having them around.

Was lots of fun having you here Patch and Ali. Have fun in Bairnsdale.

Till next time.

New Photo Blog

2009-01-08T09:36:00.003+11:00

OK so instead of clogging up this blog with my photo a day, I have made a new blog just for my photo a day posts. I have linked it in my sidebar - see Project 365 site but you can also click here - Megan's Project 365

This blog will continue as per usual - with random photos, our life stuff, scrapping shares.

Till next time.

Day 4 & 5 and some JYC stuff

2009-01-05T17:34:00.004+11:00

OK so here we go Day 4 and 5. I'm trying to think of a better way to do this Project 365. I really don't want to clog up my blog every few days with these photos so I may start another blog for the photo a day stuff and just link it from here. That's what a few of my friends that are doing this as well are doing.
But for now, here they are.
Day 4 - we went to check out my little sisters new apartment now that all the stuff is unpacked and that. It's very cute. On the way Joel cracked the sads in the car and this is a surefire way to keep him entertained - he hasn't managed to accidentally ring anyone yet

Day 5 - spent the day cleaning at my other sister's house. We had an extremely cute distraction in Sadie. She is such a little sweetheart. I'm really going to miss those guys.

Ok and here are some more JYC entries - totally behind in this but that's ok. I'm determined to finish before the end of Jan and I will!!

Entry 21 - had to scrap what we were doing right now

Entry 22 - another to do list entry

Entry 23 - had to scrap about our stocking traditions. We do a santa sack here. Photo was from Christmas Day.

Entry 24 - scrap why we love Christmas and any special Christmas Eve traditions.

That's about it for now.

Till next time

365 Day 2 & 3

2009-01-03T12:05:00.003+11:00

Ok so I didn't make it back yesterday to post my pic but I did take it and I've already taken today's as well so woo hoo on track still!! Have been helping both my sisters pack and move their stuff over the last few days - Clare, Matt and Sadie are moving to Adelaide in about 10 days and because my other sister Beth was living with them, she had to move out too! So it's been packing central at their house all week.
Anyway, here are Day 2 & 3 - No Joel pics today - he won't feature in all of the phtos but most likely a lot of them

Day 2 - Joel LOVES strawberries so we buy a couple of punnets a week (which can get expensive) so we found a strawberry farm near us that sells 3 punnets for $5 (BARGAIN!!) So every week we go to the farm to get strawnberries. Here is the truck from the fields, stacked with strawberries - YUM!!

Day 3 - I have a new (well she's pretty old) blogging companion. Her name is Molly. She is our family cat that was living with Mum and Dad and then they moved. So she lived with my sisters and now they've moved. So she's come to stay with us. She loves nothing better than to sit on the desk while we are in the office. She's a total sweetheart. Andrew is not much of a cat person but Molly is totally winning him over!! Ha ha ha!

So that's it for today.

Till tomorrow (hopefully!)

Happy New Year and 365 Project

2009-01-01T20:58:00.001+11:00

Well firstly, Happy New Year. I really hope 2009 is a year of great things for all of you.
Secondly, I am still partaking in the Journal Your Christmas - just been really slack taking pics of the layouts (and I am a little behind - I'm up to Boxing Day) BUT I promised to take pics of the stuff tomorrow and load them up.
Just wanted to share about another challenge I am hoping to undertake this year. It's called Project 365. Taking a photo a day for a whole year. I know I know sounds a little bit too hard but I thought I'd at least give it a go. I will try and post some here but hopefully they will all go on my Flickr site which I will put in the sidebar soon.
So Day 1 or Project 365 and I have taken at least 1 photo so that's a good start. Here it is....

It's not a perfect picture or anything but it documents what a bit of what we did today.

Christmas for us was great. We had a lovely time with both sides of the family. Ate way too much and got some awesome pressies - Joel was seriously seriously spoilt. But he loved it. Wasn't so much into unwrapping the presents this year - but I'm sure that will come soon enough. I will share some pics of Christmas once I've gone through and picked some out.

Also wanted to share a couple of pics I took the other day - i think it was Boxing Day. It was warm so we went outside and did water painting on the ground. Joel loves loves loves water at the moment so he was totally in his element and totally saturated.

And seriously, how long are these eyelashes. They are unbelievable!!!

And I am also in the process I've writing a few intentions/goals for 2009 and I really want to put them here so I can be accountable so I will share those over the next couple of days as well.

And lastly, my fave scrapper Ali Edwards (see sidebar) has issued her One Word Challenge again for 2009. The idea is to pick a word for the year (see her blog for greater detail)
My word for 2009 is going to be focus. I need so much more focus in my life. Need to focus on what's important and stop wasting time. Need to focus more on Joel. Need to focus on getting fitter and thinner!
So here's to more focus in 2009.

Anyone else got any thoughts on a word for 2009?

Anyway, I think that's enough for one night. I promise I will return over the next few days to share my JYC stuff, Chrissie pics etc..

Till next time

Days 12-15

2008-12-16T10:35:00.002+11:00

OK so here are days 12-15. I am really loving doing this - it's been so much fun

Day 12 - memories of Christmas Past

Day 13 - Christmas Music - faves? Do you like it? etc....

Day 14 - gifts on the big day - when do you open them, who gives them out?

Day 15 - visitors - do you have any over the holidays, etc..

That's about it for now. Am hoping to bake some gingerbread today - YUM!! Love it love it.

Till next time

Stll here and still Journalling

2008-12-15T19:51:00.004+11:00

OK so I've been sick the last week so haven't been doing much blogging and I got a little behind on my journal. Then on Wednesday night Joel had a shocking tummy bug and was vomiting most of the night/early morning so that wiped us out as well. BUT i am all caught up now! I will post Days 7-11 now and then 12-15 tomorrow as I haven't photographed them yet and it's getting a bit dark now.

Here we go

Day 7 - all about our to do lists.

Day 8 - we had to share how it's looking like Christmas around our house/street/city!

Day 9 - we had to scrap about our traditions. I did this last year so I focused on a childhood tradition which was going to/watching the John Martins Christmas Pageant in Adelaide.

Day 10 - wrapping - what are we using? do we enjoy wrapping presents?

Day 11 - the Christmas Tree

OK hopefully Ill be back tomorrow with the rest of the photos and then I am planning on staying on track.

Till next time

JYC Day 4, 5 & 6

2008-12-08T17:38:00.002+11:00

OK so I wasn't back yesterday BUT Andrew went to Sydney for a wedding over the weekend and took the camera. SO I couldn't take any pics of my pages. But here they are

Day 4 - we had to write about our Perfect Christmas. I have all photos of pretty things, catalogue and movies Christmas scenes. But that's not what my perfect Christmas is

Day 5 - we had to document how we countdown to Christmas or our Advent traditions/calendars.

Day 6 - share 2 stories of Christmas pasts - 1 good and 1 not so good. Mine were both from last Christmas. Good - it was Joel's first Christmas. Not good - first Christmas without Nanna and Mum & Dad moving away.

So I'm almost up to date!!

Till next time.

JYC Day 3

2008-12-04T15:45:00.002+11:00

Still keeping up with Journal Your Christmas. Woo Hoo! Hoping I can go the distance.

Here is my Day 3 entry - it was all about Christmas cards. Do we make them, buy them , even send them, etc...?? I journalled inside the card.

I used a copy of the Christmas Card I'm sending out to people on the page.

Till tomorrow (hopefully!)

JYC Day 2

2008-12-03T18:23:00.002+11:00

I KNOW!! 2 entries in 1 day. SHOCK HORROR!!
Here is my entry for Day 2. I only just got Day 3 email about 5 mins ago so technically I am caught up!!
We had to journal about the Christmas weather - snow or lack there of here in Australia

Ok that was all - just wanted to share!

Till next time

JYC Day 1

2008-12-03T11:55:00.002+11:00

So here is my entry for Day 1 of Journal Your Christmas. They asked us to write a manifesto, a promise to ourselves. So here it is. Cause the prompts are coming from the UK, I am always going to be almost a day behind but that's ok. Joel is asleep now so I am going to try and get Day 2 done.

Christmas tree is half up. Well the tree is up and the decorations are going on tonight when Andrew gets home from work - pray that Joel doesn't trash it too much!! LOL!

Till next time!

Journal Your Christmas

2008-12-01T11:32:00.003+11:00

So this year I am doing Shimelle's Journal Your Christmas again. I really loved doing it last year and think it will be something I try and do every year. I may mix it up a bit this year and use the prompts most of the time but also use the journal as a bit of a December Daily diary a la Ali Edwards (see link in sidebar)

So, as today is the 1st of December, the fun starts.

Here is the cover of my journal/album. I really love how it turned out.
MM Poinsetta glitter paper, MM green spot paper, AM Felt Thickers, Typewriter Letters from Willro&co Designs, little Tree badge from AM.

I am hoping to post a bit more regularly during December - just to share lots of Christmas love and joy.

Till next time.

Scrapware have a blog

2008-11-24T11:48:00.001+11:00

I love the Scrapware Chipboard embellishments and they now have a blog to check out here

They have a cute birdhouse up for grabs as well so go on over and check it out!

Retreat LOs

2008-11-21T17:38:00.005+11:00

Ok ok so i didn't come back yesterday. I'm sorry Beth!! But I'm here now.

Just wanting to share the LOs I did on the retreat

This is the LO I did in Bev's Class. We made our own backgrounds using Glimmer mist and stamps. Lots of fun and mess!

This one is about Joel and his love of books already. Love how this turned out

Just a fun little LO about Joel and this cute little thing he does when we say OH NO!!

Last one was a challenge LO. Had to only use papers, embellishments etc.. that were in my goodie bag from the retreat. I thought it turned out alright!

So there we go. It's going to be wet and windy here in Melbourne over the weekend so I am hoping to get more scrapping done then. Am in the process of making a Christmas/December album up to record all the fun and festivities of the season.

Anyway, till next time

Too much to say, not enough time!

2008-11-17T11:46:00.005+11:00

I've been meaning to get on here and post for over a week now but haven't had much time and then when I did Blogger was being a real poo but here I am! So much to say and share. Since my last post, life has been crazy but good. Joel has been giving us lovely wakeful time during the night for the last 2-3 weeks. Most nights (bar maybe 3 in that time) he's been up from around 12-2 (the worst night was 12-5!!!!). Suffice to say, Andrew and I are stuffed!! But we still love him. We've pretty much been going to bed when Joel does just to make up some sleep. We have discovered Joel now has 4 molars which we think is the reason for the wakefulness. We are hoping it finishes soon!!
Andrew is up to his eyeballs in reports and trying to do them tired is not fun for him. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel and they should be done by the middle of next week.
The most exciting thing that happened for me was the Scrap of Faith Retreat. I flew up to Brisbane on Friday 7th for the retreat and it was so much fun. I've been chatting to these girls for a couple of years now on the SOF forum and it was so good to meet a lot of them in person. Words cannot describe how it was to spend a weekend with these awesome awesome women of God. And shock horror, I actually got some scrapping done on the weekend as well (amongst all the chatting!!) I so hope I can get to the next one - whenever that will be. I'm better start saving now.
Just wanted to share some pics of the weekend. I will load some pics of the LOs I did on the weekend tomorrow. Too many pics to share today!!

My roomies - Suse, Gayle, Leanne, Nat and Kat

The gorgeous and extremely talented Ro Field

Tracey (who reminds me of someone famous and I still can't pick who!!)

Lou, Ali and I laughing (this pretty much sums up the whole weekend)

Awesome Gayle from WA - one very cool chick

SOF Creator and Awesome God Chick Sal

Nat Mardon and I doing Blue Steel (love this chickie!)

My roomies again

So that was the SOF Retreat in a few photos. So not enough to sum it up but it'll have to do.
Layouts to share tomorrow.

Till next time!

Another LO to share

2008-10-26T14:15:00.006+11:00

Have been MIA for a week. Joel has been sick - conjunctivitis (blergh!) and and ear infection and a molar coming through. How's that for doing it tough. Poor little love. He's been so tired and sad and mopey - it's been horrible to see. It's only really been today that he's perked up a bit. I have had a bit of a head cold too which hasn't been nice but I'll live!

Just wanted to share another LO - as Joel has been sick, I've been home all week so had a bit of spare time to do some scrapping. I have another two almost done as well!!

This was done for the 1,2,3 Cybercrop challenge (this one is the first challenge!)

Wasn't allowed to use Patterned Paper and had to have a stamped background, so I got to use my new KI Memories Block stamps that I bought at Paperific last Friday. I love them.

Anyway, I'm going to go and keep scrapping. I might just leave you with a couple of cutie photos I've taken of Joel in the last couple of weeks.

At playgroup last week (look at my big boy in his cap!)

Fun at the petting farm at Ringwood Salvos Family Fun Day

Playdough fun at the Family Fun Day

Joel and his furry best friend Ali! They love each other!

Anyway, till next time

Scrapping shares

2008-10-19T20:55:00.004+11:00

Just a quick update. We are all well. Life is moving quickly heading towards Christmas - what an awesome time of year. Joel is doing really well. Learning and trying new things everyday. We are very much into pushing buttons at the moment - the VCR, remote controls, on his toys, the dishwasher (which makes pretty sounds and lights when you push the button). Joel has also learnt how to turn the TV on using the buttons on the front of the TV!!! And turn the volume up and down and change channel - granted he just continues to push the same button - it's not like he's chosing which station to watch. Just about wet myself the other day when I turned the tele on and it came blaring on - the volume was at 50!! He's been pushing the volume button!!! But it's all fun!

Just thought I'd come on here and share a few of my latest LOs. The first two were done for the Battle of the Scrappers challenges at 3 Angels Scrapping and the last 2 were done for Scrap of Faith's September Challenges.

Anyway, that's about it for today.
Will be back hopefully tomorrow or Tuesday for a photo update.

Till next time!

Joel Sleep Eating 1

2008-10-14T13:55:00.001+11:00

This happened Sunday night. Joel hadn't slept all day and we got to dinner time and it was all a bit much to eat tea!!

The Toilet Paper Adventure

2008-10-06T18:51:00.001+11:00

This is some video footage of Joel's toilet paper adventure. Please note the bucket in the bathroom is not cause we have been sick - we are trying to be water savers!!

The Toilet Paper Adventure

2008-10-06T18:42:00.002+11:00

I went to work last night for a couple of hours and when I came back Andrew showed me what Joel had gotten up too. Luckily Andrew is the husband of a scrapbooker and knew to take photos. Andrew said he was preparing for school on the computer and it had gone all quiet. Then he heard a swishing noise coming towards the door and this is what he saw.

Crazy kid. I love him so much!!

Am going to try and scrap tonight so will hopefully be back in the next couple of days to show some stuff off!

Joel Photo Overload

2008-09-29T16:15:00.005+10:00

Ok so it's been a few weeks so I thought I'd better say hi in case you think I've moved to a foreign country or something (i wish hey!!)
Life is good - Andrew is on holidays and I have been working a lot so haven't had much time to blog. Joel is doing well. Loves to walk everywhere, loves going outside - often cries by the back/front doors to be let out!!
He loves to "read" books at the moment. He'll sit there for ages and look at them, reading them out loud. He babbles away.

Another love of Joel's at the moment is the TV show In the Night Garden on ABC. He will sit through the full 1/2 hour show and not avert his eyes from the screen. He doesn't do that with any other show. It is quite a cute show. It has become a daily ritual to sit down and watch that together at 9am!

Just wanted to share a few (ok a lot) of recent photos. We have been enjoying the spring weather and going for walks down to our local park which has a big pond with ducks. Joel loves to try and chase them. They are way to fast for him though. It's fun to watch him try though! He also loves the slide. Very cute to see him starting to play on the playground and stuff.
So here are some recents (especially for my sister Beth who is currently in Egypt and missing her nephew!!)

Sorry there are so many (actually I'm not) but they were all a bit too cute to cut out!
Anyway, we are going for a walk down the park again so better fly

Till next time!

Joel looks just like his Grandpa

2008-09-09T09:43:00.004+10:00

My dad noted that a photo I posted of Joel last week looked like him around the same age. I dug around on the computer to find old photos of Dad and voila! It was like looking at Joel all over again. This is a pic of Dad and a couple of his brothers (he has 4!) with Father Christmas and then my little dude. What do you think??

Freaky hey!
And just wanted to show my latest LO. Pics are of my gorgeous neice Sadie. How cute is she!! This was done for the first round of SYTYCS (So you think you can scrap!) We had to handcut PP designs, have some space, layering, clustering and a couple of other things. I really wanted to do a girlie LO so Sadie was the perfect choice for a subject. I really love how it's turned out!

Anyway, that'll do.

Till next time

Strawberries, sunshine and sandwiches

2008-09-05T17:26:00.007+10:00

It was such a gorgeous day here in Melbourne today so I decided that Joel and I were going to have a picnic lunch - in the backyard. He loved it. And the dogs did too. He even shared his lunch with them!! I managed to stop him sharing his drink bottle with them though.

Joel's mouth - always has food in it!

Our gourmet lunch - cheese and vegemite sandwiches and strawberries

Feeding Ali

I love that they are both looking the same way in this one. Too cute

Life is good at the moment. Enjoying my work, enjoying the time I get to spend with Joel, enjoying being a mum, enjoying my journey.

Playing catch-up

2008-08-29T11:44:00.004+10:00

Haven't really posted many photos of Joel on here lately (Probably much to my parents misery) so I thought I'd share a few recents.
We went to an indoor playground with playgroup on Monday and Joel loved it. He really loved the ball pit too which is extremely bizarre as he is usually afraid of balls. There were no other kids there so our littlies had free reign. A few of us went up on the big play equipment. Joel loved climbing through the tunnels. He looked so cute (and so small).

And yesterday we went out for afternoon tea with Beth (my sister) to say goodbye - she is off overseas for about 6 weeks. We took a few happy snaps there too - Joel had a baby cino and fairy bread - which he loved (getting all over himself!!)

And we have a new face that is being flashed around quite regularly. We call it The Grump Face. It's usually pulled out when he's being told off or we do something he doesn't like. It's so very hard not to laugh. He was grumpy here cause his little girlfriend Tilly was playing with his fave toy. It's called sharing sweetie!

I have a couple of scrap LOs to share too but I will do that over the weekend sometime. Don't want to overload you with photos.

Till next time!

Quick Update

2008-08-22T11:58:00.002+10:00

So I've been MIA for a few days but I have been so busy and Andrew has been sick (gastro -blergh!!) and home for the whole week so it's been crazy around here. So just a quick update and then hopefully a bigger one in the next couple of days.

I didn't make it through to the next Round of Idol. But I am so ok with that. I am just stoked that I got to round 6. I totally wasn't expecting too make it that far at all. But this comp has helped me find my scrapping mojo so that's a big fat positive. Thanks to all of you who voted for me.

I have a couple more LOs to share but need to find time to take pics of them and post them. Maybe on the weekend.

Apart from that, I really have nothing much else to share. Just wanted to let you all know we are still alive (andrew only just!!)

I'll be back later with some photos and other stuff.

A NEW LOOK

2008-08-15T20:52:00.004+10:00

Don't flip out and think you are at the wrong blog - it's still Megan here. Just thought I might change up my blog a bit. Found this super cute template and wanted to give it a go. What do you think?? Cute hey!

So I am through to the next round of Idol but they have decided to change the voting for the last couple of rounds and only let those who are active members on their forum (that have had at least 10 posts) vote. So thanks to all you guys that have got me this far. If you really want to become more active in the forum and then vote for me, feel free but I am totally not expecting you too.

But here is my LO anyway. We had to make all our own embellishments. And use metal, plastic and fabric. Talk about a challenge hey. I used bottlecaps, bread tags and some felt on mine. I really like how it turned out.

Joel is walking all over the place now. It's his preferred mode of getting around now. He is such a cute little walker. Really must get some more video and post it on here.
And my birthday is coming up next Saturday - another year older! 29! Getting close to the big 30!

Ooo oo and I had some extremely happy yummy mail this week. On her blog a few weeks back, Jamie Waters (see sidebar) had 2 kits from Work in Progress Kits, to give away all you had to do was leave a comment on her blog. AND I GOT PICKED. Well the kit arrived this week and oh my oh my. It was huge and so pretty. I seriously don't want to use any of the papers. Check it out...

Well that's about it for now. I am going to go and veg on the couch and watch the olympics with Andrew.

Till next time.

IDOL ROUND #5

2008-08-08T17:50:00.007+10:00

So it's voting time for Embellished Idol, people. I'll put the instructions on how to do it again and also show you my latest creation.
The criteria this week was to scrap a non-person LO. I channelled my inner girly girl and went we a yummy pink, blingy creation about my love of cupcakes. I am really happy with how it turned out. Hoping others do to!! :)

And a couple of close ups!

Now for the how to (i've just cut and pasted from last week's post!)
1. You have 3 votes so to find the other 2 people you want to vote for go to the Embellished Idol blog link and check out the entries for Round 5
2. Then head over to the Embellished Forum
3. Click on the Round 5 voting option and then at the top of that post is the poll. Vote for your top 3 people (my name is megan_s) and then submit. PLEASE NOTE YOU MUST BE REGISTERED TO THIS FORUM TO VOTE. SO IF YOU AREN'T REGISTERED, PLEASE DO SO - THERE IS A REGISTER BUTTON IN THE TOP RIGHT HAND CORNER OF THE SITE PAGE. ANYONE CAN REGISTER - YOU DON"T HAVE TO BE A SCRAPBOOKER!!
4. If you are looking to find people to vote for, my friend Jodi from mothers group is also in this competition. Her username is batnbub so feel free to throw a vote her way.

So there you go, if you are still having trouble voting, leave a comment and I'll try and help you out.

Thanks again for all your support guys. I appreciate it.

Till next time, stay positive and (vote fore me! LOL)

Thankyou

2008-08-07T10:46:00.002+10:00

Well I am through to Round 5 of Embellished Idol. Thanks to any of you that voted for me. I am very grateful
This won't be long as Joel is asleep and it's a good chance to do the next LO for Idol!! We have to do a LO without any people on it. I have an idea churning and am hoping it turns out how I see it in my head!! LOL

Just wanted to share a bit of neice love - this is my totally gorgeous neice Sadie (who is almost 7 weeks old!!) Joel and I spent the day with Clare and Sadie on Tuesday while we had a termite treatment done at our house. I caught this sweet little smile on camera. Almost makes me clucky again (but not quite!)

Till next time

Another round of Embellished Idol

2008-08-01T20:14:00.006+10:00

Well thanks to those that voted for me, i got through to the next round of Idol (by the skin of my teeth!!).
This round we had to attach everything to our page with stitching - title, photos, embellishments.

Here is my LO for this round

So here's how to vote for me (cause I would really appreciate that!! ha ha ha ha)
1. You have 3 votes so to find the other 2 people you want to vote for go to the Embellished blog link and check out the entries for Round 4
2. Then head over to the Embellished Forum.
3. Click on the Round 4 voting option and then at the top of that post is the poll. Vote for your top 3 people (my name is megan_s) and then submit. PLEASE NOTE YOU MUST BE REGISTERED TO THIS FORUM TO VOTE. SO IF YOU AREN'T REGISTERED, PLEASE DO SO - THERE IS A REGISTER BUTTON IN THE TOP RIGHT HAND CORNER OF THE SITE PAGE. ANYONE CAN REGISTER - YOU DON"T HAVE TO BE A SCRAPBOOKER!!
4. If you are looking to find people to vote for, my friend Jodi from mothers group is also in this competition. Her username is batnbub so feel free to throw a vote her way.

Again, thanks for all your support. Would love to stay in this comp as long as possible.

As for other stuff happening around here, poor little Joel has croup! So the last couple of nights have been pretty sleepless for all of us. But he is on the mend - not sounding like a dog anymore.
Apart from that, life is normal and good.

Anyway, i really should try and get a super early night.

Till next time, VOTE FOR ME!!! Hee hee!!

Embellished Idol and a little catch-up

2008-07-25T21:11:00.001+10:00

I mentioned a few weeks back that I was entering a competition called Embellished Idol. Well we are up to Round 3 and I am still in it. I would love to continue on in the competition but I need your help. I would love if you would vote for me. First of all, you'll need to register at the Embellished Forum then you can vote. You click on the Round Three button and it will show the list of participants. Choose your top 5 - feel free to vote for me LOL and my friends Jodi (batnbub) and Danni as well.
If you want to get a look at the participants entries, head to the Embellished Idol Blog.
Down the left hand side you will see a folder called Round 3 - there are pictures of all the projects for Round 3.
Our task this week was to scrap a life motto, but we were not allowed to scrap on cardstock.
I went with a canvas and was pretty happy with how it turned out.

The following two LOs are my pieces for Rounds 1 and 2.

As for the rest of the life, all is well. Joel is still tottering around. He doesn't actively walk yet - he won't initiate the walking but if we stand him up, he'll walk to us or to the couch. Still very cute!
Andrew is well and truly back into the swing of school and already looking forward to the next lot of holidays!! Work for me is going well as well.

Today marks the 1 year anniversary of my Nanna's passing and it still seems quite surreal that she is not here. I miss her so very much and often think of how she would react to things or what she would say in certain situations. She would have loved watching Joel grow up. To make sure we remembered Nanna, my sisters and I got together for lunch. It was nice to catch up and remember Nanna. We were actually talking about the photo above, saying that is was so her. She was making her yummy pasties and she still had she still managed to be wearing her pearls.

I really need to finish up.
Till next time, don't forget to vote for me!!

Joel's First Steps

2008-07-20T22:12:00.001+10:00

This happened at our house tonight.
We are all very excited!!!

A photo missing

2008-07-07T20:56:00.003+10:00

So after I posted my last blog post with all the pics of Joel's party, Andrew was looking through and was a little disheartened that there wasn't a pic of him and Joel in there (I'm sure I put on in the collage but it's not there now). So for Andrew's sake here is a pic of Joel and his Daddy (not a super great photo but a photo all the same!) And also a few extra photos that my friend Marina had on her computer.

Joel and Daddy

Thinking hard about what to play with next!!

The sisters, Joel and my neice Jessie

Joel's fave thing to do - push stools and chairs around!

The beautiful little Sadie

As for the nurse visit, Joel is growing along nicely. Still a littley but that's ok with me! He now weight 8.5kg and is a whole 6cm longer than he was in March!!! He's now 74cm long. The nurse said he is doing brilliantly and that's all I wanted to hear so we are happy.

That's all for now. I'm off to eat another cupcake!!!!
Till next time

In the jungle the mighty jungle....

2008-07-06T22:48:00.003+10:00

So we survived the first birthday party. We are all so tired and full but happy. It was a great day. Lots of people, laughs, food, presents (lots of those!!!!). Poor little Joel woke up with the killer of all blocked noses and a very husky little voice (AGAIN!!!!) but he was a trooper and the party went on. He was a little clingy for most of it but loved the present opening time. He was totally totally spoilt. So much stuff - we seriously look like we have robbed a toy shop. You can see his mother load of presents in one of the last photos. CRAZY CRAZY. Just wanted to share some pics of Joel's special day with you all.

A photo of Joel's present from my Mum and Dad - a Thomas the Tank engine babushka - all the way from Russia. Cute, hey!!

I need to go to bed now! We are off to the Maternal Child Health Nurse tomorrow for Joel's 12 month check up so I'll post the big stats (more for mum and dad and my own records!!)

Till next time

Just a quickie (as my Dad would say!)

2008-07-05T11:58:00.002+10:00

In the midst (love that word) of party prep which is going really well - I am totally baking up a storm and am slightly worried about the big job of making the cake this afternoon but just wanted to let you all know we are still here and alive

Will be back in the next couple of days for a party wrap up and I think it may be time for a header change as well.

Also tomorrow, I'm starting Embellished Idol - a scrapbooking comp run by the Embellished Shoppe. I am super excited about it. Look forward to sharing more next week

Till next time.

1 today

2008-07-02T22:09:00.002+10:00

This time last year I was laying in a hospital bed, holding my newborn son and feeling a little sore but so very proud of myself. Yes that is right - Joel is 1 today. Can you believe? I really can't. This year has seemed to fly by and I know I sound old saying that, but it's so true. I've been going back to July 2nd 2007 all day today, remembering what happened, how it all unfolded and the awesomeness (is that a word??) of the day - forgetting all the pain and yucky stuff of course. It still seems so fresh in my mind. But a lot has happened since then, and my little Joel is growing up. He makes me laugh at least once a day (and often makes me cry too! LOL). He amazes me the way he is constantly changing and learning and I cannot wait for the next year to unfold and see what he has in store for us. I am loving the journey of motherhood, and could not have asked for a more perfect first child.

Joel joel, I love you sweetpea and I'm so excited to continue to see you grow into an awesome little boy. Big smooshy kisses and snuggles.

I was going to share a few pics of his first year, but being a typical first time mum, there were too many to choose from so I did a little collage up in Picasa. Hope you get the gist. The last few were taken at our Mothers Group birthday party last week - Joel really really loved his first cupcake!

We are having a party on Sunday so I will be back hopefully on Monday, to share photos and a rundown of the shindig!

Thankyou all for sharing this journey with us.

Till next time

Meeting Sadie

2008-06-21T07:26:00.001+10:00

Joel and Sadie meeting for the first time

2008-06-21T05:15:00.001+10:00

Welcom Sadie Joy Reeve

2008-06-20T21:52:00.000+10:00

I have a new niece. Her name is Sadie Joy and she is beautiful. She was born this morning at 12:30am via C-Section. 8lb 2oz, 49cm long. My sister Clare is doing so well and as is her hubby Matt. We went and saw them tonight and she is just beautiful. So much hair and gorgeous squishy smooshy cheeks.

Thought I'd upload some videos of her for my mum and dad and also some pics!