crandall-stamper

Perth Christmas Pageant

2011-12-04T17:08:00.010+08:00

Today was Perth's 2011 Christmas Parade - although here they call it the Christmas Pageant. It was great - with over 100 floats, loads of colour, energy and noise (even in the hot weather).

Lucky for Sarah and I - we got a spot in the shade under some big trees - right at the front on the grass. I don't know how hot it was............ but we would not have managed without the shade. Here is Sarah waiting patiently for the Parade to start......in her long sleeved winter top that she insisted on wearing.

Sarah was very very lucky that the lady sitting next to us - with 3 little girls had taken a spare summer dress - that she let Sarah wear when she got too hot for her winter shirt.

One of the first to come along was Fat Cat. Fat Cat is a pretty important figure in WA. Every night at 7.30pm Fat Cat comes on TV and tells the Boys and Girls that it is bed time. Sarah loves Fat Cat.....although when he is on the ground close by - she runs away!

There were Knights, Dragons, Castles and Princesses.

And Clowns on Funny Bikes.

This Young Giraffe was having a great time - entertaining the crowd.

There were loads of colourful Dance groups

These are WA Gold Miners!

And when these guys came along I said - "Look Sarah, those people are riding Ostrich's"....and the little boy next to me pipes up and says - "Arhhh - I think they're Emu's"!!!

Lady birds, Tinkerbell and Fairy's

And then came.....................SANTA!!

Introducing......The New Sarah........

2011-11-27T07:17:00.003+08:00

Wow - Easter - the last post I did. So much has been happening since then.....probably why I have not been here. Anyway - here I am now. I have heaps of things to post - but I did want to start with this one.

Come on down........Sarah!!

Here is Sarah with her new Hair Cut. She has been asking for quite some time if she can get a Fold. For those that don't know what a Fold is........it's a Fringe. In Sarah's words, it's the bit that Folds over your face.

Sarah had been asking to get a Fold for quite some time. And in fact at the beginning of the year - we went to the Hair dressers to get it done - but when we got there she changed her mind.

So after about 2 solid weeks of asking I booked her in......and off we went. When she got there she said......Excuse me - can you wash my hair like my Mama's?

So they got her in the chair with the cape around her and laid her back to wash her hair. She loved it. Sarah smiled the whole time.

Once her hair was washed and combed out the Hair dresser clipped on a fake Fringe - so Sarah could see what it looked like. The hair dresser asked if she still wanted a Fold. And Sarah smiled widely and nodded.

So a Fold was cut.

Sarah got the full treatment - her hair was styled with a teeny tiny straightener, then some bits pinned back with tiny butterfly clips. Then it was sprayed with glitter. Sarah looked beautiful and she was very happy.

The following day Sarah showed off her Fold at her friends Birthday party.

Easter Egg Hunt!

2011-04-30T19:33:00.004+08:00

Ohhh - there has been a good deal of Chocolate around the place lately. The Easter Bunny came and hid some Egg's round the garden. We had just got out of bed when Sarah found this one....

So we found a little basket so Sarah could see if there were any more.....

And there were more.....

And it was not long before they were eaten too.

The week before Easter - Sarah had a Easter Bonnet parade at School. So we made this had. Sarah coloured in some Eggs that we cut out and stuck on. I made some Bunnys that we put round the top.

Overseas Trip!

2011-04-09T12:34:00.004+08:00

We went overseas last weekend! Well.........sort of! We went to Rottnest Island which is 19 Kilometres off the coast of Fremantle. It takes about 40 - 45 mins by Ferry. Here's our Ferry. Neil, Ana & Sarah all ready to go. We went to a group from my work - which was lovely. It was great to get together outside of work. It was a fantastic work function. Thank you for taking us. The Island is 11 kilometres long and 4.5 kilometers at it's widest point. You can hire a bike and ride around (it's a 24km ride). When we got there we took the local bus around the Island, to have a look around. As you can see from the pic's Rottnest has beautiful beaches, flora and fauna and these little guys......they are Quokka's. They hop around the place and are quite cute. This one walked across in front of us when we got off the Ferry......he was off to get a drink from a drain.

Here is Jo-ann and Diane on their Bikes.

After a free morning - looking round R0ttnest - we met everyone for a lovely Lunch at the Rottnest Hotel.

Here is Ana sitting with the Girls - Sarah, Nicole & Natasha.

Rod, Darcy, Jack (who's hiding behind Darcy) Kathleen and Graham.

Matthew, Jacinta & Melissa.

Diane, Vincent, Jo-ann & Graham

A Quokka came to lunch too!

After lunch we did various things, some biked, some relaxed with a few beers or wines, some played cricket or Frisbee on the beach. Sarah and I played in the water at the beach.

What a fantastic day we had. We definitely want to go back to Rottnest. It's laid back, beachy and perfect for a day trip or short getaway.

It's Party Time!

2011-03-26T19:03:00.008+08:00

Today we had a big Birthday Party at our house! Sarah is turning 5.

I can't believe it - where has all that time gone? It's time for us to Celebrate. We had a Pink / Princess themed Party.

The Invites went out a few weeks ago........

Sarah had 9 friends come to help her party, squeal and eat loads of lollies.

She was very excited and received some lovely gifts - which she ripped into as soon as her friends arrived. Here she is below opening a gift.

We played a few games - Musical Statues, a Lolly Scramble and a Treasure Hunt we ate heaps

of yummy food like Tiny Cups and Saucers, Jelly Oranges, Mini Pin wheels and Fairy Bread.

And then there was Cake!

It was beautiful. All pink, with fluffy feathers and her name in big Pink letters round the side. On the top was a Princess Tiara (that had flashing lights on it) and the number 5. It was Chocolate inside - it was very Yummy.

hhhxzf\]]]] cvvvvvhfyuiyu888888888888888888890tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiibnm,./;'''l;

Whoops - Sarah just wanted to write something......it says...

I love you very much - thank you from inviting me, come again when it is my birthday.
uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuup[ubmb

nn/bnjip ,.bvhbhgjkhjbljbnnjjjjjjjjjnnnnnnnlbllnnnnnnn;

And this says......Thank you for coming, and have a lovely Christmas.

Sarah loved it when everyone sang Happy Birthday to her.

Sarah played with her new things until bedtime.

One of the New Barbie's - it has 2 x Heads that you can change!

This is Sarah and her little friend Violet. Sarah was given a cooking set which included an Apron, Chef's Hat and some Pot Mitts. She loves them and wore them round most of the afternoon. With the Cooking things were a lovely cook book full of great Cooking ideas and recipes for Kids.

What a great day we had.

Certainly!

2011-02-12T14:03:00.003+08:00

Certainly.....that's Sarahs new word. One morning during the week the knocked really loudly on Ana's bedroom door and then marched in as said......."Grrr - turn ya music down - ya woke me up"!

"Did not" - said Ana. And Sarah stomped back to her room.

Then she came out to me and said "Mum, Ana certainly did wake me up"

Later Ana said - she didn't know if I was talking to a 4 year old or a 16 year old.

We laughed more later especially when Sarah and I were out walking this morning and I said to her what a lovely walk we were having. Sarah then said to me - "Yes, well I'll write it up in my diary when I get home"!! WHAT!! Firstly - I didn't know she had a diary and secondly she doesn't know how to write yet! Hee Hee

Anyway the reason for my post today is to share a few pic's of Sarah because we picked up her Glasses this morning. PINK of course! They are really cute. She loves them and has not taken them off yet - except to clean them about a million times!

Doing her craft!

End of School Picnic

2011-01-19T13:40:00.006+08:00

At the end of the School Term (last year) we were invited to the Kindy Room Picnic. It was a fun couple of hours.

Firstly Sarah's class did some songs and dances for us.

And then they were all given their portfolio's.

Don't ask me why Sarah has to wear thick winter tights - in the middle of Summer! But she does have her very own unique dress sense.

Then we all headed outside to play some games before we had our picnic.

First we played the Egg and Spoon game (which was really golf ball and spoon).

Then we had to race with a balloon between our legs.

Yes - I had to play too!!

Tell me.......what do you think Sarah is thinking in this pic??

Here is Sarah - sharing her picnic with her friend Beau.

25 Dec 2010 - Merry Christmas!

2010-12-26T09:04:00.006+08:00

Merry Christmas everyone!

I thought I would share a bit of our Christmas Day with you.....although they are mainly Sarah pics!

To describe the day in one word I would have to say....."HOT"! It was a scorcher - I'm not sure how hot - the forecast was for 38 - but some reports were saying 40. Thank goodness we were at Nana & Pop's place so were able to take advantage of the swimming pool. And I don't think I would have survived without it. We were swimming right up till 7pm - when I took Sarah home cause she was exhausted.

Santa came, sometime during the night - and we were up ripping into things by 5.30am.

Sarah got some Zhu Zhu pets - which are cute little Guinea pigs that make lots of little noises and zoom around everywhere. She even has a little carry bag for them to go in.

Ana gave Sarah a dance video thingy that you can learn dance moves to via the TV from Ana.

As you can see from the state of my lounge room - Sarah was spoilt with lots of things from lots of people.

New Barbie meets old Barbie!

Then we went to Nana & Pop's to eat, drink and swim

Sarah jumps in the pool and swims around on her board.

Here Sarah is showing me how here new Scooter works. She's got it going pretty good too.

Swan View Show Day

2010-11-20T18:45:00.008+08:00

Today the Swan View Show was on. So we went along to check it out.

It's kinda like an A & P Show. It's our local one - so it's kinda little. It's held at a local park just round the corner from our house.

They have a big one in Perth called the Royal Show - that was during the last school holidays - although we did not go to that.

We had a great time. There are heaps of things to see and do.

They have competitions for local Arts, Craft, Photography, Cooking, Fruit & Veges, Jams & Preserves, Home Brew & Wines, Flower Arrangements, Eggs, Woodwork, Pottery, as well as Livestock competitions for Cattle, Poultry and Rabbits.

There are also competitions for the school kids too - in Arts & Craft, Cooking, Flower Arranging, Poster Competitions, Sculpture, Handwriting competitions, Lego making, Finger painting and a Pet Parade too.

And then they have all the other things you can look at - like a little Pet / Animal Farm thing, Vintage / Classic Cars, Equestrian events, local singers and bands, displays from dance groups and kids gymnastics and marching.

Sarah got to hold a little bunny at the Animal Farm thing....they had baby chickens, ducklings, Guinea-pigs, rabbits, a pig, sheep and an Alpaca.

And don't forget the side shows, Ferris-wheels, bouncy castles and Candy floss stuff.

Ana took Sarah for a ride on a Camel. Sarah was keen to start with....but then when the Camels arrived from their last ride and she got on - she was a bit scared.

They got the Camels going quickly and she screamed for the first few minutes....but calmed down. And I made sure that Ana was hanging onto her to make her feel a bit more secure. By the time they got back - she has stopped screaming and did not look to scared. But she got off pretty quick.

Then the girls headed for the Ferris-wheels. Sarah went on the little one and Ana went on the big one (which turned her upside down).

Then Ana went with Sarah on the Kangaroo Ride which made them feel like they were hopping up and down. Ana got all the kids holding their hands up and screaming. To start off with they squealed like girls....but Ana said.....No scream like this......Arrrhhhhhh and demonstrated how to do it.

And....I was really pleased with how these pics came out - cause I took them with my phone. I had left my Camera at home so decided to give the phone camera a go. Considering that - I think they are pretty good.

34...37...and windy!!

2010-11-03T17:21:00.004+08:00

It's only the beginning of November and already it is hot! 34 yesterday 37 today!

Today Neil rang me at work to say there was a fire up the back...and the was warm ash landing in our garden. So I told him to get a bag ready.

By the time I got home - the wind had changed direction and the fire was going the other way but we went and had a look anyway.

The houses in the street just below where we were standing have been evacuated down to the local Recreation Centre.

The wind will shift back to our direction in the morning so we will have to see what happens then. Apparently it was deliberately lit....like many of the bush fires over here. We will have to watch the News to find out more info.

A New Family Member

2010-10-23T19:09:00.004+08:00

When we first moved to Perth Sarah fell in love with a couple of friends. Right from the start she would hang out with them, talk and chatter and cuddle. Here she is with them in February 2008.

On Thursday, one came to live with us!

Here is Sarah with her friend Honey. Honey is three years old and they are great mates.

I just asked Sarah what she wanted me to write on here and she said...... I love Honey cause she is so beautiful and nice. And cause she does not bark. And sometimes she be's naughty and sometimes she be's good. And she plays with me but she does not play with Buddies Toys.

She said - Tell Grandma, I got a Honey Dog. And she's gonna stay with me forever and ever and ever.

Fathers Day at the Kindy

2010-09-06T11:58:00.011+08:00

As you know - it was Father's Day yesterday....so during the week they had a Father's Day afternoon at the Kindy. Neil went along and took the Camera with him too.

Here is Sarah running out to meet Neil.....it's a bit fuzzy I know - but that's cause she was moving so fast.

Hi Daddy!!

The children had baked Biscuits and Cakes for the Dads. And they had a Cup a Tea. Although Sarah calls is a Cuffatea - which is a mix of Coffee and Tea!

Here she is with some of her School mates.

They did some activities together - including playing in the tent.......which is tiny and I doubt Neil even squeezed his legs inside!!

Cheeky as ever!!

Hair Cut Day.

2010-08-15T16:15:00.003+08:00

Today we had Hair Cut day at our place.

Ana's friend Alyse came over and did it for us. Alyse works with Ana but is also a Hairdresser. She is from Tauranga.

Sarah had a trim.......

Mine was chopped......

And Ana got the Smooth Doo!

Alyse & Ana

Freo Funny!

2010-07-24T16:05:00.005+08:00

Today we decided to have a Family outing. We decided to go to Freo (Fremantle) for a wander around. Neils cousin Paul lives there and we thought we might catch up with him too - but unfortunately he got stuck at work - so next time perhaps.

Freo was lovely - busy as usual and very touristy.

The story of the day was......................We had a bite to eat and a wander and ended up at the Round House - which is an 179 year old Stone Gaol. It is on a high hill and from there you can get some awesome views over the Port & Sea.

At 1pm everyday - they fire a Cannon from there as a reenactment of when they used to do it to let the ships know the time. They had two systems - the Cannon firing and a Ball dropping. One to signify local time and one to signify GMT.

Anyway - we just happen to arrive there about 15 mins before the Cannon fired - so we hung around to watch & listen........ at 12.55- we were all hearded back behind the safety line and given the spiel about it all, told to cover our ears and then there was a big count down.......10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1....BANG! (not)

Ohhhh - it didn't fire!

That was a disappointment.

So the lady scurried around - and we tried again.........awww NO BANG!

OK - she'll just check this and that and plug that wire in again.........here we go........awww NO BANG!

So - that was it.....off we went. As we were leaving there were people hurrying up there to see it. But Ana said...... "Sorry - you just missed it - it was Awesome"!

We finished our wander and came home, stopping on the way for Ice creams.

Kindy Days

2010-07-22T09:45:00.006+08:00

As you would have seen on a previous Post - Sarah is now at School (Kindy). She has just finished School holidays and is so happy to be back at school. Although she was exhausted afterwards yesterday.

During the holidays they sent home her School Portfolio of her work so far. It's so cute - so I thought I would put pics of some of it here for you to see.

Mama took me to the Zoo today...

2010-06-04T16:44:00.008+08:00

This is the Baby Giraffe at Perth Zoo.

Guess where we went today? My Mum is visiting us at the moment - so we decided to have a day out at the Perth Zoo.

We had a lovely day wandering around - it was warm but not too hot which was good. Here are some pics from our day.

Two of the Giraffe's - the smaller one here is the Baby from last year.

Stripey Horses - Zebra's really.

Sarah called these Turtles....but they are really Tortoise.

While we stood there - they all went off for a walk.

Sarah loved sitting on this Life-sized Galapagos Tortoise statute - she had remembered it from our Zoo visit last year.

This Orangutan had a 6 month old baby. They only have a baby about every 8 years.....then breast feed for about 6 years!

This is one of the Asian Elephants - he has great tusks.

Mr Tiger was sleepy.

Sarah and Grandma

Penguins - really cute...but quite smelly. And really fast swimmers too.

This is a Black Neck Stork also know as a Jabiru.

The big Croc was out in the sun.

He's huge - you know!

Mum got friendly with this Mama & Baby

Mothers Day Project

2010-05-11T16:45:00.003+08:00

So did all you Mum's out there have a good Mothers Day? Get time off? Put your feet up? Well I got quite spoilt.

During the day Neil and Sarah disappeared. I could hear Neil sawing, hammering and pottering in the shed. And Sarah seemed very happy pottering round with him. I left them to it for a while and then when up to see what was going on. They were busy making something......so I went away.

A while later they emerged with a new Peg Basket for me. It had to be painted....so they did that. Here are some pics of the finished product.

Sarah painted this side.

Neil painted this side.

See how it hangs on the line....and I can move it along the line or take it off the line too if I want.

A very handy gift.

Spaghetti or Spelling

2010-05-01T21:30:00.006+08:00

After I finished my dinner one night - I got up to start the dishes, leaving Neil helping Sarah to finish her meal. When I went back to clear a few dishes I found.....

Since starting School - Sarah now points out every "S" in sight and says "There's my name Mummy". She makes an S out of everything.

So...Card Making is not the only reason I have a plastic table cloth!

Zoom Zoom Zoom!!

2010-04-25T21:07:00.005+08:00

Last weekend, we had a great family week end out. The Red Bull Air Race was on - so we decided to go down and check it out.

On Saturday afternoon we sat beside the Swan River and watched the Aeroplanes buzzing around. They are so fast and fly really low over the river around a set course.

Floating on the river are a set of gates that they have to fly through as fast as possible. Each run takes just over 1 min. The fastest man wins.

We could see Jellyfish and Fish swimming by. They were so close that Neil tried a bit of fishing by hand.

The Police were there too.

At the end of the day the Air force did a flying display. Here they are flying in formation - above us and over the city. We had great views of Perth city on the other side of the River.

We manage to catch the last few Air Races of the day - and enjoyed it so much we decided to go back on Sunday for the final day of racing.

So on Sunday, after packing our Picnic Chilly Bin, Folding Chairs, Gazebo, Beer Chilly Bin, Blanket, Sun Block........etc - we set off for another day of racing.

The planes all put out a trail of smoke as they go around the course - which helps you to keep up with them - and you can also see if they are turning tight circles to get round the course faster or not. At times the course gets quite fogged up with smoke.

Through-out the day there were a number of displays by different air-craft. This is the Helicopter that was buzzing round all day - I think they were probably filming the action.

And Qantas did a fly over with their big plane that is decorated with Aborigine designs (sorry it's a bit fuzzy cause it was quite fast and I had trouble taking a pic of it).

Sometimes the planes in the Red Bull Air Race clip the gate things and as the air escapes they float down to the river. Then a little boat races out and fixes on a new bit and they inflate with air again ready for the next plane to start.

As you can see - the sun was shining - it was a beautiful day. We (and other race watchers) were pleased we took our Gazebo for shade and sun block too. It was a great atmosphere. It was fantastic - we had another awesome day out - and were all exhausted by the time we got home (mainly from carrying all our picnic paraphernalia).

Sarah turns Four

2010-04-10T11:06:00.002+08:00

Far out - Sarah's Four! Four!! Hip Hip Hooray!

This is the one and only Photo I took of her on her Birthday.

As I have been very sick - we did not have a party or anything. And unfortunately I could not even manage much of a fuss for her.

Neil and Ana made sure she had a great day.

Neil baked and decorated this Cake for Sarah. It has a Dora Candle on it (although you can only see it from the back). She loved it. And giggled and squeeled with delight when we sang Happy Birthday.

She received heaps of lovely gifts from all the family (Thank you everyone) as you can see by the piles of stuff in the back ground. She is loving the Wiggles DVD from Grandma and got some Pom Poms that she shakes and grooves round the lounge with. She got a great big Happy Birthday sign from Poppy that is still hanging up. I'm not aloud to take it down!! A new Barbie from Nana & Pop is also a hit. And the (toy) Iphone from Shayla is the best. Dora was again a big hit - she even had to sleep in her Dora PJ's and Sleeping Bag from Aunty Shiree that night.

You can also see in the photo that she has her School Uniform on......cause she went to School. Ana had made and iced 25 little cup-cakes for everyone in the class and they had a little party at school. So that was cool.

Sarah said the Teacher called her the Birthday Princess all day.

Swimming

2010-04-10T10:38:00.004+08:00

Wow - it's been a while since I posted anything here. I do have a few things I want to post here too. I'm just having a quiet morning to myself....blissful. The girls are out with Aunty Shiree & Neil is off play Golf - I am having a wonderful quiet time to myself. Aaahhhh!!

Sarah getting kicking practice. Don't you love that smile??

For the last few months Sarah has been doing Swimming Lessons. She loves it too. I was really amazed at how well she picked it up.
She just loves the water - always has really.

This is the swimming complex - it's always really busy. There were just 2 x children in the class which is great.

Kicking on her back and swimming with the flutter board.

I could not believe that by the end of her lessons she could kick across the pool by herself. It's just great. Here she goes.......

And she swims through the hoops........can you see her under the water??

The Teacher throws some little hoops and stick things that sink......then they go diving after them.

Great Fun Huh???

Sarah Starts School

2010-02-01T13:05:00.003+08:00

It was all action in the house-hold this morning as Sarah was starting School. (Kindy). The Kindy is attached to the School - so it gets the kids into the school routine straight away. Today, Sarah just did a half day....and next week will be two half days. But from then on she will go for 2 x full days and 1 x half day.

She got all ready in her school uniform, play-lunch and bag packed and off we went. She was quite excited.

When we got to school - the Teachers were there to greet us. Mrs Hewton & Mrs Olejnik.

The children were allowed to play in the room for a little bit - while everyone arrived. Sarah asked me to stay for a bit - so I took a seat while she discovered the room.

Then one of the little girls that she went to Daycare with came in.....so they chatted together. Then Sarah came over and said "You can go now Mummy" So I gave her a kiss and off I went.

As I left - the Teacher handed me a survival kit.

Inside was a note that said.....Here is a little "gift" for you as you leave your precious one with us on the first day of school. The soft cotton ball will help you to remember the gentle spirit of your child. After you've gone home and dried your tears with the tissue, make yourself a hot cup of tea. Enjoy the Mintie, because it's "Moments like these" you need them. Put up your feet and relax.

It made me laugh....but that's not what I did when I got home!

H H H Hot!!

2010-01-19T11:06:00.004+08:00

Man it's hot! We've had a couple of days at about 43 degrees. AND last night's overnight Low was just over 27 degrees!

So we have been hibernating inside....with the AC going. And we have been swimming when ever we can too.
We had a friend come swimming at our place too in our little blow up pool.

Mr Frog decided he needed an over night swim. I emptied out most of the water and the next night he hopped away.

Split Chin

2010-01-07T16:35:00.002+08:00

Sssssst sore! Sarah split her chin open the other day. She was climbing up on the lounge chair (from the back) and as she came over the top the cushion folded and she fell forward - whacking her chin on the edge of the bench.

So we quickly held it together with a sticking plaster - and went off to the doctors. They put a Cris-cross steri-strip and some super glue on it to hold it together.

Hence - she has not climbed up that way again. Sometimes - they have to learn these things for themselves......no matter how many times you tell them!!

Slippin' and Slidin'

2010-01-03T07:54:00.002+08:00

Sarah was given some great gifts at Christmas time. She is still discovering them. One of the things she got was a Slippery Slide from Grandma. Here she is having a go on it.

She's quite funny though - cause she has not got the idea to run up to it and slide yet. She just sits at the top of it - and you have to push her down.....once she's going down she laughs and laughs.....it's great fun. The bottom of it is shaped like I shark mouth - and the water pools in the mouth bit - so it's like a little pool.

Our Christmas

2009-12-26T17:10:00.006+08:00

Merry Christmas everyone. I hope you all have had a happy and festive time. We had a lovely Christmas Day – it was HOT so there was lots of swimming, eating and lounging around.

Before Christmas we had several visits with Santa. First up we went to Sarah’s Day Care Christmas Party. It was at Whiteman Park which is a huge park about 15 mins away from our house. There are heaps of things there – pools, play grounds, craft places, traffic museums, RC Parks even a Wildlife park. Anyway – the Day Care put on a Sausage Sizzle and Santa came to see the kids.

This is Sarah sitting with one of the ladies from her Day Care - Kiarma. Sarah loves her.

Sarah waited and waited to sit on his knee......finally her name was called and she went and posed with him. Can you tell she’d dressed herself??

A few days later – Santa came to the Christmas Party that we had at Wednesday Play Group. We had a lovely party and the kids all sat on the mat and waited for Santa. On this day Sarah did not want to sit on his knee. She just wanted a present!!!

Sarah with her friends. (L to R - Sarah, Chloe, Lauren, Lilli-anne)

Waiting for Santa.

A few days later again......Sarah went to see Santa at the mall. He asked her what she wanted for Christmas....she said – "A present". So he said "Is there anything else you’d like"?......she said....."Ummm another present".

As Christmas got closer and we put up the tree, hung lights and put gifts under the tree – Sarah got more excited. When we put up the Tree and decorated it – she spent about 40 minutes walking round in a circle singing....Santa Santa Ho, Santa Ho Ho Ho. I’d hidden the gifts away as I thought if we put them under the tree too early she would get into them. So on Christmas Eve I got her to help me get them out one by one and put them under the tree. Every time we put a new present underneath she would scream and squeal with excitement. Christmas seemed to be taking forever to get here for her.....and I think she was beginning to think it would never come.

On the 23rd I said to her.... Santa will be coming in a few days. And she said....But it’s not snowing yet Mummy. Then she was concerned because we did not have a Chimdey (that’s what she calls it). So we went outside and showed her that we did have one. But she was very concerned with the size of it as it’s not that big.

Anyway – we left out some Biscuits, Fizzy Drink for Santa and some Water & Carrots for the Reindeer and she went off to bed nicely. The next morning – I think she had forgotten about it all cause she took a bit of coaching to get up and out of bed. I think when she got to the lounge she was still half asleep.

Santa had been to our house...and it did not take long before the lounge was covered in Christmas paper and gifts. We then spent the next few hours discovering all the gifts. Neil painted Sarah’s fingernails with her new Nail Polish. The bubble machine was a big hit too. She had a spin on her new bike....but will need a bit more encouragement before going alone.

We got all cleaned up, dressed up and went round to Nana’s for another round of spoiling. By now Sarah was an expert at ripping into presents. She was given (among other things) a lovely little dolly and a flash pushchair. She loves them and has taken then everywhere.

In the afternoon we went to Neil’s sister’s house – where we were spoilt again..... and ate the rest of the day away. It was pretty hot – just over 35 degrees – so we had a few swims too. We had to tag team in the pool – because Sarah loves the water and would stay in the entire time.......as one adult got out – she would go to the next person and ask....Do you want to go for a swim with me.

Here she is relaxing in the sun with her cousin Cody – who got a Hammock for Christmas.

We had a great day – the words HOT, eating, swimming and relaxing sum it up.

Our New Ride....

2009-12-10T13:26:00.004+08:00

As some of you know, our car died recently so we have been looking round for a new car. We found one.....we picked it up yesterday.

It's a 2008 Toyota Aurion - Dark Silver. It's got all the bells & whistles that we need.....plus a few others probably, so we are motoring again.

Shower Ready

2009-11-30T22:20:00.003+08:00

I just thought I would pop in here and share this cute pic I took of Sarah tonight.

Sarah has decided that she can't have a bath any more. She said "My baths too big and I can't fit". I know that does not make sense....but she means she thinks she has grown to big for the bath now and can't fit in it any more. At one stage she said......"My bum will get stuck"!

Anyway - when she was at Nana's the other day she found this in the draw and has decided it's her Shower Cap. She loves it. The cap thing she has is actually a food cover thing.....but it's a good size for her head.

Party, Party, Party

2009-11-08T21:28:00.005+08:00

What a busy day we had.....with Parties.

Firstly, this morning we went to Alyssa's 5th Birthday Party at Hungry Jacks (same as Burger King). Alyssa is one of Sarah's friends.

Here's all the kids with their Party hats on. They played Party games before munching on Chips & Cheese-burgers.

Alyssa (on the right) preparing to blow out her candles.

Then we went onto another Birthday Party. It was for Denise's 30th Birthday. Denise and her daughters go to the Playgroup that we go to on Wednesdays. This is the beautiful Denise.

The party was a Hawaiian Theme...so very colourful. Lots of fun. Everyone looked great. Sarah was very happy to see her friends. Here she is with Chloe.

Sarah appears to have taken over the Karaoke......although I can confirm she did share with everyone. And they danced too. The funniest bit was Sarah doing the Bird Dance. She definitely has the moves.

Sarah enjoyed her first few Swims of Summer....... shivered heaps ....but still would not get out.

Look what I can do Mummy!

2009-11-02T22:29:00.002+08:00

Cheeky huh.......as you can see Sarah is coming up with new things everyday. She has been very concerned with "Our Bodies" lately and what is inside them. She's been asking things like...."Why do we have bloods"?
And...."What's in by my heart"? And saying things like....."But we don't cut each other, do we"? So I explained that Special Doctors do the cutting. So then she asked....."But won't my bits come out"? Of course the answer the that is that the Special Doctors also do special sewing.
NOTE:.... I don't know how or why she learnt to climb the door frame!

Snails!!

2009-11-02T11:50:00.005+08:00

Far out!! I can't believe it's been so long since I've put something on here.....I mean I know I've been absent but three whole months have flown by! But....I'm back. And I have heaps and heaps of Show & Tell.

But first....I thought I would start with something funny and unbelievable!

SNAILS!

We have a few...............................1000 that is.......

Indulging Sarah.

2009-07-22T08:37:00.003+08:00

Further to my last post ......

This morning I got strict breakfast instructions.

Chocolate Toast (which is Nutella between two bits of bread)
with....Cheese, Raisins & Rice Bubbles. (That's inside the sandwich)!

Cut the crusts but NOT the bread.

MMmmmmmm Yummy!

I want something to eat!

2009-07-21T20:30:00.000+08:00

"I want something to eat" seems to be the phrase I hear most often at the moment. If it's not that then it's "I want something to eat" The other morning she even said it before she had opened her eye's! Some days I just don't seem to be able to fill Sarah up!

Sometime she get's impatient with me and get's in the pantry herself.

Other times she even makes her own sandwich!!

Brrrrrrr!!!

2009-07-20T20:22:00.002+08:00

It's cold man! We are definitely having winter here.

We are having a pretty stormy time. This morning when we got up the ground outside was WHITE!

It had just bucketed down and the Hail on the ground was quite thick. Here are some pics.

It's been freezing all day. Low = 8.1 & High = 14.3

Pea's Anyone!

2009-06-18T10:55:00.002+08:00

For those of you that know our Sarah.....you’d know that we struggle to get her to eat vegetables. Unless it’s her usual Potato & Carrot that is. However for the last month or so – every now and again she asks for some peas. Frozen Pea’s. So I give her about 6 – 10 in a little bowl and she will even eat them.

Well last night while I was getting other vegetables ready...she decided to get her own Pea’s. Then I hear this little OHH OH from behind me. I think this is a few more than 6 – 10!!

Pajama Day at Day Care

2009-06-15T08:01:00.004+08:00

On Friday it was Pajama Day at Day Care. So all the kids went in their PJ's. It was so cute. Not only did the kids Sarah's age have their PJ's on but so did all the little babies and the carers too.

Everybody enjoyed it too. They were all so happy and sounded as if they had had a great day.

Here's Sarah in her Dorothy PJ's - which is what she wore to group.

And then she would not take them off......so slept in them......then would not take them off the next day either.....so wore them all day again.

Here she is being a poser.

Sarah had her friend Lauren over to play the other day too. I made them some playdoh. It started off being 5 different colours but soon ended up a bluey, greeny, gray colour.

The girls had a little picnic outside on the step and enjoyed playing aeroplanes on the lawn together.

It's My Birthday Today......

2009-05-28T22:27:00.003+08:00

I'm older than yesterday.....and all of my friends are coming over to play and they'll all sing Happy Birthday.........

If any of you know this song...feel free to sing!

I've had a great day....lots of phone calls and goodies. I was given some beautiful flowers from Mum & Nadine. Here are some pic's

Not only are they beautiful and they smell great too.

I did not get up to much.....just pottered around. Sarah helped me with some little chores, we played hide & seek (although she always hides in the same place and calls out "I'm Here"), we gardened, play doh'd and spent time in the sand pit and on the swing. But it was a lovely day. Thank you to everyone for your Birthday Wishes, Gifts & Cards.

Now for those of you still singing.......

...Jelly and Ice-cream and Fairy Bread.....and party hats to put on your head. There's gonna be a Birthday Cake and we'll blow out all the candles....1...2...3....4.....hang on a minute or more while I blow out all the rest.....

A Little Mouse in the House.

2009-05-19T21:32:00.002+08:00

When I went to make dinner last night - I got out the Cheese and found there had been a MOUSE in the house.

I said....Who's that MOUSE in my HOUSE?? And a little voice said....It's ME, It's Sarah.

Neil's New Old Car.

2009-05-10T20:54:00.004+08:00

Wow - what a busy & exciting few months we have had. We had my sister Nadine visit from NZ and it was Sarah's birthday. That was closely followed by a trip to NZ to visit our family & friends. And then I had a few wonderful days away at the Stampin' Up! Convention in Canberra.

And in the middle of all of this happening, we sold one of our cars too. On our return from NZ, Neil was looking through the paper at different things and came across a car that caught his attention. So off he went to look at it. He came home and said he wanted it. So the next day we went back to get it.

TA DAAA....Here it is.......

It's a 1969 Holden Premier. (Bloody good year)!

As you can see - it's Blue with a White roof. The Interior is Black leather - which is all embossed and pleated - so quite fancy. Sorry that's about the extent of my info on it.....motor or mechanical-wise you'd have to ask Neil about it - cause I have NO idea.

We looked on the Internet at the Original TV ad of when it came out....that was a laugh. The ad said....."with extras such as Mudflaps and Wing Mirrors". Yay Yay - we have Extras!

So this is not only Neil's New car but also his new project as he is restoring it. He started straight away and has dismantled the front part already. I'll be adding some updates on it from time to time and keep you posted on the progress.

Lip Stick!!

2009-03-30T21:45:00.004+08:00

What a beautiful little Girl. And don't you LOVE the LIPSTICK!!

I was busy doing something the other day when I heard this little voice beside me saying "Mummy - I pretty like you"!

Looking down I saw this beautiful face.

So we went outside and took some pic's - then we cleaned up.

Lucky for me there was no lipstick on floors or furniture. But I do have to put my handbag up high now.

Happy Mail.

2009-03-22T14:47:00.003+08:00

I'm quite lucky to receive a bit of Happy Mail from time to time. Here's a couple of things I've received lately.

Firstly, I received this lovely card from Jacque. (Hi Jacque, Waving).

I used to attend Jacque's Card Making Classes each week in NZ. And I loved them. Alot of the projects I have done in my classes have been inspired by Jacques work. And for me, becoming a Demonstrator was largely inspired by Jacque too.

Thank you for the lovely card Jacque and Yes - I will see you in Canberra.

I also received this chain from my SCS Secret Sister, who told me, she has one herself. It hangs over a lamp in her scrap-room to remind her to stay imaginative. It has butterfly wings inside it. Thank you SCS Big Sis.

I do monthly swaps with Kim & Nadine that bring me a good deal of Happy Mail too. In the last swap I did with Kim the theme was "Inspired by something around the house"

This is one of the projects that Kim sent. As you can see - it is inspired by her Clown Tea Pot. Cool aye? The spots are all shiny and raised up. It must have taken her hours to make.

Thank you Kim.

Cannington Craft Show

2009-03-15T13:12:00.003+08:00

Yesterday Tracey, Sarah, Jaz & I took part in the Cannington Craft Show.

This is our stand – we had lots of beautiful Cards and Scrapbook pages on display.

Here is a great pic of Tracey & Sarah holding the fort while Jaz runs a Make & Take Session.

We had spent about 4 weeks making bits & Pieces for the show.

Pics of stuff we had made.

Having done the show in December it did not take us long to get organised & set up.

Jaz ran the first of our Demonstrations and Make & Take sessions. Here she is in Action.

Visit to Armadale Reptile Centre

2009-03-01T21:50:00.005+08:00

Today Nadine, Sarah and I visited the Armadale Reptile Centre. They have loads of Snakes, Lizards, Turtles, Birds and Frogs.

Nadine got to hold 2 snakes.

First was the South American Boa Constrictor, which is 14 years old and is huge. It took 4 people (including Nadine) to put him away.

Second was a Carpet Python - that is common in the local area. They live in trees.

Sarah patted both Snakes.

Sarah really liked the Crocodile and Wombats. We had to visit both of them several times.

They had a few types of Frogs - they were all cute. This one is stuck to the glass.

We had a great day out.

Preparing for the Cannington Craft Show

2009-03-01T14:25:00.000+08:00

Sarah, Jasmine, Tracey and I are preparing for the Cannington Craft Show, which is coming up on the 14th March.

This week at our "Making" session we had a helper - Nadine. Here is a picture of the girls hard at work.

(L to R) Nadine, Sarah, Jasmine & Tracey

If your in Perth on 14th March, come along and see us at the Cannington Gift & Craft Fair. We will also be doing some Stamping Demonstrations and you can even make a card to take home. See you there.

Boxes & Bags

2009-02-28T13:58:00.005+08:00

Card Class at Chantell's is always loads of fun. The ladies come....stamp....chatter and have a laugh! Here we are doing the latest class - Boxes & Bags last Wednesday night.

(L to R) Jenny G, Eunice, Janet, Lyn, Michelle, Chantell, Jenny R

(L to R) Jenny G, Eunice, Michelle, Chantell, Jenny R

(L to R) Jenny R, Sarah R, Jenny G, Lyn, Eunice

These are the projects we made......

CD Box - these are great for the Men in your life.

This project was inspired by the CD Boxes done by Makeesha. Thank you Makeesha.

Large Treat Twist

This project was CASED from one done by Alison Smith. Thanks Ali.

Gardening.....

2009-02-21T17:41:00.004+08:00

Today Neil and I realised just how BIG our garden is!

We spent all day today Mulching. We did the entire garden....it took us 8 hours. And we're both exhausted.

Yesterday we spent the morning preparing the Garden for today - cutting, trimming, weeding.

So we are pleased that it is all done - although we still have a bit of cleaning up to do. But it probably means that I will not be able to walk much tomorrow. I'm already starting to cease up!

Here's a few old pic's of the garden....sorry to tired to go and take new ones.

Front Garden

Back Garden

Makeesha's Inspiration Challenge

2009-02-17T09:23:00.005+08:00

Wow...I have not posted anything here for a month!
I have heaps of things ready to post here...but I just have not got round to it. Oh well - I'm here now.

So here is a little card I did for Makeesha's Inspirational Challenge this week.
I've used Ballet Blue & Whisper White. And the flowers are done with So Saffron & Cameo Coral. Stamp Sets are Baroque Motifs & Botanical Blooms.

Hope you like.

Also - here is the Link to Makeesha's Challenge post. So you can play too!
http://www.makeeshabyl.com.au/index.php/2009/02/14/inskpirations-inspiration-challenge-4/

Bleaching Class.

2009-01-16T11:24:00.005+08:00

As I said in my last post - I have been playing with Bleaching lately. These are the cards we did in a Class.

A New Year Challenge...

2009-01-14T13:18:00.003+08:00

Now that it is a New Year, it is time to get back into Weekly Challenges! It's a great way to try new things - layouts, techniques and colour combos.

So the first one that I have participated in for the Year is a Sketch Challenge from Makeesha. And this is what I made.

I have used the Bleaching technique on this card. I was doing something very very similar for a class that I am running at the moment so combined the sketch and the bleaching to come up with this.

I will post some pic's from the Bleaching Class soon.

One Template / 3 Projects.

2009-01-12T18:36:00.005+08:00

I have a few projects that I have not posted yet. So I thought I would start playing catchup now.

After going to the Perth Regional's last year I have been playing around a bit with taking one idea and doing a number of projects with it. I decided to do this in a class so that I could share the idea with everyone else. And this is what we made.... 1. A little Love Note.

2. A standard size Card

3. A 6 x 6 Layout

Ouch!

2009-01-11T19:34:00.002+08:00

"I hungry" Sarah said as she ran to the pantry. Standing on tippy-toes she started to sort through the shelves to see what she could find.

Just as I came up behind her she found something and pulled it out....unfortunately she knocked a can of Fruit salad - off the shelf straight onto her big toe!

After a few seconds delay (during which I thought she'd missed her toe) she screamed!!

So we then spent the rest of the morning nursing her sore toe.

Here's a pic of it.....DON'T LOOK though if you don't like sore toes.

But one day later...she seems to have forgotten she hurt it.

Santa came to stay....

2008-12-25T20:59:00.005+08:00

Merry Christmas everyone.

Sarah un-packing her Santa sack.

Santa came to visit today. Here's Santa sitting on the couch. Sarah was a bit scared of getting to close to him but ripped into the present that he brought her. Sarah started her day with a large chocolate Santa for breakfast. I don't think she had any real food till about 8.30pm after waking up from a 4 - 5 hour afternoon sleep. Last night before I went to bed I hung some small Chocolate Santa's on the Christmas Tree for everyone to eat - but Sarah sniffed them out fairly quickly this morning and ate all but 1 of them during the course of the day.

We have had a great day with the family coming for Christmas lunch. Sarah loved hanging out with her cousin Cody. They played in the sandpit and did colouring in together. We received some fantastic gifts. Some of the favourites were a Talking, moving baby and a View master.

Here is Sarah asleep at the end of the day with her new baby.

Quiet time at the Park (sort of).

2008-12-25T20:48:00.003+08:00

At this time of year - everyone is busy and there seems to been 1000 things to be done - especially on the day of Christmas Eve.

So it was nice to go to the park in the morning yesterday to meet Michelle and Janet and their children. The buzz buzz of busy-ness seemed to be a world away. And our children had a ball playing together while we sat and had a coffee and a breather.

We all exchanged Christmas gifts and the children spent a good 1/2 and hour running around blowing bubbles and trying to catch them.

Sarah giving Toby a gift.

Then we all went to the play ground to burn a bit more energy.
Here's a pic of Sarah and all her friends. (L to R) Alyssa, Sarah, Darcy, Kyle & Toby.

Trimming the Tree!

2008-12-20T13:27:00.004+08:00

Merry Christmas! This morning we went and got ourselves a Christmas Tree. The original plan was to get a real one (like we did in NZ)...but they were so small and expensive that we decided on one in a box. Doesn't it look lovely.

Most of the decorations are in one area on the tree - cause that is where Sarah could reach. She enjoyed putting them on and playing with the tinsel. I asked her what else we need for the tree and she said "Presents".

She keeps saying "I miss Christmas". I remind her that Christmas will be next week and that the things we are doing now is just to get ready for Christmas.

She went to see Santa in the mall - sat on his knee quite happily. He asked what she wanted for Christmas and she said "Presents" so he said was there anything special she wanted....Answer: "Presents".

She also saw Santa at the Day Care Christmas Party...he must have been scary cause all the kids cried. One started...and that was it. They were all bawling. Since then even if we just walk past Santa in the mall Sarah covers her eye's and says "I NOT see Sana"

Craft Fair Pic's

2008-12-20T13:22:00.002+08:00

Here are a few pic's from the Craft Fair. Firstly ... this is our Stand from the front. We were on a corner. So one side was all the stuff we were selling and the other side was for our Make & Take & Demonstrations.

Here is two close-up pics of our back boards. We had heaps of samples displayed for everyone to look at.

Cannington Xmas Gift & Craft Fair

2008-12-06T17:43:00.002+08:00

Well I've just walked in to door from today's Xmas Gift and Craft Fair at the Cannington Exhibition Centre. And I am shattered......but I had a great time.

Over the past 6 weeks or so Tracey, Jazz & Sarah and I spent many hours together preparing for it and today it all came together.

We each did little demonstrations and ran Make & Take sessions. It was a great way to meet some new customers and show off Stampin' Up.

Thank you to those that popped down to see us - hope to see you at the next one in March.

I will post some Photos in the next few days.

Happy Leg - a little funny.

2008-11-24T06:21:00.002+08:00

For a little while now - Sarah has been coming to me and saying "Mummy I have Happy Leg". And shows me her leg. Everything looks normal - so I just rub it, kiss it and send her on her way.
But then she is back - "Mummy I have Happy Leg"
Finally - I have worked out, that she gets Happy Leg when she sits on her legs - we call it Pins & Needles!
So I told her if she sits on her Couch or Chair then she won't get Happy Leg any more.
Funny aye?

Daddy & Sarah Painting.

2008-11-23T20:05:00.000+08:00

Neil decided to have a painting session with Sarah. As you can see they both had a ball.

They did a great picture together - that once dry I put in Neil's bag - to take back up to the mines.

By the end of the session they were both covered in paint!

It was so cute.....at Day Care, they paint their hands then stamp them on the paper.... so when Neil painted Sarah's nose she bent over and tried to stamp it on the paper.

Chilling Out.

2008-11-22T20:02:00.000+08:00

Those of you that know Sarah - know that she LOVES Dora the Explorer. I thought I'd share this picture of her watching Dora.

She hardly even budged when I took the pic. In fact at first I thought she had fallen asleep - but no - she was just chilling out in front of TV.

Two Toned Wheels

2008-11-21T19:49:00.000+08:00

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I attended the SU Regionals (Perth) in September. There we saw a range of Project demo's by other Demonstrators.

One of them was on Two Toned Wheels (done by Cathy). I thought it was quite cool so decided to have a go myself. I did two colour combo's. The first was Brilliant Blue & Taken with Teal. Using the Something Fishy Wheel I did this card.

The second colour combo was a Christmasy one. Old Olive & Real Red. I made this Christmas gift pocket. It has a pocket inside that could be used for gift vouchers or a personal message.

Thanks to Jenny for lending my her All About Christmas Wheel too.

Klass Act Stamping Night

2008-11-20T19:43:00.003+08:00

Coming up on the 6th December, four of us from the SU Stamping Team I belong to (Klass Act) are pitching in to take part in a Xmas Gift & Craft Fair at the Cannington Exhibition Centre.

We will be doing Demonstrations, Make & Take projects, promote ourselves and what we do plus selling a range of goodies that we have made.

We have been having weekly get-together's to make all out goodies and to plan out our Show Stand. It's going to be awesome.

Here is a pic of (L to R) Tracey, Sarah & Jasmine hard at work making goodies.

Roses for Mum.

2008-11-01T20:34:00.003+08:00

Mum - Here are some pic's of the Rose's at the front of our house. As you can see they are in full bloom and looking lovely. Such a nice out look and refreshing to come home to.

Halloween Dress Ups & Party's

2008-11-01T20:21:00.003+08:00

Sarah had a Halloween Dress up day at Day Care yesterday. I don't think she really knew what it was all about - but went in her star cape that I had made. They had a special lunch - which were Treats that they had made.

After Day Care she had been invited to a Halloween Party with all her friends from Play Group.

They played Musical Chairs, had a lolly hunt and a Pinata. Lots of fun.

This is (L to R) Tom, Sarah, Hayley, Te-ann & Lauren

Sarah also enjoyed the Dora DVD at the end which was designed to give the kids quiet time and calm them down before going home.

It's Official! - We're Toilet Training......

2008-10-30T20:41:00.002+08:00

Or just peeing on the floor!!

She gets the idea of what it's all about and manages very well when she's at Day Care - but we just have to master it at home.

But......as you can see by the washing line - the floor wins at the moment.

A Surprise in the Post.

2008-10-30T20:32:00.003+08:00

Yesterday I got a wonderful surprise in the post. Alison sent me this beautiful CD folder.

Inside were some Dora the Explorer DVD’s that Ali’s girls Charlotte & Hunter have given to Sarah.

I am so chuffed to have received such a beautiful keepsake. Sarah was very happy too. In her words “I so lucky”! Thank you Ali.

Candle Making...... this one's for you Nadine.

2008-10-30T20:25:00.003+08:00

I KNEW the girls were buzzing after the Stamping on Candles / Gift Making Class. But look at this!!

This is Michelle. She LOVED it sooooooo much, she's going to have a stall at the local Midland Farmers Market in November & December. So on Sundays.....that's where we will be.

Sarah and her friend Lauren.

2008-10-30T20:20:00.003+08:00

Here a lovely little pic of Sarah and her friend Lauren at Play Group. Sarah calls her Lol-lum.

They love to climb up on the shelves and pretend to be asleep.

Team Stamping Day

2008-10-30T19:57:00.004+08:00

While I was in Box making mode, I made some little Choccy boxes to give the girls in my Team on Team Stamping Day, which was last Saturday.

It was great to get together with them to stamp the afternoon away.

To kick the day off Tracey did a demo for us - showing us many different ways to use Crystal Effects. And I will definitely be having a go at them. It was great.

We had 3 projects to make - one of which I had put together for everyone - based on a card that I had done last year with Jacque. It is a Jacobs Ladder Card (or Hidden Message Card).

Ali Smith provided us with this Crabby Christmas Card, using an embossing and bleaching technique.

Jazz made us up this Scrap booking page. I came home and found this funny photo of Sarah to put on it - because I thought it went well with the sentiment.

Christmas Gift Class.

2008-10-30T19:44:00.002+08:00

All the Classes I've done so far have been Cards and with Christmas coming I thought it was time to introduce my ladies to some 3D Off the Page Projects.

First up we made some Chocolate Trays. We used Always Artichoke & Purely Pomegranate Card and the Holiday Harmony DSP from the current Mini. They came out great. Bit of a treat for everyone to take home.

For a bit of fun we then stamped on Candles. I think this amazed the ladies and they loved it. Here are a few samples of what we did.

Kim & Nadine Challenges.

2008-10-28T16:12:00.004+08:00

While I'm chatting about Challenges I thought I'd post some pics of what I made for the Challenges I've just finished with my sister Nadine & my friend Kim. Both were colour Challenges.

Nadine's was - Real Red, Bashful Blue, Handsome Hunter & Night of Navy

Kim's was - Groovy Guava, So Saffron, Handsome Hunter & Ballet Blue

Yay for Me!

2008-10-28T16:03:00.002+08:00

I was so excited a week or so ago when a card I'd made for a Makeesha Byl Challenge was chosen as a winner.

The Challenge was to "Get Stampless" and create a card with NO stamping on it. It took a bit of messing round but this is what I came up with.

I've been thinking about making these flowers with my Scallop Circle punch for a while. They are really easy and quite effective. The chip board and eyelets add a bit more dimension while the DSP give it colour.

Makeesha said......"I love Chantell’s use of punches, chipboard, ribbon, and glitter and not to mention eyelets as well".

What do you do after a busy busy day....

2008-10-26T21:09:00.004+08:00

We went to Wednesday morning Play Group. Sarah's friend Alyssa came over to play after lunch. Then to top it off we had a quick visit to Aunty Shiree and a quick visit to Nana & Pop. Sarah could just not keep her eyes open. She lay down on her little Red couch to watch a bit of TV and very soon was fast asleep. Cute!!

Christmas Stamp-a-stack.

2008-10-15T08:52:00.004+08:00

Christmas is only 10 weeks away.

It's time to get ready for Christmas - so I decided to do a Stamp-a-stack. My Sunday ladies asked if we could do it instead of our normal card class - so we did.

These are the cards that we made. Most of them have been CASED from various people (Thank you to all of you).

I'm running this Stamp-a-stack again on Wed 29th Oct for anyone else wanting to get some Christmas Cards together.

Walk the Zig Zag

2008-10-05T21:26:00.004+08:00

Today Sarah and I did the Kalamunda Walk the Zig Zag.

Originally the Zig Zag was a Rail route but is now a public road. It Zig Zags down Gooseberry Hill in Kalamunda (which is about a 5-10 min drive from our place).

Once a year they close the road to hold the community walk. All the way along there are bands, buskers, story tellers, community groups and information kiosks. It's a great family and community outing. There is also some wonderful views of Perth from up there.View of Perth City from about 1/2 way down.

We parked at the bottom and took the free bus to the top - where a (Bag) Pipe band was playing. We started to walk down. Sarah spent alot of time looking for our shadows. As we Zig Zagged - our shadow's were behind us, then in front, then behind, then in front again.

At the First Zig stop there were Camel rides and Info about Wild Flowers, Flora, Fauna and the Local environment.

The 2nd Zig - We saw Snakes, Parrots, Echidna's and other Wild life. Sarah was not keen to touch the snakes.....nor was I!

At the 3rd Zig they had a Circus Challenge tent where you could try out a Hoola hoop, Juggling or Spinning a plate on a stick. They also had a Bush Fire Awareness tent there and a Fire Truck. They were letting the kids squirt the fire hose everywhere.

The last Zig was where we found the Sausage Sizzle and a Swing band entertaining the eaters.

Once we got to the bottom we got on another bus that took us back to our car.

World Card Making Day

2008-10-05T21:18:00.003+08:00

Yesterday (Saturday 4th October) was World Card Making Day.
So I held a "Drop in and Make a Card" Day at my place.
This is what we made - in a range of colours.

It was great to share my love of stamping and introduce some ladies to stamping for the first time. Everyone went home with handmade cards and free gifts.

This is the Display board that I put together. It includes cards that I have done and some that I have received in swaps too.

Crabs!

2008-10-05T20:41:00.005+08:00

It was "Pet Day" at Day Care on Friday - all the children took photo's of themselves along with their pets. I sent along these pic's of Sarah.

Sarah & Puke (Our cat in NZ, now lives with Nadine. Although was Nadines cat to start with anyway).
Sarah & Tess. Dad's little dog. (Sadly she's no longer with us I'm afraid).
Sarah & Ayla. Nadine & Rob's child.
Left to right - Honey, Sarah & Buddy. Carol & Norm's dogs.

As you can see, Sarah loves animals and they love her. I think she would like a dog of her own. But that won't be happening! Looking at this pic of Sarah with Dad's dog Tess - I can't believe how much Sarah has grown and changed since this was taken. Poor Tess - Sarah walked (dragged) her round everywhere by the lead all day.

Anyway....

when we arrived at Day Care all the children were huddled round something outside - and they were squealing and jumping around. As we got closer we found they were looking at Hermit Crabs. One of carer's at Day Care keeps pet Hermit Crabs as pets. I'd never seen anything like them before - so I took my camera back in the afternoon to take a few pic's.

Apparently they can be brought at any of the local pet stores. They can be kept in a tank or a box but must have a salt water bath once a month to stay moist. They eat special "Crab Pellets" but also eat a selection of fruit and veges and even sometimes a bit of Honey and Peanut Butter!

They are about the size of an egg I spoze - like smaller than a tennis ball but bigger than a ping pong ball. Funny aye??

Tag Class.

2008-10-05T20:26:00.006+08:00

Janet - one of the ladies that comes to my card classes does not make Christmas Cards but instead makes special Christmas Tags. So I decided to do a Tag Class, especially for Janet.

This is what we made.

I showed them how a Tag can be converted into a Card if needed.

We also had a play round with some Chipboard. These Tags use the Trimmings shapes that are in the current Spring Mini Catalogue. They were fun to make and we used lots of fun techniques and came up with lots of different looks.

Spring All Around

2008-10-05T20:12:00.004+08:00

Normally my impressions and thoughts of Australia is of a dry brown dusty country. But I wanted to share these pics I took of the countryside just down the road from us. (Near Shiree's and the house we rented).

All the country side is purple with little flowers. It's just beautiful.

As I drive Sarah to Day Care - this is the view. The entire ridge is covered. I wish I could show you the whole 180 degree view.

Last weekend we went for a drive to some nearby country town's - Toodyay and Northam (about 45min - 1hour drive) and there were similar scene's. There was one area that was all covered in Yellow flowers.

Round the House.

2008-10-05T19:52:00.005+08:00

Last week we had our place sprayed for creepy crawlies. So here are a few that were trying to get away. Don't worry, we don't get any inside and now the house is protected against them.

The gardens have really taken off in the last few weeks. The trees have burst with new leaves and the bushy things are looking very green. I had 2 lonely daffodils brighten the front garden for a week or so and now have a row of Iris's. They are really bright and vibrant. The roses out the front are almost ready to burst into a mass of flowers too.

With all the new growth the tree out the front was heading towards the power lines - so I called the council - well "Shire" actually - which is what they call the council here. We had got a pamphlet in our Rates pack saying to call them if our tree was growing into the power lines. I called on a Monday and on the following Thursday they were there to trim the tree's - I was quite impressed with that response. So here's a pic of the guy trimming. While he did it - I quickly printed some pics out for him and gave them to him. I think he was chuffed!!

And this last pic of us bringing home a lounge suite....... it was one that someone was throwing out - so we decided to take it home for our outdoor area. Neil chucked it on top of the car and we drove home very slowly. Laughing all the way. We got some funny looks!!

Card Class Update...

2008-10-02T06:32:00.003+08:00

I realise I have not posted any of our Card Class projects lately...so here is an update.

Class from end of August.....
Using the Wintergreen DS Papers and colours we created a Father's Day Card. We folded a strip of paper which added dimension to the card. The colours are Soft Sky, Always Artichoke & Certainly Celery.

At the time, I was working on putting together some cards for a Christmas Card swap with some fellow Aussie demonstrators - so we made these too. Punching out the circles and making them pop off the page was very effective. The Wild Wasabi and Real Red are great for Christmas Colours.

First Class in September....
The next class involved using a selection of products from the current Spring Mini Catalogue.

Firstly a Christmas Card using the Season of Joy stamp set. You may have seen that this is the card I did for the SU Regional swaps.

Our second card used the Blooms Die Cuts with some Brads and Buttons. These make quick and easy cards and projects.

Pre-paring for the Aussie Summer.

2008-09-22T14:04:00.002+08:00

Well the weather has definitely changed here in the past few weeks. It is alot warmer and the sun is lovely. The front of our house gets full sun in the afternoon - which at the moment is blissful. But I can only imagine that in the summer it might be a bit much. Some people have said to me that even with air con in the summer we will notice the heat.

So we have invested in some shutters. This is what they look like when they are down. You can have them fully open or partly open if you want. They are designed with several things in mind - blocking out the heat, the cold, light, noise and also for security.

So now we are set for summer.

Kristina Werner's Colour Challenge # 23

2008-09-17T16:19:00.003+08:00

http://kwernerdesign.com/blog/

Kristina Werner is running another Colour Challenge and I thought I would have a go. I have never done one of these before - but often look at them.

The colours are Bravo Burgundy, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie & So Saffron.

Not colours I would normally put together - but I like them.

I used the Heartfelt Thanks, Wonderful Words & Baroque Motifs Stamps Sets.

Stampin Up Regionals - Perth.

2008-09-14T20:57:00.003+08:00

I'm buzzing....I had such a great time yesterday at the Stampin Up Regional Seminar.

I came home and looked over all the goodies I got – including a new Stamp set. I traded swaps with many other talented Demonstrator’s. The swaps I received in return are fantastic.

The presentations were great. They included some sneak peaks of a few things that are coming up, some great business tips from fellow demonstrators and some project demonstrations too.

The entire day was just spot on. We also got to create some lovely projects that used beautiful colours too.

Here's all the swaps I did. Used Bravo Burgundy & Bordering Blue and the Season of Joy Stamps set from the Spring Mini.

D D D D Da Dora... D D D D Da Dora....

2008-09-14T20:39:00.003+08:00

Wow - what a great weekend....starting with D D D D D Da Dora Show on Friday!

Sarah and I went to see the Dora the Explorer - Pirate Adventure Show!! It's was great. We really enjoyed it. We went with Michelle (my new friend) and her daughter, Alyssa who is 3.

These pics are of Sarah in her Dora Clothes (given to her by Alyssa). And at the Convention Centre - Waiting to go in.

The first thing that happened was "The Map" came out (to sing) and Sarah cuddled right into me and started to cry! Oh no I thought!

Then the show really started - and Sarah loved it. She waved her flag (Pirate flags provided) and danced and interacted with what was going on in the show. Great. Loads of fun.

BUT - every time "The Map" came on stage - she cuddled quickly in and started to cry!

At the end of the show - while talking about it, I asked Sarah "What did you like best"? And in a big loud shout she yelled "The Map"?

These pics show Sarah & Alyssa at the show and playing with the Confetti after the show.

Tart & Tangy Class

2008-08-28T13:22:00.002+08:00

At the beginning of August Stampin Up launched the new Spring Mini which runs from 1 August – 30 November 2008. Inside is a great variety of stamp sets and coordinating accessories. The Summer Picnic Designer Paper is definitely bright and summery and coordinate perfectly with the Tart & Tangy Stamp set which is was we used for our next class.

The first cards were shaped like Ice-blocks and are bright ice-block colours too. We attached sticks and put bite marks in the corner to finish the look. The colours are Pumpkin Pie with Yoyo Yellow and Green Galore with Basic Black.

On the second card we used the Summer Picnic Designer Series Paper. We made a scalloped edge with the SU Corner Rounder punch and also used the Scalloped Circle punch. The colours are Bashful Blue, Old Olive, Real Red and Whisper White.

Faries in my Garden!!

2008-08-08T13:57:00.003+08:00

As you know - we have just moved into a new house. And I have discovered...we have faires in our garden. Sometimes, they even fly down and collect the mail for me.

Team Stamping Day!

2008-08-08T13:28:00.003+08:00

At the end of July I attended a Team Stamping Day. We made some lovely cards and had a go at scrapbooking. We used products from the New Spring Mini Catalogue and the current In-colour's.

With every Team event there is a Swap. We all tried to use stamps from the Spring Mini Catalogue. The cards I received were beautiful and gave me a great deal of inspiration.

I put together some little pockets that are designed to hang on a bottle - as a goodie bag at parties. I used the Tart & Tangy Stamp Set and Summer Picnic designer papers. They were all different with Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Real Red or Bashful Blue.

Flip Flop Focus.

2008-08-08T13:14:00.005+08:00

During July I put together quite a few Flip Flop Cards.

I did a Flip Flop Swap with Nadine and did a Flip Flop Class too. So it was a Flip Flop month!!

Here are the Class cards.

Here are the Swap Cards

Neil's Donger!!

2008-08-06T13:55:00.003+08:00

Arrhhh....now I have your attention, let me tell you about Newman and Neil's work.

Neil works in Newman - which is a 1hour 40 minute plane ride from Perth or about 12-15 hours in the car. This is what the the typical scenery is like. It's all Red Dirt and Neil said it's quite bland and boring. The Red Dirt is called Ocher and is like a paint pigment. It stains everything - cards, diggers, your boots & clothes too.

This pic shows a 200 tonne dump truck going up one of the mine roads.

This is Neil's Donger - which is what they call their sleeping quarters. It's in one of big camps that all the mine workers stay in. Neils room is on the far right. Each room is about 5m x 5m and includes an en suite, fridge and TV. For meals they go to the Mess Hall. All meals are supplied. It sounds like they are well fed too.

This is the Iron Ore Train that is heading for Port Headland. These trains go daily from the mine and are approximately 112 carriages long. There is about 100 tonne of Iron Ore per carriage which is equal to about $185K per carriage. That's alot of $$$$!! After all costs are paid it = about 4 million $$ per train. Neil said this is a small sized operation and there are about 34 other operations running around Australia.

The digger Neil operates is bigger than the one we had in NZ. Here he is doing Rehab work - which means he is pulling the old drill pads back to the original contour of the land.

Cards for Men & Women

2008-08-06T13:38:00.004+08:00

In the last few classes I have done we have produced cards for both men and women.

Firstly the Bodacious Bouquet cards. These are both totally different but use the same stamp set. It's great to see how versatile each set is, with a change of colour and shape.

I find so many of the cards we do are feminine. So here a couple for the boys. On the Thinking Of You card, we used a bit of sand paper to rough up the edges a bit.

New House!!

2008-08-02T14:49:00.004+08:00

Wow - July must have been a busy month because I did not add to my Blog at all!! But I have plenty to add now.

July kicked off with us moving into our own home. We got a moving company to help as Neil was up in Newman. Then Neil came home and we spend the next week unpacking and getting everything out of boxes. It was Full-On! It is soooo great to finally get unpacked!

We have 3 bedrooms and a large living area. Neil has an awesome Shed for his models and I have a great Craft room for Cards. Yippee!!

We love the outdoor area - it's huge. Fantastic for any time of year cause it's all paved and covered.

There's also a great play area for Sarah with a huge sandpit and lots of grass to play on.

The gardens are beautiful and will keep me busy - as will the Neil with the lawns.

We also love the amount of storage areas in the house. All the rooms including the family room, bedrooms and laundry all have floor to ceiling cupboards and shelving.

We are now going through the process of getting a new kitchen. Although the kitchen is quite functional - it is very bright!!

The funny thing is - we have got quite used to the colours. However - there is no cut out for a dishwasher - so it HAS to be changed!!

We are situation on a rise and over look a park which is lovely. There is a play ground in the park too which is just round the corner. We have polished jarrah floors throughout with carpet in the bedrooms and family room. We have ducted air conditioning to keep us cool in summer and gas heaters to keep us warm in winter. So everything we need.

Oh I love Rice Bubbles!!

2008-06-30T21:58:00.004+08:00

Here's Sarah this morning, tucking into her Rice Bubbles - which is another thing Day Care has introduced her to.

She loves them and askes for them every morning. She gets them out of the cupboard and brings them to me. I just hope she doesn't learn how to open the seal I have on the bag!!

Getting Ready for Group

2008-06-30T21:35:00.004+08:00

This is Sarah last Friday (27/06/08) getting ready for "Group" - well that's what she calls it anyway. Sarah goes to Day Care, two days a week and loves it. She has this little green t-shirt to wear and the hat too. They also give you a matching bag for her bits and pieces.

She loves it so much. Every time we drive past she says "Group please Mummy". So I have to explain that she only goes on Tuesday and Friday.

Sarah has made a couple of little Friends there. Travis - who is the son of one of Shiree's friends. Travis looks after her while she is there. When we arrive, he is there to greet her and sits with her at meal times too. She has a little friend Lilly - although Sarah calls her Milly and will not leave Day Care until she has waved to Lilly. She has also become quite attached to one of the Carers - Tasha. Sarah was quite upset a week or so ago when Tasha had a day off. And as soon as we get to Day Care, Sarah calls out for her.

But as I say...she loves it so much. Last Friday - when I went to pick Sarah up she did not want to come home and even had a little tantrum about it. She learns so much too. Every day that she gets home I notice little things that are new. Last week it was.... "I'm thirsty" I don't think I had heard her say that before. And one week I said to her - Come on, lets get the washing in.... and she replies "Oh, hang on a minute!' She is also learning things like STOP and WAIT. They are learning colours at the moment.

One thing Sarah loves to do at Group is the painting. Everyday they do some sort of Art. It's usually centered around whatever they are learning about - like RED or YELLOW... but she loves it. She's definitely got the idea... because yesterday, when we went to Carol & Norms, Carol gave her a container of felt-tips (texters for you Aussie's) and Sarah drew all over her hands and feet and tried to transfer it to the paper!! Oh what a mess!!! But great fun!!

Donut Cards

2008-06-23T20:00:00.004+08:00

Here's a couple of Donut cards that I did in Classes this week.

I love the effect of the Real Red, Whisper White and Basic Black - so striking. It can also be used for any occasion. We used the Seeing Spots stamp set on here.

This smaller card I put together using Really Rust and some Designer Papers that came from the Simply Scrappin' Round Up pack. We used a selection of items to decorate the cards including the Self-adhesive Dye Cuts from the Simply Scrappin' pack - which worked really well. The ribbon was originally White and I coloured it with my Sage Shadow ink.

Suspension Cards - Sister Swap!

2008-06-23T14:45:00.007+08:00

Each month, my sister Nadine and I do a Card Swap. We try to stick to a theme and make a card or two to send each other. We started doing this when I moved to Perth in February 08.

The theme/idea of the latest swap we have done was "Suspension Cards". This is where you cut out your image and suspend it within a shape on the card. The image then spins around to show another image in the back. This is what I came up with.

Forever Friends Card - Old Olive, Elegant Eggplant - the girls spin around to show more girls.

NZ Card - Basic Black, Basic Gray, Whisper White. Kiwi is the same on both sides.

Here is what Nadine sent me.

Build-a-Layout Challenge

2008-06-15T21:03:00.003+08:00

Well I decided it was time to try something new..... so I entered into a Build-a-Layout Challenge.

This means that I get given a set of instructions, slowly over about 4 - 6 days. Each day you get one small task to do such as - choose a base colour and a photo. Then by the end of each week, once you have completed all tasks you have a completed Scrapbooking page.

So here's the first one I did. I think it came out OK - for my first one. I am looking forward to doing some more. Hopefully I will get better at it as time goes by. The next one starts tomorrow.

Colour Challenge!!

2008-06-09T20:24:00.003+08:00

I've also been Challenging myself to use colours that I would not normally put together.

This card is using Cameo Coral, Blue Brocade and Certainly Celery - colours I would not usually put together. But I was pleased with the outcome. Unusual!

Stamping Challenge

2008-06-09T20:13:00.003+08:00

Within the SU Team that I belong to - we have started doing Weekly Challenges. We start by being given a card lay-out or sketch. Then each of us have to make a card according to that lay-out. These are loaded onto the Team Web-site for us all to see.

This is what I created for the first Challenge. I used Lovely Lilac and Elegant Eggplant card, Certainly Celery Designer Paper, Bodacious Bouquet - the flowers I did using Chalks - which is a new technique to me. Finished it all off with a bit of White Gel Pen here and there.

Wheel Fun!!

2008-06-08T18:19:00.003+08:00

Today I showed the ladies the SU Wheels. They had great fun having a go with them. For all of the ladies they had not used a SU wheels, glitter or punches before - so it was great to be able to share these products with them. It was neat to see the cards coming together and the small personal touches that each of the ladies added.

Both of these cards were inspired by Jacque Pedersen. I love Jacque's creations. I miss Jacque, her classes and the ladies that attend her classes very much.

Card One uses - Whisper White & Real Red Card, Real Red Ink, Glitter, Wonderful Words Stamp Set and the Basic Outline Jumbo Wheel.

Card Two uses - Elegant Eggplant, Old Olive, Ruby Red & Very Vanilla Card and Inks. Glitter. Seeing Spots & So Many Sayings Stamp Sets and the Scribble Jumbo Wheel.

Stamp Class

2008-06-01T18:58:00.002+08:00

Today was so cool ... I ran my first Stamping Card Class and really enjoyed it. I'm sure the ladies did too - cause they all booked in for the next class.

We made two projects based on basic stamping and layering techniques.

The first card was made with Old Olive, More Mustard, Chocolate Chip and the Wild About You set. Some of the ladies cut their card while others used a ripped edge technique.

The second card used the two-step stamping technique. The stamps in the Heartfelt Thanks set are perfect for this. We used Lovely Lilac, Pink Passion card and Wild Wasabi ribbon.

Bring on the next Class!!