The last of my scrapbooking for 2008

Just thought I would finish the year by sharing the last of my Christmas gifts that I made for close friends.
I really haven’t done much scrapbooking at all of late so it was nice to make these few gifts. I also completed a birthday book for my friends mum who celebrates her 70th birthday next month but unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to photograph it before I gave it to her as they were

leaving for Christmas holidays and so were we, and they needed to take it with them as they will be celebrating her birthday whilst they are away,

I am hoping to have more time to be creative next year. My friend Anne and I have decided to get together on a more regular basis to just do craft and scrap next year. We have already planned a craft day on Saturday 7th Feb where we are going to make Christmas stockings for next year. I have managed to make my older pair a patchwork stocking but poor Chloe has never managed to get one - I plan to rectify that next year. We are also hoping to have a few days through the year next year to make Christmas cards also –
Anyway these are my last projects from 2008. I really do wonder where this year has gone.

I made these for my two girlfriends for Christmas. My friend Jenni (in the middle) is moving to Brissie in the New Year. Their family has all grown up now, so both Jenni and her husband Dan are going back to Uni next year.

Dan and Jenni are in for lots of new Challenges so I also made Jenni this Gratitute Journal - I think it will be interesting to look back through it in a years time to see the way God has provided for them, and to also see the many blessings, (big and small) they they have experienced in their lives during the next year.
I also make her this little friends Journal where her four closest friends have written her personal letters just letting her know how much we love and appreciate her. I had really wanted to have this one done for her for her birthday back in June, but didn’t get all the letters in time, so I finally got it finished for her to take away to Brisbane with her next year. I hope and pray that if at times she feels a little lonely or down, they letters will let her know that she is loved and appreciated and very much missed. These are the four pages in this little Kaiser Mini Album

Well that is about it for 2008. I want to wish you all a very Happy New Year and may 2009 be a wonderful year full of new challenges and JOY.

Internet Access at last

Christmas Day was pretty low key here – no phone or internet. We lost our phone lines on Christmas Eve so it was pretty quiet here in more ways than one. Telstra can’t even look at fixing the problem until next week.

Pete got sick (Asthma) so didn’t have a good night sleep – we all slept in.

We got up and watched this

After which we did this

And this is what I scored

Plus tickets to here for Steve and I

This was followed by a wonderful lunch

Then the men of the house did this

Then they got this out and rode it around the yard

After this we joined a group of families at church for Christmas dinner and had a lot of fun doing this.

We ended the night visiting here- so that Pete could get some relief and at least breathe again.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS

Well it has just gone past midnight and Christmas Day 2008 is here. I would love to wish all you wonderful people who visit my blog a very very Happy Christmas - may you remember the reason for the season as we celebrate the birth of a baby - Christ the Lord.

8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ^[a] the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." Luke 2:8-14

Peter arrived home this evening to spend Christmas with us - Sarah is off to Mackay to celebrate it with her in laws but we will catch up with her next week.

Tonight we had our closest friends the Avenells and Jamiesons over for gift exchanging and supper. We had a great time and had a game of "Scene It"Everyone playingPlaying on the big screenPlenty of Yummy supperChristmas Cupcakes

The vegetables are all peeled ready to be cooked for Christmas lunch.The table is set for Christmas LunchThe Tree is all lit up and the presents beneath and the house is quiet.

All I need to do now is fill the Christmas stockings and then I can crawl into bed, content that all is prepared

HAPPY HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

I love this time of year - I am now on holidays and it is full swing into getting ready for Christmas. It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas in this house now. The cards are written ready to post

Cards are arriving in the mail
The Decorations are up
The Wreath is on the front door
The Little Christmas Tree is up and all lit up (We have to wait until this weekend to get a big tree as we love to have a real tree in the house - we love the Christmas smell of pine)
The stockings are up
And the Christmas Carols are playing.
It has been a huge week in this household as we have begun the spring cleaning (or as Chloe would say the Summer Cleaning) and so far we have managed to do all rooms except the Kitchen (which we will tackle today - it will be a big job) as well as the ensuite bathroom. But the plan is to have it all done by the weekend.
So far we have
Trailer loads of rubbish to take to the dump.
Bags of old Clothes to take to Vinnies and
Boxes of Books to take to Life Line.
This is an exciting time of year. There is a great sense of anticipation and many expectations in the air. But you know it is a season connected with death, a baby enters this world offering life and love to everyone. It is my all-time favorite holiday. Next to Easter, I can’t think of a day that has the opportunity to impact more lives or change more lives than these two holidays. Yet, unfortunately, these two holidays, the day God sent his Son to us and the Day Hi sSon gave his life for us have also been exploited by commercialism and wordly viewpoints.

As we rush about, busily preparing for Christmas, let us remember why we celebrate this Holiday let us remember our Savior’s birthday, let us remember the differences between Santa and Jesus Christ. I found this here and thought that I would love to share it - She states the comparisons so much better than I ever could:

Santa lives at the North Pole. JESUS is everywhere.
Santa rides a sleigh; JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.
Santa comes but once a year. JESUS is an ever present help.
Santa fills your stockings with goodies; JESUS supplies all your needs.
Santa comes down your chimney univited; JESUS stands at your door and knocks.. and then enters your heart.
You have to stand in line to see Santa; JESYS is as close as the mention of HIS name.
Santa lets you sit on his lap; JESUS lets you rest in His arms.
Santa doesn't know your name; all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, What's your name?" JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.
Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly; JESUS has a heart full of love.
All Santa can offer is HO HO HO; JESUS offers, health, help and hope.
Santa says "You better not cry", JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you
Santa's little helpers make toys; JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.
Santa may make you chuckle; JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.
While Santa puts gifts under your tree; JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.

This Christmas lets remember WHO Christmas is all about - Lets remember that JESUS is still the reason for the season.

Spring Cleaning

Well it is that time of year again -not really Spring Cleaning I guess, more like Summer Cleaning - but I love to get the house all clean and sparkling for Christmas- I have been madly cleaning out cupboards for weeks now but this weekend I tackled my scrapbooking area - got rid of heaps and now everything has a place. Today Steve and Chloe worked on Chloe's room and the office and although it is not finished yet it is looking heaps better tonight. Steve still has a paper war to win though.

Once I had my scrapbooking table looking like this - I suddenly found a little more MOJO - so last night I sat down and finished off a couple of Calendars to give away as Christmas presents to the grandparents and a journal for my girlfriend moving to Brisbane next year.

I have a few more scrapbooking projects that I would love to get done before Christmas and heaps more cleaning. I can't beleive the junk we accumulate over the year (well in this case the last couple of years)

Must remember to take more photos before we start the cleaning project - it is much more encouraging to see where you have come from.

I came across this after following links from someone else's blog, and I have to say I was surprised at how much I've been able to do thus far in my life - I really am blessed! All the items in bold are things I've done...

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Held a praying mantis
9.Climbed a mountain
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped. (but my son has and that is the closest I will get to ever doing it)

12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelos David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been up the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Owned a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating ( huh?!)
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone's life
90. Sat on a jury (I haven't actually sat on one but have been called up plenty of times.)
91. Met someone famous

92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

If you decide to highlight the things you have done in your life - don't forget to leave me a link so I can check yours out also.

Well it's getting late and I've had a big day - so I'm going to call it a night and hit the sack.

Silly Season

The silly season is fast approaching. That time of year where there are lots of end of year breakups, Christmas shopping to do, Spring Cleaning (or should I say summer cleaning) and getting ready for the Christmas break.
Last Saturday we had our end of year Crop 9am to 9pm. Last week was so busy, I think I was out every night so I didn't have much time to prepare for any scrapbooking on the Saturday. I did manage to make a Birthday book for my girlfriend who'se mum turns 70 in January. I also managed to do a couple of Calendars for Christmas presents for our parents and Steve's Nana. So Gayle I am sharing a picture of it just for you. Still waiting on some photos for the other two, so will share them after I get the photos tomorrow and finish them.

At the moment I am also in the process of cleaning out my cupboards ready for the big spring clean which I plan to start when I finish work in a couple of weeks time. I wish I would have taken photos before I started, but at least I can take some photos of what it loks like now. I am hoping to have all my cupboards done so that all I have to do when I start holidays is clean walls, windows, wash curtains, and dust. The carpets are getting shampooed a couple of days before Christmas so hopefully the house will be sparkling clean by Christmas day.

I am feeling quite disillioned and upset tonight. Most of you realize that I am being made redundant from my second job early in the new year. Today we found out the the brain storm behind restructing student management, and thus also our demise, has resigned and will be taking up a new position elsewhere. He will actually be gone before we are. Just makes me so cranky that someone with no loyality at all can make decisions to get rid of 15 loyal long serving staff members who have gone way beyond the call of duty for a job they have loved, and then he goes and resigns without ever getting to fully implement a new plan which we all though he believed in, yet not obviously enough for him to stick around and see it come to completion. It almost feels like it has all been worthless - no one wins.

Also this week the lovely Mel nominated me for this award. Thanks Mel, I really do feel priviledged that you find my work creative- my creativity seems to have wandered off lately so hoping that this award might help it to ifnd its way home.

Here are the rules:
1. The winner may put the logo on their blog.
2. Put a link to the person who sent you the award.
3. Nominate 5 blogs.
4. Provide links to their blogs.
5. Leave a message for your nominees.

There is so many blogs that I would love to highlight but these are special to me in so many ways:

Gayle - Gayle is such an inspiration to me, not just in her scrapbooking but in her love on life but also for her love of God and her desire to serve Him. Gayle is also the first to help you with anything new you are trying to learn. I love her work and I love checking out her blogs.

Bev - Beverley is not only an amazing scrapbooker, but a gorgeous woman as well who has a real love for serving God and others. I meet Bev in real life last month, and I was drawn to her immediately - I love her scrapbooking style but I love more that she is my sister in Christ.

Ingeborg - This woman is amazing - she has the ability to make you laugh and cry all at the same time. I loved watching her work and loved seeing her creations, but more importantly I love hearing about what inspires her and that she has a heart for serving God and serving others.

Sharmaine - I've been a regular visitor to Sharmaine's blog now for most of this year and I love how she documents everyday life - I love her artistic works - love how she uses paint and I just feel inspired everytime I see her work. Would love to meet her IRL oneday.

Haylee - Is a scrappng machine - I am so encouraged and inspired by Haylee, she can churn out the most amazing layouts in such a short time. I loved watching her work.

I want to thank you girls too for your friendship and encouragement - I love the way you inspire others and that you are not afraid to share your faith nad your love of God. Look forward to many more years of keeping in touch.

Think it is time I called it a night - it is only a couple of minutes to midnight and I need some sleep. Chat to you all soon.