The Day to Day happenings

10/01/2011

2011-01-10T20:51:00.002+10:00

Rain Rain go away! I am so over the rain and the flooding! Though a positive for the rain is that I don't so hot when I am training!

Oh yes I am training for a half marathon. I mean really training. I am running everyday. I have heaps of weight to lose and a big distance to run so with my Big Sister dragging me down the street most of the time I am training! I am really going to have to focus on what I eat now! Because it would be so much easier to run if I could drop the kgs! My body is hating me and my mind is not letting go all that well but I am persisting and not giving up. Cause my marathon is in June so I have to ready to run 21.5Kms by then! Which I will have you know that I will do!

My sisters' girlfriend Rachel was kind enough to by me a hat that says "I love running" on it! Eventually it will be burnt into my brain and then running will be a cinch! We have started a team actually, and I am looking for sponsors because I am too poor to get the equipment i need to run properly. So if anyone knows of a company that would like to sponsor a fat 28yr old Mum of two to lose weight and run a marathon let me know cause I am not stopping till I get what I need and till I get to the finish line of that marathon.

This months goal is to run 5kms continuously. So far I am going... I will let you know how I go when I get to the 5kms. Actually I am going really good. I would be doing better if I could stop my shin splints and leg cramps! I am so looking forward to the day when they are thing of the past! So watch this space and I will periodically post pics of my progress.

Catch up

2011-01-10T20:06:00.006+10:00

Well just so much has happened that I don't think that I could catch it all up. So I intend on doing a little bit each day.

Where to begin. Well at the beginning of December we decided to take Grandma (Michael's grandmother) to Melbourne to see his Mum. We took for days to get there. We went to Tamworth, Dubbo, Parkes, Forbes, Canberra, Jindabyne (Kosciuszko National Park) and finally through Wadonga and into Melbourne. We had a great time! I loved Melbourne! I can't wait to go back. Dad was kind enough to loan us his SLR camera for the whole trip including the trip down. I so want one now! I mean I wanted one before but now I really

want one.!!!!

All packed into the car like sardines LOL

Some pics from Parkes and Forbes

Trains, Trains and Bob

2010-10-23T21:25:00.004+10:00

Well today we took the kids to the Railway Museum in Ipswich as they where hosting the miniature model train show. Aiden loves trains they are one of many great loves that he has. He had a blast so much so that when it was time to go he didn't want too.

Bob the builder was also there (don't ask me why but he was). He is another one of Aiden's great loves at the moment. We even got a picture with him. He was a little scared at first that is why I am in the pictures to but in the end he gave Bob a hug. We had such a nice day out.

Pictures from today

2010-10-22T19:57:00.005+10:00

Scrapin, pictures and gaming

2010-10-22T19:45:00.002+10:00

My Big Sis came over today for some scrappin no that we did lots but I love getting together. I think I scrap better at night as there are far less interruptions. However I wasn't feeling very scrappy today weird I know. So I scrounged around and found an old kit that I can do. I am good at kits but I am a bit sucky on coming up with stuff on my own at the moment. I am hoping this will change soon.

When Big Sis/ Aunty came over today we took loads of pics well I took loads on her camera. LOL I will post some after this post. We had lost of fun. Then Papa D came for a visit and he got in on the pics. Thanks for visiting us guys!

Upon seeing the new Fallout New Vegas game in a catalogue a few days ago I have got back into playing Fallout 3 it is the only PS3 game that I play and I love it! I would love the expansion packs maybe I will get one for my birthday.

Today I had fun with the boys watching Daddy mow the lawn and Aiden had a blast helping Daddy wash the camper trailer and charge the battery of our other car (which we are trying to sell) and then he proceeded to play in the gutter with all the water, dirt and leaves. He was so dirty when he came in we put him straight in the bath. He love it, and I love him.

3 Days Behind, Library, New Project

2010-10-19T15:42:00.004+10:00

So I only lasted 5 days before I fell of the wagon with my blogging but I hope that I am back on track. I actually totally forgot all about it until about 10.30pm last night and after my dear husband had turned of the computer. To be honest I can't even remember what we did on the weekend... isn't that terrible.

We went to the library yesterday as I mentioned this will become our new Monday tradition. We only got 7 books this time and they all pretty much have cars, trucks or trains in them. That is my Aiden for you. Loves his wheels. This time Daddy came with us which Aiden just loved! I can't wait till next monday now.

Well I started a new project last week and it is already finished. I need a new one any ideas? I think I might to some layouts in the mean time. I have been itching to do some home deco stuff but I have no money to spend not even $1 so I am feeling a little flat about creating. I think I will make a board and put all the things I want to do on it. This way I am hoping I won't feel so flat and I will have it there sort like a goal board. So that when the time is right I will know exactly what I am looking for and what I want and how to do it.

P.S I took my wedding and engagement rings in to get a quote to get them resized. I was quoted $550. I am so gutted! Because they are going up 3 1/2 sizes and because of the style and design of the ring once the ring has been resized the diamonds settings need to tightened and then my rings need to re-dipped in white gold. I was under the assumption that my rings where solid white gold but they are not. I haven't been able to wear my rings for 2 1/2 years (since I had my first son) and there is no way that I can afford to pay to get them resized they will go back in the jewelry box. This makes me sad as I would love to wear them again.

Mangos, Watermelon, Lost Wallet and Middle Ear Infection

2010-10-15T19:34:00.002+10:00

Today I had my first mango of the seasons and it was good as it remembered it! I love mangos! Logan thus had his first mango too, as he was the only one up with me at the time. I think he loved it, well he didn't spit it out so that is a plus. I also had some watermelon after my chicken salad and it was AWESOME! I love this time of year!

I thought I lost my wallet today. Well actually yesterday but only noticed today we looked everywhere even called the McDonalds we went to yesterday, that was the last place we where yesterday and couldn't find it anywhere. Michael and i prayed and had one more look but still couldn't find it. So I cancelled my bank cards only in the hope that some kind hearted person would find it and either take to the police station or send it to me. This afternoon when Michael left to run an errand, guess what he found, my wallet in the map compartment of our dashboard. Mind you we looked 3 times in the car but didn't look there. So Heavenly Father really does hear prayers and answers them. Cause I couldn't afford to replace all the cards that where inside.

Well Logan has a Middle Ear infection yet again. They are talking grommets. But that is a ways off cause we are in the public system and the waiting list is rather large but we don't need them at this stage. So we are on antibiotics again. I am so blessed that he is just a happy soul!

Strawberries, Toowoomba and Wivenhoe Dam

2010-10-14T20:01:00.003+10:00

On our way to Toowoomba, for reasons I will explain in a minute, we found a store that was selling strawberries for 49c a punnet I thought have to stop there can't pass that up. When I get into the store low and behold half the strawberries are moldy and have fungus growing on them and the other half of them where soft and liquified needless to say I most disappointed. I did manage to pic a few punnets out that where ok. They are not the best tasting ones but they are not bad for 49c. I did manage to get some mangos for 99c each so I look forward to eating them.

Aunty Denise is taking Grandma on a trip in her motor-home to get her out and about, which will be good for Grandma. So to help Aunty Denise out we took Grandma to meet her at Toowoomba. We had a wonder lunch, chicken and colslaw sandwiches, at picnic point... but did I get any pictures of the point no! Oh well I will have to just go to Toowoomba again and get some pictures. I did however get some pictures of the boys. Logan did have an accidentthough. Don't ask me how but he fell out of the pram and onto the only cement slab in a 5m radius. He has a massive bump on his head and a graze down his face. My poor little bubba.

On the way home we went and had a look at Wivenhoe Dam as they opened the flood gates and let some water into the spill over. We have some awesome pics.

Markets, Losers and a Sick Man

2010-10-13T20:59:00.002+10:00

We went to the Fruit and Veg markets this afternoon and I forgot how much I love fresh produce! I totally love it! Oh to have more money and buy all my food at the markets. I just had some Red Pawpaw and it was so yummy! I love this time of year all of my fav. fruits come out. I got my first mango of the season to this afternoon but I am saving it for breakfast tomorrow. Yum I am drooling just thinking about it!

While Aiden is in daycare 2 days a week Michael and I take the opportunity to rent movies from our local store as they are only $1 on Tuesday any movie $1 it is awesome! Anyway we watched Losers it was really great. A little bit of language but the efforts are WOW! I really liked it. I don't know there is something about hot men with guns LOL.

Michael has turned himself in for the night, well at 7.30 actually I don't think I have ever seen him put him self to bed this early ever! He is not feeling well :( he says a sore throat and headache with the sniffles coming on. I hope you are feeling better in the morning Babe! I don't like to see you sick.

On that note I am going to scrap for the last 30mins before it is my bedtime. I am starting a new project! Can't wait to show you when I'm finished!

Scrapin, Peace and Change

2010-10-12T21:42:00.003+10:00

I have trying to do my kits and projects that I started but never finished lately and I have nearly court up. Whilst going through things I found some dinosaurs that I had painstakingly hand cut out that where left from a page I did for Aiden. So I decided to do a page for Logan. It sat on the desk just two pieces of paper and all this cut out dinosaurs until last night when I actually sat done and did something with it, as mentioned in yesterdays post. Well I finished it today (just glued the title on lol) and I am pretty happy with how it turned out. I have put a pic in for you to see below.

Not the greatest picture but will take a better one tomorrow in the natural light but you get the gist.

Well today I think I have made a brake through and have found some inner peace and feel a big change is coming I will talk more of this in the coming days, but for now I am off to bed.

Love you all and thanks for coming and visiting.

Love Miranda xxxxxx

Books, Rain and Sleep

2010-10-11T21:00:00.002+10:00

Last night was one of those nights you wished only ever happened once in your childs life. Logan (now 8 months) has been a little unwell. Last night he went to bed like usual but at 2.23am he awoke in a fit of coughing. He coughed so much that he woke himself up. So for the next 4 hours he was awake bar the 30mins he was asleep when Dad took him for a drive. Yep he woke up when Dad tried to get him out of the car seat. Dad was kind enough to stay up with him so I could get some sleep so I let him sleep in. This is the second time Logan as decided to wake up in the middle of the night stay awake in as many weeks. He is so cranky the next day. I just wish that you could reason with them sometimes.

Well surprise surprise it is still raining. So as promised to Aiden we went to the Library. It was the first time we had ever been. I don't know why I haven't been before. I think I got more picture books for me then the boys but they looked so awesome I just had to read them. There are 13 in total I know a little of the top but what are you going to do. Aiden is only interested in the Digger and Construction trucks books that I got him and Logan is only interested in eating them or kicking them but I will endeavor to read all of them to the boys. I think I am going to make it a weekly event I think. I would love to take them to story telling so I will have to look up which library has the time and day suitable to us.

Finally finishing some swap stuff that was due back in March of this year. Will have to hit everyone up for their address again. And I hope to finish a Layout for Logan's album tonight if my sister ever gets back to me (wink wink nudge nudge) but I am going to bed soon so I don't like my chances oh well there is always tomorrow.

Facebooked

2010-10-10T19:47:00.001+10:00

Just made it so when I update my blog it will notify on facebook... so techy now aren't I not! LOL

Change, Surprises and Rain

2010-10-10T17:53:00.002+10:00

Ok Change, as you can see I have revamped my Blog. I am hoping that it will be a new start for blogging. I now have to keep one of my BFF's in America up to date with everything so here goes Kimmy... (I miss you)

Surprises, Kimmy called me YAY!!! She is even sending me a present! I love presents! I will have to reciprocate the gesture and send here something but what to send any suggestions?

Rain Rain go away come again another day. It is has been raining all week and Aiden is starting to climb the walls and test my patients... I have promised him that we will definitely go out tomorrow no matter what the weather but where to go??? Any suggestions peps?

Aiden and Mummy Date 4th March 2010

2010-04-23T15:37:00.002+10:00

This was our first Mummy son Date since I had been home with Logan. We went and go Mc Donalds Ice-cream and went to the park. We had a great time. Unfortunately is has been our only thus far but I am working on making it more often. (Need more sleep LOL)

This was also Aiden first ice-cream of his own. He is such a big boy now.

Scrapping

2010-04-23T15:30:00.002+10:00

I started this page before Logan was born in January and I finally finished it about 6wks ago it was the only time have scrapped since I have been home from hospital with the two boys. Actually that is not true I have been working on a swap for just as long, and I am still not finished, I hope to be finished some day soon and start scrapping again as soon as my desk stops becoming a dumping ground LOL.

Logan's Blessing 21st March 2010

2010-04-23T15:08:00.003+10:00

It was a wonderful day. Dad came up from Melbourne, Mumma came down from the Sunny Coast with my Aunty coming from the Gold Coast as well, and all my sisters coming from across the globe to be with us.

My gorgeous friend from the Sunny Coast came as well as was kind enough to take some pictures for me. Here are some of my favourite ones.

My Mumma and Sister (Ms Zane the one with the orange hair LOL) wrote down the beautiful words Michael said in the blessing. Now I have them forever. I will give Logan a copy when he is old enough and hope that he will Cherish it as much as I do.

Special Care Unit

2010-02-14T12:19:00.011+10:00

I am eternally grateful for the staff and other parents of babies in the Special Care Unit for the love and care that they gave to me and our Baby boy. What they do in there is amazing. I didn't even know what a Special Care Unit was until my baby was taken there. I remember seeing him in the Humie-Crib with all this tubes and wires hanging off him. These photo's to do him any justices in the sense of his size he really is tiny.

These pictures where taken the day he was born.

He was only a few hours old if that

This is my first cuddle on Logan about two hours after he was born.

Big brother having his first cuddle of his new little brother.

From the time he saw his little brother he wanted to give him

a cuddle. This was taken about 2 days after Logan was born.

The next day logan would go back into the Humie-crib and under

UV Lights for his Jaundice.

I practically lived in the special care unit. I was there at every 3 hourly feed except for a few a night. On top of which I was expressing so that Logan could be tube fed my EBM (Express Breast Milk). I became a true dairy cow whilst in hospital. The whole time in the SCU is a blur really... I did make note but until you experience it you can't appreciate the emotional and physical strain it is.

Logan was under the UV lights for about 3 and half days. After which he still had jaundice but the UV lights weren't making any really difference to Logan's belirubin levels. So the took him out. That was a wonderful day I could go and hold my baby anytime I wanted. I could actually start breast feeding my baby like all the other mums in the maternity ward. I have to say the other women in my ward where very nice. Though they did look at me weirdly at first till they found out that my baby was in the SCU. They always apologised for there crying babies... I didn't mind I just wished my baby was there to make just as much noise. Though in the end I did get ear plugs LOL.

I think the hardest part was feeling so useless in the sense that there was so much going on outside the hospital ie. my DH moving us to brisbane with our 2yr old son in toe that I couldn't help with as well as having a baby in the SCU.

I can't praise the staff of Nambour Hospital enough they where all friendly and I received loads of help and encouragement from midwives and lactation consultants. I learnt so much while I was there.

A few days after Logan came out from the lights he was feeding so well that his feeding tube came out. Another great milestone. The day before he came home he was allowed to stay with me in the ward. It felt so surreal.

A New Addition To The Family

2010-02-14T11:06:00.002+10:00

It has been a busy last month for our family. First of all we have been moving from the Sunshine Coast back to Brisbane since the beginning of December. My Dad loaned us his trailer so we were taking a trailer load down a week. (For those of you who don't know we have been blessed enough to be able to rent our parents house as Dad got a job in Melbourne so the rentals moved to Melbourne and allowed us to rent the house which we are really grateful for.) So as mum was packing we where taking up any free space to put all our stuff.

Then on the 21st of January I woke up about 7am with this massive cramp in my leg. You know the type that is so painful that for a good time after the intial searing pain there is after pain well that is the one I got. Anyway I left as though due to the pain I had leaked a few drops in my liner... so I laid there for a minute trying to recover as it was only a few drops and I did have a liner on. As I got up out of bed and stood up I felt this little trickle down my leg and thought hold on do I need to go to the loo... that is when I saw the massive wet patch on the bed... so much for my few drops LOL. So I rushed off to the shower thinking that I had had an accident (which I thought was a bit odd cause I don't have accidents) so as my dear darling husband cleared the bed I asked him to bring me the sheets so that I could smell them... gross I know but I wanted to make sure what it was and your wee has a distinct smell... mean while Dear Husband and I where debating if my waters had broken,.. I thought it couldn't be as I still had 6wks to go. Anyway there was no wee smell on the sheets which was a relief but a scary shock at the same time.

So as you do I tried to call my Mum.., (I didn't even think to call the hospital I think I was in to much shock) and for once I couldn't get ahold of Mum. So I called my sister who has had 3 children of her own. She assured me that it was my waters that had broken and that I need to call the hospital... (Ding - should have done that first). As I proceeded to tell her that there was a steady drip down my leg... Well that put us into panic mode I had nothing organised. No hospital bag no baby things (they where all packed and in Brisbane as we where offically moving the following Friday). So there I am standing in the bathroom with a towel between my legs (sorry for the visual) in shock now on the phone to the hospital who are telling me to come in straight away... I think the most unsettling thing was that I had no pain at this stage... the whole time I was waiting for the pain to set in but it never came. I managed to get dressed in a nighty and order my DH around to get a bag together... and get some things together of my DS who was now going to spend the day with Nanna D.

Eventually we got to the hospital about an hour after I first called them... When we got there I still had no pain. So they hooked me up to the monitors and waited and watched... sent in a doctor who did a check and took some test samples and blood and all the yucky stuff. Only to confirm that yes my waters has broken... So after much walking around etc to try and bring it on they eventually admitted me into the ward. So for the next 2 days i just sat and weighted in between visits from doctors, nurses and tests. The doctors said that if I didn't come on my own (go into spontanious labour) that they would have to induce me but they wouldn't do that until the following week so that Logan would be older. The longer they are in the womb the better it is for them. I was not looking forward to waiting that week let alone being induced. I heard that it made labour more painful... like any women wants that.

Fortunately for me Logan decided to come on his own. I had had a few mild labour pains over the 2 days that I was in hospital but nothing consistant or regular. Then after another sleepless night being in the maternity ward with crying babies etc... I was on the laptop playing majong and writing in a journal I had a few pains... nothing major I thought that they where just like all the others so I decided to go for a little work before I would try and get some sleep as my butt was sore from sitting on it in the crappy hospital beds for several hours. Off I went to stretch the legs and get the blood pumping at this time it was about 4.30 or so (The day that my DH was moving yet another load to Brisbane) I started doing laps of the nurses station. As I was walking the mild pains started to be regular and consistant... after about 30mins I flagged one of the nurses and said I think it is happening. They hooked me up to the machine and monited me for another 30mins and sure enough the pains showed up on the machine...

By about 5.45 am the pains started to get intense. So I was breathing and walking to help me through the pain. I called my DH at about this time and said if you are going to go to Brisbane do it now and do it fast because I am in Labour. Actually I suggested that he didn't go by the time I called him again 45mins later but he was already half way to Brisbane. By 7am they moved me to the labour ward. In the mean time I called my Mum and told her to get up to the hospital as I didn't want to be alone. Mum was going to look after DS but he was with DH. So Mum got to the hospital at the same time she got to the hospital for my first DS. I was beginning to panic as the pains where getting more intense and closer together that DH wasn't going to make it. I was talking to my baby saying just hold on till Daddy comes... he must have heard me because he was born an hour after DH arrived. I was actually in the shower when DH arrived at 10.45am. I burst into tears when I saw him as I was so releaved that he had made it as I know he was too... he was destressed at the thought of missing his second sons birth.

So Mum took hold of DS #1 and tried to hang around to be here for the birth... but in the end I was looking so awful as you do in labour that we decided that DS didn't need to see me that way. Mum took him and was going to back to her place so they left... with in 15mins of them leaving DS #2 was born... Mumma was so gutted as she had only just left the car park. So she had to run around and find another one as her one had already been taken. So by the time they made it back Logan was already 1/2 hr old. Mean while DH Mum made it up from Brisbane just in the nick of time she got there about 30mins before he was born, and once he was born she couldn't believe that had happened that fast. She did manage to get a few snaps though.

When I had the urge to push it was different to my first I didn't really have that greater urge to push it was instictual if that makes sense. Anyway about 3 pushes later Logan was born and the peditricans wisked him away. I got to hold him for about 30 seconds before he was taken to the Special Care Unit with Dad and Nanna Parrish in toe.

At 11.14am our second son was born screaming his lungs out...

As one door closes an new one opens

2010-01-04T16:34:00.004+10:00

Well we farewelled Dad off to Melbourne today even though he only just got back from 4 wks in the USA and Canada. Mum and Dad are make a big move to Melbourne. Dad landed a great job so they are taking the plunge. I think that this will be great for them and dispite my previous issues with the man I am finally sorting them out so I think it is good for me too. I will miss him and I know that my dear Boy will miss him too (cause they are into cars together... need I say more) However as they move to Melbourne we move to Brisbane. We await the arrival of our second some and Michael embarks on a new journey into the world of University. My Sister and Husband are moving back to Australia from Canada and are expecting their first baby and will be moving in with us. My Older Sister is due home this year, we hope for good :o) and my other Sister is expecting baby #4. So we have a very full on year this year. Bring it on I say... though ask me in a few months... LOL

Aiden discovered a new BFF Nanna Rain's Dog Tripper

Me and Dad

Nanna Rain and Pappa with Aiden
Dad Driving out of the driveway and down the street

New Years Goals

2010-01-02T17:23:00.003+10:00

Today I sat down and actually thought about what I want to achieve this year. It will be full on year as our eldest is turning 2 next month and we are expecting our second at the end of next month too... (I know I am a sucker for punishment you would have thought that I would have learnt the first time having a baby in summer but no I had to go and do it again LOL).

I have tried to be as realistic yet hopeful at the same time. If that at all makes sense. This year I have a whole list of things I want to improve about myself and the way that I look after myself like losing 20kg... DH says that I am cheating as I am almost 32 wks pregnant and will sand to lose a wack of weight once I have the baby... LOL so I am cheating a little bit but I don't care just as long as this time next year I have lost at least 20kgs.

I also have a whole list of things that I want to get stuck into like my scrapbooking... There are holidays and albums and challenges the list is almost endless but I hope to complete at least 2 Layouts a week and do a little scrappin everyday... 2 layouts I hear you say... it's not very much but I will have a 2 year old and a new born. I do plan to do more then that but I know that I won't always get more then that done.

Anyway I have set a whole range of goals, personal, spiritual, scrapbooking, family, financial and couples goals... which I did try and talk to my DH about but at the time I don't think he was in an all that serious mood so I will talk to him again to make sure he got it all.

We are well on our way to moving. We are fortunate to have the option to start moving our stuff now even though we don't officially move until the about the 28th January. So we are making a trip a week with a trailer so by the time we actually move we won't have so much to move or a big cost of a move as will have been spread over about 6 wks. I have to admit that I find moving this way is much better... even if we didn't actually move the stuff just packing things up this far in advance takes the stress right out of it.

Christmas Day 2009

2009-12-26T15:13:00.006+10:00

Aiden getting stuck into his present from Nana Rain and Pappa

Aiden with his new Digger from Nanna D

Aiden opening his present from Mummy and Daddy

Look somewhere I can drive my digger on the street :)

Checking himself out on Nanna D's Camera

Camping

2009-12-26T14:53:00.004+10:00

Well we decided that we would get away for Christmas. No hustle and bustle etc. We booked and paid for Noosa North Shore borrowed my Dad's truck pack up even had family coming to stay too, But when we get there it is so hot and humid that we only lasted 3 days and 2 nights out of the 7 days and 6 nights that we where supposed too. To make matters worse we had a rat eat a whole in our pantry and eat our food and a hole in our camper trailer cover. NOT HAPPY JAN. Anyway we are now home and here are what few photos I did take.

Aiden Playing Cars on Daddy's Chair Table

Aiden in his new car towel from Nana D after a swim

Our camp setup

Aiden driving "Pappa's Car"

The Herman in action

Trip to the Ginger Factory

2009-12-26T14:36:00.003+10:00

This year we took Aiden to the Ginger Factory to see Santa's Secret Workshop. We had a really nice time. Nana D came with us. Aiden and Daddy went on the train ride which Aiden just loved. Here are some pics.

Aiden chilling on the way to the Ginger Factory eating ironically gingerbread that we made.

Aiden on a Digger (yes wherever we go we manage to find a digger, car etc to ride on)

Aiden with Daddy on the Train after there ride

Aiden and Nana D with the Buderim Ginger Man

Daddy and Aiden With the Gingerbread Man

Family Photo Shoot

2009-04-21T11:08:00.008+10:00

These pictures where taken by a very good friend of mine Kimberly. We did this shoot about 2 wks ago at the Kings Beach Rock Pools. It was a lot of fun and the pictures turned out great! So a huge thank you to Kimberly for her time and effort they have been greatly appreciated!

Saturday Slide Show 18th April

2009-04-21T10:24:00.001+10:00

I know I am late with this but we have had a bit of a hectic weekend :)

Make a Smilebox greeting

This is just as awesome!!!!

2009-04-21T10:12:00.002+10:00

This is so awesome!

2009-04-21T10:09:00.000+10:00

An Apostle's Easter Thoughts on Christ

2009-04-12T08:05:00.002+10:00

I am so much more the richer in spirit and gratitude because of the words of an Apostle of the Lord. So much so I would like to share the message with you. I hope and pray that you watch with an open heart that you too maybe touched by the Spirit.

Happy Easter

2009-04-11T12:40:00.004+10:00

It is Easter time, and I have been thinking a lot about my Saviour and Redeemer Jesus Christ and the Atoning sacrifice he made for me. I would be so ungrateful for if I didn't take this opportunity to thank him and my Heavenly Father for the divine plan of salvation. I am so grateful that my Saviour loves me so that he laid down his life for me so that I may return to live with him someday. I am so grateful that He watches over me and consistently blesses me even when I may not be worth to receive them. I am eternally grateful that He is patient and long suffering with me... I know that I have many sort comes to many to name but He loves me regardless and endeavours to guide me to paths that will strengthen me, test me and eventually enable me to grow and change for the better. At this time may we all remember sacrifices that have been made to get us to where we are today.

Have a Great Easter

Love always
Mandy

Saturday Slide Show 11th April

2009-04-11T12:05:00.003+10:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Saturday Slide Show 4th April

2009-04-04T21:11:00.002+10:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Saturday Slide Show 4th April

2009-04-04T20:38:00.002+10:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

28/03/2009

2009-03-28T18:11:00.001+10:00

Ok so much has happened that I am just going to basically bullet point them. So here goes.

· Aiden got his 3^rd tooth this week. He got sick on Saturday night and was really sick on Sunday even had a temp. of 38.8 degrees so that was a trip to the ER. Only to be told keep up the panadol and if he is worse in a couple of day bring him back… he didn’t get worse he got a tooth on Tuesday.

· Aiden has started making new language sounds. They are so cute I have to and record them. It actually sounds like he is speaking a different language.

· Yesterday morning he started biting down on his toast and ripping it so that the piece in his mouth wasn’t so big. He is growing and learning so fast.

· Aiden has a new interest in books. He starting to realize that books have pictures and words too. We are not pausing long to look yet but we are occasionally noticing that there is something on the page we are turning instead of just turning the pages.

· Aiden is climbing onto everything. As soon as he realizes that he can climb on it that’s it he is forever climbing on it.

· Aiden is getting good at understanding words such as:

o Bath: he will even go to the bath as soon as the word is mentioned

o Shut: he knows what this means but is reluctant half the time to obey

o Shoes

o Sit

o Stand

o Open

· Aiden is lifting his legs up so that we can put is pants on. He will even lift his feet so I can put his shoes on.

· Michael is doing really well at TAFE. He is boarding on a Credit and Honors. I am very pleased with how well he is doing and the confidence it is given him.

· We finally moved into our own place. All the boxes are unpacked bar 3, 2 of which are my scrapbooking stuff… I am waiting to get my desk back, which currently has the computer on it as the TV is on our computer desk. When we get enough money we will buy a new/newer entertainment unit as our old one won’t fit in this unit.

· I am settling in really well with my new job. I really love it. Michael thinks it is because I am out of the house and out of my role as “Mum” that’s why I love it and he is probably right for the most part but I do like the people that I work with and the job it self. As for what I do, well I receipt all the money that students have to pay for excursions, camps, extra curricular activities, sports etc. I also help the other Admin staff member/receptionist and the schools Business Manager. I work 3 days a week from 8.30 to 3.30 Mondays and Wednesday and 8.30 to 3.00 Thursdays. Work is only about 1km away so I walk except when it is raining.

· I went shopping on Thursday night to get myself a pair of pants for work and walked out with gray pants, a navy cord skirt, a light blue button up collard shirt, a jade ¾ sleeved shirt with a beautiful detailed round neck line, a jade knit vest, and a black knit vest. This time I got fitted properly and have cloths that fit. Michael said that I look big in some of the things that I tired on but I reminded him that I am big and I didn’t get those itemsJ I know that he loves me and just want me to feel good about myself.

· I have my first Relief Society Scrapbooking class on this Tuesday coming. I hope that the sisters like it. At this stage I only have 5 coming. I am looking forward to it, though I do wish that more sisters would come.

· Kimberly and I finally did our Visiting Teaching this month. Well for one sister anyway. We will visit with one of the other sisters on Sunday.

· Mumma is in the Caribbean at the moment with Kisane on her cruises (2x 1 week cruises) I am so jealous. After she is finished the cruises she is going to Seattle to see Terry’s sister and husband and then to Canada to see Brie and Marc for a few days. All in all she will be away for 4 weeks. I miss her heaps and heaps I can’t wait till she gets back.

· Kisane will finish her contact with this ship when Mumma and Terry go to Seattle so Kisane is going to Canada to see Brie and Marc for a few weeks then she is off to SA (South Africa) to be with Jerome for a few weeks. Finally get home about the beginning of May. She is not stopping long though, she will only be here a month and then she will be off again to a new ship with a new contract. I can’t wait to see her.

· Last night Michael, Aiden and Me went to Steve (our cousin) and Chelsea’s engagement party. It was to go out. I had a great time catching up. It was sort lived though as Aiden was too much of a handful by the end. So we had to leave early really early which I was bummed about. But what do you do.

Well I think that is about it for the moment I have to go and entertain Aiden for awhile… he is really over tired and cranky but won’t go to sleep so hopefully he will go to bed early tonight.

Mandy

Update

2009-03-22T18:11:00.002+10:00

Well it has been event month. We have been lucky enough to move into your own place. We have been very grateful for Lisa sharing her home with us. It is nice to have our own space. Aiden has his own room will all his toys etc. He is really liking it I think. I think he is still getting used it though.

I have also been fortunate to get a job. I work for Caloundra State Primary School in the admin. I am so great to have this job as it is very hard to get into the school system. It is only a contract till the end of the simester. I am hoping and praying that it will become a more perminate. It is 3 days a week and it is only about 1km from our new place. So that means that Aiden is in daycare. I stuggled with this for a while feeling guilty but I think that working has actually made me a better mum, because I appreicate the time that I have with him much more.

Aiden is doing great at daycare after he gets over the fact that we have left him there. His teacher says that he fine about 5mins after Michael drops him off and that he has a great time. I am just glad that I don't drop him off.

Aiden has been really sick for the last 24hrs. At first I thought it might be teething and there is a part of me that still does but when his temp reached 38.6 at home I freacked out dropped in a bath of cool water and when his temp didn't go down. Michael and I drove around for about an hour trying to find a Dr open when we didn't fine one we took him to emergency. The doctor there took his temp and it was 38.8 he said that it probably a viral infection and advised that we keep up the panadol and if in 3 days he is not getting better take him back. I hope and pray that he starts getting better really soon.

Starting once again

2009-02-05T11:10:00.004+10:00

OK so it has been too long since I lasted blogged, and so much has happened I couldn't possibly touch on everything so I am going to start from now. OK so I will fill you in on just the major things that have happened.

OK Hubby and I sold our house in Brisbane and have made the move to the ever sunny Sunshine Coast about 1 1/2hr north of Brisbane for those of you who don't know. We absolutely love it up here! We didn't buy another house again we are renting at the moment as Hubby has gone back to school to re-skill himself.

We bought a camper trailer (totally love it) and went up north as far as Bowen. Hubby wanted to keep going but I know him... once we got to Cairns he would have been lets go to the Cape and then to the NT etc you get my drift.... I was trying to save some money (which didn't work :( )

My Baby sister finally got married... 4th Oct 08 and moved to Canada about 4 days after the wedding. It was a bitter sweet few days. I miss her a lot but i know that she is being looked after and we frequently email, text, call with occasional video call thrown in too. So I get to "see" her still.

Christmas great. It was Aiden's first. I didn't get many pictures because I was to busy in the kitchen so I am very bummed about that! But what do you do... (Take more next time) though I did manage to get some video...

Aiden is walking... well pretty much walking... give him a few more weeks and he will be running.

Aiden also got is first tooth a couple of weeks ago. It is now a little white slither on his gum. Not that he lets you see.

My other little Sister is having her 3rd Bubba. Due in July I think... I'll have to double check that.

Well that is all the big stuff oh wait no it's not... Hubby started at TAFE on Monday. He is doing his Yr 12 cert. So he can do further study.

OK well I am now a full time Stay at home mum... (hubby has been home with us for the last 6months) I am not sure I am going to go... I mean I know that I will manage etc. But it for the last 6 months I have been able to say I have had enough you can do it to hubby... I know a little spoilt. And yes I have been sulking. Though I am confident that in a couple of weeks (hopefully) I will be fine Aiden and I will be in a routine and everything will be fine... well that is what I keep telling myself.

Well I had a really great day yesterday. I have made a new friend, Kimberly, through Church and we get on great. Well it was Kimberly's birthday yesterday so a small group of us got together and scrapped. I was there all day. Aiden came too and he was just a Gem! I came home feeling really good and excited etc... a welcomed mood by my dear Hubby considering I was crying my eyes out in the morning. I really do have the best Husband... A fact that I have to remind myself of and stop being so spoilt. ^_^

I would like to upload some new pics however they are all on the other computer, which I would have been using however the Internet connection (wireless) is just awful at the moment it drops out all the time... it has been driving DHubby crazy!

So when he gets home I will get him to change the settings once again and hope that it will work... so I can upload some pics.

Well I am going to love you and leave you my tummy is crawling and I have to make some calls.

2009-02-05T11:10:00.000+10:00

Getting back on track

2008-06-24T16:14:00.005+10:00

Boy how time flies... Well there is to much to catch up on so I will start from what has been happening lately.

Well Aiden is almost 4 1/2 months old now... I know I can barely believe it myself. He is getting cuter by the day. He is now eating solids as well as his formula which he really enjoys. He is also sleeping through the night now... awake more during the day but I don't mind because he sleeps through the night. He sleeps from about 8 at night till anywhere between 5-7am which is awesome! I just have to go to bed soon after he does, I don't know where that time goes or that I do anything productive but I think it is my veg out time where I watch a bit of telly or doing a bit of scrappin. Aiden is smiling and laughing all the time now. He is just a bundle of smiles... you only have to look at him and pull a funny face and he breaks out in an all encompassing smile... I am still trying to catch in on film or in a picture hopefully one day soon he will keep it long enough for me to take a snap shot. He is trying to sit up by himself now we have to watch out as he is starting to pull himself up and fall forward/ sideways. Just yesterday he was proped up on the bed as we where putting the washing away and he pulled himself up to sit up and fell forward and nearly fell of the bed. Gave me the fright of my life... mental note to self keep away far away from edges... Anyway he loves books I have baby cloth books that he just loves and tries to eat all the time. Whenever Hubby or I are reading and he is on our lap he thinks it is great and tries grab the pages and trun them or crumple them or eat them. He is growing up so fast.

Anyway things have been made houes here as we have been preparing to put out house on the market. Hubby has been busy painting and doing general maintainence around the house. Isn't alway the way that you get your house just nice only to sell it. Oh well such is life. Well the house is on the market so all we have to do is wait and pray that someone wants it and at the price we want to sell it at. We have decided to sell as Hubby want to get out of night work which he has been in for the last 10 years and start a career. He has decided that teaching is his chosen vocation and so that means that we are heading back to UNI. Which unfortunately means that we can't keep the house. Though on the bright side we have decided to move up to the sunshine coast where Hubby's Sister and Son live and where my Mum and Step Dad live. We can't wait to move up there. We love it up there. Fortunately Mum has a granny flat underneath her house that we will be renting, and my Sister in law only lives about 2mins up the road from my Mum how cool is that!!!! We are very excited about the move. This means many hard but great changes for a better future.

In other news my Baby Sister is getting married in october and I am so excited for her. Though sadly she will be moving to Canada as that is where her fieance` is from. But more then anything I am so glad that she is happy and they will have a wonderful life together. We are currently facing issues with find bridesmaid dresses... who would have thought that it would be so hard but it is... and they are all so expensive oh well we will continue our search.

Well I have to got and get dinner organised but I shall leave you with some pics.

A rare pic of me but more importantly one of Aiden smiling.

These are some of the pics that Sara Pearcy took of Aiden when he was 3 wks old my how much he has grown.

And this is my most recent pic taken only last week look at him now such a porky boy xxxx

And finally here are some pics of my Baby Sis and her future Hubby. These where taken By Deep Grey owned by our cousin and her Hubby for there engagement photos and there wedding invites. I just love these ones!!!!

He Came He Came!

2008-02-17T22:19:00.005+10:00

Ok just a quick post as I am really tired and sore so I am going to go to bed... but I had to let you all know that our little man came!

Aiden Cooper Gaffney was born 10.42am on 15th Feb 2008 weighing 6Ib 4 and 52cm in length. Here he is just minutes after he was born. We arrived home from hospital today.

All went well and I had him with no drugs! Yay for me.

I will be back to fill you in as I hope to be up to it in a couples of days

2 Days over due.

2008-02-12T20:56:00.000+10:00

Our Little Man is still not ready to come yet... Go figure... to much like his Dad I say :) laid back and easy going :) Not that it is a bad thing after he is born.

We had a close call last week. It was Wednesday morning early like 1.30am when I woke up with all belly pain that was just increadible. I got up went to the loo thought I might have been holding on to long but it never went away. Hubby was at work and doesn't usually get home till about 2.30am but for some reason left early and walk in the door at about 1.45am he saw me leaning against the kitchen bench rocking and I looked at him and said "I think it is happening". I calmly said I think you sould take a shower and I will go lie down till your done... well he was jining about and in the end as the contractions where getting stronger I called out to him and said you need to have that shower now... once I said that he went into panic mode :) as men do. Anyway called Mum but no anwser (couldn't hear the phone through her deep sleep) so called my Sister instead to just double check that I was in labour... and I was... then Mum called and got all excited and told me to go stright to the hospital because they where only minutes apart. So we jumped in the car (yes all my stuff has been in the car for weeks. We even have the baby seat in there all ready to go!) and away DH spead to the hospital...

I did call the hospital to tell them that I was coming as my DH was speeding down the highway like a bat out of hell! (I had to tell him to slow down and relax and that everything was ok and that we would get there in good time). When I got there a lovely midwife was there and she examed me and while I was in labour but I was only 1cm dialated so she then gave me some pain killers and something to help me sleep and sent us home... when we got home I was still contracting but managed to go to sleep. However much to my devisatation when I woke up hours later the contracts had stopped and I haven't had anything since! oh I did fail to mention that by this stage I still hadn't had a show or my waters break... I have now had a show but still no waters breaking... what can you do... we have done everything from castor oil to sex and everything in between. He is just not coming till he is ready.

So now we wait. We do have an appointment at the hospital next Tuesday the 19th but I hope not to make that appointment... and if I do I hope that they can help the labour along a little...

Anyways I have been doing some work but not as much as I would like haven't been in a scrappin mood till today so here is some work that I have done.

This is a Layout of my Mumma and Step Dad at my Mumma's birthday party last year. I just really love these photos of them so I decided to scrap them as you do :)

This is a Layout I did of My Big Sis, Ms Zane as some of you may now her as, holding me just days old. I was a little stuck for a Layout plan so I got this map from PageMaps an awesome website that I occationally go to when I am a little stuck. Anyway this one is for my Big Sis who is overseas having a blast and working hard who can't give me hugs like only a Big Sis can. So this is for you Saney miss you heaps but love you more.

P.S I did forget to tell you that I won a prize for my card I did for the Stamp Shak Jan Card Challenge how cool is that! I have never won anything for my work. It was an awesome prize to. I got 3 sheets of A4 cardstock, a Pritt glue stick, Double sided tape, nice ribbon and a pack of nice love embellishments. Thanks to The Stamp Shak for the awesome prize and the change to win it.

1 Week and 2 Days

2008-02-01T19:47:00.000+10:00

Well we only have 1 week and 2 days till D-day and everyday seems to get longer :) but what can you do... Trust me we have done almost everything... Our little man is not coming until he is ready which is not all bad :) Though I fear this could be a lifetime personality trait :)

Anyway I have committed to a challenge from Scrapchat to blog everyday and leave at least one comment on someone elses blog... So while I don't think that I will be very good at this challenge I am going to give it my best shot. I hope that I am exempt for the time that I am in hospital with bubs :)

Anyway here is some more work that I have completed since my last blog...

This card was made as part of The Stamp Shacks January Card Challenge where we had to scraplift from a card map.

This LO was part of the The Stamp Shack's January LO Challenge where we had to scrap our fave. beach. This is Happy Valley in Caloundra... and is one of my fave. beaches.

The Stamp Shack is also posting weekly challenges or insperations to give us some ideas for new LO's. This is my week 1- where the challenges was to use word strips. I have never done this before but let me tell you I will be doing it again :) This is a LO about my growing belly... as you can see.

I would be doing some more scrapping tonight but our printer is out of ink and I used my last piece of photo paper discovering that out :) oh well hopefully DH can take me down tomorrow and we can get some new ink and photo paper.

Oh one more thing before I go... my baby Sister's fience' landed in the country today... she has been so excited all week. It is so great to see her happy particularly after lossing her puppy Bear.

Well I will love you and leave you until tomorrow... Sweet dreams, happy days and God bless.

xx Mandy

Tribute to Bear

2008-01-27T22:55:00.000+10:00

It has been an emotional weekend... many tears have been shed. But to cut the nitty gritty out basically it happened like this:

My sister has a huge fight with her fience' - First set of tears

DH and I gave away our baby for the last 3 years China... as many of you may know her from some of my work... she was becoming to much of a handfull and kept running away and with the baby here so soon we decided that she need to go to someone who could give all the attention that she deserves... she went to a really good home and is being spoilt :) - No tears but still sad

I get totally over being pregnent and have a moment/several moments of tears - Second set of tears

And finally My sister (yes the same sister who had the fight on friday night) had to put down her puppy, one of China's pups, Bear. She contracted Parvo and my sister couldn't afford the $3000-$4000 vet bill that it cost to have her saved and even then it was no gaurentee that she would survive and make it to a nice old age... Bear was only 4 months old.

Bear was a sweet puppy that loved to chew on your toes and lick your legs... she always thought that everything in your hand was something she could eat or chew. She loved to drop at your feet as your where walking and roll over for a tummy rub. She was a good friend and loved cuddles. She had been apart of our family since the day she was born... I watched her grow from this tiny little pup that fitted in the palm of my hand to this small-medium size dog that just loved to be all over you.

Parvo is a very contagious and very fatal deases that attacks the division of cells and because puppy cell division is at it highest in the intestines that is where they usually attack first. It is not something that can be treated quickly and tecqunically there is no cure for it. My sister said that within a few hours she had gone from just being lathargic and mopey to partically parilised, druly with internal bleeding. I am glad I didn't see her this way.

I miss having our four legged friends bantering outside and howling for our attention... I have no words to discribe my sorrow for my sister in loosing her baby Bear... She will be greatly missed and always loved.

So as you can tell this weekend pretty much sucked... life can't always go as smooth as you want it to.

Tonight I leave you with a picture of Bear in her memory who is now in a better place.

2 Weeks 4 Days

2008-01-23T22:16:00.000+10:00

Well it is getting to the nitty gritty now and even though my little man's official due date is in 2 weeks and 4 days he can come at any time now. I am getting all the signs that it is close even getting my nesting thing happening in the sense of I have all of a sudden had an urgency to get every finalised and ready for the baby.

I have been working hard the last week to mental prepare myself for a natural birth and practice techniques to deal with the pain and all of that... and I am feeling really positive and starting to get really excited. I keep visualising seeing my little man for the first time and all the emotions that go with that and seeing my other man, my DH, see our baby for the first time as he is so excited! As strange as it may sound I am really looking forward to the moment when we finally see the miracle that has been taking place for the last nine months. I just can't wait.

Anyway I have been working on some scrapping well I participated in the The Stamp Shack's January Cyber Crop and there are my creations.

Challenge 1 - A LO about yourself

As you can see I have taken a simple approach to this challenge and basically used a photo of me at a happy time in my life and just journaled that I am still happy even several years on.

Challenge 2 - A card based on a sketch

This challenge was based on a sketch and since my friend has just recently had her baby I decided to use this challenge to make her a card.

Challenge 3 - A LO about your 5 Fave things

Once again I took a different approach to this challenge. Whist most others did 5 of there personal Faves. I felt that I wanted to do a LO about my better half so I did my 5 Fave things about us as a couple. Whist it is about us as a couple can still get a feel for the type of people that we are as a couple and as individuals.

Challenge 4 - Valentine's Day Card

Well My DBS (Darling Baby Sister) who isn't so little (she's 20) :) she isn't into all of this scrapping business like the rest of us. She is the artist of the family and uses paints, charcoal, oils, pastels etc to create her masterpieces. Anyway since I asked her what I could do she asked if I would make her a card... based on her design so really this is her creation I just put it together for her. I was great to do this activity together to see our to totally different creative minds work together. I look forward to doing something creative together again.

Well I must be off to bed so that I can be as rested as possible for when my precious little man comes.

Take care friends and don't worry I will let you know when he comes :)

3 weeks 3 Days to go

2008-01-16T22:26:00.001+10:00

Ok I took the plunge today and let my DH Michael take a picture of me. I haven't had many photo's taken through out my pregancy becuase of the amount of weight (due to fluid retention) I have packed on. But considering I only have 3 wks and 3 days to go I figure I should take a few. So here is me and my tummy.

Here is my tummy in all it's hugeness!

Aside from resting and getting pampered with a foot massage today, I have been a busy girl the last 2 days... here is what i have been up to...

This is a picture and layout of my Nephew Kaleb. They are so beautiful when they are asleep.

This is a black box that I have covered/scrapped as a keepsake box for my little man when he comes. This is the top side.

This is the front of the box and i have done all 3 other sides in the stripe.

Baby Shower invite and New LO

2008-01-11T07:17:00.000+10:00

OK as promised here is a picture all be it not a good one of my Baby Shower invite... I would take another one but I have run out of invites... need to make more...

This year I have decided to be apart of the "Gratitude Album" Thread on Scrapchat (http://www.scrapchat.net/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=730). Each month there will be something to be grateful for that we have to scrap. This month January is "Things that make you laugh". I have chosen to scrap two pictures of me laughing and then on a tag state the top 12 (one for each month) that make me laugh. Undecided though I may put another small flower in the top right hand corner but will mull over it for a day as I will need to get more paper to make the flower.

4 Weeks 5 Days to go

2008-01-08T21:50:00.000+10:00

Well it is only 4 weeks an 5 days to D day and already I am wishing for the pain of those on contractions and the hard work of labour... ironic I know... though I think my precious little man has other ideas and will be here until the end of near enough. I think this is more about me needing to learn patience and long suffering then it is about him being ready to come... :)

Well today was my final day of work. As of now I am officially on maternity leave for 12 months. Yay! though I don't think that it has set in yet. I am sure that it won't take long before it does :)

I have a whole list of things that I would like to do before our little man comes but the doctors orders are to rest and put my feet up so that my kanckles have a chance to go down... but everything is so out of sorts and is driving me crazy... I guess it will be a slow process and I will just have to suffice with doing a little everyday... though i have been reading a lot and I managed to make 30 baby shower invites... they are so cute... i will take a picture and post it here when i get a chance.

That's another thing I want to do. Because my baby sister has moved from Melbourne and moved in with - trust me she is worth her weight in gold!- Our office has now been turned into the office/scrap room/nursery. So the nursery side has been done but the rest looks like a bomb has hit it and I don't have the room to scrap... so I really want to get stuck into it so I can scrap. I am dying to scrap!

Anyway I better be off to bed as I have some final things to tie up with work and do some errands before I can retire to the bed as the doctor ordered.

I hope and pray this finds you well.

love
Me

Happy New Year - 5 Weeks 5 Days to go

2008-01-01T20:37:00.000+10:00

Happy New Year Everyone!!!!

Being the first day of the first month of 2008 I have decided to do the usual new years resolutions etc... Like keep my Blog way more updated then I have in the last 3 months since I started it :).

Well Christmas is over and to be honest I am glad. Don't get me wrong I had a really nice Christmas but I think I am just tired right now being only 5 weeks and 5 days out from Baby being due.

I have had to stop work a week and 2 days earlier then I expected as my body is having trouble coping with the baby and all the things that I want to do so Baby has won and I just have to learn a lesson in patience and an application for doing things in bed. - Mental note to self be more fit and healthy before next baby and then maintain it during the pregnancy.

Though this time in bed has allowed me to read and get stuck into my Baby Shower invites that should have been out at least a week ago but will be lucky if they make it out this week. Why is it that all the cute stuff takes the longest to make... yes I am making them all and they require a lot of cutting out of small pieces... and yes I am aware that I am crazy but they will be well worth it in the end... even if no-one else appreciates them but me :)

My how 2007 has gone fast... I found that once I turned 18 I started to notice every year get faster and faster... and last year was no exception. I have great plans for this year and I feel that it will be a great year... well for starters my dearest sweetheart and eternal life mate, my Hubby and I will be celebrating our 2nd (I know only 2 - but it seams longer then that probably because of everything that we have been through together in the last 4 years together) Wedding Anniversary next week; We are expecting our first baby in Feb; I have my baby sister and one of my step-sisters getting married this year... and it is only Day 1 of 2008.

I have great plans for this year... I hope to discover myself again this time as a mother, I hope to face some personal fears and challenges, I hope to tap into the spiritual me once again, I hope to become a better wife and friend, I hope to be more charitable and give more service. I know there is a lot to do but I feel that with the birth of our baby that I will become empowered and find myself once again actually probably for the first time. I was afraid of being a mother and all the challenges that I would face like would I be able to cope; would I be a good mother; would my relationship with my Hubby change for the worse.... but as the time grows closer I see small positive changes that give me hope and courage. I see that my relationship with my DH is changing but it is getting stronger we are getting closer we are seeing each other in a different light and accepting that and using that as another reason to love each other. I am starting to see the blessing of motherhood and beginning to understand that there is nobility and divinity in my role as a mother. I am starting to feel I guess at times a little empowered by it... I hope and pray that this empowerment that I feel will continue once my beautiful baby is born and as we learn and go individually and together as a family.

I have to say that if still feels a little surreal still... even though I am waddling around with this huge belly. I don't think that it will be come really for me until I am holding him in my arms. I can't wait. I wish he would come now... not just so that I can hold me but for a number of other reasons too....

Well I better be off to bed as my Kankles (yes you heard right I have tree trunks as feet, ankles and legs at the moment) are huge and my eyes so wiry that I can't really seen the computer screen... but never fear I will be back soon

Night all hope this year holds all the wonders you desire and more.

love
Mandy xxx

The Shoes

2007-11-10T10:17:00.000+10:00

Finally some pics of my new shoes.

Only 13 weeks and 3 Days to go

2007-11-08T21:17:00.000+10:00

Photo of the day :)

You might not be able to tell form this photo but my tummy is growing... As my darling Hubby pointed out tonight i have almost lost my belly button... which I sware wasn't like that this morning, so baby has had a big growth spert today... I thought my tummy felt super tight today.

Tonight Hubby and I went shopping as I got a gift vouchure from work. So i decided to splurge on myself and get something for me and not my hobby :) I got some shoes! I love shoes and it has been so long since I bought a new pair of shoes. I love them! They are black strappy wedges and they are perfect for me as heels are out at the moment but wedges still give hight and thins my kankles (certiousy of my Baby ^_^) but give my feet and arches support - well that is my story and I'm sticking to it ^_^

Well i have tried twice to upload some pics of my new shoes but do you think it will work for me... go figure. Anyway I need to go to bed as I am totally wasted... and I am struggling to stay awake. So I will write soon.

Another week down only 15 to go...

2007-10-28T20:44:00.000+10:00

Well it is stinking hot, though I am not sure it is just me or it is actually the weather... as I have noticed that being pregnant causes me to have hot flush like nothing else.

This weekend has been a pretty good weekend for me. My dear Hubby spent Saturday painting and mowing the grass while I went and did stampin at my friends Stampin Up Party. At which Hubby said that I could get this series of stamps that i have been ogling forever... well not forever because it is part of the spring mini catalogue that finishes next month so I just had to have it. It is called scribble and i just love it. I should get it in about a week or two.

Speaking of being crafty I have completed another A4 page but have not yet taken a picture of it. So I will do that and post it. I have managed to scrap a picture of all my sisters bar one who i am still waiting for the perfect photo that either hasn't been scraped to death or that depicts how I view her or what she means to me... though she has been in Sydney with the infamous Scrapwitch where thousands (literally) of photos have been taken and from the small snippet that I have seen i think this maybe the batch that I find the photo that I am looking for... Actually it didn't start out this way it just happened. I have so may pictures printed that I just started going through and scarppin them it just so happens that my sisters where the ones that i have done first... oh and a few of me as well.

Well the walking has gone no where... we are meant to be walking everyday but after a week we have once again found that our time could be spent doing anything other then walking... though i am determined to walk when baby is born! I am going to get back to my before Hubby weight of 65kg at least... 58-60Kg would be awesome but i don't want to set my goals to high just yet as i have about 30kg to lose before i hit the 65kg mark... mind you i will lose a considerable amount once baby is born... I have hoping at least 3.5kg ;)

I still have 15 weeks to go it feels like forever away. I am so surprised at how far my baby has to go in the sense of growing and gaining weight that I can bearly imagine what i am going to look like... to give you an idea...

This is me at 20 weeks i feel about twice the size at 25 weeks... So with my baby still having to grow about 20cm in length and gain about 3kg I feel the description of an 'elephant' appropriate... The upside is everyone tells me that I look really good. So I take there word for it and put it down to the motherly glow that you are meant to have when you pregnant.

Well time is escaping me and I need my sleep as I have work tomorrow.

- WOW big kick -

- oh and another -

On that note I will publish this post and take my leave to my nice cool air-conditioned room... oh how i love technology sometimes.

My Work in Progress

2007-10-19T20:17:00.000+10:00

Well I have finally taken some pictures of some pages that I have done in the last 2 weeks it's not much but I am rather chuffed as it has been at least 3-4 months since I did any really scrappin... I hope you like them :)

The page above is my first attempt at an A4 layout and I am pretty happy with how it turned out. This blurry photo is of my sister (the one after me) Trystan, also affectionately called Tudy where my Dad's basketball sneakers when I think she was about 2yrs old... She is so cute!

This is the baby of family... Sister # 2 after me :) Brieate (pronounced Bree-art-ta) also affectionately know as Brie, Bubba or Bubs... Which I know our Mumma hates us to use (Bubba). This photo was taken a few weeks after Tudy was married in March 2004 (I think). As sisters we all pitched in and got some professional photos done as Tudy was the first to get married. Bubba looks so little here... oh how things have changed and how grown up she is now.

Finally a layout about me. These photos of me where taken when I was I think about 2 or 3... not really all that sure... the other photos that go with these show My Mum, my older Sister Ms Zane and my Auntie Janis sitting on a park bench under a big tree. It seems as though it would have been a great day.

While I am not sleeping...

2007-10-17T00:41:00.000+10:00

Well it is about quater to 1 in the morning and I am awake. Believe it or not I was asleep just after 8.30pm tonight but have been woken up by my beautiful unborn baby giving me intergestion. Whilst this does not occur to often, thank goodness, it happens often enough to keep me up some nights.

Hubby and I have been walking everyday so far this week and while it is only Tuesday we are going really well. We only go for a 20min walk which is equiverlant to about a block and a half but this is enough to get my heart pumping and so hot and sweaty that I feel like I need to fall into the pool. I think our other Baby (our Husky called China) is enjoying the shorter walk at the moment as she has had puppies of her own in the last 4 weeks.

I am back at work this week and while it has been good I can feel it tirering me out. I think that is why I feel asleep so early. I think I am going to miss work but then again it is hard to say until Baby comes along and steals my heart away... Hubby is suggesting that I start my marternity leave at the end of Dec but I am unsure I would like to - if I could go part time now I would - but I am thinking of the money at the moment and thinking of going unitl the second week in Jan which will make 8 months by the time I leave work. I think I will wait until Dec to see how I am going and make my decision then. I only need to give 4 weeks notice and I get 12 months Maternity leave though unpaid.

I wish that I could have the best of both worlds and work and be a mum but at the same time now that our little family has started Hubby and I would like to have 2 more children and have them all fairly close together and finish our family. I know being a mother is a full time job all on its own and I know and understand the importance of motherhood and parenting and want to take nothing away from these two, mostly underminded, roles.

I have so many things that I would like to do as a mother and a parent with my children that are different to what my parents did, or different from what my freinds have done or are doing... these things are not bad I just want to do them differently. I have read much about the right way and the wrong way to parenting written by many differnt people from all walks of life with various academic acreditations and everyday regular mums and dads. With all that I have read it leads me to believe that there is not sure way to parenting. Parenting needs to be tailored to each individual child and ajusted accordingly as they grow and develop. I know that I have a lot to learn about being a mother and a parent and I know that I have a lot to learn about myself. This learning does not scar me. I think what scars me is not meeting mey own expectations I have some how conjoured up in my own mind. I some respects I don't think have expectations of one self is entirely bad it in away modivates us to work hard and be deicated to what it is we are doing always striving to meet thoes expectations. I think the danger comes when I don't meet these expectations or I perseve that I don't meet my own expectations. This is where you need to keep ground and look at the whole picture, making sure you acknowledge all aspecs especially if they where out of your control. I think it is vitally important that at the end of the day our children are individuals who have the ability and right to make choices of there own regardless of what we think, want or expect them to do. I just hope and pray that my children will inturn be better then I.

The Beginning

2007-10-13T05:24:00.000+10:00

I have been meaning to get this under way for months, I even started but never got arround to actually making a post. It is the wee hours of the morning and another sleepless morning so I thought instead of laying in bed letting my mind get carried away with to many things I would start to write them instead, so here goes.

My darling husband (corny I know but true) and I are expecting our first Baby in 17 weeks... I feel like it is taking forever. I am sure that as it gets closer to the day time will start to fly. I feel many different things about having a baby... part of me wishes that there was still more time to do the things that we wanted to do before kids... part of me is so excited that I sometimes feel like I am going to burst and then there is part of me that is so petrified that I feel sick in my Tummy. I am scared about labour - not that I can do anything to avoid it... only try to make it better - I am scared about what kind of mother I will be. If our baby will have a connection with me, how much a baby is going to change my relationship with the love of my life... I am sure these are all feelings that most women will at some stage of pregnacy will feel or experience. I have to admit my better half is very supportive and is overwhelmingly excited. He even said to me last night after watching a news report on Post Natial Depression, if I would ever tell him if I was to feel this way... It wasn't a question of 'would you tell me' it was more a plea 'please tell me'. I am so greatful to be blessed with this wonderful person in my life. To walk side-by-side with and hand-in-hand.

I think the closer to the D-day it becomes the more excited I become mainly because now I can feel our baby kicking and sometimes if it kicks hard enough Hubby and feel it to as we discovered this week. We are also lucky enough to have a 3rd scan as baby was to comfy to move last time so not all of Baby's body could be properly scaned or seen.We hope to find out what it will be... I thought for a long time that I would want to keep it a supprise and I guess part of me still does but when ever I look at baby clothes and the like I think how nice it would be to now... We have at least one full name for each sex so we are set either way though I secretly (ok so it is not a secret) want it to be a boy. But don't get me wrong i would be totally stocked with a girl.

I haven't been scrappin a lot lately for a number of reasons mainly because I have suffered from siatica from almost the start of my pregancy and sitting on a backless chair was not an option at the time. But now that I have that under control and I have stolen a chair from the Dinning room table i have been tinkering around finishing old projects and doing a page here or there. I am starting to get back into it... though I need to get my creative jucies flowing again which is a little harder now that I have baby brain... they tell me it only gets worse from here so heaven help me... Hubby has let me get some new supplies, well when I say let I went and got new supplies and he just looked at me and smiles and said 'I love you', so he let me. With new toys in hand i hope to make some marvelious creations and use up some of thoes old printed photos that seem to be gathering dust on my scrappin desk. Mind you I only found these photos amoung other things because I had to clean my scrappin desk so that i get my new supplies out and have a look at them. Actually come to think of it i might do some scrappin this morning while I wait for Hubby to wake up or should I say I go and wake him up :)