Chookys Chirps

Ok so I have moved!

2008-11-08T22:09:00.002+13:00

Ok so I have moved to Wordpress. You can find me http://chookyschirps.wordpress.com/.
See you over there! Please update your bookmarks, bloglines or google reader.

Well its been a busy week!

2008-11-07T09:50:00.009+13:00

Its been a bit of a busy week around here (when is it not thou lol).
Last Friday I went out to Yvonnes place for a lovely morning tea to raise money for the local Hospice - she raised $195 - fantastic - Good One Yvonne! It was the first time I had been out to her place and it was on the other side of Te Puke about 20 minutes from town. What a wonderful drive and an awesome view - just what I was needing on that particular day. It reminds me of the back of Kereru where we used to live.

I've also been spraying and milking the cows and have a bruise in the shape of a hoof mark on my arm to prove it.

And milking the cows and spraying is great for thinking, sorting out the worlds problems and its great for the mojo. So I scrapbook, do layouts and projects in my head while listening and singing to Miley Cyrus and Abba throu my MP3 player with every squirt of the sprayer. Yes the hills around here are really filling up with the Sound of Music!

So with that I have been scrapping!

I have made December Daily Album from Ali Edwards and its pretty plain and simple but I liked putting it together and I found in my stash a book of perforated Christmas pages that someone had given to me a couple of years ago and felt they were too pretty to use. I have gone beyond the 25 December and done the album for the whole month. I'm looking forward to taking daily photos and filling it up. I have used 12 x 12 cardstock cut to 6 x 6 and then made it into a book.

I made a card for a friend who is in hospital this week.

Also made this mini album for someone special.

The weather was ok when we started out last weekend to go to the Speedway, our second attempt! It was also the big fireworks display so we were all looking forward to it. The rain started to come down at about race 9 and the cars were getting a bit slippy on the track - made for good viewing for us but not so good for those in the races. So they had the fireworks early and call it a night and what a show the fireworks were - they were awesome!

I'm off to Delys Crams Christmas cracker workshop in Whakatane on Sunday afternoon and looking forward to that and this afternoon I'm milking.

Have a good day everyone!

Proud Mama moment!

2008-10-31T08:02:00.002+13:00

Yesterday Callum and I went to Te Puke Group Day with Callum's lamb Kip. As we left Callum said 'you know mum I won't win anything but I'm going for the experience' So we loaded Kip in the back of the car and off we went. To go to group day you have to have won a placing at school Ag Hort day - see earlier post. Callum and Kip were in the Senior Lamb section and what a day the weather put on. Hot, cold, hot cold - sounds like the latest Kate Perry song lol. Anyway Callum was pulled out to the centre in the leading round with three others - gulp - he had got something - he came 4th place and got a green ribbon (picture to come later) - he was so happy and wrapped to have got a placing. And I had a big proud Mama Moment! The school did really well over all with all the kids that entered (10 of them) all went home with at least one ribbon. Well Done Otamarakau! Well Done Callum and Kip!

Another early morning post lol

2008-10-28T02:21:00.002+13:00

Here I am at 2.23am lol. Both Phil and I are up drinking decaf coffee. He is doing his reports while I titoo on here. We had more visitors yesterday afternoon - it was great to catch up with Chris and Wendy and the boys from Gisborne - haven't seen them for a while so had heaps to chat about. Managed to clean up my scrapping space yesterday (while trying to get that Mount of washing done lol) I want to get at least one 12x12 layout done this week. Not a big goal but its a start and it will start better with a cleared space. We had an awesome day here yesterday weather wise.

I've enrolled for an online class with Jessica Sprague called Stories in Hand - it starts on 9 November and I'm not sure what I have let myself in for - I'm not very good at journalling so could be interesting! Its a free class and open to anyone so go check it out.

Off to surf the net a bit.

Labour weekend

2008-10-27T10:08:00.004+13:00

It's Labour Weekend and so far we have had a busy one! Friday night we watched Hairspray and I feel asleep halfway. Have watched the whole thing since thou. Saturday morning arrived and we did some jobs around the house. Got a text from Tina to say she was in Rotovegas so made arrangements to meet at the speedway. We headed to the Mount for a swim in the hot pools there - lots of people around and the pool was pretty busy everyone enjoyed the swim thou. When we came out had a text from Tina to say that they were at the speedway and there was a sign to say that it was postponed. So we met her and Joseph at the local Chinese restaurant for dinner. It was great to catch up with her and the boys enjoyed catching up with Joseph. After tea they went off for a swim and then went looking for accommodation to stay in Tauranga as they wanted to walk the Mt. We headed home. Got a text about 9pm to say accommodation was between $170 to $295 for the two of them so they made there way out to us for the night. Great to catch up again lol. Yesterday we made it to Church and then in the arvo I managed to make a Christmas card lol yes just one! Today has been a bit of a lazy start so far but have a heap of jobs to do and the sun is shining so Tina I might get that mountain of washing done lol!
Next week the speedway has a firework display on so maybe we will make it for that ...

Hope everyone else's weekend is going well.

Friday Fill ins

2008-10-24T13:21:00.003+13:00

I'm doing this one again from here

1. Right now, I'm feeling low. edited to say I'm feeling better!
2. Hawkes Bay is where I want to be.
3. How does one keep up with their housework and washing?
4. Coffee keeps me on track.
5. Please don't visit right now the place is a mess.
6. My family fills me with joy.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching Hairspray, tomorrow my plans include a trip to the mount and then the Speedway and Sunday, I want to go to Church!

Its 3am and ...

2008-10-24T02:52:00.003+13:00

I can't sleep. I have a very busy head. I've been surfing blogs and found this from here after visiting here and I just liked it so I'm sharing it with you. I'd like to think I'm a coffee bean ... but some days I'm not so sure.

A carrot, an egg, and a cup of coffee...You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again.

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up, She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl.Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter,she asked, ' Tell me what you see.'

'Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied.

Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.

Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, 'What does it mean, mother?'

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity:boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they
had changed the water.

'Which are you?' she asked her daughter. 'When adversity knocks on your door,how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?

Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?

Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst,you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

Ag Hort Day

2008-10-23T14:14:00.007+13:00

James's Shoe Horn (Paper mache shoe). Doing his presentation for his 'pet' his pet rock (actually Callums pet rock lol). He got third equal for his presentation.

Bec with her 2 week old kitten Spot. She did her Pet Presentation on the kitten as Buddy the lamb hadn't grown much. She got 2nd equal for her vege creation and 3rd equal for her miniature garden.

Callum with his lamb Kip. He got third for senior lamb leading. Second for senior lamb calling. 1st for his paper mache Shoe Horn moose (which has been placed on the wall in the kitchen- I'm feeling it could be the first of many 'heads' for the wall???) 2nd equal for his volcano cake.

We had a great day and the kids enjoyed themselves. They are all home now as they were allowed to come home early. It was a lovely day - very hot in the sun. We had gumboot throwing and Goat Paddock pooing (which he didn't poo lol) Pet presentations and various arrangements and things in the hall. The crisis of the day was when we arrived at school and took the cat and kitten out of the car a clip had broken off the side of the cat box and out jumps Snow the cat! Thought we weren't going to catch her but managed to get her back and put her in the car. Bec did her presentation and then I put the cat box and kitten back into the car - Snow quickly got back into the box and then I closed her in after tying the box together. Callum won the lolly count and was happy with that.

So it's Ag Hort Day Again ...

2008-10-22T05:05:00.003+13:00

and this is what was happening in this household yesterday afternoon and evening. The boys made their own cakes and then decorated them. There was to be no help from mum! I think they are cool. Callums is a volcano and James' is a fish. Bec doesn't do baking yet but has all her bits ready to make a scene in a tray. Theres fairies and bits of lego in her bag ready to make tomorrow at school. James is laughing hard in the last photo cos he thinks its funny that I am so short and had to stand on my tiptoes to get the photo!

Some pics

2008-10-21T08:22:00.003+13:00

This layout is a 6 x 6 one that I did for the Scrapping Patch Friday night challenge over at the Sketchbook. Its also for a challenge that the four of us have set for the next few months. I still have one more page to match this to do and then I have to do it another three times. Its little but i really enjoyed doing it. The page for the four of us challenge also had to include either some thing that had been brought from SENZ or a new technique that we learnt at SENZ. So my page is card and paper from SENZ and the stamps, flowers, rhinestones actually everything lol except the letters that were used in the Cuttlebug!

Heres a pic of my Auntie Sandra and Uncle John when they visited in the middle of the holidays from Perth. It was great to see them. Mum and Dad toured around with them for a couple of weeks.

This is a lovely photo that was taken in Rotorua at mum and dads motel. Dad was diagnosed with bowel cancer and had it removed in March this year. I think he looks tired but really well.

And here is James and wee Molly Phil's neice (his sister Karens little girl). We stayed the night with them as we came thru Napier - she only had eyes for James.

Look at this cute wee fella! This is my great nephew Peter.

So today I learnt about ...

2008-10-20T17:08:00.002+13:00

Bloglines!

I had joined a while back but didn't know how to work it and hadn't had time to sit and play. But thanks to the lovely Raewyn and Penny I now have the blogs I visit on my blog lines! I believe this is going to save me time ... and it should ... I often go back and forth to peoples blogs to see if they have updated.

Penny has a great tuition on her blog
Part 1
Part 2
Part3
Thanks very much Penny!

So now I am up with the play as far as blogs are concerned - Are you?
Oh and I was wrapped to see I have 3 blog followers who have ME! on their bloglines.

Look what arrived in the school holidays

2008-10-18T13:14:00.002+13:00

This little kitten arrived while the kids and I were away in HB / Wellington. Snow, Rebeccas cat had had 3 kittens the week before that had died and then a week later she had another two but only one had survived. He/she is just starting to open its eyes. Here's a pic of mummy cat as well. She is doing well and the kitten is a little fatty.

2008-10-18T10:21:00.002+13:00

I thought I would try this from Friday Fill Ins after seeing it done at JoKneller's

1. Follow the Scrapbooker - they know the way to some good stories and pictures.
2. Phil is something I always take with me on vacation. lol
3. To achieve your goals, you must set them first.
4. I can't just sit and watch TV - I have to be doing something is something I'd like you to know about me.
5. I have a wonderful husband.
6. Ice floats then melts.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to grocery shopping, tomorrow my plans include housework and Sunday, I want to scrap!

Well that was fun!
Catch ya later

2008-10-17T13:35:00.002+13:00

Me with Rachel Tucker at the Dinner on Saturday night. Rachel was taking classes for Hastings Rubber Stamps - I love that store - so much to see and I always have so little time when I visit it! I didn't take any of Rachel's classes but wish I did! I saw her putting the class kits together and she had gone the extra mile with her finishing touches. Kate and her were doing a great job of putting them together at one of the tables - got chatting to them and turns out they know Debbie (my sister). Rachel made these awesome pin cushion swaps. Lovely to meet you Rachel and Kate - hope you enjoy the coffee at the new look Cuccini!

Dragon Fly card up close. We made this at the Hastings Rubber Stamps Cuttlebug class. The wings are made from Tin Foil then a beaded body. We were lucky enough to to get the option of purchasing the embossing folders and cutters that were used during the weekend for 30% discount as we were the last class to use them - I got a spotty embossing plate, a zig zag one in a set and the flowers to make the dragon fly. Good Buy!

I made this card yesterday with some of my newly brought glimmermist and twinkling H20s. I painted the flowers with them. The stamps are part of the Share laughter set.

2008-10-17T13:22:00.002+13:00

Classes from SENZ (yeah I know still going on about it but it was such good fun!)

Cuttlebug Class with Hastings Rubber Stamps and Donna. We made four cards .

Take One Stamp with Stamp Zone - made three cards with different techniques - spritzing with glimmermist and walnut ink. Also made the tile on the leaf card from Uttee. The stamps we used were Share Laughter by Hero Arts.

More Randomness from SENZ

2008-10-17T08:47:00.002+13:00

Back from SENZ

2008-10-14T17:06:00.003+13:00

Lani and Colleen - 2 of my roomies

Heather and I - another roomie!

Going out to Pyjama Crop

The SENZsational Girls in their winning outfits.

Well I'm back from SENZ and had a awesome time. I laughed so much my sides hurt! I loved all the classes I did and the girls I spent the weekend with were fantastic company. Did the odd bit of shopping too! Everyone was so friendly. The stalls had everything you could possible want for your pages. We had a great night out at the crop and wore our PJ's into Burger King - got the odd look or two! The dinner on the Saturday night was interesting (they had a cassorole with liver in it on the smorgsbord table - not my thing!) but the night was enjoyed by all.

Thanks to Heather, Lani and Colleen for making my weekend fun, funny and funnier - you Girls Rock! Roll on SENZ 09

2008-10-03T10:53:00.001+13:00

Another 6x6 layout. I made the little book to put the journaling in. The journaling tells how Phil and I met.

Sneak Preview of My SENZ swap pins

2008-10-01T08:57:00.001+13:00

Heres a sneak preview of my swap pins for SENZ.

Te Puna Quarry Park

2008-09-28T09:21:00.005+13:00

We've had a lovely couple of days with Nana and Grandad from Tikokino. They came to see the kids production and yesterday we went for a walk at Te Puna Quarry Park and took a few photos. The orchids up there are just beautiful!

It was raining but we still all enjoyed each others company.

2008-09-26T10:31:00.002+12:00

A short video - heres hoping it works as I haven't done this before.
This was taken at the first show - they really stepped up from this last night.

Cinderella

2008-09-26T07:03:00.008+12:00

Callum having his make up put on.

Rebecca waiting to have hers done.

Rebecca one of the narrators

Isn't he beautiful!

Vile aka Callum one of the Ugly Stepsisters.

Getting ready for the ball.

James making smoke - he was props boy.

Beckoning of Lovely

2008-09-25T08:24:00.001+12:00

The Beckoning of Lovely by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

You can find her and the project here

She also wrote a book called “Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life” which I haven't had the chance to read yet but it is on my 'purchase' list.

And I found the video from here

Quote from previous post and I managed to get it to work lol

I'm not sure what I have done - I wanted to share with you this video. But it has appeared 3 times and mucked up the whole blog and now I can't remove it. Mmmmm bit technically challenged in this direction.

Any way I was moved by this - in fact it brought me to tears and I don't know why lol. But it is truely beautiful that all those people came together like that.

Enjoy.

Oh and if you know how I can fix this let me know lol. I haven't got time today to sit and play with it as much as I would like.

Herd Records to process, Inlaws arriving this afternoon, have to make two plates for supper tonight, Production tonight - will post a pic of Callum in his dress over the weekend, need to do the house work (cos note Inlaws arriving lol) oh and still have to finish those BOM swaps and swap pins for SENZ. Woo hooo its gonna be a good day - (please note I'm not complaining ...)

2008-09-25T08:22:00.001+12:00

2008-09-25T08:17:00.000+12:00

Bit of a hiccup - have managed to remove the video but just trying to get it on a post.

2008-09-25T07:27:00.003+12:00

I've been tagged by Raewyn. Check out her blog

Here are the rules:

1. Link your tagger and list these rules on your blog.

2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.

3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.

4. Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

So I don't really have any one to tag as I am a 'blog stalker' but thought I would share with those who do visit a few facts

Some facts:~

1. I wear mascara and eyeliner everyday - even to the calf shed!

2. I have to have a shower everyday or I don't 'feel' awake.

3. I hate housework - oh you probably know that lol

5. When Phil and I were first married and BC (before children) I used to sing him Amazing Grace in bed - I feel a scrap page for my BOM coming on lol

6. I sometimes snort when I laugh ( I had to ask the kids what a weird thing is about me and this what they told me lol) They also told me I laugh at nothing - lol - another BOM idea - my Grandma Trowell who lived in a granny flat with us for 17 years and passed away 1 month after Phil and I got married used to tell me the same thing - she would wiggle her index finger and tell me to laugh at this would ya.

7. James tells me I mix up my words sometimes. Quote from him when I asked him what he meant : ' Like some words disappear and I put something else in like something that is not even related to the sentence" I am laughing at this so much I am crying lol. And I'm still not sure I understand what he means??

8. Callum tells me I sing in the shower - out of tune!

9. Rebecca tells me I act like a peanutter. ??? humpph whats with that??

10. Rebecca also tells me I do things and then tell them off for doing the same things lol This is a mothers right!

Well I've had a really good giggle and laugh over this - its good for the soul!

I don't have any one to tag! lol

The Video

2008-09-25T07:04:00.002+12:00

I forgot to mention that the video is called

The Beckoning of Lovely by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

You can find her and the project here

She also wrote a book called “Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life” which I haven't had the chance to read yet but it is on my 'purchase' list.

And I found the video from here

See ya and have a great day!

ps I am proud of myself as that is the first time that I have linked something Woo Hoo!

Oh ....

2008-09-25T06:18:00.002+12:00

I'm not sure what I have done - I wanted to share with you this video. But it has appeared 3 times and mucked up the whole blog and now I can't remove it. Mmmmm bit technically challenged in this direction.

Any way I was moved by this - in fact it brought me to tears and I don't know why lol. But it is truely beautiful that all those people came together like that.

Enjoy.

Oh and if you know how I can fix this let me know lol. I haven't got time today to sit and play with it as much as I would like.

Herd Records to process, Inlaws arriving this afternoon, have to make two plates for supper tonight, Production tonight - will post a pic of Callum in his dress over the weekend, need to do the house work (cos note Inlaws arriving lol) oh and still have to finish those BOM swaps and swap pins for SENZ. Woo hooo its gonna be a good day - (please note I'm not complaining ...)

2008-09-19T20:03:00.002+12:00

Here is another layout for my BOM and also for the swap. Another simple one. The top one is for my journal and the 6x6 one is for the swap.

A page for my Book of Me

2008-09-18T08:18:00.003+12:00

I did this layout (its for an A5 journal) for my Book of Me. It was a challenge set by a friend. We are all meeting up at SENZ and are doing a swap of mini pages. This is the first one. Its very simple.
Not much else happening here - calves have slowed right down so it is all just about over.
Kids production is coming along nicely and that starts next week. Callum looks a real hoot in his dress. Bec's handwriting is getting better with the realisation that if she holds her pencil a certain way she gets better results. And of course James has turned 13.
SENZ is only a couple of weeks away and I am really looking forward for the Girls Weekend!

I see I have had over 2000 hits on my blog site - don't know who is visiting but leave a comment if you are.

Nicki

2008-09-15T09:58:00.005+12:00

I'm sitting here eating cake - I know to those who know what I look like know that I shouldn't be sitting here eating cake! But I am. I am thinking about today 13 years ago. The birth of my first baby - a boy - he entered this world at 10 past 7pm weighing a healthy 7lb 6ozs - we named him James William after both of his grandfathers. It was a difficult birth but what a blessing to hold him at the end of it all.

Today James turns 13. A man. But still a boy. We are trying to be good parents and guide him in the right direction. He is 13. He has a mind of his own. He likes us to know this. He has a wonderful sense of humor. I can't believe that the last 13 years have gone so far. What a wonderful boy he has been and I hope this continues into his future.

Happy Birthday James - We Love You!

James had a choice of what he wanted to do for this special birthday. He had lots of choices and chose to go to Rotorua to the Luge. We left early yesterday morning and arrived at Skyline Gondola and took the ride up to the top. We all hurried to get the right fitted helmet and made our way to the beginning of the ride. After a quick run down on how the sledge worked it was off down the Scenic track - everyone takes this as the first trip of the day. Down we went - I was the last to get down to the end and the 3 boys had gone off back to the top. Bec, Phil and I jumped on the chairlift and went up. When we got to the top James had tumbled off and scrapped his arm and side. He was a bit muddy as well. We took him to the first aid room where they cleaned him up. I told them it was James' birthday tomorrow and they gave the four kids a free ride down the luge. The kids went down 4 times all up. What a fantastic outing. After the excitement of the luge we went for a picnic lunch to Kuirau Park, where a walk and feet paddle in the hot feet pools were next on the agenda. Then it was on to the Polynesian Pools and Valentines for dinner. We had a fantastic day and James enjoyed himself. Actually we all did. We took Max and Aman (James friend)

So that is why I am sitting here eating cake ... and reminising of 13 years ago.

Sharing a card

2008-08-29T14:04:00.003+12:00

I made this thank you card. I've also been working on a few bits and pieces for SENZ. Feel like the mojo is slowly thawing. The other 'bird and flower' I did for a journal. Not much else to report - calving doing ok - only about 200 odd left to go - thats 800 down!! Sports all finish this weekend so that will be it for our Saturday mornings and weekday practices.

I made something!

2008-08-14T15:39:00.001+12:00

I made this today - its only a thank you tag but hey its a start on my mojo!

Yeah still haven't

2008-08-14T11:58:00.003+12:00

Yeah I still haven't done any thing to show you but I will share with you some more of the kids work.

This is a canvas that Rebecca did in the school holidays.

I've been sick the last few days - had Callum off school for 4 days and he kindly passed his bot on to me. Cough, cough, cough. I have been very blessed in the last week to have some folk from the Church we have been going to (calving makes it very hard to get there so haven't been for a number of weeks) - these folk made some meals for us and they turned up just when we needed them most. Thank you so much!

Very Sorry

2008-08-13T20:00:00.001+12:00

I'm very sorry folks but I tried to get the book running in order but it just didn't happen! I have put the page numbers beside so that you can get the gist of the way it goes!
Nicki

2008-08-13T19:34:00.003+12:00

I wish I didn't have dyslexia, that would be really cool. But having dyslexia makes me special and lets me think in ways that other people can't.

Page 9

James wrote this book as part of Term One 2008 - I hope it gave you an insight into what it is like to have dyslexia. I don't have it but as his mum I learnt a lot from his book.

2008-08-13T19:30:00.002+12:00

My best subject at school out of reading, writing and spelling, is reading.
Page 5

I see pictures easily and that is cool because I cans ee my plans in my head before I do them.
Page 6

Dyslexia is not cool to have most of the time. Some people think that you are using it asn an excuse for your writing.
Page 7

People have two halves in their brain, the left side controls the right side and the right controls the left. There is a bridge to connect the brain but in dyslexic people the bridge does not work as well as people without it.

Page 8

2008-08-13T19:22:00.002+12:00

What i c is not what u c. By James - Page 1

Its hard having dyslexia. I have it and I hate it! Page 2

I want to improve how I handle my dyslexia before I go to High School. I only have 1 year to do that because I am in year 8. Page 3

People have expectations of me. It's annoying! Page 4

2008-08-13T13:55:00.004+12:00

I thought I would share some of the kids work with you as I haven't done any scrapping or crafty stuff for a long while!

Hope you enjoy!

Shadows

By Callum Vallance age 11

Huge shadow creeping up

Trying to reach the top

Soon there will be no white snow

Because of MR SHADOW

Blistering Winds

By Rebecca Vallance age 9

In blistering winds

I lie beside my fears

They keep scaring me as my bones chatter

The dark closes in on me

The grass chatters and whispers to me

I've got a book that James wrote and I am trying to get it into a format that I can load on here. Still trying to work it out lol

2008-08-06T11:45:00.002+12:00

Banana Chocolate Muffins

I made these this morning at 6am for the kids school lunch - aren't I just the bestest mum LOLING
- really it was cos we got nothing in the cupboard!

I love this - as I walked past I could hear the captain of the team giving them a pep talk. Unfortunately they didn't win but they sure gave it a good crack - it was a tough team and they played hard.

Callums team before their curtain raiser game on Saturday afternoon. Callum is number 3.

Woo Hoot Wednesday

2008-08-06T11:09:00.002+12:00

My woo hoots today

My SENZ ticket arriving last week.
Getting into 3 SENZ classes - may do one more!
Booking our accommodation for SENZ
Just the whole excitement of SENZ and all the emails back and forth to Heather lol.
My friend Heather for telling me to just leave the housework and do some scrapping - I love that woman!
The anticipation of going for a ride in the new car on Friday and go shopping (I know sad aye but we are trying not to have unnecessary trips to town - I have gone from driving to town just about everyday to going nowhere lol)

WOOOO HOOOOO

Grocery Shopping

2008-08-02T20:02:00.003+12:00

Well Phil and I went to town to do the grocery shopping in this - our trusty Hoady Holden

And came home in this - and we didn't even get the groceries - we had to go and pick the kids up and they had no idea we had brought a new car and the look of surprise on their faces was priceless when we picked them up from the bus. We had left poor Hoady Holden in the supermarket car park and went back to get the groceries and Hoady.

James is taller than Me!

2008-08-02T08:29:00.002+12:00

Ha Ha Mum I'm taller than you!

Humppp so you are!

Saturday Morning Again

2008-08-02T08:04:00.002+12:00

And I have to stay at home to feed the calves!!!!!
Phil has the day off so is taking Bec to netball - Callum is very excited because his rugby game is a curtain raiser for the senior team so they are playing later in the day.

Why do they call it a curtain raiser?

Oh and my SENZ ticket arrived on Thursday - all I have to do is book a couple of classes then WOOO HOOOO can't wait!

Hope y'all have a good day.

The weirdest thing

2008-08-01T12:28:00.002+12:00

The strangest thing happened this morning.
We were moving calves to a new paddock - these are calves that are three weeks old and going from the calf shed to grass.
So here we all are chasing them out of the pen and down the race.
Max, our American Intern was down the end of the race holding them back while Atu moves into a strategic place.
This calf goes running towards Max. Stops. Looks at him and drops down dead! What is up with that - Phil said he hadn't seen it before.
Was it a heart attack? Or was it Max. Lol

Its been a while!

2008-07-31T18:39:00.005+12:00

Well it's been a while since my last blog but I notice that the visitors keep coming so I thought I had better get on with it - I even had one text saying I was there entertainment and where was I. Great. Lol. If you are visiting I'd love it if you left a comment.

Lots has been happening - I'll fill you in as I go.

I left my job in town (half hour travelling each way) 2 weeks ago. The price of petrol was getting too much and we made the decision that I was worth more at home lol. I am now feeding 130 calves and awaiting the birth of another 600 cows. I thought I would have more time at home but the washing is still piled up and the bedrooms are still messy. Sigh. They told me I was going to be busy I guess I am but maybe I am just not a good time manager. Sigh.

But on the upside I have been doing lots of baking - a disastorous weetbix marshmellow slice (it didn't turn out right Karen - if anyone out there has a good recipe for this I am keen to try it), lemon slice, numerous banana cakes - even one with pink icing that surprisingly James didn't say something about, rice bubble slice, lots of crockpot meals and these - Belgium Biscuits - these are a favourite of the kids - dad loves these real big ones that are brought from the supermarket and the kids have developed a liking for them. And I am very proud of myself cos I can make them! James decided that all that was missing was the little hundreds and thousands but other than that they were pretty good.

Woo Hoot Wednesday

2008-06-18T06:42:00.003+12:00

I thought I would play this today - Woo hoot Wednesday

There are about 3 weeks until the school holidays - I love the school holidays, I love having the kids around (as long as they are not fighting), I love that there is no routine.
I heard that my sister might come and visit in the school holidays (another reason for loving the school holidays lol)
Mum and Dad are here in the BOP for another week.
James has been asking for lots of cuddles lately - very nice!

Well off to get the kids up and get ready to roll the day.

Hope everyone has a great Wednesday!
Nicki

Some trivia for you today!

2008-06-18T06:12:00.003+12:00

I read this this morning:

A person uses approximately 57 sheets of toilet paper each day.

Ok - so we have 5 people in this house - 5 x 57 = 285 sheets - Toilet rolls have 200 sheets per roll so that is approximately 1.5 rolls of toilet paper a day - NOW I KNOW WHY WE USE SO MANY ROLLS OF TOILET PAPER IN THIS HOUSE!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok so I got that off my chest but it has been something that has bugged me for a while as we seem to use an awful lot of rolls of toilet paper.

Who wants a laugh?!!??

2008-06-12T06:15:00.002+12:00

Karen you will love this one!!!!

This morning I went to the washing machine and thinking it had stopped because of it unbalancing, opened and closed it and waited it for it to go. No luck and looked inside it an it was full of water. It was quite early and Phil was still in bed. So I go down to Phil -
"Phil the washing machine has broken - its stopped" -
" mmm ok" was the answer.

Soooooo I carried on with something else thinking ooo I just don't need this - I rely on my washing machine as we all do, Phil gets up, checks out the washing machine, comes out to me and says,
"Nic, what was wrong with the washing machine"
"It's broken, it won't go"
He gives me his Nic, Nic, Nic your a fruitcake look
"I fixed it"
"Oh - how"
"I pulled the button out"
"Oh - whoops"
loling - what a ning nong - I had had a shower yesterday and the washing machine was on so I had pulled out the button so that it wouldn't affect the water - but I hadn't turned it back on lol.

I had a bad day yesterday. Heres hoping today is going to be better!

A bit more about the bracelet

2008-05-30T08:13:00.004+12:00

When I first saw the bracelets I thought ok they are interesting and unusual and didn't really think any more of it until I saw the lady at the stall knitting - being me I said -
" What are you knitting?" with a confused look on my face - she was knitting with jewellery wire - thats weird -
"I'm knitting the bracelets"
"What?"
"The bracelets their knitted"
Well ... she got me I had a good study and being a crafter myself, then appreciated the work she had put into them. She uses a fine silver wire (can't remember the count) and as she is knitting she threads the beads and stones on to them.
She then sells them for AU$20. I thought she was really clever. Mmm yes I have thought about giving it a go but I'm still studying the end to see how shes finished and started it. lol. She said she had seen it in a book and gave it a go and now sells them.

ITS KNITTED!!!

2008-05-29T06:30:00.002+12:00

Well just to put you out of your misery - the bracelet has been knitted - Cool aye. Never thought of doing that. I bet Lani could do that Heather.!
Nicki

Mothers Day Bracelet

2008-05-25T15:25:00.002+12:00

Phil and the kids brought me this bracelet for Mothers Day from a market at the Town of 1770. It's unusual and the lady was making more of them while we were there. Anybody wana guess how she was doing it????
Nicki

What happened to my photos!

2008-05-24T07:02:00.004+12:00

.Well Mr Blogger what happened to my photos!!!
I had just loaded some more photos and wrote a little about them and they have disappeared!! I was doing it while doing a few jobs and when I had come back it had all gone. Bugger. Well sorry folks but you gotta wait now as can't stop any longer ... rubgy this morning, then I'm off to a crop, busy again in the morning ... does it ever stop??? No wonder I never get any housework done ...

2008-05-24T07:00:00.000+12:00

2008-05-24T06:35:00.000+12:00

A Fish Called Honda
These photos are fromUnderwater World, Mooloolaba where when you walk in there is a car that has been converted into an aquarium. They first gutted the whole car, made it water proof then filled it up and put fish in it. Where the motor would normally be they have put in a water filter. It was really neat.

2008-05-22T20:36:00.001+12:00

MMMMMM Yum!

Phil waiting for his bit of egg to land in his mouth.

Outside in the Japanese Garden - it had got a bit cooler at night.

Tempenaki - Japanese Resturant

2008-05-22T20:31:00.001+12:00

Phil took us out to a Japanese Resturant in Surfers Paradise. It was a Tempenaki dinner and we all throughly enjoyed it. It was a show as well with the Chef cooking our meal in front of us and then he did a show with their knives and salt and pepper shakers. He also threw his eggs into bowl that he had on his head lol. He then threw the cooked egg at us to catch in our mouth. Rebecca was not keen for this so didn't try that. When he had cooked us the rice he then packed it into a bowl and threw it at us loling - James
thought it was great and caught his rice and quickly devoured it. Then at the end of the show he cleaned his cooking tray and wrote backwards with the salt shaker the words 'Thank you very much!! We had such a great night - we had had a busy day that day as well with another visit to Infinity, Ten Pin Bowling, having old time photos taken (this was a wish of Callums - we dressed up as gangsters) and timeout then the dinner at Shogun. What a great day is was. Hope I'm not boring you with my burbling.
Nicki

2008-05-22T19:32:00.000+12:00

Cuddling a Koala at Australia Zoo

2008-05-21T22:05:00.001+12:00

Cows at the farm we visited.

Billabong pond at caravan park in Murgon

Fresh fruit! This was something we enjoyed on our travels with our Chilli Bin on wheels - we found a stall on the side of the road on our journey from 1770 to Murgon - the kids tried Pawpaw but weren't keen. The watermelons were devine but we paid for one and left it behind .... lol

2008-05-21T21:51:00.002+12:00

Wondai Hotel

Peanut Van at Kingaroy

The milking pit at the farm we visited

2008-05-21T21:39:00.001+12:00

At Lady Musgrave Island just before going snorkling.

We brought this sign at the Auckland Airport and rode around the country with it on the back of the camper van. James also brought a smaller rugby one and we put that on the front window.

Kookabura sits in the old gum tree ...

James not happy at having to do some writing lol

Oh my

2008-05-21T21:26:00.002+12:00

Well I'm back and will be sharing some photos over the next couple of days - just to bore you all! Guess what ... I put all the photos and video clips into Picasa2 and it told me that I have 1111 files - before you think 'Crikey shes gone camera mad' that was also the photos that the kids took ... but doesn't include the ones taken underwater or the ones I brought from the theme parks. I won't be printing them all out as there are a number that aren't any good.
Enjoy!

2008-05-21T21:18:00.001+12:00

What a cutie!
Koala at Australia Zoo

Callum waited a long time to get here- he already wants to go back lol

Spider Crab at Underwater World - these are really cool - did you know they can grow as big as a small car??!!

Walking, looking, talking - quality time on the beach at Town of 1770 - this is what family holidays are about!

2008-05-21T21:10:00.000+12:00

Rebecca on the plane on the way over - she got a bit bored on it - think she was waiting to get off and start the holiday!

Kings Beach Colundra, kids having a ball under the fountain.

Hmmm this little fella was in the ladies bathroom at our Caravan Park in Beerwah

Our Chilli Bin on wheels - home for 8 days.

2008-05-21T21:00:00.000+12:00

Just before going into the Departure Lounge on the way over.

The journey is coming to an end

2008-05-20T13:18:00.005+12:00

Sponge Bob play area, Slides at White Water World, Green Room - you went down a huge slide and then up side to side and out, Wave pool

Well its a quickie from Brisbane Airport. We have had a wonderful holiday and we are all sad that the end of it is fast approaching. But I have at least 500 photos lol. There is going to be some serious scrapbooking going down when I get home. We had a fantastic day yesterday at White Water World - the kids said they enjoyed it better than the theme parks. We rode all the sides (except Phil and I didn't do the B.R.O Big Red Octopus - which the boys said was great - they rode it 5 times!!) I sat and watched the Green Room before I got the courage to go on it and then had to ride it backwards - very scary!
I better go - will update more when I get home - and if your lucky there will be a photo or too.

Edited to add Photos of White Water World

Busy busy Busy

2008-05-17T17:02:00.003+12:00

well we've had a couple of full on few days. Phil has toncilitis and the dr gave him some pretty strong antibiotics and prednezone tablets. He was feeling about 90% better the next day after he had started taking them. So we went off to Movie World on Thursday - we all really enjoyed it so much to see and do. After our day we went and got changed in the carpark at Outback Spectacular as it was next door to Movie World and waited for the doors to open. What a fantastic show - it started with music in the hall and then we went throu to the Arena which seats 1000 people. Phil and I reckoned there was about 800 there. We all got a stockmans hat and were served tea. The horses were great and there was even camels and a helicopter as part of the show. we all came home tired from our busy day and night. Then next morning we all decided to go off to Dreamworld where we rode the roaring rapids ride 7 times lol. The kids also took part in the slime show - James had to put a cream pie in his own face - you couldn't have chosen anyone better to do that to himself! We had a great day and are going back to Whitewater world which is next door to it on Monday. Today we have been to Carrra markets - wow with every turn there were more stalls. Found a fantastic bead store - never seen so many beads - and yes Heather I did buy a couple! We have just come in to Pacific Fair (big shopping centre) for a look around.
Love Nicki

Off to Surfers

2008-05-14T12:58:00.003+12:00

We picked our car up - a brand new Toyota Camry - woohoo - kids couldn't believe it and one of them was heard to say - "its not like our hoady car at home". Its only done 3,000 kms. Phil is just in his element. We travelled down to Surfers Paradise and found our apartment which is in the middle of Surfers - we have walked this morning down to the mall. We were going to go to Warner Brothers but because Phil isn't well he is going to the dr and we will go tomorrow. Wow this place is busy for us country hicks. Phil and the kids are in timezone while I am here typing this. Well I had better go - can't load photos - sorry - had tried to get wireless so that I could use the laptop but no luck. You'll just have to wait loling.
Take care everyone.
Love Nicki

Off the Tourist Route

2008-05-14T12:41:00.004+12:00

We had fish n chips from Agnes Waters - very expensive - tried Baramundi $4.00AU per piece of fish but had to be tried. Phil thought it tasted like a mud fish - didn't really like it. Good news was that it was our first takeway food in Ozzie. Just as well as we couldn't afford to eat all the time with that sort of price. We left 1770 on Sunday morning (Happy Mothers Day Mums!!) after a visit to the local market and went to Mirium Vale and then down to Biggerdin where we had lunch at a park. We had brought fresh fruit from a honesty box road store and left one of our water melons behind! We stuck rain as we came down into Goomori - we were tried cheese at a cheese shop and brought an ice cream - ouch again $2.80AU per scoop - things are certainly more expensive here. We then went to Murgon and stayed in Burmbarbah Bush Park - this was voted by us all the best caravan park of the trip - it was so clean and tidy - saw a lot of kookaburras here - while the kids were playing cards one sat on the light and called to its mate the kids thought it was hilarious. We went down to spy the wallabies and on the way saw lots of lorrikeets - unfortunately no wallabies thou. The next day we went to a dairy farm out at Wheatlands - they have been in a drought for 10 years. Phil found this really interesting. Then down to Kingaroy - this was a lovely town and had really friendly staff at their visitors information centre. Kingaroy is know for its nuts so nuts were purchased here. We all tried boiled peanuts as well. Not my cup of tea but Phil enjoyed them. We then followed the highway down to Coolbuture which was just out from Brisbane - this caravan park was voted most scary - lots of permanent residents which was fine until one of them asked me if I was scared of the boogy man. Phil started to feel sick here and yesterday was not much better. He is going to the doctor today - think he has tonsillitis. We got back to the camper van depot around 12pm and check it back in. Just as well we had nil excess as it looks like we had hit something on the top of the sombero part - didn't feel anything thou and didn't even realise it was there but it definately wasn't there when we picked it us some must have been us. They rang a taxi van for us which took us back to the airport.

Gidday Mate!

2008-05-14T12:22:00.003+12:00

Gidday folks - hope all is well in NZ - hear there is a lot of rain in the BOP. Well our journey in our camper van has come to an end. We had a fantasic time in it but we are all pleased to be somewhere with a bit of room.
We had a grea tour around the Bundaberg Rum Factory - thought the kids might have got a bit bored but they really enjoyed it - didn't realise the Australian Government took 2/3rds of the money made from the rum in taxes. It was interesting to see how small the bottling plant was for the amount of rum made. We had tastings mmm yum - Green with envy are we Gary!!??!!We then went to the Ginger Beer Barrel to taste all their products and to look at their interactive display which the kids enjoyed and a laser type show that James kept trying to see where the man had disappeared to. Onwards then to the Town of 1770 where we stayed in a site that was right on the beach - saw our first kookaburra here - more excitement! Needed Callum to verfify that thats what it was - our little wildlife warrior. The sand was beautiful and white but no time here to swim as tide was out when we were in! Next morning up at 6am (which isn't hard when you are in bed at 7pm lol) to get the boat out to Lady Musgrave Island which is a protected island with no inhabitants. We were ferryed out to the boat and went straight to the top so that we could sit in the wind - wasn't just wind we were struck with but all advised to put rain coats on as well - when I got off I was saturated even with the raincoat. Woo hoo what a trip - it was rough as - Bec and Phil both sick - I wasn't prepared to leave my seat as I knew that would be the end of it lol. The staff were great - they had there eyes on everyone as it is a regular occurance on the way out. 90 minutes later we arrived at the reef - as we came in we saw a mantra ray. We docked onto the poontoon and we were in the first group to go over to the island - there is only birds there - lots of nests for muttonbirds. The turtles nest there in the season unfortunately they only had 15 turtles nest this year but the previous year there was 200 of them - they think they knew that there was bad weather coming. It was then back to the boat for lunch and then a trip out on the semi submarine - we saw turtles and lots of reef fish - then it was out for snorkling. Bec enjoyed swimming but the rest of us enjoyed the snorkling and seeing all the reef fish - particularly the angel fish. The trip back was so bad but still quite swayey (if there is such a word lol)

2008-05-08T22:05:00.002+12:00

Happy Faces - Underwater World - Mooloolaba

A new breed of Fish - The Great Scared Callum

Family Shot - Australia Zoo - Beerwah

Were Here!

2008-05-08T21:03:00.004+12:00

Well today is Thursday 8 May. Its 7.10pm and we are all feeling like heading off to bed! Its been a couple of busy days. Headed off to Auckland on Monday and caught up with Rachel and Nick - had tea out at their place in Waiuku. Up early on Tuesday to get the plane it left at 6.40 in the morning. We had a good flight although Bec was a bit bored. Callum got a fright as the plane did a side step. We hit Brisbane and got a taxi out to the Campervan depot where we had a couple of hours wait - the good thing was thou that they decided to upgrade us to the Maui Sprite instead of the Britz one so Phil is driving around in a Mercedes Engine, Maui Sombero Van! He is so enjoying it. Once we got the camper we drove out on to the Bruce Highway then onto Steve Irwin Way - we passed the Australia Zoo and on to Colundra where we went to the Supermarket and Kings Beach. The kids had their first swim in Australian waters - they enjoyed it and seemed to appreciate the break. We went back to the Glasshouse Mountains Camping Ground and stayed there for the night. The next morning Bec and I found a Green Tree Frog in the bathroon and got chatting to another lady who showed us another two of them above the showers. Great excitement as there was a race for the first one of us to see an animal that we had not seen in NZ. Onwards to Australia Zoo where Callum had been wanting to go for a couple of years. What a place to get up close to the animals. The koalas were very sleepy lol. Nic held the koala for the photo - it was very stinky. Bec enjoyed feeding the kangaroos and we all fed the elephants. We then watched the show in the Crocoseum which was a great showcase for wildlife conservation and education. Bec wasn't well and we went back for lunch - while Nic and Bec stayed back at the camper, Bec had a sleep, Phil and the boys went and looked around the rest of the park. Bec and Nic went back out but didn't manage to see the whole place - its quite big. We all had our photo taken with a snake and it was the first time that we had touched one. This was the highlight of the day for both Callum and James. We left there all walked out and tired. Headed to Mooloolaba which was only about 20 km away. And stayed in a camping ground right across from Underwater World which we visited today. The had a really cool car aquarium called A Fish called Honda. Great place but didn't have a lot of the fish on signs so you didn't really know what you were looking at. Nic had a good fall outside on the road here and is nursing a nice sore knee and jarred body. Travelled on to Bundaberg which took around 3.5 hours - which was about 1 hour less than everyone had told us. There is a lot of sugar cane grown in this area. We are off to the Bundaberg Rum Distillery tomorrow and Ginger Beer Factory then on to Town of 1770. Kids have been really good and everyone is enjoying the holiday so far.
Hope all is well in New Zealand!
Love Nic, Phil, James, Callum and Rebecca

Happy National Scrapbook Day

2008-05-04T14:36:00.004+12:00

Happy National Scrapbook Day - I didn't do any scrapping but hope others out there did! Busy getting packed etc for the holiday. I got an early Mothers Day Card from Rebecca - she had made it at Grandmas while the kids were away. Its gorgeous!
Nicki

Best laid plans

2008-05-03T20:41:00.004+12:00

Well the best laid plans often don't work out and this week has been one of them. I was going to HB this weekend to pick up the kids from mum and dads - where they were having the best of times - going to the movies, building go-carts, building huts and cooking over a camp fire, walking to the shop each morning to get pop his paper, Callum went and helped with the catering of funerals and made himself some money, ANZAC day parade, putt putt golf games, hot chick, chinese, Mcdonalds Whew I couldn't keep up with all they were doing. Phils nana had a stroke on Wednesday so Phil and I shot down to HB that night and saw here then and then took the kids to see her early on Thursday morning then shot home again as Phil had animals arriving back to the farm at 1pm and he needed to be there for them. So we brought the kids back home with us. They are also sick - Bec has had a viral infection in her eyes and they look so sore but are healing well now and James has tonsillitis - took him to the Dr last night to get him better for Monday. Callum is feeling a bit out of sorts now too. Phil is strung out as he trys to get all the last minute things done before Monday - YES MONDAY - MONDAY - MONDAY - we are OFF OFF OFF - YAY we are so looking forward to this trip it is so needed and wanted! Can't wait!

New addition

2008-05-03T20:38:00.002+12:00

Phils sister and brother in law Karen and Gary had a gorgeous wee girl on 16 April - she is just the daintiest thing with a cheeky glow in her eyes. Well done to both of you!

SENZ08

2008-04-28T06:26:00.002+12:00

Well I've got my three day pass to SENZ! Heather, Colleen and I are all going and I can't wait for a weekend of scrapping, chatting and shopping! We're also going to the crop night and the dinner. Anyone else out there going?

Excited

2008-04-28T05:31:00.006+12:00

Well I'm getting excited! This time next week we will be waking up with the anticipation of traveling to Auckland for a long awaited trip to Australia. On Tuesday 6 may we fly out at 6.40am to Brisbane and have 1 week touring the Sunshine Coast in a Camper van then 1 week at the Gold Coast. While over there we have tickets to Australia Zoo, Underwater World, Australian Outback Spectacular, Warner Bros Movie World, Dreamworld and White Water World. Yep we'll do all the theme parks - not going to visit Sea World thou as have heard that after visiting the other two - Australia Zoo and Underwater World that Sea World isn't as good. Soooo I have brought new rechargeable batteries for the camera - as it has been sluggish to take photos - so am hoping that this is what was needed. Also brought a gorilla pod (tripod) so that we can all be in the photos at some stage - if I can drag Phil into them! Have borrowed mum and dads digital video camera and also brought a underwater camera for our visit to here www.lmcruises.com.au its a 35mm camera that is encased in a plastic casing - quite airtight as you can hear a little poof as you open it. I got some extra films for it so that the kids can use to take some pics from their perspective. The kids are really looking forward to their trip - the last time they were in a plane was when Bec was a baby and we were living in the South Island. The last time I was in one was the same time and the boys had gone on a separate plane to me (with their grandparents) and it was when the Ansett strikes were on and I ended up going on what they called the Crayfish Plane which was an old old felt really old DC3 plane that was used to fly cargo/crayfish etc over to the Chatams and I sat their with Bec on my knee she was only a few months old and (a) wondered if it was going to get off the ground (b) was going to land at the other end! I was on one of my never ending diets and when morning tea came round and it was a lamington or some sweet cake I thought I'm gonna eat this cos it might be my last! But it did get off the runway and we did land at our destination safely although it rattled and made a lot of noise as it went (and I still didn't lose the weight!) Anyway I'm packed, the kids stuff is packed, Phil is packed so all I need now is to go and pick the kids up this weekend - we have had a week without them and I'm missing them. Then come Monday its OFF!!!

Another Digital Page

2008-04-27T04:56:00.002+12:00

Heres another layout I did. Its another digital one. What I like about the digital scrapping is I did this in bed when I couldn't sleep lol!

Mothers Day CD

2008-04-26T15:30:00.009+12:00

A couple of years ago I made a number of these CD Cards for a Mother's Day Breakfast that we had at a family gathering.

With the little pressie that all the mums got.

All lined up in a row!
Took a while to make!

Front of Card

Back of Card

Some digital scrapping

2008-04-26T15:15:00.003+12:00

I did this one on the computer a while ago.

Right!

2008-04-25T09:32:00.001+12:00

Ok so I've changed the colour and template of the blog - just so you know that I'm coming back lol. Been away awhile but I'll be back later today I hope - if I don't end up scrapping and then if I do I'll come back with a layout or two lol.
Nicki

An update

2008-03-13T06:35:00.002+13:00

Well here I am with an update. Have been lurking around but not feeling like blogging. Phil has had his op for his knee and we thought that it would be a 'quickie' unfortunately when he came too the piece of cartilidge was too big to be sucked up the sucker so they had to cut it open. Just means its a bit more intrusive and a bit longer to heal. But he is well on the way to recovery now. We have had news that Dad has a tumour in his bowel. We've all been a bit weepy. We all thought it was just polyps and when he went into to be checked the came across the tumour, after the visit to the specialist he had a big bleed and collasped at home - luckily Jo was there and rang the ambulance - we thought he had gone - but dad being the fighter he is soon came round once he had some of the juice that the IVs had in them. He needs to have it all removed and has his op on 27 March. We had some good news thou that it isn't in his lymph glands and hasn't traveled. Thanks to God and lots of praying I'm sure. We did have some good news of our own. We entered into the Dairy Industry Awards in the BOP region this year and won a merit award for Dairy NZ Human Resource Management.
Nicki

2 new layouts and my new scrapbook friend!

2008-02-10T10:41:00.001+13:00

These two layouts have been done from sketches - the Grandma one is a Becky Fleck round one http://www.pagemaps.com/ the second one is for a challenge over at Scrapbook Essentials http://www.scrapbookessentials.co.nz/ . Its nice to be getting a bit of scrapping time!

Take a look a my new scrapbook friend - he Phil's work dog Chief whos getting a bit soft on it!

Next two words

2008-02-09T22:10:00.000+13:00

Emilys next two words are a YOW - our own word - who my friend chose for me and it was HOUSEWORK lol those who know me know that it is not a favorite of mine! And then the next one is BALANCE - i've written a little bit of what these things mean to me on the back of the cards but have shared with you just the front. The balance one has painting on it and then using a tissue picture I cut around the girl then separated the layers on the tissue and podged each separate tissue onto the paint. Getting a bit out there for me lol - I did like the painting process so have painted another page ready for another of Emily's challenges lol. The words on Housework are done on my Cuttlebug so are the flowers. Hope you have had a good weekend.
Nicki

Some more layouts

2008-01-29T20:40:00.000+13:00

Excuse the shocking photography.

Some more calendar layouts

2008-01-29T19:47:00.000+13:00

Heres a few pages from a Calendar I made. Sorry about the photography!

Nicki

Lots and lots of doodling!

I love this paper and alls its circles.

Connect

2008-01-28T19:01:00.000+13:00

Connect is the next word in the Emily Falconbridge 52 word challenge. I have done mine on my connection with the internet and the back of the card has how I came up with Chooky as a user name. The second part of it is Crafting Connection where I did one of Emily's Canvas Classes. I am enjoying this project as I can do anything I like on it! My thanks to Heather for the felt flower.

Hi

2008-01-25T21:19:00.001+13:00

Have a good weekend everyone.
Nicki

Two new layouts

2008-01-23T21:50:00.002+13:00

This first layout I only used the sewing machine and no adhesive. Lol the poor sewing machine hasn't been out in a loooonnnng while!
The second one was a challenge where I had to use fabric and flowers. The embroidered flower in the middle is sewed on with the machine. I have then stamped the flowers around the sides. I actually don't like this but have posted it anyway! Lol
This shot is of James who grew this cabbage in his garden, he was extremely proud of it and it fed us coleslaw for a couple of nights.
Hope everyone is well and have had a good day.
Nicki

Biscuits

2008-01-22T22:10:00.000+13:00

http://www.nzsugar.co.nz/ViewRecipe.aspx?id=129

The kids have just made these choco biscuits - mmm they were so yum!

Chocolate Chip Biscuits

Ingredients

75 g butter, melted
1/2 cup Chelsea White Sugar
1/2 cup Chelsea Soft Brown Sugar
1 large egg
1 cup plain flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup chocolate chips
Method

Turn the oven on to 180°C. Beat melted butter, sugars and egg together.
Sift the flour and baking soda and add with the chocolate chips to the butter mixture. Stir until well combined.
Place teaspoonsful on oven trays that have been lightly greased, sprayed or lined with baking paper. Leave room for the biscuits to spread.
Bake for 8 – 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Transfer to a cooling rack.
When cold, store in an airtight container.
Makes: 30 biscuits
Special thanks to Alison Holst for use of this Best Ever recipe

Next word and Mum the nerd

2008-01-22T08:32:00.000+13:00

Emily has posted her new word - its Connect - hmm going to have to do some thinking about that one.

I've so far kept up my gratitude journal and have been enjoying thinking during the day what I am thankful for. Yesterday the pigs got out again and James and I with the help of Atu walked them back to their 'home'. It was raining - (which we are very thankful for) I was also thankful for the short time I spent with James as we walked in the rain, talking about the turnips, the pigs, and the random things James came out with- he told told me I looked like a nerd with the rain on my classes as I pretended to use my fingers as a windscreen wiper. I need to treasure these moments as he goes to High School next year and we can already see the changes that are approaching us - at very high speed!

Have a good day.
Nicki

Another Journal - a word a week

2008-01-20T15:52:00.000+13:00

I have taken up a challenge from Emily Falconbridge for a art journal. She will come up with a word a week that you do something with. I've chosen to do a small 6x4 journal. I have done the front a bit like a scrap page and then written a few personal things on the back.

First word - Commit - I chose to do it on the commitment Phil and I made when we married 18 years ago. The best part is that the flower on the bottom of the page is one of many that mum hand sewed pearl beads (over 3000) on for my wedding dress. I found it and it was the last one that had been embroidered. Its very special.

Second Word - Feel

Hope everyone is having a good weekend.

Nicki

I'm a Great Aunty

2008-01-19T17:19:00.001+13:00

Bec, Peter and Me

Baby Peter Jeramiah Scott was born on 4 January 2008.
Jackie and Baby doing well.

My sister Jo, Jackie and Peter

Rebeccas Gratitude Journal

2008-01-19T17:13:00.001+13:00

Gratitude Journal

2008-01-19T15:53:00.000+13:00

Happy New Year everyone - hope your new year has started better than ours! After not being able to go to the beach for our awaited holiday due to work reasons, Phil jumped off the tractor and has done the cartilige in his knee - not a good start to the year. He his currently hobbling along on crutches he goes back to the hospital on Tuesday to see where he goes from here.

I've made this journal after viewing one at http://blairsboys.wordpress.com/. Its to record something that you are thankful for each day. Life gets a bit tough sometimes and we have certainly had our fair share of 'toughness' lately and I thought it would be nice to try and get my 'head' back in a better place. My first entry was 'water - I was thankful for water in the kids pool after a hot day in the office' lol. I enjoyed making the journal for myself and it was fun to find bits of paper for it. They are all shapes and sizes, an envelope with an old address on it, a wedding invite, a postcard, even a coaster and top of the invite from our wedding 18 years ago! The aim is to have 52 bits of paper one for each week and then number the paper from 1-7 for each day of the week. I think it will be fun to look back on each day particularly if I am having a real low or bad day - as we all do from time to time! What I liked about this project was I did whatever I liked with it - I think it will make a great keepsake. I'm not much of a diary writer so I also thought that a word a day would be good to get that habit started of writing things down. My MIL is very good at filling in her diary daily and I wish it was something I had the discipline to do.

Rebecca also wanted to make one - I think she has done a great job and she also enjoyed finding bits of card and paper for hers. Her first entry was 'dreams - magic moments'. I have been trying to post a pic but it doesn't want to work so will do that in next post. Its worth waiting for!

And today I'm thankful that I have two healthy legs to walk on!

Some more shots of Christmas Day

2007-12-29T09:30:00.001+13:00

Brunch New Zealand style!
Bacon, Hash Browns, Shrimps, Eggs, Mushrooms etc
Mmmmm

Busy Busy

2007-12-29T08:15:00.000+13:00

Well the boys are out again today with fencing and weeding. They are very enthusiastic and getting through more than Phil thought they would. Bec decided that she like farm work better than office work - she sat and what the Grinch about 2.5 times yesterday while I worked. Shes watching it again this morning - she'll be able to recite it soon! The kids have put their inside tents up in the lounge with all their Christmas presents set up inside them so will have a tidy up today around those and get a few jobs done so that this afternoon I might be able to get some scrapping done. Had some photos printed last week in anticipation! One of my goals is to get more scrapping done in the coming year. This past year has been a very quiet one with the scrapbooks.

Off to Work!

2007-12-27T06:49:00.000+13:00

Well we are all off to work today (Phil has been working right throu anyway) but the boys have got a job on the farm nailing in staples onto the fences, Bec is coming with me into the office - she started last night packing her lunch and getting her drink bottle ready - shes very excited. I'll take the lap top in and she can play games on it, shes also packed her bag with her new Polly Pocket and drawing bits and pieces.

I managed to get a little scrapping done yesterday afternoon. Hope you are all enjoying the holiday season.

Waiting to Open Pressies

2007-12-26T09:23:00.000+13:00

Here is some pics of the kids waiting for Phil to come home before they open their pressies. Rebecca was most excited and put out carrots for the reindeer. We had a good day and the kids made it special. You can see the christmas spirit in their faces!

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-25T06:26:00.000+13:00

Merry Christmas everyone hope you all have a great day. Very quiet one here - waiting for Phil to milk the cows then the kids will unwrap their pressies. Enjoy your day.