KOSMO'S TALES

Day Trip to thePet Porpoise Pool -- Coffs Harbour

2012-01-05T12:54:00.001+11:00

PET PORPOISE POOL -- COFFS HARBOUR NSW

Yesterday day Hubby and I drove to Coffs Harbour to the Pet Porpoise Pool, to make one of my lifetime dreams come true, and that was to be able to touch a dolphin, and be very close to them...
Well it came true at around 1.00pm yesterday, as you can see by this photo above, I was leaning on the side of the Pool and got to have a dolphin kiss, and afterwards actually feel and touch them.. I also got to sit next to Maxine the Seal and she gave me a kiss as well.

What a great day!!!!!!!!

Book Review -- "No One Wants You" by Celine Roberts

2012-01-05T12:48:00.002+11:00

Book Review --- "NO ONE WANTS YOU" By Celine Roberts..

A true story of a child forced into prostitution.

I don't normally read books like this, but picked it up at the Angus & Robertson Closing Down Sale last year.

This is a very powerful book and had me wanting to read it from start to finish straight away, so I started it one afternoon and was finished it the next day.

Given away by her mother at five months old, raped on the day of her first communion at age seven -- when Celine Roberts was told "NO ONE WANTS YOU", she believed it.

Illegitimate and unwanted. Celine was forced by her foster mother into prostitution. Her bones were broken, her nose was crushed and she ate candle wax to stay alive.

Celine was finally rescued and sent to an industrial school, where she picked up the pieces of her shattered life. She also began the search for her parents. But what she found gave her battered survival instincts the hardest knock of all...

Full of the most heartbreaking tragedy but ultimately survival and hope, NO ONE WANTS YOU, is the remarkably honest and compelling memoir of a woman triumphing over her brutal past..

Happy 39th Birthday to Me

2011-12-30T09:27:00.002+11:00

Happy Birthday to me

Happy Birthday dear Lisa

Happy Birthday to me

Book Review -- "The Memory Keeper's Daughter" - By Kim Edwards

2011-12-29T08:46:00.002+11:00

BOOK REVIEW: " THE MEMORY KEEPER'S DAUGHTER" BY KIM EDWARDS

This would have to be one of the most powerful stories I have ever read. If you get a chance read it, or if you would like to read it I can send you my copy.

This stunning novel begins on a winter night in 1964, when a blizzard forces Dr David Henry to deliver his own twins, his son, born first, is perfectly healthy, but the doctor immediately recognises that his daughter has Down Syndrome.

For motives he tells himself are good, he makes a split- second decision that will haunt all their lives forever. He asks his nurse, Caroline, to take the baby away to an institution. Instead, she disappears into another city to raise the child as her own.

Compulsively readable and deeply moving, The Memory Keeper's Daughter is a brilliantly crafted story of parallel lives, familial secrets, and the redemptive power of love.

My little Trip To Gunnedah

2011-12-26T14:55:00.000+11:00

A couple of weeks ago hubby and I went to Gunnedah to see my friend Jodi Dolbel,

we left early on saturday morning and headed up there, we arrived about 10.15am and stayed till about 2.00pm in the afternoon, we had lunch at the Park View Hotel.

It was great to see Jodi again as I had never been to Gunnedah before, it had been about 6mths since she had stayed at our place with Emelia while they were down here visiting her brother Matt in the JHH.

Jodi it was great to see you again.

A Work Collegue & Friend --- Karen Grew

2011-12-26T14:48:00.000+11:00

One of my work collegues and friends Karen Grew and I have worked together at the Newcastle Herald now for about 2 1/2 years now, well she has decided to retire on 5th January 2012, she will be sadly missed.

Karen enjoying caravanning with hubby Steve, we will all miss you alot..

This photo was taken on Thursday 15th December at our work christmas party.

Book Review: I've Been There (and Back again) by Joy McKean

2011-12-26T14:44:00.002+11:00

I'VE BEEN THERE ( and Back Again) by Joy McKean

Lifetime of Travel, Stories and Songs

In this Book Slim Dusty and his wife Joy McKean come together to share stories of their life and many many travels...

Slim has been gone a few years now and is still sadly missed by a lot of people in this country and will be still sadly missed many many years from now..

My Mum

2011-11-12T15:34:00.001+11:00

This is the latest pic of me with my Mummy.

She is doing so well, and is walking with her walker.

Book Review " On Thin Ice" by Ice Road Trucker "Hugh Rowland"

2011-11-12T15:21:00.001+11:00

Book Review "On Thin Ice" by Ice Road Trucker "HUGH ROWLAND

ISBN: 978-1-4091-2074-2

Orion Books Ltd

Hugh Rowland is a star of the Hit TV Series "ICE ROAD TRUCKERS".

Breakdowns, Whiteouts and Survival with the ice road truckers.

For more than twenty years, Hugh Rowland has been the undisputed King of the Ice Roads as is now the star of the hit TV Show 'ICE ROAD TRUCKERS'

Every year when the temperature plummets to -60c, he leaves his family, home and successful business in Canada to dive 1,900 miles to the arctic circle, a region packed with natural resources. Locating the natural gas, conflict free diamonds and gold is pretty easy - but extracting and transporting them is another matter entirely.

Rowland and the other truckers must spend two months travelling hundreds of miles on a naturally formed road of ice.

IT IS ONE OF THE MOST DANGEROUS JOBS IN THE WORLD.

But danger is something Hugh Rowland ( THE POLAR BEAR) takes in his stride, he is a man with legendary stamina, a fearless personality and a bearish attitude.

On Thin Ice is his story of the preparation for the trek and his nine-week journey across the infamous Ice Road, along which the truckers suffer epic breakdowns and pull off breathtaking acts of heroism -- all in a days work. From the first snowstorm to the final thaw, this is a journey to the edge of endurance and back an extraordinary look at an extreme life.

Ice Road Trucking is a hell of a good way, to make a living and its great that so many people know a little more about what is going on up there in the Artic, thanks to the history channel and the produce Doloris Gavin.

This is the second book I have read about Ice Road Trucking, and to be honest this has me hooked on the TV SHOW, and can't wait to see Season 4

Handmade Christmas for the Nursing Home Jumble Sale

2011-11-12T15:14:00.001+11:00

Hi there,
Yes i know long time no blog, I have been reading all your blogs every week, I just havent had enough time to update my own blog.
Recently I made some Handmade Christmas Cards, for the Jumble Sale they are having at the Nursing Home where Mum is at the moment, next Saturday.
Here are some pictures of those cards......I will get back to scrapbooking very very soon, I am knitting a rug for my Mum and want to finish this first before I start doing my scrapbooking. I am looking forward to scrapbooking again as I have missed it, I have still been taking pictures of everything and anything to scrap with.
Talk Soon

Love Lisa xoxoxo

Book Review -- "KING OF THE ROAD" -- Alex Debogorski

2011-09-06T10:25:00.002+10:00

Howdy out there in blog world to all my friends, its been awhile between posts yet again.

I recently read a book written by one of the ICE ROAD TRUCKERS Alex Debogorski, have fun reading this book because its not all about ice road trucking its about his life.

KING OF THE ROAD -- ALEX DEBOGORSKI

The highest-rated reality show ever to hit the History Channel, Ice Road Truckers follows the heart-pounding adventure.

s of the tough-as-nails truckers who risk peril everyday to deliver goods and supplies in Alaska and across Canada's frozen north.

Alex shares tales of his adventures - and misadventures - in the north, and explain, in his own enteraining voice, how he got to where he is today - working class hero, bona-fide celebrity, and the improbable star of a smash-hit television show.

Alex is a natural storyteller who konws how to spin tales about his colorful life growing up in the backwoods. Wether he's recounting tales about his hair-raising confrontations with bears, calculating the strength of newly formed ice, divulging the secrets of providing security in a bar room full of combative, drunken miners, or saving the life of another trucker, he keeps you wanting more.

Book Review " TRUE SPIRIT" The Aussie Girl Whow Took on the World - Jessica Watson

2011-07-17T17:14:00.003+10:00

TRUE SPIRIT - THE AUSSIE GIRL WHO TOOK ON THE WORLD

BY JESSICA WATSON

This is a true story -- written by Jessica Watson herself about her sailing solo around the world, its one of the best true stories I have ever read. and would recommend it to anyone to read:

As she said "I'm just an ordinary girl who believed in a dream".

On May 15th, 201 after 210 days at sea and 24,285 nautical miles, 16 year old Jessica Waton sailed her yacht, Ella's Pink Lady, triumphantly back into Sydney Harbour.
She became the youngest person to sail solo, unassisted and non-stop around the world. IT seem the whole country stopped to welcome her home.

Never Once did she lose sight of her goal.

Latest Scrapbooking Layouts

2011-07-17T17:06:00.003+10:00

Family Photo

2011-06-26T19:08:00.002+10:00

This photo was taken on the day before Mother's Day.

I love this photo.

A Little Scrapbooking Happened

2011-06-26T18:57:00.002+10:00

I thought I had lost my Mojo, with everything that has been happening since February, I havent had a chance to really scrap or doing anything crafty, until recently about 2 weeks after we moved, when I was on in the middle of unpacking my scrapbooking stuff, I found my mojo, I had started this little off the page album for a woman I work with and had packed it away and hadn't looked at it since, until this day, and its now completed and been received by the woman who loved it immensely.

Here is a little sneak preview of the album from the front cover and a double page in the middle, now that I have my mojo back I am looking forward to getting back into it...

Update on My Mum

2011-06-26T18:48:00.003+10:00

Just a quick update on my Mum for those of you who know me:

Mum is doing really well, she is still unable to return home as yet, she has gone to a nursing home for about 6 to 9 mths to give her the time she needs to be able to go home and be the way she was and be able to do things unassisted like walking...

She is already enjoying her time at the place where she is, I haven't seen her smile like I did today for a long long time.

As you can see by these pics, Mum is looking fantastic.

Mum I love you more and more everyday, and can't wait to see you again at the end of the week

Your loving Daughter

Lisa xoxoxo

Our New House

2011-06-26T18:41:00.002+10:00

Its now been 6 weeks since we moved to our New House, yes we are still renting, but have moved a little further out of town and down the Lake a bit, but we love it, its a really nice quiet neighbourhood.

Yes we are in a two storey house, 3 bedrooms, bathroom with toilet, lounge and dining room combined and kitchen this is all upstairs, downstairs is the laundry, rumpus room and double garage. There is no internal access to the upstairs part except we have to walk up 16 stairs to get to our front door.

The yard is just right for the dogs, and they love it as well, the front yard is humungus, luckily we have a ride-on mower to mow it...

A Little Gift from Jodi

2011-06-26T18:32:00.003+10:00

About 2 weeks before we moved to our new house, we had some visitors come visit us for one night, Jodi and her daughter Emelia had to come to Newcastle to do some stuff and see her brother Matt who was at JHH at the time, so we invited them to stay the night instead of driving here and back to Gunnedah in one day.

It was great to have them stay with us, Jodi made me a little Thank You gift for having them for the night... It was a lovely handmade card as well as a little canvas on a easel (see pic above).

A big THANK YOU to Jodi for making me this lovely handmade gift, I really appreciate it, and JODI you didnt have to. I hope that you both enjoyed my cooking of the meal.. Sorry I had to leave so early the next morning to get to work.

We all hope to see you soon..

Scrapbooking 2011 -- Latest Layouts

2011-04-23T14:21:00.003+10:00

These are my latest layouts I have completed..Need to find some time to do some more, I guess that time will come soon....

My Mummy

2011-04-23T14:13:00.003+10:00

This is part of the reason for me not blogging as much as I would like over the last couple of months.

These pics are not good quality but I still wanted to share them with you.

My Mum became very sick on 11th February, and has been in hospital ever since, she is currently at the rehabilitation place, and is doing well, but still has a long way to go.

Mum, I love you more and more everyday, I can't wait for the day you are able to come home and we can go on our regular shopping trips and also our trips to the hairdressers.

Love You.xoxoxoxoxo

Look at my Boys

2011-04-05T12:37:00.002+10:00

These are probably the only photos I have ever gotten of the boys when they are both looking at the camera....Yes it would have to be a first....and will always be a first...

Flowers -- A gift from a friend

2011-04-05T12:32:00.003+10:00

I want to say a big thank you to June Burrows and Karen Grew whom I work closely with everyday, you have been there for me while mum has been sick and other things that have been happening, thanks so much for the lovely flowers you both have brought me, it means a lot to me.

A Little Getaway --- "Manning Point"

2011-04-05T12:20:00.004+10:00

On the weekend of the 18th of March, here in Newcastle was a Public Holiday on the Friday, and with everything that has been going on in our lives this last couple of months, Brett and I decided to go away for one day and night.

It was great, we went to Manning Point, we stayed in a cabin in the Ocean Caravan Park, we went fishing, we went to the club for dinner, lovely food I must say, even won a raffle prize in their Friday night raffle, I even managed to talk him in to taking me to Taree to check out the local Scrapbooking Shop called "Scrap Awhile", i brought a couple of little supplies. We came home again on the Saturday morning. It was nice to get away and I think we both needed it.

Approaching Storm

2011-04-05T12:12:00.003+10:00

The other afternoon when I was on the way home from work, we had a very unsettled storm approaching off the coast, and like the other thousand people who decided to stop and take pictures of it, I certainly did, these pics arent the best as they were taken with my mobile phone.

Book Review --- "Beyond the Wave - A Tsunami Survivor's Story" - By Trisha Broadbridge

2011-04-05T11:56:00.002+10:00

This book I really enjoyed it has a lot of heartache, but it comes straight from the heart of the author who will be affected by this for the rest of her life.

Who could imagine a more romantic spot for a honeymoon than the stunning Thai island of Phi Phi?

When newlyweds Trisha and AFL footballer Troy Broadbridge stepped onto the beach on the morning of 26 December 2004, their world seemed perfect, MOMENTS later, they were engulfed by the deadly tsunami and Troy, along with thousands of others in the region, was swept to his death, Trisha miraculously survived.

I would recommend this book to everyone to read, Happy Reading

ISBN: 1-74114-806-5

Latest Kosmo Photo

2011-04-03T16:14:00.003+10:00

Look at my boy, he just loves to perform for the camera, NOT, but he doesn't mind having his photo taken.

Mowing the Lawn ???????

2011-04-02T09:46:00.004+11:00

Well the other day hubby was mowing the lawn, it was around 8.30am in the morning and I was still in my pj's and decided that I wanted to have a go, so I did, yes thats right in my pyjamas, every seen someone riding a ride-on mower in there pj's, well now you have.

Cheers

Guess Who I Met Yesterday?

2011-03-13T13:52:00.004+11:00

Guess Who?

Thats right my best internet friend "JODI", she is my inspiration for my scrapbooking and a few other things. There aren't many people out there like her.

Jodi it was great to meet you yesterday even thought it was only for 1/2hr and it was at the John Hunter Hospital whilst we were visiting our family members. You are beautiful in photos as well as in real life, and I am greatful I have someone like you as my friend. Next time we meet will be in a different place, as you said yesterday hopefully at a scrapbooking retreat or somewhere. You are so like me you are no different on internet or in life you are just JODI, and that is what i like about you.

Renovation ASHMAN

2011-01-28T11:01:00.002+11:00

After we returned from our 3 day holiday to visit my uncle in Melbourne, Brett took on the task of renovating our kitchen.

We layed Laminated floorboards. I love my new floor very much..

Scrapbooking 2011

2011-01-28T10:42:00.004+11:00

Well Well Well I know what your all thinking?

Where has she been?

Has she forgotten her blog?

Well the answer to those questions is no......Just busy with everyday stuff like Work Work Work, by the time I get home in the evening the last thing I want to do is sit at the computer, seeing as i am on a computer all day.. I am currently enjoying a couple of days away from work, scrapbooking, shopping, spending time with my darling hubby.....

I have made a plan for my scrapbooking for 2011, and am planning to make sure I at least do 1 layout per month, well I am well underway I have just completed my first 2 layouts for 2011, as well as an off-the-page project for a lady at work.

Could someone please leave a comment to let me know you are all still out there in blog land.

See you all very very soon..

Lisa & Furbabies

xoxoxoxoxoxo

Alan Jackson - It's Five O'Clock Somewhere

2011-01-16T21:27:00.000+11:00

I just love this song--- by Alan Jackson

BOOK REVIEW --THROUGH THE STORM BY LYNNE SPEARS

2010-12-18T16:32:00.003+11:00

"THROUGH the STORM"

by Lynne Spears

(A Real Story of Fame and Family in a Tabloid World)

(Mother of Jamie Lynn, Bryan & Britney Spears

Lynne shares the story of the Spears family as only a mother can.

What I can say about this book is it took me awhile to get into but once I started I was hooked, if you are a fan of Britney Spears you need to read this, to find out the real truth and not what you hear or see in the media.

Little Gifts

2010-12-11T20:15:00.004+11:00

I made these little gifts for a couple of my work friends.

The Search For Santa Paws DVD Movie

2010-12-11T20:06:00.002+11:00

I would recommend this movie to anyone this Christmas, just watched it.

I am not saying what this is about because i dont want to spoil it for you, all i will say is if you have seen Santa Buddies then you need to watch this.

Bad Bad Blogger

2010-11-21T08:00:00.001+11:00

Yes I know I have been an extremely bad blogger its been like 2mths, lots happening, but after this weekend, I will be back....
Love ya all
Lisa xoxoxoxoxo

Day Trip to "Golbourn"

2010-09-26T10:01:00.002+10:00

Recently Brett and I did a Road Trip to Golbourn for the day. We actually went there to purchase a motorbike, and whilst we were there we did the touristy thing ourselves, we visited the Big Merino.....( now I have lots of photos to scrap - must have taken a million and one), going down it was really cold as we left here at 4.30am, we had breakfast when we got there at Subway, then did the touristy thing and started on our way back via Sydney...

My Mum

2010-09-26T09:57:00.003+10:00

Well I don't often blog about my Mum, but maybe I should, She and my stepdad Ron recently went on a holiday to visit my stepbrother James for 5 days and did the touristy thing, they went to Queensland, they went to Sea World and also Australia Zoo, here is a picture of my Mum outside Australia Zoo, she said she had a great time and wants to do it again.....She brought me back some little goodies as well, I got a keyring from Sea World as well as a Green Crocodile from Australia Zoo.....

Welcome to the World -- " Eli John Lewis"

2010-09-26T09:49:00.003+10:00

To cut a long story short, my best friend throughout High School was "Leisa Ashman", yes I know, well funnily enough we aren't related in anyway, well she married a lovely man named "Sean Lewis" they have 3 beautiful Children now, Shania, Jacob & Caleb and on 2nd September 2010 @ 2.24am they welcomed to their family child number 4 "Eli John" weighing 8lb 8oz, and and 55cm long.

Welcome to the world "Eli", may your world be filled with love and lots of cuddles and happiness, I have lots of stories to tell you as you get older about your mum....

Ice Road Truckers -- The Series

2010-09-26T09:44:00.002+10:00

Well my hubby and myself loved this series when we had Foxtel and also when it was on normal television, the 4th season is about to begin overseas very shortly, I take my hat off to these people that drive these roads, as they are very very dangerous, but I wouldn't mind having a go myself.. We are both friends on Facebook with a couple of them. So recently we brought the first 2 Seasons of them, now to find Season 3.

Book Review -- My Steve -- Terri Irwin

2010-09-26T09:39:00.002+10:00

I have recently read a book Terri Irwin wrote about her late husband Steve, this is a very emotional book, and I believe everyone should read this:

Uplifting, humorous and heartbreaking Terri's moving account is a non-stop adventure, a love story and most of all a fitting and inspiring tribute to a man adored and missed around the world.

Rest In Peace Steve Irwin, no one will ever forget you...

Look Who Came To Visit for a Week at the End of June 2010

2010-09-05T11:12:00.003+10:00

Back at the end of June I had a 2 week holiday from work, and my cousin Darlene came to visit me for a week, we did so many different things. The whole week was spend going to lots of craft shops and spending lots of money on craft materials, for me Scrapbooking Materials and for Darlene it was Card Making Materials.

I enjoyed her company so much I now miss her more than she will ever know, we have a very strong bond, a very very strong bond that can never be broken. We went to Nelson Bay as well as Tuggerah as well as Newcastle and Maitland and Rutherford... We did spend one day at home in our pj's doing craft.

Kosmo & Jaws & Beaver Latest Update

2010-09-05T07:06:00.003+10:00

This is our latest update, I have managed to hi-jack the computer for 10mins to get this on:

Well its been a while since we have been able to use the computer as either Mum or Dad are also on the internet doing something like Ebay or Facebook.

We have been busy making a bit of a mess over the last few weeks or so between Jaws and myself, out the back of our house looks like a bomb hit it, as those humans would say, it all started when Jaws got a little bored the other week, he started to pull bits out of the mattress that we sleep on in our kennel ( this is really my kennel, because Jaws has his own -- he only uses it when we have a disagreement or we get really rough with each other while playing) - other than that we sleep in my kennel, and then we got two of our toys and played tug-o-war with them, so that added to the already mess of foam.

Then we decided to dig in the woodchip and let me tell ya, we have woodchips everywhere, Jaws has even tried to eat some of them, we got a piece of rope out of dads shed, one day when he left the door open, we have had the rope stashed in the kennel for about 3 weeks now until yesterday when Jaws decided to start pulling that apart.

Thats what we have been up to, also we have had a few rides in the car, on Saturday afternoon Mum and Dad took us to Wangi Wangi, we went for a walk along the foreshore with Dad whilst Mum got her camera out and took some pictures.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

BEAVER UPDATE:

Hey Dudes & Dudettes Beaver Here,

I have been busy running amok, clawing on my scratch polle to doing silly skitzy things like playing with the stuffing from the bear, playing with my ping pong balls ( I reckon I own more Ping Pong Balls than the local Tabletennis Club).

My mum wanted a loveable purring Kitty, well she has one, cause I have been real loving lately, sleeping between mum and dad everynight, sleeping on the top of mums recliner.

I really know how to get on mum and dads nerves, I just sit at my food bowl and meow, meow and mewo till they give me my biscuits - this usually happens first thing in the morning when they get up at 5.15am.

I love it when Kosmo and Jaws come inside, cause I get to play chases with Jaws and play claw him to, I just run away from Kosmo, you would if you seen how big he looks thru my eyes.
Well I best be going and getting on Mum and Dads bed for a snooze.

Some of my latest Layouts

2010-09-05T06:58:00.004+10:00

Yes I know I have been the slackest blogger in the whole wide world, going to try and make up for my lack of posting.

Here are a couple of my latest layouts I have just completed, update from Kosmo, Beaver and Jaws coming up as well,as well as my holiday diary which I have to type into blogspot because it won't let me cut and paste to here for some reason.

Husky Dog Talking - " I love you "

2010-08-05T06:31:00.000+10:00

Swap Sisters Bonny Blog Award

2010-07-31T16:36:00.004+10:00

I received this from the lovely JODI, Thanks so much:

Here are the Rules:

Here are the rules that go with it:

1. Put the Swap Sisters Bonny Blog Award on my blog.

2. Share 5 things about myself.

3. Pass the award onto 5 other Bonny Blogs.

4. Add links to my 5 chosen Bonny Blog Winners.

5. Let them know they have been chosen to win the Swap Sisters Bonny Blog Award by leaving a comment on their blog.

So 5 things about me.

1. MY LOVE FOR ANIMALS

This came about when I was young, when I was growing up with my parents seperated, I needed to find something to Love and that was Cats, Kittens, so if I ever found a stray I would take it home and look after it till I either found its owner, or it was too old and had to be put down.

2. MY WEIGHT

This is something that is always on my mind, and I struggle everyday to deal with. I am now 37yrs old almost 38yrs old, and am just starting to finally deal with this, that I will always be a larger lady but I need to be comfortable..So please help me on my journey to loosing some more kilos.

3. MY HUBBY

This man is a man I love dearly and have been married to now for 20yrs, What would I have done without him, he is my everything, hes even having his birthday in about 17days.

4. DOLPHINS

I am just mad about these creatures, personally if I could have my own personal one I would, I have never been to Sea World, but have the biggest collection of these guys, we eat with them, we sleep with them, they are hanging on my walls, and everytime I see them I feel a sense of calm.

5. MY NEPHEWS

My Nephews are Sully & Jai Pralica, Sully will be 16yrs old on Wednesday and Jai will be 15yrs old on the 10th August, they are my everything, I have watched then grow into young men, Sully & Jai you are my everything, you make me smile...................................

And now to give this to 5 lovely people;

1. My cousin Darlene, she doesnt have a blog, she is the best friend and relative a person could have, she is there for me night and day, also 7days 24hours, she is my Rock

2. My best internet Friend "Jodi" http://jodis-sraphaven.blogspot.com/, she is one of the nicest people I have ever met on the net and have learnt alot from her blog as well as her scrapbooking she is an inspiration to me and others around the world.

3. Kate Mason: http://katemason.blogs.com/kate/, she is one super mum, and her crafting has given me inspiration as well.

4. Pip Prosser: http://pipprosser.typepad.com/, Pip your scrapbooking layouts are an inspiration to me and others around the world.

5. My Mum: Mary she is my mum, and I love her dearly, she doesn't have a blog either but she is best friend... I love you lots MUM..

My Latest Layouts

2010-07-31T16:22:00.002+10:00

Yes I know I have been a bad blogger once again, I have an award to put up too that was given to be my best webfriend JODI , Thanks Jodi, here are some layouts I have recently done..

Dirty Dancing- Hungry Eyes

2010-07-12T20:05:00.002+10:00

Dirty Dancing - She's Like the Wind

2010-07-12T20:05:00.001+10:00

Dirty Dancing - Time of my Life (Final Dance) - High Quality

2010-07-12T20:05:00.000+10:00

Lee Kernaghan, Adam Brand & Steve Forde - Spirit Of The Bush - Music Video

2010-07-12T20:03:00.000+10:00

We Are The World - Michael Jackson Lionel Richie Cindy Lauper Steve Wond...

2010-07-12T20:01:00.000+10:00

lionel richie-say you say me

2010-07-12T20:00:00.000+10:00

Lionel Richie - Stuck on you

2010-07-12T19:59:00.000+10:00

More Cards -- Made 10/7/2010

2010-07-11T13:49:00.002+10:00

Hey There,

I have been neglecting my blog a little of late and I do apologise, but have been having fun, been on holidays for 2 weeks, had a relative come visit me for a week, and busy scrapping, and taking photos, I promise I will update my blog over the next few weeks or so.. These photos are of some cards that I made yesterday, I made 2 of one of them, but I can't tell you which one as I am sending the 2nd one to my cousin in Melbourne....Talk Soon

New Layout - "Having Fun"

2010-07-02T07:50:00.003+10:00

This layout is called "Having Fun", I have done this layout for a lady I work with of her granddaughter, I am very proud of the way this layout has turned out.. It is purple and white themed, I hope you all like it.

My Entry for a Monthly Scrapbooking competition

2010-07-02T07:33:00.002+10:00

This is my entry for the monthly scrapbooking competition for my local scrapbooking shop, we were given 2 sheets of paper, 2 buttons, 1 feather & 1 piece of ribbon, and some of this stuff had to be used in the layout, you didn't have to use it all, plus you could ue other things like I have, so this is my take on what we had to work with. I hope you all like it..

Double Layout -- "Night At The Trots"

2010-06-26T17:17:00.002+10:00

A little while ago Brett and I went to the Newcastle Paceway otherwise known as "Newcastle Harness Racing Club" with my work, a few of my work colleagues , including the boss, as well as some clients from work, It was a great night, we even had a fantastic meal and some drinks as well.

At work I am involved in a yearly project called "Pink Pages Business Directory", we do an edition for the Maitland, Lake Macquarie & Port Stephens areas, it takes me 6 mths to get all 3 editions out into the public. On the evening there was a race named after the Pink Pages called "The Herald Pink Pages Pace", in which I got to start the race in the back of the starters car, as well as present the winner of the race a horse called "Nobbys Beach Boy", ( how appropriate seeing our number 1 beach in Newcastle is called "Nobbys Beach").

It was a great experience and I am very proud to have been able to start the race and present the winning horse with the trophy, we even had our photo taken with the winning horse, rider and trainer, I was given a copy of this photo by the Harness Racing Club as well, which I have framed and sitting beside our television. So this layout is all about our evening.

Another New Layout -- Jaws

2010-06-26T17:14:00.003+10:00

This layout is about the baby of our family, "Jaws", he is now almost 14mths old...

I completed this layout last night at the crop night I went to ,the only thing I had to do at home was do the letters of his name with my Cricut Machine.

NEW Bella! Page Making Kit -- Cheeky Boy Layout

2010-06-25T06:46:00.004+10:00

I recently brought this Page Making Kit from the Reject Shop, and I thought I would give it ago, using the Kit and stuff from my Stash. ( The reason I am only just blogging about this now is that i put it in for Submission and didn't make it).

NEW Bella! Page Making Kit

(Paper and Embellishment Kit for Scrapbooking and paper crafts).

This is all Acid Free.

This Kit contained the following:
5 patterned papers

23 Die-cuts ( I used only some of these)

4 Buttons

0.5 metres of Ribbon

0.5 metres of Ric-Rac ( I didn't use this at all)

From my Stash I used the following:

Chipboard Letters - (Painted with Kaisercraft Red Paint)

Journalling

a few extra Buttons

Book Review -- Hush, Little Baby -- Katharine Davies.

2010-06-22T16:40:00.004+10:00

I must say I finished reading this book today while I was waiting at the Dr's surgery.. It was a bit of an emotional book for me, but I did enjoy reading it..

HUSH, LITTLE BABY -- Katharine Davies

ISBN: 978-0-099-49834-6

What happens when you become responsible for a life that isn't yours?

Eira is alone. Thirty-six years old and living on her own. She loved Jack, but their relationship had to end - she could never have a baby with an alcoholic. Now she works in a museum, in the middle of a park, and aches for someone to love. And then one Spring morning, she finds a baby in a box on the museum steps.

Haunting, heart-rending, and beautifully evocative, Hush, Little Baby is a story of love and youth, longing and age, and one woman's visceral need to be a mother.

Look Who I Found Sleep Together This Afternoon

2010-06-14T14:54:00.002+10:00

Yes you got it I found Kosmo and Jaws asleep together this afternoon in my lounge chair, Its unusual for me to be able to get photos of these two together, its as if they know when the camera is coming out....

PUSS IN BOX

2010-06-14T14:46:00.003+10:00

well we all know the story or rhyme of "Puss In Boots",well we have our own little "Puss in Box", Beaver just loves boxes and has every since he was a wee little Kitty... As you can see by this photo, the box has been taped back together, you can imagine Kosmo and Jaws trying to get in there with Beaver can't you, well let me tell you it happens, they try getting in there all the time, so I have to constantly tape the box back together, maybe its time for a new one..

A New Toy For Me

2010-06-14T14:34:00.002+10:00

Well Well Well,

Look what my lovely adorable Hubby brought for me the other day.

I actually took it out of the box today and had a play. What a fantastic machine.

You can do lots of different things with it... Watch out Ebay I will be looking for more catridges...especially one about Cats & Dogs

New Layout -- SUMMER

2010-06-14T14:28:00.003+10:00

This is my latest layout, its called SUMMER, these are photos of my nephews I have taken of them over the years at the Beach during Summer. Hope you all like it.......................................

Look Who Is 6mths Old Tomorrow --Miss Jasmine

2010-06-02T19:57:00.003+10:00

New Layout --- "FISHING"

2010-05-30T15:17:00.003+10:00

I have waited so long to do this layout "FISHING", its about Hubby Brett fishing, his love for fishing is like his love for me "FOREVER"..... These photos were taken up at Stockton Beach on Saturday afternoon on 20/3/2010.

Biker Chick

2010-05-30T15:13:00.002+10:00

Well Don't think I quite make the cut for a Bikers Chick? LOL LOL

Kosmo & Jaws Updated Photos

2010-05-30T13:31:00.003+10:00

My New Toy --- New Computer

2010-05-30T13:28:00.002+10:00

Hey Hey

Well Hubby has a new toy, and so do I. I have had it for a few weeks now, and I absolutley love it.

Thats right its an ACER Touchsmart, Its silver it has Windows 7, and all the added extras...

Hubby's New Toy or should it be Hubby's New Bike

2010-05-30T13:15:00.002+10:00

Well Well its finally here,

Last sunday hubby and I went to look at a bike that was advertised in the "Local Trader" which is a weekly paper in NSW, it use to be free but now its $2.30 each week, you can advertise in this paper, FREE but only for households not businesses they have to pay.

Hubby has always wanted a cruiser style bike, as he is a big built man, and would just like to ride, not hoon around like some people do......So the cruiser style is what suits him the most, so gone are the road/trail bikes and now to the new cruiser, He did say last night that he would like to save up and by a Harley one day... I am so against bikes cause I can see what they can do to people, but I am going to bite the bullet and have a go with hubby as a pillion passenger. Now this will be interesting, will have to get someone to take photos of us together on the bike...So I will keep you informed as to how I am going with that, and wether or not I like it.

What he has purchased is a Kawasaki VN 800 Vulcan.

boy does she look nice. I will leave you with some pictures I took of it last week when he put down his deposit, I haven't been able to get any new photos as yet, as you all know its been raining here for almost a week now, and at this time he is up in the shed, tinkering with her at this moment...So when he has finished I will get you some updated photos.

Big Post Coming

2010-05-30T09:41:00.001+10:00

Just wanted to let you know i will be back later with some updated posts for you all...Updated Photos of Jaws and Kosmo, Hubbys New Motorbike, as well as my latest layout...

See you all Very Soon

Alan Jackson - Too Much Of A Good Thing

2010-05-27T06:25:00.000+10:00

ALL I WANNA DO IS MAKE LOVE TO YOU - HEART (SUBTITULADO ESPAÑOL INGLÉS)

2010-05-27T06:23:00.000+10:00

lionel richie-say you say me

2010-05-27T06:20:00.000+10:00

80's Love Songs (Medley)

2010-05-27T06:18:00.000+10:00

Latest Off The Page Project -- Butterfly

2010-05-23T16:04:00.003+10:00

Hey there,

Lots happening here, haven't had time to blog, very very busy with work and home.

Will post more later.

My latest project I have been working on is my butterfly album, and its all about me, yes photos about me .

Book Review --"THE COTTAGE" by Danielle Steel

2010-05-10T06:19:00.002+10:00

Thanks to my cousin Darlene, when I was down in Melbourne, she gave me a Danielle Steel Book to read, I just love this author.....

"THE COTTAGE" -- Danielle Steel

On a sunny day in Hollywood, a gleaming Rolls-Royce convertible pulls through the gates of the magnificent estate known as The Cottage. Modeled after the "cottages" of Newport, Rhode Island, the spacious, elegant property, sitting on fourteen acres of lush Bel Air, fits its owner

For the man behind the wheel of the Rolls is HOllywood's ageless wonder, Cooper Winslow. A star of the silver screen for decades, a man who allure to women is the stuff of legend. Coop exudes grace, charm and old-fashioned style. But today Coop Winslow is in for a major surprise. He's Broke. And with no major roles coming his way, Coop is faced with the heartbreaking prospect of selling his beloved home of forty years, or at least renting out the gatehouse and part of the main house. A huge blow to Coop, who debonair attitude allows hiim to escape reality much of the time.

Against a glittering backdrop of celebrity and glamour, Danielle Steel digs deeper to tell a story of friendship and love. tragedy and second chances....of the choices and unexpected turns of fate that can shape characters and lives....

Book Review -- " Sexy" -- By Carol Marinelli

2010-05-05T16:08:00.004+10:00

Well this is one good book, even though its a Mills & Boon Book and only has 185 pages, but well worth the read.

Bought for a million dollars...claimed for convenience...

Weh Zarios D'Amilo meets Emma Hayes again, she is no longer the clumsy teenager who tried to kiss him, but a beautiful, confident woman. Now he wasnts her!

To claim his inheritance, this Italian playboy must curb his wild ways. He needs a convenient fiancee', and Emma neesa a million dollars, So Zarios seizes his opportunity - he will have her! But passion soon leads to pregnancy, Suddenly, the stakes are higher...

Latest Layout & Cards

2010-04-26T17:11:00.003+10:00

I made these layouts from some papers I found in my local scrapshop called "Scrappy Chic Scrapbooking", and the cards where made from the left over papers.. Sorry about the quality of the photos as I am still getting use to my new camera...What do you think???

Jaws & Kosmo Photo Update

2010-04-26T15:03:00.001+10:00

Here are some updated photos of Kosmo & Jaws...

Beaver Updated Photos

2010-04-24T08:04:00.003+10:00

Check out this fella, growing by the day.

This is our space cat LOL LOL

Guess Who is Having a Birthday in 3 weeks

2010-04-24T07:59:00.002+10:00

Yes you got it right this little fella is having his 1st Birthday 3 weeks from today, and just look at how much he has grown up.. Still does all the little puppy quirky things, loves chasing Beaver around the house, as much as Beaver chases Jaws around the house LOL LOL. Jaws you have been part of our family now for 7mths and fit in so well, even though we think sometimes that you think Kosmo is your mother LOL LOL..We love you lots...

Latest Layout

2010-04-20T17:08:00.003+10:00

This layout is about my nephews and I have called it "BROTHERS".

I just love this paper, and the embelishment of the stars which I painted black and then outlined them in white.

As you can see I have taken 2 photos of this layout, so blog readers out there please tell me what you think of it? I actually like it.

Not Feeling Well

2010-04-20T17:02:00.003+10:00

Hey there,

The Last few days for me have pretty much been not good, I have been just laying around not doing much and feeling very unordinary, I went to the Dr on Friday to be told that my blood pressure was thru the roof once again, and she gave me a strong blood pressure tablet to take with an additive in it. I had been getting a feeling like my head is going to explode for a while now, and thought nothing of it, anyway on Sunday after going for our walk, I told Brett I wasn't feeling real well, and felt like I was up in the clouds with the pixies. So I came home and rested for the rest of the day, upon waking yesterday morning I was still unwell so I rang the after hours doctors advice line and was told to get myself up to the nearest hospital, so off I went, and yes you guessed it the blood pressure is up yet again, so I spent almost 5hrs there, getting blood test after test after scans, then they gave me some fluids as well as pain relieft, so here I am now still at home, I may return to work on Thursday, as I have to wait for the heavy headness to pass, which will mean the new medication has kicked in.

Latest Project -- "Mia Jane" Wings Album

2010-04-17T12:46:00.003+10:00

Well this is my latest off-the-page Project, using the latest papers.

I have made this album for a gentleman i work with, him and his wife back in December last year, had their first baby, a pretty little girl called "Mia Jane". I have taken photos of the finished product, but am unable to share them with you, as they are not my family, so I have taken a few of the front cover of the album.

So this is for Jason & Nicole, I hope you like it..

What a Difference 24/4/2005 till Yesterday 10/4/2010

2010-04-11T13:16:00.003+10:00

What a difference 5yrs makes, As you can see by these photos, one was taken on 24/4/2005 and the other was taken yesterday 10/4/2010.. These boys are certainly growing up very quickly, before we know it they will be married and have their own families LOL.

Jasmine ---- 4mths Old

2010-04-09T19:12:00.003+10:00

Look who I seen today at lunch, she is so beautiful and cute, she is now 4mths old, and growing and growing... She went to sleep in my arms, and I ended up carrying her around GOLO before I had to go back to work

More Cards

2010-04-03T16:38:00.004+11:00

I made these cards with the paper and ribbon and flowers left over from the Blue Wings Album. Tell me what you think.

LATEST Project - Another Off The Page Album " The Boys"

2010-04-03T16:30:00.003+11:00

This off the page Project - yes another Wings album - but this time I thought I would do it in the colour blue.

I haven't taken any photos of the inside pages of this album as this is for a lady "Vicki" at work, this one is titled "THE BOYS", as this is about her grandsons, Miles, Oscar and Mingus.

Vicki I really hope you like this, and readers out there in blog land I would really like you all to leave your thoughts on this..

Good Friday -- Family Visit

2010-04-03T16:21:00.003+11:00

Well as we all know yesterday was Good Friday and we had some family come over for a visit, my nephews Sully and Jai agreed to have a little photo shoot with me in the backyard, so long as they could involve Kosmo and Jaws, it was good to see the boys as we hadn't seen them for about 4 to 5 weeks, they are so growing up so quickly..They came for lunch so we had a BBQ.

I am really enjoying this time off work and am doing lots of Scrapbooking - Cards & Off The Page Album, oh well I will leave you all with some pics of our little family visit yesterday of my nephews with Kosmo and Jaws.....

Latest Cards

2010-04-03T16:14:00.004+11:00

I made these cards using left over paper from a previous layout and Mulberry Flowers (aren't these flowers just so cute)...I should have brought the whole collection of the colours of these flowers...

New Camera -- Nikon COOLPIX L110

2010-03-28T20:16:00.002+11:00

This is my new camera.

Afternoon at the Beach --- Saturday 20th March 2010

2010-03-28T20:03:00.003+11:00

Well on Saturday 20th March, Brett and I went up to Stockton Beach in the 4wd, we took the dogs, and Brett went fishing, he caught a heap of tailor, yummy yum oh, and they tasted lovely.

Kosmo and Jaws enjoyed themselves as well. I took the opportunity to try out my new camera its a Nikon COOLPIX L110 to take some updated pics, so I will leave you with some.

Book Review - "BLOOD STAIN" -- Peter Lalor

2010-03-28T19:43:00.002+11:00

I have just finished reading a true story and this is what it was all about, not normally something I would read as I am a romancey type book reader.

On 29 February 2000, Katherine Knight committed an unspeakable act. A mother of four and a grandmother, she seduced and then stabbed John Price 37 times. A former abattoir worker, she skinned him. A loving partner, she cooked him with vegetables, making a soup with his head, Made gravy. Left him on plates for his family. Why? Pricey was her de facto and he wanted out, She didn't like that.

People said that most of the time Katherine Knight seemed normal.... until she got angry. She was judged to be legally sane when she committed a crime so horrible that the media shied away from the detail.

Journalist Peter Lalor covered the trial and wanted to know what made Kngith go away over the borderline.. In this unflinching account he uncovers the layers of her dysfunction, opening the door of 84 St Andrews Street and taking us into the lives of Knight's ex-partners, her fmaily and the locals of Aberdeen, NSW.

Katherine Knight is currently the only woman serving a life sentence in Australia. She is never to be released..

R.I.P - Aunty Mary Emily Screen

2010-03-26T06:46:00.003+11:00

My great Aunt passed away on Friday 5th March she was 91years old.

MARY EMILY SCREEN

December 16th, 1918 - March 5th, 2010

We've known lots of Pleasure

At times endured pain,

We've lived in the sunshine

And walked in the rain.

But now we're separated

And for a time apart,

But I'm not alone -

You're forever in my heart.

Death always seems so sudden,

And it is always sure,

But what is oft forgetten -

It is not without a cure.

There will be times you miss me,

I sort of hope you do,

But smile when you think of me,

For I'll be waiting for you.

Now there's many things for you to do,

And lots of ways to grow,

So get busy, be happy, and live your life,

Miss me, but let me go

LATEST Project - Jasmine's Wing Album

2010-03-14T14:46:00.003+11:00

Well you can see where my time has been spent of late. This album is for Jasmine's Mum, and now I can get started on her big album, with layouts....

Off The Page Project -- Mini Wing Album

2010-03-04T06:25:00.002+11:00

This mini album i did for a lady at work, its all about her Granddaughter who will be 1yr old in June, I didn't take any photoso of the inside pages, but I did get one of the front cover of it, to show you all my work... What do you think??????

Look Who Came to Visit and Stayed the Whole Weekend

2010-03-04T06:18:00.002+11:00

Well just look at her, Miss Jasmine is now 3mths old, she is growing up so quick.

A While Between Posts

2010-03-04T06:05:00.004+11:00

Howdy everyone,

I know its been a while between posts, but things have been changing around here, Hubby resigned from his job driving the Car Carrier as the hours were very long some days, like starting at 3.00am and not finishing till 6.30pm, now thats a long day...But he went to a new job straight away, he is only 7mins drive from work, so no more getting up at 3.00am and starting, he now starts at 6.45am most days and sometimes on the occasional day like today he starts at 6.00am, but he does his 8hr day and then comes home, he is usually home just after 3.30pm - 4.00pm..

We recently celebrated our 20th Wedding Anniversary, boy it doesn't seem like that long, but we love each other more and more every day.

I have a new car, (See pics above), its a 2001 VX Commodore, Black in Colour, Automatic, I love my commodores..this car use to belong to a Newcastle Knights Footballer, which I can't name on my blog, but I must say he is a very strong part of the Knights, so you can probably figure it out for yourself.

Not much happening on the scrapbooking front, i have recently went to a Midnight Crop, at my local Scrapbooking Store "Scrappychic Scrapbooking", its only 1 block from my house, so a friend named "June" from work and I went down and had a ball, lots of laughs but also completed the projects we started out to do. Mine will come in later post...

Kosmo, Beaver, & Jaws are all doing well, growing as usual, Beaver had his 2nd Birthday on February 14th (fancy that a Valentine's Cat).... Jaws is still chewing on anything he can get too...LOL, and well Kosmo is still Kosmo, trying to talk to us all the time, wanting to come inside and lay in the airconditioning.

I will leave you now with some recent photos of the animals and my new car, I am sorry to be a slack blogger, but work is prevailing at the moment, almost finished one annual directory and on to the next one...........

Latest Jasmine Photos

2010-02-14T18:55:00.002+11:00

Well just look at my little girl she is growing up so quickly.

I have seen her about 3 to 4 times now in the last 2 weeks. Jasmine and her Mum have been coming to see me at work and at home.... She is now 10 weeks old...