Weekly update

Well, Colin is better! He went to school from Wednesday, went to soccer practice and badminton on Friday night and played soccer today. Not a full game as he was really tired. His colour is back but his strength isn't. We're all so pleased as we are sick of the sickness!

Both boys brought home reports on Thursday and we are really very pleased with their effort and the work they're doing. Colin's Oral Skills are great and Ross' Mathematics is too ... in fact most areas are more than average. There are some areas to work on (Maths for Colin and Written Language for Ross) but we'll work on those - and they are by no means bad!

Only one week until the school holidays and we all need it badly!

My boys today

Well, today saw us back at the hospital with Colin - we have been to the doctor or the hospital five times in the last 16 days. Colin woke this morning and that barking cough was quite a lot worse. Diagnosis - viral tonsillitis which is also causing asthma! He probably picked up the virus from someone at school and this asthma story in new. So now we have prednisone, and two inhalers and panadol....... and still he's barking terribly. There'll be no school now until possibly Wednesday or Thursday. Colin also went to play badminton last night and I wondered if that could have exacerbated this virus but he had such fun which I think he needed. He's desperate to get back to soccer and swimming and now badminton too.

Ross played soccer again this morning and so far this season their team has been on the losing end of all the games. Ross started playing left wing and has really found himself in that position except that he has been getting stage fright in front of the goals so I offered him an incentive - $10 per goal! Last week they lost 11 - 1 ...Ross scored the goal! He said time stood still for him and he saw the ball at his feet and the open goal in front of him. When time started again, he said he just kicked the ball and it went in! He was so pleased! Today they played a game, and at half time their team was 5 -0 up. They've never been in that position before! Ross finished the match having scored three goals himself and the final score was 10 - 2 to them. I was so proud of him (never mind that I'm now $40 poorer!) But what made me even prouder was that at half time, Ross and his mate (centre forward who got four goals) went to the coach and asked if they should stop scoring goals now. The coach told them they could carry on scoring goals. So he can be really arrogant at times, but he knows how to be a good sportsman who can now score goals!

Oh and I did go scrapping but was so not "in the zone" that I managed to do most of one l/o! Need to finish the journalling and I'll post it here

Colin update

So the pneumonia was getting better until Sunday when he complaind of a sore chest. Off to the hospital we went and spent four hours there! Anyway, the side effect of the antibiotic is inflamation of the stomach lining so more medicine for that. Back to our GP on Monday to check whether he still needed the antibiotics - no. So he's at school half-days but still has rather a hacking cough. Anyway, I've been giving him Demazyn to help him so hopefully by next week he'll be better.

Adrian got tickets from The Breeze (radio station) this morning so we're off to see Bridge to Terabithia (or whatever) on Sunday morning - should be fun.

Tonight Adrian took Ross to the College open day - oh my goodness - my boy will be 13 in two months time and off to College next year! Both came home impressed.

And one more

This one is also from our SI tour - there is a bit of glue in the top left hand corner from where I moved one of the Speight's labels. I'm hoping it will rub off when it dries.

I have enjoyed this enforced inactivity this weekend as I have managed to get a lot of scrapping done. Colin is still not well as he has no energy at all. Even talking too loudly sets him off coughing - I can't see him going to school tomorrow.

Probably the last one for the weekend

And here's another one for Queen's Birthday weekend challenges: Oreti Beach I had no more "e" left in my rubons so compromised with a "c" and an "f" (for the extra rounded bit and the straight bit). The c/s and paper is all from the May Kit I won at SBO

I've been scrapping

Here's the Dancing with the Stars l/o that I don't like. I love the Bazzill Bling (black, green and blue), I love the ghost letters outlined with black kindy glitz ...I just don't like the l/o. Maybe there are too many photos on it, but there'd be too few for a double l/o. Anyway, it's done - time to move on!

This is the l/o for the first Queen's Birthday w/e challenge across at SBO. We had to follow this sketch and use some of what was sent to us by fast post. I used two of the journalling blocks I got. This is Colin on his first day at Intermediate this year.

Here's the l/o for challenge #3 which was to use silly photos. The photo are of Ross in the B&B in New Plymouth in 2003 where for the first time ever he had a TV in the bedroom. Why silly? Well, under the duvet cover is the controller for his PlayStation! Used some c/s from the May SBO kit and another of the journalling blocks I got in the post.

Challenge #2 was to make a card using something from a past kit - some of the patterned paper from May's kit that I used on the previous l/o. The card is to send to Jo and Mike in a few weeks time.

This is one I've uploaded to the NZDares site a l/o with at least six photos on it - 82 kilomeres 3 hours - well that's how long it took us to go that distance!
I've really enjoyed scrapping this weekend - it's the most I've done by myself at home for months if not years! I have another one to upload but will take a photo in the morning when the light is better

Colin is sick

On Thursday when I got home from school, Colin was coughing and sneezing and told me he was getting a cold. At about 4.30pm he had a shower and put himself to bed. When I dished up the dinner, he ate nothing. By 9pm he was burning up with fever - he wanted a hot-water-bottle filled with ice! I cooled him down a bit and Adrian and I decided it was time for the doctor so I took him across to the hospital. Diagnosis - atypical pneumonia!! He asked the doctor if he would be able to play soccer on Saturday - "This Saturday, the day after tomorrow", she said, "uh no!" Straight onto a strong antibiotic with a prescription for more on Friday.

He slept in the bed with me and neither of us had a good night as he couldn't settle, couldn't breathe and generally felt sick. Friday we both stayed home and he had a good sleep in the middle of the day. He slept much better last night and is feeling a lot better today. I still won't let him do anything though as I don't want him to have a relapse.

I could not believe how quickly he deteriorated on Thursday, and while I'm not that keen on antibiotics, I really do believe that they have their place. People died in the past from this.



Great challenges over at SBO for Queen's Birthday weekend. I did the first challenge in an hour, but haven't even given a thought to the other two. Maybe I'll make a card for Jo & Mike (see below)

My prize arrived on Friday from SBO but I only had time to look. Lara has challenged me to use the big flower!



Now I need to print the journalling for my DWTS l/o and then post it. I'm not really happy with it, but it's done

So sad today

Today we went to a funeral for twin girls who were stillborn last week - so, so sad. I really felt for Jo and Mike as, after the initial shock wore off, they were so looking forward to their twin babies. I did cry in the Service and then cried more when I realised that there were probably no photos either. Please spare some thoughts, prayers and some cyber hugs for Jo and Mike.

If you're a scrapbooker .....

How did you get in to scrapping? In late 2002,I was invited to join a local group of ladies who were "scrapbooking". I'd never heard of it so went along to see. Even though they were the most unfriendly group of people I've ever met, I was hooked! I even got some paintbrushes and paint and my husband couldn't believe his eyes. I continued going to that group for a few months and discovered KiwiScraps and other mucher nicer scrappers. In September 2003 what was to become "Paper, Scissors Crop" was born and we are still going strong. In May of the following year, I ran my first ScrapCamp.

Why do I scrap? Because I love it! I love the friendships I have formed, I love that even uncreative me can be a little bit creative, I love telling the stories so one day my boys will remember better than I can remember my own childhood. I love going out once a month to have some "me" time.

Leave me a message and tell me your story

Yesterday

The boys won their first soccer match this season! They were all so pleased with themselves not to mention the coach! It was a great soccer game; the teams were evenly matched and the other ref was fair to all of them. Ross got Player of the Day so he was very happy

Adrian went to a Lion's Convention all day and I went scrapping. KiwiScraps is working out well as a venue - it was nice and warm there and it's well set up for paper crafters - it's a most enjoyable venue. I had a great day scrapping - it's so nice to get out once a month and do my hobby.

More things that irritate me

People who don't know how to navigate a round-about properly
People who mistreat their children
People who mistreat their animals
People who don't have any manners
Teenagers who won't try
Coaches who think that 12th Grade B division soccer should be treated like Chatham Cup soccer - as long as the kids are having fun, learning the game and learning team spirit and fairness let's not go overboard about it


And I'll keep adding other things that irritate me and thankfully I can say all of this because I live in New Zealand where there is still freedom of speech

And I'm quite sure that I irritate other people because I'm not tidy and my garden is a mess and....and .....and ... and they can say that too because they're also entitled to freedom of speech

My friend Nik

Is making Scrappyware - wonderful aprons and superb little things called scrapper's bags - they are weighted down and hang on the side of your scrapping table to keep your tools and rubbish. Now,I just need to get my act together and order one! You can get one here

It irritates me!!

When people can't write English properly!

I read that an NZ girl got a job as the Stationary Buyer. Was she never taught that stationery has envelopes in it? And that personel has employees? And that I go to practice (noun) and do the practise (verb)? And that principal is the alpha male/female?

Not to mention their, there, they're:
That is their house
There is my car
They're going on holiday next week

And then there's your and you're: you're is an abbreviation for you are and your is a possesive determiner
This is your house
You're going to go inside it

And don't get me started on the abuse of apostrophes!

Just needed to say that!

Thanks Lynda - edited to add: "youse" as in plural of "you".
The plural of "you" is "you".
"Youse" sounds like "use" or "ewes"

Mother's Day

Today is Mother's Day.
Mother:1. a female parent.

2. (often initial capital letter) one's female parent.

3. a mother-in-law, stepmother, or adoptive mother.

4. a term of address for a female parent or a woman having or regarded as having the status, function, or authority of a female parent.

5. a term of familiar address for an old or elderly woman.

6. mother superior.

7. a woman exercising control, influence, or authority like that of a mother: to be a mother to someone.

8. the qualities characteristic of a mother, as maternal affection: It is the mother in her showing itself.

9. something or someone that gives rise to or exercises protecting care over something else; origin or source.

10. (in disc recording) a mold from which stampers are made.–adjective

11. being a mother: a mother bird.

12. of, pertaining to, or characteristic of a mother: mother love.

13. derived from or as if from one's mother; native: his mother culture.

14. bearing a relation like that of a mother, as in being the origin, source, or protector: the mother company and its affiliates; the mother computer and its network of terminals.–verb (used with object)

15. to be the mother of; give origin or rise to.

16. to acknowledge oneself the author of; assume as one's own.

17. to care for or protect like a mother; act maternally toward.–verb (used without object)

18. to perform the tasks or duties of a female parent; act maternally: a woman with a need to mother.—Idiom

and for all the mums/moms/moeders who visit me here....

for all the women who are mothers,
and have mothers.
and those that dont.

for all the women who carried a child for a time in their wombs, whether that time be a few days, weeks or many months.

for all the women who wanted with all their hearts to carry a child, and never got that wish.

for all the women who have loved unconditionally a child of their womb.

for all the women who have loved unconditionally a child of another woman's womb.

for all the women who gave up the child they carried for a better life for that child.

for all the women who have lost a child, and think about them still.

for all the women who care, and love, and mother their neices, nephews, godchildren, friend's children as if they were their own.

for all the women who had the best mothers.
and for all the women who didnt.

for all the women who lived up to all their mothers wished for them.
and for all the women who live good and happy lives inspite of not having those wishes wished

for them.

for all the women who looked at their new born babies, and were amazed that they themselves MADE this child.

and for all the mothers who look at their 15 year olds, and wonder where they came from.

For the mothers of boys,
and the mothers of girls.

for those mothers who are awake at 2.30am, holding a crying baby who will not settle, tears rolling down their cheeks as they wish and pray for the sun to come up , so they know they have both survived another night.

for those who dont survive.

for all the women who do it by themselves, without support.
and for all those women ( and men!) who choose to support another.

for all those women who know the feeling of full and leaden breasts, that leak at the sound of a baby's cry, even if their baby is in another suburb.
for all those women who bottlefed.
and for those women who still feel their breast tingle when a baby cries, even though their "babies" are now in high school.

for all those women who look back and remember, s/he would have been 21 today.
and for all those women who make a rousing and full hearted 21st brithday speech for their kids.

for those women who work. at home and in the work force.

for all those women who try their best.

For those women who are mothers, but never see their children.
and for those mothers who tuck their kids in each and every night.

for all the mothers who fight with all that they have, and all that they are, to be there for and with their family.
and those who lose the battle.

For all the mothers who will receive lavish gifts, and get taken out for breakfast.
for those that receive luke warm tea, and burnt toast.
and for those who are not remembered as they should be.

For those mothers whose every breath is focused on finding food, safety and shelter for her children and herself.
and for those who will ( thankfully) never know that terror.

For all those mothers who are horrifed by the last tattoo, piercing or haircut.
and for those who horrify their kids with same.

For all those mothers just beginning their journey...
and all those who know that journey never ends...

for every woman who has ever given of herself for the betterment of a child's life, who has given praise, or time, a hug, a kiss, or a pat on the back. For any woman who has been a confidant, a keeper of trust, a cheerleader, a warrior, a mother.....

I raise my glass to you.I thank you for the investment you have made in the mothers ( and fathers) of tomorrow.You do the hardest, and lowest paying, and greatest rewarding job in the world.You have my undying admiration....my applause...and my thanks.
Happy Mother's Day.

with many thanks to my friend Ngaire Bartlam who wrote these words

Dancing with the Stars

My mom and I arrived at Avalon studios at 7.30pm and were given a group number. We were called in in groups and our names were on our chairs.Phil (from Lotto) did a bit of a warm up just after 8pm and then there was time for a practice opening. Before we knew it, the programme was going out live to new Zealand. What a wonderful night! If you think the costumes are beautiful on TV they are spectacular IRL - they shimmer and sparkle. It's also great being able to watch the dancers completely and not just what the camera person wants you to watch. We had no option but to bop along cheer, jeer and have fun. The dancers are wonderful and seem to be having such fun. I called Greer Robson at one point and she turned and looked at me - I gave her a thumbs up sign. Brendan Cole and Candy Lane (NZ and international dance champions) gave a demonstration dance that was so beautiful it looked like one person dancing. At the end of the evening, Greer hugged me and thanked me for supporting her.

I could hardly sleep when I got home as I was so hyped up still from the evening so I went surfing the net (as you do) and discoverd at Scrapbook Outlet I had won May's kit and both add-ons! What an exciting night! I have RAK'd some of it to Yvette for being such a great PI too.

We weren't supposed to take cameras to DWTS so I didn't but I noticed that other people had them Anyway, a lady at TV One has kindlysent me some but I have promised that I will only print them for a scrapbook page so I can't show them here. Maybe I'll do the l/o next weekend and then I can show you

Monthly cropping group

Our cropping group has been getting together eleven times a year (not in December) for the last nearly four years. Firstly in Tawa in the community centre but we outgrew that so we moved to the Catholic Church in Newlands. They put the rent up by 40% so we moved again; this time to KiwiScraps where we had a wonderful day!

I did this l/o about the Ice Bar in Queenstown using some pale blue Bazzill Bling that I got in my Double Take kit from Scrapbook Outlet .I also used some Heidi Swapp ghost letters that we got in 2005 when HS came to New Zealand, added a bit of blue ink and kindy glitz and some metal snow drops and I think it looks rather "icy"!

I won tickets to Dancing with the Stars live show tomorrow night so I'm taking my Mom with me - should be fun!

ANZAC Day 25th April 2007

They shall grow not old,
As we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them,
Nor the years condemn,
At the going down of the sun
And in the morning
We will remember them.
-- Laurence Binyon (1869-1943)

Out of my comfort zone

I decided at the last minute to do a class at Crafting Connection - Emily Falconbridge's Wall Art. Sooo out of my comfort zone! I found it really hard to just "stick stuff down randomly". I found it hard to match (or not!) the colours. I so wanted to make all the pieces of fabric the same size and place them symmetrically on each side of the photo! Whilst I'm not sure I'll ever do anything like that again, it is growing on me ie I like it! My family could not believe that I did something so bright! Click on the photo to make it bigger - if you can bare to. Anyway, here it is and a photo of Emily and me. Thanks Emily and it was great to meet you

Croc Charms

In Oamaru in January, I discoverd a shop selling Croc Charms. Well, of course I had to have some; but then Monique linked me somewhere with an explanation of how to make your own. Out of the 16 charms on my two shoes, two are "real" ones! Don't the others look cute? I'm so pleased with them!

Circle Journal

I am almost finished all my contributions the a US/Canadian CJ that I'm in! I have one more to do and then I'm done. Here's what I've done so far:

My Home Town for Lin

Best things in Life for Karen

Treasured Moment for Wendy

Favourite technique for MarySue

Faith for Vanessa-Lynn

Favourite Season for April

Ten Favourite things for Nancy

There is one missing and I know I took a photo, but can't find it anywhere