Not feeling too great

Another week has flown by, and I don't really have a lot to show for it except work.I am feeling in a bit of a slump at the moment.I haven't felt like this in such a very, very long time.I don't have much interest or inclination to do anything really.Not to mention scrapping.I was so anxious last week with my example for my first CC as a DT member, that I think I overstressed myself .I am worrying too much about what other people think instead of just creating for me.It is so easy to fall into the trap, so I have been doing a lot of thinking, and had some wonderful support and encouragement from some beautiful , loving friends.You guys have helped me with gaining some confidence in myself and my abilities again.Thank you.... big hugs and kisses.
You have all no doubt seen my example for the CC which was on last weekend, but I will put it up here anyway.



My challenge was to do a LO using photos of your child/children and their friends, using 1-6 products/elements...for EG...I used.... 1 piece of Magic Mesh, 2 Flowers, 3 different PP, 4 photos and so on.I don't think it went down to well, but then that could be my negative thinking happening at the moment.Anyhow thanks if you are reading this.

A parcel in the mail

Got home from work on Thursday and there was a parcel in my mailbox from Remember When.It was my goodies that Kathy sent for having my "MUM'S BOY " LO displayed on her home page of the store, in RWPC blog and in their newsletter.You can see my LO here http://www.scrap-pile.com.au/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=145 Anyway here is a photo of the goodies I was sent, and I must say that Kathy and Rach were very generous.

I have already used the tree on the left hand side in my first DT LO which I stressed about for days over.After coming back from Brisbane it took quite a few days for my brain to start working again.I think it is nearly back to normal.

We have our CYBERCROP over at SCRAP PILE on Saturday night, with it being my first time as DT member and not just admin/behind the scenes for the girls.I am nervous excited at the same time.I have nearly finished my challenge example, so if you are looking for a great night of chat, challenges and a couple of bingo games thrown in, then come along and join in , we would love to have you.Sign in is at 7-7:30pm.

Been a bit of sickness in my house this week, with me not feeling 100% and Stevie Throwing up two nights in a row.I am almost too scared to go to sleep tonight, especially after last nights clean up in the early hours of the morning.Hope all of you who are reading, are all happy and healthy.HUGS Me

Our last day

We were all up early this morning, as I think we all wanted to make the most of the last few hours together.Unfortunately Donna had to be ready and packed to meet a cab by 8:30am in the morning to get back to the convention for a full day of classes.I honestly don't know how you got all your stuff up to the convention Hall Mate...you need a medal. Big hugs Donna....was so wonderful to meet you and spend time together getting to know each other more.Can't wait for next time.

After Donna left, we were packing our stuff and just sitting around talking when melanie and I got our cameras out for some last minute shots. I love these groups of photos.Melanie and I were trying to take photos of ourselves and managed to do a sort of ABBA shot..I just adore this photo of the two of us.

Then it was into the shuttle bus and back to the Airport.Maree had a little fun being searched at the Airport because her hip kept making the device beep all the time.Would have should have gotten some piccies of that one.But alas a missed opportunity.

Melanie and I went shopping for our kids and got a coffee and Muffin.Then we went back to sit with Maree and Justine while we waited for our call to board.

A view of Brissy as we took off.

Girls, thanks fro the best 5 days of my life in a very long time.Friendships have been cemented and another trip is already in the planning stages fro next year.With lots of fun to be had.Can't wait. Thanks to whoever has been reading, and hope you weren't too bored.

Saturday Night

I just couldn't let this go, as it was such a blast coming back from the Convention with Leah and Maree.You see Leah had her two car seats in the car for her babies, so there was only room for two of us. Justine was in a walking frame of mind so she headed off home.We went down to the car park with Leah and put everyones stuff in the boot.Leah jokingly said someone could get into the boot.HEEHEE Leah,I think your little Subi was full up by the time we filled it with our scrapping totes, and shopping stuff. Anyhow I bagged the front seat as there was no hope that I would fit my backside in the back, so since Maree has such a small toosh, she got to squeeze herself between the two seats. How hilarious was it Leah to see her all squeezed in and curled up like a PRETZEL...haha.Then there was all the talking and laughing on the way back, and poor Leah we weren't helping her concentration.Sorry Sweetie.Made for an interesting drive home though didn't it.And all the memories that Maree has now.LMAO.Then there was the decision about where to park as we hadn't realised that Leah had had to pay the day before to park in the empty lot beside us.So we had to do a blockie to get back around to the carpark under our apartment.We went down a oneway street, so she had to back around...OH gosh, sorry Leah. I knew it was one of those streets that the cab driver had taken.Anyways we got parked, and Maree finally managed to get herself uncurled and out of the car.

After all that action, it was pretty quiet night really.We went up the road to get some drinkies, and KFC for dinner.Then chatted and laughed for hours.Leah''s Hubby was very nice to give her a few more hours with us while he babysat the kids for the evening.Melanie got home early, and then Leah had to go. So we decided to re-enact the Maree/Pretzel thing for some PHOTO opportunities..So here is the evidence.She can squeeze into tight places....



Hmmm She doesn't look too enthralled by all this ...LOL..Lucky that hip of yours survived all the excitement,It may not have made it's tenth Birthday.

Scrapbooking Convention:Saturday 7th June

Gosh we were all excited about going to this, and even more about doing some classes.We got the taxi to the center and then had to wait in the very looooonnnnnnngggg line.OMG, it is hard to explain the amount of people there.First up, Melanie,Justine, Leah and myself had a terrific class with the wonderful,talented and genuine Jill Geraghty-Groves.What a gorgeous lady and so easy to listen to.Her class was great and I really loved the end result of my LO's made at her class.THANKS Jill if you ever read this.I think because I have two boys myself that I really get inspired by her work, and even though I would never have used pink, I am really happy with how these LO's turned out.

HERE are some photos that Jill took of us scrapping.

Hmmm, I think Justine is not impressed with the flowers...LOL..it has been a standing joke with Mum and I with her not using flowers.She ain't a flower gal.Love you Jus!!!

Thanks for the piccy Leah...jill was so much Fun.

Then we went and had some lunch with Maree as she was left to her own devices while we were in classes.I wonder what mischief she got up to...LOL...the credit card got a beating...teehee.Oh going shopping was a major achievement.It was like wall to wall ladies, so we shuffled along , shoved...LOL...and shuffled some more.I saw the gorgoeus GREEN TARA flowers and just had to get some.I missed out on buying their new coloured string though...boohoo.Will have to try and get some sooner or later.

After some serious retail therapy, it was onto Caroline Lau's class from Maya Road.A very nice lady, but would have just liked to be able to hear her better.Justine, melanie and I were in the back row and Karen and Donna were in the second last row and we could barely hear her over the noise in the hall.Loved the class though and getting to work on a Sheer Album for the first time.I still haven't had the chance to finish it though.So sorry I can't show anything there.

At the end of this class we got some group photos as Donna and Melanie were off to Dinner with other friends from other sites.What a blast but unfortunately we were holding up poor Caroline and the other lady there from packing up.Sorry girls

We were lucky enough to get a photo taken with Caroline too.

Love this photo of you Mel

More photos of our afternoon together on the Friday

Heading to Southbank Friday afternoon with Miss Maree, Miss Melanie, Miss Donna and Justine.Poor Maree didn't want to walk.She thought Justine was punishing her...LOL

View of the City, as we were walking across a walking/riding bridge from Southbank to the City.

Justine and Melanie

Don't know what Miss D has dropped down her bodice but it must have been funny.

I know you are just going to love this photo MISS Maree...hehe

Melanie and I

Something tickled our fancy here...no doubt something said by either Donna or Maree.

A lovely shot of Justine.

Well, phew got all the photos out of the way.Friday after saying goodbye to Kristy-Lee, who had to get home to be with her children, we had a break at the apartments .Then around 4pm we started walking to Southbank with the itinerary of having a look around, going to the night markets and then have dinner.

Southbank is really beautiful and if you go to Brisbane, definitely worth a look.And we didn't even get to see it all.We were all thirsty by the time we got there , so we stopped at a restaurant and had a drink while Donna ate some Pizza.There was some crazy talk, like when we walked in the door a lovely girl came over and said how many, and one of us piped up 6( there were only 5...haha).The girl got 6 pieces of cutlery and plates...too funny.I reckon they would have been glad to see the back of us.We had a great mobile/Speaker phone conversation with GRUMPO( Shane).

Then it was onto the Night Markets, which I thought our local markets up here is much better.I bought a bracelet and necklace for a gift, and some Lollies that you buy by the grams for my two muinchkins at home.Oh the smell as you walked into that shop.After the markets we mosied on across the street and Donna and Justine were going to see a movie, while Maree, Melanie and I sat at a restaurant drinking chatting and just taking in the setting etc.They were back with in 5 minutes, because the movies were sold out.So we ended up having dinner.Donna had a dreadful headache, so we had as quick a meal as we could.Even though my Steak wasn't cooked WELLDONE.I sent it back after eating all my salad and chips, and it came back still not WELL DONE,so I gave up.Lovely presentation though.

I called a taxi, then Melanie wasn't feeling well either, so Justine and her walked back to the apartment while Maree, Donna and Myself went by taxi.That was an interesting ride back wasn't it girls!!!!!!

Even though Mel, Maree and Donna had been up since very early that morning, we stayed up till late chatting and getting to know each other better.Really loved having this time too girlsand I know Justine did too.

Day 3-- What a great Day..

Was up early again, and got a call from Leah, as we thought it would be great to come in a bit earlier and she could park near the apartments. Justine and I went for a walk to the Supermarket to get some stuff( which we didn't really end up using).Went back to the apartment and I tidied up while Justine walked down to the Musuem at SOUTHBANK to take photos of the dinosaurs for Josh.She is one very good mummy for doing that.Justine got back just before Leah arrived at 10am.If you are reading this Leah, you are one beautiful, outgoing, funloving girl, and it was wonderful to meet you and get to know you a bit before the other girls arrived.Thank you also leah for the book you gave me.I have looked through it a few times already for inspiration.

Was getting worried about Melanie and Maree as they should have arrived by now, and it was getting very close to 11 am, when we were to meet all the other Scrap-pile girls at the Pineapple Hotel.I think it was just on 11 when melanie said they would be there very soon, so I went up to meet them at the front driveway.

What a buzz it was to see both Mel and Maree face to face and hear their voices.It was like we had known each other for ages, and no nerves etc at all.We quickly got the girls stuff to the room and then headed down to the Hotel for a date with Tammy, Jaki, Fiona,Kristy, and a few mintues later, Karen and Donna.There were 11 of us in total as well as Jaki's little guy .He was an absolute ANGEL that day.

I cannot explain just how terrific it was to meet all these gorgeous girls from off the Scrap-pile forum, who I have been chatting with and working with since Justine bought the store back in April last year.Everyone was exactly the same as they are in the forum, and I really enjoyed the time we spent together celebrating my BIRTHDAY.They even organised a little cheesy Birthday cake for me.Now that was embarrassing, having everyone looking at me while they were singing to me.I think the whole lunch crowd was there to witness....LOL.

Would have really loved the chance to spend some more time with Tammy, Jaki , Kristy and Karen to get to know them a bit more, but was very grateful for the time we had.THANK YOU GIRLS for taking the time and spending the money to come celebrate with me on that weekend.I LOVED BEING WITH YOU.

Deb made me this very yummy , divine paper bag album which was full of handmade cards from most of the girls at Scrap-pile.She had made pockets to place them in and also glued them down onto pages.I loved the idea , as well as the thought and meaning behind it.Thanks Deb and girls for giving me something that I can always look back on.Missed you there Deb.Would have liked to meet you too.

Here are my photos from our lunch.

Things we created with the USA tutors

Firstly there was MM, but I gave the LO's away to Leah and Melanie, as they were very girly papers.So sorry that I have nothing to share there.

Secondly, we had Lynette from K&Co, and we did ATC's.I haven't gotten around to finishing mine yet, but you will see just how much work she put into each little ATC package.She cut up each little piece of paper to size and added embellies.A lovely, talented lady and a pleasure to do a class with.

Next was the class with the girls from IMAGINSCE.We made a basket out of a 12x12 piece of PP from their range and then we layered flowers and connected them to kebab sticks to place in the basket.We also made a pinwheel.I didn't really like the things we made in this class as I felt that they weren't really useful.

As you can see in the photo, we also made a small album that you can place cards in to give to someone.

Lastly, we had the class with Alice Golden, and we made a frame from all paper, card and embellies.Then we did an accordian album using some nice summery papers, stickers and learnt a new technique with their new clearly stickers.You stick the stickers over a button, or a white painted chippie, then trim around the outside.Then you have a newly decorated embellie.We also learnt how to make the window in the Accordian album, by using a little clear zip locked bag and add some clear hair gel.Then you squish it around until it bubbles.

Hope you have enjoyed looking at what we created on that Thursday.

Day TWO in Brissie

Dawned a gorgeous day, and I do mean Dawn, cause I woke up with it...LOL.I am afraid that the room we got was right beside a main ONE WAY road and the traffic went practically all night long, which didn't give me much sleep.UGH.

Anyways, Jus and I were excited as we had our day at PRINTBLOCKS wholesalers doing classes all day with Overseas tutors from Making Memories, K&Co, Imaginisce and Karen Foster.

We arrived by taxi( and he was a lovely driver too),around 8:30am and got the tour of their premises, with some time to shop.Although, as Justine said,we weren't early enough so we will definitely be there earlier next year to shop some more.

Our first class was with Gail Pierce-Watne and Patti from MM.Lovely ladies and I won a prize...woohoo.We shared a table with Cheryl from Tassie and another lovely lady from Perth.

Patti,Me,Justine,Gail

Our next class was with Lynette Carroll from K&Co, and she was an amazingly talented lady, as well as very nice and appraochable.I had not known that she was Aussie before this day.She mentioned that next year, she will be spending 6 months in Australia and 6 months in the USA.She misses Aus.Loved her class she had organised too and what a lot of work she did to prepare it.We got to make ATC and we also get a 7 GYPSIES ATC holder.Can't wait to have a bit more of a play with this.

Mel & Lynette

We stopped for lunch and met two nice ladies who were from a Bricks and Mortar store in Bowen.Had a nice chat with them and then it was back to classes with Shauna Butler and her sister from Imaginisce.Just loved their OTP creations and great products.

Next was Alice Golden from Karen Foster.What a sweet , sweet lady.Not only did she spoil us all with great kits and a bag, but some yummy american choccies as well.Thanks Alice.

We finished around 5pm and then shared a cab with Cheryl and another lady back into town.Unfortunately, we got an Asian Cab driver who couldn't speak much english and didn't really know where he was going.I was getting a little worried that were actually going to make it back to our Apartment.THAT was certainly an experience. Had naughty Take-away fro dinner again, and phone calls from our family.Was getting very very excited about meeting everyone the next day.

First day of our Brisvegas trip...

Left home at just after 10am and got down to Cairns around lunchtime.We went to sizzlers with Mum and Joshie before we flew out.I was getting a little nervous by then as it had been over 20 years since I had travelled on a plane.I was like a puppy dog trailing along behind Jus, as it was all so new to me.Unfortunately, our plane was delayed by over 3o minutes and we didn't board until 3pm and take off was about 3:20pm.We arrived in Brissie after a beautiful smooth flight , but it was dark at 5:30pm......now that was weird.Because we were late, we then had to wait another 30 minutes to get our Shuttle to out accommodation.Got there very quickly, which we were both very surprised about.After settling into our rooms, we then went for a walk up the road to a 24 hr convenience store and got some stuff and then got take-away for dinner.

BRISVEGAS here we come.....

Well it is finally here, our trip to the BIG SMOKE as Leah says.....Brisbane.Justine and I have been wanting to go a scrapbook Convention for a couple of years now, and finally this year we are able to make our dream come true.Not only that, we will be doing classes there as well with some great tutors, Jill Geraghty Groves and Caroline Lau from Maya Road.
We fly out tomorrow and arrive late in the afternoon.Thursday we will be doing some classes at a scrapbook Wholesaler all day with lots of tutors from the USA.And we get lots of new product.How cool is that?
Friday, is going to be THE MOST EXCITING DAY for me, as I get to meet so many of the great ladies from our forum in SCRAP-PILE.We will be lunching together, and hopefully get some great photos and make some lovely memories.I still can't believe it is all happening, as we have had this trip planned since late January.
To the girls who I will see on Friday, not long now and looking forward to putting a voice with the faces.And to the lovely ladies who are unable to be there, you will be there in spirit and I will be thinking of you.Take care and Hold down the fort for us till we get home.

The secret is out

If you haven't heard already, I am very excited, and rather nervous to announce that Justine has asked me to join Jewls, Leah and Melanie in the SCRAP-PILE DT.I must admit , I am feeling a little scared, as I honestly don't feel that I am good enough and having to scrap to a time table of sorts really freaks me out.However, I have been running the Forum for over 12 months now with some lovely people helping me, so I am sure that that won't change.If I need any help, I know that I will have someone there to listen to me.
So I say thank you Justine for giving me this really exciting chance and thanks to the DT girls for giving me the confidence in myself.