Our Girly World

ho hum...

2012-02-10T13:30:00.002+11:00

She is at kinder. I am not liking it yet. I am lonely. R is sleeping. Where is my noisy, cute little sidekick?

In the car this morning, her nervous energy about kinder made her speak ULTRA fast and she was warbling on. Then she said something that brought tears to my eyes..Right after mumbling about Ian and camping and him being a boy she said and I quote,"and you're my mummy..You're my sweetheart.." and then she went on to mention other irrelevant things.. But I caught it...She was telling me in her own funny round about way that she was nervous, excited and a little scared and that she would miss me..a little bit anyway...Sigh...

Love you too my little SWEETHEART..Right back at you babe.. See you at 2.30...

Love Mama xx

OMG! I'm back!

2012-02-08T17:00:00.001+11:00

Hello!! I wonder if anyone out there is still checking in on me??? So sorry for the massive break. But I really needed a break from technology this Summer. I gave in to it easily too. I had access to the internet and just didn't bother. Instead I read a book, painted numerous toenails, exercised (shock/horror!) and mucked about with my kids. So much so that I have found it quite difficult to get back on the broadband technological super highway. BUT here I am... So I thought I would share some of Summer photos. I actually didn't pull the camera out that much either? I really just chilled. AND I loved it. Totally.

Now we have waterslided, knee-boarded, ridden bikes, swam in the pool and the river. Been on three seperate speed boats. We have made giant freckles at a choc factory, tried every version of coffee in Yarrawonga. We saw fireworks and a ski show. We entertained our selves at mini golf, Gracie getting a hole in one. We swam in the rain and some of us (younger) tried our hands at skinny dipping. We have eated ice cream, chocolate, pizzas, salads and more salads... We were issued speeding fines (older..oops) and had bike races. We skate boarded and slathered on sunscreen too many times to count. Were rarely in bed before 10 and even made New Years Day at midnight. We had visitors, Murphy's and Lockharts.. We played with our friends, exhausted two pairs of thons each and had an awesome time.

I love Summer.
Totally.

A share and an idea:

2011-12-22T14:40:00.003+11:00

A while back I was feeling adventurous, crafty and thrifty all at the same time! So I created these layouts with a mind to making up a vintage/upcycled kind of mini kit? Obviously I ran out of time. The end of the year being upon us. But I haven't let the idea go completely and have put it on the backburner until the New Year when I find more time. I had purchased some old patterns, vintage buttons and some funky vintage inspired stickers from Myrtle and Grace to include in the kit. As well as some new patterned papers and bits of patterned paper ( keeping the upcylced theme in mind) I was also going to have intsructions on how to use the items like I have and stencils created by me to use as masks..Ah well..The stuff is all still there. Please..Let me know by leaving a comment if you would be interested in one of these types of kits. At least then I will have the Summer to come up with something or let it go if the interest isn't there....

Wishing you all a very:

2011-12-19T16:55:00.001+11:00

Thanks to everybody who drops by my blog. Thanks also to everyone for leaving me such lovely comments all year.. I hope everybody stays safe and happy over the Christmas and holiday period...

Love
Celeste
xx

Stuck: Dec 15 sketch:

2011-12-17T12:19:00.000+11:00

I found this sketch quite tricky. I have turned it on it's side. It was not long after wo lost Maggie. So I really wanted to scrap a photo of her. I found this one amongst the pile and loved it. Miss Milla was so little..I love the blue paper. Thanks Basic Grey. Handmade flower on there and a flower from Spotlight too.

Getting rid of the kids this evening. Off for a night out for dinner with friends. I can't wait to get gussied up. It's not something I get to do much anymore. It was one of my fave things to do BEFORE kids. My girlfriends and I would spend ages decinding on outfits and doing our hair and make up. I have purchased a new floaty top for tonight - and my VERY high wedge heels have been winking at me from the walk in robe all week. They are so flirty - if they could talk they would say:

"How YOU doin?"....

Ahhhh sigh.. I have missed you and the delicious feeling of thiness the extra couple of inches brings me...I will tolerate the pain for beauty... You win wedges...I will see you tonight...Maybe I will take a few snaps of me dressed up. I have been working out..So I should commemorate (sp?) my efforts for 2011...

sweet family...

2011-12-16T14:34:00.005+11:00

Just in time for Christmas. It was a joy working with you guys.. I think I did more chatting than snapping! There were too many to choose from!

C xx

Stuck Dec 1st sketch:

2011-12-09T11:45:00.001+11:00

Apparently Sara designed this sketch on another my own layouts..Cool. Always a fan of bunitng I could obviously see myself using this sketch! I had fun with this one. The bunting I made from wrapping coloured sticky dots from these masking and sticker sets arond string. They are available at Myrtle and Grace:

The hearts I just hand cut them from a 12 x 12 sheet of paper I no longer liked and used it as mask I got the line along the left hand side totally by mistake - but I love it. I kept it too. Might use it again. I have a real little stock pile of misted had-cut masks in my pizza box I use to mist in...

Bye!

Stuck: Dec 1st sketch:

2011-12-09T11:42:00.001+11:00

If you like this sketch..Head on over to Stuck and give it a go:

Photos we thought we might never see:

2011-12-08T09:46:00.001+11:00

So very glad you decided to have a baby.. Lind and Steve..So happy you let me photograph you at this time too..I know it's a cliche - but you are blooming.. And Steve..Well your're pretty cute too..especially when you are skipping....LOL..Can't wait to meet the little Macdonald...What about Ronald for a name? Bet you haven't heard THAT one before........

C xx

It's beginning to look alot like:

2011-12-06T16:46:00.001+11:00

I haven't had the camera out to snap my own little brood in quite some time.. The photos folder for November looks quite bare! So needles to say, I have more than made up for it already and we are only a week into December. The silly season is upon us..
I took these photos on Fri night. We got our tree, put on pretty clothes and tinsel...We trimmed the tree and then had fish and chips.. Then we took a wander down the road in the hopes of catching a good shot for our yearly Christmas card. I am pleased to say I got it and a few extra..I thought I would share... A fun family night...Gotta love that...

Bye!

Umm..thanks Jamie Oliver...

2011-12-01T22:57:00.001+11:00

Actually it's thanks to my brother and sister in law who gave me his 30 minute meals book for my birthday..Yay! You know how sometimes you get these recipe books and end up just looking at all the pretty pictures..Well this time I am giving it a go..The kids liked it too!

So here was I making a 'catherine wheel 'sausage concoction, crispy baby taters and apple salad with my new prada perfume on (another birthday gift) and my new earrings from my new jewellery tree...yep more birthday presents...I am a lucky girl...

Thanks for all the bithday messages on Facebook, and via text too.....

XX

Some challenges:

2011-11-26T22:13:00.001+11:00

Scrap the boys:

The challenge was to scrap your boys in their footy colours... So here you go..I couldn't just do black and white...Needed the colour.. My little man.. Getting ready to attend the 2010 grand final...Ooh I so love the houndstooth paper...Me wants a coat in this next winter..

Scrap the Girls:

The challenge was pink as the main colour and polka dots..It was nice to scrap the bigs for a change.. Although I did struggle with three photos...

This one was supposed to be for Show Us your Stuff - BUT agai I forgot to include a handmade embellie...So now it's just for you to see! I have old pattern paper underneath the white paint...Treasured photo....

Night!

forgetful:

2011-11-22T14:54:00.001+11:00

I really like it when I look in a folder of photos and come across a gem..One that I had forgotten I took...Makes me feel nice..
That's it for me today...

xx

Stuck Nov 15 sketch:

2011-11-19T11:00:00.001+11:00

This layout was based on the sketch this month over at Stuck from the lovely and talented Crystal Goulding.. I had a lot of fun with it..Obviously changed it to 12x12... But otherwise I stuck fairly closely to the sketch. I did this layout on the retreat a few weeks back..

You know since then I have struggled to find the time and the desire to scrap at all?

Anywho...The colour scheme for this layout was taken from his PJ's..Added a bit of gold and paint.. Success. Thanks so much to Sue at the Imagination Factory - who specifically put this Sassafras Sunshine Broadcast paper away for me.. Mwah! I LOVE it...Escpecially since she informed me that they will be no more..Boo hoo...

One of my fave images at the moment.....
My baby boy is growing up... Another boo hoo!!

XX

Thanks..

2011-11-17T15:00:00.001+11:00

for all your lovely comments about our dear Maggie.. Reading them makes me feel better.. I came across this photo in my my unedited photos today. Officially the last photo ever taken our our dog.. As per ususal she was hanging out for food, around the kids and was dishing out some love to Rylan while there.. Typical her:

Farwell our Maggie:

2011-11-10T22:35:00.005+11:00

Yesterday our big, dumb, beautiful crazy dog passed away...

She was with us for 11 years.

She left peacefully... at home..

I have found that grieving for Maggie for me is twice as difficult..Now that she has gone I remember her as two dogs and I am incredibly sad at losing them both...

She was for a long time a young, stupid, rash, energetic and extraordinarily loyal and loving bundle of long legs and ginormous EARS.. Who at the time.... drove us quite mad with her antics..But I would have them all back in a heartbeat now..

We remember these special things about her during this time of her life:

She came from a pet shop..woops...She was sold to us as a Bordie Collie Cross..Hmmm. Crossed with a mental case?? LOL. More like a Kelpie Cross me thinks..

She loved to swim - But would only go out after Wilson..

She dug up all our plants in her first year...

She poked her head through the back of the wagon to the front and drooled incessantly on the windows..

She would endlessly round up Wilson when he was chasing the ball.. He was her 'sheep'..

She once barrelled right through a closed flywire sliding door. Over enthusiasm totally...

More than once she barrelled right into Wilson..Over enthusiasm...Totally...

As we were about to throw the ball she would run out in an arc in anticipation and then crouch in wait.. (see photo above at water's edge)

At other times she would wait for Wilson to begin to bring the ball back and then try to take it from him... The ensuing 'playfight'over the ball would drive us to distraction as it woud take us forever to get the ball from them..

She was FAST...Always moving, running. A walk in the park for us and Wilson was three times as far for her.. Run up in front...Run back..Loop around behind us and do it all again..

She ATE everything...It would eventually catch up with her..

She would embarrass us appallingly by going off her NUT at any dog that passed us by.. She had a particular dislike of labs and retrievers..Crazy animal..

She PULLED on the lead endlessly..We tried everything to stop this and ended up with the lead running under her tummy and between her back legs...Still didn't solve the problem though..

She loved to jump up on the bed, the couch anywhere really...

Would go beserk at the word 'walkies'and/or me putting on my runners.. I used to torment her by going very slowly.. The whine would get intense!

She could pull a twin pram with three toddlers on board under her own steam.. No mean feat.. and STILL go beserk at a strange dog..

Rod often looped her leash around the back of a girls bike to help pull them up the hill to home..

When she wanted your attention or a pat, she would put her hulking paw up onto you hand or arm and drag it toward her. (See photo) she kept this trait right till the end. I have had to stop her from doing it to the babies at times..

She had a 'wierdo' meter like nothing we have ever seen.. Strangely dressed people and bums all copped a deep throated growl when walking by us..

She loved to run along while the girls rode their bikes..And the mad looping back kinda stopped when she had the girls to follow..

Very obedient. Sit, wait, drop, on your bed and lie down and shake were all in her repertoire. But she could only manage 'wait' in small distance doses.. Too far away from her and she would leave Wilson sitting their and either creep or just full on run toward you before hearing the command.

I developed a sytem of making her sit and covering her eyes with my hands when another dog approached us.. It seemed to work.. No mentalness..Just a low growl.. we did look a wee bit stupid and I always found myself trying to explain it to others..

Dogs, I was told know who is boss and will never maintain full eye contact with you. Hmmmm.. Check out the photos..ALL eye contact. She was never the first to look away. We used to have comps with her to see who would look away first.. She always won. But it was always the look of love..

And then....

While running MADLY one day she ruptured her cruciate ligament.. For a busy dog like our Mags..The recuperation was SLOW and hard for us all..

Within 2 years she ruptured the other one.. She was never quite the same... This is the OTHER Maggie that WE all remember..That the girls miss. They helped me write this part:

In her declining years Miss Maggie's speed lessened but her crazy antics did not...

She grew in size as she ATE every scrap of food leftover by three, then four, and then five children..

One of her favoured places was postioned under the high chair..I have seen her with her front feet up in and under the tray..More than once..

She once put her feet up and took a sausage off the BBQ.. She never did that again!

She bustled her great hulk under the kids legs at the dinner table EVERY night..Pushing chairs and legs out her way in her endless quest for dropped morsels.. More recently, she would just lay there taking up the entire space under our dining table..

She ate Santa's biscuits off the coffee table one Christmas Eve...

She took herself to 'timeout'in the bathroom when she had scoffed her dinner and got into trouble for hovering madly over Wilson's..

Drooled all over the tiles EVERY night.. While waiting for her dinner to be dished up..

Sent Rod in to hysterics when she walked out of the laundry with an empty cat food container stuck over her nose, covering her eyes. Causing her to walk into walls.. Seriously Rod just backed up into our lounge room crying with laughter..

Many a time we would come home to find lolly wrappers and half eaten lollies all around the girls bedroom.. Lollybags were her favourite snack.. (See photo) The girls had to learn to keep their lollies up high..She was even prone to opening their cupboard in search of the elusive sweet treat..

From sweet to ick - Mags also liked to poke her snout into the kitty litter.. Often getting caught and turfed outside.. Mostly coming out of the laundry with scraps of litter on her nose..Always a dead giveaway - so she still got turfed..

Her favourite spot to sit became our good leather couch. She would stretch herself out and Rod was forced to 'share'a small portion of it with her night after night.. Arguing and cajoling her to change positions.. Which she would eventually do - grudgingly and with a grunt and a moan..

If there wasn't space for her on a couch or if you tried to keep her off it.. She would constantly make attempts to get up. I am sure she thought she was being cagey and sly.. Have you even seen a sly 30kg dog?

She snored ALOT.. She gave Rod a run for his money!

She always enjoyed a pat.. Well.. LOTS of pats... You could pat her once and then she would continually nudge under your hand for more..To the point of distraction...

She would go out to the toilet and when she wanted to come in she would stand at the sliding door and bark intermittedly until you let her back in.. Alternating with scratching with one paw..

She developed a benign tumor on her front shoulder that couldn't be removed.. It, combined with her dodgy back legs affected her walking and confined her to home.. I still expect to hear her funny, heavy, limpy step coming down the tiles when we place a bowl on the floor..

A small child coud not approach her without copping some serious love licking...The night before she passed...She gave Rylan a beauty...Full on tongue... The girls thought it was hilarious..

Gentle with small children to a fault. Never a growl.. Nothing. She let all of our kids, pull her ears, legs, tail and crawl all over her. Right up till the end.. I have even seen Rylan shove his little finger up one of her nostrils...

On a personal note.. I am the designated dog walker.. When we made the decision to stop making her walk. I felt awful because initially I was relieved to not to have to deal with her behaviour. But that wore off and I just missed her company. I took to not looking at her sad face when I went out with Wilson. But lately she wasn;t even sad about it. Just resigned. As was I. She drove me mental when she was that young crazy mutt.. But oh how I miss it now.

She was a member of our family.. She was part of us. I like to describe her as the part of the background of our lives and now that she is gone..Well everything just feels a little off kilter.. Kinda like those 'spot the difference'games.. You can't really tell until you look closer.. We told her off alot.. Amd you know I think we all miss hearing her name cursed aloud...Hehehehehe..

I loved her...WE all loved her.. Our petstore puppy ..Our dear Maggie.. Mags... Margaret... Magret... Miss Maggie May... Maggers ... Maggie Pie...

You will be missed...

We were better for having had you in our lives..

Thanks darling girl...

xxx

Gumboots and love:

2011-11-05T23:07:00.000+11:00

As per usual I have edited and blogged far too many. I get so eager when I see the ones I like...I totally overdo it!
We visited Claire and her family at the tail end of our anniversary weekend away and the weather wasn't playing nice. Rod and I drove to the toward the Yarra Valley and the rain came at us..

I was a mildy concerned..

Bah! We all put on boots - ALL of us... and out we went.. And boy did we need the boots.... You should have seen me clunking around in the oversized Rossi's..But as Claire correctly pointed out - I wore them out nightclubbing - many a moon ago!! Ha!

Claire...Your little getaway is so pretty and is a wonderful location for my photography!

Your family is totally beautiful and I hope you love the shots as much as I do..I am sorry it rained on your hair...BUT..I think the photos are perfect.. The love was so obvious...

At least from Hugo the dog anyways!!!! Just ask my husband.....LOL!

C xx

Thankful Thurs:

2011-11-03T13:26:00.001+11:00

I am thankful today that she is 3. I love her so much and three year old her is just simply divine. She is adorable, forthright and downright charming. She is also stubborn and knows exactly what she wants..She had her 'boyfriends' over for a playdate this morning..Identical twin boys..Whom she thinks are the bee's knees...I wonder about the twin thing? Is she drawn to them because of her twin sisters?

She is so well spoken.. Has lovely manners, (now)....and loves on her baby brother to the point of absolute distraction. She is right into barbies..and cars too... Will hppily play on her own..But LOVES to be included in her big sisters games...

Brushes her own hair and let's her sisters wash it, (very brave)... Sleeps in a big bed..But loves to climb into ours in the wee hours at times...

Is enjoying story time now..Before turning three she couldn't and wouldn't sit still to be read to...
Loves 'lips'...(lipstick and lipgloss) and will fossick through my handbag to locate them and put it on..

Bye!

C xx

2011-11-01T10:34:00.000+11:00

I can hardly believe it is November already?? Here is my sample for the Nov 1st sketch over at Stuck! This was another layout that I created at the retreat a couple of weekends ago.. I love it.. I have used the cute Kaiser paper that I bought as inspiration for his birthday invite.. I love these colours together..

Have a great Melbourne Cup day!

C xx

Sharing their party:

2011-10-31T18:21:00.002+11:00

And didn't they have a good time? Phew...Thanks to Rachael for her marquee and decorations.. They were awesome.. The girls all loved decorating their plates.. Totally cool porcelain pens.. Cake was a simple choc sponge. I added some rose and daisies to the top to decorate...

FUN!

2011-10-29T12:34:00.001+11:00

Here is one of thelayouts I left at the Imagination Factory Retreat for a challenge - and it won! This is currently one of my fave photos...So cute... Some stickers on here from the new Crate Random range and the fabric purple frame is from Little Yellow Bicycle..If the title is confusing...Milla calls Jemma Memmy...So sweet..

And here is theother one I left behind - and it to one something..Woohoo! The tockets are from the new October afternoon sidewalks range.. Letters are way cool Sassfras..Which sadly will be no more ..So I hear.. Woodgrain paper is from the new Crate range called...Wait while I look for it....Aha...Farmers Market...Little man playing peekaboo..Some of the fitrst shots I ever took with my new camera...

Off to drop five kids off to three different locations for a sleepover..As we are having a sleepover in Melb tonight for our anniversary.. It's never easy when you want a night off around here..

Bye!

wrokshop success:

2011-10-25T12:29:00.002+11:00

Last Saturdays camera workshop was an absolute success! I was so pleased with how all the ladies were getting their heads around their cameras functions! We have even organised a catch-up next month to check on how they are going...

I was working so hard helping them..I actually didn't take any shots myself..

So having said that.....I will run another...As long as I get the numbers.. Please leave a comment or drop me an email if you are interested in attending...

After this I will be unable to run another until after Summer... I am also considering a follow up hands-on course in photoshop. Please leave a comment if you would be interested in this. I really need to know if this will be a viable course to run..

Also feel free to print out the flyer to hand to anyone you know that might be keen..

Thanks to all my lovely ladies who attended. You all did so well and i can't wait to see some of your images...
Thanks too to Jasmine and Rach..Who has already emailed and facebooked some samples that I could see. I am an instant gratification kinda girl!!

C xx

Gab & Ben:a wedding challenge!

2011-10-24T18:23:00.000+11:00

If you can't tell...From the photos...MOST of the shots are taken inside..It was really wet.. and when the cermony finished it was pitch black to boot!

Thankfully I had no bridesmaids or groomsmen to squeeze into indoor shots..Just the lovely couple..

Gab and Ben proofs will be on their way soon..

You had a truly gorgeous and sweet wedding..

Congratulations..

C xx

a scrappy share:

2011-10-23T17:14:00.000+11:00

I did both of these layouts on my day out at the Imagination Factory retreat.. I did more..But 2 I left as entries in challenges and the other two are for Stuck!...Thanks to Sue and ladies at TIF for hanging onto this Sassafras paper for me..Sunshine Broadcast I think it is.. I ADORE it.. It makes for the most cool background. Used Mel's cool art supplies too. Dropped ink with an eye dropper..Awesome much??

The layout below started out as a Kraft it Up challenge..Until I realised..I wasn't actually USING kraft..Duh..Borrowed Mel's huge cool flower stamp on the background...

Bye!

Stuck Oct 15 sketch:

2011-10-18T13:03:00.001+11:00

The second of the circles sketches for this month. This layout started out with a different photo on it.. The colours weren't working so I swapped to these photos from last Summer... Circles making me happy. Have I said that lately? I hung out with Ebony on the weekend and found that circles make her happy too...No pointy bits.. Life's pretty sweet when there is no pointy ends to jab yourself with...

More layouts from my crafty Sat to come..`

Jump over to Stuck and have a go at the sketch..

If you don't have a large circle cutter, trace around a bowl and cut carefully. Any uneven parts can be the bit hanging off the edges.. Flowers on a boy page.. But it's ok. I'm in it too...

They are 8....

2011-10-14T16:28:00.002+11:00

Ha! I can hardly believe it has been 8 years since our sweet twinnies arrived.. They are growing into such beautfiful, sweet and caring young ladies. At the time they were born. Our family was considered complete.. I even stated so on their announcement cards. Hehehehe.. I think though they are mostly the reason I wanted more children. I know I was crazy busy during their first year. But ever since, they have been super adorable, well-mannered and tight. Never separated at school, their teachers believer they complement one another. They have the same social circle. Have always shared a bedroom. Went on a sleepover together without a backward glance. Look out for one another and are the most sharing kids.
In the older photo, (please forgive my red eyes, wonky glasses, bad hospital chair, inordinately large boobies and early scrapbooking capabilities!) Jemma is on the left. I know this for sure because she was bright red. Her blood was too thick when she was born, causing her to look extremely sunburned. She spent alot of time under phototherapy lights and it literally took three months to fade completely. She was in NICU for 24hrs and then in the SC nursery with Grace for a month..

In the recent photo, Jemma is on the right and Grace the left. (Please applaud my contacts, straightened hair, new outfit, new wrinkles, awesome camera and husband for taking the shot while half cut...Hehehehe) What a difference 8 yrs makes.. My beautiful twins. Shy, soft-spoken in public, loud, silly and raucous at home...Happy birthday...

Love Mama xx

For Kat:

2011-10-12T16:26:00.001+11:00

I love that my 'housework' is editing little gorgeous munchkins! What could be sweeter? A sneak peek for you Kat and family.. Proofs winging their way to you tomorrow...

Better get back to that other 'housework'...Sigh....

C xx

Away...

2011-10-06T12:54:00.002+11:00

Sometimes..Just two nights away from home is enough to recharge your batteries...A bit of sand and sunshine and just two three degrees warmer weather are enough.... We love it here at the river..

Making a real effort once more to be in the photos...
Giving husband camera. Eeeekkkk!

Back home tomorrow..
Getting workshop underway..

xx

Stuck sketch Oct 1:

2011-10-03T13:10:00.000+11:00

I have run on circles sometimes..I was delightfully surprised to see this sketch arrive in my inbox... I felt inspired and had fun getting my fiskars circle cutter and punches out.. Lots of misting here.. I think it helped blend the colours I had the kraft envelopes for a long time and I think this is the last of them..
The cool car is from Oct Afternoon Boarding Pass range..I love this one and went bought some more the other day.. It appears as a range directed only at travel layouts. I say ....Bah to that! I prefer to look at the colours in any new papers and let that inspire me instead. Everything I have used from this range has been mostly on Rylan's pages..Not a travel one among them..( Hehehe - where would I be travelling???) Please don't step away from cool stuff because it's theme might not go with what you want to scrap! You know, I have even used things specifically aimed at boys on my girls pages..

Actually - I might challenge you.. Use a range on a layout that it wasn't specifically designed for.. You don't have to use lots.. Just some.. Leave a link in my comments to your layout.. And remember to tell me in your post which range you have used...I promise to nick over and have a gander - and leave you some love...
The best of them...Well a little gifty from the Boarding Pass range - will be winging it's way to you...

Ooh ahhh..I didn't mean to get on here today and set a challenge!!
But there you have it..
I will be away until Friday..You have until Thurs night to leave me a link...

Hope this layout inspires you too... Don't forget to have a go at the Stuck sketch as well..
Free yourself and cut a photo into a circle..Do it today!

C xx

It speaks for itself...

2011-09-29T17:40:00.002+10:00

..and it melts my heart....
I was in Geelong for a newborn photoshoot today..Which meant I was away for quite a slab of his day..This was his reaction when I arrived home....

I would like to claim this as a self-timered shot but no...

Photography: H. Vermeend Age 9

C xx

Daily grind: 27/9

2011-09-27T15:16:00.000+10:00

Milla's calls this his 'steel'..Totally true..Clenches his fists..Grits his teeth...Only when something isn't goin the way he likes:

This particular 'steely'moment came about because we were activelt encouraging him to take steps...Not at all pleased about it....

hehe...I think I personally need to enact the 'steel' numerous times each day..AND it is the holidays...My 'steel' is sure to find it's way to the surface...
hehehe..

How's your 'steel'goin today?
C xx

Scrappin the boy...

2011-09-25T11:29:00.001+10:00

For Scrap the Boys:

The challenge this month was to use tags and things from around the house.. I have a Cotton On clothing tag there at the bottom and the black one is from my dress from Glassons...Lucky I love to shop really isn't it??? hehehe....
I luuurve this layout..The colours are awesome.. The grey background...Mmmm yummy... The check and the pop of red.. Not to mention the photo..So adorable...I took the photo and put it into a polaroid frame I downloaded from Action Central...So easy peasy and it looks totally cool too... The bunting is Sassfras that has been hanging around in my stash for ages...The check and the aqua and yellow spot is the same paper on opposing sides from the October Afternoon Boarding Pass range...New and current fave. The thing I particularly like about this paper is the fact that I can use it on the girls pages and the boy too - totally user friendly..My kind of scrapping... I also love the little strip of piano key paper also from sassafras. Funky much?

Off to photograph a party today....
Hope your weekend is going a well as ours...

GO THE MIGHTY PIES!!!!!

C xx

A Party in pictures...

2011-09-23T18:15:00.000+10:00

Thanks so much Cindy..Firstly for taking all these great shots..And for pushing me to finish editing them! I want to get them printed now....
All that hard work in preparing was well worth it..These photos prove it....
Alas he is one.....

C xx

Stuck: Sept 15 sketch...

2011-09-21T16:25:00.001+10:00

A great sketch this one. I was originally going to turn it on it's side.. But them I came across this photo and it all just worked.. I love this self-timered shot.. I had new boots and I loved them..He just loved me..Sigh...I love that...My six mth old little manny...I love the bright funky colours in this and I heart the dark wood grain paper..and the green Basic Grey check..Might have to get myself some more of this me thinks...

Head on over to Stuck! Have a play along at this challenge...I will be over to check out what creations this sketch inspired!

Bye!

A little heart...

2011-09-16T17:35:00.001+10:00

I was doing a little blog surfing..As I am want to do...And came across this..

Well it struck something in me today..I hope like crazy my life doesn't come off looking perfect and pretty and polished on this blog..It's not..AT ALL...
It's messy, busy, stressful and I yell alot...LOL..
So I thought I would say what's on my heart...
Today:

I feel pulled in lots of directions..
I am worried that I am not spending enough quality time with each of my children..

I love my husband...More today than other days..Not sure why today..But I am just feeling it and want him to come home from work soon.

I am enamoured with giant poster-sized images of my kids..Just where to put them..

Gr.4 camp is never far from my thoughts..Next week she goes alone and I hope she doesn't resent me for pushing just that little bit.. She's so... 'glass half empty'...at times..

I love my son..In a way so different from the girls..Perhaps because he is the last..Perhaps because hes a bloke..I am fiercely protective of his little soul.. And don't want any old chickie stomping on his sweet little heart someday..The girls I simply want them to find and be happy with a good boy?? What's with the difference there? I'm still processing this...I think it's because I'm a girl....That it's all so different? Maybe?

The drive to exercise and stay trim is strong..But...I just wanna eat a donut...Settle for fish and chips tonight I guess..

There....Feel inspired?
Here's a photo to help with inspiration..
Him...Playing peek a boo at Gran and Grumbles....

Do as I do( and lots of other now too!) ..Blog your heart....

C xx

Selfish...

2011-09-15T22:02:00.003+10:00

I know..But I needed to take a day off and just scrap...I have piles of editing, washing and other things to do..But I sat and scrapped and I felt good:

Scrap The Girls Sept Challenge:

The challenge this month was to use bull dog clips..Funnily enough..I had just bought some to use at Rylan's party..So it worked well. You know, when I finished this layout I put aside and didn't really like it..But it's grown on me now..Plus I love the photo of Hallie. I have used a Little Yellow Bicycle fabric frame behind the photo.. I love the gramaphone and the material was a little bit of scrap that actually dictated the colour scheme...Basic Grey flower..yummy...

Kraft It Up:

Ha..Now this was more my colour scheme!! The challenge this month was to use fabric.Some lovely quilting fabric used here.Tick..And stitching..Sigh..I am so lazy with my sewing machine..But I got it out...Woohooo! ..A quick handmade tissue paper flower. Seriously - I held 4 sheets between fingers and cut a shape. Viola! Some really OLD American Craft Dear Lizzy bunting...

And one of my 'Daily Grind' shots..This is what Miss M does when I feed Rylan.. Lifts the top and breastfeeds..She then goes and puts Lucy down for her nap too. Every day...She sat down beside me today and I smiled at her. "You gonna take my photo today Mama? "..

Sweetheart..

His bday..part 1

2011-09-11T13:51:00.001+10:00

Keeping on top of the sheer volume of photos I have taken this past week....So here is the first instalment of his birthday shots.. These were taken on his birthday last Tues.. He was smitten with the whole process..As was his three yr old sister - who couldn't quite grasp the fact that it was his job to open the gifts! I made the framed R for his room out of scraps from my stash... I will take more photos of his room ASAP as this has inspired me to get it all in order..

Bye..Off to clean up my scrap desk so that maybe I can get some scrapping done...

And spending some quiet moments refelecting on how lucky I am...How happy I am..9/11 was ten years ago today...I was pregnant with my first baby and spent weeks in tears wondering if I was doing the right thing bringing a baby into a world that could drop those towers to the ground in ten seconds flat...

I came to the decision that I just needed to raise her and my other children to be honest and accepting of people's differences and just hope they are the generation to make a difference..

Our Father's Day...

2011-09-08T17:54:00.000+10:00

Started like this...in bed x 5....

progressed to this...oh my..these are to treasure..Grumbles is way cool..

and this...

and more kisses..not entirely sure..R was into it as much as his Mama wanted him to be...hehehehe

a little of this..just because he is so clever...(the concrete was cold and wet!) a very toe-curling moment...

and this..lots of yummy food..That IS a giant chocolate ripple cake I made for FD and Rodda's birthday..Stacked with maletesers too....so full...

Hope evryone else had a great day..I'm lucky I got these edited really..First week in Sept is a boom for birthdays etc and so my camera is in overdrive...

Thanks for looking...

C xx

Join in..

2011-09-07T14:20:00.003+10:00

...over at Stuck!

So here is my first CT layout... My take on this sketch..Have used flags rather than flowers..

Bye!

One...little boy..one..

2011-09-06T17:09:00.000+10:00

Then..

and

Now..

More pics from his birthday to come.. We love you precious man..It has been a joy watching you grow from a tiny little thing into our beautiful boy...

Book Character day:

2011-09-03T17:31:00.000+10:00

With only two days notice (???) Friday was "come as your favourite book character day"...So after some mad scrambling..We had a Go Girl bridesmaid, the lost kitten and Hermione from Harry Potter.. When they left for school in a mad whirl - I did take some quick photos..But...When they got home..Good old me..well I made them pose for these..Much nicer light..and mre time for me to get creative..I LOVE them...So cute...

Off to check on my cakes..I have baked all birthday, Father's Day cakes today...Phew...

Bye!

Bright sunshiney day...

2011-09-02T17:52:00.001+10:00

How was your Fri?
The sunshine is good for our souls..
seriously..
Itty bitty twinnies off to their first school sleep over tonight...
Bright and sunshiney...
Think positive...

Have a good weekend one and all..

xx

Daily Grind:2

2011-09-01T12:42:00.000+10:00

He sooks...I mean SOOKS...If we are all around the table..On the lap top etc..and he is on the floor..So up he comes. I wedge him with chairs and me and this is what he does..Mind you I had to snap the photo in between him shutting the lid on the girly computer he's using...I would snap then stop to open it again..Funny boy....

Off to check out this months scrapping challenges..
Our download is back and fully running today..

Happy Birthday to my beautiful husband... Mwah!

A quick scrap share:

2011-08-31T12:12:00.000+10:00

A couple of layouts..Both of the boy this time..I had some free time (freaky I know!) on Sunday..So I did a couple of challenges..

This was for the Get Picky sketch challenge for August..Apparently I missed the boat? I thought it closed at the end of the month? Ah well khe sera.. The VW sticker is from the Echo Park Country Drive range.. Cool.. I've jazzed up his headlights and given him a niumber plate..

This layout is with a photo I love! He is so cute with his model stare - I think he was just really very cold! I have never entered this a challenge from this site before. But found it after visiting Stacey's blog and seeing her take I thought I would give it a go.. An apology to Stace too - I am still having drama being able to leave a comment..Rrrrrr. Any who:

Purple Pumpkin Sketch challenge:

I have flipped the sketch upside down and created this.. A little bit of everything going on here..I think I made it into the challenge by hours...Phew...

Edited to add: Didn''t realise I had to use Purple Pumpkin product..Which was a wee bit short sighted of me...Oopsy...Never mind sketch was fun!

Bye!!

The Daily Grind: 1

2011-08-29T15:55:00.000+10:00

My new camera..Divine and lovely and extraordinarily heavy thing that it is - has made taking everyday photos even easier. Poor lighting isn't so much of a problem. So I thought (along with everything else going on in my life!) I could sporadically post a series of daily shots. Taking shots of simple little things that are important - to us..But taking them uncoventionally and maybe artfully even? I give no promises of making this endeavour work. But I will give it my very best..

So first up is Miss M's daily coffee hit - well frothy milk with a sprinkling of choc and a cute swirly straw!

Keep an eye out then for the next installment of the Daily Grind..

Bye xx

2 + 2

2011-08-27T17:22:00.000+10:00

Dani and her beautiful family were the first lucky clients to get the full kapow of my new camera..Really I only had it the day before. I was pushing buttons when I should have been swivelling the wheel..Hehehe..But we got there.. Miss Z was dutifully asleep when I arrived and perfectly wrapped in pink to have some sleepy shots and then we woke her..Wow..She was gorgeous.. Two boys and now two little girls..The perfect pair - twice over! Thanks Dani...

C xx

Stuck!.....Blog Hop!

2011-08-25T11:15:00.000+10:00

Good Morning Happy Hoppers!

If you have arrived here because you are hopping along with the Stuck?! Sketches blog hop, welcome! One lucky winner from those hopping will receive a We’re Savvy kit from Scrapbook Savvy! Who wouldn’t want to win this gorgeous kit?

For your chance to win, leave a comment and collect the words from each blog on the hop. The words are just a list, they do not form a sentence, so no being tricky and skipping any of the blogs. Once you have finished, email the list of words to stucksketches@optusnet.com.au along with your name and location by midnight Sunday August 28th.

If you've just discovered the hop, you can get started HERE.

And, here is the full list just in case you get lost...

Celeste <<< you are here

So, you're next stop on the hop is Chantelle

Don't forget to write down your word, before you go - BIRTHDAY

And you can't have a blog hop without a layout..This layout is based on the Stuck! Bday bonus sketch :

I have rotated it of course..This was a seriously QUICK layout.I have used the plastic curling ribbon you use to wrap birthday gifts:

Have fun blog hoppers!!

Celeste xx

Toddler, truck and that dratted tongue:

2011-08-23T17:21:00.000+10:00

You know...Toddlers are curious little group.. This little man had his grandfather and Mum aghast at his forced smile and tricky little tongue that found it's way into many of my shots. But I let him run..Play with the truck I bought along..And hey presto..I managed a few little smiles..Not as many as his sister - with her gorgeous big eyes..She was a photographers dream... They both did really well considering it drizzled most of the time....

Cxx

Workshop time:

2011-08-22T22:15:00.000+10:00

Yay! At last! This workshop is one of two I am planning this year. The second will depend upon numbers and general success of the first! It is going to be very casual and hopefully I can explain your cameras settings in an easy and simple way. I plan on including a 'cheat sheet' for you take away and will provide some afternoon tea and good coffee.. I can also provide us with some willing models ( I have plenty to spare...)

The workshops will only cover using your camera. If I have enough general interest in how I edit photos I may also run a workshop on the topic too..But using the manual settings on your camera will produce excellent images anyways. Will see how it all goes.

So if you would like to book you and your camera into an afternoon of fun and hands-on learning..Get in fast..
The workshops will be held in my house and we can take photos out and around my place. I will pass on my details as you book..
I have had alot of enquiries about running these sessions and now that my littlies are that bit bigger. I feel it's time..Payment is cash only and is required on the day...

Thanks.
Excited.
Hope you are too..

C xx

She is 3....

2011-08-21T22:22:00.000+10:00

Oh my sweet little baby girl.. Some days I can hardly believe it..Others..well she is just so grown up..She wanted a Peppa Pig cake and party..So she got it.. Phew..The cake was a trial..Thanks so much to Cindy for her help with our Swiss Meringue buttercream icing..A real effort..But so VERY yummy.. I wasn't competely thrilled with the finished product..But I asked her today what her favourite part of her birthday was - her cake...Sweet pea...

Happy Birthday baby..

I am...

2011-08-20T14:14:00.000+10:00

in the car right now..On the way to purchase this:

Oh me..Oh my....I am so excited.....
Bye xx

2011-08-18T22:55:00.002+10:00

Kraft It Up August Challenge:

I liked this sketch challenge - and I loved scrapping Jemma..It's not often I get photos of my little 'mem'. ..And she was modelling here too..Sweetheart.. Paint, stamps, homemade tissue paper flowers, paper doilies...All good things..Yay!!

Stuck! August Challenge:

Ooh...Aahhh.. I love a sketch with strippy bits!! I have 'faked'the sewing with pen lines..As I so often do these days.. And I used a fed felt flower that I have put on and taken off at least a dozen layouts over the past year! Yay me! Got my decorative border punches and blew the dust off them for this one too..
I do love this colour combo as well..I added the blue strips and words later..It seemed to need that extra color boost..
Works well with the little fella and sweet chicky babes...

Oh and it seems that I am 'officially' on the Stuck! creative team! I can't wait to get into some sketches..Back into it....

Night...Our little Milla's 3rd birthday tomorrow..It's a biggy...
Better get my beauty sleep...

By the way - I have been blog hopping around..But at some people's blogs..I appear to need to log in and then I get a comment from blogger saying I don't have the right sort of blog to leave a comment? It's only on some?? Others I am fine...Rrrrr..

I feel sad not being able to comment on layouts and such that I would like too?? If anyone know why I am having this drama - could they drop me a line..I don't profess to be very technological...Hehehe..

he is definitely a bloke:

2011-08-16T22:19:00.000+10:00

Everyday he gets a car and pushes it around the house. It so sweet to us. Having only had girls before..This is a new and exciting baby skill...We love it..He even vrrrrrrs..With little pursed lips..Give me strength..He is divine!

Night!

Thanks for the memories..

2011-08-14T22:52:00.000+10:00

Spending the morning with Kelly, her gorgeous twin baby boys and little Tara..Well it brought back so many wonderful, yet crazy thoughts about my time with three little people under two. Life is a whirl. You are buried under a mountain of baby things and ALWAYS have some form of spit up on you..Which is why the last photo is my fave.. This is EXACTLY how life is with 2 babies.. You always have our hands full! Thanks Kelly.. I hope you like them...

Nighty night one and all.....

Hello Toofy!

2011-08-10T19:24:00.001+10:00

Scarp The Boys August Inspiration Challenge:

I really love this photo and the layout too! I tried for a full week to get him to smile so I could see that top tooth! It became the great tooth chase of 2011..

I incorporated the woodgrain in the furniture..and the other colours obviously. I love challenges..Because normally with this colour combo I would have added some green. But I am so glad I couldn't..I really like the result. Plently of Cosmo Cricket Space Age in here.. Crate too..Always a fave.. Possibly my fave little embellie..The litttle (and long time in my stash) retro R...So cute...

Bye!

39 weeks.....Still blooming.....

2011-08-08T19:56:00.000+10:00

But she is a little bit pooped.... A private joke....D will totally get it... I love how these turned out.. I hope you like them too. Looking forward to meeting the new little Mr or Miss... My name selections for you:

Girl: Claire (simple and elegant)
Boy: Jasper (different..but if you can get it past hubby..I like it!)

Bye!

Scrappy Sunday 7/8:

2011-08-07T18:34:00.000+10:00

Bird is the Word Challenge:

The word this challenge was dream... I started out as 'sleeping'' layout and ended up with fave things about him at this age. Both layouts are OLD photos this time.. Lots of MME Lime twist stuff..Simply because it all matched..

Scrap The Girls challenge:

I really wanted the distressed look. So I tried to make my photo look like a polaroid even though it wasn't?? Will have to print some images as polaroids next time I think. Tis Miss M when she was little and having a paddy was a fave thing to do! The challenge was to use this quote:

"Children need love even though sometimes

they don't deserve it..."

Was my only screaming photo - so I had to use it!! LOL!

Thanks for looking!

C xx

Another thankful Thurs..

2011-08-04T14:57:00.000+10:00

Today I am thankful for their creativity...I often silently guilt myself that they don't 'do'any specific activity- eg) dancing... But then they do this...My girls spent many an afternoon over the holidays creating their 'toilet paper'people and backgrounds.... It was exciting and fun for them..They didn't leave the house, or fight. They created them (and there are more than are pictured here..And another castle themed background) and then they were able to spend hours playing happily with them.. Yes..I am thankful - for toilet rolls..

Bye xx

Newborn Nate:

2011-07-31T22:30:00.001+10:00

Everytime I photograph a newborn I am reminded of why I love doing this.

Don't get me wrong, it's hard work..They have no idea what you require of them. They have this terrible drinking habit, that both helps and hinders the process.... They get tired REALLY quickly and the parents keep the house as hot as HADES..Which makes the photographer -hefting props and bundles of blankets around, sweat like mad bugger!

BUT...I love cuddling them and gently placing them just so..and when they are photographed with Mum and Dad - well it's hard to get a BAD photo..And then when I get home..I am really supposed to print out the proofs for the client to let them choose what to edit..But I can't help myself I end up picking out a bucket load of my fave's, spending time playing with them and then putting them up here...

So without further ado:

J and K... you really do have the most eclectic bunch of cool photo props in your place - I may have to hire out your home and surrounds for other clients!!

And I did learn a few valuable lessons..If you want your babe client asleep..Get him fed in whatever cloth prop you plan on photographing him in! Sweetheart boy..The only sweet dozing shots we managed was cuddled up on Mum! He woke up everytime we manouvered him into position - and who would blame him..Some of the tight places we were trying squeeze this not so little angel - my gosh - we must have looked quite a sight to the two toddlers and other babe looking on..The three adults squishing and lifting this little body into picnic baskets and what not!

Thanks guys..It was a great session...

..Nate is gorgeous..

C xx

Just because..

2011-07-29T18:42:00.000+10:00

I love this shot...Sweet little Nate..More of his newborn session to come...

Happy Friday everyone!

Thankful Thursday 28/7

2011-07-28T16:58:00.000+10:00

Photo: Hallie V

Today I am thankful that I get to know what it is like having a son..Actually I am thanful everyday..But I have this photo now that I LOVE.. and it's Thursday..

I was out walking today and a well built, clean cut young man, in his teens jogged by me. I had this crazy urge to hug him and tell him to be good to his dear mother...I am sure had I acted on my urge he would have called me a freak and used some unfortunate teenage language on me..But there you have it..I now have a future to look forward too filled also with all things male..Sometimes it kinda gives me the heebie jeebies..See I know what the girls will go through.. But him? We will have to learn together...

Still thankful though......

LOL

P.S. For anyone considering a photoshoot with me but are thinking it's too cold.This photo was taken in Vic Park on sunny Winter's day just two weeks gone.. Book me now...Don't wait! LOL!

2011-07-24T22:14:00.000+10:00

Scrap The Girls Inspiration Challenge:
Felt like I needed to scrap his pregnancy photos. So whilst in there is a bloke..Officially it's me..So still scrapping the girls..Phew.. Now if you regularly read my blog you will know that I could hardly be inspired by the colour..Not nearly enough choices for me. So I splashed on colour and used the big title as inspiration and the upside down I... The lyrics are in my journalling.."Let's get this party started"..Reasons are obvious of course and if you had have been within stabbing distance and had been thin at the time this photo was taken you would have been prying a blade from between your shoulder blades...hehehehehe..I can laugh now....

Homemade large tissue paper flowers...on here..

Bird Is the Word Challenge:

Using the word hope.. I have written on the lovely little postcard to my bubba..And the basis for this layout came from that..

Kraft It up Inspiration challenge:

Obviously have been inspired by the colour scheme.. A few flowers in there too.

A lovely candid snap of my Mum with Milla.. They were having a little joke about something neither of them can remember now...

Bye!

Sorry it's been so long between posts...

slipping through my fingers..

2011-07-17T16:54:00.000+10:00

Schoolbag in hand, she leaves home in the early morning
waving goodbye with an absent-minded smile
I watch her go with a surge of that well known sadness and and I have to sit down for a while
the feeling that I'm losing her forever
and without really entering her world
I'm glad whenever I can share her laughter
that funny little girl

Slipping through my fingers all the time
I try to capture every minute
the feeling in it slipping through my fingers all the time
do I really see what's in her mind
each time I think I'm close to knowing
she keeps on growing
slipping through my fingers all the time

Sleep in our eyes, her and me at the breakfast table
barely awake I let precious time go by
then when she's gone, there's that odd melancholic feeling
and a sense of guilt I can't deny
what happened to the wonderful adventures
the places I had planned for us to go
well, some of that we did, but most we didn't
and why, I just don't know

Slipping through my fingers all the time
I try to capture every minute
the feeling in it slipping through my fingers all the time
do I really see what's in her mind
each time I think I'm close to knowing
she keeps on growing slipping through my fingers all the time
sometimes I wish that I could freeze the picture
and save it from the funny tricks of time(slipping through my fingers)

Slipping through my fingers all the time

Schoolbag in hand, she leaves home in the early morning
waving goodbye with an absent-minded smile

ABBA

Last day of the holidays..and this song expresses my feelings about my first three completely..

My beautiful, caring, shy, funny, big/little girls..

I LOVE YOU

Some scrapping..at last...

2011-07-13T15:52:00.003+10:00

Stuck!:

The challenge was to use this sketch:

I'm afraid the sideways title wasn't really working for me. But I did journal over that side.. I have loved this photo for ages..So I was really happy to scrap it at last. The journalling talks about how worried I was that I might have made my other kids lives harder by adding a fifth.. But my worries were for naught..The girls have blossomed and grown with their little brother.. I really wanted to use The October Afternoon 5 and Dime stickers..So there are quite a few on there! I LOVE the gumball machine..So CUTE!

Get Picky:

Inspiration challenge:

I would like to say that I endeavoured to capture the colour scheme on my first attempt at this challenge. But I really struggle to keep it to a two or three colour palette.. So I opted for using the poster as design principle. I have the title travelling across (ish) the photo and I have incorporated the big 2 as well. Does it work? I dunno know! It was how I was inspired anyway... I should have scrapped a photo of myself. I have been told on numerous occasions that I look like SJP!!

Once Upon A Sketch:

I quite liked this sketch. It is similar to a layout I have done previously. This layout came together quite easily. I have included the name and a fact about each of the girls as requested too..

I love circle photos within a circle. Once upon a time that would have been criminal and tantamount to Creative Memories style - shock horror! Used up the last of my giant Sassafras flowers.. And yes - it's a photo of my bigger girls! Yay! More to come..I have photographed them just this last week... School holiday bonus..

Scrap The Boys:

The challenge was to use tape and the word play.. Tick and tick! I have rubbed paint with my finger over the masking tape.. Love the photo - love the layout! Bit of OA Rocket Age range in here...

More layouts to come....Bye!

Happy Anniversary....

2011-07-10T17:58:00.000+10:00

To you Gran and Grumbles. Today my Mum and Dad celebrated 40 years of marriage. They made it to their ruby wedding anniversary. That to me.... is no mean feat... And definitely worth a bit of cake and a glass of bubbly... Congratulations.... Something we can all only hope to aspire to as well...

XX

Nate...

2011-07-09T16:03:00.000+10:00

Our friends Jeremy and Kelly added another bloke to their brood this week...Look out world..Ollie has a new baby brother. Sweet little..well..not so little...Nathaniel George...Mischief and mayhem will abound with these two cuties I am sure...Ollie and Nate take on the world....

Well done guys... He is a whopper..and a real darling...

XX

Oh we do like to be...

2011-07-05T22:19:00.001+10:00

In the midst of illness, we took a meander down to the coast in what became an invalid attempt to buy my husband a new bike.. But we did get to play on the beach for a bit... And we took these...and so I continue my promise to be in front of the lens more often..

A few people lately have asked what camera I use...

I have a Canon 400D. A model they no longer make.. But I think my photos are also a direct result of good lenses too. I no longer use my standard kit lenses. I swap between a Sigma 24-70mm ( on my camera 90% of the time) and a Canon 50mm fixed. Beautiful for portraits and closeup in particular.

My husband who, bless him doesn't fess up to be an artful photographer took the images above. I had it on the settings I wanted though before he got his mits on it! So I can add that I also NEVER have my camera on auto. BUT..I am also experienced now at having it on manual..So please don't think you have to take yours off auto.. My best advice to begin with..Study your manual.. Mine is all dogeared and kept in my camera bag. I sometimes still get it out and peruse it...Always learning..

And on a sidenote...I have one of these...on my wish list..

All this info has in fact brought to mind an idea I have been tossing around for a while now. I think I am going to run some practical, hand-on amatuer photography classes. I will put it together more formally soon. But at this stage it will be limited to six or so people and run across 2 consecutive weekends. Focussing on light, compostion and using your DSLR camera on manual settings. I will even provide some models, (possibly my own kids..LOL) ...Stay tuned...

Oh...and I could even extend to a basic photoshop course after..We'll see....

Some scrapping layouts to come soon..I promise...

Myrtle & Grace.....

2011-07-01T15:39:00.000+10:00

Some of mine and Rachel's fave shots from our very COLD Myrtle & Grace photoshoot a few weeks back. I love that her clothes are so versatile. The dresses easily work for winter or Summer.. And I am loving the BOY range. So much so that I bought the leggings with the star on the bum for RJ... All photos taken on location at Millrose Cottage in Ballan.

wordless wednesday 29/6

2011-06-29T17:33:00.000+10:00

Day book Monday: 27/6

2011-06-27T17:34:00.001+10:00

Outside my Window..Can't see actually..The curtains are closed and have been all day.. Luckily I have just been out to the supermarket and I know that the sun is setting and it's bright orange and beautiful..

I am thinking... that I should start cooking dinner...Nah....

I am thankful for...three impeccable school reports....My gorgeous girlies..

From the kitchen - NOT dinner..Obviously! But I do have new BPA free plates and bowls for my littlies..

I am wearing.... my trackies and runners. Finally got a little bit of exercise, after many days of uuuggghness..

I am creating..photos..A couple of clients jobs to do. I also made three canvasses for Paddy's first birthday and forgot to photograph them...rrrrrrr..

I am hearing... Milla..She is whispering beside me.Has dropped her afternoon nap. So I am hearing her ALOT more these days!

Around the house..Unmade beds, clean washing, a child virtually sitting on top of a giant flatscreen telly? What the?? I mean seriously? I get it in the 80's when I was a littlun..The telly's were alot smaller..Sob..sob... BUT she also has a massive 8 seater leather lounge she could be splayed out on!! Sheesh..
One of my favourite things..My little 'mini - me' Milla. At this very moment she too is typing away on the little computer beside me..When I breastfeed RJ, she too is breastfeeding her baby and patting it's little stuffed tushy...When I put him down to sleep she too puts her baby to bed in her room and closes the door.....
A few plans for the rest of the week...Maybe another walk tomorrow...And then enjoying the relative simplicity of having only 2 children at home...As we gear up for the school holidays the week after!

And of course a photo to share.. My little Rylan James...aka... Ryley J:

They may not have won the new territory....

2011-06-23T17:01:00.001+10:00

(and neither did we!!)...but they are winners..

Look what a beautiful family they are???

Go here to see their first photoshoot..

And they are my friends... So very glad to get the chance to capture you guys.. I really love photographing kids..But there is something really magical about doing the whole kit and kaboodle..Mum, Dad and bubs...Master 'Willman'(as he is currently known) is just such a cutie..

My fave is the last one. Certainly NOT perfect but terribly gorgeous and a little bit out of left field..

Love you guys..Territory notwithstanding....

C xx

the cold is winning...

2011-06-17T16:39:00.000+10:00

But I am still functional..Just barely....So I thought I would post another challenge I completed before the dreaded lergy bashed me over the head. Always the over achiever..sigh..I did the June 123 challenge twice.. because I wasn't particularly satisfied with the finished result of this one:

But I did get to play with the scrummy new Rocket Age range from October Afternoon. Also played with paint and used a valuable tip from my good friend Fee..I held it over the toaster to dry it. Better than forking out 50 for a heat gun! Misting as well. The paint actually appears to resemble the mush he is devouring!
So I did this one:

And I feel satisfied with this one. Mostly because I scrapped one of the older girls.. This doesn't happen a often as I'd like.. Used some Girls Paperie paper as the background. Some paint, some old American Crafts bunting and old flowers too.. The challenge was to use:

1. the word create
2. brown ( I have brown buttons and brown in the ribbon)
3. Masking ( I have journalled on some masking tape)

This photo of Grace makes me feel cold..It was taken on a hot Summer's afternoon. They all sewed pillows for their special toys.. I will endeavour to scrap more photos of the biggies..I promise. xx

Happy weekend everyone....

Oh me..oh my...

2011-06-16T15:57:00.000+10:00

A couple of shots of this little miss wearing Myrtle & Grace gear.. Taken during our recent photoshoot.. More lovely images of Rachael's clothes coming soon...

That's it from me today.. The kids cold has finally caught up with....

xx

New Little Miss..

2011-06-14T16:07:00.000+10:00

Just a few shots from Miss JP's photoshoot a few weeks back. Looking forward to capturing her again as she grows...Thanks Lis.. xxxx

Scrappy sunday:

2011-06-13T13:25:00.002+10:00

Here's what I have been creating over this long weekend:

Bird is the word June challenge:

Now this layout started out on my desk late in the week - nothing like this. It was bugging me. I wasn't sticking anyting down because it didn't look at all right. I knew the large photo was bugging me. I don't print large ones to scrap these days. But this image was part of a collection with smaller ones that I was going to frame - that printed wrong... Any who...So...To get past my preoocupation with smaller photos I perused some blogs I like...People did still scrap big photos didn't they? And still get the effect they were after? I ended up here...and became inspired... Now I love the BIGNESS of the photo. So much so that I might have to frame this one! The challenge was to use the word AMAZING...

STUCK! June sketch challenge:

I really love the Little Yellow Bicycle background paper. And the Jilibean Soup butterfly paper..Oh so to die for....The 'you are here' sticker is from a Basic Grey boy range..I have pulled it off to use it heaps of times and stuck it back. It ended up working on a page about my sweey Lilly Lou..My current nickname for this little person...

Thanks for all your lovely comments lately and as always thanks for stopping by....
Oh - and I am having difficulties with blogger - leaving comments at all other lovely blogs.. Some I can and some I can't?? Lizzy C and Stacey in particular....So I am sorry..I have visited you both this weekend!

Off to decorate choc muffins with my little muffins and then to watch Collingwood play Melbourne..

Bye xx

Paddy...

2011-06-10T14:11:00.001+10:00

A few shots from his little mini shoot for his first birthday invitation. He is so super cute and Milla is secretly..Well not so secretly harbouring a little crush on him...

The little lad who sings karaoke in this commercial - is the spitting image of what I think Paddy will be in five years time.....and he's so super cute!

Sash - we need to do a proper full family shoot for you I think...

C xx

sausage rolls, frozen peas and double-sided tape:

2011-06-08T10:27:00.001+10:00

I have received alot of positive comments on my ability to find time to scrap with five kids.. So here is how I do - some of the time anyways..Last week I didn't scrap. My desk was a bomb site and it stayed that way...BUT I cooked healthy meals all week, I did all the washing (and put some of it away!) ...SO this Monday when Rodda was on night shift we had leftover homemade sausage rolls, peas, raw beans (the girls love them uncooked) and this allowed me the extra time to scrap. Ryley J was sleeping and the girls were all playing happily and I immersed myself in tape and paper and paint:

Kraft It Up:

The challenge this month was a timeline. So here it is. My mister blue experiencing his first easter egg. I didn't journal that minute after I took these shots he swallowed green foil seconds before I could fish it out....Have been playing with paint again. I must admit that I do find it tiresome though. Al the washing up and drying time. Might have to invest in a heat gun - because in spite of my attitude I really do like the effect! Old easter stickers used up - check. Old basic grey chipboard title - check.

Once Upon A Sketch:

Based upon this lovely sketch by Nadia. Naturally I have tortured it... I always have difficulty with pastels. So I am not enirely happy with it. But I love the photos. So I love it. Paint again. Misted lace. Hand cut hearts. An old American Craft Lizzy sticker up there on the left..

Scrap the Boys:

Using this colour combo (there is a white block on the end that you can't tell is there!):

I love everything about this layout. The fact that all the photos are separated. Highly unusual for me. I love the little guitar and the typewriter..Again with the painting - and this time stamping - ooh aah...lalala..

Thanks for looking...What leftovers can I fill my kids with tonight???

for the love of ..freddos..no us..no..freddos...

2011-06-05T16:22:00.000+10:00

No seriously..I made this for US.. we miled up 18 years yesterday.. When we were first going out he gave me a strawberry freddo for our one month anniversary. It was sweet and important. That one little chocolate promised me he was was sticking around, it said he cared but wasn't that big a gift that he wouldn't frighten me off! And it also showed me that he remembered things like the date we met and that the gift wasn't as important as the actual celebration..

And well.. the strawberry freddo thing ...it just kinda stuck. Sort of like us really..Every year we give each other strawberry freddos. Sometime lots..Some years just one. One year I hid them and left little clues for him. I have attached them to the top of cupcakes and another year I totally covered the top of a scrummy chocolate cake in 'nude' freddos.. He has given them to me in amongst other gifts..But they are always there...

So here is the latest installment. It was very easy. Alot of cardboard and heaps of doublesided tape:
Oh and ALOT of freddos. So much so that I bought our local supermarket out of strawberry ones and had to fill in gaps with other flavours:

Happy 18th anniversary babe...I love you and our freddos..Seriously....

Photo a day for may...second to last installment:

2011-06-04T13:04:00.000+10:00

My fave part about these is Gracie's hair!!!! And the little man at the window wanting to be in on the outdoor fun!

Silly buggers with Dadda....
Always a blast..

His new fave pastime. Getting the girls to whiz him up and down the hallway on this..

Grainy, poor lighting, self timered shot. But it is very important to me. This is part of my day everyday. But it won't be forever. It will be gone so quickly. Already I am in deep doodie because he still feeds to sleep - and it's becoming a problem...Sigh..

And this to commemorate what I have been endeavouring to do for all of May..

Bye!

Baby mine

2011-05-31T18:10:00.002+10:00

http://vimeo.com/24456091

The link is a better quality viewing....

Ever since I first saw Beaches..way back when I had no kiddies, this song brought a tear to my eye..Everytime I heard it..I knew I always wanted to use it some way. And now thanks to the ease of technology..I have. And it has brought tears to my eyes again.. I am no pro and obviously all the origonal handicam work was by my husband, as I was busy having the baby... But I love it. I want a soundtrack to all of our lives now..

Thanks for looking...

Final challenges for May:

2011-05-27T17:52:00.000+10:00

Get Picky sketch challenge:

This was a really fun sketch and I have wanted to scrap these hysterical photos for AGES..

I love the Crate woodgrain paper as a background. Works well with bright colours and I have seen it used well with pastels too - very versatile. The letters in the title that spell Grumbles are from VERY old BG. I found them the other day.. I think thet came up well... Bunting is Sassafras stickers - but I have stuck small triangles over it - so you can hardly tell!

STUCK! challenge:

I have obviously turned the sketch...and taken quite a few liberties with it...Hehehe.. But I really like the finished layout. I bought the title paper, simply because I wanted to a layout with that title!I love the colours in this one. A self-timered shot - that I am really proud of too!

Bird is the Word Challenge:

Using the word 'living'.

Not much more I can say except that this photo makes me miss him 'little'.. REALLY... Sleeplessness and all..

Once upon A sketch time:

2011-05-24T17:03:00.000+10:00

Again apologies for the quality again. Don't know what's going on with my camera setting at the moment..

Any who.. This is the first time I have entered a challenge over at Once Upon A Sketch. I really like tihis layout. They are some of my fave photos of him right now. Still getting use out that Echo Park boy range. Always finding use from it on must of his layouts and actually some of the girls ones too!

That's all from here right now. The little chickies need the puter to do their homework!

Bye!

nearly due..

2011-05-22T19:20:00.001+10:00

On a particularly cool evening I had the privlege to photograph the Lance family again. Kell is decidely gorgeous when pregnant and I love photographing her. Ollie is pretty darn cute too. Jeremy..well I can take him or leave him - LOL! Just kidding! In the space of 20 min, with a headache looming and a toddler taking off for the nearest road I was really please with how many great shots I was able to get! Beautiful family = beautiful photos I guess..

My fave is the black and white one where Kell's bump is touching Jeremy. I love it. Oh and these photos were all taken just steps from our front door - bonus! No need to have a heavily pregnant Mum trooping all ove rthe place in search of the perfect location. Plus Rodda had a hot coffee waiting for us when we were done..

Thanks guys....

A photo a day part 3:

2011-05-20T21:51:00.000+10:00

A big week for Ryley J..He started to crawl...It's on now people...

An 8 month impromptu photo shoot - during someone elses shoot...

Home from a walk to pick up the bigger girlies from school..

Well hello! Facing forward now.. Big boy..Another milestone..

And finally me.. New hair today.. After a marathon effort at the hairdressers..

2011-05-18T15:13:00.000+10:00

Stuck sketch challenge:

I love this one. Obviously I have turned the sketch..The photo has been hanging around for ages. I don't often cut photos into circles anymore. But this kinda worked for me. Lovely Crate cloud paper. misting as per usual, but on the doilie this time around.A bit of splattered paint.. Not an excellent photo. Sorry. It seems I forgot to up the f stop when I used the camera. So it's not all in focus. Ahh..well no time to redo it around these parts..

Bird is the Word Challenge:

I have only recently stumbled across this challeneg blog. The challenge word was sunshine. I had the sticker left over for some yummy American Kraft stuff so it worked perfectly.. Very bright...The big fabric flower is Basic Grey.. Skies are grey: is Jillibean Soup.. The yellow wood grain behind the photo is the packaging from some Studio Calico letters..

A photo a day cont..

2011-05-16T14:18:00.001+10:00

These 2 days document what I find around our house ALL the time. The big girls are at school and I can walk into their room or the toy room and find the toys doing things like this. The creepy thing is it looks like they deliberately lifted their books to cover up what they were up too... And the littlest pets all snuggled up in their little beds..Creepy sweet..

Little Miss M. With blanket, big bubby and sleeping bag on. Going down for her afternoon nap. I don't know how much longer these will continue..so I really wanted to document it..

Cats scratch don't ya know Mr PH? Get away man - get away now! Perhaps his daredevil attitide to felines stems from the fact that it appears his brain is in his butt? Upside down day for Mr PH...hehe

Bye!

2011-05-14T22:32:00.000+10:00

Scrap the Boys May Challenge:

To scrap a collection of some kind. Well my little mister man.. is collecting hot wheels..Evev if he doesn't know it yet! Plus he loves to eat them!

Gotta love this Basic Grey paper. The background is a bit older, than the green funky woodgrain. I have this in all the colours available. I especially love the yellow. So much so I bought it again. Some stickers are Basic Grey too.. A bit of paint here..Including the rim of the lid of the paint bottle itself.. Yummy Crate Paper sticker.. Studio Calico wooden letters. Sprayed with Mr Huey mist..

Show Us Your Stuff May Challenge:

trims, ribbons and lace..

Right up my alley! I have had this photo of Milla and her cousins for a while. How alike do the look?

I have used ribbon and some sweet pink lace that I picked up on a massive roll at a local op shop for two bucks..Score.. I have also used som Girls Paperie stuff.. Luuurve this gear... Some Sassafras, some Kaiser..some scrap...Some lace paper doilies too.. Very girly..

Nighty night xxx

A photo a day..for May..

2011-05-12T13:27:00.000+10:00

The whole rhyming thing captured my interest. Wierd I know. I am going to try my very best to get a shot everyday..So here's what I have so far:

Our little Milla sucking her thumb (what the????) while watching TV. A new thing for her...Never has had the patience to sit still for more than a couple of minutes of tube watching...

To document his current wheel fascination..

Aaah.. we have located the tupperware lid drawer. ALL my kids have been allowed to play in this cupboard. Mind you he jammed his fingers in it only minutes after this shot was taken...

Had the camera out to take this shot specifically for Gran..So here it is..

Leraning to be gentle with our geriatric canine! Not going so well yet...Hmmm.

A self-timered shot..

This is so her..right now. She has specific computer time. Only half an hour a day. And she is on superclubs..A monitored, secure school-based facebooky site for primary aged kids. She chats with her friends at school. I asked her what she could possibly have to say to Tegan when she spent all day with her?? Then I remember the amount of time I spent on the phone chatting and twirling the cord in my fingers (yes it was attached to the wall!!! It was press button one though!) and I just let her go...

And of course Mother's Day art...

More to come... Well der..Lots more days left in the month..

So far I have noted that it has been difficult thinking of what I might snap each day.. But I am slowly letting go of perfection..The wet weather and poor lighting at home has made perfection VERY difficult anyways...and just getting the camera out when I have a spare moment...Is the only way for me at the moment..

It is very challenging. I wonder how my sister in law is going with hers?

We both had the same idea it seems..

The best parts of today were:

2011-05-08T21:21:00.001+10:00

when Rylan was up at 6.30. Yes believe it or not! I decided right then to take a simple approach to my Mother's Day and appreciate the little things..

So I took him to bed with me and yawned my way through his feed..Willing him to go back to sleep. Which he eventually did while I was patting his bottom rhythmically at 7am..I was thankful..He is my baby, my youngest..My only son..Early start? Yeah..But I go to snuggle with my little man all by myself..

When Gracie was in tears when a part of her homemade Mothers Day card went awry before I was able to receive it..I was still in bed, patiently waiting for my breakfast and presents. I cuddled her. I told her to smile and not to worry about the card. That she was happy - that would make my day special..

When they filed into our bedroom in their PJ's with presents, their baby brother, homemade cards, my toast, my coffee and envelopes filled with handwritten vouchers like: " IOU a big bear hug".. Well that was the highlight of my day..

Watching all five of them scrawled over my bed, enraptured and so excited as I read each of their cards and unwrapped their gifts..well that was quite simply...lovely.

When they cleaned the black board and scrawled the above message..I was proud to be a mother to my five little messy, noisy, sweet little ducks...

Presents shcmesents...Give me my kids with messy hair and PJ's any day..

Mind you....

I did get a wallet,an armband for my phone and my family in stickers...

Photos of that to come..

How was your Mother's Day?

Kraft it Up May challenge:

2011-05-05T22:50:00.000+10:00

Here is my take on the KIU challenge this month. Simply put - no patterned paper. It actually wasn't that difficult really and I love the result.

I used a strip of quiting fabric, lots of glimmermist. Some new Jillibean Soup journalling circles. Various bunting stickers, flowers and brads...

On the plus side I was able to whip this layout up in an hour or so, in between making dinner, changing nappies and helping with homework!
Now - that's my kind of scrapping. Quick and effective.
Need more of it.

The photos are of Milla playing in the toy room. Just a regular morning hanging out at home in our trackies. She was making me coffee. It has taken along time for this creative play to take hold. But now she is into it in full swing. A barista career in her furure maybe?

Night xx

Daybook Monday

2011-05-02T16:48:00.000+10:00

Reading my sister in law's blog has inspired me to dig up Daybook Monday..Well for this Monday anyway..I tend to ramble ALOT..So I won't be doing it every week..Plus the amount of spelling mistakes I make while typing makes a post this size take even longer..See? Rambling...
Outside my window..the fence and temp gate are up, the grass is mown and the sun has come out. Think I will let the girls loose out there once Milla is up from her nap..

I am thinking...that walking the lake this morning with an 8.5kg sleeping baby strapped to my front was ambitious. Yawn...

I am thankful for my sweet girls who cleaned up all the dog poo in the yard on the weekend - without being asked too. What a sight..Milla whelling around her toy wheelbarrow fillled with icky 'barkers eggs'.

From the kitchen..Fully stocked fridge and food enough for meals for the next three nights..A bag of mini mars bars that I let M buy when quite seriously the easter chocolate haul has swallowed the kids craft table whole...Sigh... Might make mars bar/easter egg slice!

I am going to hang out the wet washing after this post..Have been putting it off ALL day..Another load to do after it anyway....Cook dinner, make slice, feed baby, change baby, wake Milla, change Milla,clean up, bath kids...You know..All that stuff that comes after 3.30????

I am hoping to edit the photos taken yesterday from my Nana's 80th birthday. I have lots of requests for copies of them and I also want to print the out for mothers day for her.. Happy Birthday Nana..

I am hearing - not much actually. Two littlies sleeping..Big girls watching ABC kids.. So the tv is all the noise and the tap tap of me on the keyboard.. Noice...Peace..

Around the house...Clean washing perched precariously on the back of the couch (it has been there all weekend) Baby dolls of different shapes and sizes and in various states of undress around the house courtesy of Milla Moo..Mr Potato Head is leaned over apparently smooching a framed photo of baby M??? He is also legless - too much wine maybe man? Afternoon snack dishes left on the bench..as per usual..

A few plan for the rest of the week..Photo editing, washing (what's new?), Maybe a walk around our area tomorrow with my littlies, Mothers Day shopping and me trying to avoid diving into the easter egg pool. I may not resurface...

A photo to share:

My biggest girl..On the Easter holidays. My time for nice organised shots of her are limited so she has to pose during the holidays..Luckily she doesn't resist - much..

lets swing baby..

2011-04-29T16:39:00.004+10:00

I told Rodda I wanted some photos like these..

So I worked him up to it...

I set the camera functions and encouraged him...

and I was very pleased with the result!

So I can happily say:

Photos by Daddy..Instructed on how to take them by Mummy..

Well done Daddy..and well done Mummy..

Tocumwal..Easter 2011

Hoppy Easter...

2011-04-27T17:01:00.000+10:00

Don't you just love his fascination in the first series of shots??

The fascination only lasted very briefly before the egg was wedged firmly in his mouth. Followed very closely by the swallowing of foil..Hmmm. The girls and their cousins got a massive haul this Easter and enjoyed spending time with family..Which is what Easter is all about for us.

It was VERY cold Easter morning and we had to hold the girls at bay for a good half an hour so the sun could warm them when the hunting began.. ANd then it began in earnest...All over very quickly.. and then we had to spill them all out on the floor from their baskets to divvy them up evenly. Mind you - the girls were very thoughtful and made sure during the hunt that the little ones collected their fair share and were totally involved..Sweet.. Love him and his bunny ears..So did he it appears...

Bye xx

boy love..

2011-04-21T22:30:00.000+10:00

The only two challenges I was able to get done before going away this month were both boy layouts and I love them!
First up:

Scrap the boys:

For the life of me I cannot remember what new product brands I used here...And not having my scrap room near me does not help! I know there is some cool new Basic Grey in there though.. I love my little flags.. This month at STB your layout needed to feature an item of clothing..This is RJ in his very first shirt..He is so scrummy! Some Studio Calico My Huey mist here.. I love it. It dries quicker and isn't so wet when you first spray it. A bit of paint splatter too..

Kraft it Up:

This is the 12345 challenge.. I piece of kraft - check...2 photos smaller than 4x6 - check... Three different alphas - check...4 patterned papers - check... and five embellies..also check.. seriously divine baby photos of my little RJ boy.....

By the way..Loving wireless broadband...Able to blog while away on holiday...Will post some snaps soon...

Night..
Thanks for lookin..

Because I can:

2011-04-19T22:50:00.001+10:00

and because he is my scrumptious little monkey man..

Night night....

too fast..

2011-04-18T19:31:00.000+10:00

seriously..
he is 7 months old...
he can:

sit on his own and rarely falls - unless he is vigourously 'hugged'by his two yr old sister - and then he often face plants..
is reaching for everything from the sitting position..
has a new fascination with wheels. The kid will pull a toy pram onto himself in an effort to get to the wheels..
eats three meals a day.
give me a 'cats bum' face when he has had enough to eat..Very funny!
weighs 8.3kg and is sitting pretty on the 50th percentile.
sits happily in the seat of a supermarket trolley..pulls at everything within his reach.
sleeps in his baby carrier...aah heavy but oh so sweet..
chuckles when I blow raspberries in his chubby neck.
can roll both ways..BUT hates laying down now. Would prefer to sit.
Is still feeding during the night.
has no teeth yet -but I think there is one close...
is a big mummy sook. Hates it when I leave the room.
flaps his arms and legs like a crazy person when one of the cats or the dogs pass him by..
Couple that with cute little squeals and it's a pretty darn cute thing to watch!
Looks like this:

...and I just love him to pieces..WhenI took these he was just so happy. Smiling and giggling. I think I got 50 decent shots in the space of five minutes!

Look at those big baby blues!!

..and here he is doing his sitting thing..Oh so clever.. It''s hard to tell but he was dong the flappy arms and legs thing during this group of shots!

Bye!

Sweet little Jess..

2011-04-14T22:21:00.000+10:00

My dearest friend Lisa gave birth to a beautiful little girl last week. Welcome Miss Jessica Paige..

She is just such a sweetheart Lis...Truly gorgeous..

Love C xx

Freaky Friday

2011-04-08T17:37:00.000+10:00

Apparently they were being:

"Like Grumbles"

Pictured here with his grandson:

Some likeness??

Well..I suppose they are all related..

Happy Holidays everyone..

C xx

Jodie and Ben

2011-04-04T14:52:00.000+10:00

Oh my gosh. How MUCH fun did I have photographing this lovely couple, their family and friends??? I hope they knew I was totally sincere when I said they were a very easy couple to shoot. The love for each other was so obvious and the love was even more evident when I started editing their photos...

Truly, their's was a day filled with joy and quaint vintage charm. It was brimming with love, happiness and fun in a spectacular country location. Congratulations Jodie Ben, Scarlett, Lily and Eddie....

Thank you again guys.. I hope the rest of your wedding was as much fun...And I hope Eddie recovered from his little wedding wound!
And I gotta say - the cake topper - Awesome!

Call me for an appointment to see then ALL in full!

C xx

Right now..

2011-04-03T10:12:00.001+10:00

...in our house...

Milla is crying inconsolably...got hit with a door....Hmmmm..
Kissed it all better..
The washing is eating me alive...
Baby is sitting..quietly..Playing with a packet of wipes..Loves the crinkly noise it makes..
Girls are cleaning their room.Apparently..
We are waiting for visitors.. They will have to take us as we come..Human-eating laundry and all...
I am fully dressed, showered and blow-dried - (we are having visitiors)
Rylan's highchair is coated in smooshed toast...More on it than in his mouth..
Baby is crying...Wipes have lost all appeal it seems..
Girls are squealing - apparently a new cleaning technique - will have to try it..Later..
Girls are pulling the legs and arms of a baby doll..Won't try that..Rylan wouldn't appreciate it..
They are talking about the pies big win yesterday on the TV. Yay! We were ALL there!!
A toy car sits to my left..That is still a surprising and new feature in our house..
Baby is now playing with said car and is quiet again..
Girls are quiet again - cleaning perhaps??? Not likely...
Milk is out on the bench..
Coffee machine is on and waiting for me..
Drawings and textas strewn across the kitchen table...
Girls are loud - AGAIN..Cleaning???
Mr Potato Head appears to be staring me down from the coffee table..He's freakin me out.. Look away man..
Milla is crying again...Third time for the day..
I feel bad..I trounced M for wailing the house down this morning when we were ALL still asleep.. Turns out I forgot about daylight savings and she had actually slept in..On the old system anyways...Sigh..
Baby is still playing with car - no- wait...Whining starting....getting louder...Time for bed....For me too? I wish...
Gotta go...put him to bed.. If he ever stops grabbing his toes:

Bye xx