Quiet Christmas

Another Christmas has come and gone. Very quiet this year as it was just hubby and I. The kids were all elsewhere, two daughters and g.gs Zach spending Christmas in Ormeau, one daughter in Cairns, two sons in Brisbane and one son working on Heron Island (lucky devil). It's bucketing down outside at the moment, perfect weather for working on my ATC's. Here are some Christmas cards made for a swap.

Christmas Wishes

 

Happy Holidays 2

New Computer

I'm sitting in front of my brand new computer (actually, I've had it for a couple of weeks), and it is fantastic. It's a 13 1/2" Macbook Pro, so slim, so compact, so light and SO FAST, such a pleasure to use. I had an Apple computer years ago and never had any problems with it, so when it was time to get a new one, there was no question about the brand. Of course, after about 7 years of using Microsoft operating systems I have a lot to learn and I think playing is the best way to do that ( I do so love to play on the computer). The trouble is once you're on the computer and start reading other people's blogs you're lost. There are so many talented and innovative people out in cyberspace I never tire of following their exploits.

Double Trouble

We had a little visitor last week, and boy did he keep us on our toes. Noah, our oldest great grandson, came to stay for several days. He is 5 months older than Zachary, our other great grandson(who lives with us). Noah was born in July 2007, and Zach on 1st Nov 2007. They had a great time together, but they have completely different personalities. Noah is very outgoing, needs lots of attention and is a real ham. Zach is a little quieter and is often happy to play on his own. They are both absolutely gorgeous ( I know, I'm biased). Zach used to call me Grammy, but this has gradually changed to Mammy (makes you feel like bursting into song, doesn't it?), so now this is what Noah calls me.

Noah and Zachary

New tricks

Oh my goodness, I've learned how to add a clock to my blog, and I think I've just learned how to add a link! (It's hard being computer illiterate!) Now I'll just try it & see if it works. Why not pop on over for the Dec challenge at Inkurable Stampers. There are some great prizes up for grabs.

Birthday Card

I needed to make a birthday card for my daughter, who turns 28 today. The colour scheme of pink, brown & cream, (Inkurable Stampers Dec challenge) really appealed to me, so here is my challenge card 'Best Friends'. I'm really happy with it.

Inkurable Stampers

Wow, I just had to post and tell you that I won a prize on Inkurable Stampers.
It's a fabulous set of large border stamps from Crafty Individuals. All because I left a comment on Sarah's site. I'm excited and can't wait to start using them on my cards. Inkurable Stampers is a great site that has regular challenges and plenty of giveaways, it's well worth a visit so pop on over and check it out.

ATC's and free stuff

Two months have flown by since I was last here. I haven't done any sewing but I'm all set up and ready to go because my lovely husband bought me a Janome sewing table specifically designed for my 6500. It's really solid, so no more table jump when I get going. It's a bit hard to organise sewing time with our resident great grandson entering the terrible two's. Tantrums can blow up suddenly, then blow over just as quick. Distraction is the order of the day, and supervision and monitoring are our favourite words. Here are some photos of Zach enjoying his birthday cake.






I have managed to fill my creative need by making ATC's, and participating in swaps with my on-line groups and local shop Scrapbook Fantasies.






I have just been on Lisa Volroths site where she is again offering her free images available for downloading until Christmas. They are great for ATC's, and who doesn't enjoy freebies.

Retreat Fatigue 2009

What a slack little blogger I've been. Life has been very busy as I have been involved with the committee who organize our annual C.Q. Quilter's retreat in Rockhampton. Five fabulous days of sewing, friendship and fun. It has been fantastic to catch up with friends that we only see once a year, and sad to have to say goodbye again. Lots of sewing, chatting and the occasional drink can be very tiring and I have been taking lots of 'nanna' naps. I did an applique class with Angela Langdon from Brisbane, and actually almost finished a block.

machine applique 2009

 
 Some of the students displaying their machine applique from the  Angela Langdon workshop, 2009.

Goodbye June, Hello July

 I thought I should find the time to touch base before the end of June, because I haven't been here since the beginning of May. Since then I have taken two of my grandchildren to Brisbane to spend a couple of days with their Auntie. We took two cars to fit in the six of us (Myself, two daughters, two g.children and one great g.son). I had to follow my daughter to the other side of Brisbane (actually, roughly 100 kms the other side to Ormeau), We crossed the Gateway bridge 3.30pm Friday afternoon in what seemed to be peak hour! I have to say I was terrified driving between two large trucks, trying to keep on my daughter's tail and not get lost. I found out when we arrived that my right indicator wasn't working. This explains why people weren't happy when I changed lanes. lol. We had a lovely time, visiting Harbour Town (Oh those shops!), Sea world (Polar bears and dolphins, :-). sharks, :-0), the kids went to the Hyperdome but I stayed home and had a much needed rest. Of course Zach (g.g son) stayed home with me but slept the whole time. I did have a great time and surprised myself by handling all the walking at Sea world surprisingly well since I still can't walk smoothly (after hip replacement), but sure was glad to be home again. I'm off to check in with some of my internet groups now, but I will try to be back again before the end of June.

 Dreamworld

Winter Chills.

Well the cooler weather has arrived and brought with it the usual coughs and colds. Zachary has been off day care for a week with tonsillitis, runny nose etc. My daughter Jen had to have two days off work with a chest infection, and now they seem to have passed their germs on to me. Looks like I'll have to lay in a supply of tissues for now, and hope it doesn't last too long.
I had a visit from an old friend on Friday, which was lovely as we haven't seen each other for quite some time. During our conversation we realized that it has been 6 years since she moved away. Oh boy, where did that time go! She brought me up to date on all the work she has been doing, quilting etc. She really is a high achiever, and a lovely lady with it. Makes me feel quite inspired. Maybe even enough to get out my sewing machine. We'll see how it goes.

What happened to April?

This is my page for another challenge from SBF's. Every day for a month Alicia posts a clue on the forum and you have to search the online store for the answer. At the end of the month you have 10 days to complete and upload your page. Another enjoyable challenge.
I'm not sure what happened to April. It disappeared without a trace. I can't believe I didn't have time to visit and update my blog.
I did manage to do some scrapbooking though. This is my page for a create-a-layout challenge on the forum of Scrapbook Fantasies, my favourite local srapbook shop. The idea is that someone starts a list of items to be included in a layout. Anybody is welcome to add to the list until there are twenty items on it, then you have a week to finish and upload your layout. It's a bit of fun trying to fit 20 items on a page.

Todddlers and the end of peace & quiet.

At the moment our eldest daughter is caring full time for her grandson (our great grandson), Zach. Last year she moved home for emotional and physical support. So our once peaceful existence has been invaded by a beautiful 14 month old boy, full of energy, mischief and occasional temper tantrums. How I managed to raise 7 children, I'll never know. It's exhausting trying to keep up with him. Of course I was younger then (a lot younger!). But having a toddler in the house certainly brightens up the day, although it means I have less time for crafting. I have managed to do a little bit of work on my year quilt (that's 2007) that I started with Southern Cross Quilters/Year Quilt internet group. It's all hand stitched hexagons, and I have now almost finished work on my March block. The project involves keeping a diary for a year, and choosing an 'eye spy' fabric to represent something from each day. You can choose any pattern you like for your quilt. I may not be up to date with my blocks yet, but I did manage to keep my diary for the whole of 2007, so I'm able to refer back to it any time.

St Patrick's Day

I haven't had much time lately to add to the blog. A lot of things have been happening in my life, some good & some bad.
I've been working on ATC swaps and not much else.
I've just been to Lisa Volrath's original printables site and checked out her new countdown to St. Patrick's Day. Looks like it will be as great as her other downloads. Pop over and check it out.
Saint Patrick's day just happens to be my grandson Dylan's birthday. He turns 18 this year.

Catching Up

Here's my quilt 'Hidden Wells', which is actually finished. I'm not sure how I can rotate it, as it's horizontal instead of vertical.

I have been so busy that I haven't had time to post until now. We were away on holidays, which was terrific, but it means I have a lot of catching up to do in my everyday routine.
I am participating in several challenges being run by Scrapbook Fantasies, my favorite local scrapbooking shop. I went along to their card club on Saturday for the first time. It was a very interesting experience, and I'm hoping it will help me with my stamping techniques. As well as that I am taking part in a few ATC swaps via groups on the internet.
The free Christmas downloads on the TenTwo Studio website were great and Lisa Vollrath is now offering her free Valentine's Day downloads again. 27 images spread over 14 days, from the 1st Feb to the 14th. Pop over and have a look around. You won't be disappointed.