Yaaaaaaaaay, it's done!

After many problems, trying to get my computer from hubby and the kids, running out of ink, then having to retrieve the software from the old computer so I could print my photos in the sizes I wanted.......... never mind, it's done.

I've done the pages, will work on the cover tonight, while I laze around awaiting the New Year

Challenge 1 - Tree


















Challenge 2 - Food


















Challenge 3 - Gifts


















Challenge 4 - Events


















Challenge 5 - The meaning of Christmas


















Challenge 6 - Music


















Challenge 7 - Summer


















Challenge 8 - Family


















Challenge 9 - Family photo


















Challenge 10 - After lunch


















Challenge 11 - Christmas Eve


















Challenge 12 - Boxing Day


















Now my pages don't appear in this order, and therefore will not make much sense, there are also other halves missing, which is why some of the titles are only half there, but I wanted to get these pages posted for now.

ETA I've just noticed the 'd' has gone awol on the parade page, will have to find it or make another!

This time 8 years ago, I would have headed off to bed, completely unaware of how my life was about to change.

As it was the holidays, Jon had been up till about 2am watching movies, I had gone to bed quite a bit earlier, however, about 3am I woke to the start of my labour. Being a first baby I wasn't sure what to expect, so I ran a bath, but couldn't lie in it, I then paced the hall for a while, until 4, when I woke Jon to tell him we better go to the hospital, fortunately only 5 minutes down the road.

They had to break my waters, as I was ready to deliver, and Cameron arrived at 6.15am. I was very lucky to have such a short labour, although most of it would have been happening while I was asleep, and for baby to be such a happy little chappy (not that it lasted long).

And that is how my life changed so dramatically all those years ago.

'Twas the night before Christmas........ the kids enjoyed watching a Christmas movie, Home Alone, and then we went for a walk down our street to see the lights (we'd been for a drive around town the night before)

Then on the big day, the kids opened their stockings at home ...........and we went to Hamilton, to Jon's family for lunch. After lunch we just chilled, played Mousetrap, pulled Grandmas special crackers, kids played outside with their new 'ball' thingy, We then went home, and picked up FIL for dinner (he lives in a resthome)

Then......... Boxing Day, we did it all over again with my family. Lunch was somewhere around 1.30, and continued on till about 4, nice and simple, BBQ, salads, and we just sat round, enjoying each others company..... till everyone left about 7.
My Dad enjoying the kids toys..........
My neice was so fascinated with the Bubble Generator

Further proof that I am working my way through my list.

Things to do before the big day, in no particular order.

- pick up the weeds from my gardening on the weekend DONE
- make gingerbread houses with boys DONE
- finish the 'wallhanger' pages I'm giving as gifts 1 DONE, 1 NEARLY DONE
- work on my album for Janines 12 days of Christmas DONE, well, not finished, but I have worked on it, what I can, while I wait for more photos
- vaccum DONE
- buy hubbys present + 2 gift cards DONE
- cancel Skys Rialto channel (yes, ma'am, just ring on the 18th, and then there will be no charge for the months free trial, yeah, right, who remembers to do that!!!)
- put all the clothes away that are sitting in our room in rollie bins DONE
- tidy the little shed so I can get the outdoor furniture out for the family gathering on Boxing Day DONE
- paint the BBQ table
- mow the lawn DONE
- clean bathroom & wash house
- load of washing out & in DONE

mmmmmmmm..... that should keep me going!

ETA: I'm quite pleased with myself, as I've ticked some things off my list, plus I've driven half hour each way to visit my Nana before Christmas, and been to the gym, and done a bit of a tidy of my scrap area, so an eventful day.

I won't bore you with the details of this weeks details, 'cause, like the song goes.......... second verse... same as the first! Yip, we repeat last week again, so it's been eggs or weetbix for breakfast, fruit/beans/salads/etc, for lunch, and then fruit/cup a soups for dinner.

It's going extremely well, I haven't strayed at all, I've got a heap more energy, have not had any further pains, and the bonus of losing weight has been great too!

Cameron had a great day at school on Wednesday, he was chosen to swim in the house team relay. Now, he's not the greatest swimmer, but he has come a long way in the las 6 weeks or so, and I was so proud of him. They also did some swimming displays, like diving, etc, and seen here retrieving dive sticks.

Another outtake,......................









and the final 'take'!!!

A few hiccups over the last few days, just with not being home, and Christmas Parties, but I have to say, I'm rather impressed with ourselves.

This was lunch on Saturday.Friday we went to Hamilton for my ultrasound, which was conclusive for gallstones, so that is going to be dealt with in the near future.

Friday night we then had a get together, but both restrained ourselves, and I was pleasantly surprised to find I didn't even want dessert, I guess it helped that I was chatting away, and didn't even have a chance to see what was being served.

Saturday was quiet, just mucking around at home, although nothing much to show for it.

Sunday we were planning to go to the Hamilton Float Parade, but Braden wasn't feeling well, and actually put himself to bed about 12pm, and went to sleep, so Jon and Cameron went off to see it.

Today we took some family photos, so I must go and deal to them, but I'll leave you with one of the outtakes.

Day 3, and things are looking up. Keeping up with the gym, and haven't strayed from the menu, although for lunch I was supposed to have peas, and I didn't have any, so mixed veg it was (no, I wasn't gonna pick through to find the peas)

I have to go for the ultrasound tomorrow, and am not allowed breakfast, so I'm going to be extra hungry by the time my appointment (9.30am) comes and goes.

Then I am going to treat myself to some shopping in Hamilton, hopefully a little more successful than when I went shopping last weekend.

Day 2

Lunch
It hasn't been too bad, I have to admit. About 2 hours after breakfast, I felt like I was hungry, but I kept myself busy, and made it through to lunch, and felt fine.

For me, it's a mind thing, it was never that I felt hungry, it was always thoughts of 'oooh, I haven't had chocolate for a while, I'm going to have some' or 'what can I do, grab an unhealthy to eat food' type thing. So, I can proudly say, that I have got my mind around the whole thing too, as there is some chocolate in the fridge, and I haven't touched it, actually not even tempted yet,.... but, in saying that, will have to give it to the kids, to get rid of the temptation!

The hardest part is at night, when on the computer or watching TV, so I am going to have to get busy with my hands tonight, especially on those challenges of Janine's . I have ideas, just need to put them to paper!

Anyway, off to hang the Christmas lights!

I know this is soooo not the right time, with Christmas coming, etc, but if I/we don't do it now we won't start.

Whatis it, and what bought'it' on?

An 'attack' on the weekend, where I seriously thought I was gonna die, it was definately worse than labour pains.

So, after a consult with the doctor, we are participating in a 'Better Living Diet'. Now, I don't like the use of the word diet, as I think it should be a lifestyle change, not a set diet. However, we will plod away following the details, for the next 10 weeks minimum, and will have hopefully learned new habits, and broken old ones. I am determined to follow it to the T, Jon is also going to do it, but is going to have to modify it a little on the days when he is away.

I also have to have an ultrasound on Friday, yay, not, so think of me then!

So, this was lunch, day 1














Wish us luck!

Lots happening, nothing happening.

If you know what I mean. Lots of things happening, but nothing too exciting to write about.

The silly season is upon us, and so comes all the gatherings. Last Friday night the first was my work 'do', for the adults. This was great, nothing exciting, we had dinner and drinks up at the Club, the kids stayed with my sister so we didn't have to rush to get up in the morning. We were supposed to pick them up early Saturday afternoon, but in the end my mother bought them back with her, so we didn't get them back till late Saturday night, so yay for us, sitting down to watch an adult movie in peace. We also had a wander around the shops, (hassled everyone who had to work with a hangover from the night before!!!) and enjoyed lunch by ourselves.

Sunday MIL came over and looked after the boys while we went to the first of Jons work 'do's', more of the same, just catching up over lunch.

Friday, Jons work put on a kids party, again at the club, dinner, karaoke/disco, etc.

Then after that around to a workmates place to help decorate the float for the parade today.

Today, the parade. Braden went on the float, Cameron wasn't interested.

After that we had a party for all the kids from my work, at the local pools. Just chilling. BBQ, the new inflatable was a hit, although Braden was a bit gutted as he wasn't big enough to get around part of it, as you can see in this photo, it was about 2 seconds later that he fell off.

Now, home to relax and get ready, (Jon heads off to the South Island for a week,) before next weekend, when we have another 'do'.

Right now, I'm all over 'do's'!!!

Mmmmmm. What's been happening?

Right at this moment I'm watching Martha Stewarts Apprentice. I never got into the Donald Trump version, but maybe because I like Martha, I've really got involved with it. OK, now Martha has just announced her choice. Dawna. Who I did not like. I can't say I really liked Bethenny either, mmmmm.

What else? Rude customers. For those that know me, know I work in retail. I dealt with the rudest customer I have EVER had. It was a phone call, and before the gentleman, (and I say gentleman in the 'loosest' of terms,) had even given me a chance to piss him off he was asking for the manager. I managed to talk my way around that, and help him out, but boy, did he have a short fuse. I then had several more instances of rude people, some customers, some staff. Fortunately I don't have any work lined up for the rest of the week, yet, so as long as my family doesn't annoy me, I should be good!

The silly season is upon us. The first function for the end of year is this Friday, and another on Sunday afternoon. Last year we seemed to have something on every Saturday/night, but this year there seems to be a trend towards Friday nights, so this year our Friday nights are busy till Christmas. Weekends themselves aren't too bad.

Speaking of silly, even though I work retail, or maybe because I work retail, hasn't it all got out of hand. Presents I'm talking about. Part of my reasoning process is the fact that we are not a religious family, therefore find the reason behind it all a bit hard to explain. Why, when we do not celebrate the 'reason for the season' do we choose to go overboard on gifts. Why not give a gift, for no reason, during the month of July, or April, or any other blimmen month of the year. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy spending time with my family, including my husbands family, but the gift part has got out of hand.

Right, I'm getting down off my soapbox :)

And I got this! The not-yet-released in NZ December issue of Scrapbooks Etc.

Another week in review

- Lots of work. Shouldn't complain, especially as it's on my terms, during school hours, and I could also sneak away earlier as the kids had things on at school.

- Tuesday. Finished work early to go watch Braden at school, they had their Spring Ball.

- Registering for swimming lessons, summer is on it's way!

- 5 baby guinea pigs born. Aaargh, when is this vicious cycle going to end.

- Friday..... mmmmmmm..... what happened Friday? Not much. Oh, yeah, that's right, MY HUSBAND CAME HOME!!! It's good to have him home, and he is very pleased to be home, although he does come home with a suitcase full of washing. Rather than get it washed, as explained earlier, he bought more. That's Cameron, absolutely beside himself with excitement, they both got a DVD, and Cameron got Prehistoric Park. I had videod it when it was played on TV, but it wasn't a very good tape and the quality was a bit snowy, plus I accidentally copied over episode 2, so he was pleased to have it in DVD form.


- On Saturday we went to a family birthday party in Otorohanga. My niece had been given a motorbike, so Cameron excitedly had a turn. He had a good couple of minutes, but not long after this photo was taken, he crashed, and then refused to get back on. I made him get on with me (yes, poor motorbike) as he is a terrible quiter, and I don't want him to develop that attitude.

- BBQ/Guy Fawkes with Jon's work, the Social Club puts on a display, so it's all very safe, out on a farm, bonfire, BBQ, and last night, complete with these most horrible bugs, huge, and everywhere.

Right, I'll be back, for more on Jons trip, when I've actually heard it myself.

- Not long to go now, 5 sleeps.

- Athletics went well. Didn't really get any good photos, will try again next week, the sun was in
an awkward place, so will move next time. I also helped out with the field events, so will try to get photos of that next week.

Not much else happening. I've done a couple of pages this week, which I have added into my slide, but this one here is one I was starting on Friday night, because I had bought a whole lot of new papers, and rather than add them to my stash, I was encouraged by Vicki to actually finish a page, so here you go Vicki, it's done. I also picked up a tip from Dallas, and have outline the BG letters with black, they have helped it to stand out. I actually lifted it from the May '06 CK, but I should have done the stitching in white, me thinks, as you can hardly see it.

Anyway, off to brave the weather and tidy the section a little.

Relieved.

We live in a street with predominantely retired folk, or at least older families, so with several houses around us selling, we were disappointed to find no kids moving into the street. Until the weekend. The new people in the house across the road have kids at primary school, and one of the boys is even in Camerons class. I went and met her today, lovely lady, so I'm hoping that Cameron will be able to get along with this boy and have a friend, especially one living so close.

In other news, I finally spoke to my dearly beloved.

No thanks to Telecom.

Because the phone calls from hotels are so expensive, and I have been ringing him from home, we have set up a system. He emails me when he is in the room, and has a spare hour or so, so I can ring him and talk. We had decided to wait until the weekend, it's much easier to get a time that suits us, so I hadn't heard anything by late Saturday night, I was starting to get worried. Turns out Telecom had kindly, or not so kindly, decided to hold back his emails for me, 3 of them, because by then HE was getting worried at why I hadn't rung. Finally they came through 12 hours late, and I was able to ring him, and had a good chat.

Things are going well for him, this week has been a bit better, he has had some company, been out and about for a few drinks, (a bit too much out and about, if you know what I mean!) and it even snowed on him while walking home. The countdown has started, it's the downhill slide, not long to go now.

Right, we are off to our first night of athletics for Junior tonight, so I better go get some dinner ready.

Things learned while travelling overseas:

- don't get your laundry done through the hotel. A few pairs of undies, socks, 2 shirts, t-shirt type, not business, and 2 pairs of pants = $320! Yes, $320. I told him overseas that he would have been better off to toss those and go buy more.

- don't use the hotel for toll calls. We all know calls overseas can cost a lot, and ones from hotels even more, but $200 for approximately half an hour?!?!? WTF? How can they justify that? So, today, plan B. Jon emailed me when he was in his room, and I rung him. Slingshot. $5. And we talked for 1 hour and 4 mins.

It was nice to catch up, especially on the little things, but he is homesick. Unfortunately he is not even half way through his trip. I think he is bored, as he has been in a little town with not much to do, so is looking forward to the next part, heading for Norway today, and then Finland on Thursday.

Anyway, off to battle with my children over dinner, we are having something they haven't had before, and it will be a protest all the way, wish me luck.

Yay, you can all come visit me now.

I was getting very dispondent about having no visitors, yet my profile view said people were following the links, until I realised that I had not clicked the box to show my blog to the public.

Right, so I'm making a big effort to leave messages for you all, so I expect the same in return, huh, is that understood!

1. Do you have any middle names? Joy! Not sure where that came from, but I was always reminded of it when I was not in the best of moods.

2. What’s under your bed right now? Nothing!!! And probably only because it is a full base so I can't jam anything under there, otherwise I probably would!!

3. Last time you laughed so much you cried? Not sure I cried, but he was good. We have this guy at work, an 'older' man, who is a real laugh. He was the butt of all the jokes today, which was fine, because he was the one making them!

4. What age were you when you first drank Alcohol? 16, and far too much of it! Had no exposure growing up, and when introduced to it went completely off the rail!

5. Porn Star Name (First pets name and name of your street)? Jo was the name of our first cat, which is a pretty good pornstar name, but Rawhiti, Jo Rawhiti? I don't think so!

6. What’s your desk top photo on the PC? I usually change it to show my recent photos

7. What did you have for breakfast? Muesli, and Complan

8.Music or TV? Depends. Both! Usually at the same time!

9. Worst outfit you have ever worn? I remember when I was about 13 we had mufti at school, and I wore a yellow shirt, black jeans, and stripy rugby socks and black shoes, thinking I was so cool 'cause everything matched, but I must of looked like a bumblebee.

10 Where do you feel most at peace? Pretty much anywhere as long as I know what is happening. As soon as it is out of my control, or it is unplanned I don't feel relaxed. Don't get me wrong, I like to be spontaneous with the rest of them, just as long as there is no deadline/time to follow then thats ok, I can cruise.

How often am I gonna see this now? As they are getting older these shots are getting rarer, I guess I need to enlarge it, and put it on the wall to remind me that these moments do happen.

Really, I shouldn't complain I suppose. Since Jon has been gone they have been pretty good, Cameron is resisting school, not with any great force, but when he comments at the gate, as I am on my way to work it makes it a bit hard.

You can't see it very clearly in this photo, but Braden is rapidly losing his teeth, and not getting anymore. He currently has a gap from 4 teeth at the top. He also has a gap from 4 teeth at the bottom, has got 2 new ones, but doesn't really have much room for the other 2, so I guess he is going to have my teeth problems.

Has anyone seen or heard from my husband? No?!!? Neither have I. He did ring Saturday night our time to let me know he had arrived safely, but I haven't even got an email. It doesn't bother me too much, but I'm not sleeping well, and am having some weird dreams. I have to work early the next 2 days, so I'm hoping I get some sleep tonight.

Finally, another photo of us that we took on the weekend, on our way to the local A&P show.

Watching some trashy movie on TV2, Evil Woman, really ridiculous, but it has the most fabulous Neil Diamond in it.

Jon got away yesterday, kind of as planned. The shuttle turned up 15 minutes early, so it was a mad rush to get him on it, was annoyed as it was a very quick 'bye', although, I guess the state I was in, it was just as well. Then, I get a text to say he had forgotten his camera (now, how many scrapbookers husbands forget their cameras), so I offered to go for a drive and take it up. The kids and I drove straight to the airport, had 10 minutes with him, and another quick goodbye, 'cause by then it was time to go through customs.

He rung to say he made it safely to his hotel, but was a bit out of sorts due to the time difference, and was going to have some 'breakfast' and have a sleep.

Thats all for now, I'm off to find my Neil Diamond CD, and blast it while he who doesn't appreciate good music is out of the country!!!

Last weekend Jon and I went to Auckland by ourselves. We were supposed to go Saturday morning, but my sister ended up staying at our place Friday night anyway, so said we could go if we wanted to. We ended up staying at my Dad's in Hamilton, as he was borrowing my car for the weekend, so we made the most of it and went to the casino, nothing exciting to report there.

Saturday morning we headed up to Auckland, and spent a couple of hours wandering around Sylvia Park. It wasn't anything exciting at this stage, although I guess when it is all finished it will be a one stop shop which would be good for a day out.

We then headed into the city, and checked into our hotel, Sky City hotel, and, went up the Sky Tower. Now, I have a huge fear of heights, and this was the first time I'd been up there, and I didn't step away from the inner wall, but at least I can say I've been up.

We had dinner at one of the Sky City Restaurants, then went to the Casino. We spent some time on the pokie machines, then decided to be brave and had a go on the Black Jack tables. We got on a couple of good tables, where the players were not so serious, and the dealers were good as well ( a bit of fun).

After a great night, we got home at 3am, and had to be up earliesh, as Jon was doing a bungy jump.

I couldn't do it myself, but I did manage to get over my fear and go up and watch. I was going to watch from the harbourside, but am pleased I didn't as you can't see anything from ground level.

We caught up with Jon's sister for lunch, and then headed back down to Hamilton to get my car, and came home.

Everything was good at home, which is always a relief to come home to!

I'm baaaaaaaaack!!!

OK, no real excuse. Lazy. Lost my password. Busy. Tired.

Week 1 of the holidays have been pretty good.

Saturday - the kids and I walked up town to get the Lotto Ticket, nothing terribly exciting, but passes the time!

Sunday - over to Hamilton to take our baby guinea pigs to the pet shop. Pet City out Te Rapa is huge, you could get lost there!

Monday - I had to work, so my sister came and looked after the kids, and my nephew stayed on.

Tuesday -The 3 boys got on really well, so I said he could stay another night. The boys were playing softball, and the ball kept going astray, so I took them to the park to have a bit more room, only we got to the park to realise they hadn't bought the ball!!!

Wednesday - A trip to the supermarket with all 3, they were so well behaved, and were rewarded with a treat at the Warehouse. Troy went home just before lunch, and after lunch we went out to Opal Hot Springs.

Catch our antics here.... (OK, I got some cool video that I was going to insert, but it won't let me upload.)
Thursday - I made them playdough, and they played with that for ages.... good 'ol playdough never fails to entertain. In the afternoon a friend call around with her girls, just had a good old chat.

Friday - We walked up town, got a couple of groceries, and the boys spent their pocket money they had saved this term.

Tomorrow Jon and I are off to Auckland for the weekend for some time together before he flies out to Europe/America for a month.

And that's me for another month (LOL), I'll try to get back a bit more regularly.