Today is the time for the RAK winner announcement, I think. ;) I asked Riley to pull names out of a hat this morning.
The Christmas RAK goes to ....
And the Glitzy RAK goes to ....
Congrats Agnus and Nina & thanks everyone for playing along. Please email me your address (email link is in my sidebar) so I can pop your pack in the mail.
I got to run now so I'll see you for more update in a couple more days. TFSB.
During the past week, we were on turtle speed internet. With school holiday, the kids used up our remaining bandwidth within the week playing games online and watching videos on You Tube. They are into making videos project and uploading them to YouTube.
Amanda loves Club Penguin videos. It's kinda like music videos of penguins singing some songs which are loved by CP (Club Penguin) fans. The first time she shown me these videos, I was surprise that it has such a large fan base. Anyway, Amanda has made a total of 10 videos so far. This one is one of my fav.
Riley is especially fond of the train videos made using Trainz simulator software. It has been his intention for the past few months to make a video project and download it on You Tube. A few days ago (before the bandwidth totally ran out), he posted his first video. Yung helped him with the credits and account side, but the video was made totally by him. Check it out here if you want to. It's not as good as Amanda's video, but I am proud of him nevertheless.
So, with no internet, we have been shopping and catching up with the cousins. I bought Amanda her first perfume. My girl has definitely grown. She is interested with perfume now and she loves the Gwen Stefani's Harajuku Lovers. Check out the website and the tv ad. It's sooo cute.
As for myself, I have been writing and scrapping. It was awesome. I think I love this no-internet business. We can really spend so much time in front of the computer, can't we? And the little spare time we have can be easily spent on net-browsing. I don't have much spare time anymore, so perhaps I need to schedule my net time? Tee hee hee...
Anyway, I got 2 stories scrapped. One about my yearly drive to Warragul for the West Gippsland Dance Festival. I know it wasn't too bad a drive, but when it's driven 4 days in a row it's enough to put a damper on anyone's mood.
The other story is about our house dilema. If you are a regular reader, you probably remember the time when I blog about our hunt for high schools and the way it effected our decision to stay or move house. It's one of an important moment of our life, which I reckon really need to be remembered. So, I scrapped it. I used an old photo (about 6 yrs old) of our house which I found in my photo box.
The background is Amy Butler's fabric and the funky birds are Scrapware chipboard I got from Ruey as part of my birthday pack a few months ago. If you like them, it's still available at KitiQ here.
Do you see the similarities of the 2 layouts? I scraplifted the first layout. I did take #2. It made scrapping so much easier for me and I got 2 layouts done quickly. I've decided that I need to take scrapping less seriously. It is afterall just a hobby & what's important is for me to record a memory while having fun at the same time. I have very little spare time now, so if I still want to scrap... I have to be realistic. I need to keep it simple, scrap what's important, and not too hung up over techniques or products anymore.
This is my motto now. And just so I remember it, I make a layout of it.
I love this term's school holiday. Amanda only have 2 comps scheduled, 1 sleepover and 2-3 play overs, so we are quite relax. I can finally making progress on catching up on my washing & sewing. The piles of clothes that needs altering is mounting & I do wish to be able to make a good start on the mouse ears.
Remember when I said I need to make 20 mouse ears headband for the end of year concert? Well, it turned out that I need to make about 70. Yup, seven-zero of this headband.
Pardon the silly model. He was in a silly mood when I asked him to put this headband on. It's for him alright, but I won't worry about the costume yet. Anyway, each headband is quite simple to construct. The fiddly bit is just hand-stitching the ears to the band. Just need to get a production line going now - cut first then sew, stuff & finally hand stitch.
I have also been playing with my new inkpad I got from P2P last Sunday. I don't really get excited about product anymore. It's been really hard this year with me so busy with dancing & school. But on Sunday, I fell in love (at first sight) with Tsukineko Splendor inkpad. It's a rainbow ink in 1 pad - so cool, so exy (for an inkpad), but I just have to have it. Here is a card I made with it.
Isn't the stamp image gorgeous? You can opt for a simple card design and still have a big wow factor because of the cool image. I made 6 of this cards in no time at all. I think this will simplify making end of year teacher's gifts.
The Splendor pad works very well with solid image 2.5"x4" size stamp. The problem is that you can't double ink the stamp because the colours will bleed. So I have to clean the stamp after stamping each image. But it's so worth it. I just LOVE the result.
Anyhow, that's about all my update this time. I better make a start on dinner. Cya all next post, hopefully with layouts (I have some layouts I haven't photographed yet). TFSB.
As promised, I have made 2 packs for RAK. To play, just put a comment on this post only and say which pack you want (you can opt for both). Since this is quite a heavy pack, I must restrict the entry to Aus & NZ only. I will leave this post open until 5th Oct 2009. We are on school holiday for 2 weeks, so I will be busy with the kids.
Anyway, here are the RAK packs.
Christmas pack - which includes Scrapbook Trend 'Celebrate the Holidays' book, MM St.Nick alphas, Doodlebug Christmas rubons, some ribbons & trims, 1 pack of Kaiser wooden stars and a cute fimo ornament which you can also use as a gift topper (just pull the hanging screw off).
Glitzy pack - which has 2 packs of Melissa Frances glitter chipboard flowers, 1 pack of glitter black Thicker alpha, 1 Prima wildrose fleur vine, 2 Pink Paislee pixie sticks, 2 Heidi Swapp large sparkle brads, a strip of black shiny fabric & a Simple Scrapbook mag vol.7, issue.2.
Since I got busy these past months, I have changed my way of scrapping. I just scrap, because I want and need to scrap. I can't keep up with products from the latest CHA anymore, so I see products as it is, whether they fit my need and budget or not. I know the items in this pack aren't from the latest CHA, but they are nice and most of them are still NIP. So I sincerely hope you will play.
TFSB everyone. I hope you have a nice start of the week.
Photography Club. Our school has a new ICT teacher this year. He happens to love photography like me and has been embarking on a few projects with some students from gr.3-4 involving photography. I must say that their stop motion animation projects really are quite impressive. So, we are thinking of starting a photograpy club next year to maintain the kids interest.
However, apart from one brief conversation after assembly, we haven't really had much chance to talk about this. I know he would want me to be a part of it, especially when we go on photo shoot and photo processing sessions. So yeah, I really need to schedule a time when I can come to school to discuss this further. The sooner we can get the details sorted out, the sooner he can take it to the school council for approval.
-----------------------------
End of year concert. Eeek... it's only 2.5 months away. And this year, Iam more involved than before. I have agreed to help with headpieces, and for starter I have mouse-ears-headbands to make for the little kids (including Riley). Hehehe... this will be fun. At the moment I haven't actually asked how many, but I think about 15-20. So yup, another thing I need to put on top of my priority list.
------------------------------
Readers Theater. One of the Gr.5-6 project this year is Readers Theater. It's where the kids form a small group, read some play, research about theater, then write their own play and perform it. Amanda's group is due for filming next week and I have to make 6 costumes.
I know ... siighh... it is costumes again. I reckon I have made so many costumes this year, I have enough to fit a small shop. :D.
--------------------------------
Osakana Festival. Monday will be Osakana Festival at school. Our Japanese teacher & I were thinking about having an activity for the kids to learn putting on kimono and tying an obi. And I forget to ask whether she has enough Obis. Ah well, I guess I will bring whatever I have at home.
Here is Amanda in her kimono which she wore at the end of year concert' 08. I scrapped the photos a while ago, but I haven't taken photos of the layout yet.
I unfortunately forget how to tie an Obi properly, so I better You-Tube it again. Better not embarras myself, right?
---------------------------------------------
Well yeah, I guess that's all the things I need to put in this post. This way I hope I will remember to do something about them. At the moment my head is full of comp. Warragul Eisteddfod is coming and I have a few last minute things to organise.
Ok, got to go now... brekky time. Have a nice weekend everyone. TFSB.
We went to a friend's wedding a couple of days ago. They chose the auspicious numbers of 09/09/09. It was not a perfect day of a wedding- wet, cold, and weekday, yet it was perfect - the venue was cozy and wonderful, the couple was lovely, the guests was happy, the ceremony was wonderful, the food was delicious. It was perfect.
I especially love one part in their ceremony when someone read this verse.
Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it does not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.
It is such a beautiful verse, not just for married couples, but for everyone in every relationships. In this instance, it was meant for couples, but I think it is just as applicable for parents-child relationships and other kind of relationships. Love is universal and our world sure need more everyday.
If you have ever heard of a butterfly effect theory, perhaps it is time that we heard of a love effect theory. A little love given to someone, may means a great deal to that person and may in turn change the course of his/her life. A little kindness may go a long way too, but the only way to know is to do it and to hope for the best. ;) Like everything in life, sometimes we will never know the results of our action.
I suppose, it also wouldn't do without saying that a little thank you will also go a long way. And I am way overdues with my thank yous to all of you. So, keep an eye out for a RAK post next week. I think we should go with variety and option this time. What do you think?
Now, I will close this post with a digi I did last night.
All materials available from Little Dreamer Designs.
Elements: C.D. Muckosky's Puddle Parade, In the Meadow: Mushies, Story Starter (Blog Freebie), Alphas: C.D. Muckosky's Happy Dance Alpha, Papers: Nancy Kubo's Hoopla: A Sweet Treat.
Thanks for stopping by, everyone. Hope you have a nice day.
In relation with Father's Day this year, I'm tributing this post for all the guys in my life.
Yung, my soulmate... the father of our children. I love him dearly. Despite all his faults, he is a wonderful man - kind, generous, responsible, smart and loyal. I am thoroughly blessed to be his wife and partner for all these years.
Riley, my boy.... True to his name, he is my peace place. Spending time with him make me forget how raising Amanda can be such a whirlwind. He is my balance, with him I can centre myself again. He taught me how wonderful the world of little boys can be.
Dad. What more can I say? I admire this man. His kindness, patience, persistence, commitment to the family, and love of his children and grandchildren, are amazing. I am so grateful to be blessed with a wonderful father in-law. When I miss my own dad, his presence ease the pressure in my heart.
Matt, my nephew... a perfect addition to my life. To have met him is a relation thing, but to be around him is a choice I made a long time ago. I guess, we get along pretty ok, right Matt? He shares my love of photography and he makes me proud of what a wonderful young man he turns out to be.
Thank you, guys. I love you for who you are and how you make my life richer and more fulfilling everyday.
As per title, these are my layouts for 123 Challenge. I have always been a fan of 123 Challenge and whenever I have time to scrap, I usually check them out. If you want to play too, the link is on my sidebar.
August criterias: Metal, 5 staples, Blurry photo
This layout is a scraplift of Cheryl Manz's layout "Inspiration", published on Scrapbook Trend July 2009. After a few weeks absent from scrapping, I really need help. So yeah, I scraplifted.
September criterias: Book paper, word "Smile", non-scrapping material
This is actually a lift of the above layout. Let's say take #2. :) I used a torn paper from a children's storybook. I love the sentence. It's perfect for the photos. Amanda tried many times to get a perfect shot with her baby cousin. Well, to me... as long as they are together, it's perfect.
The bunny is the non-scrapping material. She is a "Magic Fabric" bunny, I took from the kid's stash. They have been begging for their own set of Magic Fabric, but I wanted them to wait till Christmas. This bunny is the one Riley made at a promo in Myer City.
Ruey, if you notice... do you remember the purple Pink Martini paper you gave me back in 2007? Yup, I still have them. Hehehe... I know they will come in handy one day. :)
Ok, there you go. I scrapped again, yay.... TFSB & hope you have a nice weekend. We are going to our annual performance at the retirement village today. Take care & cya next week.
My 11th year old ... my first born... my sweet darling girl. She had come a long way. When she was a baby, people called her difficult & demanding. She only liked me & her dad, that's all. Nobody could hold her more than 2 minutes without her screaming & wailing. She was sentisive to noise, heat, smell & really bright light. Visiting became a torture for us, simply because she was never happy in strange places.
As she grew older, she got better. I never pushed her. I tried to understand her, I only wanted her to be herself, to know her limits and to master them. Yung & I taught her to understand her feelings, to communicate them and to avoid things that could over-stimulate her. She was still clingy, but she was ready to trust other people.
She soon warmed up to the family and they rewarded her greatly. She loved her older cousins and her aunties. She was a bright child and she was so much fun to be with. She could talk, count, sing and dance very well. She was a delight to be around. When she was happy, she let the world knew. When she was sad, she couldn't understand why the sky didn't turn grey and the rain started pouring. She was passionate about things and she would give you regular updates. "I love yellow today... I wanted all my clothes to be yellow, undies & socks too, ok?" :) I told you, she was fun!
Then she started kinder. It was a nightmare, too much new things. She had to learn again. What to do, what to say, how to communicate, etc. I was there the whole year she first started kinder. To me, it was never a punishment. I enjoyed it too. They needed the help and I loved living in her little world for a few hours a week. Kinder was fun. We painted, we sang & danced, we read books, we baked, we played. Other kids loved me too. We had so much fun together so the 2nd year, she was happy to go on her own. By then, she wanted a brother or sister.
Riley was born when she was 5. She was never jealous. She loved him from the moment he was born, down to his wrinkled toes. She stayed with us at the hospital. She was happy to be a part of it all. Oh, yeah... she complaint of course. "Riley is smelly, Riley sleeps all the time, Riley cry a lot, etc etc..." but she loved him just the same. She wanted to sleep with him and they have shared a room since then till now.
Now she is 11. She is almost as tall as me. She eats as much or sometimes more than me. She is still heaps of fun, still sensitive, still loves her brother and still likes to form attachments to somethings or someone. She is passionate about dancing and you can find her twirling around the house when she is happy. She is sensitive to movement & rhythm, and she loves ballet. She received a perfect 100% on her latest Ballet Exams. She was entitled to dance off at the Coral Brown Memorial prize for the best Gd. 4 ballet students in the state.
Photos from Choreographic Competition - She and her other 2 friends danced their own choregraphed jazz routine.
She loves performing and she is passionate at it too. She loves the concerts, the comps, and all the performances where she can dance and sing. She is confident enough to represent her school at Trivia Challenges and just recently at the Wakakiri heat.
Photos from Wakakiri dress rehearsal at school.
At Wakakiri, after the performance, the judges questioned her. They asked her about the song they sang. She helped compose the song they sang for the performance. She also told them that she sometimes wrote songs with her cousin. They then put her on the spot. They asked her to sing. And she did! She sang the chorus of one of the song she wrote. They were amazed. Everyone was amazed. We were very proud. I was very proud. I always know that she is amazing. It is nice to know that other people think she is too.
Yung & I believe that it was our duty as parents to find ways for our children to belong. They never asked to be born, instead we brought them into this world. So, we are responsible for them, for everything they do or not. It is hard work, but it is very rewarding. Sometimes you are lucky to get a mild tempered child, sometimes you end up with a spirited one. But like everything in life, the harder the challenge, the better you work, and the more rewarding the result.
We decided a long time ago that living with children is not about winning a battle. It is about finding a common ground, creating a comfortable place to live for everyone. Hey, they live here too... so they have as much right as us adults. So sometimes we adjust, sometimes they adjust. If they can't negotiate yet, just accept it. Teach them gently, be patient with them, and if they can't get it now... there is always another day. Treat them with respect first then expect them to treat you likewise. It's about give and take, with love & patient.
So now, 12 years and 2 children later, this philosophy is what rules our house. It is easier when the kids know how to communicate. It is even better now that they understand the concept of emphaty & negotiation. But this came to us in the first place because we had Amanda as our first born. She started it all and we thank her for that. Oh, and we love her very much too!
Of course, we love Riley just as much.... :)
