Scrap Happy Valley

Another Imaginarium Designs scrap page

2012-02-08T16:28:00.001+10:30

I got to play with some more of this scrummy chipboard.

Remember you can win a $20 prize pack of Imaginarium Designs chipboard if you are a follower of this blog by leaving a comment on this post http://www.scraphappyvalley.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/win-imaginarium-designs-competition.html?m=1.

And there are more prizes up for grabs over at www.imaginariumdesigns.blogspot.com

Kraft It Up - February is LOVE

2012-02-06T13:05:00.000+10:30

I love February - my DH and I both celebrate our birthdays in February plus the anniversary of our very first date - and this year we celebrate 10 years :-))...more coming on this soon.

The challenge this month at Kraft It Up is to incorporate LOVE into your page. It doesn't have to be romantic love, and you can scrap about friends, family, even loved objects and places! You also need to include the colour PINK there somewhere.

For my page, I have used a photo of my sister and I from Christmas and I don't remember the last time a photo was taken of just the two of us. There is usually someone else in the photo, such as children! We both are wearing red and this really symbolises love I think.

I think this page pefectly sums up our sisterly relationship...giggles and good times, and a connection to our shared childhood. I ripped a page from an old novel - so quirky! - and added some wood grain patterned paper, tickets, my home printed masking tape, some jenni bowlin letter stickers and American crafts thickers (inked to match the red and pink colours in the page), some rub on letters, vintage ticket sign, and Martha Stewart butterfly punch (punched from the photo and added back on the page).

And did you notice my latest favourite thing..?? chevron patterned paper! In red, too.

Head over to the Kraft It Up and give this challenge a ~~red~~ pink hot go! There are prizes on offer from Scrap Therapy, Polly Scrap Kits and Greatest View.

****and don't forget****

My $20 Imaginarium Designs chipboard giveaway - open to Australian and international residents until the 13th February. See the previous post for details. All you need to do is be (or become) a follower of this blog and add a comment to that previous post. It's too easy!

WIN!!! Imaginarium Designs competition

2012-02-01T12:18:00.001+10:30

I have had the amazing opportunity to be a guest designer this month over at Imaginarium Designs!!! I was given a generous bundle of chipboard to play with and my first project is this colourful - and also useful! - picture book I made for Angus.

Pictures and photos are an amazing learning tool for children with autism and I'm so pleased with how this turned out. I can't wait to make more.

You can see more of my mini book on the Imaginarium Designs blog.

And now..... An exciting competition!

Do you love chipboard as much as I do? It's a must have for scrap bookers and memory keepers. Titles, flourishes, frames and more designs than you can imagine! I love embossing with it but the possibilities are endless.

Thanks to Imaginarium Designs i have $20 worth of Imaginarium Designs chipboard to give away to! I KNOW.... cool!

I'm making it really easy to win. All you have to do is become a follower of this blog (unless you already are!) and leave a comment on this post telling me what you would do with the chipboard if you win! You have until midnight on Monday 13th February 2012 (Adelaide or AEST).

The main prize is open to Australian residents only but I have a smaller pack for one lucky international reader.

Also, to increase your chances of winning some of this fantastic chipboard make sure you visit the ID blog at www.imaginariumdesigns.blogspot.com

Sending you all lots of bloggy love xxx p.s. thanks for all the wonderful comments I've been receiving. If I haven't replied to you yet I will soon I promise ;-))

Project Life

2012-01-25T18:09:00.001+10:30

I have been doing my own version of Becky Higgins / Ali Edwards Project Life for two years now and I love it as much now as when I first started.

I got behind for the first time in November though I continued to take lots of photos! I managed to get the photos printed earlier this month and I'm playing catchup this morning while Angus is at ELC today.

The photos are in the pages now but there are gaps to fill from missing photos, ephemera, date blocks and journalling. So here I am in a cafe BY MYSELF this morning having a ball! I LOVE this project.

I use an American Crafts ring binder
Album, and just stick the photos on the included paper inserts. I play with the photos in Photoshop first and often add the journalling right on the photo.

I have just bought some new page
protectors that fit 6 x 6x4 landscape photos and now I'm finding this easier quicker and more flexible than glueing. Should make this year's albums lighter too.

Where do you keep your photos?

Have you heard of Jean-Michel Basquiat?

2012-01-08T23:03:00.001+10:30

Well I hadn't until tonight when I saw a documentary made about his life. At 20, he was a subversive living rough on the streets of New York, by 25 he was a millionaire and by 27 he was dead! I think he died of a broken heart. He first became famous for his art, then he became famous for being famous, then he became famous for being infamous.

He left behind more than 1000 paintings and more than 1000 drawings. He was criticised at the time but now, more than 20 years later, he is considered a genius of the 20th century. I think this piece Toxic is pretty cool. What do you think?

I like that he stayed true to his style of art.

My word for 2012

2012-01-06T15:07:00.000+10:30

I started thinking about my word for 2012 back in October. I knew there was a perfect word out there somewhere, but i couldn't think what it was. I spent a bit of time looking at blogs, and Pinterest, and felt that my word for 2011, COMPLETE was perhaps still the best word.

I like complete because it has a double meaning for me - 1. that I am already complete regardless of what happens or what I do (like 'gratitude') and 2. I had (and STILL have) an enormous bundle of projects to be completed. Things like the children's baby albums, Mum's heritage childhood album, my album, Ian's album, and even my photos from my mine and my sister's childhood. Phew. The list goes on and on. But one night in November, or even December, I was sitting on the couch and it came to me. DELIBERATE.

Deliberate! I like that word. I really like it. I thought a bit deeper about why I had all these projects in the first place, and why I was having trouble completing them. I've been inspired by some well known crafters like Ali and Karen who, to me, seem to choose their projects very deliberately. Karen, for example, gets through a huge number of projects just on a weekly basis. She does this by deciding carefully what's important to her, then makes time for it. Her hours are all carefully scheduled.

My habit, by contrast, has been to make excuses. Lots of excuses. Usually I tell myself I'm too tired in the evening, and flop in front of the TV instead. I also get overwhelmed by all the projects surrounding me in my tiny study, which has been really messy much of this year, and can't decide what to do.

So.

This is what I'm going to do. I'm going to have a really really good think about what I want to do this year. Then I'm going to make it into a list, post it on the blog, and approach each one leisurely, slowly and evenly, steadily, unhurried, DELIBERATELY. And when I complete a project, I'm going to celebrate it before going on to the next thing.

I'm really looking forward to posting my list.

And I think I'll start with a list of completed projects from last year to remind myself that I did make some pretty cool stuff.

What's your word for 2012?

Kraft It Up January

2012-01-02T17:03:00.001+10:30

It feels good to be starting the new year afresh, doesn't it?I love the idea of new beginnings, goals, and the determination all this encourages.

This month's challenge at Kraft It Up is UP on their site, and oh goodie, it's a colour challenge!! The range of layouts by the creative team is amazing. You have to go see. Click here.

Here is the colour combo and you can use some or all of the colours:

I had to use all of them:

I've been a bit unwell since Christmas unfortunately so my time in the scrap room is pretty limited at the moment. I have so many ideas of things I want to do, but i'll just have to be patient for now! Luckily I have Pinterest to keep me busy.

Hope your New Year is turning out to be fantastic.

Honourable mentions

2011-12-20T13:21:00.001+10:30

The unthinkable has happened... Two honourable mentions in SBM mag. Wow!!! And now Tasmin is famous!

Kraft it Up - December

2011-12-13T21:08:00.000+10:30

This month's theme is lovely - Christmas traditions. I love Christmas and two of my favourite things are giving gifts and the Christmas tree. My layout is based on my favourite photo from last Christmas, of Tasmin delighting in handing out presents. It's a tradition of Ian's family that the children hand out the gifts. I hope it demonstrates the joy of giving.

There are lots of cool scrappy product prizes up for grab. All you have to do is link up your page to Kraft It Up. Have a shot!

My top ten favourite layouts 2011 -- featuring chipboard

2011-12-11T23:51:00.001+10:30

Actually, woops, that was 11. Were you counting?

I have shared these scrappy layouts to support my application for a DT spot on the Imaginarium Designs team. How cool would that be? I adore chipboard. One of my fave pieces is their intricate little butterfly - they come in big sizes too but I love the miniature version. How are these tiny chipboard pieces cut with so much fine detail?

Did you spot the butterfly chippie in one of the above pages?

I've enjoyed putting together this little collection of favourite pages. What were your favourite pages from 2011?

Sneak peek

2011-12-01T11:47:00.001+10:30

Here's what I've been up to. More on this soon ;-)

Paper, paint, perfect bliss

2011-11-27T12:17:00.001+10:30

This is a mini book I made on my last semi-solo retreat in Brisbane in June. I got most of the prep done and photos printed but on arrival back to NL (normal life) I didn't get to complete it.

So here I am on my fully solo retreat right here in Adelaide, just a 20 minute drive from my NL hoping to finish this baby.

Enjoy the ride.

KIU creative team call

2011-11-26T22:11:00.001+10:30

KIU Creative Team Call...
It is that time again, we are on the look out for some talented scrappers to join us here on the Kraft It Up Creative Team...

The CT Term will be from February through to the end of July with the option of a further 6 months.

DUTIES: You will need to create one layout per month based on specific criteria which is always emailed in advance, you are required to comment on some users entries, I realise that we all have busy lives and it may be impossible to comment on 40+ entries each month, you are also required to vote for the previous months challenge entries and promote Kraft It Up on your blog and facebook page and anywhere else that is allowed.

To apply for the KIU CT Call please read the below information....

Firstly you MUST LOVE KRAFT, you will need to create your layout examples on Kraft Cardstock or Kraft Patterned Paper.

You need to email Mel 2 layouts, ONE that best showcases your style and the 2ND using the following sketch (see below)..

* Please feel free to interpret the sketch to how you see it, remember your layouts MUST be on Kraft CS or Kraft PP..

** Sketch provided by the wonderful Page Maps website: http://pagemaps.com/

You then need to email Mel your two layouts, a brief bio and headshot that you would be happy to see posted on the KIU blog if you were successful.

Applications close 20th December with the successful applicants notified by the 1st January, you will then be issued with your first challenges, Februarys being due at the end of January.

Email the above to: kraft.it.up@hotmail.com

There is plenty of great inspo this month you must check out the blog and submit an entry. http://kraftitup.blogspot.com/

A weekend away with an art, craft and spiritual purpose

2011-11-26T12:53:00.001+10:30

On a whim I decided to take myself away for a weekend of art journalling, and two new crafts to learn: crochet and jewellery making, with just my iPhone (via YouTube) to guide me.

I love that I packed this Sentinel straight out of the letterbox and the front cover says "art and soul - a weekend trip with a spiritual purpose." It was right alongside my new copy of Scrapbook Memories mag! Sometimes the universe sends us little signs to reassure us that we are where we are meant to be!

There's a lot to think about at home at the moment as the needs of our children Angus and Tas pretty much dominate everything. I went to a Mark le Messurier workshop yesterday to learn more about kids on the spectrum and help with parenting and schooling. That guy knows a lot about this area as a counsellor and parent of a girl with Aspergers.

I've bought two of his books which I hope to read and review soon.

Ok now's the part where I log off and get painting.

Happy thanksgiving!

Around here

2011-11-24T12:45:00.003+10:30

The one thing I make sure I do everyday is take photos. That's not hard because firstly I'm a bit of a shutterbug and secondly, it's so fun taking pics with the new iPhone. I've found you can print the images as a normal 4"x6" without retouching and the quality is amazingly good.

The whole family is home sick today so I'm enjoying the novelty of blogging in bed with my iPhone. My replacement laptop arrives soon and I'm really looking forward to doing more regular posts.

These are some of the images from this week: a trip to the playground, rediscovering Mum's fancy old Elna sewing machine, a stack of freshly printed photos and Angus in his favourite swing at his Daphne St ELC.

How many pics did you take this week?

Cha cha train

2011-11-19T16:01:00.002+10:30

Ian led the kids around the lounge room doing a little cha cha train. Apparently it was Angus who started it. The photo is blurry but what a great moment captured. Not bad for a little boy who doesn't play with other kids (yet).

Yearbook idea

2011-11-15T12:20:00.001+10:30

I'm crazy about vintage. DH and I were in fits of laughter last night playing with the Yearbook Me app. We've only just converted to apple's iPhone so I had to save a few.

I so want to scrap these! I'd like to find the one of Mum with her beehive 'do in the 60s and see how alike we look!

Kraft It Up - November challenge is up - journalling

2011-11-04T12:20:00.000+10:30

Materials:Bazzill cardstock - kraft, gesso, Kaisercraft paint, Glimmer Mist, twine, fabric, printed masking tape, foam alpha stamps and and Making Memories stamps, Staz On ink.

The new challenge is up at Kraft It Up for November - to find a creative way to show journalling.

This is a topic that's been swirling around in my mind for a while. I love the idea of choosing a meaningful number - my age - and using it as a springboard to come up with ways to describe myself and experiences. I had a lot to write down, so I've used a column of small handwriting (more personal that way I think) and numbered each idea but without starting a new line, so it looks less like a list. Not that there's anything wrong with lists - I love 'em!!

What would you say to describe yourself?

The Thomas-the-Tank-Engine cake adventure

2011-11-02T13:06:00.000+10:30

After a 3am finish, I managed to complete a cute Thomas the Tank engine cake in time for Angus's 3rd birthday. It was worth it, because man, he loved that cake! You can find the tutorial here.

On Sunday Angus's Nan and Pa arrived with even more train presents! Now Angus is the proud owner of Thomas, Percy, Gordon, Harold and Wheezy the crane.

I am secretly chuffed that so many friends left lovely comments about the cake effort on Facebook. Thank you all, I loved each and every comment!

Train boy

2011-10-31T11:04:00.000+10:30

One of my absolute favourite images of Angus at the moment. How he loves his trains, funny little thing!

Watercolours

2011-10-31T10:58:00.000+10:30

Yesterday I had the gorgeous pleasure of taking a watercolour class with an artist, Alan Louis. It was an all day class held at my daughter's kindy, which is a tranquil spot overlooking a valley of trees. Oh, bliss! The image above is my masterpiece - it's meant to be two trees reflected in water. "Technique, technique," Alan would say encouragingly, when I despaired my trees looked more like an octupus. Or maybe pink flamingoes.

He suggested I could cut out the middle and call it "Pink Flamingoes"!

The main thing I took away from this class was the idea of what Alan called values. So, when you start with a colour - say blue, and blot it straight on the page, that's a 5. You add water, to make it a 4, and so on, until you get to 1, which is a "wash". "Values, values, values," he'd say, if we moaned about how terrible our shapes were looking! He was such a generous teacher. And funny! You can see some of his incredible work here.

The Energiser Bunny

2011-10-25T09:34:00.000+10:30

Aahh... finally I managed to sit down last night and do a fun scrap page! I just grabbed whatever was close to hand and I had this recent photo of Tas doing her thing, madly racing around, singing, bouncing on the couch. I decided to make my own Tim-Holtz style tissue tape, by covering an A4 thick (80 GSM) page with crafters masking tape, then printing some images of text on top. I love love love the effect of this. I'm going to have to use it on ALL my pages!

Sharmaine... keep an eye on the postie, there's some coming your way!!!

Two years ago

2011-10-16T15:01:00.000+10:30

playing with actions

2011-10-11T00:18:00.000+10:30

I'm a few weeks behind in my beloved 365 (daily photo) project. The photots are all there, but not all uploaded/photoshopped/printed. Now that I've sat down and completed a week, and played with some exciting new Coffee Shop actions, I thought I'd share my faves from a weekend back in September.

Attic Vintage action

Attic Vintage

2 minute makeover and levels adjustment

Attic vintage and texture overlay

Nearly every time I sit and play with Photoshop Elements I seem to learn something new. Today I discovered that you can isolate any part of the image and adjust the levels for colour/shadow/midtones and highlights. So, if you have a face in shadow but the rest of the image is fine, you can fix it quickly in a few seconds. I wish I'd know that before!! At this rate, I may be ready for Photoshop sooner than I thought. On the other hand, I've heard the full version is very expensive.

How do you manage your photos?

Aaahh can you hear the serenity?

2011-10-06T14:49:00.000+10:30

Behold, the before photo!!!

This is how I feel today.... totally relaxed! This photo was taken on Ian's and my recent retreat for carers. I've been playing with some new actions from The Coffee Shop blog, which are free by the way, to use with Photoshop or PSElements, which I have.

Do I look relaxed?

2011-10-03T23:38:00.001+10:30

Here's today's road toll:

Tasmin awake 6.30am, three hours of "Are we ready yet?" punctuated with tears and tantrums; we leave home at 11.10am to collect Mum, arrive in Hahndorf half an hour later; have forgotten Angie's change bag with nappies, and Tasmin's bag of books; we stroll over a bridge on the way into town and Angie throws his Thomas the Tank boardbook into the creek; Tasmin has another meltdown; we meet Mutti; Angie nearly breaks a toy helicopter in the shop display while waiting for Tas and Mutti in Fairy Hollow; I nearly pass out from passive smoking (Mum's); finally we walk to the playground; tears of relief (mine) to see a friendly face (Lauren) there; collect Mum from her rest on the park bench and I am reprimanded by an Indian grandfather, "You left your mother here?"; back to the car and travel to Mutti's holiday house; leave everyone there while I go in search of nappies - on a public holiday - find some!; guiltily sit in the car with doughnuts and iced coffee, before returning; change Angie's very pooey nappy, get back into the car while Tasmin, excited to be having her very first holiday away from home, waves us off, complaining to Mutti, "Can they go home now?"; almost reach the tollway at the end of the freeway on the return home, realise I have forgotten to hand over Tas's car seat; then turn round for the return trip to Mt Barket with said seat.

Back home: 6.45pm. Phew.

Loving Light photography workshop

2011-10-03T09:30:00.000+10:30

Danielle Quarmby was a warm, relaxed and very generous teacher at our workshop in Port Adelaide yesterday. I took around 400 photos I think, which I'm going to have a critical look at later tonight when the children are in bed. It was awesome to take my basic knowledge to a higher level and discover that you CAN take photos in bright sunshine - you just have to be a little creative!

Kraft It Up - October challenge

2011-10-01T21:18:00.001+09:30

THIS MONTHS KRAFT IT UP CHALLENGE...

This month you need to create a layout using one of the following styles...
* Monochromatic
* Minimalist
* Vintage/Romantic/Shabby Chic

So... I went with monochromatic which I haven't done much, since I can't resist adding colours to my pages! But this was fun and I was pleased with the overall look.

This little flower was made by punching four scallops, folding them in half, and sticking the halves together.

i love stamps. There's a whole drawer of em in my scrap room! How sweet are these three little kookas?

I bought some crepe ribbon at Cheap as Chips - and boy they're cheap! - and decided to machine stitch this to add a little gather. Pretty. Too bad you can't put them on clothes, LOL!

Imaginarium butterfly...

...and the journalling

One of my favourite things to do is a mini-digi layout and print it as a photo. I've used a Katie Pertiet frame cluster here on a background frame and it's surprising how 3D it looks. By the way, my DH, who reviews all my pages, claims he invented the term 'hybrid scrapping' tee hee!

new camera

2011-09-30T14:53:00.001+09:30

This is one of the first pics I took with our new point-and-shoot camera (Canon Powershot Ixus) and I have to say, I'm pretty pleased with it! DH has left for LA today and taken the camera for holiday snaps. I just hope he remembers to use it!

At our place

2011-09-30T00:48:00.000+09:30

At our place life is busy. I find it harder than ever to find time for 'me' and scrap, even upload my daily photos to the computer. I have only blogged a handful of times since early August. Gulp! For me, the most important thing is taking my daily photos and printing them for my 365 project - a scrapbooking album with a week's worth of photos per double page spread - like Project Life, if you're familiar with that. The space I keep blank for adding journalling each week is staying blank, but I figure I can always go back and write in anything with the photos themselves to jog my memory! When there's more time...

At our place Angus is progressing in leaps and bounds. He is my daily dose of joy. On Mondays and Tuesdays he attends an ELC for children with autism, which he seems to love and which provides me with a few hours to upload photos, wash dishes and clothes, pay bills, check emails, and so on. It's a long drive there and back though, which is a big drawback. Two and a half hours in the car each day for me, and his day finishes at 2.30pm. But still worthwhile for that little bit of respite. The other five days of the week, including the weekend, Angus receives 'Systematic Behavioural Therapy' for three hours per day, most of which I do myself. Ian shares with me on Sunday and we have some awesome student therapists who help us out. It's a play based programme which Angus - and we - love and he is really starting to use words and play imaginatively. Exciting stuff!

At our place Tasmin has been attending four sessions of kindy a week, with some time at childcare to give me time and space to do Angus's therapy. If she's home, it's really really hard to close the door to the therapy room and leave Tasmin outside, even for 20 minutes. She has a radar for pens and markers and so the graffiti inside our house seems to be growing by the day! We've stopped for school holidays now but next term she will attend kindy on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and go to childcare an extra day, so Mondays Wednesdays and Fridays. She loves childcare and has a good friend there. So it's a positive all around. All rather costly though...

At our place our savings are gradually dropping. I inherited some money when my darling Dad passed away two years ago and we are having to use that money to pay for Angus's autism interventions. And using that money for everyday stuff, like kids' clothes, to be honest. I wonder when I will ever be back at work full-time given Angus's needs at the moment. I'm really unsure where he will go to school when the time comes - special school or mainstream? Unless and until he develops language, I'm going to be looking for a special school. And let's face it, here in Adelaide, there aren't many options. Compared to what families in Sydney and Melbourne could access, that is. My step-daughter turns 18 next year and it will be the last year we pay child-support. I hope this will help, as it's a substantial amount of money we pay each fortnight.

At our place Ian wakes up in three hours (3.30am) and will take his daughter Stephanie on a memorable trip-of-a-lifetime to Los Angeles. It's a trip that's been in the planning for more than ten years and they've both been looking forward to it. It's given us a great excuse to buy a new Canon Powershot Ixus point-and-shoot camera (which I'll be discreetly popping into my handbag on his return!!!). I'm hoping he remembers me at the duty free shopping area! Just kidding. I doubt they have scrapbooking shops there LOL!

At our place spring is in the air, and while winter lingers behind the grey clouds, and there's still some rain about, I'm already thinking about the summer months ahead. When I get a whiff of the freshly cut grass on those sunny days, oh I feel so happy! Ian has been getting outside the last two weekends, cutting the weeds (the ground looks remarkably like lawn!) and laying down mulch. Tasmin loves to go outside and join him, walking around in her Dorothy the Dinosaur gumboots and collecting found objects hidden in the bushes. Angus loves going out too, but if he's allowed on to the road he runs like mad. We live in a cul-de-sac which is mostly very quiet, but still, it's nervewracking. It's also very funny to watch Ian running past very quickly then realising he's off chasing Angus again.

At our place I'm planning ahead for the next two weeks with Ian away. My aunty Robin arrives in Adelaide on Sunday and while she's staying in a swap house, plans to have Tassie over for a night or two to give her a mini holiday. I hope that works out! It's going to be tricky managing the two children without Ian but at least Tassie will be in full time day care for the second week. Ah, a bit of breathing space!

Thank you to Ali and Flis and Sharmaine for inspiring me with your open and honest posts and helping me realise that I've had something to say! And you know what? It's ok to say it!

September challenge Kraft it Up - fabric and stitching, oh my!!!

2011-09-01T10:58:00.002+09:30

The new challenge at Kraft It Up is ready and waiting for you. All you need is a bit of fabric and some thread for stitching, by hand if you like (or machine like I did).

I loved making some little yo-yo flowers for this page - I remember the first time I made one it took about an hour. Now it's a minute - so simple. Tutorials galore on You-Tube (leave a comment if you'd like instructions).

Stitching, felt, buttons, trim, a wonky home-made fabric button, LOL!

I adore this vintage line from October Afternoon, the little girl with the plaid skirt - so sweet!

I used stitching in the corners to make it look more like a frame, with a little ripped vintage music paper. Heaps of that stuff at the op shops.Oh and some paint splatters!

Journalling says:
"..and I shake my LITTLE TUSH on the catwalk" (remember that 80's song, I'm too Sexy??!!).

Snails have families too - who knew?

2011-08-30T22:26:00.001+09:30

On Friday I rescued some of Angus's trucks from the sandpit and decided to bring them in for a wash to use for independent play and playscripts, part of Angus's daily therapy (home based ABA). Turns out there were seven snails in the wheels of one of the trucks. I washed them out gently and they mooched around looking for one another in the sick, and huddled together for a big group hug before settling into their new home - back outside again.

He likes taking photos of graves

2011-08-30T22:22:00.002+09:30

The best camera is the one you have with you

2011-08-30T22:19:00.000+09:30

I think it's so cute that Angus really likes Tassie's kindy - it's the same place he goes to for Playconnect (autism playgroup) so he feels comfy there. Funny thing is she's not so hot on it yet. I'm loving this pic of them painting together - they could be mistaken for siblings, LOl!

Angus and Gandy

2011-08-30T22:14:00.000+09:30

I think this is the first time Angus and Gandy have really cuddled up since he was a baby. No doubt it's taken her a long time to get used to his 'quirkiness' - it's normally much easier for her to give in and let Tas have all the attention. So glad she tried a bit harder this time.

My gorgeous happy boy

2011-08-30T22:09:00.000+09:30

This was Angia about a week ago, after returning home from Daphne St childcare (his specialist autism ELC for toddlers and preschoolers). He makes a run for the backyard when we arrive home so these days I just grab the camera and go with it. It's out of focus, but how's the joy on his sweet little face!

Gradually catching up on my photos from the month of August.

scrap trivia - Mark Twain was a scrapbooker

2011-08-26T17:13:00.000+09:30

I remember reading in Scrapbooking Memories mag that Mark Twain was a scrapbooker and had his own line of scrapbooks that were available commercially. Gee, I'd love to get my hands on one of those.

I love seeing old vintage newspaper articles. They're so great on scrap pages!

You can see the original article here at the Mary Baker Eddy library website.

I'm back

2011-08-23T12:11:00.000+09:30

I was about to update my little old blog last week when we lost access to our phone line and internet. Wow, I so missed being connected. I've got hundreds of photos since the beginning of the month of course, so hope to do a quick blog update later tonight, all things going well.

How's your week panning out?

quick hello

2011-08-11T07:09:00.000+09:30

It's been a while between posts. We are nearly finished our intensive fortnight of Applied Behavioural Analysis therapy for Angus and I can't wait to share photos and stories about our amazing experience. I hope many more children with autism get the same opportunity as we have - so so grateful to Flinders University for making this possible for us.

Will check in again soon. Having a good week?

Kraft It Up August challenge

2011-08-02T21:46:00.000+09:30

This month's challenge at Kraft It up is based on an interesting sketch:

I had a bit of fun with this one, using these funny photos of Angus playing the harmonica Bob-Dylan style:

Journalling...

Do you recognise the 'happy' title - yes, upcycled, shamelessly, from a certain fast food box!

New scrapbook page

2011-07-27T12:54:00.000+09:30

Pretty cream lace and tiny ribbon rosettes...

Love these little coathanger paperclips, next to ribbon and fabric, and a little orange butterfly...

Journalling in blue gel pen over glimmer mist...

Tasmin was only nine or ten weeks old in this photo.

I love being able to grab an "old" photo from my stash and scrap it. There's hundereds more of those, sigh!

Monday - A busy week

2011-07-25T11:30:00.001+09:30

MONDAY
Angie settles in really well at the new Early Learning Centre. We've noticed he's talking more since he started there.

The Weekend
Ian and I got away for a proper rest sans children on Saturday night to West Lakes Resort, an awesome venue for a getaway, and generously subsidised by Carer Support. I don't know that we could afford a carer for the children on our budget!

It was really restful...despite the orange bedspread ;@)

FRIDAY - Central Markets
It was fun to have lunch Asian-style at the city markets and buy fresh meat and fruit and veg - we only venture there once a year cos the crowds and noise are a bit much for us quiet types!!

THURSDAY - at last a sunny day

WEDNESDAY - the day has arrived
We hadn't expected to start Angus on the intensive ABA therapy until the end of the year but we were contacted when another family cancelled. We haven't met the program's founder, Dr Robyn Young, but she has an amazing reputation in the field of autism and early detection. Participating in the Flinders program, rather than privately, saves us precious dollars for Angus's future therapies.

TUESDAY
The house was clean and tidy by the time I picked up Angus from his ELC today...it's incredible to actually have time in the week to be able to do this now with both children at childcare on Tuesdays. Angus had a go on Tasmin's trikey, still clutching his precious trains in his left hand.

MONDAY
A chance to sit at the computer and catch up on my photo projects.

The Weekend
It was brilliant to take the children to the Railway Musuem on Saturday for a special Thomas the Tank day - happily it was sunny after many rainy days. Angus was so excited to see Thomas up close that he jumped and pointed repeatedly.

Sunday was one of those days where we didn't make it out of our pyjamas. Tasmin amused us with this funny line: "I am a robot" and stayed in character - as a robot - most of the day.

Friday - sconeage

2011-07-18T06:20:00.000+09:30

Well it's no secret we like our winter treats round here. Now I know it's only little ol' Adelaide but by crikey it's been cold lately, around 11-14 degrees tops. Brrrrr! Some contingency measures have been required...

We've discovered these lovely white chocolate and berry scones at Bakers Delight. Manda and Delilah joined us in the afternoon and these were perfect.

Wednesday and Thursday - the very exciting news story

2011-07-17T23:15:00.000+09:30

THURSDAY - SOME VERY VERY EXCITING NEWS!!

I received an email from Scrapbooking Memories magazine that a page I'd submitted was being accepted for publication.

Woopee!

This exciting news cancelled out the yuckiness of the day before, but here's what happened...

WEDNESDAY
It was difficult and tedious having to take Tasmin to yet another appointment today (an O.T.). This one did not have a very good "bedside manner" and lacked tact and sensitivity so I was a bit stressed for the rest of the day. And yet it was surprising to hear another professional remark on Tasmin's intelligence. He said she had the desk-top skills of a 5-and-a-half year old and was more than ready for school! My investigations into her challenging behaviours seem to be pointing to somewhere else entirely - not what I thought (ie. some sort of disorder). Maybe she does just need a lot of extra stimulation to keep her interested and learning?

The OT did agree though, that at her age she should be able to create her own play for at least 10 minutes (instead of hanging off me all day and following me around and talking non-stop!).

Tuesday - first babycino

2011-07-17T14:03:00.000+09:30

She didn't care for it actually, but it looked so cute. Think I'll order one for myself next time!

Monday - ipad2 and bubble beard girl

2011-07-17T07:13:00.000+09:30

We picked up our new iPad2 today, after deciding it would be a good purchase to help Angus learn with the many autism apps around.

It turns out we all love it - I have easy access to the internet now and Tasmin likes playing different learning games on it. I'm expecting this will be a good behaviour management tool for her too. Bonus!

Ah yes the old bubble beard in the bath trick!

Scrapbook page -

2011-07-13T22:54:00.000+09:30

Love my birdie punch

Can you believe that cute fabric was upcycled from the calico that came with a Legacy Christmas pud, LOL!

Watercolours, doodling, hearts. Love!

Ahh this little boy. I love him so.

Scrapbooking layout - yes Iggle Piggle in a shoe train!

2011-07-12T21:48:00.000+09:30

I had such fun with this recent page I made - some lifted stickers from Tasmin's collection, glitter paper, printed calico, gingham and blue spotted fabric, fabulous Kraft cardstock...

inking the photo edges, glimmer misting a chipboard flourish, embossing my title in crazy green using an embossing pen to trace the letters...

journalling in white gel pen...

It was very exciting to discover Angus putting Iggle Piggle in his shoe, and choofing him along like a train.

GO ANGUS GO!

Winner of the Scrap Happy Valley giveaway!!

2011-07-11T23:18:00.000+09:30

Congratulations Felicity - I'm sending this modest little pack of scrappy bits n pieces your way! Can you send me your email addy?

And a big thanks to you all for visiting and leaving such lovely comments :-)

Sunday - lazy sunday afternoon

2011-07-11T22:39:00.000+09:30

Saturday - it's-not-a-birthday-party birthday party

2011-07-11T22:23:00.000+09:30

Ian and I were ridiculously exhausted by Saturday, the day of Tassie's birthday - also our wedding anniversary! Luckily I had bought a fairy cake I'd seen when doing the weekly shopping and that was about it. We still had a few balloons blown up from her baby cousin Delilah's first birthday, and with the arrival of her aunty, uncle and baby cousin, and Gandy, Tassie was pretty happy!

She loved her cake, and blowing out the four candles (it only looks like three in the pic!). She received some foam stickers (yes, I have my eye on them already!) and some cute French-girl clothing from Pumkin Patch, courtesy of Gandy. She looked really sweet in her new little outfit.

She'd already received some other presents too from the Poolers in Melbourne, and her Nan and Pa the previous weekend. We gave her a little cash register complete with shopping basket and groceries later on.

Not bad for a birthday party that wasn't a birthday party!

Friday - You said 50 cupcakes???

2011-07-11T21:51:00.001+09:30

Yes, that's right - 50 cupcakes. And I still made it to bed before 11pm last night, and delivered these babies to Tasmin's childcare so all the kindy kids and carers could celebrate her 4th birthday in cupcake style!

Thursday - I choose purple!

2011-07-11T21:48:00.000+09:30

Henri Matisse, "Woman in a Purple Coat," 1937.

I dropped a reluctant Tas at kindy, raced to the shops, found the perfect purple winter coat on special - then got another in a different colour - and still made it back in time.

Art journalling: we all have to start somewhere!

2011-07-06T13:14:00.000+09:30

Wednesday - dark and rainy winter day

2011-07-06T12:45:00.000+09:30

Journalling reads: This morning it was quite dark at 8am and very rainy - so we brought your mini tramp outside.
I was really chuffed about getting Tas to childcare at 7.45 this morning, which left Angus and I plenty of time together for play and speech, before OT, and I even played with my new art journal a bit.

Tuesday - new autism ELC

2011-07-06T09:14:00.000+09:30

Angus really liked his new Early Learning Centre at Prospect today. I left him at 9am to get to my Monash program with Disability SA, picked up some great tips for behaviour management (which I'll share in another post) and made it back at 1pm to collect him. Angus was climbing into a little wheelbarrow when I returned for him, and he was so pleased to see me he lost his balance and bopped his head on the fence. It all worked out ok though! He starts next Monday and will attend for two days a week for now. He will do intensive therapy including Occupational Therapy, speech, social skills, gross and fine motor play and general cognitive skills. Lots of driving there and back for me. But it's SO GOOD to be on the right track with therapy now.

Merry Monday scrapbooking giveaway

2011-07-04T13:56:00.002+09:30

Freebie! RAK! Freebie! Freebie! RAK! Freebie! Freebie! RAK! Freebie!

Welcome to Merry Monday! Today I want to share some scrappy love, since I'm a bit excited about being on the Kraft It Up Creative Team. To celebrate making my first scrapbook page for Kraft It Up's July challenge, I am giving away this cute random packet of goodies, all pinched from my scrap stash, to one lucky scrappy reader.
It contains:
1 x recycled kraft paper envelope
3 x 2crafty chipboard clouds
1 x Kaisercraft pack of rhinestones bling, new and unopened!
3 x Imaginarium chipboard butterflies
1 x 6cm by 106cm strip blue gingham fabric
1 x 6cm by 13cm strip of pink and blue quilting fabric

You have until Sunday midnight (Adelaide) Central Standard Time to become a follower and leave me a comment and I'll pick a random winner. Good luck! Open to Australian residents only (free postage to anywhere in Australia).

This is an ad-free site - these are just products I really like to use.

Weekend

2011-07-04T11:59:00.000+09:30

It was baby Delilah's first birthday - we had a little party on Saturday and this is what I made - simple applique on some little long sleeved t-shirts from K-Mart:

I set up a pass-the-parcel game for Tasmin and Angus and they "won" little electric toothbrushes, in the hope they will be more interested in teeth brushing!

SUNDAY
Ian and I popped out for two hours in the morning for a brunch date - we had a lovely babysitter from the children's childcare centre mind the children. It was wonderful - we'll definitely do this again.

Nan and Pa dropped by to give Tas an early birthday present before they leave for their Sydney holiday. Tas received a new top and tights, several books, one including a CD and a little bear. Tas was very pleased with her presents and wanted Nan to read to her.

Ian and his Dad catching up on the news of the day!

Friday - July challange at Kraft It Up

2011-07-04T11:21:00.000+09:30

Texture paste makes a fluffy looking cloud...

Fabric scraps, Darkroom Door Sweet Treats cupcake and word strips, Imaginarium butterfly with kindy glitz, pink gingham paper...

Layers of gesso and Glimmer Mist on kraft cardstock, with pretty pink flocked ribbon, and the journalling...

Here is the image to use as inspiration for this month's challenge at Kraft It Up:

and here's my page:

Visit Kraft It Up and play along. There's a chance to win prizes!

Thursday - a special place for me

2011-07-04T10:23:00.000+09:30

Today I had the great excitement of finding myself on the awesome Kraft It Up website. This is my first time in a Creative Team and I'm so happy cos I LUURRRVVE creating with kraft paper. Happy days!

Wednesday

2011-07-04T10:19:00.000+09:30

By the time we returned home from Occupational Therapy today Angus and I were so tired we both napped. What a wasted day! I've decided to make OT later in the day so we can have a more productive morning.

Tuesday - artwork sneaks

2011-06-28T14:56:00.000+09:30

Tassie saw me photographing a layout today and wanted her artwork captured as well.

and here's a sneak of what I've been up to...

Style Lounge scrapbook layout

2011-06-27T15:20:00.000+09:30

Head on over to Aussie Scrap Source and check out the cute arty layouts in the style of Lousie Nelson. I was lucky enough to have my layout featured there today. Congratulations to Lauren Bell for winning, and also to my scrappy mate Sharmaine who was featured there today too.

Time for me to make another page.

Monday

2011-06-27T15:12:00.001+09:30

I managed to get the car to the mechanics for an overdue service, after dropping the children at childcare, and having a leisurely stroll home via the photo shop and stopping for a coffee. A short while after returning home, I was called back to the childcare centre to collect Tas who wasn't well. I had to walk to the mechanic, and cancel the service to get the car back. It all worked out ok and now she's at home, peacefully sleeping like a little angel.

Weekend

2011-06-27T14:57:00.000+09:30

Angie wasn't well on Friday night and needed lots of hugs from his Daddy the next day. We all had a quiet one on Sunday.

Friday

2011-06-26T12:11:00.000+09:30

Ali Edwards tag

Thursday - the bubble effect

2011-06-26T11:56:00.000+09:30

I've come to really appreciate these weird foggy mornings we get in the hills.

As Angie was keen to get outside and play after dropping Tas at kindy, I got out the bubbles and encouraged him to pop them, as the OT has suggested, to help build his upper strength. Can you tell he likes bubbles?

Wednesday

2011-06-26T11:52:00.000+09:30

A week after I've returned home and the suitcase is still not put away.
8.30 - take Tasmin to childcare
9.00 - Angus haircut. Semi-successful. He and I covered in hair.
10.15 - Angus Occupational Therapy
11.30 - walk to cafe next door for coffee that fails to boost flagging energy levels
12.00 - cancel afternoon appointment with Disability OT consultant
1.00 - return home and put Angus down for nap, breaking my new anti-nap rule
1.30 - go to bed for my own nap.

FAIL! FAIL! FAIL!
That's how it feels most days - that I'm busy busy busy but not really getting anywhere are feeling TIRED tired tired.
5.30 - leave for work (teaching)

Tuesday

2011-06-26T11:44:00.000+09:30

I love it when my scrap mag arrives each month - reading is such a lovely way to go to sleep.

Monday

2011-06-26T11:27:00.000+09:30

MONDAY
Ian and I met with the social worker at the Daphne St Specialist ELC for children with autism today. It was an amazing place, where staff therapists sat with children, working at tables one-on-one, or swinging them high on hammock swings. Angus will stop going to his regular childcare centre on Mondays and start instead at Daphne St two days a week. He will get speech therapy, Occupational Therapy, social skills and learn just like any other child his age. How wonderful.

When I returned home I played with the stencil function in Photoshop. I can't wait to make a stencil of my face for my art journal. If you want to try this, you simply open a photo in PSE, then Filter-Adjustments-Threshold and play with the settings to get the right effect.

The Weekend

2011-06-20T12:38:00.001+09:30

SATURDAY

After a spontaneous drop-in visit to see their Auntie Manda, Uncle Mike, and little baby cousin, I decided to take Tas and Angus to the playground to run off some energy.

We had the playground all to ourselves and the rain held off for an hour.

Trees make great backdrops. This is Tas's extremely happy face.

SUNDAY

It began as any other Sunday morning: with pancakes.

But we all felt a bit bored and house-bound today.

So we hopped on a train into the city.

We laughed in the face of the weather bureau's rain forecast.

We decided to go to the museum and DH and I took turns to see the photography exhibition Images of the Interior, and here were two of my fave images, courtesy of the SA Museum. First, Bill Walker, the photographer, getting his wife Mollie to help him extract his own tooth:

And this one was taken by Samuel White - check out the Museum director in the top middle, Edgar Waite. Love that outfit:

The kids looked at the silent animals behind the glass then went outside to run around some more.

Friday - this is what happens

2011-06-20T12:09:00.000+09:30

What happens when your three year old asks if she can try your lipstick on (and you say Yes?)

Thursday

2011-06-20T12:03:00.001+09:30

digital quote courtesy of karenika.com

There weren't any photos today. Poor mamarazzi-me woke up with nasty food poisoning - I suspect from the Qantas flight that brought me home to Adelaide. So I don't like to complain, since they looked after me so nicely in Brisbane! But, er, DH had to stay home from work again while I stayed in bed. But I felt too happy from my Brisbane trip to mind too much!

The-Very-Long-Brisbane-Scrap-Expo post

2011-06-18T12:27:00.000+09:30

FRIDAY
At last - a little getaway just for me, to Brisbane. Beautiful Brisbane!

I stayed at the Oaks, on the 30th floor - the view!

I walked all over the city and found somewhere to have lunch. I even found the art store Eckersleys and decided to stock on some gesso and paints - more on that in the next post!

I fell in love with Brisbane - the changing colours of the city were so inviting.

And how perfect - a purple bedroom!

SATURDAY

Day 1 of the expo. I indulged in a special breakfast of yogurt, macadamias, berries and grapes. Oh!

No pics from the expo on the first day - bizarre I know - I was too busy talking with Sharmaine. I loved hearing her tell other scrappers how we'd only met that day after making contact via our blogs! So after we split for dinner, I got out the camera, after deciding to go to a restaurant all by myself on my way home. I had a long way to go, as my hotel was back over the Victoria Bridge and in the city past the mall. I so so recommend dining alone if you've never done it before. Go on!

How beautiful is Brisbane at night? I walked home with light rain sprinkling the River, and felt perfectly safe.

The Brisbane Eye - is that what they call it? Spectacular at night.

SUNDAY

I slept in big time, being a little sore after all my walking the day before. I walked the long way via Southbank, where there was a Big Day Out for Queenslanders, as a thank you for their work in the post-flood cleanup. I came across this vintage pair: LOVE!

Me and Sharmaine. She understands my need for photos!

And my two fave scrappin girls together: Sharmaine and Lou. They are way talented (that's Lou's work in the background. Sigh!) You haven't seen their blogs? GO!

Rachel Greig's card class was pretty cool - I loved learning the technique of stamping an image in black then colouring with markers. You just have to have the right image! Her retro sweets range was super cool.

Kass Hall's Zentangle class was intriguing. I can definitely see myself using this "Zentangle" inspired doodling!

MONDAY
I woke very early and admired the morning light gently waking up the city.

I crossed the Victoria Bridge one more time to the Convention Centre.

There was beauty everywhere, in the street art and nature - right in the city!

I met the lovely Sharmine for breakfast - she was fortunate to catch her plane home to Tassie before the volcanic ash suspended further flights.

I was fortunate to hear several speakers discussing their processes: Kerryn Leworthy, Tatum Woodruffe and the very talented Michelle Winston, pictured.

My highlight of the day was discovering the fabulous Jane Davenport, a very generous and talented artist. I signed up for her online class that very day!

I want to learn how to make this:

I caught the airtrain one last time to the airport and admired the sunset.

Three hours later, my flight to Adelaide suspended due to volcanic ash, I found myself back in the city at the posh Mercure Hotel. Oh, the view!

TUESDAY

There was a beautiful view of the Brisbane River with the sun slowly rising, reflecting warm golden colours in the buildings.

I went to the airport for my late morning re-scheduled flight and altered a postcard to send to Sharmaine for fun.

The second flight out of Brisbane was cancelled and followed by another very long wait in the queue.

I was amused to find myself back in another hotel, The Portal, and allocated the "Ladies Floor" where I was greeted with French Vogue magazine, chocolate and pink fluffy pillows!

WEDNESDAY

I checked out of my third hotel in six days, planning to find somewhere to sit and work on my travel journal until it was time to get myself back to the Brisbane airport.

What actually happened was, I wandered into the Queen St Plaza and found Kikki K. where there was lots of cute stuff that gave me some ideas... I was sensible, people, and bought a few coloured markers and some divided album refills. But then...

But then I was stopped by these two charming young men who were selling some gorgeous "Spa n Go" products made in Israel. Hand scrub made with salt from the dead sea! So, a free nail buff, hand massage and some sweet talking later, I ended up buying some of their products. I definitely went over my budget, woops! But I've been wanting to find some ways to pamper myself without resorting to expensive salon visits, so this way my DH can give me lovely hand and foot massages!

My plane departed for Adelaide via Melbourne, and I arrived safely home at 7pm, collected by my little family.

Thank you Qantas for getting me home safely, and paying for the extra hotel stays, taxi fares and meals when I was stranded. And thank you my DH for taking extra days off work to be Mr Mum (I told you it wasn't easy being me!) xox.

Thursday - Snapped by a three year old

2011-06-17T16:07:00.001+09:30

How good is this picture of me? Er, if I do say so myself. LOL! My three year old Tasmin took it of me this morning, before the new 'do. She looks so funny holding my enormous camera but manages to take a decent photo. Go, little girl, go!

Thursday - see you in four days

2011-06-09T21:47:00.001+09:30

Well I've just returned from the hairdressers with an amazing and very different look. But I'm busy packing for scrapbook expo this weekend so no time for previews - see you in four days!

Wednesday - OT

2011-06-09T08:26:00.005+09:30

Isn't Billie beautiful in the morning light?

Angie did really really well at OT today. It really seems to bring out his speech. In the morning he'd said to me quite spontaneously, "Arms up!" while he was being dressed. His OT commented on how well he made eye contact ith her. Go Angie go!

I met up with my sister at the shops straight after OT so she could watch Angie for 10 minutes while I tried on bras. We celebrated with coffee chillers.

Tuesday - simplify

2011-06-09T07:31:00.003+09:30

I've been playing around with stencil flowers and ink - I like the idea of having flowers on standby when scrapbooking mojo strikes.

Angie and I overdid it today. We were away all morning to participate in the Monash programme (developed to help parents and preschoolers with autism) with Angie in the creche. We returned home for a quick lunch before going out again in the afternoon for speech. When I got home, I realised that one of the Mums from the programme was right to only schedule in one thing a day. It's no wonder I never seem to have time for food shopping and all the other bits of life that are necessary.

How good was it to see this welcome face arrive home at 5pm!

From now on, slow down. Simplify.

Monday - a little solitude

2011-06-09T07:21:00.005+09:30

With both children at childcare, I sat at the desk most of the day dealing with emails and updating photos, all the while admiring my little care pack. I was astonished to discover that my tiny little kit lens from my old Canon 3000D - gasp, a film camera! - actually words with my digital SLR. A perfect solution for my trip to Brisbane this weekend.

In the evening my sister came over to catch up with my cousin Leon who was in town for work - always nice to get visitors from my fave part of the world - Melbourne.

Weekend -

2011-06-06T13:14:00.003+09:30

Saturday I just caught up on sleep. Sunday I took the children out to the playground for two hours, with a picnic lunch. It was pretty relaxed, and gave DH a bit of a break. Gandy came round in the afternoon and kept Tassie busy with her puzzles and games from the toy library. Manda and Delilah came over too, and I managed to get some pics of the baby. It's been a while. She turns one at the end of the month. Wow!

Friday - pretty as a picture

2011-06-06T12:55:00.005+09:30

I took Angie outside for a swing and was pleased to find he still fits! We went along to our Play Connect in the afternoon and had an interesting conversation with another parent, Sam, about how you can look up food additives on an iPhone app.

In the evening DH came home with a parcel containing little presents from Karissa in Melbourne. Tassie was thrilled to find a little scarf and hat - which she has barely taken off since - and little all-in-one sleepsuits for Angus. An Awesome present. There were even scrapbooking goodies for me. Yay for surprise presents in the mail!

Thursday - who's in my bed?

2011-06-06T12:24:00.005+09:30

I woke up to the sound of Angie crying and sounding upset this morning.

I opened the door into the nursery and looked over at Tassie's bed. It was totally empty - no bedding, no toys, no Tasmin.

I look over at Angie's cot - and there is all Tassie's bedding, toys, Tasmin, and squashed over at the end, is poor little Angus, looking invaded.

He was resuced very quickly, no fear. She was warned sternly not to try that again! After Tas went to childcare, I decided to bring out the new library toys to cheer him up - he loved playing with Bob the Builder and his building equipment.

He clearly said "Up" when we hoisted the building materials up into the air.

GO ANGUS GO!

Wednesday

2011-06-06T11:58:00.004+09:30

Today Angie and I had a little trip to Disability SA to meet with an OT there as part of our participation in the Monash program, set up for parents of children with Autism. So far so good. It was interesting to see how well she engaged him, and advised I should work with him at the level he's at. So for example, when he got on the couch next to her, and put his feet up, she played with him, labelling his toes, knees and chin. He liked it and she repeated it several times. This is something I'm learning: wait time and repetition. All good teaching tools in general.

His reward is a little play outside.

I love that he keeps a close eye on me when we're playing outside now, whereas before he didn't notice if someone was there or not. Our work is paying off!

In the afternoon we picked up Gandy and went to visit Tasmin at childcare for a special visitors afternoon tea. Angie got the sandpit all to himself.

Tuesday - speech day

2011-06-01T06:37:00.002+09:30

Speech day with our amazing speech therapist. She's our angel sent from heaven! Thanks to this wonderful woman and her work with Angus since he turned two, we have been able to enter Angus's world and really engage and communicate with him. So grateful.

Monday - my day

2011-06-01T06:28:00.004+09:30

I had enough time on Monday morning to catch up on some of the paperwork and getting the week's photos ready for developing before leaving to collect Mum. She had to get a little procedure done at the doctor so I went with her for moral support. We met up with my sister and baby niece for a brief lunch before returning home. Mum came back with me, to avoid a neighbour who's been bothering her a bit lately. I had a nana nap in the afternoon. Bliss!

Ian collected the children from childcare at 5pm and Tas was happy and calm once she got into that bubble bath.

This bag

2011-06-01T06:20:00.001+09:30

Sunday - Gandy returns

2011-06-01T06:14:00.002+09:30

It was great to see Gandy again today after several weeks. She surprised us by coming before lunch and staying for dinner. Tasmin was rapt to see her and had plenty of new stuff to show Gandy. Angus jumped.

I love this image of Angus crashing happily into Gandy and her startled expression.

She tried really hard to engage him today, and of course he obliged her with cuddles.

His sweet little face.

Saturday - playtime

2011-06-01T06:00:00.003+09:30

The kids and I went along to my friend Anna's for some playtime with her four children. Sounds chaotic but it wasn't. Theirs is a relatively calm, child-friendly house and Angus and Tas were so busy enjoying themselves with their new surroundings that I could just relax and chat with grownups. How good is that!

Anna passed along some good behaviour management tips to try with Tasmin - mainly, the follow-through technique where you ask the child once to do something, and if they won't do it, to physically help the child do it then praise them for doing it. The other thing to try with Tas is to touch her gently while talking to her to see if she listens better. That one is definitely working! We also need to get on to Tasmin's star chart. She covered hers with stickers but luckily we have a reserve one hidden away!

Friday

2011-06-01T05:59:00.003+09:30

Angie and I met up with Anna and other mums at our support group for Mums of kids with autism, then went along to playgroup in the afternoon after Angie had a short nap. A lovely day not having to worry about appointments.

Kraft it up challenge

2011-05-27T07:09:00.004+09:30

I love creating pages with Kraft. It goes with everything! Especially my bright colours and vintage stamps. I decided to do the Kraft It Up May challenge using no pattern paper - for me, easy! I do that all the time. Tim Holtz distress ink, acrylic paint and water, blown with a straw, vintage stamps, journalling pen, fabric and stickers (don't tell the kids).

Thursday

2011-05-27T06:55:00.004+09:30

Dinner time at our place: chicken nuggets/barramundi and chips.

It was a hard morning, with Tas reluctant to go to kindy, which is really not like her at all. I don't think she's ever asked to stay at home before. Maybe I should have listened. It took an hour and a half for her to stop clinging to me and be happy and confident to go and play. It was tricky with Angie there, who was climbing up on the craft table during story time and putting great gollops of glue everywhere. It was a huge relief to get home. I'm glad we stuck it out actually.

Mid week report

2011-05-27T06:48:00.005+09:30

Yesterday, Tuesday I went along to the first meeting of a group program for parents of children with autism. It's the Monash program, developed by two academics from Monash University. It will run for two terms, and it feels good to be doing SOMETHING. Angie handled the creche pretty well, so it was nice to have a break and talk with other parents. I recognised two Mums from my Early Days workshop. It's good to be linked in with others and know you're not alone. Wednesday I decided to keep Tas home as she was a bit unwell with a cold. I also cancelled Angie's Occupational Therapy session as he still has a bit of a cough.

Tuesday - Meeting the Gov

2011-05-27T06:40:00.003+09:30

Ian gets invited to all sorts of fancy events in his various voluntary roles but this time I was invited to go with him to Government House for a "Partners of Veterans" function. Ian explained that as I was in fact a partner of a veteran, he'd look pretty silly going without me. Fortunately his parents felt able to have the kids visit with them while we went. So we got all dressed up and went into the city and gee whiz, it was pretty exciting! Exciting in the sense that Ian and I don't get out together very much. It was a glorious house too, and I couldn't help but notice a mini book on one of the tables scrapbooked with papers from the Graphic 45 range! We were there exactly an hour, and at 6pm, like Cinderella at the stroke of midnight, the Gov popped into his private office and it was all over.

Still high from the excitement of our mini-date, I've arranged for a babysitter for Friday night so we can go out to dinner.

Scrapbooking layouts galore

2011-05-23T13:14:00.004+09:30

I got busy at the weekend, muckin around with inks and paints.

Ah flower stencils

Pretty clouds

I knew I was going to scrap this photo of a rainy day looking out over the backyard. Then I saw the perfect quote on Paulo's website.

Black splatters look awesome. Who knew?

And this. I'm working on something top secret. Shhhh!

Weekend - Her Millipeep and His First Sentence

2011-05-23T13:04:00.004+09:30

On Saturday I decided to venture out to the shops with Tasmin. She was pretty well behaved, actually, until we met up with one of her little friends from childcare. This little girl was friendly and sweet, with energy levels to match Tasmin's. They got a bit wild, as we Mums walked and talked, and it was a relief to get home again! We made cupcakes to celebrate Moo-Cow's birthday and played parties with balloons.

On Sunday there was a lot of excitement as Tasmin ran to show me something.

There was something crawling up her arm. I went "Yuuuuckk!" and she explained, 'It's a millipeep."

On Sunday Angie surprised us with his Very. First. Sentence.

It was, "See you in the morning," as they say in the ABC Kids goodnight hour.

GO, ANGUS, GO

2011-05-20T16:54:00.002+09:30

It's good to be up-to-date with my most favourite of photo projects. I call it the 365 album, but each double page layout is based on the week, with photos for MOST of the days. I like to digi-scrap the date blocks - it's fun and quick. They look pretty collaged together.

Friday - the staying at home challenge

2011-05-20T16:04:00.002+09:30

I scored a few minutes on the computer in the morning, with Tas beside me drawing with textas. She stayed pretty well on task, except for the part where she started to draw on the back of some photos.

But then she made this beautiful card. I love watching her quietly drawing, even though it never lasts long.

The kids and I have colds so we stayed at home today. Tas had a bit sleep in the afternoon. Cheering!

Thursday - Imaginative play?

2011-05-20T15:55:00.003+09:30

I conceded to the early intervention researcher on Tuesday that Angie's imaginative play was limited to trucks and trains, mainly. Yet today, Angie was driving Iggle Piggle around in his shoe!

The other really cool thing Angie did was getting the hippo and tiger to kiss, complete with kissing sounds!

The experiment to take away his trucks and trains this week has gone surprisingly well.

It was a bit of a struggle getting away to kindy this morning, mainly because I felt pretty tired. But Tas stayed on her own today without me there, and did very well.

Tuesday and Wednesday - admin days

2011-05-20T09:20:00.003+09:30

On Tuesday Angie and I went to see the researcher-therapists at Flinders University to assess Angie's abilities. Once again, he amazed me with new words and skills. The senior therapist was very experienced, and engaged Angie brilliantly. Angie imitated some of the play skills, which is rare for him to do, and said a few new words including "hi". He play-sipped from a cup, and play-flew a little aeroplane.

In the afternoon we had our long awaited visit from Austism SA and it was great to have more information, plus the all-important government-funding authority. We get a few thousand dollars of in-kind services (OT, speech, early intervention therapies) which has to last for four years.

On Wednesday I had to chance the catch up some of the autism-related paperwork while Ian stayed home from work to take Angie to his speech and OT appointments. I didn't get as much done as I'd hoped, and left a few messages I'm still waiting to hear back on.

Monday - a journalling day

2011-05-17T06:27:00.003+09:30

It was such a guilty pleasure only having myself to please all day, with the babies at childcare. I spent most of the time updating the journalling in my 365-project album and digi-scrapping the title blocks for each week. I even made my favourite lunch from my childhood, chesse and tomato on toast.

I love taking the time to record the everyday stuff and make it meaningful.