Skating!

Well, happy new years eve everyone!  My sister and I took the kids to Skatescene at Albany Creek yesterday.  They wore their new skates that Aunty Sharryn gave them and had a ball!  Caitlyn even won a game of "musical mats". 

It was a lot of fun for the kid and brought back lots of memories of my teenage years! 

Hope you all have a great night tonight.  We will be having a "slumber party" in our loungeroom with matresses, movies and some snack food! 

I am so happy spending time with my girls and look forward to the next 3 weeks!!!

Take care all,

xxx.

PS. Thanks to Sharryn who remembered her camera!!!

Taking bookings....

Well, I'm pretty over the rain!  My grass is green and everything looks lovely, but now the mud has set in and I'm OVER IT!!!  I did my washing today, my garage line is full, my little portable line is full, my curtain rods are full of clothes on hangers and I've even called on my Mum's dryer to get my towels dry!  I think it's time to look for a new clothes dryer...

Anyways... today has been a time to start getting busy this holidays (to have fun of course!).  Now that the Christmas rush is over, I find myself wasting some of my time.  So my sister came around and we started "booking" play dates for the next 2 weeks while she is off work.  We've planned for skating (with the girls new skates of course!) and movies (to see the Princess and the frog).  I was sure I could come up with more stuff, so I googled ideas.  Here they are:

*  Chipmunks play cafe (Lawnton)
*  Westfield shopping centres: sandwizard, plaster painting, kite making, kids in the kitchen.
*  Circus - North Lakes
*  Swimming pools
*  Redcliffe lagoon
*  Scarborough park
*  Science centre.

So, if you are looking to add some events to your calendar, I would be glad to have travelling companions on any of these little excursions!! 

I hope you are all having a wonderful break.  I know it sounds stupid, but now that xmas has passed, my mind is starting to look towards school and then STRESS about what on Earth I'm going to do with a class of preppies!!! 

PS.  I also thought that maybe we should book a date to scrap/craft one night?  I don't mind having it at my place, but I know that is a fair trip for most! 

Take care all! xxxx

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas to everyone!  Hope you all had a great day!  Ours was wonderful and exhausting.  We started our day with lots of presents, then went to take the girls outside to show them their new trampoline, but it RAINED!!!  So, we waited a little longer, then took them outside to see the new HUGE tramp!!!  They were so excited!  Sean, Matt and Aaron had spent Christmas Eve (10pm -1am) putting it up!  Thanks so much again guys, definately worth it!

I was very spoilt with a Twilight board game and various accessories.  Got a really cute new phone case with little kittens on it - gorgeous! 

We took off to Sean's Dad's Christmas morning then to my parents for lunch.  The kids got tonnes of toys and my sister bought them a set of roller blades!  All the kids tried to ride around Mum and Dad's concrete driveway, but I think the heat ended up getting the best of them!  Great present though, and look forward to taking them to Skatescene over the next few weeks to have fun on them!

My Nanna sewed the girls a new outfit each and a skirt - they look so cute!  Thanks Nanna and Grandad!

Mum bought them mp3 players amongst other things, so I spend an hour last night teaching myself how to convert songs to mp3 files then uploading them to their players!  I don't think they've taken them out of their ears since!!  Great idea!! 

Well, after cleaning my house, cooking chocolate slice for morning tea and now updating my blog, I think I'll have a little rest.  So wishing you all a wonderful xmas break and now I'm on the countdown to our little holiday in about 2 1/2 weeks!  Promise to blog before then though!

Take care all! xxx

Holiday update!

Hi all.  Hope you are all as excited as me about Christmas!  I can't wait for Friday morning, the girls and I are so excited!  Well, we've been finishing off things all this week.  Today was the last time I intend to see shops until after Christmas!  We had three presents to buy, so did that this morning and got my groceries this afternoon.  Jobs done!

I am intending to do online shopping next week.  Recommended by many, I believe it's time to have a go!  Look forward to ordering online and someone else doing all the work.

Well, not much else going on here, so guess you'll have to wait for Christmas so I have something to blog about. 

Wish you all a Merry Christmas that you can spend with your loved ones.  Look forward to catching you all in the new year! xxxx

NEW MOON baby!!!

Well, after waiting for well-over a month, I went to see New Moon last night!!  I had the offer of going when it was first released, but my husband informed me that he would like to see it too.  Being the good wife, I waited and waited and waited to go with him, but after such a long time another offer came along and I couldn't resist any longer!!  It was a fabulous movie and much better than Twilight.  Really loved it, thanks Cindy for your company and Matt for having our 5 kids for a few hours!

I went to Chermside today with my Mum and sister and got all my Christmas shopping done, bar 3 presents (won't take much to do), so feel very happy with that.  It's just a shame that I was in a considerable amount of pain all day due to personal training from Thurs morning.  Had a long day, but very happy.  I have spoilt my family rotten, so hopefully they will enjoy that which they will receive.

I have been busy crafting, a small gift for some wonderful friends, Christmas cards for family and now focussing on two presents I am responsible for in time for Tuesday!!  It's lovely to have time to do all of this stuff! 

I hope you are all having a lovely lead up to Christmas.  I sure am. xx

School's Out!!!

Hi all!  Well expect some more regular blogging from me now that holidays are here!  I've had a busy but fun week.  It's been so hot.  The classroom was like an oven!  Can't wait til next year....air conditioning!!!  Moved and cleaned out today but still have so much to do!  Had our staff lunch, farewelled Melissa and Ellen.  Can you believe you've nearly all left me?!!  There are few originals left...

Just booked my holiday to the Paradise Inn Resort at the Gold Coast for 3 nights in January!  So excited.  This will be our FIRST ever family holiday!  The kids are so excited. 

Took the most gorgeous photo of my girls at their Christmas concert and then decided to use it for family christmas cards this year.  What do you think??

Abbie finished prep this week.  Hard to believe how quickly this year has gone!  I went up to school to see her little Christmas concert and it was GORGEOUS!  They sang lots of songs and presented us with their folios of work and calendar with a picture for each month!

Caitlyn has just finished year 3!  She is headed up to the senior school now!  You will never guess who'll be teaching her.....PETER SCOTT!!!  Can you believe that?!  I can't...

Hmm...other news.  I lost 0.6kg this week (I think it was just through perspiration!!) so very happy with my progress.  Looking forward to the holidays so I have more time to go to the gym! 

OK, that's it from me now.  I look forward to updating you all more reguarly, even if your sidebar doesn't say I have!  Take care all!

Me. xxx

PS.  Toni, did I tell you how fabulous that bag is???  Just thought I'd remind you of how perfect I think it is!!!

Week 6

Well, with only 10 days of work to go, I'm feeling very excited about the holidays!  I'm running secret santa at school, so hopefully all goes well!  Am also starting to think about gifts for my wonderful friends... 

Lost 0.8kg this week!  Hooray, it feels great to see the scales and measurements on their way down!  Perhaps the drop in my stress levels has helped too! 

Caitlyn got her youth choir report in the mail.  3 sounds and 2 very highs!  So proud of her!  She's been asked back to form part of the training choir (level 2), a step up from this year.  This seems to have sparked her interest again, so now need to ensure she is going to do ALL concerts!

Well, will update another week from now and hope that I have some more weight loss news to share!

Have a great weekend all!

Week 5

Hi all. Been a while since my last blog,but have been busy! Had a wonderful time at Esk with a lovely group of ladies and got quite a lot done! Made a handful of Christmas cards, a December count down album and a few other little bits and pieces. Will post photos in my next post (need to filter them, so many!).

Have finished my report cards and now life is looking a little sunnier, though I am still wishing my way to holidays as it seems that not all children share my festive optimism....grumble, grumble... Moving along...

Weight loss this week: 0.6kg, finally!! Not much, but better late than never. Have now lost 2cm off my waist and 4cm from my hips! My bra is also loosening!! Can feel the difference in my clothes now! Went boxing Sunday and almost died!! So hard! Personal training is fabulous! Am trying to find a way to fund it past xmas (free with membership runs out then!). Am really enjoying the gym and looking forward to each visit! Weird hey!

I missed the New Moon gold class screening due to brother-in-law's 30th b'day Sat night, so can't wait to get along to see it!! Can't believe I am still waiting, thinking this weekend!!!

I am starting to think about pressies for my wonderful friends now looking at Deb's blog! Hmm...something they can't make themselves....I'm drawing a blank!!! Have got 3 really nice tins for girl's teachers though, at least that's one I'm ready to start!

Take care all, will report my further progress next week - I PROMISE!!!

xxxxx

Week 2

Hi all. Well have been continuing with my gym work outs and have been amazed to find some muscles I never thought I had! Unfortunately this means my weight loss for this week is 0kg. :( I find it very hard to not see my weight reduce when I'm working so hard!

Peta and my trainer assure me that is may take 3 or so weeks to see any further weight loss whilst my body continues to build muscle. So I'll persist with the gym and generally healthy eating and hope to see some concrete numbers next week!

I am so excited to be going away this weekend, but very upset to be leaving my babies for 2 sleeps! I'm sure they'll be fine, but it's me I'm worried about! I know they're in great hands.

Am struggling with everything I have to do in terms of work and reporting still, but am not missing my weekend away...remember: I'm looking for more balance!

Have a great week!

Week 1 Down!

So Monday is weigh in day. Week 1 loss = 1kg.
This may not seem much, but with 18.8kg to go, I'm happy with anything!!

Well I've decided to record my weight loss/fitness journey with everyone. I hope that you all enjoy reading about my weeks and I'm hoping that a journal will help keep me motivated, so feel free to post comments to keep me going!!

So, my first week was HARD! I did weights, cardio, personal training and boxing. On Thursday I was the butt of a few "horse riding" immitations as I could hardly walk straight!!! Ouch! I've found my trainer to be lovely, I"ll be seeing her once a week and trying to attend four other sessions. I did boxing on Sunday morning and it was GREAT! I really loved the ladies and the class was really hard but fun.

The thing I'm struggling most with is probably running. I think my cardio fitness is lowest, but a new bra and gym clothes might help me along...

I'll try to blog about my week each Monday night with a weigh in result and any other interesting parts of my week in fitness!! Bring on week 2....

End of an Era...

I just wanted to share a photo of my Dad. For as long as I can remember (about the last 25 years?) my Dad and Mum have run a successful floor sanding business. Dad has been carrying heavy machinery up stairs, into houses and polishing their floors for such a long time but has finally stopped! He has taken a giant step and become a groundsman at a high school on the northside of Brisbane. Mum will be working part time as a receptionist in late November.

I can't imagine what it is like to do a job you dislike for such a long time, but my Dad did. The buiness has afforded our family a comfortable life for quite a while, but it is definately time for them to move on.

So I just wanted to let everyone know how amazing my parents are for running a successful small buiness for such a long time! Well done Mum and Dad and here's to a new beginning and to finally being able to go to work each day and enjoy what you are doing. Luv yous...xxx

Kristie gets fit!!!

Hi all. Well I've started the week on a very healthy note by joining the gym! I've joined Fernwood. I was so impressed with their facilities, very peaceful, fresh and clean and all women! I've signed up at a great time as you get FREE weekly (1/2 hour) personal training a week until Christmas on top of your normal membership at no extra cost!

So I went along and was weighed, measured and given my BMI! Ouch!! It hurt so much! Maybe I'll share the statistics when I'm a little further towards my goal.... What do you all think?? Maybe I should share my weight loss journey on my blog...hmmm...

I'm pretty sore today, had my first personal training this am at 5.30!!! It was a little hard to get up, but I was wide awake and fresh when I got home to get the kids ready for school.

Anyways...still looking forward to tomorrow night with my great friends and hope you are all having a great week!

Take care..xxx

A great body shop party!

Hi all. Been a little while since I updated my blog, so here goes! I have spent most of my weekend cleaning my house and getting ready for my bodyshop party this afternoon! It is lovely to be surrounded by my great friends and family. Thanks for coming ladies...

My latest update is that I will be an official gym member as at Monday!!! I am so excited about the prospect of becoming more fit and healthy and having more energy to keep up with my life...
Dropping a couple of dress sizes wouldn't hurt either!!!

I am really excited about the big night in party! Look forward to spending more quality time with a wonderful group of women. I really am so blessed to have you all in my life!

Hugs and kisses...

New dresses!!

Hi all! Just thought I'd share my latest creations with everyone! Last week I booked the girls into schoolcare on different days to give them some "one-on-one" time with Mummy! Abbie chose chipmunks and then a trip to the fabric shop so I could make her a new dress. I also chose fabric for Caitlyn.

The pattern was $10 and has done both girls. The fabric was $7,50 a metre and I needed 1 1/2 for each dress. I'm really pleased with the results and so are the girls!!

Happy Holidays!

Happy holidays to all the teachers out there! Well, it's been a busy few weeks and I've been slack at updating my blog, but as they say, better late than never!!!

The last week of school was chaotic!! We had an excursion to Australia Zoo which was fabulous! The kids had the best time and the croc bus up there and back was awesome! I got lots of photos ready to display in my classroom. I was exhausted Wednesday night though!!!

Then Katrina went for an interview as a Sunshine Coast South numeracy coach and found out Thursday night that she got the job!! So that led to lots of tears, cleaning and me feeling very nervous about having a new teaching partner for 4th term! I still don't know who it will be!

This week has been crazy! Here's a rundown:

Monday: Took Harry for a "playdate" at Vicki's house with Bella (her new maltese x poodle) puppy!

Tuesday: Work. Cleaning and planning. Yeah!

Wednesday: Caitlyn to schoolcare and Abbie and I went to Chipmunks! Went to Eastcoast fabrics and bought material for the girls to make them a summer dress.

Thursday: Shopping centre with both kids (arghhh!). Printed photos from Aus Zoo.

Friday: Abbie to schoolcare and Caitlyn and I went scrapbooking. Lunch at coffee club. Went scrapbooking with Vicki at Blossies 7 - 12midnight!

I also made a fantastic purchase from House and Garden. I saw these tiles and just had to have them! They are hanging behind my couch. I don't normally like oriental designs, but I just thought these were gorgeous!!

Also, my Dad has been really unwell for a few weeks. The dr thought it was bronchitis but after further tests, it turns out that he has whooping cough!! Thank God my kids are immunised! He's been coughing for about 4 weeks now, so he's on the way to recovering thank goodness.

Now I have updated you all on my doings, feel free to update your own blogs!! I look forward to seeing what you've all been up to! Especially Toni and Deb, expect to see lots of photos soon!

Take care all and I hope we can catch up soon!

Father's Day '09

We had a busy but fab Father's Day! We started with presents in bed, then off to shops for a few last minute treats, onto my aunty's for a BBQ lunch and then a trip to an appointment at 2pm!!! By the end of the day, we are now exhausted, but have had a great day and got a few lovely photos... Happy Father's Day to my hubby and my Dad. xxx

Just a thought....

It is so easy to judge others, but much nicer to offer help and support. This is my thought for today...

A much better photo!

Here is another photo of "Harry"!!!

A new family member...

Hi all! Well it's been an exciting afternoon here. We spent a little time this afternoon puppy hunting and ended up at Puppy Palace where we met HIM!! Our new little man is called Harry and he's an adoreable ball of fluff who has got off to a beautiful start with our family and our other puppy Koda.

He's gorgeous! Hope everyone has a lovely week!

Scrapbook day!

Hi all. Well, yesterday was FABULOUS! My Mum, Vicki, Sasha, Paula, Shirley, Toni and I shared a table and had a great time talking and scrapping away. Toni had worked hard to ensure we all had a great time. I even won a competition - a lovely wine carrier set, complete with bubbly!

Anyways, it was a great day and night and I couldn't believe how quickly the time went! I did manage to get a lot done, so here are my creations from the night....

I think these cards were my favourite things to make as they were quick! I just used a sheet of owl stickers I got from the cheapie shop the other day and backed them on card. Easy!

I hope you are all having a great long weekend.

A great crop!

Hi all. Toni's article in the local paper today is lovely - that photo is great Toni! What a great way to raise interest in the crop! I thought I'd share the photo online for all to see. Good work Toni, you never cease to amaze. Your passion and enthusiasm are definatley inspiring! Can't wait for tomorrow!

Twilight continued...

OMG! I am about 1/3 of the way through the last of the twilight books and have been floored!!! No way is this happening. Isn't it funny how attached you get to characters after reading about them for a long time...
Otherwise, I'm pretty tired after a huge weekend and then got to work today and of course, music teacher was away so missed half of my non contact. I also miss next Mon and Wed (both non contact days) for days off! Anything else want to happen??
Well this was never going to be a long post, but will upload some photos of Caitlyn's party over the weekend. She seemed to have a ball! It's her birthday tomorrow, she's getting a real camera! A lot of money on one gift but she's really keen. Can't wait to take her scrapbooking with me, now that she's 8!!!
Hope you all have a great week.
Hugs and kisses,

Busy, busy, busy!

Hi all. Hope all is well with everyone. I am feeling a little stressed tonight, have a very big weekend coming up. Though it is made bearable by the fact that I get to go to the markets tomorrow and see what a success my friends are! I look forward to seeing their stall tomorrow!

Well, off to drs tomorrow, have to get Caitlyn's anxiety checked, she's a little worry. Then off to Wam for the stall, then to chipmonks with my sister and kiddies. In the middle of this I will shop for all Caitlyn's party stuff, make her cake, playdough, have all the activities set up and the house will of course, be clean! OH MY GOSH! I am going to be EXHAUSTED!!!

Also, I have the lovely guinea pigs this weekend (from my classroom). I guess the kids really love them, as well as I don't discover them in any beds!!!

Have had a fairly stressful week at school due to lots of behaviour issues, but now see a light at the end of the tunnel. I guess we all feel a little overwhelmed sometimes, thank goodness I have a few good friends there who listen to my winging and give good cuddles and neck massages!!!

Well, I have managed to finish reading Eclipse last night! It was AWESOME! I now have Breaking Dawn waiting for me. I can hear it calling from my bedroom. Edward has been frequenting my dreams - YUM! Hee hee!

Well, I hope you all have a lovely weekend. I can't wait to have a great gossip and catch up with all of you girls next Sat at the crop. I really miss our chats, and our little circle of friends at work has certainly shrunk! I must say though, I do tend to work through most of my breaks, which is probably better for my take-home load.

I had a parent come to me today, saying she has had a sore breast for a while, and just went to the drs today. They found 4 lumps and are doing tests/scans Wed. It made me really upset, so all of you better get your breasts checked!! With a family history like mine (Grandmother and Mother) I am very aware of this.

Life's short, appreciate every moment, even if the going is tuff....

Hugs and kisses....

My Twilight Addiction!

Hi all. Just had to say that I have now finished New Moon (the 2nd in the Twilight series) and I want MORE!! I am really enjoying reading this series and can't wait until tomorrow, when Annette brings Eclipse to school for me!!

I LOVE EDWARD. Buzz off Jacob!!

A fantastic read for anyone looking for a easy-to-read love story!

Hope all the craft ladies enjoyed their excursion to the markets this am. I went to the Petrie markets and found a great stall where they sell 2nd hand furniture. I needed money though...maybe next weekend!!!

Sports Day!

Hi all! Hope you had a great first week back at work for those teachers amongst us! I did and was very fortunate to attend my girl's sports day races on Thursday! I raced from school to Kurwongbah in time to watch both Abbie and Caitlyn run their little hearts out!

I was such a proud Mummy, cheering from the finish line! Abbie finished 4th and Caitlyn 3rd. I can't believe that it was Caitlyn's last junior sports day! I was also fortunate to see my nephew John race, he came in 2nd! Well done sweety!

I have to thank Annette (during 5E) and Katrina who took both classes for the middle session so that I could watch the girls race. I am very lucky to have friends at work who are able to let me be "mummy" when the occassion calls. Thanks again ladies. xxx

I can't wait for the "super crop" Toni is hosting! It should be lovely! I've already got a list of pages to do...

I am off to see Harry Potter tomorrow afternoon with my hubby, so very excited! Will report back soon! Have a great Sunday everyone. Oh yes, happy birthday for Monday Katrina!

Disney On Ice!

Well, we were very lucky to go to Disney on Ice Friday morning. It was fabulous! The girls loved it, though Abbie got a bit wiggly towards the end. The costumes were great and the skaters were amazing! I've attached some photos to share!

I can't believe our holidays are nearly over! I have really relaxed this break and have done no school work until last night. I love spending time with my girls and seeing just how much they've grown in the last term. I don't think I really reflect on their changes until the holidays arrive. I guess I have more time.

Caitlyn is so excited about Harry Potter being on TV at the moment! She likes to spend time on her own in quiet places. She is growing so quickly and really a young lady now! Her anxiety is worrying me, so I have just tried to keep her calm and within her comfort zone.

Abbie is a persistent, affectionate little lady with a very strong will. She has spent most of the holidays in my arms and close by. I think she's been able to relax as well.

I've started planning a holiday to Sydney in January next year (just after new years week). Hope to visit the zoo and lots of other interesting places for us and the kids. Anybody got any tips in terms of cheap (but decent) accomodation? Preferably with a kitchenette. Though about a cabin in a caravan park, but must have it's own bathroom. Any ideas for activities or accomodation would be greatly appreciated!

Well, enjoy your last day of holidays all! Will see some of you at work Monday and to the rest, hopefully soon after!!

A child-free excursion!

Hi all! Well, both girl were in vacation care today (their only one for this holidays) so Mum and I went to Spotlight and Blossies, amongst other running around! It was heaps of fun! Must admit though, feeling a little guilty about leaving girls again, after they've been in care today!

First stop was school, cleaned classroom a bit, then headed off to Blossies after a coffee at Morayfield. I spent my $50 voucher - thanks again ladies! You can see my purchases below. I love the owl tree cutout and the Kaiser craft folder and organising inserts!

Then we went to spotlight, where I decided to buy fabric to make two of the owl that Debbie showed me on the "get creative" website! I can't wait to start.

After all this, I managed to get my haircut ready for Melissa's 30th dinner tonight! See you all soon!

I've had time the other night to make a tag for Toni's cancer market stall. Here it is. Unsure of whether to make more, wonder if it is good enough quality!? See what you think...Gosh, they're sideways!! Sorry, not uploading again!!!

Enjoy the last few days of holidays!

Smile...xxxx