This time....

...last decade, I saw in the new millennium at Luna Park with Andrew.  We'd been engaged for a few months and we were looking forward to a driving holiday around Tasmania.  Boy things have changed. The last decade has been incredibly busy for us...lots of changes, that's for sure.  Andrew and I have gotten married, built a house, survived job changes and uncertainty, brought two beautiful children into the world and much, much more.  It really has been a whirlwind and much of a blur!  The older you get, the faster the years fly by!!  I've been thinking hard about my new year's resolutions and I've come to realise that they don't work for me...so no "I'll lose weight" or "I'll exercise more" from me.  Next year will be more about simplifying and being kinder to myself.  Taking time to enjoy the precious moments in life as every day is a gift....I don't want to miss it, I want to be present and wide awake!

...last year we celebrated the coming of 2009 with friends and it was fab!  This year, we'll be getting together again and I can't wait.  It'll be good to sit and relax and let the kids play together, and there's always the fireworks!!

However you choose to celebrate the new year, stay safe and remember its double demerits!!  Wishing you all a happy, healthy and successful 2010!
Cheers, Lis.

Can't wait for this...

http://www.gcdstudios.blogspot.com/

Love this time of year...lots of new releases coming and lots of inspiration!  Bring on Winter CHA 2010!

Aussie Jingle Bells

Today, like every other year, there was a choir made up of co-workers (present and past)  singing in the foyer of the building.  The sound is always so beautiful, and I love that they give their time to make everyone else happy!  I took Eme along to listen to their songs, and she ended up joining them for Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer...so cute!


Here's the lyrics to one of my favourites today...makes more sense to us Aussies sweating it away this Christmas...lol.



Aussie Jingle Bells 

Dashing through the bush
In a rusty Holden Ute
Kicking up the dust
Esky in the boot
Kelpie by my side
Singing Christmas songs
It's summer time and I am in
My singlet, shorts & thongs

CHORUS: 
OH, JINGLE BELLS, JINGLE BELLS
JINGLE ALL THE WAY
CHRISTMAS IN AUSTRALIA
ON A SCORCHING SUMMER'S DAY
JINGLE BELLS, JINGLE BELLS
CHRISTMAS TIME IS BEAUT
OH WHAT FUN IT IS TO RIDE
IN A RUSTY HOLDEN UTE

Engine's getting hot
Dodge the kangaroos
Swaggy climbs aboard
He is welcome too
All the family is there
Sitting by the pool
Christmas day, the Aussie way
By the barbecue!

CHORUS

Come the afternoon
Grandpa has a doze
The kids and uncle Bruce
Are swimming in their clothes
The time comes round to go
We take a family snap
Then pack the car and all shoot through
Before the washing up

CHORUS

Have a fantastic Christmas everyone!!  I hope Santa is good to you.

Cheers, Lis.

Featured...

In Issue 73 of Scrapbook Creations...the most adorable and fun door hangers by Scrapware, and decorated by yours truly!  Inside the issue you will find 3 pages of pics and step by step instructions to recreate these hangers for yourself.

Shhhh...baby sleeping hanger by Lisa Warren

Creativity in progress by Lisa Warren

A big thank you to Shelly at Celebrations of Australia for supplying all that gorgeous American Crafts to play with.

These hangers were designed by Scrapware exclusively for Scrapbook Creations magazine, and they will be available for purchase from January 2010.  Ask your lss or online store to get them in for you!

Cheers, Lis.

This year...

...we didn't get around to having professional family photos taken; a) because this year just completely skipped away; and b) because I just haven't been feeling all that good about myself.  On the weekend, Seth stated that he missed having our photo taken together!  Who knew that it would even matter to a 6 year old boy?!  I just loved the photos that Janine took of our family last year, and I should have just bitten the bullet and had them done again.  I suppose it doesn't matter how fat I've gotten, just the fact that we're together should be enough of a reason.  On Saturday, I was madly taking photos of everyone at Andrew's family Christmas when Bianca asked if she could take one of our family.  I almost said no, and then I remembered Seth's words...so here it is...

I love this photo.  We are together.  We are happy.  That's all that matters.  Full stop.  I almost cropped it really tight, but look how beautiful that garden is!  Andrew's grandparents have put a lot of hard work into that garden over the years and I want to remember that too.
Cheers, Lis.

ps. 2010 is be kind to myself year.

Discovered...

...tucked away in the mall in Wollongong, a new store named Milk Thieves, opened just two weeks ago by Emma-Lee.  I have to thank Sal for passing on that info...I would never have found this little gem otherwise.  Everything in store is just gorgeous!  Sal has some of her Birdhouse clothing for sale there too.  I'm always on the lookout for crafty, individual and statement pieces to give to friends or buy for myself...and I know Milk Thieves will be one of the first places I look from now on.   Here's just a sampling of what's for sale...

and how to find it...

Its always good to support your local traders.
Ciao, Lis.

Oh, Christmas Tree....

Oh, Christmas Tree
How lovely are your branches,
In summer sun or winter snow,
A coat of green you always show.
Oh Christmas Tree, Oh, Christmas Tree
How lovely are your branches.

The tree is up and looking gorgeous!! If I do say so myself...lol.  This year we changed it up a bit...I actually let the kids decorate it!  I have a plan when I decorate it...first, put the tree together, next lights, then strands of pearls, baubles, special ornaments, and lastly the angel on top.  I opened up the decoration box this year...no lights!  Totally forgot that we'd thrown them out last year because there were too many busted.  This resulted in Andrew racing up the shops to buy new ones, and he came home with icicle strands...well, that threw out the plan because I had no idea how to put them on the tree. lol.  Well, they were actually easier than the regular ones.  The kids put all the decorations on, with a little help from Andrew to put the ones up high.  They did a great job!  I just love sitting on the lounge watching the lights flash away...so relaxing.

More Christmas tales to come...lol.
Lis.

Pebbles Inc reveal...

Its "keep it simple" week on the Pebbles Inc blog!  The Pebbles DT have come up with some gorgeous projects from Christmas cards and ornaments to simple layouts that can be replicated in less than 30 minutes...now tell me that isn't appealing!??

I contributed this sketch to the blog, and all you need is a piece of cardstock, a couple of bits of scrap patterned papers, two standard sized photos and some simple embellishments.

Here's my take on the sketch.  Each year I try to take photos of the kids dressed up in their Christmas gear, just in case they decide to not cooperate in a Santa photo...well, you read a few posts back that we were successful in the Santa dept, but these pics were too cute not to scrap.  I have used Pebbles Inc patterned papers from the Lil' Buddy and Linnie Bell ranges, as well as stickers from the Lil' Buddy range.   Just goes to show that you don't need to use Christmas papers to create a Christmas layout.  I have also used Pebbles Inc candy dots, ribbon and chippies.  To create the circle around the page, simply trace around a dinner plate a couple of times...talk about a quick embellishment!

 

Here's a close up...look at all that love glitter on the Pebbles chippies!  Love a bit of sparkle on a Christmas layout.

Head on over to the Pebbles Inc blog and check out what the rest of the DT have been creating!

In Christmas news...last night we went along to Eme's daycare Christmas party and the kids had a fabulous time.  They held a little concert for us, and they sang Rudolph, Jingle Bells, and We Wish You A Merry Christmas...just like we thought...lol.  They were wearing little decorated antlers...so cute.  Everyone brought along plates of food...so much to eat!  Someone brought along what I thought was Mars Bar slice, but instead of mars bars, they had used toffee!!  Totally delicious.  Afterwards we went for a drive to see all the beautiful Christmas lights, and we hit the motherload out at Albion Park.  In one street, every house was decorated...even the street lights! So so beautiful.  The kids fell asleep in the car on the way home, so they got put straight into bed.

This morning, Seth was complaining that his wobbly tooth was sore, so I wiggled it a little and pulled it out!  Looks like the tooth fairy is coming again tonight for tooth no.2.

Today we'll be having an early Christmas celebration with Andrew's family...so looking forward to catching up with everyone, especially Andrew's cousins who are visiting from the US.  Seth and Eme love playing with Sabine and George.

I hope you're all having a fabulous lead up to Christmas.  The kids are starting to act quite feral...its a combination of the heat, tiredness and being overstimulated from all the Christmas parties.  Hopefully they'll run around like crazy today and wear themselves out! lol.

Lis.

Layouts to share...

I haven't had much time to scrap lately, what with Christmas approaching and all...so when I was able to pop into Sar's this week, I took full advantage! This layout is about my friend Leanne and I.  We were born five days apart and we're still friends 35.5 years later.

Next up, this layout features Eme.  It was so hot recently that Eme decided to keep cool by stripping off and lay down on the cool timber floor...smart girl!

I'm still dipping into my Girls Loft Kit from October...lol. It was so funny watching Seth trying to eat the donut off Sandra's washing line at Halloween.  He only managed a couple of bites! lol.

Another one from the Girls Loft Kit...look at all the yummy foods Sandra put together for us to nibble on at Halloween!! Love that she makes a huge effort to celebrate.

I'm hoping to get some more scrapping in before Christmas...not necessarily Christmassy layouts, but just getting creative and playing with my supplies.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Lis.

Christmas Carols...

I love Christmas and one of my favourite parts is singing Carols.  I remember back in primary school, we would all sit in the stinking hot school hall and practice singing...this one is my favourite...the tune is so melodic.  I wish I could find a copy...anyone else know this one?  Here's the lyrics...the word "Orana" is an Aboriginal word which means "Welcome".

Carol of the Birds
Written by: William Garnet James & John Wheeler

Out on the plains the brolgas are dancing

Lifting their feet like war horses prancing

Up to the sun the woodlarks go winging

Faint in the dawn light echoes their singing

Orana! Orana! Orana to Christmas Day

Down where the tree ferns grow by the river

There where the waters sparkle and quiver

Deep in the gullies bell-birds are chiming

Softly and sweetly their lyric notes rhyming

Orana! Orana! Orana to Christmas Day

Friar birds sip the nectar of flowers

Currawongs chant in the wattle tree bowers

In the blue ranges lorikeets calling

Carols of bushbirds rising and falling

Orana! Orana! Orana to Christmas Day

*******************************

This week, we went to Seth's end of year school concert, and all of the kids performed a version of "Jesus, this is your life".  It told the story from crucifixion back to the birth of Jesus.  The story was so cleverly done...we were entertained the whole show.  Seth's grade sang "Holy Week", and he had been practicing for weeks.  The band was just fabulous and I couldn't help but tap my feet.  Eme sat on Andrew's knee and danced the whole time! lol.  The kids dressed up in their Christmas t-shirts and Santa hats...so cute!

Eme's daycare Christmas party is this Friday night and they are putting on a show too.  She won't tell us what she'll be singing because its a surprise, but she keeps breaking into song...lol...Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, We Wish You A Merry Christmas and Jingle Bells...wonder if that's it?? hehe.  No doubt all the littlies will be adorable.

What Christmas Carols do you love??

Lis.

Pebbles Inc reveal...

Over the last week, the Pebbles Inc design team have been showcasing Christmas gift ideas, cards, Christmas wrapping etc and there's some beautiful projects there! Check out what the rest of the DT have come up with here.

I created these little gift boxes for the kids to give to friends. Each box uses only 6"x4" of patterned paper, so very economical and easy to make. They are perfect for little treats! I have used Pebbles Inc's green spot PP from the Lil' Buddy range and the red "eyelet" pp from the Linnie Bell range. I have also used Pebbles Inc ribbons and chipboard.

To recreate these boxes yourself; cut rectangles of patterned paper to measure 6"x4", then place tape on one short side (A) and the two long sides of the rectangle (C & D). Adhere A to B to create a tube (similar in size and shape to a toilet roll). Remove tape from C and press together to seal the end. Fill with lollies or other smalls treats, then turn project 90 degrees, remove tape from D and seal end. I have run the ends through a paper crimper to add more detail.

Once you've got the basic shape, dress them up with some ribbon, chipboard shapes and/or tags and they are ready to go! For something so small, they are definitely a hit with the kids.

This week on the Pebbles Inc blog, the DT will be sharing projects that take less than 30 minutes to create! We're all pressed for time at the pointy end of the year, and these projects will get you creating in the little time you have available!

Ciao for now, Lis.

A Christmas poem...

I came across this poem on a blog (I can't remember which one, sorry) and just had to share. My dear scrappy friends and their partners will all be able to relate...lol.

Twas the night before Christmas,

I’m glued to the tree.

I’m wondering what Santa brought just for me.

Could it be cardstock or inkpads or lace?

Or some stamps, I said, with a smile on my face.

And that’s when I heard him……

“Hi Santa, ” I said

He replied, “You know….good girls should be in their beds”.

“I know I should Santa,and now I’ve been caught.

But I was just so excited to see what you brought.”

“Well, let’s take a look in this room where you work”.

He shook his head quickly, and left with a jerk.

I heard him exclaim as he put it in gear.

“You’ve got enough crap,

I’ll see you next year!”

If you're looking for some Christmas inspiration, check out the Pebbles Inc blog. The Pebbles DT have all been working overtime to create Christmas projects and gift ideas.

Ciao for now, Lis.

Santa's coming...

Ever since the kids came along, I've been busting to have Santa photos taken...and this is the first year we've been able to get them to sit on his knee and smile! Hooray!!
Our story so far...
2003 - Seth at 7 mths old was too young to realise what was going on and just sat there.
2004 - Seth now 19 mths old was absolutely terrified and I had to sit in the photo with him.
2005 - Seth still terrified and refused to go anywhere near him...Eme only 3.5 mths old and none the wiser, so just Eme in the pic.
2006 - Photo abandoned due to uncooperative children.
2007 - Both kids terrified and refusing to get in the pic without mum and dad...end result, all four of us in the photo, Seth crying and trying to climb over the top of Andrew, Eme scared still clinging to me...very confused photographer that I would actually want to buy the pic...lol.
2008 - Just Seth in the photo (bribed to be there)...Eme having a tantrum elsewhere in the shopping centre.
2009 - SUCCESS!! Both kids smiling, both happy to be there...Christmas photo mission complete.

So, I will be sending this photo to everyone!! lol.
Merry Christmas
Lis.

Inspired Blueprints - Sketch #37

Sketch 37 at Inspired Blueprints was revealed on the 1st and its a cracker! I've always been a fan of colour blocking and this reminds me of Simple Scrapbooks...gosh, that was a great mag! But I digress...lol...here's the sketch. I've used the sketch to document Eme's 4th birthday. She had such a great time at her birthday party this year...I still find it hard to believe she's four already! Come and join in the fun at IB! Upload your layouts to the Inspired Blueprints gallery by 31 December 2009 to go into the draw for a fabulous prize from this Sketch's sponsor... Scrapbooking from Scratch.

As an added bonus, our guest designer for Sketch 37 is Celeste Smith and she is also on the October Afternoon design team. October Afternoon have very graciously offered a bonus prize! One lucky person will receive a Very Merry paper pack together with wild cards and stickers! Very Merry indeed! Upload those layouts here so you don't miss out!

Ciao for now, Lis.

Scrapbook Savvy - We're Savvy release...

Scrapbook Savvy's "We're Savvy" kit for December has been released and here it is!

Kit Contents

2 x Bazzill cardstock (red & brown)
2 x Cosmo Cricket Oh Joy papers
2 x Scenic Route Sonoma papers
1 x Scenic Route Roxbury paper
1 x Basic Grey Fruitcake paper
1 x Cosmo Cricket Oh Joy Journalling Cards
Basic Grey Wassail Mini Monogram Stickers
Heidi Swapp Chipboard Stars (gold)

MME Star
Cotton Twill (2 coordinating colours)
1m twine
Assorted coordinating buttons & Basic Grey brads
Cost: $25.00

Here's the layouts I created with the kit. I've used up absolutely everything in this kit (except for some letters, but they'll go in my stash)...feels so good to have nothing left over! I dug out my older Christmas photos for these layouts and had a lot of fun reminiscing over my past Chrissy celebrations...

Christmas 1979 - sitting on Santa's knee with my cousin...he was too frightened to sit there by himself and I stepped in to keep him company.Christmas party 1998 - loved those work parties!! Lots of friends, dancing, drinking, acting the fool...fun times.

2003 - Seth's first Christmas...look at those chubby cheeks!

2004 - Seth's 2nd Christmas...he had grown so much, but still completely adorable!
The layout above was based on this sketch by PageMaps, and its also the sketch challenge for this month at Scrapbook Savvy. Simply upload your take on the sketch to the Savvy gallery by 31 December 2009 for your chance to win a gift voucher for $25!There are only a few We're Savvy kits for December left, so if you want one, you better act quick! There's also a sale going on...savings for the 24 days leading up to Christmas! Since there's now 23 days left, there's a 23% discount. Tomorrow it will be 22% and so on....the sooner you get there, the greater savings you will reap. See you at Savvy soon!

Cheers, Lis.