tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295825412024-03-14T17:14:08.376+10:00Tales From The Castle ZooCastle Zoo...home to the wild, the brave and the down right feral!jibiibearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601208789953359652noreply@blogger.comBlogger171125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29582541.post-19910861145638887312010-01-17T19:30:00.002+10:002010-01-17T19:40:48.590+10:00Winding DownWell that 7 weeks just flew by....school starts back for me next Wednesday. I am off on a team building retreat on the coast later next week. Its a nice way to ease back on into the school year.<br /><br />Barney (my brother) has left us for a few weeks...he's traveling north to visit with friends and explore a little more of the sunshine state. We are missing him at the moment. It's been so nice catching up with him and we are looking forward to him coming back.<br /><br />Crockett has managed to pick up a 16 week contract with a branch of the ICC, hopefully it will turn into something....if not...well the agency he has been with have told him that they will take him back on any time.<br /><br />Boo is set to start school again...she is so excited to be getting back into it. She'll be in year 6 this year (holy moley!) and in the senior stage of our little school. She is well and truly in the cruel grasp of her hormones at the moment...and her life is all sunny and happy one moment and tears and hurt feelings the next. UGh!<br /><br />Lolly is all wrapped up in her own little world right now. She has a boyfriend! It's so sweet watching her navigate her way through this new stage of her life. She has some very firm ideas of what is and isn't proper behavior...you go girl!<br /><br />Well thats all for now, we are just floating along here at the zoo and hoping for the best.jibiibearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601208789953359652noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29582541.post-84727639642353069542010-01-11T14:10:00.004+10:002010-01-11T14:21:54.875+10:00Road Tripping with Barney, Crockett and BooThese past few weeks my brother has been staying with us. He is on the start of a round Australia bike trip. We have been having a blast reconnecting and finding the closeness that we shared as kids.<br /><br />Now...as you know I find it hard to get out of the house. I'd much rather be left alone in my safe little cage here in the zoo. But since Barney (my brother..not his real name) has been here we have taken a few road trips! Somehow every time we've taken a day trip Lolly has been at Sweetie's house. (Sweetie is her boyfriend...also not his real name)<br /><br />We took a very wet drive to Mt Tambourine a few days after Christmas. I hadn't been up there in years....it's gorgeous!! Even with the leeches!!<br /><br />Then yesterday we went to Queen Mary Falls....the views are stunning.<br /><br />It always amazes me that so many people flock to the coasts when there is so much to see in our little corner of Queensland.jibiibearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601208789953359652noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29582541.post-37234708175773908962010-01-09T19:38:00.002+10:002010-01-09T19:43:57.474+10:00Taking a TripLast night in a fit of insomnia I went on a bit of a trip back through the archives of this blog.....wow I can't believe how big my kids have gotten. Some of the video footage brought tears to my eyes. These two girlies of ours are in the throes of puberty (yes even the little one) and some days I look at them and wonder just when the aliens came and abucted the real ones.<br /><br />Other times though, we get to see the gorgeous young women that they are fast becoming....and oh I am loving it!jibiibearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601208789953359652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29582541.post-4538241069635539532010-01-06T12:23:00.002+10:002010-01-06T12:23:44.177+10:00Well It Has Happened..I've lost my voice!jibiibearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601208789953359652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29582541.post-37642272761841668672010-01-04T17:15:00.003+10:002010-01-04T17:17:16.305+10:00Feeling Blah...Ugh...I feel like I am coming down with the flu! My throat is scratchy, my chest hurts and my ears feel stuffed full of cotton wool.<br /><br />We've spent most of the day bumming around home and taking it easy. Hopefully a long soak in a warm bath will make me feel a little better.jibiibearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601208789953359652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29582541.post-6130346778175166442010-01-03T17:40:00.003+10:002010-01-03T17:55:14.987+10:00New Year..New AttitudeYes it has been over a year since I last posted...and what a year that was. It saw a lot of changes for the Zoo family here. There are a lot of things I am just wanting to put behind us...and still some changes we want to make. Hopefully 2010 will see us turning a corner here.<br /><br />The Zoo family spent the first few days of this year at one of our favourite places to camp. I got to spend a lot of time taking photos, reading, messing with a little art and doing a lot of thinking about what my "word" for this year would be.<br /><br />For the last few years I have take <a href="http://aliedwards.typepad.com/">Ali Edwards</a> lead and chosen a word to be my mantra for the year. After much contemplating I have chosen the word <span id="comment-6a00d83451bb3569e2012876885599970c-content">ACCEPTANCE.<br /><br /></span><span id="comment-6a00d83451bb3569e2012876885599970c-content">I suffer depression....and sometimes it spirals and is ugly. For 2010, I am going to face this head on and move right through everything. Given the pain and turmoil I experience at time, I need to accept that I am not the person I used to be. I need to accept that somethings are beyond my control. I need to accept that people don't know how I am feeling unless I tell them. I need to accept that I am doing the best I can with my children and my marriage. I need to accept compliments graciously. I need to accept me for who I am at this point in my life.<br /><br /></span><span id="comment-6a00d83451bb3569e2012876885599970c-content"> I know that acceptance does not necessarily mean instant happiness.</span><span id="comment-6a00d83451bb3569e2012876885599970c-content"> But I will do my best to move forward positively and with hope. </span>jibiibearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601208789953359652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29582541.post-4401746457086788772008-12-31T07:44:00.003+10:002008-12-31T07:51:42.238+10:00Dragonfly Beauty<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SVqX2rWTrOI/AAAAAAAABg8/jZVMyuKus1I/s1600-h/101_7021a.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SVqX2rWTrOI/AAAAAAAABg8/jZVMyuKus1I/s320/101_7021a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285704078277717218" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SVqX2jhKmpI/AAAAAAAABg0/AxK4JyU0iP8/s1600-h/101_7022a.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SVqX2jhKmpI/AAAAAAAABg0/AxK4JyU0iP8/s320/101_7022a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285704076175776402" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SVqXpeCSi2I/AAAAAAAABgs/aJpLq0izLUU/s1600-h/101_7023a.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SVqXpeCSi2I/AAAAAAAABgs/aJpLq0izLUU/s320/101_7023a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285703851365796706" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SVqXpHTVbWI/AAAAAAAABgk/Ul-47eAVdLY/s1600-h/101_7024a.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SVqXpHTVbWI/AAAAAAAABgk/Ul-47eAVdLY/s320/101_7024a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285703845263273314" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SVqXo2qyuYI/AAAAAAAABgc/O_KTsOc4jsY/s1600-h/101_7025a.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SVqXo2qyuYI/AAAAAAAABgc/O_KTsOc4jsY/s320/101_7025a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285703840798259586" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SVqXowgMLcI/AAAAAAAABgU/Se0NlgfEy5I/s1600-h/101_7026a.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SVqXowgMLcI/AAAAAAAABgU/Se0NlgfEy5I/s320/101_7026a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285703839143177666" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SVqXoeoMG8I/AAAAAAAABgM/ZC59W1uOw30/s1600-h/101_7027a.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SVqXoeoMG8I/AAAAAAAABgM/ZC59W1uOw30/s320/101_7027a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285703834344889282" border="0" /></a>jibiibearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601208789953359652noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29582541.post-58899922329297797562008-11-26T04:00:00.003+10:002008-11-26T04:15:05.553+10:00How Hard Is It?How hard is it to get a decent photo for my Christmas shoot. All I wanted was one good photo of the girls and Bindii....instead I got these.....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SSxAbh4FVwI/AAAAAAAABf0/aHZIu5dwCSs/s1600-h/100_6798a.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SSxAbh4FVwI/AAAAAAAABf0/aHZIu5dwCSs/s320/100_6798a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272660105438254850" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SSxAbqbRr4I/AAAAAAAABfs/5hGlfY5IvGY/s1600-h/100_6799a.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SSxAbqbRr4I/AAAAAAAABfs/5hGlfY5IvGY/s320/100_6799a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272660107733348226" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SSxAbZP7W7I/AAAAAAAABfk/ZQi-Di3P-d4/s1600-h/100_6800a.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SSxAbZP7W7I/AAAAAAAABfk/ZQi-Di3P-d4/s320/100_6800a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272660103122344882" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SSxAbXqRz5I/AAAAAAAABfc/rXwtnPatn7c/s1600-h/100_6801a.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SSxAbXqRz5I/AAAAAAAABfc/rXwtnPatn7c/s320/100_6801a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272660102695997330" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SSxABBcsEiI/AAAAAAAABfU/aE3ky8Q4Q3k/s1600-h/100_6802a.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SSxABBcsEiI/AAAAAAAABfU/aE3ky8Q4Q3k/s320/100_6802a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272659650056819234" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SSxAA2L1p1I/AAAAAAAABfM/fbzoyhVke9c/s1600-h/100_6803a.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SSxAA2L1p1I/AAAAAAAABfM/fbzoyhVke9c/s320/100_6803a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272659647033354066" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SSxAA5foq0I/AAAAAAAABfE/TWXtDuX947I/s1600-h/100_6804a.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SSxAA5foq0I/AAAAAAAABfE/TWXtDuX947I/s320/100_6804a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272659647921695554" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SSxAAfOZdkI/AAAAAAAABe8/pa-hx1DmqFg/s1600-h/100_6805a.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SSxAAfOZdkI/AAAAAAAABe8/pa-hx1DmqFg/s320/100_6805a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272659640870073922" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SSxAAF3LyJI/AAAAAAAABe0/i6oJfPxzpjo/s1600-h/100_6806a.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SSxAAF3LyJI/AAAAAAAABe0/i6oJfPxzpjo/s320/100_6806a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272659634061822098" border="0" /></a>jibiibearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601208789953359652noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29582541.post-70351738628733189002008-11-25T19:31:00.003+10:002008-11-25T19:50:39.587+10:00It's Raining It's PouringWell...at least it was last week! These are just a few of the photos I took around town the day after the massive downpour!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SSvIkEjGQFI/AAAAAAAABek/G89NDcyuusw/s1600-h/100_6732a.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SSvIkEjGQFI/AAAAAAAABek/G89NDcyuusw/s320/100_6732a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272528310789095506" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SSvHbZKcjQI/AAAAAAAABec/6v5KbCqYpxU/s1600-h/100_6727a.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SSvHbZKcjQI/AAAAAAAABec/6v5KbCqYpxU/s320/100_6727a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272527062192393474" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SSvHbBJUO-I/AAAAAAAABeU/Onxt4z82CNA/s1600-h/100_6726a.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SSvHbBJUO-I/AAAAAAAABeU/Onxt4z82CNA/s320/100_6726a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272527055745203170" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SSvHa_pE0fI/AAAAAAAABeM/NiVsHuQf7s0/s1600-h/100_6721a.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SSvHa_pE0fI/AAAAAAAABeM/NiVsHuQf7s0/s320/100_6721a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272527055341539826" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SSvHa4KRbyI/AAAAAAAABeE/ZGP2XQzkVtk/s1600-h/100_6719a.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SSvHa4KRbyI/AAAAAAAABeE/ZGP2XQzkVtk/s320/100_6719a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272527053333294882" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SSvHafHFUUI/AAAAAAAABd8/xKSibt3FlFM/s1600-h/100_6718a.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SSvHafHFUUI/AAAAAAAABd8/xKSibt3FlFM/s320/100_6718a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272527046609031490" border="0" /></a>jibiibearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601208789953359652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29582541.post-42733348548146169042008-10-19T18:47:00.003+10:002008-10-19T18:56:41.110+10:00Yeah Me! *Earlier this year I applied for a position on the <a href="http://www.feelingscrappy.com.au/">Feeling Scrappy</a> design team...and for whatever reason I didn't get chosen. I have come to know Jodie well, and she is always very positive about my style of scrapping and the fact that I stand outside the box, and after giving her lots of encouragement she has started playing with paints and glitters. (you go girl!)<br /><br />Anyways, while I was out at her shop the other day, fossicking through all her yummy goodies she asked if I would still be interested in holding a DT position with her shop. Ummmm...YES! And guess what...I got it..easy as that!<br /><br />I am sooooooo looking forward to working with Jodie and passing on some of the things I've learnt in my scrapping journey to others.<br /><br />Here are three layouts I created using one of the Cloud 9 packs available in her store.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SPr2CSgPZAI/AAAAAAAABGM/jnJGWLJFfjk/s1600-h/Scan10178.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SPr2CSgPZAI/AAAAAAAABGM/jnJGWLJFfjk/s320/Scan10178.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258786034095711234" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SPr2Cb0Y4II/AAAAAAAABGE/O8RA9r19ojo/s1600-h/Scan10176.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SPr2Cb0Y4II/AAAAAAAABGE/O8RA9r19ojo/s320/Scan10176.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258786036596138114" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SPr2CoSUG5I/AAAAAAAABGU/Jci0C0dloRo/s1600-h/Scan10183.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SPr2CoSUG5I/AAAAAAAABGU/Jci0C0dloRo/s320/Scan10183.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258786039942880146" border="0" /></a><br />*Oh man...I really have been listening to too much Disney Channeljibiibearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601208789953359652noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29582541.post-60532406052935939852008-10-06T10:33:00.002+10:002008-10-06T10:35:51.877+10:00Check this out....<a href="http://jibiibear.etsy.com/"><img src="http://team.etsy.com/images/downloads/buttons/WOLF125.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Click on Mr Wolf above to see what I am venturing into. I am yet to add anything there...but I am working on it.jibiibearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601208789953359652noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29582541.post-68629702608858345622008-09-29T19:02:00.001+10:002008-09-29T19:10:50.392+10:00Is it Scrapbooking or Art?<span class="postbody">This is an interesting question and one I was discussing with a friend a while ago. She is a CM all the way type scrapper and she had the hide to say that my work is not really scrapbooking its art with a photo attached. I don't say much when she gets on this stand...but it got me to thinking.<br /><br />Yes it is art...LIFE ART! I am taking pieces of our lives (the photos) and turning them into works of art for my children and my future generations. A love of love and emotion goes into that art...a lot of time...a lot of me...and sometimes a little bit of DNA (I always seem to stab myself and bleed on a LO when stitching LOL). I am a big believer in telling my/our story...and while that is not for everyone it's part of who I am and why I scrap.<br /><br />I am not about telling the general details...like we went here on this date and blah..blah..blah. But more about all the little things I want the girls to remember about themselves and about our lives together. DH was raised by his grandparents...both of whom have now passed on...his mother has passed and his father is only now starting to be a part of our lives. My grandparents have all passed and sadly we have very little of their stories to tell....but I am determined that my children won't have that problem.<br /><br />So I think it's a bit of both....it is art...but art is what you make it. Art is a piece of you....and is it so wrong to take that and put it to something that you want to remember? </span>jibiibearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601208789953359652noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29582541.post-39146988833599678512008-09-09T16:54:00.010+10:002008-09-09T18:35:05.731+10:00Photos To Appease My Mum<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SMY1H1isK7I/AAAAAAAABFU/rFvjlROeL4s/s1600-h/100_6081.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SMY1H1isK7I/AAAAAAAABFU/rFvjlROeL4s/s320/100_6081.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243937224867457970" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SMY1IV6EGXI/AAAAAAAABFc/sQ7JlmyuPts/s1600-h/100_6084.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SMY1IV6EGXI/AAAAAAAABFc/sQ7JlmyuPts/s320/100_6084.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243937233555429746" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SMY1ItyWhHI/AAAAAAAABFk/wqAeTYlOfQY/s1600-h/100_6126.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SMY1ItyWhHI/AAAAAAAABFk/wqAeTYlOfQY/s320/100_6126.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243937239965533298" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SMYy_lUrwMI/AAAAAAAABFM/uINiXPlHoLE/s1600-h/100_6004.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SMYy_lUrwMI/AAAAAAAABFM/uINiXPlHoLE/s320/100_6004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243934884051534018" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SMYyUkA4XCI/AAAAAAAABFE/gvGmSb_kJNc/s1600-h/100_6001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SMYyUkA4XCI/AAAAAAAABFE/gvGmSb_kJNc/s320/100_6001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243934144965663778" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SMYtFEVsbrI/AAAAAAAABEU/4Wgpk_qHYdg/s1600-h/100_6142.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SMYtFEVsbrI/AAAAAAAABEU/4Wgpk_qHYdg/s320/100_6142.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243928381206851250" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SMYpYDRTWrI/AAAAAAAABD8/Q5jNJE9LYlA/s1600-h/100_6127.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SMYpYDRTWrI/AAAAAAAABD8/Q5jNJE9LYlA/s320/100_6127.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243924309290998450" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SMYpYkt4_aI/AAAAAAAABEE/CdtLGzWfvw8/s1600-h/100_6129.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SMYpYkt4_aI/AAAAAAAABEE/CdtLGzWfvw8/s320/100_6129.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243924318269275554" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SMYpYy1hXLI/AAAAAAAABEM/DUXK0MwC98c/s1600-h/100_6173.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SMYpYy1hXLI/AAAAAAAABEM/DUXK0MwC98c/s320/100_6173.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243924322059377842" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SMYh0JAkhlI/AAAAAAAABD0/4vAPRNzqo9I/s1600-h/100_6108.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SMYh0JAkhlI/AAAAAAAABD0/4vAPRNzqo9I/s320/100_6108.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243915995774748242" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SMYgrE35hiI/AAAAAAAABDs/UCnAB79Fhyw/s1600-h/100_6023.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SMYgrE35hiI/AAAAAAAABDs/UCnAB79Fhyw/s320/100_6023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243914740534183458" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SMYefI2vLfI/AAAAAAAABDk/KKhc0fCgCRQ/s1600-h/100_6020.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SMYefI2vLfI/AAAAAAAABDk/KKhc0fCgCRQ/s320/100_6020.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243912336421367282" border="0" /></a>jibiibearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601208789953359652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29582541.post-2964124769140029772008-09-09T16:21:00.003+10:002008-09-09T16:29:08.791+10:00Letter To Lolly at 13<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SMYW1ky7ReI/AAAAAAAABDc/6-VrI4Ef2Bg/s1600-h/100_5706.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SMYW1ky7ReI/AAAAAAAABDc/6-VrI4Ef2Bg/s320/100_5706.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243903925785675234" border="0" /></a>
<br /><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CSusan%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0cm; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:612.0pt 792.0pt; margin:72.0pt 90.0pt 72.0pt 90.0pt; mso-header-margin:36.0pt; mso-footer-margin:36.0pt; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapedefaults ext="edit" spidmax="1026"> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapelayout ext="edit"> <o:idmap ext="edit" data="1"> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Lauren<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">You and I have been through so much. There was a time when we were first making our way in this world as mother and daughter that the days were tough but I look back on them with pride. You taught me about a real no strings, no boundaries kind of love. You have been special since the moment I found out you existed, and the journey we have taken so far has been the best journey I have ever travelled.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">There is only you and your sister and you are both very different people. You are each special and incredible. I know that being the oldest is not always easy. I know that I have made learning mistakes with you, and that does not seem fair. Your dad and I have always done everything in our power to make the right choices for you and for our family. Sometimes I am sure that it seems that Kate gets a lot of extra time and attention, but that in no way means she is more important than you or that we love her more in any way.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">You have just turned 13! We are starting to have some ups and downs as you are well into you begin the<span style=""> </span>process of breaking free. There are bound to be times that we will disagree, moments when we will feel that you are so wrapped up in your own life that we no longer matter, moments when we will be sure that you feel we have no clue about your feelings, and still a bit of fear of your growing up from both your side and ours. There will also those awesome moments when we will see you as the adult you are turning into.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">This is a milestone birthday. Many new freedoms and responsibilities come with this age. Before you embark into new adventures, there are a few things I want you to remember and hold in your heart. We love and believe in you more than you know. We do remember how it feels to be your age. You are going to discover that you still need our advice, and that does not mean you are weak. You have a few year to go before you graduate high school. You have many dreams and goals for the future. While you are still in our home you have a built in safety net, use it. Learn as much as you can from us now so you will be prepared when that day comes that you leave the nest and fly. I know some days it might feel like we are against you but believe me our intentions are only to give you every possible opportunity to be the strong, independent, smart, beautiful woman that you are becoming.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">We love you, we am very proud of you and we do accept that you are growing up. Just know that you will always be our baby and that it is a good thing. We apologize for our part for any disagreements we may have in the future. Please just remember who you are and where you come from. Remember that we love you and that no matter what happens in life, your family is always here. Like it or not. Happy Birthday Sweet Girl<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<br />jibiibearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601208789953359652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29582541.post-27823159169892484232008-09-09T16:16:00.000+10:002008-09-09T16:19:15.426+10:00Wow...I can't believe it has been so long since I posted here! A lot has happend at the zoo in the past two and a bit months...Crockett has changed jobs, we have had more fur babies arrive at our house, Lolly officially became a fully fledged teen and we had a visit from Grandad!<br /><br />All too much to write in length about but I will make a few photo posts now so you can see whats been going on.jibiibearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601208789953359652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29582541.post-38921119047466813322008-06-28T15:09:00.011+10:002008-06-28T17:21:42.546+10:00Yay Me!After much encouragement I finally took the step and entered some layouts and photos into the Rosewood Show....and look what happened<br /><br />First Prize - Single Page 3 photos<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SGXT87WwvSI/AAAAAAAABDU/fKt2vmBJw68/s1600-h/Scan10056.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216808787057360162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SGXT87WwvSI/AAAAAAAABDU/fKt2vmBJw68/s320/Scan10056.jpg" border="0" /></a> Third Prize - Double Layout<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SGXTklCvdQI/AAAAAAAABCs/xnIyo5Jay1g/s1600-h/Scan10002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216808368750949634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SGXTklCvdQI/AAAAAAAABCs/xnIyo5Jay1g/s320/Scan10002.jpg" border="0" /></a> First Prize - Single Page one photo<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SGXTk3qW-EI/AAAAAAAABC0/kK395mXa4gY/s1600-h/Scan10040.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216808373748955202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SGXTk3qW-EI/AAAAAAAABC0/kK395mXa4gY/s320/Scan10040.jpg" border="0" /></a> Highly Commended - Single Page one photo<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SGXTkzumgoI/AAAAAAAABC8/TSWXsFCZU0c/s1600-h/Scan10022.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216808372693009026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SGXTkzumgoI/AAAAAAAABC8/TSWXsFCZU0c/s320/Scan10022.jpg" border="0" /></a> Third Prize - Single Layout 4 or more photos<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SGXTlHJTuSI/AAAAAAAABDE/JMMYJl7alCU/s1600-h/Scan10076.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216808377905297698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SGXTlHJTuSI/AAAAAAAABDE/JMMYJl7alCU/s320/Scan10076.jpg" border="0" /></a> Second Prize - Single Page 2 photos<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SGXTlQlMztI/AAAAAAAABDM/fWco2HloOLY/s1600-h/Scan10042.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216808380438204114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SGXTlQlMztI/AAAAAAAABDM/fWco2HloOLY/s320/Scan10042.jpg" border="0" /></a> Highly Reccomended - Special Occasion<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SGXSjPwV-GI/AAAAAAAABCk/D_wI35g12TQ/s1600-h/Easter.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216807246345140322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SGXSjPwV-GI/AAAAAAAABCk/D_wI35g12TQ/s320/Easter.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />First Prize - Digital - Children<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SGXSG6EhYCI/AAAAAAAABCc/BQQVRrQGPIo/s1600-h/Flood-117.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216806759487856674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SGXSG6EhYCI/AAAAAAAABCc/BQQVRrQGPIo/s320/Flood-117.jpg" border="0" /></a> Highly Commended - Still Life<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SGXPjhm16XI/AAAAAAAABCU/FjYOo7UM3u8/s1600-h/100_3271.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216803952602245490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SGXPjhm16XI/AAAAAAAABCU/FjYOo7UM3u8/s320/100_3271.jpg" border="0" /></a> First Prize - Seascape<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SGXOz4DLO4I/AAAAAAAABCM/MohFgQXjU2E/s1600-h/100_2913.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216803133992942466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SGXOz4DLO4I/AAAAAAAABCM/MohFgQXjU2E/s320/100_2913.jpg" border="0" /></a> Highly Commended - Other Subject<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SGXOBuWVYnI/AAAAAAAABCE/5CgQxGL6TKc/s1600-h/100_2519.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216802272395485810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SGXOBuWVYnI/AAAAAAAABCE/5CgQxGL6TKc/s320/100_2519.jpg" border="0" /></a> Highly Commended - Set of 5 photos<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SGXM3hxARXI/AAAAAAAABBc/ZcHqxRksbZ4/s1600-h/100_0041.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216800997707367794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SGXM3hxARXI/AAAAAAAABBc/ZcHqxRksbZ4/s320/100_0041.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SGXM32dkKpI/AAAAAAAABBk/ivyPA551ZTw/s1600-h/100_0045.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216801003262978706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SGXM32dkKpI/AAAAAAAABBk/ivyPA551ZTw/s320/100_0045.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SGXM4fOJa8I/AAAAAAAABBs/jJIIaDNXkRc/s1600-h/100_0046.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216801014204165058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SGXM4fOJa8I/AAAAAAAABBs/jJIIaDNXkRc/s320/100_0046.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SGXM43cRvnI/AAAAAAAABB0/ABcXzWXNfnU/s1600-h/100_0050.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216801020705881714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SGXM43cRvnI/AAAAAAAABB0/ABcXzWXNfnU/s320/100_0050.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SGXM5S9Y0XI/AAAAAAAABB8/I2Ow08kUfLk/s1600-h/100_0054.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216801028092514674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SGXM5S9Y0XI/AAAAAAAABB8/I2Ow08kUfLk/s320/100_0054.jpg" border="0" /></a> Second Prize - Human Portrait<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SGXKNdSBlhI/AAAAAAAABBU/vFU9LIzYq6c/s1600-h/100_4625.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216798075925927442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SGXKNdSBlhI/AAAAAAAABBU/vFU9LIzYq6c/s320/100_4625.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>jibiibearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601208789953359652noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29582541.post-14159961825218058372008-06-15T07:35:00.001+10:002008-06-15T08:05:50.087+10:00First Holy CommunionLast night Boo received Communion for the first time. Please excuse these iffy photos...these haven't been touched. <img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v486/jibiibear/KatesCommunion055a.jpg" border="0" /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v486/jibiibear/KatesCommunion057a.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v486/jibiibear/KatesCommunion066a.jpg" border="0" />jibiibearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601208789953359652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29582541.post-52334828857411863472008-06-04T06:13:00.003+10:002008-06-04T06:24:27.298+10:00Boo's ConfirmationBoo's Confirmation was held last night in a very small ceremony officiated by Bishop Joseph, Father John and Deacon Harry. Please excuse the grainy photos...our church is not the easiest of places to photograph!<br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207752304484173906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SEWnIQsASFI/AAAAAAAABAk/kt7xRhftOXU/s320/DSC04015a.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207753209207806898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SEWn87C7W7I/AAAAAAAABAs/XE9jPnEOALw/s320/DSC04037a.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207753223612575474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SEWn9wtSrvI/AAAAAAAABA0/2_-7F5eT-0o/s320/DSC04043a.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207753233641133266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SEWn-WESVNI/AAAAAAAABA8/1teW7qpYXgc/s320/DSC04054a.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207753246999710834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SEWn_H1ODHI/AAAAAAAABBE/GDKK0jZrF70/s320/DSC04055a.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207753253902507650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SEWn_hi-XoI/AAAAAAAABBM/X3QEpUXSpUo/s320/DSC04074a.JPG" border="0" />jibiibearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601208789953359652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29582541.post-74365775208128806162008-04-12T12:45:00.004+10:002008-04-12T13:00:06.888+10:00Thank God they are Country Girls<div><div>Yesterday we visited the Toowoomba Show. Toowoomba is one of our favourite places and when Crockett suggested we go the girls and I jumped at the chance. It makes me laugh though...we see all these parents shelling out big dollars in side show alley...and where are our girls?</div><div></div><br /><div>Well....take a look....</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188186149962729106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SAAj0LEhRpI/AAAAAAAABAE/v_DIlh3vQ2I/s320/100_4507a.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188186777027954354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SAAkYrEhRrI/AAAAAAAABAU/dYejoLyfebA/s320/100_4509a.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>Lolly was not impressed with that calf...he licked a good amount of cow slobber all over her new shirt! LOL. They also patted alpacas, sheep and chickens....all who apparently wanted to come home with us.</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188186781322921666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SAAkY7EhRsI/AAAAAAAABAc/Z8iessp4Qw8/s320/100_4510a.JPG" border="0" />They were trying to convice Crockett that we needed this John Deere thingy...their main selling point to him was that it had cup holders! CUP HOLDERS DAD!!!!</div><div> </div><div>But the best part of the show was this....</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188186141372794466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SAAjzrEhRmI/AAAAAAAAA_s/akObJadXpnk/s320/100_4492a.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188186145667761778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/SAAjz7EhRnI/AAAAAAAAA_0/7S5cD96IjWc/s320/100_4499a.JPG" border="0" />Yes...that is a camel....and yes they wanted to bring it home!<br /><br /></div><div></div><br /><br /><div></div>jibiibearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601208789953359652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29582541.post-31969016107722945392008-03-06T17:17:00.002+10:002008-03-06T18:13:26.414+10:00So Sweet your Teeth Will Ache<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/R8-deIUS6WI/AAAAAAAAA_U/M5Tt1tTW54I/s1600-h/100_4255a.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174527637826234722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/R8-deIUS6WI/AAAAAAAAA_U/M5Tt1tTW54I/s320/100_4255a.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/R8-deoUS6XI/AAAAAAAAA_c/pUuF2VmvZbA/s1600-h/100_4278a.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174527646416169330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/R8-deoUS6XI/AAAAAAAAA_c/pUuF2VmvZbA/s320/100_4278a.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/R8-de4US6YI/AAAAAAAAA_k/zBseUry_OIE/s1600-h/100_4279a.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174527650711136642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/R8-de4US6YI/AAAAAAAAA_k/zBseUry_OIE/s320/100_4279a.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>jibiibearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601208789953359652noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29582541.post-62610180448587293122008-02-22T06:58:00.003+10:002008-02-22T07:17:56.549+10:00Catching UpHappy New Year everyone. Sorry I've been MIA for so long but I am starting to make my way back into the land of the living. Lots has happened around here since I started taking those little white pills...and good thing I was taking them because I don't think I would have coped had I not.<br /><br />Just before Christmas we had to put our old dog Miss Molly down...it was time (she was nearly 19 years old) but it was not an easy decission and it broke our hearts to do it. She could barely walk and wasn't eating and it was cruel to see her go on like this. We sold all of our puppies...they were super cute and so full of energy...but we couldn't keep them.<br /><br />We spent 10 days with them and my parents over Christmas...Christmas Day saw DH, Lolly and I spend 8 hours at the Royal Melbourne Childrens Hospital. In between opening presents and having breakfast, Lolly had a massive seizure. The doctors at the hospital spent the whole time monitoring her but nothing else was done as we were only there for a few days. We caught up with our doctor as soon as we got home and he sent us off for an EEG.<br /><br />Lauren went for her EEG and we received a phone call from the doctor that did it requesting that she return for a follow up EEG that requires her to have not only fasted for 12 hours prior but also to be sleep deprived for those 12 hours. After a visit to her doctor and finding out that yes there is definite seizure activity happening in her brain we had a CT scan done and a whole mess of blood taken. The CT and the blood tests were clear...ruling out some potentially scary stuff. Thank God!<br /><br />So off we go for the second EEG....We hadn't long left the neurologists and hit McDonalds when Lolly started having another seizure. I took her straight back to the neurologists and as we were pulling into their driveway it got really bad...again she stopped breathing on me...but luckily there were 3 doctors there to help. They took her straight back in and gave her another EEG which was beneficial in locating exactly where in the brain they are occouring. She came out of the seizure and straight into a very, very deep sleep....she slept 3 hours and came to with a major headache.<br /><br />We left there with a referal for an MRI and a script for anti seizure medication. Our doctor refered her to a pediatrician and he really got the ball rolling on getting a diagnosis.<br /><br />Well after two MRI/MRA's ...a few blood tests and quite a few more doctors visits we finally have a diagnosis. I'm still reeling and we aren't sure if it's good news or bad news....so for now it's just news. Lolly is having epileptic seizures, but they are symptomatic. It seems that sometime during her time in the womb, Lolly has suffered from perinatal hypoxaemia. This is where the blood flow to the brain is blocked or ceased. This has caused a small portion of her brain (the post gyral region of the right parietal lobe to be exact) to atrpohy or die. She has an area of scarring on her brain that is now causing all these problems. The doctors are amazed that she has never had a seizure before...but it does explain her learning difficulties and possibly her history of migraines. What we do know is that it will eventually get worse..the seizures will increase and when this happens she will require surgery to remove the area of her brain causing the problems. So what do we do until then? There isn't much we can do now...other than to continue on with the drugs and to change her lifestyle to reduce the seizure threshold.<br /><br />In between all this the girls went back to school...Lolly off to the big wide world of high school...and Boo moved up into the middle stages of primary school. They have both settled in wonderfully and have had fun catching up with old friends and making new ones.<br /><br />I'm back at work...but with the drop in numbers at our school it also meant a cut in hours. I am looking at doing some scrapbook teaching at one of the LSS. My scrapping mojo is back with a vengence and I have scrapped about 40 layouts already so far this year. (I'll update the slide show up the top there)<br /><br />My baby Boo...well she's no longer really a baby...she turned 9 last week!!! NINE!!! It seems like only yesterday that we were bringing her home from the hospital!<br /><br />Ok...so this post is a little long winded, so I'll shut it for now. I'll be back later with more.jibiibearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601208789953359652noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29582541.post-14809578584297147422007-11-19T18:06:00.000+10:002007-11-19T18:12:47.295+10:00Look What Arrived........at our house today!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/R0FFKU6LrzI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/tvNsg1rGFbE/s1600-h/100_3602a.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134461093892828978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/R0FFKU6LrzI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/tvNsg1rGFbE/s320/100_3602a.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/R0FFKk6Lr0I/AAAAAAAAA-g/SLMagAHaC_4/s1600-h/100_3603a.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134461098187796290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/R0FFKk6Lr0I/AAAAAAAAA-g/SLMagAHaC_4/s320/100_3603a.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/R0FFK06Lr1I/AAAAAAAAA-o/PT-xdzjqd9s/s1600-h/100_3605a.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134461102482763602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/R0FFK06Lr1I/AAAAAAAAA-o/PT-xdzjqd9s/s320/100_3605a.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/R0FEs06LrvI/AAAAAAAAA94/Gu8g1u33hnA/s1600-h/100_3597a.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134460587086687986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/R0FEs06LrvI/AAAAAAAAA94/Gu8g1u33hnA/s320/100_3597a.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/R0FEs06LrwI/AAAAAAAAA-A/72GuFPnchs8/s1600-h/100_3598a.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134460587086688002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/R0FEs06LrwI/AAAAAAAAA-A/72GuFPnchs8/s320/100_3598a.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/R0FEtE6LrxI/AAAAAAAAA-I/MiBcAKVub3c/s1600-h/100_3600a.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134460591381655314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/R0FEtE6LrxI/AAAAAAAAA-I/MiBcAKVub3c/s320/100_3600a.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/R0FEtE6LryI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/cnZsrXEVZ-0/s1600-h/100_3601a.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134460591381655330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/R0FEtE6LryI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/cnZsrXEVZ-0/s320/100_3601a.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Mother and babies are all doing well. Until we take a closer look it appears we have six little girls and one boy!</div></div>jibiibearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601208789953359652noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29582541.post-2784735232063509982007-11-07T17:11:00.000+10:002007-11-07T17:13:42.923+10:00Thank YouToday while looking through some quotes for scrapbooking I came across this thought written by a writter named Sahar Ashraf. She said <span style="color:#ff6666;">"friendship is not just the name of an ordinary feeling.but it is the name of the feelings of understanding,honesty and frankness between two persons.and these feelings keep the two very special persons bounded together and such a frienship lies in two of us."</span><br /><br />I am lucky enough to have two very special people in my life who I feel this way about. They are there with me through my ups and downs, they have listened to me cry and rage when I have no sane reason to do so...and cry themselves because they don't know how to help me, they share in my joys, the pride in my children, my loves, they constantly reassure and set my mind at ease. In simple terms...they love me for what I am....for how I am.<br /><br />Mum...Bec...I know that this battle is hard on you both...but I feel confident that I can win this battle knowing that both of you are walking beside me on this bumpy road.<br /><br />I love you both...and can never thank you enough.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">THANK YOU.</span></strong>jibiibearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601208789953359652noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29582541.post-34334151509463932192007-11-06T05:30:00.000+10:002007-11-06T05:49:24.498+10:00The Black Dog and the Little White PillsFor the past twelve years I have battled with depression...it's not a constant thing...sometimes it comes along because I get to worrying about things out of my control and then I start getting anxious and teary and it all gets to much. Other times...like now...it comes out of nowhere for no good reason and leaves me feeling devestated.<br /><br />For the past month I haven't been coping. I have no energy for anything, thinking hurts, I can't make decisions, I get hungry but don't know what to eat or I forget to eat, anger bubbles inside me constantly, I'm short tempered, snappy, with no reason, I feel worthless, unimportant and unwanted. And I can't stop crying.<br /><br />I have no good reason to feel like this...I am surrounded by people who love me, I have good kids that really aren't any trouble, a husband who is always there, supportive, loving parents, and friends that are closer than any sister could ever be. But feel like this I do...and I just can't see any way out of it.<br /><br />Usually when I get to feeling like this I start taking my St Johns Wort and things start to even out and I am ok again for a while....this time however it's not helping. The black dog has me and he's not wanting to let go.<br /><br />On Friday I snapped, I broke down in the counsellors office at school. And I realised I can't go on like this...as my mum said "You aren't living at the moment Jib, you are barely even existing." I want my life back....I want the me back that I barely remember. I hate feeling like this...I hate that Crocket, Boo and Lolly have to live with this me....I hate that I worry my parents and friends when I am like this...I HATE EVERYTHING ABOUT IT!!!!<br /><br />On Friday I did something about it...I called my doctor. I went yesterday afternoon and poured it all out to him. He has set the wheels in motion to help me get over this. I have a box of little white pills that are hopefully going to help me out of this blackness...even though this morning I feel queasy and lethargic. And more importantly I have an appointment with a psychologist.<br /><br />That scares the crap out of me...I am nervous about the date now circled on my calendar. I keep looking at it and feeling that my tummy is full of butterflies....one date on a calendar full of our busy lives for the next few weeks.<br /><br />But I will go! My husband and kids deserve me back, my family and friends deserve to have me back....and I guess I deserve to have the real me back....I want the real me back. And if that means taking these white pills and talking to a complete stranger then thats what I'll do.jibiibearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601208789953359652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29582541.post-35981642194501439682007-10-26T04:41:00.000+10:002007-10-26T04:54:46.565+10:00This Makes Me Smile<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/RyDmZIsBdhI/AAAAAAAAA9w/pyWo31QYAH8/s1600-h/100_2568.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5125349695450871314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ipktLjZOw8A/RyDmZIsBdhI/AAAAAAAAA9w/pyWo31QYAH8/s320/100_2568.JPG" border="0" /></a>jibiibearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601208789953359652noreply@blogger.com0