Hickory Dickory Blog...

It's time to say goodbye...

2011-04-21T15:30:00.002+10:00

To this, my first blog.

I'm pulling myself in too many different directions and my focus is spread too thin. So I've decided to minimise! This blog is now closed and all future postings will be over at what was originally meant to be my digital scrapbook design blog.

My brand is my name. It's too hard to juggle several different online persona's. I am who I am, and all my little projects need to be under one roof. That includes my digscrap designing, jewellery, photography and art.

So, make sure you head on over to the 'new me' blog and come along for the ride :)

School performances and Nerf wars

2011-04-08T10:17:00.002+10:00

Finally, school holidays are here. Two weeks (okay, so 2.5 weeks if you count the public holidays around Easter) until we have to get up early again.
We started off well today with a sleep-in (woot! 7.15am wake up instead of 6am lol), but it's raining (lovely cool Autumn weather), so the kids are stuck inside and have had a couple of run-ins already this morning and my patience is starting to wear thin... I may just send them out in the rain with gumboots and raincoats lol

Yesterday was Scooter's last day of term, and the school had their Easter chapel performances. Scoot had to be dressed all in black with war paint! lol The kids did awesome and the dance (Scream It) rocked... This is the song they performed to:

Scream_it by kadosh777

And here's my warrior-chick lol

hehe They all looked pretty cool as they marched on stage ;)

Afterwards, we took the kids to the shops and ended up at FunHouse, where the kids played a few games and got enough tickets to some small prizes. Mr Mouse also bought something... something I'm not too keen on, but these things happen ;) So long as I'm not used for target practice lol We can blame Mr Mouse for the following photos...

I didn't realise until after I saw the photo that Miss Scooter was dressed rather appropriately for this photo ;)

And the boy *sigh* Please note, that I come from the bush, so my family owns rifles for legitimate pest control purposes, and all children are taught from an early age that guns are serious things, and we generally don't play with any guns (even toys), so I'm just not sure where he picked this pose up from...

So it looks like Nerf wars are the go at the moment. Should make for some interesting parties!!

Slow and steady and something fun

2011-04-05T14:42:00.002+10:00

Okay, so my house is what you would call *cluttered*. Over the last 10+ years we have gathered a pile of 'stuff' (not to mention the extra people and animals that make up our current family) and our poor little house just isn't equipped to handle it all. Storage is a major issue.

So other than just buying a bigger house I am determined to get stuck in and clear everything out. Besides, I hate moving.

Last week I started on the family room and kitchen. It's all open-plan, and it's the main part of the house. You can shut bedroom doors, but people need to walk through the family room to get anywhere. It took me 3 days and it's not 100% perfect, but I'm fairly pleased with myself. And I've found it's relatively easy to keep things tidy when they were already sparkly clean lol

So, my kitchen now looks tidy and functional - and the most important function is that visitors can actually make good use of the breakfast bar and chat to you while you cook instead of there being 'stuff' living there. There's a few things left to find homes for, but I'm working on it lol Any suggestion for the pretty bowls and candles are welcome. I don't really have spots for them!

So, in my cleaning haze, I dragged out my rather neglected collection of wire and beads. I have a big selection of strange little beads. They are mostly glass with some gemstones and plastics thrown in. Of course these days I make a lot of my own polymer clay beads, but right now I wanted to play. Somewhere along the way I lost my love of creating just for the sake of it. Making a piece of jewellery that is a piece of art as well. An extension of the creator/wearer. So I flicked through my box and started to play, wrapping wire and beads while Mr Mouse made something with Lego (a tow-truck or car-carrier or some-such creation lol). The kids were in bed and it was incredibly relaxing.

So this was my creation. A free-form wire bracelet. It's not perfect, but then neither am I lol

And a different look at it:

I've left the jewellery making stuff out on the coffee table, which is probably not a great idea seeing as I'm supposed to be cleaning up everything lol But I think I will try for one more night this week of playing and then pack it away again until I get more things cleaned up... like maybe my work desk ;) lol

No fear

2011-03-29T12:41:00.002+10:00

This little boy has very little fear. How I wish I could say the same thing about myself.
While he's launching himself through the air, I'm the one sitting on the outside of the pool taking the photo.

This afternoon, a friend and I start our attempt at the Couch-to-5K program. Should be interesting when we still have to look after 4 kids at the same time ;) We are planning a trip to the uni oval and a picnic afternoon tea for the kids lol
Tomorrow I will run by myself during the day. But it's nice to have someone to be accountable to and to share the enthusiasm.

I think Mr Mouse has almost fixed the server, so I may just be able to start doing some more digital work again soon. Other than that, I have two packets of beads made, but no thoughts on what to make with them. Hopefully my inspiration will rock up shortly lol

My hair is short again, and currently straight. I'd post a photo but I need to recharge my camera battery ;) needless to say I'm pretty sure it will be back to curls tomorrow! But it's nice while it lasts. One day I'll organise it so I actually get to go out for dinner with lovely straight hair.

I've had to crack down on my security for comments unfortunately as I awoke this morning to a lot of spam comments. Looks like it's back to comment moderation for a little while. Oh well. I guess they had nothing better to do then spam a boring little blog like mine ;)

Back to the daily routine I suppose. I hope everyone is having a wonderful day :)

Pretty things, broken pc's and a winner!

2011-03-25T22:09:00.002+10:00

Last weekend Miss Scooter had her first sleep over at a friend's house. Seeing as she's spent numerous weeks at a time at my parent's place 3.5 hours away with no issues, I figured she'd be perfectly fine a mere 10 minutes down the road with people she'd known for 3+ years ;) She had a blast, and of course, I made the requested bracelet at the last minute lol Not too bad for something whipped up that morning ;)

All things computerised hit a minor snag earlier this week when we had a power surge (very weird, completely different to others we've had) and the RAID server stopped working. Well, it was turning on, but not booting up. Turns out the boot drive died. So it's on the operating table (ie, my dining table!) and is currently being fixed. Hopefully it will be done asap as everything is on there and I'm missing it lol Thankfully all the data drives are fine though :)

But in happier news, I got special mail today! My copy of *bespoke* issue 2! So much gorgeousness. Do you like the photo? I handed the DSLR to Scooter and asked her to take a photo. She felt very honoured to be trusted lol and I think she did a pretty good job.

Which brings me to choosing the winner from the *bespoke* giveaway.
Thanks to random.org, the winner is....

Rowena said...

I would love to win the Bespoke giveaway! I just discovered the vine the other day in fact, and the cover is gorgeous! I love to sew (I make kids clothes), and I adore collage. My kids and I are always at the dining room table either making collage or drawing.

March 19, 2011 4:33 PM

You need to contact me sweetie at donna dot duncombe at gmail dot com, and I'll set you up with your shiny new copy of this fab little zine.

I hope everyone has had a good day. It's getting late here and we have a wedding to attend tomorrow - woot!! so I'm heading off to bed. Probably with a certain little zine to flick through :)

Sometimes I think....

2011-03-21T15:48:00.001+10:00

More of me? a photo by dgr_mse on Flickr.

Ever had one of those days where there are so many 'needs' dragging you in all different directions?
I think I drove all over today running errands and doing those 'needed' tasks, like sorting something out for Mr Mouse, getting cardboard for Miss Scooter's assignment, and doing the groceries.
I wistfully glanced at the lovely clothing stores as I power walked through the shopping centre (*sigh* and they had sales on!). Ah well, I'll go look at MadeIt or Etsy instead, not that I have any money lol
And then I get home and there is no water because the council guys are out the front fixing something. I guess I didn't really need that shower anyway ;)
Time to wind down, throw something together that resembles dinner and help Miss Scooter with her assignment (on bright pink cardboard no less! lol). Still trying to work out how my 7yo is going to remember a 2 minute speech, but I figure we'll cross that bridge when we get to it.

March Giveaway - Win a copy of Bespoke zine (issue 2)

2011-03-18T11:12:00.003+10:00

Lookee here, this is THE best new zine ever. Seriously. And the lovely Jess (of Epheriell Designs) has given me a copy of the latest issue of her baby, *bespoke* to give away to one lucky reader of my blog!

I am in love with this little zine. *bespoke* is a full colour Australian print zine (it's also available as a digital download, but I prefer the touchy-feely paper thing lol), published by Jessica Van Den (the gorgeous lady of EpheriellDesigns.com) and features a huge array of Aussie and international crafty types.

Issue two is crammed full of goodness such as:

-Thrive – Kimono Reincarnate
-Beautiful Blogs – An interview with Pip Lincolne of Meet Me At Mike’s
-From Corporate to Creative – how 3 women did it!
-Vintage Crafts – Rag Ruggin’
-Tutorials – How to hand-carve a sweet birdie stamp!
-How to Find your Vintage Era
-Autumn Lovin’ – a selection of gorgeous Autumnal goodies – to win!
-Bespoke Beauty
-And much, much more!

Want a little sneaky peak? Here you go!

It is seriously crammed full of crafty goodness.

So, what can you do to win? It's pretty simple really! Just leave a comment here and tell me about your favourite art and/or craft, and I'll pick a random winner. Draw will close 24th March, so start commenting!

Meanwhile, I now have to go make a necklace for my daughter to give to her friend for her birthday tonight. Nothing like leaving it to the last minute, yes? lol

Love Is...

2011-03-10T16:00:00.001+10:00

Love Is... a photo by dgr_mse on Flickr.

I think I'm nearly back on track.
I've even scrapped a page. It's a simple page, but a page nonetheless.
Miss Scooter will be 8 later this year. Truly time flies these days.

Put your best foot forward

2011-03-09T13:00:00.002+10:00

I got new shoes in the mail on Monday.

I am in serious love with them. They are so comfortable!!
I still want a pair of purple boots with a good-sized heel though. But I may be looking for a while as they don't make proper heels for child-sized feet...
Meanwhile I will wear these until they fall off my feet, or until it gets too cold. Contemplating buying another pair to have as a backup in the cupboard ;)

Go on. Make a mistake. I dare you.

2011-03-04T19:13:00.002+10:00

See, now because I dared you, you have to do it (or something like that apparently).
This photo was a mistake. I pressed the button by accident while chatting to my little man who is sitting there just out of shot. But hey, it's not too shabby.
Sometimes you have to realise that mistakes happen, and you have the choice to collapse in a heap or just pull yourself up and get on with it. I'd love to say I always do the latter, but that would be lying ;)

I'm back from my kind of forced hiatus, and I'm planning on having a little bit of fun, so watch this space!

From floods to cyclones...

2011-02-02T13:39:00.002+10:00

Well, January was an... um... interesting month.

DH and I left on our '2nd honeymoon' to Tasmania and the day afterwards the flash flood struck Toowoomba, just 1hr from where we live. We then had to sit and watch as the flood waters surged towards our hometown of Brisbane.
Our home was okay. We live on a large hill. But the very next suburb and the houses and businesses of friends were severely effected. We missed the start of the clean up, but did what we could when we got home at the end of the week.
Oh, did I mention it flooded in Tasmania too? Obviously there was someone looking after us as we headed west half a day before the worst part hit.
The kids were cut off in NSW on my parent's farm for a couple of days, but not in any danger. My parents took them to see the river in flood (from a very safe vantage point!), so they've gotten to experience something I did as a child (although this time it was a lot higher and a lot faster than I've ever seen it - it actually cut a channel through the bank and moved boulders, it was very surreal seeing it afterwards when the water had gone down).

So, that was all a couple of weeks ago. The kids are now back at school. Mr Mouse is back at work (as of yesterday lol). And Tropical Cyclone Anthony fizzed out up north a few days ago.

But now there is TC Yasi. And it's HUGE. I've not seen a cyclone cell that big before. I live down the south of the state, so I am perfectly safe, but I have some very dear friends in Cairns and Townsville and I'm getting worried. It's developing into a Category 5 (think Hurricane Katrina).

So everyone, please save a prayer for those about to be effected by one awfully big cyclone. And everyone up there, I hope you're not reading this right now (you should be bunkering down and/or evacuating! lol), but stay safe xxx

One of those quick update things...

2011-01-06T14:38:00.002+10:00

Well, we made it through Christmas, but.....

I got home, turned on the pc, and my hard drive did that whole 'click-click-I-hate-you-click' thing.

After about half an hour of dread (and perhaps a couple of tears), I realised I hadn't lost too much other than maybe some downloaded freebies (I'll live without them) and the majority of my bookmarks and some passwords I couldn't remember and are a slight hassle to get (reminder to everyone to backup bookmarks and password lists frequently... I was 6 months behind on mine). All my work related files are fine as we operate a RAID server for backup.

So, all that means is that a lot of the work I was planning on getting done in January has to be postponed. I have bare bones computer access at the moment, no photoshop (am using it as the perfect excuse to upgrade though rofl), no dual screens capability (*sob*) and other annoying stuff. Hopefully it will all be sorted out within 2 weeks though!

I have also come to realise that if I didn't have my IT nerd husband I would be completely and totally stuffed, even if he is slow in getting everything done (apparently he has this thing called 'work' to do? lol).

So I'm taking lovely photos with no capability to play with them or upload them. I can't work on graphics, which means business cards and logos are on hold for the time being, but I'm finding other things to amuse me instead :) In fact, the kids are currently doing a good job of attracting my attention...

So, Happy New Year to everyone! I'll be back when all my computer life has been taped back together lol :)

A Creative Odyssey.... coming into 2011

2010-12-23T01:00:00.001+10:00

Let me see...

In 2011...

I will be 32 (*gasp*)
Miss Scooter will be in Grade 2
Mr Rabbit will be in Pre-Prep, his last year before starting proper school (another *gasp*)
I need to start thinking about a 'real' job (*double gasp*)

In all honesty I think I have less idea about where my life is heading now than when I was 18. I've been at home with the kids for the last 7-8 years. Oh lordy that looks like a long time when you see it written down like that.

I haven't been idle all of that time. Some of it was spent pregnant and sick as a dog (such a fun time! lol), some of it spent dealing with newborns and all the associated issues like tongue ties, sleepless nights, constant breastfeeding and I could probably go on and on. I've also delved into the world of graphics and design. Something I love doing and intend building on.

Which brings me to Jess VanDen's Creative Odyssey and my Goals for 2011 (just as a side note, Jess, are you going to hold me to these goals, cause if you are, I'll actually have to make them sensible and achievable lol)

First off, I've already put plans in motion to step up the digitally scrapbooking design hobby that I started 2.5 years ago into a small business. Which basically means I've managed to rope someone into helping me with promoting and advertising my products because I just can't do it all - I tried and crashed and burned.

In addition to that, I am in the process of developing a side-kick to the design business to include creating custom photo-scrapbooks. I even have several people interested to be my first guinea pigs lol I know where I want to get them printed (based on quality and Australian-made) and a working on pricing. So if you want a custom photobook with cool digital art embellishments, let me know, but not until after Christmas roflmao

Secondly (or was it thirdly?) I am steadily building up an inventory for the grand re-opening of my re-branded Etsy shoppe and MadeIt store. I also have a space guaranteed at a local craft store which I am very excited about. I will spend January sorting out the admin stuff like business cards and display cases and be ready to start fresh by February.

So that's my goals business-wise. In all honesty, if it doesn't work out by the end of the year, I will have to go back to a 'real' job outside the home. I'd much prefer to stay working from home lol

In terms of personal goals, I just want to be there for my kids and husband as much as possible. I want to find a happy balance and a calmer existence without the stress and disappointment that came with 2010. I don't think that 2011 will be perfect, but I plan on working towards making decisions that will positively impact our little family.

I want to make new friends (hi to Jess and Lita rofl) and I want to meet more like-minded people (if that's possible... I'm apparently a little on the... strange... side). I want to have a clean desk and I want to draw and paint and just create.

And I want to sort out where I want this little blog to go. I have several blogs you know... a digi design blog, a cooking blog and a digi inspiration blog. But this little blog often gets thrown around a little bit as I try to find the right mix. And the sad thing is is that I've been doing that for the last 4 years lol I think it needs a little direction.

I think I'll leave it there actually. There's a lot of planning and work involved for the coming year, which I am both excited and a little scared about. But you never know until you try!

Make sure you head over to Scoutie Girl and read her post for today's Creative Odyssey as well. I'm really enjoying reading all the posts and huge thanks to Jess for encouraging us all to participate :)

Have a wonderful Christmas everyone!

Updated look

2010-11-30T16:45:00.002+10:00

I've finally done it.
I drew myself a little mousey. And I love her.
I wonder what I can call her. She looks kinda cute poking out from my header don't you think? :)

Getting some new tunes....

2010-11-24T14:27:00.000+10:00

Lots of funky upbeat songs for my car :)

Because I obviously don't already have enough to do...

2010-11-16T18:57:00.004+10:00

I started a new blog.
This time a food blog.

So that takes the count up to, ummm... 5 blogs, I think. Yeah, I really don't have a lot to do already ;)

Seriously though, I've had a lot of requests for my recipes due to my kids having various food intolerances, so I figured I'd put them all in one place. This is mostly my art/craft blog, with a bit of personal stuff thrown in, but as it was also my first blog, it's a bit haphazard and I keep losing things lol

Splitting things up is my kind of thing. Must be something to do with those split personalities of mine ;)

Personal art and crafting is taking a bit of a back seat as I finish up some commissioned stuff and some digiscrap stuff. And I'll be closing down my Etsy store shortly for a complete refurbishment, re-stock and re-branding. So if you want anything, grab it soon, it won't open again until after Christmas.

Although I could do with a few more hours in the day.... ;)

Lest we forget

2010-11-11T10:11:00.001+10:00

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.

Time to clean up methinks...

2010-11-08T09:36:00.000+10:00

My art space is probably just a *little* messy...

Crafty Markets and a little bit of a surprise

2010-11-06T17:15:00.002+10:00

I kinda stayed up late last night so I'm feeling a little bit the worse for wear (it's days like these I feel quite old lol). But I managed to grab a lift with a friend and make it to the BrisStyle Indie Eco Markets this morning, and I'm glad I did :)

I bought a few little things and grabbed a couple of business cards to look up online later in the week. But best of all I finally got to meet the gorgeous Jess of Epheriell Designs.

While I was out this morning Mr Mouse took the kids to get their hair cut. I got a bit of a surprise when they got home and Miss Scooter's long locks were now a short bob. Ah well, it's Summer I suppose, and they'll grow back ;) I think she just wanted to know what short hair was like. Bonus is that now I don't have to tie it back for school for a while.

Another reason I'm glad I went out this morning is I now have my mind buzzing with enthusiasm & ideas, and it was a good kick up the backside for me and made me realise that I should stop procrastinating and just MAKE STUFF ALREADY. So, come Monday, I will lol I have all these projects waiting to be started, so I just need to get moving. I need to stop worrying about it all being spot-on & perfect. This weekend, however, is reserved for Digital Scrapbook Day and family stuff (apparently we're going go-karting tomorrow), and right now I'm going to sort out dinner and then crash into bed (well before midnight).

A little bit of sparkle

2010-11-05T22:45:00.001+10:00

I bought some rhinestones from the craft store the other day. Found a pretty button and made myself a ring. Brought a little sparkle to my day :)

A quiet moment

2010-11-04T16:53:00.002+10:00

I grabbed a few moments today to fiddle a bit in Photoshop. This is actually taken from a photo I took of my Dad the other week. He was slowly wandering up the hill behind the kids after having taken them for a walk.

My Dad was/is a sheep farmer. He doesn't have many sheep any more as he's supposed to be semi-retired lol There are still some hanging around plus some cattle, goats, chooks, and his beloved dogs. The bush runs in his veins. Mine too, I guess, but in a different way.

Adding some pen lines....

2010-11-03T21:16:00.002+10:00

So my little sketch from the other day is slowly taking shape. I went over it with a Zig pen today. It will eventually be turned into a vector image. I'm still considering which program I'm going to colour it in with...

*yawn* It's been a long day though. It's past 9pm so I'm off to bed.
Tomorrow is my insane day with the boy's swimming lessons and the girl's dancing.
Good night!

Button Love

2010-11-03T09:49:00.002+10:00

I may have raided Mum's button stash while there for Dad's birthday.
I can't help it. I think I have a problem.
There's something about the feel of old buttons.

And then we went to have dinner at the IL's place last Friday night and I happened to mention that I'm collecting buttons. Well... my MIL had a whole container full of buttons from Mr Mouse Grandma! These are seriously old. I was in complete heaven.

I have a fairly strict work schedule these days, so I won't get to play with these until next week, but it's going to be fun :)

A new piece of paper and a freshly sharpened pencil...

2010-11-01T11:32:00.002+10:00

Two things that bring me immense joy and a sense of calm.

It's November and I forgot all about Art Every Day Month. So, I haven't signed up, but that doesn't matter. I'm still a part of Creative Everyday (albeit slightly lapsed), so I'll just slot myself back in lol

I have a new project, so I scanned the preliminary sketch this morning. I'm off to have lunch and then tackle some other work this afternoon, so the pen work will have to wait until tomorrow morning. But it's not looking too shabby.

A little corner of sanity

2010-10-29T13:11:00.002+10:00

I threw caution (and house cleaning) to the wind this morning and packed the boy a bag and went to our favourite little haunt this morning straight after school drop off. I needed the break and the boy needed somewhere to burn off all that excess energy.

Whenever we go to Funkee Monkees, it's clear that the boy is in his element. It's a safe place for us, and he'll happily run around playing by himself to start with, but when other kids start turning up that are on his wavelength, that's when he really comes into his own. It is not unheard of for him to pick up his plate of food and his drink bottle and join in with another family group, leaving his poor old socially inept mother reading quietly in the corner on a very comfortable red couch. He does come back, of course, eventually.

He eagerly introduces himself to his new found friends' Mum or Dad and chatters away happily without a care in the world. That's just the way he is. I just tell the parents to send him back if he gets too annoying, but the truth is, he doesn't still long enough.

And that's the beauty of our hidden little special place. Funkees is a small family run play cafe where the kids are free to interact with the adults and you can see them wherever they are. Its nothing like those huge over bearing playcentres where you could easily lose your own shadow. Besides, they also have great coffee (so I'm told, I don't drink coffee, but they make easily the best soy hot chocolate in Brisbane), a gluten-free menu and really friendly staff.

It's my little corner of sanity where we go when I need a break. The boy gets to run amok and I get to sit quietly, indulging my introverted side, and read, draw or work. Or like today, write.

Happy Birthday Dad :)

2010-10-22T13:17:00.002+10:00

Even though as computer illiterate, he's not ever likely to see this :) lol
My Dad is 60 today. I'll ring him tonight and see him tomorrow.

Peek a boo

2010-10-17T15:44:00.002+10:00

Been cleaning up my phone and found this video from May. Hard to believe that since then Mr Rabbit no longer uses the pram (refuses), is at school (Pre-Prep) and seems to have grown in leaps and bounds.

I've spent the last 2 weeks pondering things a bit. Trying to find that lost reason of why I do the things I do... as we all do at some stage in our lives. I still haven't figured out exactly where I'm moving forward to, but I think the fog is starting to clear.

I have two gorgeous little rat bags (lol) and a husband who I still love dearly, even after 13 years together. We'll be celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary in December. I think I've gotten to the de-cluttering stage though. Going for simplicity. Over the last decade we have collected so much 'stuff'. And it's clogging everything up. I went through one corner (yes, you read correctly, just ONE corner) of the house yesterday and came out with 6 shopping bags full of 'stuff' to be donated. And that was just the kids clothing. And that's all leading to one very big rule.

No more STUFF!

Books are fine though lol as we are a household of book worms. But I may just get in and clean up some of those uni textbooks that Mr Mouse has kept and not opened in about 5 years.

I'm still trying to work out this new blogger format. I can draw the pictures etc, but I can't get my head around the web stuff. If I can't bribe my husband to do it then I may have to pay for someone a little more clued up to fix it for me lol.

So, I've had 2 weeks off. I spent it reading quietly, hiding away and generally feeling horrible. Down. In a rut. That sucks.
I think it's time to break out of that now.
The 'stuff' has gathered in my brain too. It permeates through everything leaving a bit of a haze. So the aim is to clear the physical 'stuff' in order to hopefully clear some of the mental 'stuff'. If anyone wants to help, feel free lol

I want to fly away....

2010-10-08T13:20:00.002+10:00

Or at least have my son's imagination ;)

I don't know if it's the weather or what lately. Term 4 started back at school on Monday, but the kids seem to make up for time apart every afternoon and are in to each other from the moment we walk out the gate.
I'm also feeling a bit low. I don't feel like drawing, or painting or creating anything really. I just want to crawl into bed and nap. Except I can't sleep properly.
Mr Mouse is working very long hours, and it's a bit lonely. But that's just the way it works when there's things to be done.
I need some inspiration of some description but I'm fresh out.

Shop by Colour

2010-09-28T08:27:00.002+10:00

Oh this was fun! I decided to play with the Shop by Colour function on Etsy. Loved the randomness of it. Just click around and watch the gorgeousness pop up.

I do love this fuschia scarf by MaryCarrollDesigns. Pity it's well and truly Spring down here in Australia lol but I'm sure it would be perfect for those in the Northern Hemisphere who are heading towards the cooler months.

Ohhh and I found Tutu's! My little girl, at 7, is apparently almost out of this stage, but how I wish I'd discovered these when she was younger.

This Custom birthday outfit from Nanastutus is seriously funky. I would adore this, but somehow I don't think a 30+yr old mother of 2 would quite suit it lol

And this Halter Tutu Dress by HeavinsBelongings is just seriously cute.

Happy Birthday Mr Mouse...

2010-09-24T14:00:00.002+10:00

Well, for Wednesday anyway ;)
My lovely husband turned 33 on Wednesday, and I had an impromptu party for him (ie, I organised it within 2-3 days lol). I made him a special chocolate fudge cake and we had a nice, simple bbq surrounded by those friends that could make it.
Rabbit insisted on helping him to blow out the candles (I didn't have 33 candles, so we made do with just three :p)

Shiny blues and a facebook page

2010-09-16T19:39:00.002+10:00

I refer to these as Lolly Necklaces because they remind me of the hard boiled lollies my Grandfather used to buy us as kids. Don't remember those ones sparkling though ;) Oh yeah, and you can't eat these ones lol Each blue bead is handmade by me from a mix of different coloured polymer clays.

As you can see, my little model was happy to pose for me :)

As a part of my re-arranging things, I've created a separate page for my Etsy foray... digital designs and handmade crafty bits don't really belong on the same page. You can check out DonnaMouse Designs now on Facebook :) I'm in the process of making a new little logo too... of course, a little mouse! He's just in sketch form at the moment, but hopefully I'll get time over the next few days to digitise and colour him.

New things in my Etsy shoppe...

2010-09-15T13:55:00.002+10:00

Yes, you heard right... I've finally got my act together and am slowly putting new things in my Etsy shop.
Of course this also means that I'm contemplating a shift in how I manage things. I'll get back to you when I work out what exactly it is I want to do!

New Pretties....

2010-09-07T09:35:00.002+10:00

A little preview of some pretty things I've been working on...

I just have a couple of photos left to edit... then I may actually have new pretty things in my Etsy store!! (about time, I know lol)

Some Alanis for today :)

2010-09-06T12:24:00.000+10:00

Scrappy Sunday... don't forget to smile.

2010-08-29T20:35:00.003+10:00

This week I'm all geared up for working and clearing out all this *crap* from my house and my life. I can actually see my craft/work desk and *shock horror* actually made a necklace AND a ring last night. So I may have piccies later on (need to butter up my beautiful model lol) and a little something actually in my Etsy shop.
That and I've been working over-time on my digital designing, and have new goodies coming out my ears (or fingers, or mouse finger... whichever makes more sense ;)).
So I'm gonna smile this week. And purge. And work. And create. And just have fun.

I Got Shiny Mail

2010-08-26T14:27:00.001+10:00

Shiny Mail
Originally uploaded by dgr_mse

Totally sweet.
Now I can get a move on with some projects I've been wanting to start (and some I want to finish lol)...
Although it might be a good idea if I clean up my work desk first...

Music Monday: Don't Stop...

2010-08-23T13:24:00.001+10:00

I had last week off. But things are looking up. Never stop believing :)

Music Monday

2010-08-09T13:29:00.002+10:00

I'm not gonna be grey today... :)

Scrappy Sunday and other things...

2010-08-08T13:31:00.002+10:00

I've been putting in an effort to try and work through the numerous photos I have and get them scrapped (oh yeah, and sorta actually use some of the kits I've designed or purchased this year). This week I've actually managed to get 3 layouts done! And take some photos. And that makes for one very happy Mouse :)

Oh, and if you were wondering about my Project 365? Well it turned into Project 6 Months. I stopped taking self-portraits on June 30. I want to just go with the flow and take photos when I want to, not because I feel I have to :)

Anyway, this week I took a photo of this shy little puddy cat... her name is Doofy. She likes to hide ;)

No layout with her as yet... but I'm thinking about it. She's so sweet and shy :)

This is an older photo that I've finally scrapped. Me and my girl.

With Mr Mouse working, the kids and I have been mucking about outside. It's lovely sub-tropical winter weather lol the sun is shining and you can get away with just light clothing with a jacket nearby to throw on when it gets cool.

I love my little 'model' :)

Loved this photo so much I scrapped with it straight away.

And another layout of her making her silly faces lol

lol it was one of those crazy mornings ;)

And we finished it off with Mr Grumpy Child ;) I'm on the lookout for the perfect kit to scrap this photo lol

New necklace

2010-08-04T13:59:00.001+10:00

New necklace
Originally uploaded by dgr_mse

Wheee! Getting back in the swing of things. Well, that's the idea anyway ;)
Just a straight basic bead choker with my hand made polymer beads. Having some pink love today.

Music Monday

2010-08-02T07:00:00.000+10:00

Scrappy Sunday

2010-08-01T13:00:00.000+10:00

Actually got a couple of digi pages done this week...

Music Monday: Moving forward

2010-07-19T13:56:00.002+10:00

Scooter happily went back to school this morning. And Mr Rabbit started his first day of Pre-Prep.
To be honest, I think he was getting bored at daycare. He'll do 1.5 years of Pre-Prep/Kindy before he starts school (Scooter did 2yrs), and I think he is ready for the extra challenges.
I couldn't get him to stand still. He was busting out of his skin to get on the playground they had and quite happily answered all his new teacher's questions, albeit a little distractedly as he stared at the equipment ;)

Here he is doing his best 'tough guy' impersonation... he looks so cute in his little uniform (loved that the uniform shop co-ordinator managed to find him some sz 2 trousers!).

He absolutely loves the playground. Its all brand new and there's lot to do! I couldn't get him to stand still long enough for a decent photo lol

So, life moves forward. Here we are at the next step in the journey. Our little man is starting to grow up. Its sad yet exciting all at the same time.
Our life still has a couple of bumps to iron out, but we're a family, we're strong and we'll push through. We have a little bit of help :)

Why I love the Internet...

2010-07-16T08:28:00.002+10:00

If you haven't worked out from my lack of posting, school holidays and Winter sickies have hit hard in this house. All that should be done and dusted come Monday when the kids (both of them!!!) go back to school.

I love the Internet.

There, I've said it. And it's true.
But not in a "I can't live without you" way, more in a "wow, look at everything that is possible" way. I can quite happily go off into the wilderness without checking my email (although I am conscious that it will be a mammoth effort to get through when I get back). I don't need it, but I am well aware of the opportunities and people it has brought into my life.

Through Twitter & Facebook and various forums I have met such wonderful people. I have even had the pleasure to meet many of them IRL and some of them I count as close friends. Thanks to the internet we can go for months without actually seeing each other, but still keep in touch and when we do meet up, its like we've known each other for years... which we have, I suppose, just not in the traditional sense.

I chat constantly to a friend at the other end of Australia almost daily. One day we will meet in person. But I would never have gotten to know her if it weren't for answering one little post in a scrapbooking forum. And my life is richer because of it.

Facebook is like my little black book of social organisation. We organise play-dates, coffee times, meetings, parties, pretty much anything. I'm going out to a play-date this morning organised over FB.

Why don't I phone? Well I like that I don't always need to.
I'm fairly socially inept. I'm very shy in social situations. Getting to know people online allows us to slowly build a friendship and comfort zone with that person so that when we actually do meet up (generally with entire families in tow!) there are no feelings of discomfort. I know them. They know me. In fact we probably know more about each other than if we'd been introduced IRL. The internet has that funny little way of encouraging you to be open with people.

Now I do have to say I don't set out to make friends with complete and total strangers. To start with we generally have something in common, and if our online personalities click, then it tends to go from there. Because I am actually still a little shy online, I don't have hundreds of 'friends'. But those that I do count as friends have managed to get beyond the initial shyness and discovered I'm not all that shy when I get to know them. And they've learned to deal with my strange sense of humour and little quirks ;)

When I was at uni (over 10 years ago lol) the internet was only just starting to take off. Email was a new phenomenon. Social network sites as we now know them weren't even thought of. These days my children take computers and the internet for granted. Teenagers wander around with fancy phones (that break easily btw... remember the old Nokia 5110? you could drop a brick on it and it would barely scratch) on which they can happily call, text, email, FB, Tweet and do a variety of other things. Its a part of their life. They have access to so many wonderful things (and yes, some not so wonderful, but such is life I suppose).

So yes, I love the internet. I'm old enough to remember it never being and I am grateful for the wonderful people it has brought into my life.

Making pretty things.

2010-06-28T14:42:00.002+10:00

I love making things.
I finally made time to make some polymer clay beads. These ones are swirls of colour mixed with a sparkly white. They glitter perfectly :)

Now to find my jewellery design notebook and make something of them.

I have some purple clay lined up to make something special for a certain friend of mine too :)

The things that make me smile....

2010-06-26T21:59:00.002+10:00

Its been a hard week.

Walking in the bush today with my man and my girl was just the thing I needed. I love the smell of the trees, the dirt, everything. Being close to nature is good for the soul.

We were on our way to pick up this cheeky little character...

Those three people are my world, my everything.

This week has also been a great reminder to step back once in a while and remember a few simple things. No matter what happens, do what is right. Even if it is the hardest thing in the world.

Live your life to the best of your ability. Be humble, be patient. Through everything, treat everyone with love, compassion and forgiveness. Even if you don't want to. Just do it. When the anger threatens to overwhelm you, when the sadness hits you like a freight train, never hit out in pain if you can help it.

And remember those things that make you Smile.

Taking a blogging break

2010-06-22T13:13:00.001+10:00

Just for the week. Family stuff.
I'll be back next week :)

Another Crochet update...

2010-06-15T22:51:00.003+10:00

Its growing!!

I'm up to my third ball of wool. Mr Mouse asked me tonight what exactly it was that I was planning on making. I told him a blanket. He made this grunt that was half impressed, half sceptical roflmao I'm adamant I'm going to have this finished before winter is over lol

I do have to admit I'm absolutely loving this. Its all maths to me and I am a bit of a maths nerd. Seriously, I did physics & 3Unit maths in high school, and I loved algebra (I'm not going to live that one down, am I?) I've already got little patterns floating around in my head now that I've got the basics just about right. I think one more blanket (I'll make a multi-coloured one next) and I'll start experimenting :)

Thankful Thursday: Weird Quirks and Comfort Food

2010-06-10T13:52:00.003+10:00

I have this one little quirk. It kinda drives my husband slightly batty.

I write lists.

Yes, I'm a list person.

And the best list is one written in a shiny brand new exercise book.

Meet List Book #4. Being started today. The other 3 are still in use, I just *need* a different book for a different topic ;) And preferably written with a funky coloured pen.

Okay, I may have other strange little quirks. But I'll save them for later ;)

Today I am thankful for modern gadgets. In particular, this wonderful slow cooker that Mr Mouse came home with one day. Today it is working away at a beef casserole that I threw together this morning. Loving the smell and the wonderful way it permeates through the house with its own feeling of Winter gorgeousness.

The boy and I have spent today cuddling on the couch watching cartoons, reading books and playing with the cats. I kept him home from swimming lessons and let him sleep in this morning. Hopefully whatever bug he has will be gone tomorrow.

Week In Review

2010-06-09T16:22:00.002+10:00

I'm liking this mid-weekly wrap-up of my Project 365. Its so much easier having a week's worth of photos all in the one place. And it makes me remember what exactly it was that I was doing on each day.

3rd June - Its starting to get cold. I'm enjoying getting out the long sleeves and layering up.

4th June

5th June - Saturday was my little brother's birthday. He was 27. And I feel very old. No pictures of him because he lives down south and besides, all photos of him have him doing subtle finger gestures (*roll eyes* some people never really grow up!)
Instead, we rugged up and took the kids to the park to fly kites and have a picnic.

6th June - If I look tired its because it was a looooong weekend. A 1st birthday party on Sunday morning was followed by lunch at the IL's and we were late getting home.

7th June - Work day. Nothing much else to say lol

8th June - Soaking up the Winter sunshine. I do have to admit that the weather where I live is quite good. And today I handed in Rabbit's forms for Pre-Prep. My boy will be off to Kindy in a few weeks.

9th June - Today. Back to work again. But its not going so well. I am just not in the right head space. The website is down, I can't upload anything, I can't link to anything and I'm feeling a bit *pfft* about it. I picked up the boy early from daycare with a temperature. He's crashed out on the lounge watching telly.

Artful Tuesday: Crochet update

2010-06-08T13:41:00.002+10:00

I haven't been able to crochet the last few days because we've been out and about running around the countryside. We have so many birthday parties and other functions to attend this month, I am pretty sure we'll all be partied-out by the end of it.

But this is what my crochet is looking like so far. Scooter has definitely claimed it as hers now. Its so soft & warm. I'd like to have it finished before the end of winter so she can use it properly.

And in other news, I finally got to dig out my birthday present from Mr Mouse. I have no idea how to use it as yet, but that's what instruction booklets are for, yes?
Just waiting on the new lens, remote and a couple of other little tidbits and I will be back up to speed with where I was prior to the break-in.

Everything is getting engraved. All serial numbers are recorded and backed-up. Everything is being photographed, and we have installed extra security measures to our house and yard. It totally sucks having to do it and I hate being distrustful of the people we live near, but at least now we know our house is no longer an easy target for people with sticky fingers.

Music Monday

2010-06-07T14:00:00.001+10:00

Dare to go outside your comfort zone today. Do something you've always wanted to do, but never have.
Let your inner self shine through.

Scrappy Sunday

2010-06-06T14:06:00.000+10:00

Most people know that I scrapbook. Digitally, that is.
I also design scrapbook products, but you can see more of that at my design blog. I'm working on making pretty little blinkies and pictures to do the link thing, but its honestly at the bottom of my list at the moment (although, if anyone wants to do a trade, please let me know!)

So today I'm gonna post some of the layouts I've made recently. I haven't done all these in the last week lol, more like the last few weeks. I've been participating in the Body of Art challenge at Scrappers Online, so I've had incentive for the last 4 weeks to get at least a page done a week.

So in no particular order, these are some pages I've done in the last few weeks:

hhmmm... I think I need to do more pages of Scooter and Mr Mouse ;) :)

Food For Thought Friday

2010-06-04T11:41:00.002+10:00

Impossible Pie
Originally uploaded by dgr_mse

I have yet another new series of blog posts coming.
A few people have requested that I post some of my recipes, and I'm happy to oblige.
In the last few weeks Mr Rabbit has gone completely gluten-free, and so I now have the lovely task of creating meals that are nutritious & tasty as well as gluten-free, lactose-free, amine-free and as additive-free as possible (you can google all that if you want lol). So needless to say, I have become quite good at taking a traditional recipe and completely re-writing it to become safe for everyone in my family to eat.

So here is my first instalment! Please note, all my measurements are guess-timates. I cook by feel and taste, so I've written it all down the best I can.

Impossible Pie

2 green onions (thinly sliced)
1 heaped cup of cooked chicken, shredded
125g can corn kernels
1-2 tbspns fresh parsley (chopped well)
1 tsp garlic
6 eggs (whisked well)
1 1/2 cups soy milk (or other lactose-free milk)
1/2 cup gluten-free self raising flour
3 tbspns soy cream cheese (I use Tofutti)

1. Preheat oven to 200'C. Lightly grease a 4cm deep, 24cm ceramic quiche dish.

2. Whisk milk and flour in a bowl until well combined. Add eggs and mix well.

3. Add cream cheese and mix well.

4. Stir in onion, chicken, corn, parsley & garlic. Season with salt & pepper to taste.

5. Pour into quiche dish. Bake for about 50 minutes or until it is set in the centre (I gave mine about 55 mins in my oven).

This is delicious by itself, or with chips/veges/salad on the side. Also good cold in the school lunch box.

Being thankful.

2010-06-03T16:23:00.003+10:00

This is Sprinkles. Rabbit got him for Christmas from his Aunties (Scooter got a matching one, her name is Rosie).
Sprinkles goes everywhere special with Rabbit. He keeps him warm and feeling safe. He sleeps with him and gives him special cuddles. Occasionally he gets thrown at the roof, but he always forgives Rabbit for those times.
Next term Rabbit starts Kindy (Pre-Prep). My little boy is growing up. But Sprinkles is still his favourite friend, and always will be, I think.

Today I am thankful for the small things that provide warmth and comfort.

I can update on the granny square adventure as well. I've just kept going. I figure I'll stop when I've used up all the cheap wool I've got stashed in my box (there's a lot). I took it to Rabbit's swimming lesson this morning and got some more done.

Week in Review.

2010-06-02T13:42:00.003+10:00

Okay, after much effort and extreme willpower, I've updated my Flickr stream with all my P365 photos from the last month (phew!). Instead of posting them everyday, I'll just do a weekly review of my mundane life to share with you all (so if you don't want to suffer, go and blog surf or something).

We'll start with last Thursday. Something wonderful happened last Thursday. We got a new camera. And of course, my darling husband celebrated by taking this photo.

*sigh*
Such a wonderful and exciting life we lead. Thankfully it looks an awful lot tidier now, but it won't by the time the kids get through this afternoon after school.

Mr Mouse also bought me this shirt.

Does your partner buy you clothes (not including the lacy, racy kind, of course ;))? Mine does sometimes. But then I guess I buy him stuff too on the odd occasion. We are a strange couple that enjoy going shopping together (generally minus the mini tag-a-longs).

What do I do when I get a brand new shiny camera? Well, I give it to the 3 year old to take pictures, of course (I can see all the photographers cringing rofl)

He's not too bad for a mini munchkin. And he did have to beg, and beg, and beg, and beg.... before I let him hold it.

On Sunday Mr Mouse disappeared down south to Melbourne for a work conference. By all accounts he had a pretty good time. I promise I'm not jealous. Much.

Surprisingly the kids were exceptionally good for me while DH was away. I took this photo when they were safely tucked up in bed on Monday night and I was trying hard not to think about Mr Mouse having a fantabulous time dining out at Jamie Oliver's Melbourne restaurant, Fifteen.

My man came back to me very late last night bringing all those lovely goodies that a fancy schmancy work conference gives. Chocolates, lollies, wine, more pens (luuurve new pens), more wine, little mini torches and a couple of stress ball things. He thinks it's probably time he actually bothered to get a business card made up. Probably a good idea methinks.

And that brings us to today. Its cold, its wet and its miserable. All that means is that my curly hair is being extra frizzy and annoying.

I'm still going with my crochet. It was nice and comfy last night curled up on the lounge in front of NCIS and just crocheting away. I've done about 7 rounds now, and I'm just gonna keep going and make a great big blanket or something. Its a bright red acrylic wool. I'm thinking Scooter might like it.

Artful Tuesday

2010-06-01T12:58:00.003+10:00

See? Told you I was back :)

Today I took up a challenge. The lovely Jess has a Granny a Day challenge going over at her blog. Now, I can knit, but the art of crochet has always eluded me. I could never get my head around it.

So after reading Jess's tweet this morning, I dug out my yarn box and found an old crochet hook and some dodgy looking cheap yarn (lol). Well, first of all I found a scarf project from last winter that hadn't been finished up, so I finished that first ;)

See, a scarf. Not the neatest thing you've ever seen, but its cosy :) (not the best photo either, but you get that lol)

Anyway, after that, I put up the tute from Renate that Jess linked to. And I admit I did okay for a couple of instructions. Then I needed to Google 'Granny Squares for idiots' (or something like that rofl), and found this video on YouTube. And that helped.

And hey presto, I've done 2 rounds of a rather dodgy looking Granny Square. I'll finish playing with it tonight while I wait for Mr Mouse to get home :) I have the wrong sized needle and yarn, and I haven't followed the directions exactly (and yes, that is my Mousey interpretation of the pattern scribbled in my diary under the square lol), but its all a part of the learning process, yes? :)

Music Monday

2010-05-31T22:49:00.003+10:00

Yep, I'm back, and I'm on track.
Mr Mouse is away for business at the moment so its quiet and I'm feeling a bit lonely (hence why I am posting this at 11pm). I heard Marcia Hines singing this song on GNW tonight and thought I'd search YouTube for a version. Came across this one. I'm glad my man is back tomorrow :)

Catching up!

2010-05-20T10:27:00.002+10:00

Okay, so I'm a bit slow in uploading my photos. It didn't help that the day before his birthday party Mr Rabbit picked up our only remaining camera off the desk, turned it on, and promptly dropped it lens-first onto the floor. Silently screaming inside, I informed Mr Mouse that he was going out in his lunch hour that day and finding the best cheap camera he could. Which he did. lol

But if you're interested in where I am up to in the uploading stakes, I have finished off my April set at Flicker. You can view that here :)

So, just May and the rest of it to go lol

Gone AWOL

2010-05-11T10:53:00.002+10:00

sshhh... yes, its me lol

I have something like over a dozen photos to upload to Flickr lol including ones from my birthday yesterday! Yes, I am now a whole year older ;)

I have design work coming out my ears, and I'm happy.

So stay tuned! I am aiming to get all photos uploaded to Flickr tomorrow and resume my usual posting... maybe even with some crafty projects :)

Mucking about

2010-04-23T10:30:00.001+10:00

22 April 2010
Originally uploaded by dgr_mse

I got Scooter to take this photo yesterday while we were all playing around. Notice the stuffed toys in the background? We have HEAPS. I just can't bring myself to cull them. They are a mix of Mr Mouse's childhood toys, my childhood toys, the kids special stuffed animals and some very special teddy bears that Mr Mouse bought me while we were dating.
The clean up is going quite well... I'm almost ready to ship off a tonne of baby-related stuffs to whoever wants them. Its quite liberating to be free of it all and not have it clogging up the house.

Tea time!

2010-04-21T11:07:00.001+10:00

21 April 2010
Originally uploaded by dgr_mse

Oh, I am so totally organised today. Or at least making a good pretence of it ;)
Cake cooked and decorated. Boy and cake delivered safely to daycare. Girl delivered safe to school (and into the awaiting arms of a new girl at school and apparently a new giggly friend lol), and then home for brekky and a big cup of tea.

Actually, I think I need more tea. Yep. I do. Bye!

Astro Boy cake

2010-04-21T11:03:00.001+10:00

Astro Boy cake
Originally uploaded by dgr_mse

See? It's got Astro Boy on it! LOL

I'm very proud of my printing and laminating skills rofl

Gluten free, lactose free and the sprinkles are all natural colours... perfect ;)

Late night cake baking

2010-04-21T10:46:00.002+10:00

20 April 2010
Originally uploaded by dgr_mse

After having a dinner party for my little man, I still had a cake to bake.
11pm and waiting for the oven buzzer to sound so I could get that cake out, out it on the cooling rack and crash into bed lol

The birthday boy!

2010-04-21T10:19:00.002+10:00

Rabbit turned 3 yesterday... he's a 'big boy' now lol

Some quick pics...

Opening presents in the morning before taking Scooter to school... Scooter gave him a slinky so he wouldn't keep stealing hers rofl

We did go to Funkee Monkees, but I didn't take any photos - too busy chatting with B's mum lol

Last night we had Nanny and the Auntie's come over for dinner. Rabbit had requested a pasta bake, so I needed to call in Daddy's help to grab some more gluten-free pasta on the way home from work.... but it all got done, and everyone was well fed lol

Playing with the Aunties

Cake! Just cupcakes for dinner... I still had to make an Astro Boy cake for daycare lol

And my gorgeous 3 year old boy :)

Wrapping presents

2010-04-19T22:49:00.001+10:00

19 April 2010
Originally uploaded by dgr_mse

That's why I'm up late tonight.

My boy turns 3 tomorrow. This time three years ago I was mentally preparing myself for my second c-section (I hate hospitals lol so it took a lot of mental prep!).

He's a ratbag and a nutter, but he's completely gorgeous and just blows us away with how quickly he tunes into things. A little while ago he decided he was sick of just watching his sister play Dora or whatever on the computer, he wanted to play his own games... and so he learnt. He runs around the house pretending to be super heroes, he tells amazing stories of what he's going to do when he gets a pair of rocket boots (flying to the moon is just the start!). He loves dinosaurs and Astro Boy and planets and Spiderman. And he loves wearing his Daddy's old Akubra hat. Three year olds are such complex creatures.

And now his presents are wrapped. There's Lego, Thomas trains, playdough and the original Astro Boy cartoon in a 5 DVD set LOL There is one present he has to wait for though... Gran & Grandfather are coming up on the weekend with this little piece of plastic called a Smart Dart... and he can't wait :)

A weekend of hard party-ing...

2010-04-19T12:04:00.002+10:00

Kid-style that is...

Saturday was H's 2nd birthday. H is Rabbit's little friend and funnily enough we actually know his mum from uni days and didn't make the connection until the daycare Christmas concert in December (we're a bit slow that way rofl). So it was an afternoon/night of meeting new people and the kidlets having a blast on the jumping castle.

I took my daily photo when I got home as the entire day had been a whirlwind and I hadn't had a moment's peace... especially when neither child had an afternoon nap/rest... oh that was fun - not! lol

So... Saturday 17th April:

And we followed up the next day with a trip to the markets (must remember to attach young male child to the pram next time due to him bolting - again) and then Miss Scooter had a birthday party to attend for one of her little school mates.
I took my daily photo outside while my two ratbags played in the sand pit... this was before they walked sand all through the house ;)

So we survived the weekend and we've survived the school holidays. Back to normal routine now :)

Still awake...

2010-04-16T22:37:00.001+10:00

16 April 2010
Originally uploaded by dgr_mse

Its definitely been a long day. At 10.35pm, I should be in bed, but I'm just sitting here relishing the peace and quiet.
As much as I love my munchkins, there are just some days that are complete write-offs. And today was one of them. The argued and fought non-stop.
Ah well... bring on Monday and school will be back and Rabbit will be at daycare. I will clean up the mess then ;)

Busy days

2010-04-15T19:04:00.001+10:00

15 April 2010
Originally uploaded by dgr_mse

Thursday is my busy day. I feel like I'm on the go non-stop, a feeling which is only amplified during school holidays lol

I hit a wall today while trying to photograph new goodies for my Etsy shop. I can't :( This little old camera just doesn't seem to want to take a nice clear photo... I will keep trying, but I will admit it did upset me somewhat today.

I have also resigned from my digital design consignment store, Nuts4Digi. I have some things to sort out before selling in a store again, although I will have stuff available at my digital blog for download (free and purchase) occasionally.

The only thing I really want right now is for the kids to go to bed and to have a nice hot cuppa in front of the telly and unwind a bit.

Counting down...

2010-04-14T20:32:00.001+10:00

14 April 2010
Originally uploaded by dgr_mse

the days until school goes back that is ;)
Scooter goes back on Monday, and even though I'm enjoying the lazy mornings, I'll gladly welcome back my two days per week that I am on my own.
I mean, I love my kids, but I like a bit of peace and quiet occasionally too LOL

Some new bling

2010-04-13T15:29:00.002+10:00

13 April 2010
Originally uploaded by dgr_mse

Its no secret if you follow me on Twitter that I love the work of Jess from Epheriell Designs.
This year I have been lucky enough to snag two sets of her hand made and eco-friendly earrings, the latest being the Inverse hoops.
I also have a pair of Little Square Hoops which are extremely comfortable and I pretty much wear every day :)
Now I just need to save up for another pair to buy next month lol

The 'hangover'

2010-04-13T15:23:00.001+10:00

12 April 2010
Originally uploaded by dgr_mse

If you get migraines, then you know about the 'hangover'.
Its when your headache is pretty much gone, but there is like something 'leftover' and it really would only take a small thing to get things banging again.

That's how I spent Monday lol although I did manage to run through several loads of washing and folding, sweep the floors, clean the bathroom and get a little bit of computer-free designing done. I guess it also helps when the littlest munchkin is at daycare ;)

A day in bed...

2010-04-13T15:19:00.001+10:00

11 April 2010
Originally uploaded by dgr_mse

And no, it wasn't a lazy Sunday - I wish it had been.

I woke up with a headache and managed to get out of bed and awake enough to get to church. Unfortunately there was a lot of presentations on the projector screen and it took a lot of my willpower not to throw up :(

Result? One nasty migraine and a Mr Mouse telling me I probably should have stayed in bed.

Which I did that afternoon. My lovely husband took the kids jetskiing on the river (with other adults to help with supervision I'll add!) and I slept the afternoon away.

Busy times

2010-04-10T20:40:00.002+10:00

10 April 2010
Originally uploaded by dgr_mse

Today has been filled with outings and yet more cleaning.

I appear to have my seasons mixed up as I am attempting a massive Spring Clean in Autumn lol Oh well, I guess it is actually Spring on the other side of the world ;)

I took the munchkins to Funkee Monkees this morning for a play date with one of Rabbit's little friends. They had a blast and I enjoyed my cup of the best ever soy hot chocolate. I seriously love that place, even if it was crowded with two lots of birthday parties lol

You can see our aquaponics gear in the background. We now have some jade perch in the tanks. They are growing each week and should be ready to eat about the end of August/mid October. Mr Mouse has planted some cucumbers and tomatoes to see how they go. Even though he's the only one who can eat tomatoes lol I love being able to pop out to the garden and pick fresh and organic herbs and veges whenever I need it. The kids just love feeding the fish, and strangely enough, the cats aren't really interested at all... that may change as the fish get bigger ;)

I'm working hard on several projects now. Things are a bit difficult with it being school holidays (still a week to go) but I can see the end in sight for at least two works in progress. And that makes me happy (and relieved lol).

Just playing around

2010-04-09T13:16:00.001+10:00

09 April 2010
Originally uploaded by dgr_mse

I'm busy filing insurance paperwork (here's a handy tip, when you buy something new, scan the warranty card and save as a pdf... back it up somewhere and keep a paper copy in your insurance folder/file,,, that way you have a copy of the serial number & proof of ownership :)), so I thought I'd play around with this little camera for a bit. After all, I did use it a lot about 2 years ago LOL

The picture is grainy, but its not too bad. I can fiddle with settings a little bit, and there is a macro setting as well. I might try for some spiderweb photos or something over the weekend as practice.

March 31-April 8

2010-04-09T11:48:00.002+10:00

Here's a catch up for you, seeing as we've been on holidays :)

March 31:

April 1: After rushing around packing, attending Scooter's school Easter Chapel, the boy's swimming lessons and Mr Mouse missing his train home (lol) We finally got on the road, jetski in tow!

April 2: Lots of time spent in the car ;) But we went jetskiing at Copeton Dam near Inverell. Very glad we have a 4wd.

April 3: After getting to the IL's farm, Mr Mouse set up the tent to give the kids their first 'soft' taste of camping. 'Twas a bit hard on the neck and back rofl

April 4: Easter Sunday we went to church and then headed out to Yarrie Lake near Narrabri for yet more jetskiing. I would say that the jetskii has almost paid for itself by now with the amount of use it is getting lol

April 5: Getting ready to leave the IL's farm and head back to my parent's place in order to break the trip up for the kids.

April 6: Cows. lol

April 7: Home again after our 1500km round trip. Photo courtesy of Scooter.

April 8: Yes, another desk shot. I forgot to take a pic until late, k? :p

Stay tuned for today's photo! :D

And from the ashes....

2010-03-30T11:57:00.003+10:00

Okay, so I was feeling a little sad and sorry for myself the other day. But I have picked myself up and come up with a bearable solution.

We have a very old 4 mega pixel digi p&s that we had given to the kids to play with. It still works. Looks like the kids will now have to do without a camera for the time being ;)

The photo quality is poor, and you'll have to stick with me while I work out how to use it again, but I will keep going with this project. Albeit, missing 6 days in March. I think I can live with that.

Perhaps I can do something artistic with the poor quality of the photos LOL

We left off on the 18th March, so here are the last two instalments of photos taken with my 400D:

19th March
I had a headache and wasn't feeling well, so all you get is a closeup.

20th March
The last photo I have taken with the 400D. I'm still sad, but I'll get over it.

Okay, so we'll just have a little interlude in here. Just imagine you can see 6 days worth of the most awesome photos you've ever seen, k? lol

27 March
Okay, so this is a bad photo. Its blurred, and 'orrible. But I'll work it out eventually lol

28 March
Slightly better. When in doubt, go outside for natural light. The deck is getting a good clean up (as is the rest of the house) after the break-in.

29 March
Me and my girl :) I need to get some more pics of me with the kids.

30 March
And that brings us to today. Apparently I have a setting for wide photos on this little camera lol Not a bad view of the back shed ;)

Project 365 is done...

2010-03-26T23:50:00.003+10:00

This afternoon, my DSLR and point & shoot cameras were stolen from my desk (at home) while I was gone for school pickup.
Along with them went the last 6 days photos. I still have photos up to the 20th to post, but obviously don't feeling like that at the moment.
I'm feeling a little sad, a little angry and in the "why me" phase. It took me years to get that second hand DSLR and the p&s was just a cheap-ish little Canon we'd had since January last year.
The thing I am most cut about is that its one week until Easter. We have a family gathering happening and I need a camera. Mr Mouse isn't feeling too enthused about going to get a new one (Point & shoot obviously, will be a while for a DSLR again). We have a really ancient p&s, so I guess that will have to do for now.
Oh, and I finally took photos & video at Scooter's swimming lessons yesterday to show the family. She swam beautifully. And yep, it was sitting on my desk waiting to be uploaded, and they swiped it.

So today it kinda sucks to be me.

Now up to day 77...

2010-03-18T21:31:00.002+10:00

Not entirely sure why I am still up. I know its only 9.30pm, but I'm pretty tired after a long day. I have new products to go in my digital scrapbooking store tomorrow, and I have some crafty things lined up to finish and get ready for my Etsy store.

16 March

17 March

18 March

I'm Strong Enough

2010-03-17T09:27:00.002+10:00

Well, actually, I'm not.
I need a little help sometimes.

Monday, Monday....

2010-03-16T12:46:00.001+10:00

15 March 2010
Originally uploaded by dgr_mse

Good bye to Monday lol
I took this photo in our loungeroom while watching tv last night.
Notice the oh-so-cool Dora the Explorer watch I am wearing. I nicked it off Scooter when my watch finally died. I have all intentions of buying a new one and giving hers back, I'm just not sure when ;)

The weekend is over

2010-03-15T13:14:00.003+10:00

and Monday is half over lol.

Here are my pics from the weekend:

Saturday 13th
Two kids and a birthday party. Lets just say I was completely exhausted by the end of it. Mr Mouse was at home building a fence lol

Sunday 14th
Remember how I said I was exhausted on Saturday night? Cut to Sunday and I had a rather big headache. So I basically wandered around like a zombie all day ;) Hence the hair out and weird facial expression (oh, hang on, that's my usual expression!)

In other news... I got an email last night informing me that I actually made a sale at CafePress. Woot! lol pity they don't pay anything until you reach a certain amount ;) IN all honesty, I'd opened it, put some designs in there an promptly forgot about it.
But now I am feeling inspired. I may make some time this week to play around with some more designs and add them to things in my CafePress store.

The Amazing DigiScrap Race is almost finished. This is the last week. I have the first challenge and I'll get to it tomorrow most likely. The following are some of the pages I did over the last couple of weeks for the Race.

Challenge #5... chocolate ;)

Challenge #6... me then and me now

Challenge #7... was a bucket list... I didn't like mine, so I'm not posting it here ROFL!!

Challenge #8... 'someday'

Challenge #9... a colour challenge, I chose yellow/orange

There was a Challenge #10 too, but it was a combined layout. I started it and Eryn finished it. Can I just say how lucky I was to find such an amazingly talented scrapper as a partner this year?

Okay, enough for now. I'll be back later with my pic from today :)

Wake me up when I'm ready, k?

2010-03-12T22:33:00.001+10:00

12 March 2010
Originally uploaded by dgr_mse

And preferably NOT 5-flipping-am.
I realise its late and I should've been in bed ages ago. I'm a night owl, can't help it. No matter how early I go to bed I am definitely not a morning person. Unfortunately, Mr Mouse and young Rabbit are morning people. Scooter isn't (that's my girl lol).

Its been a long day. Rabbit has learnt to use the computer and now we can't get him off the darn thing without a tanty being thrown. He managed to navigate his way from the ABC Kids website to NickJr.com today (don't stress, I was sitting at the other computer next to him). I don't know whether to be impressed or stressed. Then again, Scooter has been using the computer since she was 2. Its in their genes, with their Daddy being Mr Fixit when it comes to computers.

I think I'm supposed to be making birthday cards for the party tomorrow morning. I thought it was tomorrow afternoon, but a quick check of the invite and its 9am. Ah crap lol Good thing I have all the card making materials sorted into their box.

I think this photo may be slightly over exposed, but I don't care. I can only go forward and get better with this photo taking and playing business.

A nice end to a long day

2010-03-11T20:37:00.001+10:00

11 March 2010
Originally uploaded by dgr_mse

Thursday is my big day.
Two lots of swimming lessons, school drop-off, pick up and a Gymboree lesson.
Doing it with a nasty headache just adds to the fun.
I especially love it when Mr 2 decides to turn into psycho runaway boy as well and bolts at every possible opportunity.
However, I am pleased with my photo tonight. I used only the light from my monitors and my new plan of working from the manual seems to be headed in the right direction.
So at least I can fall into bed happy lol :)

Day 69

2010-03-11T12:07:00.000+10:00

10 March 2010
Originally uploaded by dgr_mse

Yes, I'm still at it.
Life got in the way of posting on the blog, but that's the way life is lol
You can still see the rest of my photos on my Flickr (just click on the photo).
I'm thinking of going slowly through my camera manual and just playing with one setting per photo for a while. I have next to no idea how it all works, so I figure this should at least help!
I still haven't got that tripod.
A mini tripod would be good, so I think I know what I will be buying next pay day lol
In other news, I just got a parcel of packaging stuff, so I will soon be good to go with some crafty stuff. Oh yeah, I finally have my craft desk back. And dual monitors. And a new spiffy phone :D
Now if I could just get the kids to stop poking and prodding each other, the world would be a very peaceful place.

Yes, I am still going...

2010-02-27T11:46:00.002+10:00

I'm not going to apologise lol I'm still taking photos daily, I just don't get to upload them as often as I'd like to at the moment. So there'll be a few more multi-photo posts until I get back into the swing of things.

Let's get started shall we?

18 February:
Another computer shot. This time I do promise to take more photos away from the computer. I don't really spend all my time at my desk (although I am there a fair bit). Let's just ignore the messy bookcase in the background too... hopefully that will have the opportunity to be cleaned up shortly.

19 February:
See? Its an outdoor shot :)

20 February:
On Saturday I drove the distance to my parent's place all by myself with the two yapping kidlets in the back. Thankfully they actually slept a fair bit, so I drove straight through... no use waking them when all is peaceful and you can actually concentrate on the drive. During this time I also fell in love with that wonderful invention called cruise control. I took this pic at mum & dad's. I would've taken some outside, but it was raining!

21 February:
Photo courtesy of Mr Mouse. After driving back from mum & dad's via Stanthorpe and a 4 year old's birthday party, I think I deserved a little shut-eye. Oh, and I'm just wearing a sleeveless top. I assure you, there is nothing even remotely alluring about this pose lol

22 February:
Having a discussion with Rabbit about the merits of pear. He loves his pear fruit tubs.

Oh look, I've done digital stuff too...

2010-02-20T10:32:00.003+10:00

ADSR is still going, so here is what I've been doing:

Challenge #2:
"5 things I love"
5 photos
5 different fonts/alpha for the title
5 different elements of the same type (in this case, flowers!)

Challenge #3:
Selective colouring and journalling was the theme for this challenge.
Thankfully, I already had a photo ready!

Challenge #4:
Two ATC's for this one :)
First part of the challenge was a tribute to 'the one you love'
Obviously to my DH :)
The gorgeous drawing is from Little Musings (Ollie & Bea) and I had been itching to use it.
I wrote part of the song "When you say nothing at all" on the ATC as that is one of 'our' songs :)

The second part of the challenge was to make an ATC as a tribute to our Race partner. So this is for my partner Eryn :)

Three days in a row...

2010-02-20T10:19:00.002+10:00

Y'know, I figured I'd get to this stage somewhere along the line. Its when life goes haywire for a while and all online stuff must be relegated to the back seat unless its urgent. So here are my photos from the first 3 days of this week.

15 February... Monday. The day I went to the dentist and had the very first filling put in that I've had since I was a little munchkin. That's right, I think I've only ever had one small filling in my adult teeth. I just don't get holes, I have 'perfect teeth' according to every dentist I've ever seen. The only issue is my wisdom teeth. They've jutted into one of my molars and caused a lot of damage. Hence the filling to save the tooth and me booking in to finally get my wisdom teeth pulled sometime in the next 3-6 months (I promise to ring and make an appt on Monday...)

16 February... I was slightly out of it on Tuesday. Extremely tired and basically chased after Mr Rabbit all day and achieved a big fat nothing. However, Tuesday was the day we had a massive storm in the morning that caused flash flooding and major damage across the city. Thankfully we are on a hill, so all we got was a lot of water flowing down the street and our backyard. Could have done without the lightning and thunder though...

17 February... I have no flippin' idea what I did on Wednesday. I'm guessing I attempted to get some work done. I know it was still raining a little bit. Mr Rabbit went to daycare in undies and lasted all day without an accident and even used the toilet (major toilet training break through there!).

So that's 3 days of photos. I guess more will be coming!

Apparently its Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T21:09:00.002+10:00

14 February 2010
Originally uploaded by dgr_mse

I thought I'd play around with this photo somewhat.
It was over exposed because I was playing with the buttons on my camera again.
I still don't have a tripod, but I'm getting awfully good at setting it up on tables, chairs, and whatever I can find in the near vicinity so I can play around with the settings and the remote.
This morning Mr Mouse must have been pottering around very quietly or else I was fast asleep (unheard of recently lol as I'm a fairly light sleeper), because I did not hear him place some sweet little presents around the house before he left to do more renovation-related things.
I got up and, as usual, went to the bathroom to wash my face and found a lovely little note complete with strawberries, a skinny can of coke and some Tim Tams. I don't normally eat chocolate, but I'm willing to make an exception ;)
I already thought that was incredibly sweet, so I was a little surprised to see another one near the kitchen sink as I went to fill the kettle to make a cup of tea (he knows me much too well). Then it sort of clicked, and I wandered into the office to find another bowl of goodies next to my computer.
I put them in the fridge so nothing melted (no chocolate before 9am y'know ;)), noticed the partially empty coke carton and saw there were 4 cans missing. So I went on the hunt. I found the fourth bowl in my cupboard (there was plenty of room, perhaps I should put away the pile of folded clothes I have sitting on my chair?).
So totally sweet, I love my wonderful husband :)

So tonight I made him a special dinner. It would have been extra nice except the little boy would not go to sleep (typical lol) and he has had to go over to the rental house again to finish off a few more things. I'll be glad when its all done and the tenants move in.

13 February 2010

2010-02-14T21:08:00.001+10:00

13 February 2010
Originally uploaded by dgr_mse

Almost caught up :)

12 February 2010

2010-02-13T21:13:00.001+10:00

12 February 2010
Originally uploaded by dgr_mse

Another one to catch up lol
Taken last night. Playing with the buttons on my camera and using only the light from the computer.

11 February 2010

2010-02-13T21:11:00.001+10:00

11 February 2010
Originally uploaded by dgr_mse

Playing catch-up.

Note to self...

2010-02-11T15:31:00.001+10:00

10 February 2010
Originally uploaded by dgr_mse

get Miss 6 to take more photos of me.
She's getting quite good at the photography gig.
Scooter took this last night on the little point & shoot Canon we have. Not a bad photo at all!
Computer work has been up in the air the last few days. My parents are up while my Grandma is in hospital, so we've been doing things with them, and we had no power on and off yesterday morning with electricians here fixing things and putting in new lights. And there has been a steady stream of organising tradespeople for the renovations we've been doing at the rental property in time for the new tenants to move in on the weekend.
Busy, busy... I know I said I like it busy, but I also like to have a choice in what kind of 'busy' lol

Only a day late...

2010-02-10T17:22:00.001+10:00

9 February 2010
Originally uploaded by dgr_mse

but better late than never.
I got Mr Mouse to take this photo last night.
Yes, today's photo is still coming eventually, but going on how my days have been recently, it may not be uploaded until tomorrow LOL

Just a quick photo today

2010-02-08T22:01:00.001+10:00

8 February 2010
Originally uploaded by dgr_mse

While watching Good News Week tonight.
Going to bed now!

ADSR5

2010-02-08T13:03:00.002+10:00

ADSR5 Challenge 1
Originally uploaded by dgr_mse

Its time again for the annual Amazing Digi Scrap Race.
This year I've partnered up with the gorgeous Eryn to form the Funkee Koalas (check out our team blog if you get the chance!)

This is my digital scrapbook layout for the first Challenge. We had to scrap a picture of our partner by lifting one of their layouts. And if you have any idea what I just said, you are a scrapper. If not, well... its a scrapbook page of Eryn based on the design one of her pages LOL

My man

2010-02-08T09:38:00.001+10:00

7 February 2010
Originally uploaded by dgr_mse

Ain't he cute?
lol
This was a quick photo last night while we sat on the couch flicking between Bones and one of the Mission: Impossible movies.

Don't have water fights with little kids.

2010-02-06T21:49:00.001+10:00

6 February 2010
Originally uploaded by dgr_mse

They will always win ;)

I obviously didn't take a photo during the havoc (protect the precious camera and all that, but also cos I was getting soaked LOL), but I did after a nice hot shower.
The kids rushed through their shower and were out in the front yard playing with the neighbour's grandkids before I had even turned on the tap.
A fun afternoon, even though I got hammered with water by a 2 and 6 year old LOL

Love these two.

2010-02-05T18:04:00.002+10:00

Two photos today.

My girl.
Today she had her first school swimming lesson for the year. This year they are having it at the pool where she has been going, every week for the past year, for lessons. She got to have her usual teacher (we all love J very much) and she did spectacular.
She has gone from last year's timid and terrified little girl who wouldn't even put a toe in the water to swimming basic freestyle and learning backstroke. And loving every minute. Based on today's performance her teacher will be putting her up a level for her normal lessons. She was very impressed :)

And the boy :)
My cheeky little Rabbit. He will start swimming lessons next week ;)
He is such a sweetheart when he isn't being a monkey. If I leave groceries in bags on the kitchen and wander off to do something, he will very carefully put everything away in its place. He even tries to put away the potato sack (3+kg!). He can't quite manage that at the moment lol but he gives it a good try.
Today we were getting ready to go out to see Scooter swim and I mentioned that we would go once I'd had some panadol (my head still hurts a bit). So he says, ' I will get the panadol'. I tell him its at the top of the cupboard and he can't reach it. Meanwhile, he pulls a dining chair over to the cupboard and says 'but this is a huuuuuuge chair!'. It still won't reach (thank goodness!) but his thoughtfulness and helpfulness was too sweet for words.

Its been a very long day...

2010-02-04T21:10:00.001+10:00

4 February 2010
Originally uploaded by dgr_mse

But I can just about manage a smile before bed.
You can't tell in this pic, but I am actually wearing Mr Rabbit's crown that we made the other day to go with his super hero costume (yes, I will remember to post those pics at some stage, maybe I'll scrapbook it first!).
After basically zero sleep last night and Rabbit waking at some awful hour this morning, today was an effort. It didn't help much that my right ear is playing up again and is actually quite painful (well, it isn't right now as I'm about to go to bed and have taken painkillers lol). Many years ago on my way home from work in the city, there were a bunch of young male 'adults' on their way to a rugby league game. In their infinite wisdom they let off a cracker in the middle of peak hour pedestrian commuters. Guess who it hit? Yep, me. Right behind the right ear. Result was thankfully just a bruised eardrum, but it plays up badly whenever I get even a hint of sinus. Next trip to the GP it will be getting checked again.
Miss Scooter had swimming lessons this evening and she is getting so good! Her kicking has improved immensely and they've started on some basic back stroke as well. She loves it and adores her teacher. Which is a wonderfully long way from where we started with a little girl who wouldn't even put her head in the water :)

And with that, I need my bed. My head is nodding onto my desk.
Sleep well lovely people :)