Cabbie's challenge 93.

magic

journaling:

making crochet creations is my favourite pastime. this holiday season, i love my crochet gingerbread man. it just makes me feel so child-like with so much happiness deep inside in what i do.
  

My DT assignment

I tried to showcase that even a flowery kit could be used to show off some teenage boy photos.

Elise's Pieces available through the digichick, here.

Melissa's challenge 93.

Title: Merry Star Wars Christmas

Journaling:

In keeping with his Star Wars obsession, Ethan chose the Star Wars Hallmark ornaments to buy for the tree this year. He is truly a Jedi at heart! 11.26.10

My challenge 94.

Christmas is about the birth of the baby Jesus, even though I know he wasn’t born in Winter, but Spring as there were baby lambs in the fields at night. We choose to celebrate His birth at this time of year. I believe He left heaven and chose to be born of the virgin Mary, in a town called Bethlehem.

Although I usually have a tree set up as well as some little Father Christmas’ ornaments and angels and other goodies the children have created through the years.  A nativity set has to hold pride of place. Jesus came to this earth as a baby and I want that to be the focus of our decorations.

Through the years we have had a knitted set, made by a lady called Mary, that I bought many years ago. I paid R100 for it. I had started a knitted set myself, made one shepherd and then lost the pattern. This lady had the pattern but wouldn’t let me have a copy as she made her money creating these sets to sell. The pattern was from an old living and loving magazine. Long story short we have had this knitted set for years. I have allowed the children to touch it and Rosie has  loved playing with it and making the people talk. Last year the boys kept moving baby Jesus and hiding him all over, under the manger, behind the wise men etc and she would get upset and shout at them.

This year I have a new nativity set. It is a Willowtree figurine set and I am sure that it will become a family heirloom in many years to come. I ordered it while visiting Shayne in June I love it so much already. It is precious and gorgeous.

I am not so sure I’ll be as free with letting the children touch it...we’ll have to see.

Debbie's challenge 94.

Favourite Ornament

Do you know I haven't got any ornaments that I would call favourite. I recently spent a weekend with some scrapping friends, and one of the girls buys her daughter a new ornament for the tree every year, with the plan that when she leaves  home she'll take them with her, I wish I'd thought of that .....or that my Mum had thought of that.

Perhaps it's something I could do for my grandchildren! (Some years off yet!!)

Olivia's challenge 94.

This is from my 2009 Christmas journal, I love the new reindeer we got for our garden last year - can't wait to get them out again. They looks so pretty all lit up at night, especially when we have snow.

A second from Karen

journalling reads

Every year I think about changing all my tree decorations and going with a new colour scheme and every year i give up on that idea and buy something new in the old colours.

Design by Tina's - This time of year

 Just gorgeous detailed embellishments that beautifully depict the season.

 12 lovely patterned papers that can be used for loads of other things, not restricted to Christmas or Winter.

You can find it in the enchanted Studio Scraps here.

Heather's challenge 94.

Here is my submission from last year's December Daily book.

Journaling:

J: wedding cake

H: a house, because I love being home to raise the kids

Z: piano player

B: glass snowman

And for A, I picked her 1st Christmas ornament

Karen introducing challenge 94.

A favourite Christmas ornament
It's origins, where you got it, who you got it from
why it is special
how you display it
it's imprtance to you
the story behind it
This is a suggestion by Julie (www.lagrandecupcake.blogspot.com)

Journalling reads

It might not be very old but it is very precious. My Nan bought this for Stanley Christmas 2003. She saw it in her sheltered housing and bought it. She gave it to him before Christmas ( while we were out of the room) because she couldn't wait to see his face. Nan won't with us the next year so it is a precious reminder of the time they had together

Janis' challenge 92.

Journaling reads:

I never thought that the dog lover in me will come back after so many petless years.  When the kids are already sleeping, I come home to Logan begging to be scooped up, hugged and played with.  I always give in, it always feels good to be home wanted and loved.  Life is much more fun with you around, Logan!!!

Elise's Pieces Designs

I got to play with Elsie's Pieces kit "snow day", a collaboration with Nikki Epperson.

It is available here at the digichick.com.

 I was inspired by a LO I saw created by Susan Weinroth.
We don't often get snow in Cape Town. We have only made the hour long  trip to Ceres twice, so often when it does snow it falls during the week and we have to go on weekends by which time it has melted.
My daughter didn't realise it was going to be quite so cold and she didn't enjoy it at all. The boys (and hubby) potted me with snowballs when I was wanting then only to pose with them.

 This Vintage Christmas kit had me digging through my baby photos.
It was a wonderful kit to use, the glitter and golden embellies still make me smile.
This kit was a collaboration with Ruby Lane.
You can purchase this one here at the digi chick.

Having my first few Christmases in Germany, means that the tree only went up on Christmas Eve, and that night was when we enjoyed our main meal. We do things differently now in South Africa.

Different countries, different traditions.

To all of our American followers, I trust that you had a blessed Thanksgiving.

Melissa's challenge 92.

Title: Stachi

Journaling: We adopted you as a kitten & nursed you back to health. You tried to hatch Ethan when he was in my belly, but when CJ was born, you decided it was too much & moved next door with Anna. When she passed away, you were stuck with us - and those noisy boys - once again. Welcome home!

Debbie's challenge 92

Robbie Dog really is the most photogenic dog.

Hidden journalling reads:-
Robbie you are such a gorgeous dog, even though you are a little cross eyed! But you can be a total pain in the backside, eating anything you fancy! Just this week you ate an entire bag of sugar!!  But we adore you and wouldn't change you (well may be some bits!). You are a welcome addition to our family even though poor old Razzle finds it hard having a teenage boy in the house! But we made a promise to Shirley before she died that we would adopt you and care for you - so that is what we will do.

Olivia's challenge 92

Everyone was sad when Theo died, we'll all miss him a lot. He was such a happy, active little hamster & great fun to watch.

Blogging it forward - take 2.

The ever so charming Betty of Bettybake had this super great idea to do a blog it forward. To give some other great bloggers exposure on our blogs and then they do the same for you. In our little group we compiled a list of questions which we all answered. We are all South African bloggers, so enjoy.

Meet Laura from harrassed Mom.

1. Why you started the blog/ who you’re blogging for

I am blogging for myself J I started blogging initially as a 365 photo project but then it developed into a journal about the trials and tribulations of my divorce, being a single mom and having to move home again.

2. What you love about it/ hate about it

I love having an outlet where I can say what I want, when I want about what I want. Its my space and I can do what I want with it.

3. How you came to choose the name for your blog.

The day I registered I felt harassed and so harassed mom was born.

4. Who would you give your last rolo to?

David. Right now my kids aren’t in my good books so it’s not likely they would get a rolo if I had 6 rolls

5. If I were a colour, which would I be...and why.

Blue or yellow. Even though I love pink but blue and/or yellow are such bright happy colours.

6. What 3 moments defined your life and explain briefly.

Getting divorced

The journey that followed the divorce – it was a painful time

Meeting David

7. What song would best describe you? I cant think of one! Maybe Dido – Life for Rent?

8. If you could choose another career or job and money is no option, what would you do?

I would write or run a small coffee shop/party venue.

9. If the faerie comes with her magic wand and give you one wish that you have to use for yourself (and no one else), what would it be?

A full time live in domestic!

10.What are you doing this December and are you looking forward to it?

NOTHING and I can not wait!

11. What 3 things are on your Christmas wish list?

A Kenwood Chef

A camera

Gift vouchers for books

12. What is your idea of a perfect day off?

Doing nothing! Ok this probably wouldn’t happen I would find something to do but in theory I would like to wake up when I wanted to, have a breakfast I wanted to, read, blog, check out the internet, maybe watch a DVD or too, have lunch somewhere chilled, go home have a nap. LOL you get the picture.

13. Favourite book – one that you can read over and over and not tire of?

Tuesdays With Morrie and Between Two Eternities

14. First blog you started reading?

It was Jeanettes(http://www.therealjenty.com) locally and then Rachels (http://www.singlemomseeking.com/)

15. You get to make over one room in your house – which room would it be and why? Maybe add a pic of how you would like to change it!

I think my en-suite – it’s a yukky avo green now. I would rip out everything and redo it all in white and black! 

Heather's challenge 92.

Journaling:

She can be the most infuriating creature when she leaves "presents" around the house or scratches the furniture, but she sure is a beautiful cat. We got her about the same time I got pregnant with Z, and she would sleep on my stomach, as if protecting us from harm. My other pregnancies, though, she would freak out towards the end, worrying about what it would mean for her, I imagine. When we go on vacation, she gets upset but not nearly as much as when we left her in a kennel for a week and refused to eat. Poor thing just loves us to no end... unless we have guests over, and then she'll generally hide!

Another one from Karen

Can a Dog have Foibles?

1.Oliver would walk round puddles to avoid getting his feet wet.

2. He would only ever bark at the butcher's delivery man because he thought he looked like the vet in his white coat.

3.He would spit the peas out of his dinner (in case they were tablets?)

4. He had odd eyes. One was brown and the other blue.

5.He would attack our huge cuddly bear if we pretended it was hurting us.

6. Add to that he had a comedy name- Oliver Hardy

(we did'n't choose his name, he came with it as a puppy and then he just got stuck with our surname)

Introducing challenge 92.

Karen's take on challenge 92:

Create a LO about a pet or pets

those you have, or a beloved one from childhood

How they got their name

what they do that is endearing

where you got them, how you chose them

how they have changed your life

George Boniface Bouncer

journalling reads

This is the unusual  story of our first ever dog. It all started one night when my Dad returned from the pub with a box of chocolates and a dog.( I did always wonder why the Rosa and Crown had chocolate boxes on a shelf behind the bar.) Dad told the tale that a man in the pub was threatening to shoot the dog unless someone took it off his hands so my Dad offered to rescue him.He was a pedigree beagle, the kind of dog that goes fox-hunting in a pack and had the full name of George Boniface Bouncer but we just called him George. For his first night he was left in the kitchen but he did't like to be left alone and scratched the door so for subsequent nights he was put in the shed where he he managed to chew his way through the bottom of the wooden door. It didn't take long before George was banished to a kennel in the garden but his skills at chewing meant he often escaped from his rope and left the garden . On one of these occasions he was found by Mr Darby, something of a grumpy old man, who decided not to return George to us but instead take him to the Police the next day. That meant he needed to put George somewhere for the night- hiss car was the obvious choice. In the morning Mr Darby returned to find his car had been eaten. George had chewed everything he could get his teeth into, carpets, seats, roof and door lining and seatbelts. The upshot of this was that George's story was spread across the newspapers, photos were taken of George looking forlorn in the garden with his new metal chain. Mr Darby's car was due for it's MOT- it failed. And Mr Darby had the cheek to charge us for dog food and his bus fare to the Police Station. My Mum also had the honour of being misquoted by the Sun.

Melissa's challenge 91

Title: my art, my {heart}

Journaling: I'm not a professional or anything, but my love of photography is the heart of all of my creativity. I frame my photos. I scrapbook my photos. I give my photos as gifts. Nothing makes me happier than when I photograph something and it turns out better than the image I saw with my eyes. I love to photograph the ordinary, the extraordinary, the everyday, and the special days, too.

Blogging it forward

The ever so charming Betty of Bettybake had this super great idea to do a blog it forward. To give some other great bloggers exposure on our blogs and then they do the same for you. In our little group we compiled a list of questions which we all answered. We are all South African bloggers, so enjoy. 


Introducing Cat from juggling act of life.
(she says: Mommy of a toddler girl, fraternal twin boys and two middle aged labradors, Wife, Daughter and Architect. Juggling the crazyness of life.)

1. Why you started the blog/ who you’re blogging for

I started reading blogs when I was pregnant with the twins as I felt really alone in the twin experience. I only started blogging about a year later on request of the mostly American girls who's blogs I read and commented on. Now I blog for myself as an outlet and a journal of our lives.

2. What you love about it/ hate about it

I love the wonderful support network that blogging gives and the great friends I have made. I hate that people read and never leave comments. It is so unrewarding.Especially if I comment on their blogs.

3. How you came to choose the name for your blog.

It was simply the best way to describe my life at the time - actually it still is.

4. Who would you give your last rolo to?

Most people - not too fond about rolo.

I5. If I were a colour, which would I be...and why.

Periwinkle - a lovely calm colour, and not too common. It's got a bit of a flair to it.

6. What 3 moments defined your life and explain briefly.

Losing my dad at age 7. My first lesson in independence.

Getting a bone tumour in my finger in my last year at school - it changed my career path from aiming to be a doctor to studying architecture.

Meeting Hunter. The ice princess was rescued by this wonderful warm and loving man, Without him, there would not have been kids.

7. What song would best describe you?

I will survive by Gloria Gaynor - the old 70's standard. I think I am one tough cookie.

8. If you could choose another career or job and money is no option, what would you do?

 I would love to be a professional photographer.

9. If the faerie comes with her magic wand and give you one wish that you have to use for yourself (and no one else), what would it be?

A very neat and tidy home that I can keep that way.

10.What are you doing this December and are you looking forward to it?

We are having a camping holiday at the seaside, just us and the kids. Christmas at home and then a visit to the in-laws in Port Elizabeth. I am very much looking forward to spending so much time together.

11. What 3 things are on your Christmas wish list?

Marita van der Vyfer's new cookbook.

A Kenwood chef (yes Laura, me too)

A zoom lens for my camera (ok being very unrealistic here, we do not do big presents - so why not add and i-pad)

12. What is your idea of a perfect day off?

At the moment I crave time alone with my dear love - so a day away somewhere beautiful withhim, no kids, just relaxing together. 

13. Favourite book – one that you can read over and over and not tire of?

This is a hugely difficult one for me -I read a lot. But maybe, "One hundred years of solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. 

14. First blog you started reading?

No surprise, it was Tertia's -http://www.tertia.org/ . I googled "twins South Africa" at blogs and found her.

15. You get to make over one room in your house – which room would it be and why? Maybe add a pic of how you would like to change it!

I would not like to make over a room, I would in fact like to add a whole room. I would love to have a work room/study type area where Hunter and I can work on our various projects, shut the door and work again later. I want to have a big enough room with a workstation for each of us, enough nice white cube shelves and place for an easel so I can paint again.

Some design team Los to show off

 I have been chosen to be a part of Elise's pieces design team.
I used her kit "fall in love again" to create a LO's showing the difference 22 years has made in my life.
Falling in love again.

I used her kit "playing in the leaves" for a Lo about my children playing with Granny's new kitten.

Elise's kits are available only at the digi chick.