Mitch in Hospital Again today.

News:
Well after a long day at the hospital again.
Mitch had another blood test and they left the IV lock on just incase they needed it again saves having to poke him again. They are doing 5 tests pretty much covering everything.
We waited around for over an hour for 2 of the tests to which last time came back at a count of 51 which isn't good and this time came back as a 1 which is good. So these first 2 tests have come back clear.
The 3 we are to wait till Friday to see if they develop coultures. So I am so crossing my fingers that they come back clear.

So I am sorry if I have been a little stressed and worried. That's why I haven't been around very much. But once Mitch is out of the woods and has a green light I will come back at full force again and post more.

Lea
xx

Never Rains it Pours!

Well I've just heard from FMC last night that our dear Mitch's blood and urine tests have come back positive for some sort of bug in his blood. Have no idea what yet and we are to go back into the hospital today to do some more tests. Feels a bit scarey to me.
And Hayden has had Croop for the last few days so its been pretty full on at the moment. I have put aside my health issues to make sure my boys get what they need to get better.

So due this I have resigned from my DT position with Meant to Be. I was sad to do that but my family needs me. And I know there are other places out there in the future when things calm down again.

So I am sorry I haven't updated my blog for a while as it is due to my kids being sick for some time.

Lea
xx

Funny Stuff

Hayden makes me laugh sometimes.
The other day he told me he was growning up. I asked him how he knew this. Now Hayden with a huge smile replies " Well Mum you see I have hair on my arms and legs now". I smiled at DH and thought you have a long way still to go but will probably be the last time you mention you have hair growning. lol!

But Hayden is just so cute with what he says.

Lea
xxx

Geisha Scrapping Star Album / Lantern

This is my current project for Rrip It Scrapbooks. This Class will be held on Saturday 3rd November from 10am - 3pm. It is a Star Album but I have added extra bits to make it look like a Chinese Lantern. I really enjoyed creating it. Hope you like.

If you are interested in any of me classes let me know and I'll organise some private classes for you and anyone else that would like to come along. Just email me

Cheers Lea xx

Total Exhaustion

These last 48hours have been worrying, scared, teary and tiring. Mitch hadn't been feeling well Thursday night. He was fine during the day. He refused dinner didn't want to drink. Had a temp of 38.8 degrees so I wip out the panadol medicine to calm him down and his temp. Giving panadol children's medicine through a syring in not the easiest thing when they refuse to take it. As Mitch wont take it in a medicine cup or spoon. But perservere with the medication to get it into him. With luke warm water I wet face washers and slowly washed his face. I know its hard to fight him as he needs to be cooled slowly as took quickly or too cold can shock his system.

4hrs later his temp had climbed to 39 degrees, panadol may just holding it steady. I gave him some panadol and drink to wash it down. He guzzled too quick and it all came straight back up. DH said give him some more as he just threw it up. I said no as I don't know how much he got and don't want to OD him. I put the medicine away for now hoping that he got some.

He cuddled in our bed and DH slept in Mitch's bed. He was still burning up. His temp dropped a little after awhile but only to 38.3 I kept on dabbing his face with the face washer as much as I could till I fell asleep curled up with him.

Morning he seemed ok for a little while. But temp had gone back up to 39. Gave him some panadol and made an appointment for the GP. Poor Mitch started having very painful stomach cramps. Worse than what he ever had with Gastro up came the medicine again. He couldn't hold onto any liquid. Mean while Hayden was getting stressed because Mitch was so sick and because we'd miss out on taking him to school. I rang Mum who came over after her Doc's appointment picked up Hayden and took him to school for me.

Took Mitch to GP's put him in his big 3 wheel pram as he was too heavy for me to hold him. And he just lay there saying "I love you Mummy".

Once in the Doc checked him out, he was dehydrated and temp had crept upto 40.6 degrees. She quickly wrote me a note and rang the hospital to tell them I was on my way.

Took him straight in the ED and they took him through imediately. put him on hydralite but he refused. Tried him on apple juice and water and that seemed to stay down but eventually he started to refuse that too. They quished and prodded through 2 staffing shifts so repeating everything became tiresome. Finally they decided after no luck with fluid they gave him an IV drip to rehydrate him and take some blood and urine samples. They said its not Gastro but possibly a Blood infection or pneumococcal ( but Mitch had his vaccinations for pneumococcal - but it doesn't cover all 90 strands ). At this point I did not know the actual seriousness of either of these 2 conditions till we got home today. But the Docs of FMC covered every base they could. Chest xray and blood tests in case of pneumonia to which he had 3 months ago but this one came back clear. Both of these conditions can come from pneumonia. So it was kinda scarey. His big sad eyes his screams of being poked and prodded and holding my hand for dear life really tore at my heart. I just held him close and stroked his face till he went to sleep.

I stayed in over night at hospital with him. As I could never bring myself to leave him as it was hard enough to leave the room while he was awake as he would fret that I wouldn't come back.

Mitch had 4 big doses of antibotics to back off whatever he had and would fight off both the conditions aswell. Over night Mitch's temp came down below 37 degrees and stayed with the continual use of panadol to keep bringing it down. To now not needing it now.

He spoke the Hayden on the phone last night and Hayden told him he loved and missed him and to get better soon. Mitch said thankyou. It was so beautiful. Then this morning DH comes in with Hayden and the boys had such a huge hug for each other and Hayden sat on Mitch's bed and did some colouring in with him.

Its just amazing to see the close bond they have with each other. Hayden dotes on Mitchell ( lol most of the time ) and misses him terribly and worries greatly about Mitch when he is sick. So much so it can and has previously affected him at school.

Mitchell depends on Hayden for companionship and is shy without Hayden around sometimes. He misses Hayden while he is at school too.

I am just thankful and blessed that whatever whichever condition Mitch had I hope that its over now. That he becomes my lil' man again. And that it didn't develop too seriously as both of these conditions can be deadly.

I shed a little tear of thankfulness that I have my lil' man that he responded well to the medication and is on the mend but may take some time. I am thankful for my friends who rally behind me in thought and love over great distances that say a little prayer for me & Mitch. Who are there caring about me and my family. It helps you be that little bit stronger when you need to be.

Thankyou to all who emailed, phoned, texted, posted messages to me sending their wishes.

It has been a long 48 hours and I just held Mitch close tonight before bed and told him that I loved him so much for being so brave and that I was so proud of him. He smiled and said thankyou Mummy, don't be sad. I love you too!.

Thanks to All for your kind hearts.

mwah to you

I can feel your embraces across the distances we all live in.

Thankyou from the bottom of my heart it is so appreciated.

I love my boys so so so much.

Lea xo

Next Kit

Sorry its been awhile. I haven't been well and Mitch has been having an aweful time with his asthma. So I've been running on limited sleep.

Anyway here is my next Kit for SWV - enjoy. This is a lovely picture of Ness from SWV. And thankyou to my great friend Vicki for the inspiration and beading.

Lea

xx

Scrap With V Cyber Crop

Oh Wow you just got to come along to this.

Scrap With V Cyber Crop this weekend starting Friday night doors open from 7pm.

Just have a look at the Prizes for this.

Door Prize

All My Memories Handbag valued at $79.95 - All you need to do is upload at least 3 of the challenges into the gallery, play at least 1 game and participate throughout the weekend to be in the draw for this great prize.

Challenges 1, 2, 3 & 4 - $20 gift voucher to spend online at Scrap With V

Card Challenge - K & Company 12x12 Pad - Paper boxes

Kids Challenges - Flexo Poppet Photo Frame - all participants get a lucky dip pack of goodies. Image of the various frames shown below, winners will receive 1 only.

Games - a special RAK bag of goodies.

Aren't they awesome prizes.

So come on over for some great scrapping challenges by the very talented DT's and play some games and join in on the chatter. You'll love it.

Come Join Here!

Look at the great things happening for the Cyber Crop.

Cyber Crop Time Table

Here!

Look forward to seeing you there.

Lea xxx

Layout Competition

WIN

This tote-ally cool Mini Tote from All My Memories

Worth $32.50

To go in the draw to win this lovely Mini Tote all you need to do is create a single 12 x 12 layout with the theme of Christmas and what it means to you or your family. Send your layouts to me to upload onto this website by 31st October. 2nd Prize is a $20 voucher from Me to go towards any Stampin' Up! products in the current catalogue. 3rd Prize is a $12 worth of gorgeous bling.

The Tote-ally Cool! Tote is more cool and exciting because we’ve added:

• New vibrant colors and bold patterns like stripes, polka-dots, and even camouflage.

• A new Lazy Susan carousel stand that attaches magnetically to the bottom of the tote allowing it to spin effortlessly in place for quick access to its many pockets, pouches, and sleeves.

• New durable drawer box that protects the drawer contents and prevents the drawer-pouch from collapsing even when the tote is filled to capacity.

The new Tote-ally Cool! Tote2 features:

• 6 bold and stylish new color combinations and patterns

• Lazy Susan carousel stand that attaches magnetically to the bottom

• 21 pouches and pockets to accommodate all kinds of crafting tools and materials

• Reinforced hidden drawer with zippered flap for security

• Cell phone pouch with clever faux-buckle magnetic snap

• Easy carry handle with metal loops for strength and stylish appearance

• Mini sizes for teen and ‘tween scrappers

• Handy mesh beverage pouch

You can purchase them IN STORE NOW at Scrap with V.

Good Luck to All. And I look forward to seeing all you layouts.

Lea xx

Mitch is 3 Today

Mitch

Well tonight Mitch had an absolute ball of fun. This is his nice stash of Lightning McQueen pressies etc.... He totally loves it. He also got a really nice camp sleeping bag -5 and a camp stretcher of his own too. A very lucky and spoilt boy.

Well my boy Mitch is now 3 today. My he has grown so fast, time just flies past. We are just having a close Friends and Family tonight for a little birthday. Mitch has gone nuts on Lightning McQueen stuff and will be so estatic tonight with his goodies.

He has currently gone off with my Sister Tanya and her husband Mark to the Zoo with the kids. They were originally going to go to Greenhills but then decided the Zoo. That's ok I was going to plan a trip there but maybe next year or we'll try some other place to go too.

So they took a train in to the city and then took the Popeye boat around to the Zoo entrance.

I was very touched that my sister wanted to do this with the boys. I hope they all have a great time.

Cheers

Lea

Creative Blogger Award

I am quite honoured that KylieM nominated me for the Creative Blogger Award. She is a lovely person and always love her website of great digital goodies. Thankyou so much.

Now I have the hard part to nominate 5 wonderful blogs I enjoy.

The 5 I nominate are:

Kerry Murray
Vicki Brunner

Jodi Dolbel

Karen Brierley

Lee Meredith

All ladies have awesome Creations on their website that I regularly visit and enjoy.

Congratulations girls.

Lea xxx

I've Been Tagged!

I've been taggedHere’s how it works:
1. Players must list one fact, word, or tidbit that is somehow relevant to their life for each letter of their first or middle name.
2. When you are tagged you need to write your own post containing your first or middle name game facts, word, or tidbit.
3. At the end of your post choose one person for each letter of your name to tag.
4. Don’t forget to leave a comment telling them that they have been tagged, and to read your blog.
5. If I’ve tagged YOU (see below), please join in on the fun!


Little Boys - Mitch and Hayden
Embellishment Addict
Arty
Nocturnal ( lol ) well up late I know! lol
Nurturer
Emotional Scrapper( sometimes and wear my heart on my sleeve )

I tag:
Kerry Murray
Vicki Brunner
Jodi Dolbel

Lea xx

What I've Been Up To!

Here is some more things that I've been creating. These gorgeous little purse and bags from K&Company are just lovely to make. A gorgeous gift idea put soap or little lollies inside them.

I've also been making the flowers from K&Company I'll show you some of them next.

Lea

xx

Sneak Peak

A Beautiful Mind

Here is my sneak peak at my next layout. I was inspired by great friend Vicki Brunner with her Layout. I just loved the beads. This layout is different to hers but loved the stampin she did on the alphas. I stamped over stickers that were adhered to CS and then used dimensional magic over the top. I have also use a little bit of layering techniques on this one and a hand made embellishment. I also used PS7 to alter the photo to just bring out her Jacket and leave everything black and white.

You'll have to wait and see who the special Lady is. Sorry to tease but I just so loved these papers. More details about this layout soon.

Lea xxx

Nice Things to Say and Do for a Pregnant Lady

Here are some nice comments to say to someone who is pregnant. Let me know what nice things you would've prefered people to say.

*** Only if you are positive that the person is pregnant do you ask when they are due. Best to save face than get it wrong. ***

Never touch a pregnant ladies tummy unless invited too, Many don't like it!

"When are you due? Wow, you are looking lovely"

"Pregnancy is really agreeing with you, you look great"

"Aren't you glowing today"

Comments about the way they look is always a positive way to go.
Sometime I wished I had a book to give some people that really had no tact in bringing up the subject of pregnancy only to end it on a negative note.

Nice things to do.

Open the door for them.

Offer them your seat on public transport or in a shopping mall.

All these sort of things help and make things a little easier for these women.

Till next time
Lea xx

Hot Topic - Pregnancy Comparisons

A question that was asked to me today?
Don't you just hate it when another girl at work or friend that's pregnant is compared to you? Have you ever had someone ask when you're due to comment how big you are?

Trust me I know this all to well. I had these in both of my pregnancies with my boys. My boys were not small bubs either both were over 8lbs. But the fact was I couldn't shake the negative comments directed at me and my pregnant body. I was compared to someone with a petite body so it made me look like I had a mutant child growing inside of me with 2 heads and 6 legs or something.
I became self conscious of pregnant body. I really never thought I would get to that. I wanted to enjoy my pregnancies, not be compared or sized up to others. I hadn't had my child and I was getting compared to other mum's to be. And we wonder why we start comparing babies after that. We are lead to believe from the start that we are doing something wrong because we don't compare up to others expectations. I know this is so silly to believe, but why do we still listen to what others say that really have no right to judge?
Something to ask yourself I think about why you care about what others think or say.
I guess we are just trying to fit in, to be liked, to be asked questions or talk about baby things. To create a friend.
I thought about this a while when pregnant with Mitchell. I guess the underlying factor was to create a friend as friends talk about good things. And it doesn't matter whether you know the person well or not, we all like to be treated the same whether we are pregnant or skinny or small or big.

A person close to me asked me today. How did I cope being compared to other pregnant ladies and comments made how big I was.
Well to begin with it hurt a lot. I felt that maybe something was wrong with me or my baby to get such negative comments. It was hard to get out of the mindset of being upset and annoyed.
I had to think about shifting the hurt or anger I felt. So I came up with some comments to say back. But before I did this I had to accept myself, my size in the stage of pregnancy I was at, and believe in what my response is to the person.

Some of the things I said were of course said in the nicest possible way without being rude:

"Thankyou for noting that I have a gorgeous pregnant body, I love my body just the way it is thanks"

"At least I am healthy"

" hmmm I think its a girl"

" hmmm I think its a boy"

" I am sorry you feel that way, I love being pregnant"

" Thanks, My Doctor says I am a healthy size for my baby"

I just repeated a few of these and the person got the message that really I wasn't fazed at my size. That there was nothing wrong with my size and that I was healthy and loved my baby body.
I think the most important factor is to love your pregnant body. 'You're not a cow or a beached whale or preschool bus carrying all the kiddies. You're in fact something far more special than any of those. You're going to be a Mum whether it be the first time or 2nd, 3rd etc... you are still special. You are carrying a mircle of your love and devotion to create your own family. Let not others judge you for creating a mircle within yourself. You should be full of pride with every kick you feel.

Many generations have probably past the person that made the comment or hasn't had kids for awhile or never had any at all.
You are unique, your pregnancy and baby are unique.

Keep your chin up, I know its hard. But think of ways why you love your pregnant body and tell the person that either compared you or left the unfavourable comment. If you are fine with who you are and how your pregnancy is going no one else should matter but your own Doctor observing your pregnancy.

Take Care to all those who are pregnant and are due to have your gorgeous babies in your arms soon. Remember You are Special let no one knock you off your perch, you have a right to glow!

Cheers

Lea
xxx

Need an Excuse to Stamp Once a Month?

Come join my monthly Stamp Club with Stampin' Up! , Make a few projects each month,

and take turns receiving the Hostess Benefits.

Collect all the items on your never - ending wish list

by placing a $30 net total order each month.

If you are interested please contact me

so I can put your name down.

Next Stamp Club Gathering 13th October

At My Place

1pm - 4pm

Only 5 seats left.

Choice of Projects

5 Cards

or

Double 12 x 12 Scrapbooking Layout

Learn some new techniques

Cost $15

Catalogues Available for Purchase too.

Lea xx

Basic Grey Gallery

Woohoo, I now have my first layout accepted to the Basic Grey Gallery. I am so thrilled.
To view go to Basic Grey link here.

September Challenge Kit

This is the September Challenge Kit from Scrap With V. I thought I'd try another Layout kick start this Scrapping Mojo. I hope its working. Tomorrow I'll finish off what I've been so behind in and post off on Monday.

Products used Chipboard alphas by Wishmade, Apple Candy pp - Sweet apple. BG black rubons, MM paint - Honeydew, fancy pants big board chipboard florals, bling, ribbon, pewter frame and cardstock.

Lea xx

Inspiration!

I have been searching for inspiration to get my Scrappin Mojo back since being sick. I have created 2 layouts.

The first one, 'Bestfriends' I got inspiration from Kerry Murray, I totally admirer her work. And I just loved her Lily Layout. So I gave it a go by using Basic Grey - Blush - Adore & Admire. Also used the matching diecut alphas and BG Rubons. I cut out all the leaves / hearts and the flowers and layered them.

The circle around 'be' was done using Dimensional Magic and placing beads one by one around the edge. I even added a little signature embellishment to it - One of my Dragonflies.

This second Layout is for my Stamping Class at Rrip It Scrapbooks. Using watercolour crayons directly onto the stamps and using water mist to wet it, then stamped onto some cardstock. It came out great. Then with a blender pen I used to shade in certain areas, partially colouring in.

I also used some cute little vellum with vintage type pictures on it from my lovely friend Donna.

The flowers I used a template and cut them out and then folded each petal in half and flattened out. Then using a pen I curled each petal.

All I have to add is some of my own hand journalling to the page then its finished.

Both Layouts are for classes at Rrip It Scrapbooks coming up shortly. The first one comes from a sketch, to which I dressed it up a bit more. Then used the layering technique from Kerry Murray. ( thanks Kerry). I also used some BG white edge rubons.

Hope to get better soon so I can get back into the full swing of things again. Sorry if I have been slack updating the blog. Will get better as I get better.

Cheers

Lea xx

Rip My Head Off

What a day! It's been rather busy and its been non stop since Hayden got in the car when I picked him up from school and started screaming as soon as he sat down. The type of high shrill scream combined put - on type of cry / sob. A fly zoomed past him then found ants climbing on his trousers and he was off. He wouldn't calm down enough to listen to me so had to order him out the car so I could see what the problem was. Either he had been rolling in the grass or ants had been attracted to his bag somewhere to get them on him as none were in the car till he came in.

Mitch meanwhile playing with his seatbelt got his foot somehow tangled and was beginning to cry and get louder about it. My head was already thumping with a headache from this morning but could feel it coming down into my sinus' and was starting to feel miserable. Untangled Mitch quickly to settle him down.

Anyway while out of the car I told Hayden to brush himself down and get back into the car. We drove home with him still screaming everytime a fly flew past him. There was nothing I could do till we got home and just had to turn up the music.

Once home and in the house I told Hayden to strip off his clothes and put something else on so I could sort his clothes out with the ants on them. Finally got some clothes onto him and then the boys just started chasing each other screaming around the house. Then the dobbing started. Great! So I just separated them and did some things with Mitch for a bit till a friend came over to pick up her Stampin' Up! order and chat.

I find that when someone comes over its like a switch that goes off in the kids heads and they just totally ignore me. I think I wore the Time Out Chair this afternoon.

So here I am now at 7:30pm a movie is playing " Spirit of the Cimeron" (sp) some thing like that and all is quiet. Peace has finally come maybe for an hour.

Time to try to scrap again. Bring my scrapping Mojo back before I just rip my head off. Just haven't been able to focus. And when your health is a bit up and down it all just knocks you around. So DH has decided that we'll go out tomorrow just us two and leave the kids with my Mum so we can go to the Movies to see The Bourne Ultimatium, then go out for dinner. We don't do this type of thing much and its just nice to spend time together every now and then without the boys. Then Saturday night upto Woodhouse for Scouting Leaders Reunion. So I look forward to that too.

I think I will sleep well tonight. Well try too.

Lea

xx