The black balloon....

Oh my God! Do yourself a favour and go and rent this movie if you haven't seen it yet!

Set in the kitsch splendour of 1980's Australian suburbia, it takes me back to my teen years! It's a glimpse inside the chaos of family with two teenage sons, one who is severely autistic. Director Elissa Down grew up with an autistic brother, so she has an amazing insight. I just loved Toni Collett's character - she is such an amazing actor!

A teacher I have taught many autistic children and this just shows a snipit of home life with an autistic child. Makes you have even more compassion for all those parents raising autistic children!

Another FANTASTIC Aussie movie!

We wish you a...

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

May your Christmas be filled with love and laughter!

We have wrapped those last pressies, been to church, put out the milk and cookies for Santa, the girls are tucked up in bed - dreaming of that jolly red man no doubt! Can't wait for the morning. Poppy will really "get it" this year! Can't wait to see her face light up while unwrapping the presents!

I think our family received the best gift when Lola arrived in November....such a blessing! I already have everything I need!

Tis the season!

The winner of the RAK is Magical Moments! And since so many were keen, I drew another name and Sar I will post you a small Christmas embellishment RAK - stamps, flowers,bling etc... Please email me with your addresses : melba_1@hotmail.com

These were Lola's thankyou cards...

And a Kaiser album I did for SCRAPLOOT...there is a step by step on their blog!

I have LOs to share...but I have to scan them....
We are off to show off Lola at Dh's school today. It's their last day, I'm sure his students will be very excited - I'm sure the teachers are!

Christmas is coming....

Completely bias but geeze they are CUTE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well we have had a hectic week but I guess everyone feels like this at this time of the year! Am madly making 50+ thankyou cards for Lola's gifts, then it will be onto Christmas cards - I only had the chance to take photos of the girls today. Poppy is happy to pose now - last year she was scared of the Santa hat and refused to wear it...bit tricky with Lola being so little and floppy LOL but we'll use what we got!

What's been happening -

*scrapping for the Scraploot blog

*scrapping for Wicked Kits

* Thankyou cards

* About to whip up Christmas Cards

* Dying to get some LOs done - challenge blogs like White with One.

* Putting up a small Christmas Tree today - with renovations going on there is limited room!

* We had our playgroup Christmas party...great family day!

* My birthday yesterday - got a gorgeous vintage ring from DH - marcasite, black enamel - art deco - gorgeous, chockies, candles, lipstick, lots of cash and vouchers...spoilt!!! Had fish and chips at the beach with friends!

* Last of the Christmas shopping

Sooooooooooo here is a RAK....overflowing with Christmas papers(about 15), ribbons, stamps, felt deers etc... if you would like this to make it's way to your place leave your name and we'll pick out a random winner later this week... 'Tis the season!

Renovations...full steam ahead...

This what the back of our house use to look like...to the left was an old grotty laundry and a toilet on the right a draughty enclosed verandah - we only could use it for storage/junk room as it was dusty etc...waste of space really!

This what they did to the back half of our house - the day I went to hospital to have Lola!!!!

So we came home with a newborn and no laundry, active toddler and no backyard!!! What a mess!!!!!!!!!!But at least it was finally underway!

Well I'm excited to say that the brick work is basically all done(must get a pic) and the roof is starting tomorrow! They have been working at a cracking pace! Our builder/project manager is fantastic! All building will stop over Christmas and January and then the messiest and most exiting for me - the kitchen will be gutted and redone!!! YAY!!!!