I've discovered Picasa

It's certainly been awhile between posts. Not a whole lot to tell really. We've been enjoying Andrew's holidays - relaxing, watching DVDs, scrapping (me not Andrew) playing with Joel, surfing the net.
On my wanderings around the world wide web, I discovered Picasa. It is totally the coolest. For those not in the know, Picasa is a photo organisational and editing tool. I made the collage below with the click of a button. Very cool. And so much easier than trying to do it all in Photoshop.
And the other bonus is it's hooked up with Blogger so I posted the pic straight from Picasa. So cool. Mum and Dad, you should totally download this. So to show off my Picasa find, I've made a little collage below of a few recent shots of the lovely Joel. Still totally in love with him and ever the smitten kitten.

Andrew is back at school next week so that should bring a little more normalcy and routine back into our lives. Joel is totally going to miss him when he goes back to work. When I am feeding, he is constantly stopping and looking around for Andrew. If he sees him, he cracks the biggest grin. So cute.
I went and saw my first movie post Joel on Monday. Took my niece. We were going to see Enchanted which I've been hanging to see. But it was sold out!!!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! So we saw Alvin and the Chipmunks instead, which was very cute. Andrew's told me to go to the movies by myself tomorrow (before he goes back to work) so I might go and check out 27 dresses.

Anyway, I better go do some housework before the little dude awakes.

Till next time

Goodbye 2007, Hello 2008

What a year 2007 was for my family. This time last year I was 13 weeks pregnant and thinking that having a baby would be the only big thing to happen in 2007. How wrong I was.

Joel came along on July 2nd and life has not been the same since and I wouldn't change a minute of it. I love him to bits and am truly enjoying all that motherhood brings.

3 weeks after Joel was born, my nanna passed away. I miss her so much and know that she would have enjoyed watching Joel grow up.

And then my parents moved to Moldova. I sometimes still can't believe it's a country!! LOL. But they are loving it over there. I miss them heaps too though.

We had a great New Years Eve. I made cupcakes and a whole heap of our friends got together at Scott & Kathryn's house (Joel's godparents) We ate food, chatted, played Taboo, sweated and melted!! It was 41 degrees here in Melbourne on NYE and New Years Day. So hot. Bring on winter please. Joel is doing really well in the heat - he's not a huge fan of the heat but he's coping brilliantly.

He has become so very noisy and talkative over the last couple of weeks. Lots of squealing and raspeberries and little laughs. He cracks me up all the time. I'll have to capture some on video and share it with you all. It really is cute.

Andrew is still on school holidays so we are spending lots of time together. It's great to have him around to help out with Joel. We made a trip into IKEA on Friday. I seriously love that place. We bought a storage unit/bookcase for the lounge and some baskets for it, to store some of Joel's toys in. Had my swedish meatball fix for lunch - YUM!! Our friends Marina and Peter and their little boy Samuel came along as well. Joel and Sam loving playing with each other and I think they both enjoyed their first IKEA experience.

Been doing some organizing/purging/sorting/tidying around the house. Feeling the need to declutter and simplify. Done Joel's wardrobe and drawers, my scrapbooking cupboard. Want to get the linen closet (scary!!) and the pantry done before Andrew goes back. Nothing like a good clean out and clean up to start the new year.

Joel has his 6 month check-up tomorrow. Can't wait to see how he's progressing. He has gotten really long and he's certainly getting heavier. We've started giving Joel some tastes of foods. He's a bit freaked out by it all - pulls these little faces as if he's eaten a lemon or something sour. So funny. He's tried rice cereal, apples and pear so far. He looks so little sitting in the high chair.

So that's about it from around here. Still very much in relaxation/holiday mode and loving it. Might do some more baking and scrapbooking over the next couple of weeks. Will share any LOs as I go.

Till next time.

Christmas Wrap-Up

Well Christmas is over for another year. It's been such a busy time around here but my heart is full. We've had such a good time over the last few days - spending time with family and friends, eating, giving and recieving presents, more eating (and it continues - gotta love leftovers). I'm just going to run through the last few days and share pics of our fun

CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT

For the last 4 years, we've been going to the Carols by Candlelight rehearsal with friends on the 23rd December. It's the big carols in Melbourne, broadcast by Channel 9. The rehearsal is open to the public and it's such a fun night. We went again this year and had a ball. My sister Beth joined us this year so Joel loved that. He had a little carrier to sleep in and looked so cute all snugged up. He also had fun rugged but with Aunty Beth, singing the carols. He did have a little sad Santa moment but he was awesome for most of the night!!

CHRISTMAS DAY WITH THE CALLANDER GIRLS

Christmas lunch this year was at our house (ARGHHH!!) but it went brilliantly. We all kept commenting that it felt like there were no grown ups around (cause Mum and Dad weren't there) but we all came to the sad realisation that we are all grown ups now (and grown ups have to do the dishes!!). We all brought a salad some meat and a dessert. We had prawns, ham, turkey done in the Webber (which Andrew was so proud of). We had garden salad, pasta salad and roast vegie salad. For dessert there was a huge fruit platter and I made a triple chocolate cheesecake. Now I don't want to toot my own horn, but it totally rocked. It was so delicious. We had lunch outside, under our pergola. It was such a beautiful day. We just got a new outdoor setting and I was totally in my element making it all Christmassy and beautiful out there.

Before lunch we opened presents. Joel was fascinated (especially by the paper). He got so spoilt. He got lots of fun things to play with and to wear as well, all of which will come in very handy. I got spoilt too. Andrew gave me Greys Anatomy Season 3 on DVD (yes!!) and I got a piping set and a Jamie Oliver Flavour Shaker. Andrew got Die Hard 1-4 on DVD and Prison Break 2

The afternoon was topped off with a phone call to Mum and Dad via Skype. Was great to hear their voices and wish them a Merry Christmas. We all took in turns to chat to them and hear all of what is going on in each other's lives.

After everyone left our house, Andrew, Joel and I headed over to the in-laws house to catch up with everyone there and carry on the festivities. Joel again got spoilt by his aunties and uncles and grandparents. Our car was full of toys and clothes to take home. Andrew and I were spoilt again. I got a Making Memories 12x12 paper trimmer - so nice!!! and Andrew got a garden tree trimmer thingy!

We have entered a new phase in toys now - electronic noisy, lit up toys. Joel got a couple of activity board type toys with lights, and moving things and singing and buttons to push. He was totally mesmerized by one with a dancing monkey on it (as you can see below). I had fun pushing all the buttons too.

Today we had a bit of a sleep in and headed to the sales to get a couple of bargains. I bought myself a padlock bracelet with some money my Nanna left me (will share a pic another time) and Andrew bought some shoes and shorts. We were very self-controlled.

Tomorrow I think we are going to crash on the couch!!

So as you can see from the photos, we have had an awesome few days. Very full but great fun.

Till next time

Our very own baby Jesus

Just wanted to share some photos of Joel as Baby Jesus at the Road to Bethelehem. He did so well. Was wide awake for most of the time. He just got a little upset toward the end of his hour but he was just so tired. After some head stroking from Mary, he fell fast asleep. We were such proud parents - I was snapping away on the camera and Andrew had the video camera going.

All else is going well here - busy but good. Mum and Dad have made it to Moldova and are starting to settle in. It's totally snowing over there - looks like they'll be having a white Christmas!

Joel is rolling all over the place now and has discovered he can blow raspberries. It's so cute. He's little face goes red, he's concentrating on doing it. Very funny.

I've managed to finish all my Christmas present shopping, cards have been sent, started some baking - I made gingerbread kids. They are so delicious. We just have to do some food shopping (just vegies and stuff) and we are all ready for the big day. I am pretty up to date with my Christmas journal as well. Going to scan some pages tonight or tomorrow so I can share them here.

This photo was on the front of our Christmas cards this year. Cute, hey! I am totally biased though. Love how happy he looks.

Anyway, sorry this post is a bit bitsy. Just wanted to share some photos.

I'm hoping to get back on before Christmas but if I don't, hope you all have an amazing Christmas, celebrating the birth of Jesus.

TIll next time

Mammoth Catch-Up post

OK so I have been MIA for a few weeks now. Life has been totally crazy these past few weeks and it's only now that I've really had a chance to sit down and blog. So much has happened I don't even know where to begin.

Mum and Dad left for Moldova on Monday night. I still really can't comprehend that I won't see them (in person) for at least 1 1/2 years. It was probably one of the hardest things I've ever had to do -saying goodbye to them, but with time, we will all be ok. That's all I can say right now. Stll pretty raw.

Andrew's sisters wedding went really well. I managed to find myself a really nice skirt which didn't make me look too bad so i was pleased with that. It was such a gorgeous day and the place they had the wedding was just gorgeous and the food was delicious. It was just a really fantastic day.

Joel is doing really well. He has been dragged all over the place in the last few weeks (was at mum and dad's lots, wedding, shopping, mothers group, etc..) but he took all in his stride. He really is such a good baby. Happy to be around others and sleeps well too.

We have been so blessed. Tonight (Wednesday) he is playing Baby Jesus in a big live nativity production here in Melbourne called Road to Bethlehem. I went last year and it is huge. So we are super excited to have Joel in it this year. I'll be taking pics and videos don't you worry. I think if I get a decent picture, it might even be our Christmas card this year!!

I am doing Shimelle Lane's Journal your Christmas this year. She sends out daily email prompts to make up a Christmas Journal (thought it might help take my mind off things). I am about 8 days behind but have set aside today and tomorrow to stay home and get Joel back into a bit of routine and me caught up in the journal. We both need a little R&R. Will be posting some completed pages shortly (hopefully!!!)

I've also gone a little baking mad lately. I think it's stress relief for me. I have gone a little cupcake crazy. The girls over at Scrap of Faith have all caught this cuppie craziness as well. I made some Christmas Tree cupcakes for my mothers group Christmas party last week. I was so stoked out how they turned out.

We took Joel to see Santa a couple of weeks ago. Didn't faze him at all. I think he was more interested in the presents under the tree there than the fact that he was sitting on a scary looking dude's knee. We'll have to see how next year goes!!

We also put the Christmas tree up a couple of weekends ago. Love walking past it and remembering it's Christmas. Joel helped us put some of the decorations on.

And my sister Clare and brother in law Matt have a new addition to the family - a gorgeous little girl called Ruby!! Isn't she gorgeous!! She is so soft and so fun to play with. Joel loves her already and Ruby enjoys licking Joel's feet.

Well I think that is enough for one day. I am going to endeavour to update more regularly now for Mum and Dad's sake as well as everyone else's. I know there has been stacks of photos but I thought I would leave you with one more of Joel - the mini Moldovan!! This is the hat that Dad got given from their church!

Thanks for reading this mammoth post. Promise the next one won't be as long!

Till next time

Happy mail day

So I'm excited. It's only 9:15 in the morning and already it's been a good day. My trusty Australia Post parcel delivery woman came to my door. She brought me the book I've been waiting for. Ali Edward's new book straight from Amazon.com. I am so excited. I just want to get myself a cup of tea, sit on the couch and read it. Alas, I actually have stuff to do today.

I have the dreaded task of going shopping for an outfit for my SIL's wedding. I'm very excited about the wedding just no so much about clothes shopping!! I still have most of my baby fat and am hoping they have designed a super affordable skirt that magically transforms me into a size 12. But if I can't find that, I'll have to settle for something that makes me look ok!

Been baking cupcakes this week. My lovely friend Nat from Scrap of Faith shared a recipe and I had to make them. They are so good and I feel I may need to make some more on the weekend. Gotta love how I whinge about the baby fat and then proceed to tell you I've been stuffing my face with cupcakes!! Uhh Megs, there may be a link! Now how good a wife am I. I know Andrew has been under pressure lately with reports so to cheer him up, I iced the cupcakes in his footy teams colours!! There were 12 cupcakes - we have eaten the rest!

All is going well around here. It's report writing time in the Spinks house so Joel and I are trying hard not to distract Andrew. Although Joel is just so cute that he is proving a very big, but enjoyable distraction. I on the other hand, just tend to annoy Andrew! We may have a couple of outings over the weekend so Andrew can finish them off.

Last night we had to put Joel in a 00 wondersuit. He is really getting bigger. And he's not just long anymore, he is finally starting to fill clothes out around the waist as well. I honestly cannot believe he is 5 months next weekend!

And what would a blog post be without a pic of Joel.

Anyway, I've rambled enough. I better go get ready for my shopping trip. Pray for me!!

Till next time

Finding my Christmas Spirit

I'm starting to get in the Christmas mood around here. Just finished a little advent calendar and am really happy with how it turned out. I bought the tree at Target last year in the sales. The whole thing was red and the drawers just had the numbers on them. So I scrapified it!! I think it looks way better. I really love this time of year. I've been trying to think of some more little projects I could do.

Attempted a Christmas photo shoot with Joel yesterday. Let's just say we may need to have another go at it when Andrew is around.

Joel had his second lot of immunisation today. He was so good. There was a little whimper for the first needle, then he cried for the 2nd and 3rd one and then after about 2 minutes he was fine. I think I was more worried about it than him. It's over now for a couple of months!

We got our new lounge suite on the weekend. We were so excited when the guys delivered it. And then, we couldn't get the 3 seater through the doors!!! Even our big sliding glass door. SO the delivery guys left us with our couch out under the pergola trying to work out how to get it in the house. We had our builder mate Pete come over and he eventually had to cut into the door tracks and bend the frame to get it in the house. It totally weighed a tonne as well. So lets just say we won't be moving anytime soon!! The lounge is so worth it though! We are seriously in couch potato heaven!! Joel seems to like them too.

Anyway, I'm going to go. Andrew and I are having an in-house date night tonight. Andrew bought me the latest Harry Potter movie and we are going to watch it tonight and eat dips and cheeses, all on our new lounge suite. We really wanted to see this before Joel was born, but he decided to come early. So we are doing our own version of Gold Class!!

Ramblings

We had a great Melbourne Cup day holiday yesterday. Went over the a friends house for a BBQ. There was about 20 of us there. It was such a beautiful day here. Joel loved being around everyone and was definitely the hit of the party. Not much else to report. Having a bum around home week this week. I need it - lots of catch up on housework, washing and scrapping to be done.

Joel has really grown up again this week. Making lots more noise - goos and gahs and little squeals. He's certainly "talking" a lot more than ever now. He also rolled for the first time on Sunday. Both Andrew and I got to see it which was nice. He hasn't done it since but he will eventually. He constantly has his hands in his mouth at the moment and we are all about the drooling at the moment.

Anyway, I leave you with a couple of LOs I've done in the last week. First one is photos of my mum and dad with Joel. Second one is LO I did for a challenge on Scrapniques.

Till next time

Joel's Baby Mullet

Joel's little mullet. It's so cute (and so long!) I love, love, love it.

In a sharing mood

So my poor blog has been neglected for almost 2 weeks but that's ok. I don't feel guilty about it. I really haven't felt like blogging so I didn't. But stuff has been happening. I guess the biggest thing is that my mum and dad are moving overseas. Where to I hear you say? They are moving to a little country called Moldova which is in Eastern Europe. WHERE (i hear you say again) My thoughts exactly!! It's a land locked country between the Ukraine and Romania.They are moving over there with work - they are Salvation Army Officers and are going to be in charge of the Army in Moldova. It's very exciting for them amd I am very excited for them but I am also really bummed that I won't get to see them whenver I like and that they'll miss out on a lot of stuff with Joel. Oh well c'est la vie!!

What else? It was Joel's dedication at church last Sunday. It all went really well and it was such a blessing to have a lot of our family and friends there. Had a BBQ afterwards and it was so nice - a little warm weather wise but awesome all the same.

I've mananged to get some scrapbooking done this week. Almost done three layouts. Amazing, I know. Thought I'd share the two I've finished. First LO has one of the photos of Joel taken by the amazing Katie Toland - such tiny feet!!

My girlfriend Marina and I took our little dudes to storytime at the library this week. It was so cute. Joel had a ball. Loved looking at the pictures in the books and also all the little songs and rhymes we sung. We are going back this week.

I think I have rambled on enough. I'll leave you with a cute piccie that was taken at the BBQ lunch last week after Joel's dedication. It's Joel and I doing Blue Steel (it's a Zoolander thing!)

Till next time