.

2009-05-28T07:36:00.003+10:00

Is there anything cuter then puppies? YES Beagle puppies!! We are proud puppy grand parents!! Below are the 3 weeks old puppies. There Jett's he had to 'service' a lady a few months back. Fingers crossed that this June when Miss Dayz comes on heat again we may have our very own litter.

The chipboard highschool has ended over at Scrapping Outback a huge thank you to julie Sandra rachelle & Carole the classes were great and I will miss the challenge on sundays putting together a chipboard layout.

Cheers, Lauren x

2009-05-10T21:02:00.004+10:00

I've not posted for two weeks as we shoot down to Noosa for the Noosa Food & Wine festival for the May Day long weekend. If you ever get the chance go it was great. We stayed on Hasting Street and did a little shopping, went to Australia Zoo the markets, and sat and drank coffee in the afternoons. It was so relaxing.

A bit like this weekend, Saturday I spent doing a little shopping, Josh's parents gave us some Robins Kitchen's gift vouchers, we picked up a few things for the kitchen they really know us to the 't' they were the perfect gift for us. I then spent Saturday night with Miss Carole scrapping, a few wines and Twilight. lol!! (I know we're both addicted!!) Then today we took my mum for brunch for mother’s day, did the weekend trip to Bunning’s, Josh had a nap (because Bunning took it out of him lol!!) Then we spent the afternoon in the kitchen together cooking up a storm. Josh made Mexican lasagna that was amazing!! The new toys from Robin’s kitchen were put to good use, we ended up creating 5 dishes for dinner & lunches this week. Yummy!!

Below is my 'custom chippy' layout for last weeks scrapping outback challenge. These are my two cute nephews. The Basic Grey papers were fun to work with I love the colours & birds.

This was this weeks 'metal look chippy' I loved this weeks class it was so much fun. I love how the chipy took it metal look. I've also added some close up pics.

Till next Sunday,

Lauren x

2009-04-26T20:54:00.005+10:00

Another stunning weekend in happy rock. Josh and I picked up our new car on thursday a 4 door Jeep Wrangler. I haven't yet taken any pics but we did spend Saturday afternoon crusing the beach at Tannum Sands. The Anzac Day perade was great a huge turn out this year, there were some very touching speaches and I had the tears straeming down my face by the end of them. Even the big guy did not that Josh would ever admit it. lol!

I picked up my copy of the Twilight DVD on Wednesday and I've watched it twice already I wonder if it's possiable to wear out a DVD?

I was lucky enough today to spend the afternoon with Carole scrapping, I always seem to relax at Carole I think because she really is an insperation to scrap with I love sitting and scrapping or more chatting then scrapping. I did my latest layout for the chipboar highschool over at scrapping outback. Apart from that just some ATC's and dotee dolls. I made a very speial birthday doll for carole but I'll let her show you it.

This is this weeks entry, 'make your own bling'

I don't think I shared week three with you 'doodle titles' here it is, I'm not that found of it, I've already taken the title off and changed it. Funny how after looking at a layour for a week makes you either love it or hate it.

2009-04-19T19:15:00.002+10:00

Good Sunday Afternoon to every one. In Gladstone this weekend the weather was amazing the sun was out the wind was blowing just perfect for a couple in love to have the whole weekend to us. I started with a pedicure that Josh's parents gave me, then a cup of tea with Miss Carole, followed by lunch with Josh and a little shopping, dinner with my parents what a perfect day?!? Then Sunday Josh got the 'bunnings bug' you know the one that makes men think they need to buy & create?? Well Josh had it bag and after having a garage make over, so that the new car has a nice clean home to come home to when we pick it up this week he decided that we needed a hut out in our side garden. I must admit that he did an amazing job and it was lovely to sit under it with a cheese platter and wine this afternoon.

On the scrapping front I've been loving the chipboard high school over at Scrapping Outback Week one's challenge was great here are my two layouts.

Then week two was cool, I love pirates and love this photo of Josh so it was fun to do this layout.

I'm waiting for week three to dry now before I have to upload it. I'll have to find some great lighting to photograph it this late at night though. (Why do I leave things to the last minute?)

Until then, Lauren x

2009-04-09T08:27:00.003+10:00

Well I do still rome this lovely planet of ours, been super busy. I've been scrapping up a storm over at the Chipboard High School at Scrapping Outback, lots of new Techniques. Below are some of the photo's from our Engagement party, it was such an amazing night Josh & I were thrilled to have so many people that mean so much to us around us.

Have a safe & happy easter,

Lauren x

2009-01-20T09:00:00.008+10:00

I said I'd do a photo share so there are heaps below!!

As you can imagine I have hundreds of photo’s I took 147 just on new years eve so there are quite a few from the cruise I’ve picked up some of my favorite to share with you.

New Caledonia Isle of Pines, is such a striking island and I’d think it is one of the most picturesque areas of the South Pacific and has left a lasting impression on us. We spent the day walking along its 1.25km white sand beaches, swimming and relaxing it was nice to be off the boat after two days on board.

Noumea is heavily influenced by the French, Noumea’s tropical boulevards and European chic are unmistakable. Old-world values and continental culture combine with colonial architecture and vibrant markets. We hired a scotter car and spent the day driving around town checking out all the sights.

Then after dinner we boarded a little train and went on a put crawl although I’m not a huge fan of beer I did have a few and we ordered these amazing French deserts yum.

Loyalty Islands Ouvea is known as ‘the closest island to paradise’, Ouvea is one of the Pacific’s most exquisite coral atolls and boasts what is hailed as New Caledonia’s finest beach – a stunning 25km stretch of talcum-powder-like white sand fronting a turquoise lagoon. The water here was amazing mum and dad cam over with us and spent the day swimming and relaxing. The said here is like nothing I’ve scene anywhere. This beach I think tops Whitehaven in the Whitsundays.

Christmas eve onboard the ship they had a big christmas party and had some caroles too, all I can say is Josh and I were very merry and I think it was well after 4am when we left the night club.

Vanuatu Mystery Island, this tiny Mystery Island is picture perfect, with sandy pathways that lead to white beaches edged with coconut trees and crystal clear lagoons.

We had a lovely Christmas dinner and to top it all of Josh asked me to marry him, down on one knee and it was a very special moment both of us will treasure for ever. I only got my engagement ring back on Friday as it had to be re sized. Below is the pics from our christmas dinner with my parents.

This was our Christmas day little did I know what Josh had been planning for the night ahead. Below is the 'happy snap' minutes afer Josh proposed it was about 11pm in the evening.

Vila is where we spent boxing day and our last post before we sailed off into the sunset home. From the moment we stepped ashore we adored the friendly ni-Vanuatu people with their welcoming smiles and hospitable nature. Vila has a natural Harbour with a colorful blend of Melanesian, English, French and Asian influences. We spent the morning at Cascade waterfalls and the afternoon shopping for traditional souvenirs at the handicraft markets.

After leaving Villa the ship had a 'sail away party' The theme was of course everyting tropical!!

These pics were taken on our last nigh on board, I really miss watching the sun set over the water we miss that living on the east coast.

New Years Eve was so much fun Josh and I along with our good friend Shonel headed out in Gladstone and caught up with so many friends that had come home to see there familys for Christmas here are just two of the 147 that we took on the night.

In other exciting news, Josh and I think (fingers crossed) that miss Dazy is pregnate and will be delivering us a litter of healthy puppies in another 8.5 weeks. Here are some pics of our 'children' who were not impressed with being left at the dog spa at Christmas time and ignored us when we got them home. They have come round now but you could easly tell how un impressed they were with Josh and I. This is a picture of them taken a few hours after we picked them up.

On the craft front I've been scrapping a bit and sewing a bit, I'll take some pics this week some time and share next weekend. Australia Day!!! I love Australia day, I've got my T shirt already for the weekend ahead, and Josh has a few things arriving this week from ebay so we should look the part.

Lauren x

2009-01-08T16:06:00.003+10:00

Ok this is only a quick catch up in point form I will be back this weekend to post some pics.

20th December we left for our Christmas cruise it was Amazing, it was Josh & I second cruise and was made extra special by Josh why??
He proposed on Christmas day! He got down on one knee and asked me if I would marry him. I said yes of course.
We got home and had a great new years eve with my mate Shonel who has moved to Gladstone.
We went out on the town had way too much to drink, and spent most of the 1st January on the lounge in the air con sleeping off our head ache.
Josh and I enjoyed the last few days before we had to return to work on Monday doing house jobs and relaxing.
I put my engagement ring into be resized on Monday and it's going to take 2-3 weeks?!?! What the I'd only had it for 10 days.
In my time off I discovered dotee dolls. If you're not sure what they are check flickr.com
Back to work it's mad mad mad, trying to catch up is like running around in a circle.
My birthday is this Saturday and I can't say I'm looking forward to it but I love birthdays just no9t the numbers associated with them. lol!!
As I said I'll be back on the weekend to share some pics of our holiday the moment after josh proposed and my cute little dotee dolls.

Lauren x

2008-11-21T10:11:00.006+10:00

34 sleeps until Christmas………….

So do you like the new décor on my blog, I thought I’d get into the festive season and ‘Christmas’ it up a little. Carole designed the lovely banner for me, she is such a talent isn’t she!!

Josh and I are so bust for the next 6 weeks it’s a really full on festive season for us this year, but 9 days is consumed by our holiday. We are off on another P&O cruise. I love it I could go on a cruise every year there so much fun, relaxing and the food is amazing!!

Carole has nominated your truly for a blog award.
With receiving this award I have to pass it on with these Rules
1. The winner may put the logo on their blog.
2. Put a link to the person who sent you the award.
3. Nominate 5 blogs.
4. Put links to their blogs.
5. Leave a message for your nominees.

This lady I think does beautiful scrapping Ronnie
This lady knows how to scrap Tam
This lady does such gorgeous projects Katie
This lady makes unbelievable layouts I love them Ang
This lady does lovely layouts Jen

Terri had this up on her blog I really felt like this is something that I would love to do. The idea is that I will make some lovely handmade items for the first 3 people to comment on this blog., and they have to be willing to do the same for another 3 people. Everyone has 365 days to make their items (I think that will give everyone enough time). So what do you think?....come on join in the fun and spread some joy to another person.

Scrapbook City Awards Night

2008-11-14T15:01:00.006+10:00

Over at Scrapbook City they are winding up there 2008 Awards night challenges which the host in conjunction with there Christmas party.

Last year I won Colour artist and was stocked to win, this year Kerri, Leisa and the girls decided to mix it up a bit and have 5 set challenges. It’s taken me about 3 weeks to get all 5 challenges done but am very happy with the layouts that I produced.

At the post office yesterday (I know I leave it to the last minute) the box weighed in at 1.888kg. My friend Andrea tells me 8 is very lucky so fingers crossed I can produce a winning layout this year.

Below are the challenges and the layouts I produced. There was a kit that all the papers came in to make it a bit easier as all the challenges were manufacturer specific.

1.Design a sketch and create a layout and a card from the sketch. You must include flowers, any number of photos, stitching and/or doodling. Journaling is a must on the layout.

Your manufacturer is My Minds Eye

2. Use four 6x4 photos or smallerUse Patterned Paper as your backgroundScrap in a minimalist styleUse up to 5 Embellishments only (including title and journaling...these are not compulsory, but will be counted as one item each.)May also use extra cardstock and PP as desired embellishments may be elements cut from patterned paper or handmade to suit the page.
Your Manufacturer is Scenic Route

3. Use a punch/edger to shape all the patterned papers, include 4 Patterned Papers, 3 Corners need to be punched, 2 Photos, 1 Title

Your Manufacturer is Little Yellow Bicycle

4.This Layout must be about friends, and included one 5x7 photo plus 2 smaller photos, the layout must have a whimsical Style - must have a bird/s or tree/s, and stamping.

Your manufacturer is Fancy Pants

5.For this challenge please use Sepia or Black and White photos and 3 photos (any sizes)Title must begin with "I Remember..." or "Remember When..."Include one of: Lace, ribbon or bling (one of these only)

Your Manufacturer is The Paper Loft

2008-11-11T12:47:00.004+10:00

Only a few more days to register for my secret Santa swap from Christmas!!

I guess in our house you can say that the social season has began. Josh and I have been rather busy the past few weeks and have looked at the calendar only to come to the conclusion that this weekend will be our last free weekend until mid January. So I’m cleaning out the garage!! I know boring but when you live with a man who hordes every thing these comes a time where she mush get rid of it all while his working, he he he!! I’m not sure about you but I like to be able to drive into my garage, get out of the car and walk towards the door with out dodging past a spare lounge, tripping of the mower as there are cardboard boxes where the mower lives and safely entre the house with out standing on a something.

I love a day at the races and Josh and I took no exception to attending the Gladstone Turf Clubs Cox Plate races. We both backed a couple of winners which made the day even more special.

(I'm not nude I've got a strapless dress on!!)

On Saturday night was the annual Gladstone Motorworld Ball. We had the most amazing evening and to top it of a record $60 000 was raised for the Variety Club.

Here are a few pics of the evening.

Yours truely and a very handsome looking Josh

I have been scrapping mad at the moment getting all my challenges done in time for the Scrapbook City awards night. I’ve done all but one. Carole and I are equally excited to be taking a road trip to attend the event and catching up with lots of people who it seams like forever since I scene.

On Friday I’ll share my entries to the awards night until then,

Lauren x

Secret Santa

2008-10-20T14:05:00.001+10:00

Good afternoon all my scrappy friends!!

I would like to know who would be interested in joining in on my Scrappy Secret Santa swap for 2008.

- Sign up will be open until midnight Sunday November 15th
- Handmade card/tag to accompany a small gift to the value of $10
- Gifts can be craft related or not it’s completely up to you as the Scrappy secret Santa.
- Send the gift to your scrappy elf on Friday 5th December or close to that date so that every one is receiving them around the same time.

Please email me: laurenmarierhodes@hotmail.com to register your interest that way I will be able to email you back a scrappy elf to treat.

Please include the following info in your email

Name:
Postal Address:
Likes:
Dislikes:

2008-10-13T15:19:00.002+10:00

What a weekend, Josh worked I scrapped on Saturday. I know owl's have been and gone but I've never used one on a layout before and I've had these collections one sitting on my desk for a while now waiting to be used. The paper is Scenic Route and the brads are from the Scrapbook City retreat I went on in 2007 I think there K&Co. What I really have fell in love with thanks to Carole is Bo Bunny double dot card stock this stuff is just lush. I had to go and get some and the only colours I could get were brown and green, hence the brown LO! lol!!

The layout below of Josh was a quick one that I did waiting for the washing to finish, I started it a week or so ago and pulled it back out to finish it off.

I mentioned in my last post a challenge LO that Katie had put up on Scrapbook City it was to use;
- Six patterned papers
- A photo taken that weekend of yours truly
- Journaling
- 'Me' as the title
- Bling

Below is what I came up with. The picture is taken out our local vine yard Gecko Valley. Isle 24 sine I'm the ripe old age of 24! lol!! The bling is the black rind stones there Prima I've had them for ages. As you can tell I'm still in my quest to use up some of my old stash.

I have been a little bad though spending a little last week on some of the new Christmas products being sold. I want to get in early this year again and make the 20+ cards I need to do.

2008-10-06T08:51:00.003+10:00

World Card Making Day was yesterday, I did scrap for a few good hours. I did a card and also a layout for a challenge at scrapbookcity. I haven't photographed it yet, I'll get to it today. Below is the card I made for Bo Bunny's Card sketch challenge for World Card Making Day, I'm going to send it to my niece Chloe.

I said I'd share what I've been up to and here are a few layouts that I've been working on. I've been trying to use up some old photos that I'd had printed but hadn't got to yet. And old papers too. I've never been a 'latest and greatest' scrapper I tend to scrap with papers that I like so if it's two years old and I still like it I use it.

Explore Prague - This pic is from Easter last year when we had a faily holiday to Prague I loved using black red and white, and am addicted to thickers.

Flying High - This layout took me ages, I wanted to stitch on it but could not for the life of me find the time to do it so it took me about 2 weeks to get this LO finished. Simple was the key.

Bloom - I started this LO when I lived in England it was a Lime Tart kit that I had sent to me there, Carole gave me the push to finish it and I'm glad she did as it's one of my fav's. The pic is from Agnes at the end of last summer.

Love - How cute are these Bo Bunny papers I couldn't resist using them I love the red & blue together.

Josh gets back from Sydney this afternoon, and while I've enjoyed my weekend with out him I really do miss him. Now only to remember what time he gets in.....

2008-10-02T14:39:00.006+10:00

Is it not amazing how time flies? It’s been so long which is unlike me, but so much has happened. I’ve not scrapped a lot but am starting to get back into it.

My dear friend Carole has gotten me back scrapping again I did lose my mojo for about 4 months but I’m refreshed revitalized. It some times takes a life changing event to make you slow down. I know it did with me. I can honestly say that I try to fir way too much into the 16 hours I’m awake every day. But we all do don’t we???

I’ve been scrapping cards more then anything as of late. I’m waiting for the weekend to take some pics. Josh is off to the NRL Grand Final in Sydney for 3 days which means for the first time in way too long I’ve got some much needed ‘me’ time. Josh and I have been spending some time in Agnes Waters, we hired some motorbikes for something to do for the morning and had an amazing time. So much so Josh bought one a few days later, so we were back of to Agnes again last Sunday to pick it up. He loves it!!

The pic below is our netball team Yaralla Dynamics Falcons. This year has been a ral learning curve for our team with a new coach Ron our existing coach Tracey and three new members we had a hard task ahead but we did ourselfs proud making the Grand Final only to lose by 7. But it was such a great game of netball.

Our Netball club held it's 30year Celerbrations this year, I've been with the club for 9 years and most of the girls I've played with are all still playing. The night was a great chance to get dressed up and let our hair down. The pic below is of good priend Mel & I.

August was a huge month for Josh and I we had my dad's & his birthday and Mum's 50th. Below is some pics from the night. We had it at our house under a big white tent in the side yard. It was a great night a little cold, but we did sit up to the wee hours by the fire. (I know there not alloud but the fire department is only a few blocks away)

And Last by not least my babies Jett & Dayz are they not just the cutest little puppies. Jett's now 18 months and Dayz is 9 months.

After the weekend I'll put some creations up, I just wanted to catch up in the mean time.

L x

2008-05-29T11:47:00.006+10:00

WoW!!! Has it really been that long since I was on here. I've lurked but hadn't updated. Too hard to find the time. So whats been going on for me??

Lots and Lots, Too mach to say really I've been through some really tough life moments in the past 4 weeks and am now on the mend. So to play catch up here are some pics of our new addition Dayz!! another little Beagle.

Jett and her get on great she's such a little girl compaired to Jett. Which is nice. Here are a couple of pics of the two of them she is 6 months younger then him.

This is the size difference, although she has grown heaps she's a far cry from Jetts 14kg's. We needed to get away so for the Labour Day long weekend we packed up and went camping at Stoney Creek. It was amazing. Josh and I have never been camping before but we did great and enjoyed the time away.

A dear friend of mine is off the the Navy on Sunday so last weekend we had a bit of a fancy dress part for her, the theme was H.M.A.S Holly Shit Leisa's Joined the Navy. She is going in as a medic. Here is us celerbrating. the group photo is of our netball team.

Speaking of which, this is our netball team Yaralla Dynamics Falcons, we have played to gether for a long time the core of us, with new additions coming and going each year. this girls are like my rocks in life I love them all. Tracey & Ron our coaches are amazing too I've know both for a very long time and cherish there friendships. We'd just played in the rain thats why we look so tired. lol!!

have a great weekend all.

Lauren x

2008-02-18T18:22:00.006+10:00

I walked down stairs from having a shower a few nights ago, to find the boys hard at it!! And yes this is a regular snuggle session for the pair of them. Jett is such a cuddlie little thing. I received an email from the breeder we are getting our new pup from and she will be jet setting in on the 28th, I can't wait to see her, and see how Jett goes with the new pup. Any advice for introducing a new dog??

I've done a few pages last week, not many though this is a page that I have done for the sketch challenge at Scrapboo City It's a simple layout, but Aria is such a little cutie, there wasn't any thing else I wanted to add. We had a Australia Day BBQ, and Aria came as Snow White and was the only one apart from Josh to get in thepool, too cold for the rest of us.

I'm always baking something, and these are some little cup cakes that I made to take to morning tea. They were so yummy!!!

So Valenties has been and gone, and for us it's all just too over rated, what a huge money maker for shops!! We went for dinner though at a fav local spot. Here is a pic of us all dressed up after we'd got home.

Cheers, Lauren x

.

2008-02-08T16:47:00.000+10:00

I've haven't been up too too much since my b'day hed a great Australia day with a BBQ here at home with some mates then a bit of a huge night out, yeah way too big for me now I'm old n stuff!! But this is the month of '''LOVE''' and lets all remember to tell out loved ones how much we appreciate the towels on the bed, coal covered work cloths on the white tiles and cups left on the sink, Oh sorry how much we LOVE them!! ROFL!!

Scrapping up a storm with Carole, honetly I'd be a lost soul with out her! (Louve ya Carole!!) And a great mate of mine miss Jen is coming up to Gladdy for Easter so I wan't wait till Carole and I can give her the 3.5min tour of Gladstone and get into some serious scrapping!!

Now some pages that I've been working on for Cathy at Scrap Genie using the new Maybe Baby range. I just loved using it!

Also we've been a pair of beach bums this past few weeks, loving the sun, when it comes out I'm so over the rain.... Dog drives me crazey in the rain. lol!! Talking of dogs, we have a new one on the way she'll be here in the nest few weeks, another little beagle. Oh there just so cute!! These next two LO's I did for Katies 'Use Your Stach' Challenge at Scrapbook City I didn't get to upload them in time, as all the rain has ment that I wasn't able to take photo's for a week!! Grrr. But the challenge was great and I ended up doing two LO's.

Till next time, peace!!

2008-01-12T10:51:00.000+10:00

I thought it was about time that I updated, Christmas was lovely very family focused. We spent New Years in Gladstone for my first time ever, and had an amazing night with good friends of ours, Mark and Carrie, way too much to drink, sore feet from dancing and a very long sleep in the next day.

So it was my 24th Birthday on Thursday, I was spoilt rotten!! I received a huge bird cage from my parents, Josh gave me a Granite Mortar & Pestle, a juicer and a set of golf clubs. I received a beautiful wicker tray & arrangement from Josh’s parents, a lovely set of vases from Josh sister and her family. On Friday Josh and I went to get some birds, it took us 2 hours to choose two birds, we ended up with these two little ones, London is the Dark one and Rome is the light colored one. Jett is very interested in the birds, the cage is on a trolley so it is up pretty high, his very gentle but likes to peek in and see what they are up too.

I guess you can say we’ve got a tribe of animals at our house, and it’s growing all the time. Josh and I would like to get two more birds for the cage as it’s so big. So at todays count we have,

1 x Beagle puppy Jett 9 months old
1 x Black Angle Fish, Blackie who is now 3
2 x love birds Rome & London

and a new puppy on the way very soon…….. We have decided to get another beagle, a little girl. I can’t wait they are such a great bread of Dog, little, but big, and they have the coolest attitudes.

Josh took me out for lunch for my birthday, and we had dinner with both sets of parents at my favorite restaurant Scotties. This is my dad and I.

Then today I get my second birthday. I didn’t know about it, but Josh said that I get two birthdays this year, as last year he was sick with the chicken pox and was too ill to move and wanted to make it up too me. So today we are off too a local winery for lunch, followed by a round of golf (with my new clubs!!) then he is taking me to the swankiest restraint in town for dinner. (I have nothing to wear though)

I finally took down our 3 Christmas trees yesterday, I love Christmas it was a little sad to take them down.

Happy New Years!!

2007-12-18T14:22:00.000+10:00

7 days to go......

We are all packed to fly out tomorrow morning for our Christmas holiday. Jett will be taken to his holiday village this afternoon. (I now know how parents feel about putting there kids in day care now) I'm sad already that he'll be at the kennel while we'll be sipping cocktails on the beach.
Josh got home on Saturday and it is so nice to have him home in time for our holiday I was thinking I’d be going by myself for a while there.

All the presents are done, wrapped and under the tree, we haven't done the Christmas lights round yet as we've just been far too busy. This year we had 1 dog, 7 kids and 12 adults to buy for! There are so many presents under the tree!! I love Christmas time, we have three Christmas trees up and have been doing the rounds of the Christmas parties.

On the scrapping front, wow I’ve been working my butt off, but nothing I can share with you yet. In the New Year I will.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season

2007-12-05T17:49:00.000+10:00

WoW it's December already! 20 more sleeps till the big guy does his thing! We're very festive in our house this year, 3 trees are up, Josh and I got a bit excited I guess.

Josh is away for work, so I've been scrapping a far bit. I hate it when his away I get so scared, I'm such a kid when it comes to being home alone.

I love this photo's of Miss Aria at the beach she's such a great little 2 year old really a lovely little lady.

I'm going to my sisters this weekend to take some photo's of my nephews I just don't seem to have any, and feel like doing some boy LO's. This is one of Carole's little man Chaise, he is the coolest little man, I did this page a while ago now, but I've got to go a photograph all my LO's just too big of a job to do when it's so hot. It was 26 deg at 6am this morning when I was eating my breakfast! YUCK!!

We got 200mm rain on Friday night, and my studio had a little flood. Nothing was damaged but lucky Josh was home at the time so he sorted it all out.

Now does any one have any tips for me, I've got a dog that like to pull the washing of the line!?!?!

Merry Christmas!!

2007-11-13T19:33:00.000+10:00

Wow it's been close to a month with out a post, I've just been tooooo... busy. So what has little Lauren been up too??? I had the joy of Helping Carole on her stand at the Craft and Quilt show in Brisbane where I got to catch up with all the lovely Scrapbook City girls. Then is was to Newcastle for a few days and by the time I got home I was tired and happy to see Josh.

I've just spent an hour doing this post and creating some new galleries, so pop in and have a look at what I've been creating!!!

Scrapbook City held there awards night on Saturday night and I couldn't go as I'd just been to Brisbane for the Craft & Quilt fair but I was luck enough to receive an award for...............

Scrapbook City Colour Artist

As you can see from my side bar the very lovely Cathy from Scrap Genie has taken me on as one of her Design Team members. It's great to be apart of the great team she has with Carole, Julie, and Rachelle. Here are some pages that I've done for her using the yummy Daisy D's Halloween range.

This Saturday and night 17th November we are once again gathering at my house for our monthly scarp, if your in the area and want to come please do it's a fun night with a lovely meal cooked by your truly!

I've been tagged by Patrina McDonald in an attempted to get me to update my blog!

I am to share 7 facts about myself with you, some random and some weird then tag 7 more people.

I've been lucky enough to travel a bit but no where near enough.
I am a neat freak! OCC about most things non scrapbook related.
Great at organising others but not too good at myself usually leaving it until the last minute for everything.
I always book my next hair cut at the hairdressers after my last, every 12 weeks.
I've found true friendship in only a few people one of which is my best friend Carole we just get each other.
I'd be lost with out Josh he just completes me, I don't think it's healthy to think that but he really is my heart and soul.
I don't usually do tags, but Patrina pulled my arm!!

The lucky 7 I am going to tag are Carole Janson, Nicole Pomeroy, Jen Uittenbosh, Katie Howard, Tam Harris, & Tanya Reedy

Thanks for staying with me and reading it till the end.

2007-10-15T10:41:00.000+10:00

Another anazing weekend in Agnes Waters for us, I had been pretty ill towards the end of last week and I was thinking that we shouldn't go, but it was well worth it. This is the only photo I can share as Josh broke my camera and I'll have to send it to some one to fix it.

Apart from that all is quiet at the moment. I would like to organise a Secret Santa for those who want to join in with me.

1. Email me you name & address laurenmarierhodes@bigpond.com.au

2. I'll email you back somebodys address to send the gift too.

3. Purchase/make a gift to the value of $10 including postage

4. Post on the 1st December

Just a short one today as I've got a fair bit to do today.

2007-10-02T18:05:00.000+10:00

A BIG HUGE Shout to my mate Rachel on her return from living in the UK, she came over in Feb and has done her tour of duty and is now back on home turf. Love ya girl!!!

Scrap scrap scrap, I've done 7 pages in two days!! I've been wanting to enter the Scrapbook City Awards there are great prizes up for grabs well worth a look and Kerrie & Leisa are the most amazing girls, supported by a fab DT!! Below is my entry into Free Style! lol!!! Not too good of an entry, but I had heaps of fun creating it.

On Sunday Josh and I had brunch with our Good friends Matt & Sarah and little miss Aria! She is such a cutie pie. So here is some random snaps!

And the races were on in Gladstone on Saturday, even though there were NO horses running at our local track we still got dolled up and had a great afternoon, which turned into a huge evening!! There were face painters there, but us girls wanted something painted but not our faces so she gave us fake tats! well I think it's more like art, but I loved mine, and it suited my red shoes.

Before I go I want to tell you all about a shop that I found online, I was looking for some Heidi Swapp stamps and found Sharnie at Click 'n' Scrap she is very well priced and has some really great stuff be sure to stop buy and say hi.

Enough from me Tuesday night is my fav night to watch TV,

2007-09-29T09:12:00.000+10:00

Hi all,

I've been rather busy this past week, and all for good reason, I've renovated my scraproom. With the amazing help of my mum, THANKS mum!!!

Below are my before & After shots!! What do you think? Ive done a few things like,
- Repainted whe whole room to white, I didn't like the cream
- New white blind
- New floor covering
- Moved out some of the old furniture
- And displayed my pages much better with some 12x12 scrap fames on the wall
BEFORE
AFTER
The cabinets are great, when we renovated the rest of the house we moved these out of our pool room, Josh was going to bin them but I couldn't they are just fab for all my stuff as a most of the shelves are 13 inches, it was a match made in heven. lol!! I added the page frames to the wall too, I wanted it to all be white so that the pages were on show. Oh I hug the lovely helicopter on the wall from one of Caroles amazing kits. Its right at the back next to the window.

I love it it's so easy for me to just slide from my laptop to my work desk. The two trollies at the bottom right hand corner are great too they hold all my must haves so I just roll them over to me and then just put them away when I'm done. I'm lucky to have this room it's huge about 7.5 x 3.6m and is air coned. Plus when people come to crop I just run the tables down the middle of the room and have heaps of room to move around still.

This is another of Caroles kits, I had such fun doing it, i can't wait for her to get back from NZ to see what new kits she has.

And last but not least this is a page I've only just finished 'Agnes' These papers were really fun to use, they are from Philippa's Lime Tart Kits This weekend there won't be any scrapping as we are off to the races today, I love going to the races a chance to get all dressed up, have a flutter and a few glasses of wine. (Not too many though just enough to numb the pain from my new shoes) lol!!

Any one in the Rockhampton & Gladstone are who would like to have a social scrap on Saturday 20th October with Carole, Julie Heard, Nicole Pomeroy and I please email me laurenmarierhodes@hotmail.com as we'd love to have a laugh with you.

Enough for me it's going to take me all morning to get ready so I'b better take Jett for a long walk (I feel bad leaving him this afternoon) and start getting fluffed up!!!

2007-09-14T14:00:00.000+10:00

10 weeks since a post I'm a very bad blogger!! But a very happy person. So much has been going on and I can say that I'm just about back on top of everything. So what have I been up to????????

Scraped a lot as of late, Carole & I went down to the Scrapbook City retreat and had a ball, I've been renovating the house and I can say that the inside is done, looking fab and the outside is 30% there. (A work i progress)

We have a new little puppy, Jett his a Beagle and we just love him!!!
A page to share too, I got out in the lovely sun today to photograph all my pages that I've done this past 2 months, here is one of Josh and I 'Dream' How cute are thouse alphabets!!

I was going to upload a couple more but good old blogger isn't playing the game today!!!

Cheers,

2007-07-04T14:36:00.000+10:00

Hi all,

It's been so long I know, but there has been so so so much going on in my life that the www is the last place I've been able to spend time.

I am now bck in Austraia only to have my eldest nephew be involved in a very seriouse moto x accident. I'm starting to get things together day by day.

I'm so thrilled to be able to visit my best mate carole, she is doing some amazing kits that are just so delish. If you haven't had the chance to get one you'd best contact her.

I need a small vent too, so please let me, after ariving home I was also greated with the news that a very dear friend is very ill with bone cancer, and my fav auntys sister is having the big K in Brisbane with brest cancer. So please every one self check, have your doctor check and please please be very aware of the killer C.

Enough from me, I will defintly get back into blogging and i'll share something very soon.

Love hugs and kisses,

Lauren x

2007-05-17T18:53:00.000+10:00

I've been so sick for the past two weeks I've struggled to live let along blog. I never get sick, and this chest infection has knocked me about a bit. So I've done little scrapping. I will share something soon I promise.

Has any one else out there jumped onto My Space. I love it, I've been able to get in contact with all my old school friends. This is my My Space page should you want to come join me. It's such a safe way to keep in contact with out giving out your email address. Josh has a page too, and the other day I thought I'd go have a look and this is what I found on it. It's a pile of photos of us since leaving Australia.

I thought that I might share some of the highs and lows for me over the past 12 months, as thats how long it's been since boarding our first of 20 flights in the past year.

- We have visited 12 countries. Singapore, Thailand, Switzerland, England, Belgium, Holland, France, Germany, Italy, Czech Republic, Ireland & Soon to be China in 2 weeks.
- I've cried endless tears, the first month here was the most emotional and hardest time of my life to date.
- I've laughed, learnt and fell in love all over again with Josh. This man has amazed me.
- Seeing the world has changed my opinion on so many of my morals and assumptions about other cultures.
- I now want to travel more then ever. I'd love to go to Egypt, Tibet and Denmark
- I am counting down the days until we go to China, it will be so different to anything I've ever scene before and I can't wait! (Plus I really want to buy a Nintendo DS)
- England is not some where I ever thought I'd live but you really have to take every day as it comes because it's so different to home. I love that the English people are sun worshipers, and enjoy it to the max for the few days a year it comes out. Other then that it's always gray and gloomy.
- The people I though I'd miss most I really do, but it's the small things that I took for granted from my family and friends I miss most. Like dinner with my parents, Carole Janson’s Roast dinner, making telephone calls to loved ones when you want, not having to count the 9hr time difference which has made it hard to keep in touch some times.
- Having a pre paid phone, this drives a talk-a-holic like me nuts!! I am forever running out of credit.

Well I think that’s about enough for one dose from me, I’ve never regretted coming to England but I look forward to the day I’m on home soil, like looking forward to a birthday, There really is no place like home.

Now who will be at the scrapbook city retreat?????

Lx

2007-05-08T07:24:00.000+10:00

Where does time go??????

Since my last post I have been so... so... so... busy. I have been working so much it's a bit crazy it's been taking me two hours to get to and from work so when I get home the computer is last on my long list of things to do.

Last Thursday we had two of Josh's best mates arrive from OZ arrive so it's been great catching up with friends from home. So the boys went to Amsterdam for the bank holiday weekend and my amazing friend Andrea and I wend to Dublin. And going to Dublin wouldn't be complete with out going to the Guinness factory. We had an amazing three days there. (In Dublin not at the Guinness factory lol!!)

While there we went on a Ghost tour and it was a little scary to say the least but it was full of history about Dublin.

Now I have done lots of scrapping including DT projects for Karen & Julie at Scrapbook Sisters pop over to there web site to see it all. I have to get out and photograph what I have been doing just need to find the time.

I have been tagged by Pam & my blast from the past Nicole (I love blogs Nicole is a friend I went to school with and she found me through scrapbooking blogs how cool!)
Each player starts with 7 random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to write on their own blog about their seven things, as well as these rules. At the end of your blog, you need to choose 7 people to get tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them that they have been tagged and to read your blog!

ONE - I can only ever have the TV/Radio/CD player on even numbers for the sound. Weird I know but I can't help it it has to be even I will chage it even at other peoples house if it's not.

TWO - I buy a new perfume every time I go through duty free (Yes I have lots!!)

THREE - I always sleep on the side of the bed closest the door.

FOUR - The only Australian wine I drank while living in Australia was Brown Brothers now that I love in England I love drinking Australian wine. It really is amoung the best in the world!!

FIVE - I plan to buy a Nintendo DS when I am in China. I know at 23 you'd thing I'd be over video games but I really really really want one for all the plane trips I take.

SIX - I am one of three girls, and we all have names starting with 'L' Louise, Lauren & Lana

SEVEN - I talk in my sleep, and have conversations, if you ask me something I'm more then likely to answer.

Any one who wants to do the tag can it's soo late I can't think. So enough from me for now.

2007-04-23T01:18:00.000+10:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my dear friend Carole! I think it's her 21st or 22nd?? I let her confirm that! lol I hope that you have an amazing day!!!

Ok... ok... time to tell you all where my next holiday is............... HOME!!!! Yep we will be having a holiday in China and then we will be back in Australia!!!!! I am so excited........ And I will be going to the Scrapbook City Retreat with my best mate Carole!!! Whooooo hoooooo!!!! I can't wait...... So please let me know if you are going or live in Bris Vagus as I will be down there for a few extra days should any one want to meet up with me for a tea, or a wine.......

(Alison Winchester can you please email me your addy so I can send you a RAK)

Josh and I didn't get up to too much this weekend he worked on Saturday and I attended a scrap with Scrapbook Sisters It was a blast so much so my watched stopped and I thought it was 3:30 and it was 4:30 and I was the last one to leave! Opps......

Sunday I got a phone call at 3am to drive an hour round trip to pick up Josh and two of his mates as they couldn't get a taxi home from having a boys night! Ummmm No impressed but at least they made it home safe. (Honestly men have no idea how to organise them selfs... WHY is that???...) So after going back to sleep for a few hours we went shopping to spoil Lauren as a thank you!!! I know I really have the most amazing boyfriend he is forever spoiling me rotton. So we went to Bluewater and did a bit of shopping, and had some lunch.

The weather has been so amazing this weekend we again went down to the Strand and had a bit of a sun bake. Again.... Josh slept while I caught up on some Aussie Scrapboking mags!! Oh Australia just ozzes with talent. These three pages are a few more of the 8.5 x 11's I have been doind as part of Elise Flannigan's 52 Challenges.

Enough from me an Carole I'll call you on Monday Night (Your time) To have a big catch up!!

2007-04-16T22:39:00.000+10:00

The lovely Caroline from A Spoon Full Of Sprinkles asked me to be a Gourmet Guest Chef for this week. This is the LO that I created for the site. Stop by A Spoon Full Of Sprinkles and gather some insperation for this amazing site.

These guys are good friend of mine Tracey's two cute children.

The sun has been out warming up England over the weekend and Josh and decided to make the most of it. We had a lovely lunch and took a rug down to The Strand and spen the afternoon relazing in the sun. I read the paper and Josh slept off his hang over from the night before! lol This is a photo from Sunday. Yes look how white we are!!!

Now I have some very exciting news, I will send a RAK's anywhere in the world to who ever guesses correct. BUT I will give a hint, Fly away with me to paradise. Guess where our next trip will be too.

All you have to do is leave you guess in the comments and on Sunday night I will post where we are going and who has won. If more then one person guesses correct i'll send more RAK's

2007-04-12T04:47:00.000+10:00

I trust every one had a fab Easter as mine was the BEST ever. Mum, Dad and my lil sis Lana are here. Josh and I decided that Prague would be the next tour of or Tourist duty so we all got up at 3am to catch our flight on Thursday morning. We spent 4 days in Prage and it was amazing. Here are a few pics from the weekend.

This is my Family, Mum, Me, Lana & my Dad
Some cute guy I know and I on top of the Astronomical Clock Tower
My Dad & I in the Prague Museum
Lana & I next to Josh when he hasn't shaved lol

(No really it was an display in the museum)

Tasting the local delights in the food market

Back in January for my Birthday Josh Elise Flannigan's 52 Challenges. I must admit that I had not been doing these week by week but caught up at a crop the other weekend and have now done 12. So I am up to date. There were a few rules I set for my self.

1. Only use scrap papers

2. Use only only the pile of photo's I have already printed

3. All pages will be 8.5 x 11 (As I'd never done this size before and wanted to put them all in one album)

So here are the first 3 Challenges.

1. Work With Words

2. Focus On One Photo

3. Ribbon Border

I am enjoying reading every one's blogs at the moment there is so much going on and I'm loving it!!!!!

2007-04-05T02:42:00.000+10:00

My family (well some of it) have arrived safe and well. I drove to Heathrow yesterday and picked up my tired Dad, Mum & lil sis Lana. So excited to have them here!!!! We are off to Prague tomorrow for Easter so i am on such a NATURAL high!! ROFL!!! (Can you tell???)

These are my creations for ScrapbookSisters here in the UK fo there Design Team. I would not have purchased these papers my self but had a ball working with them, thanks for the challenge Karen & Julie.

This is a LO I did of my favourite little boy Chaise for the Aussie Scrapjack site. This is a great site lots of insperation and loved doing a little boy LO. (No i'm not getting clucky ROFL!!

I have a Pencil Lines sketch for you, I had fun doing this LO it's of one of my cousins on his 21st Birthday. ''START TREATMENT''

I hope that every one has a great Easter and I can't wait to go the blog rounds when I come back from Prague to see what you have all been up to!!

2007-03-30T19:04:00.000+10:00

Thanks you to every one who have left comments and emailed me. The support is overwhelming. I have been busy creating and will upload into my gallery over the weekend at some point.

- I wanted to give a huge shout out to Alison and the team at Altogether Scrap in Australia they do fabulous kits and even kids kits please stop by and say hi.
- I’m off to a crop tomorrow with the DoodlingDaisies near Maidstone so in usual Lauren form I have not packed up anything or printed photo’s and will be running around this afternoon like a mad scrapper getting organised!!!
- Three more sleeps until my family arrive. I can’t wait to get in the car and drive to the airport to see them on Tuesday morning!!!!

Lastly I wanted to share this photo of Josh and I with you it was taken last weekend by the basin. Now if you look behind me you can see some houses we live just behind the house and ours look like the one you can see. Well actually every ones looks like that. Lol
Oh here is a tip for 'happy snaps' try and be the same hight josh and I always take crap 'happy snaps' but this one work really well as I was stanging on this big stone. Just though i'd share.

A huge hug to my dear friend Carole I really with that I could be back there with you. It’s amazing how much you realise you cherish a friendship when you are a billion miles apart.

Lauren x

2007-03-23T06:31:00.000+10:00

Ummmm....... Long time and no post I know!! I’ve been doing lots of thinking and I’m not too sure if I want to blog anymore.

I’ve been absolutely devastated by some one who I thought was my best friend so Scrapbooking has been the very last thing on my mind. This person once told me they would never peruse something I wanted and did and then went to the trouble to flaunt it in my face. Not very nice for me when they did.

I will say this why is Scrapbooking so competitive??? Why do some people have to be on every Design Team???

For me I always thought that it was a craft and enjoy it but the more it becomes a business its hard not to get competitive about it.

I think there is SO MUCH MORE to life then Scrapbooking………………

So for me I’ll still be uploading what I do manage to do into my gallery but still ponder the thought of bloging for a little longer. To be honest I’d prefer not to wear my heart on my sleeve but in my chest where it should be hidden away and not shared with the www.com’s of the world.

For those that want to stay in contact for the time being my email is laurenmarierhodes@hotmail.com

Sad and very disappointed,

Lauren x

2007-03-05T07:15:00.000+10:00

I went to a crap yesterday and had a blast!! (Josh's call a crop that, he still dosen't understand! lol) I love to chat and love to learn all about people and why they do the things that they do! Not too sure but I always ask way too many questions!!

I did three LO's and a little something extra that I have not finished yet but will soon!

I'm off to the Lion King this week with my mates Rach and Andy that have just come over I love the musicals in London. Only 4 weeks until my mum and dad come over and i can't wait I still have not booked any where for Easter any one have any idea's?? I wsa thinking Spain???

Does any ones else out there do dare's on web sites and not enter them?? I do this all the time and can't get over the fear to enter, I just want to check i'm not the only one. lol

A hug congrats to all the new Junkitz International DT!!!!!! Enough rambeling from me,

Lauren xoxox

2007-02-28T19:33:00.000+10:00

G'day G'day & how ya going??????

Me I'm well, very well. On Friday night Josh I and two of my dear friends who just arrive in London went up past Manchester on a Fanatics tour to watch the Brisbane Broncos play England St Helen's in the World cup challenge. It was the most fun I've had in a long time. 100 Aussies boarded the buses in London and went up for the night. We ended up at the Walkabout in Manchester until the wee hours of the morning before a few hours of needed sleep before getting back on the buses and heading back to London.

This is my mates Rachel & Andrea!

Oh just for the reccord I don't usually drink beer buts thats all you could buy and two at a time so what was a girl ment to do??? DRINK! lol

Josh: Thats Tops!!!!

Andrea & Josh: Oh is that us on SKY Sports yes it is!! We were on the TV!!!

when Andrea & Rachel first arrive we went out for a few drinks and had another great night these two girls are so much fun we always have a great time when we are together. Andrea was my first frined when I moved to Gladstone and the three of us all went to school together I am so glad that they come over here!

Ok I so need some sun how while am I???? The girls had just come from a holiday in Thiland

I have been doing a bit of scrapping but it's been raining and I just can't get outside to take photo's but I will share in my next post. Hope every one out there is having a great week!

2007-02-16T20:15:00.000+10:00

Love is in the air!!!!

This is a tin and card that I created I had heaps of fun doing it. The Scrapbook Sisters gallery is up so stop by and see all the DT creations.

Valentines day was very lovely for me Josh really does spoil me. I had flowers delivered to work, which was a lovely thought, then we got dressed up went for dinner, where Josh game me a lovely watch, I have to go and get links taken out though.

Work has been mad for me at the moment so I haven't had all that much time to scrap, but getting a little done. Oh I got a brand new camera too a Fuji V10 and it takes great photo's. I hope that thouse xxxxx are enjoying my camera in Italy after they stole it!! (Yes still a little mad about that) If you get the chance stop by my gallery as i've done my very best to keep it up to date! lol

Lauren x

2007-02-11T06:19:00.000+10:00

Do you like my new banner???? The lovely and very talented Tammy James did it for me. A big thank you I'll post the RAK on Monday for you.

Not all that much else has been happening, two of my mates from OZ arrive on Monday and I can't wait to catch up with them. Poor Josh has had the worst start to 2007 first it was the chicken pox and then his been having some tooth aches so I made the appointment and off he went to the dentist and an hour later i got the message, 'Honey he pulled my wizdom tooth out' yep in the chair. My hat goes off to any one who does it like that. I was 15 and had all four out before they even appeared and in the hospital. I don't do pain too well. Well not at all if it can be helped! lol

Yes my passion is to travel I love it now that I have the bug. I'm planing the next holiday as soon as we come home from the last. Thanks to every one who stops by my blog it means a lot to me. Well it's bed time i've spent wat too long on this computer this weekend already.

Hugs, Lauren x

2007-02-05T05:02:00.000+10:00

Ummm long time and no Lauren!!! Well so so so much has been goin on since January 17th.

My Birthday had been and gone, Josh has recovered from his spots after two weeks and I've been scrap scrap scrapping!!!!When we went home in November to OZ my lovely mate Carole gave me these lovely papers and to be honest i hadn't done anything with them so i pulled them out and this is what I came up with.

Now does any one want to design me a banner????? I will send a RAK (A good one of course) any where in the world for a lovely banner. email me on laurenmarierhodes@hotmail.com if you are interested.

A good friend of Josh & mine Kylie came to visit us for the weekend. It was great to have an Australian visitor for the weekend we hang out back in OZ and she is oer here teaching. We drank way too much wine over the weekend and talked way too much crap into the wee hours of the morning but it was great to catch up. We went to Brighton for lunch today and being Josh's weekend off this month it was a party of three. And to add to my excitment I have two of my mates from OZ on their way over at the moment they'll arrive on Feb 12th and I can't wait!!! I have been doing some DT projects for Scrapbook Sisters this past two weeks and am really excited a few finishing touches and i'll be all done, once they give me the ok i'll share! promise.

For now, huge big hugs from far far away!!!

Lauren x

2007-01-15T06:47:00.000+10:00

Well how dam fast is this year already going? Gee wizz I'd better get my socks on or this year is going to be over and i'll still be sitting here.

My week has just been turned up side down. On Sunday (last weekend) Josh and I had a very nice Lunch over at Upnor then went and watched a movie very nice. Then Josh has the worst nights sleep ever as he has a tummy ache and the worst fever I have ever scene. On Monday he stays home and call's me at work to tell me he has little red dots on his forhead and tummy. By Tuesday they were every where. (and yes every where) CHICKENPOX at 24!!!!!!!

Oh my gosh I would not wish what this poor guy has been through on any one. Fever for 5 days and spots spots spots!!! He will be off work all this week too as his only just starting to eat over this weekend and they are just starting to peal.

I did get a chance to have a scrap on Tuesday night at Scrapbook Sisters and I took a chocy cake along as my 23rd Birthday ws Wednesday 10th!!! It was a very quiet night as Josh was at the peak of his yucky chickenpox. But he did make the night a special one with a cake and candles.

I got lovely gifts from my work mates and Joshs family. My parents sent over a white gold chain for me. And my fav pressie of all was the digital photo frame from Josh. He even put a memory stick in with it with photo's on it for me. I love it I can have heaps of photo's just ticking over in the one frame!

Now this is a page I did back in November and I have just finished how sad is that. I have dulled it down as the letter on the page I didn't want to share. But I did the page. IYKWIM?!?

Josh took this photo the night we left Brisbane for England and the letter is about my feeling towards the move. My best mate Carole has taged me so here goes!

A - Available/Single? Available to Josh only. B- Best Friend? My Best Friend is Carole Janson I couldn't think of any one I trust and respect more then this increadable woman.
C- Cake or Pie? Apple pie D - Drink Of Choice? Tea I live in england now this place runs on it! lol E - Essential Item You Use Everyday? Eye cream I'm starting to worrie about my skin as I get older. F - Favorite Color? Blue G - Gummy Bears Or Worms? Both I LOVE lollies not big on chocolate H - Home or Homesick? Very homesick I - Indulgence? Holidays J - January Or February? January cause it's my birthday! L - Life Is Incomplete Without? The will to live every day as if it's your last N - Number Of Siblings? Two sisters Louise 3o and Lana 19 (Yes my parents had an 'L' thing)
O - Oranges Or Apples? Apples.
P - Phobias/Fears? Snakes
Q - Favorite Quote: 'Live well, laugh often, Love much'
R - Real Hair Color? Salt and peper blond
S - Season? Love hot Queensland Summers T - Tag 3 or 4 people? Pam, Karen & Julie U - Unknown Fact About Me? I purchased my first property at 18 V - Vegetable you don’t like? Umm tough one as I love my veggies probably brussel sprouts if they are over cooked
W - Worst Habit? I have to agree with Carole not sleeping
X - X-rays You’ve Had? umm too many to list I raced Moto X and played Netball for 16 years
Y - Your Favorite Food? Ice cream, Italy has amazing Ice cream!
Z - Zodiac Sign? Capracorn!!!

Well my back is so sore from I don't know what, I can't sit here any longer so over and out Wide World Web, I'm off to bed.

Hugs, Lauren x

Italy, the new me and a begger stole my camera!

2007-01-07T01:07:00.000+10:00

WoW it's 2007 already. I hope that every one had a great christmas and new years. Mine was amazing, emotional and disappointing all in one.

Italy, we left on boxing day and came home nine days later. THE END!!! lol

Ok ok i'll tell you, we landed in breath taking Venice. The whole city is on water no cars, busses, trains, bike or scooters just your two feet and a hart beat to get around. So we put the foot falcons into drive and discovered this romantic city. The high lights for me were seeing the 400 square metres of golden mosaics in San Marco cathedral, Ducale's palace and the amazing Prosecco. (Italian white wine) This photo was taken about 4pm in the afternoon on Boxing day in Venice.

Then we got on the train and headed to the hart of Tuscany Florence. Brunelleschi's Duomo is the city's signature building and it is just amazing! We wandered the streets of Florence for three days so much to see it's a must of you are heading to Italy in my humble opinion. The only draw back is the beggars they are every where and it's sad and frustrating to see. The photo below was taken on this bridge that you walk over and lined on both sides are gold shops, so much gold! I just though that this was an amazing photo and had to share.

Then back on the train to Pisa. (Trains are so cheap and fast to get around as the Euro start hit's speeds of 300km) Now this is the sad part, while on the train my camera got stolen by these two beggars, and it's never to be scene again.

The river that splits Pisa, we walked from our hotel to the Train station to get our tickets for the next day and when walking back were gob smacked by this amazing photo op. The lights on the still water looked amazing and we just had to have a photo of it.

Pisa is a cool place to we stayed the night there and I was glad that we did. Most people just make it a day trip which made it a peaceful place in the evening. Our hotel was as close as you could get to the leaning tower about 50m you could see it from our hotel window. Boy that towers on a lean, you don't realise until you actually see it in real life.

From there we again got the train to Rome. What a busy city, and dirty the rubbish every were was a little overwhelming at times, but the ruins and sites defiantly made up for it. In Rome we waited 3 hours in line to go into the Vatican museum and the Sistine Chapel but it was worth it. We also did the other famous sites including The Pantheon, Roman Forum, Colosseum, The spanish steps and Trevi Fountain. After a rather quiet New years we headed to Naples. This photo is a happy snap of Josh and I at Trevi Fountain.

Naples or was it a war zone, rubbish, homeless people, stray dogs and bin on fire were our first impressions of Naples. We did however stay there for two nights. While there we made the short train trip to Pompeii. Pompeii would have to be the high light of my trip it was just amazing words cant describe the tradegy and amazement of the ruins there.

Now the disappointing. Apart from my camera being stolen (lucky we had joshes) the results of scrapbooker of the year are out and I didn't win or make the top 10.

Today I went to the hairdressers, below is my before and after shots, what do you think of my new do? I've wanted to get all my hair chopped off for a while now so it was time to do so.

No scrapping for me over the Christmas holidays I did make several hand made gifts which were loved but I forgot to get photo's.

I hope I have not bored you to death! lol

Lauren x

!!!! Merry Christmas !!!!

2006-12-26T06:00:00.000+10:00

WoW what a rush christmas is all the lead up and it's all over in one day! We had a quiet christmas but a lovely one, we had a very nice lunch with Josh's family it was great to have them here for christmas.We are now trying to get packed for our trip to Italy in the morning. 3am start ummmm.... still trying to remember why we booked that early flight.

We went in to London on Saturday to look at Bond and Oxford Street, the light displays were amazing and we did a bit of sight seeing too. (I'd call it a pub craw as Josh just had to stop here and oh they sell beer! and oh and now i need to go to the toilet in this pub that sells beer too.) Bless him he works way too much! But we did see the London Brighe and went through the London Towers though so all our time wasn't spent in pubs and it was great to spend the day with him as always.

Can you tell it's cold? My Dents leather gloves that cost me $1ooAU are my best friend they go every were with me.

I hope that every one had a great christmas and has a fab new years not too sure where we'll be as we don't get back home till the 3rd. Oh a huge congrats to Scrapbook Sisters who got an award in the 2006 Craft awards, Julie & Karan are amazing people go check out there site as they are having a huge sale this week i'm away dam it but you'll be sure to snap up a bargin!!!

Hugs,
Lauren x

Sorry it's been so long!

2006-12-15T19:04:00.000+10:00

WoW it's been so long since i've posted. It's just such a busy time for me at the moment. So so so much going on.

I'm not too sure where to start.

'Forever Family' I loved this paper and knew what i was going to do with it as soon as I got my hands on it. It took me a while to cut out all the leaves but i'm really happy with it. A bit of gliter and finished!!! Oh the photo is 5 years old this January it was taken on my 17th birthday.

Work is so busy at the moment my 4 hrs a day has blown out to 9 & 10 hrs a day. And that means hardly any time to scrap, but I have managed a few thing and put a few gifts together too. The hardest thing is finging time to go and have photos printed.

Josh had the weekend off so we went for a 'Sunday drive' to Canterbury, it was really nice, very cold though. The sun rise this morning was at 8am so it's getting harder and harder to drag myself out of bed in the mornings. lol

This is an explosion box that I did, at the moment it's sitting on the top of the TV, in it is 12 photo's of Josh & I from this year. It would be great to do with a photo from every month! I'm thinking of doing a couple more as gifts for christmas.

I wish every one a merry christmas and a very happy new years, I know that my christmas day will not be the same with out my family so to every one out there in blogland make sure you make it extra special effort to contact family this christmas as I know how much it hurts not to be able to share such a special day with my family.

My fingers are still crossed for the scrapbooker of the year comp I think the winners are told on the 4th January. Not too sure though. A HUGE congrats to my best mate Carole who is a 2007 Master!!!!!!!!!!

Josh's parents arrived on Wednesday and will be here until the 10th January (My birthday!) which is lovely. Josh will have his whole family here for christmas and Josh's lovely sister Gina has arranged for us to have a nice lunch at a local restraunt.

We leave for Italy on boxing day for 9 days of ummm not too sure what we are just 'winging it' at Josh would say! lol Our backpacks arrived in the post (good old ebay) and they look a little small but i'm sure thats a good thing since I have to carry my own the whole time! lol

So much to talk about not enought time to read it all so I'll end here and hugs and Merry Christmas wishes to all!

Lauren x

Back from Australia....

2006-11-25T11:30:00.000+10:00

Hi all,

Well Josh & I arrived back from Australia today. It was a quick trip I mean we left here on Thursday spent 39 hours in transit then had 5 days at home then another 32 hrs in transit. Are we tired you may ask? We are buggered!!! We got back to our house about 10am today and I've just woke up and it's midnight I think, so it's going to take the weekend to get me back into a normal sleeping pattern.

It was great to catch up with our family and friends. I even spent a night scrapping with my dear friend Carole It was great we scraped from 8pm till 3am and I got only 1 page done and well Carole she cut out some flowers! lol we had way too much to chat about. It was just so great to catch up.

I have some amazing news there is a contest here in England called Scrapbooker Of The Year I have entered the competition and have made the top 20! I'm over the moon and it all comes down to a public vote which I think is a great idea! It's the same as the Masters. If you would like to vote Click to open the Voting Form

This is the page that is featured as my entry

It is number 2 ‘Cutie’ By Lauren Rhodes Chatham

If you would like to vote for any of the entries just follow the links on the page. You can only vote once and it doesn’t matter what country you live in. Oh a big thanks to the lovely Pam who got the message through to me that I made the top 20 as I was still in Oz. I haven’t had the chance to pick up the magazine yet but it’s on my list to do tomorrow. (The ever growing one) Honestly why does the fridge not re stock it’s self???? The joys of coming home from a holiday to no bread no milk and as Josh would put it NO FOOD!! ROFL!

I plan on scrapping most of my weekend as my parents bought Josh & I iPods for Christmas so he will be gadget shopping and playing most of the weekend! Lol

I have some pages that I will share with you but I have to put on the finishing touches. Plus I have to go check what the pencil lines sketch is as I’m hooked!

A huge thaks to all that stop by my blog I love to share what is going on in my world with you all and I’m glad that we have such a great online community keeping it positive, supporting and encouraging each other.

Have a great weekend.

Lauren x

I dare you…………

2006-11-13T22:34:00.000+10:00

Hi all,

Well I’ve been busy, busy, busy! After cleaning our little home away from home Sunday morning I still had the energy to scrap and scrap I did. I also really couldn’t wait to see what my lovely friend Carole came up with for the Pencil Lines site. I’ve never created a page from some one else’s sketch before only when I’ve sketched out a page for myself. So I jumped at the chance. Checking the site several times before it was posted. Then straight up stairs and scraped the page. It didn’t take too long and I love it! I think that I will do some more of the sketches it’s a good thing if you are lacking in inspiration and the page that Carole did is amazing. I've glittered this page all over and layered the flowers it's just such a shocking photo! Sorry

The other project that I wanted to do was the World Wide Dare the challenge was to create a page that followed these guidelines.

How Dare You - Fill the page, leave no space un-altered.
No 8 Wired - Childhood memories/dreams.
The Effer Dares - Title on the photo.
Everyone Is Spechal - Throw some paint in there.

This is what I came up with I have wanted to scrap this photo of Josh & I since I put it up on my blog back in August. It’s not my favourite LO but I like how it turned out.

Not all that much else on the agenda at the moment trying to keep warm is at the top of the list. No one told me it would get this cold, honestly some times I fel like i've move to the Artic not England. I'm sorry about the bad photography but it's dark in the morning before I go to work and dark at 4:30 in the afternoon so natural light is very har to come by. lol I really do like being here though!

I’m off to Scrapbook Sisters tomorrow night to do a class it a page ‘all about me’ and I though it’d be a good idea to talk about my reactions, thoughts and feelings about moving to England. Isn’t scrapbooking just the greatest way to record memories!

Enough blah, blah from me for now anyways! ROFL

Hugs

Lauren x

More to share......

2006-11-07T22:01:00.000+10:00

Hi all,

I don't usual post mid week but, I wanted to share this little mini binder book I finished last night. It's of our trip to amsterdam for Josh's birthday back in August.

My lovely friend Carole sent me over some chipboard bits and bobs that were perfect to go with the book as I didn't want to cover it. I had fun creating this and it now takes pride of place on the coffee table in our lounge.

Not much else going on but how fab are the world wide dares! I've looked at all the sites and the effort gone into the pages is unreal. Huge congrats to those involved. Oh I forgot, the photos a re a little weird cause I had to use a lap it now gets dark here at 4:30 in the afternoon and in all my efforts to photograph this I broke the lamp! lol I hope every one in OZ is enjoying the weather as I'm freezing in the max of 15 during the day at the moment. Josh & I even went shopping on Sunday for some long johns to keep him warm at work. ROFL poor fella!!!

After not feeling home sick for a while my dear mum sent me the most beautiful card in the mail it made me cry. I've never lived more then 10 min drive from my parents so this was a big step for me. Having the support of Josh has been great his such a arock and puts up with all the tears and the 'i want to go homes' but it will be great to catch up with my family. I miss them so much!

Bon fire night was great, am I now know why fireworks are baned in QLD cause they really are so dangerous. But we had a ball a huge roast dinner at Josh's sisters house it was so yummy!!! followed by home made deserts ummmmmm I can still tast it! We had a ball playing charades it was such a laugh! Enough from me for now.

Hugs, Lauren x

Thank you......

2006-11-03T22:15:00.000+10:00

First I want to say a big thank you to every one who stopes by my little bit of the WWW. I really love it! I've being actually keeping up to date with my blog rounds usually on Sunday nights.

This is a quick page I did the other night while waiting for Josh to come home. It took me under 30 mins. Very simple. I had been playing with paper folding these flowers. The lined paper is of set to the white cardstock my photography isn't that bad. lol.

I've haven't had the chance to scrap much this week as i've been working all day since Tuesday, I know 4 hours is too good to be true some day! lol

Not much else happening in my little life at the moment. It's Bon Fire night on Saturday so Josh is stocking up on fireworks and his sister and her husband have invited us around for a yummy roast dinner. I can't wait. A few drinks lovely meal and good company what more can anyone ask for.

I want to keep this post short as the last one took me way too long to type.

Lauren x

Paris update

2006-10-27T18:31:00.000+10:00

Hi all,

Well Josh took me to Paris for the weekend and I had every intention of sending an emails and updating my blog before Wednesday and as it's now Friday you can tell that the pile of washing between me and the laptop hasn't disappeared until today. I just find it hard to function when I know that theirs a mountain of things to be done. Grab a cup of tea or a vodka cause this will probably be a long one.

Friday Grrrr the alarm went off at 4:30am, taxi arrived at 5:20 and at the train station by 5:30. Got the train into Heathrow and then onto our 9:15am flight with plenty of time to spare I could have slept for another hour JOSH!!!!!! The bad news at the airport was that we couldn't sit together as they were over booked so poor Lauren had to hang out in business class while Josh was back in economy. The main difference was I got a meal and he got offered a muffin. he he he
Because of the time difference our 45min flight meant we landed in Paris just before mid day. On the Air France bus into the city took about 35mins in which we both had a little rest/nap.

Josh booked an amazing hotel and only 50m for the Arc De Triomphe. We wondered down to our hotel checked in and then set off for our first afternoon in Paris. Our first stop was the Arc De Triomphe. It's in the middle of a roundabout and the craziest roundabout you'll ever see. If you thought people who live in Gladstone don't know how to use roundabouts they look like angles compared to the French!!!

We walked under the road and emerged at the amazing stone monument. We climbed up in and up to the top and were meet with a breath taking view of the city. Although the weather was a little cool it was a clear day and we could see as far as our eyes let us.Then we got on the hop on hop off bus, it this deal where it does a huge loop and stops at all the tourist attractions and your tickets good for two days great value. We thought that we'd stay on the bus and do the city tour in full, it may have taken 2 and 1/2 hours but it was great to see everything.

So we started at the Arc De Triomphe and drove down the famous Des Champs Elysees it the street with Carter & Loui Vition, Prada, all the great car manufacturers and plenty of places to eat. From their we went past the palace, the opera, the Madeleine past heaps on different war and peace monuments i won't bore you with all there names across the river Seine past the Louvre, Notra Dame, parliament, the Eiffel tower and then basically back to the start.

After such a huge day I just wanted to sleep I was so exhausted. Josh decided Planet Hollywood was a good place for dinner no chance of snails or frogs with or with out there legs. I ordered a cocktail and it was the size of a milkshake and I still didn't finish all of it by the time we had to leave because neither of us could keep our eyes open.

But how could you be in Paris and not see the Eifel tower. It was only a short walk from the Des Champs Elysees and it was just stunning. Only a few minutes to wait and we were on the lift to the top. We went all the way to the top and looed out of Paris. The view of the city at night was just so romantic. We took a few photos and then headed back down. Once at the bottom Josh and I were in the mood for some desert what better then so French crapes. Not just any French crapes smeared in chocolate and rolled up and some cream on top pure joy! We sat on the steps of the river Seine looking back at the Eifel tower across the road. It was just a magic moment. As we sat there covered in drips of chocolate and cream the tower put on the most stunning light show it was just amazing. Honestly I felt like pinching myself, 7 months ago I had no idea that I even was going to come to England and their was no way I could have ever imagined sitting on the steps between the Seine and one of the most recognised world monuments.

Saturday morning was another early start. On the train to DISNEYLAND!!!! It only too 30 minutes and it was a great day went on heaps of rides and acted like kids all day. I will say though it really is a little kids place Movie World in Australia was I'd say a bit more fun. Maybe cause it wasn't as busy but it was still an amazing day and it was good to run around like 10 year olds it was so much fun. The park was done up all Halloween as they celebrate it here. They did an amazing job.

Once again we fell asleep on the train honestly we must be the easiest people to rob cause we just sleep all the time on public transport. Chinese for dinner as the guy in the hotel said there was a good on with in walking distance. Although every thing was with in walking distance we stayed the next street over from Des Champs Elysees.

Sunday was always going to bit a bit slower buy this stage we were starting to feel like we'd just done a 10k run. We went to the Louvre it was great scene it all and wondered the hall of this huge building for almost 3 hours. We then went for a walk along the river Seine to Notre Dame. We were so lucky while we were inside they started a service. It was just amazing. I think with out a doubt that there would have been 2000 people inside the church.

Josh wanted to get to the airport with enough time to spare to have lunch. (I am unfortunately terrible at missing flights) It was nearing 1pm so it was back to the hotel to collect our stuff, back on the Air France Bus to the airport and home.

So that was Paris I would love to go back again but doubt that we'll have time as the list of 'want to see' is getting longer and longer so it’s back at work this week so we can pay for some of the list of ‘want to see’.

We have booked our holiday for November but at this stage i can't say where we'll be. I can however let you all know that Josh & I have decided to tour Italy for our December holiday. We fly into Venice on the 26th December and back to London on the 3rd January. Ok this will make you all laugh. 5 start Josh & Lauren who never camp or do anything on the cheap are BACKPACKING!! Yep that’s right we are going to load up the back packs we are yet to buy and have 9 days to make it from Venice to Rome. We decided on doing this because there was just too much we wanted to see in Italy. I really can't wait. We have booked our first two nights accommodation and the flights were just too cheap not to buy.

Well I’m finished my tea now so that means it's time to say cheers. As always missing every one so much and can't wait to see you all.

Just thought i share this page with you all. We are so lucky to live with in a few minutes of Rochester. Their is an old castle there and the most amazing church too. This is a page i did before going to paris I just wanted to scrap something with out people. Not too sure why but this is what I come up with. What do you think?

Hugs, Lauren x

Off to Paris in the monring......

2006-10-20T02:25:00.000+10:00

Geee wizzzz I sounld like i'm counting down to christmas! lol. Josh is taking me to Paris for the weekend including a trip to Disneyland. I'm so excited!!!! (can you tell???)

Well i found a blog that most of you already know about the two peas one, I'm really dissapointed the people can be so mean!

Do you like this page? At first i didn't like how this turned out but now it's starting to grow on me. The beauty on the left is my little sister. Although I think she looks older then me she is only a wee 19! I did this ages ago as you can tell it's an old Lime Tart’s kit.

Not all that much else is going on over here the weather is getting cooler evrey day and the days are getting darker & darker. Day light savings end on Saturday (mum that means 8 hrs behind now) and the girls at work tell me it'll be dark at 4 in the afternoon! And they also told me it snows where I live so i'm not sure i want to be here any more. Cold weather and Lauren = whinging Lauren. ROFL!!!

A lot of people over here ask me what I miss most about home. I must say that it's friendly faces. Honestly Australia has the most friendly people great customer service and lovely people. ( I know I sound so Aussie Aussie Aussie) But it's only too common to walk into a shop in the UK and stand at the counter while the staff finish telling each other what their doing on the weekend or other gossip! I just don't think it's a good impression to set for your customers.

Well thats my whine for the day i'm turning into a whinging pom more and more every day!!!

I'll share some photo's of Paris and Disneyland when I get back. Missing every one.

Cheers,

Lauren x

Photo time!!!!

2006-10-06T19:23:00.000+10:00

Hi all,
Ok i've had a bit of a scrappers block for a while but are back on track with piles of pages done up my sleve. This is a page that I did in a Scrapbook Sisters class. I like it, very different to who I usually scrap but isn't that what a craft is all about changes, new things and pusing your creative limits???
This little well huge bunch of goodies was the prise pack I won for the Agnes Waters page. I posted a while ago id you want to see have a scroll down. I must say i haven't used it very much but plan too!

This is a pafe that I just love! I was over doing pages with only one photo and wanted to put all our favourite moments of Singapore on one page. Plus how cool is the note paper!

This is Jade and I at Canterbury on Sunday. We did our little road trip and went to Dover and spent 4 hours at the castle their then went to Canterbury for lunch and had a look at this huge church! As you can see the summer weather is now gone and the coats are now a perminate fixture. We had a great day.

Josh has booked our trip to Paris and we leave on October 20th!! Disneyland here we come!!!! I can't want it's going to be amazing.

I must just mention that Josh needs credit where it's deserved he really goes out of his way to ensure we have the most amazing holidays. Even if they are only for a few days it's great and we have such fun together.

Enough from me for now,

Lauren x

P.S A huge happy birthday for Chaise the big 1!!!!

Update

2006-09-30T06:39:00.000+10:00

Ok I’m in the bad blogger bunch now! Well things are just way to busy the past three weeks. My world was turned upside down cause me, lazy bum 20 hours per week had to work full time! Yep that’s right my holiday in the UK doing sweet nothing but working 4 hours a day was rudely interrupted as a lady I work with went and got married and had…… to have a honeymoon. Well nah it wasn’t as bad as this little drama queen is making out!

Well I hope every one is well and I am extremely saddened that my best mate Carole Janson has put a holt on blogging. I like every one who visits her blog are extremely inspired by her creations so I wait in anticipation like many people waiting for her to share her creativity with us.

The lovely and very talented Pam has tagged me and I really like this one so have a read.

The rules are: List 5 weird things about yourself or your pets. Tag 5 friends and list them. Then, those people need to write on their blogs about 5 weird things, and state the rules, and tag 5 more people.

1. When listening to music I have to have the volume on an even number or a number with 5 in it. Eg, 10, 12, 15 NOT 13, or 17!
2. I always sleep on the left side of the bed, weather I’m in it alone or Josh is their always the left.
3. I ‘ve ate the same thing for breakfast for the past 4 weeks every day, yeah cream cheese on toast x 2. I love it. Ever since I can remember I’ve loved cream cheese.

4. I’ve only ever had clear nail polish on my finger nails.
5. I’ve never dyed my own hair, always gone to a hairdresser, and probably never will I love the few hours sitting being pampered.

Well there you go some weird facts about me. I’d like to tag, Megan Stephenson, Linda Tompkins, Paula Sealey, Julie Love & Carole Janson.

We are off to Paris in two weeks and are going to Paris Disneyland for the day. But we’re not catching the train, it was half the price to fly so the euro star and the tunnel will have to wait till another day. I’m sure if we got organized we could get cheap train tickets rather then booking at the last minute.

We have a a dear friend from OZ staying with us at the moment and we are off on a girls day out this Sunday. Jade (The Aussie) Jackie (A south African friend that lives on the island and her partner works with Josh) and I are jumping in the car on Sunday morning and just driving into the day, we’ve got a map so we know how to get home but who knows where we will end up. The boys will be at work so the girls can play. ROFL. So I’ll probably post again in acouple of days to let you know where we went. Who knows France is only 2hrs in the car away!

No pages as blogger is being crapo and won't upload!!

Good night all,

Hugs, Lauren x

A quick note

2006-09-13T05:43:00.000+10:00

Hi all,

No pages to share today, I started reading 'Anne Frank' before going to Holland so that I could visit her house. Well to cut a long story short i'm still not finished reading actually makes me want to sleep! But I was at the bus stop this morning reading and came accross this passage,

Love, what is love? I don't think you can really put it into words. Love is understanding someone, caring for him, sharing his joys and sorrows. This eventually inculdes physical love. You've shared something. given something away and received something in return, weather or not you're marrued, weather or not you have a baby. Losing your virtue doesn't matter, as long as you know that for as long as you live you'll have someone at your side who understands you, and who doesn't have to be shared with anyone else. Anne.M.Frank

Since reading this at 8:30 this morning I haven't been able to stop think about Josh. This entry in her diary is amazing, she was 15 and written on Thursday 2nd March 1944. I really just had to share this.

I have a very dear friend, who has an amazing marrage, she told me that every time she looks at her husband all these years on he makes her melt. I love to listen to people talk about love, call me an soppy old thing but for every one it's different, and since finding it I want to hold on so tight that it hurts the thought of letting go.

This passage touched me, Thanks Anne.M.Frank I hope that after reading it you take as much from it as I have.

I'd love to see some 'love pages' out their in blog land in the comming weeks.............

Enjoy your night ladies,

Lauren xx

Scrapping mad....

2006-09-05T17:59:00.000+10:00

Hi all,

As you can see I’ve been a busy bee! I spent most of Sunday scrapping while Josh was at work. I don’t like him working Sundays but I do love the time to scrap! And I had thought about waiting to get home and scrapping all out holiday pictures, but couldn’t wait, I had to scrap the photo’s as I love them so much!!

Explore Belgium: This is Josh rather intoxicated in Belgium. We went clubbing in Belgium where hardly any one spoke English and we’re not too good at French, Dutch or German. Who knows though I might be by the time we get home!

Belgium: This is Josh the morning after!!! This is the sign out the front of the train station where we got the train back to the airport.

Leeds Castle: This is the most magical castle I’ve ever been to the grounds are wonderful! We had a great day here when we first came to England. I was inspired by Carole’s paper toll technique on the flowers I think that they are really cute.

Buckingham Palace: I adore this page. I sat in front of a movie on Saturday night and cut cut cut! I love how this page turned out.

Sunny days: I finish this page last night as I didn’t know what to call it. This is a photo of me at Movie World last summer. All the flowers are fluffed up and 3D.

I included a photo of all the embellishments too. Not that much to up date on at the moment on the home front, we are happy and well. Working far too much for holidays this month but we'll try and squeeze in something.

Hugs, Lauren x

Love is......

2006-08-31T02:43:00.000+10:00

How cute is this couple??????

Dam cute!! I'll say!! ROFL Yep full of my self today.

Well we are back from Amsterdam and what a great 4 days! Probably the best holiday I’ve ever had. Amsterdam is just amazing. The canals, church's tram, the old buildings it's just breath taking.

We did a tour of the red light district too, and it was just as you would picture it, right in you face! But my opinion is that I’d prefer ‘working woman’ to be in an environment where they are safe and that those that want to look at that go their rather ten people driving along a street forced to see that type of thing.

Anyways on a brighter note Josh and I are happy and well.

There is a pile as high as the ironing board of washing and the ironing board is covered with washing!! Any takers??????.......

No scraping to share as I’ve been on holidays ummmmm….. I’ve got it all planned though I’m going to do some this week.

So glad that the lovely Megan is back blogging, it was lovely to see pictures of her up on her blog today and a nice surprise in my comments box.

I’ve set my self a new scrap goal, if I’m still in the UK next year I’m going to CHA. (So cheap from the UK and the pound is stronger then the US$ so I can buy more supplies for less money) Josh honey it’ll be right I’ll bring you back a T shirt or something…. ROFL

But…. If I’m at home Carole & I are off to some scap thing, we don’t know which one but we’ll be there lol!

On a negative note, (I don’t do this often but my blood is boiling) Why do people flog off other peoples idea’s as their own????? It’s a craft every person gets inspiration and ideas from every thing. I just don’t see the reason for trying to convince people that you’ve come up with the idea when you didn’t!!! Yes I’m being probably nasty I just know how much it upsets people. Just relax and have fun and remember it’s about the memories not who’s the best!!

I’m sorry for offending anyone but I just had to say something!

Oh the photo I almost forgot, (I have to get down from my high horse) This is of Josh & I. We got all dressed up, Josh got to where his custom made suit, and I took him out for a flash dinner for his birthday last thursday. We had a little mini photo session before we went as it's not too often we get dressed up. The photo's are unreal!

I did want to upload some more photo's but bloggers being bad!!!

Hugs

Lauren

Birthday time........

2006-08-24T01:06:00.000+10:00

Well i've just been so busy this past two weeks, i'm still trying to catch up. Where to start, well August is the month of birthdays for me, So here is my official Happy Birthdays!!!

3rd Nicole
8th Andrea
10th My dad
12th Carrie
20th My mum
24th Josh

And the postie is haveing a bit of a work out, to and from Australia. My mum's posting me all my magazines from Australia and WoW you girls are creating so amazing BTP and pages at the moment. I'm sure Josh thinks i'm a little kid looking in a toy cataloge looking through the 3 month ago magazines.

Creating, well i've been doing lots of that and I've been really challanged by the girls a Scrapbook Sisters as they have made me relise I can go out of my 'creative comfort zone'

This is a page using some Junkitz papers from their Love Line range. The photo is of Josh at Agnes Waters one weekend we were down their. I miss going to Agnes for the weekend I never relise just how much Josh & I did it till, we're not able to. I guess it's the old saying 'you don't know what you've got till you don't have it'

This is a book I created with the left over paper, I called it 'Love is....' It has a few photo's of Josh and I, in it describing to him what I think love is. The middle page has a trasparany in it. I got this fad idea from the lovely Carole Janson. (I did ask her first!) lol Carole is a huge inspiration to me I love her style it's so different, fresh, and truly inspiring.

Well tomorrow is Josh's birthday and I am looking forward to it I think just about as much as he is. I've got the evening all sorted as we will both be working tomorrow. And then we are off to Amsterdam on Saturday for his birthday. I'm trying to finish a book at the moment 'The Anne Frank Diary' As where we are staying is two streets away from the house where her and here family hid during the war.

We had a visitor last week. One of Josh's mates from Oz who live i Dubi now called up and said that he'd be here for the weekend and asked if we had a bed. Of course we did so it was great to catch up with him and show him about this little part of the world. We took him down to Brighton of Friday afternoon it was such a nice time. I'll post some photo's soon I've just be so busy to download the photo's from my camera.

Work is great, busy but great. Forever planning the next holiday and Josh and I are now booked up for the year, Josh & I have decided where we will go each month on his weekend off. I can't wait till January to see where we go for my birthday. (I love birthdays!!! mine, yours anyones!! They are so magical)

Well i've rambled on so much I will sign off by saing how green with envy I am at all you lovely ladies who went to Kewiscraps!!! (Carole we're going next year!!!) See you all their!!!!

Well hugs all, missing every one so much.

Lauren x

Art, History, Science - my weekend

2006-08-08T00:55:00.000+10:00

Hi all,

Well I'll start off this post with this double page LO I did during the week, 'Summer Paradise Agnes Waters' Well in a local UK Magazine there was a comp for Summer LO's. I entered the left side 'Summer Paradise" and was one of the 5 lucky winners. I will have a Friskits pack sent out to me this week. My first ever comp win. Our week was so busy, it was nice come Sunday Josh had the day off so we went into London City for the day. It was amazing, We started our day at the Camden markets, the locals say if you want it you'll find it a Camden. True too, you name it it's their. A must for any one with time in London. We then got back on the tube (this is truly the best public transport system in the word) We got off at Charing Cross and went to 'The National Gallery' here we were blown away with paintings such as, - Rembrandt's self portrait at 34 - Equestrian Portrait of Charles 1 by Van Dyck - The Madonna of the pinks by Raphael - Michelangelo's The Entombment - Sunflowers by Van Gogh - The Virgin on the Rocks by Leonardo de Vinci The Virgin on the Rocks was by far my favorite. It was truly a very inspiring walk through the beautiful rooms of the gallery, it's a master piece it's self. We then went for some hands on fun at the Science Museum, where we ran around like little kids. It's so funny how some things just make you run a muck! Time to break for lunch and a stroll from Leicester Square to Piccadilly Circus. Finishing our day at the Natural History Museum, which I would describe as a zoo, but all dead. You know where they stuff the animals, I really can't remember what it's called. But we were their for over 2 hours and still only scene half of it. Ill finish with this photo of my scrap room. Well I'm used to having a huge scrapping space, and can’t wait to go home to set up my new room. (Yep true addict, already planning on the reno to the huge room behind the garage)
Lauren x

Update time!!

2006-07-30T21:25:00.000+10:00

Hi all,

This is a page I did on Friday afternoon after work, this is Max Josh's nephew. He is such a little cutie. (No Caroel & Mum I'm not getting cluckie! lol)

Belgium was amazing, we had a blast!! We didn't relise that the main languages were French & Dutch so we did have some fun trying to work out where exactly to go, and ordering food from menus. But it was great! We sceen heaps and had a night out on the town, and clubbing in Belgium is very different to Australia.

This is Josh & infront of the 'Atomium' it was built for the 1958 world fair. It's a scale mocule. We walked up and in it to the very top. The weather was a bit funny that morning but cleared up to be a lovely day. We took the hop on hop off bus around and sceen it all. The shopping was amazing, shoes, shoes, shoes!!! I was brave and didn't buy any but I can't say the same for just who managed to fill our suitcase with purchases.

This is a page I did of me! Josh took the photo at Agnes Waters during summer. I wanted to get back into using some ink and sepia was the only one i had with me when I got here that was what I used. I'm not too sure who the paper comes from but I liked it.

This weekend I received my very first pack of products from Scrapbook Sisters, they have asked me to be on their Design Team, my very first!! So this week I've got heaps to do for them, I'll be sooooo busy. Lucky I only work 4 hrs a day!

The last page I'll share is of my goods friends, Mark & Carrie. I miss Carrie so much here. They have been together for ages, since high school.

The photo was taken at the Easter races this year in Gladstone.

Well thats all for me for probably another week, I hope that you are all scrapping up a storm and enjoying the Australian cool weather as we are in a heat wave in the UK between 32 - 35 deg every day! Even Josh is feeling the heat. In saying that i'm not looking forward to Winter though. Oh I just about forgot, I'm taking Josh to Amsterdam for his birthday, we are going for 4 day flying out on the 21st August. He knows and is over the moon that that's what his getting for his birthday. I mean it's no point in buying presents, as we just have to try and get them back to Australia when we come back.

Okie dokie I am going now, I miss every one so much.

Hugs, Lauren

Scrapping up a storm.......

2006-07-15T18:47:00.000+10:00

Hi to all, I've been scrapping up a storm over here. On Tuesday night I went to a store not too far from where I live for a crop night. Although it seams like day cause the sun doesn't go down till about 10pm! This is a page I did, it's my first go a doodling. What do you think? lol the photo is of my friend Rachel & I taken before I left.

Well I've got a real job! What I mean by that is i've been temping since I got here and I've applied for a few jobs and I got one. It's as an accounts assistant for a huge company. The best part is that i can walk to work through a tunnel under the Medway river and it'll take me about 15 mins. Josh is so glad. I've been driving 45 mins each way to work and back the past three weeks and it's really tired me out.

Apart from scrapping i've also been cooking lots of home make things too. I've made 'Beef in oyster sauce' I love this dish from the Thi shop in Gladstone & fried rice from scratch. (it toook me two days, as I had to cook the rice the day before) and lots of other home made dishes. Josh is loving it. I've always cooked but I've never put in so much effort before. The fruit & veg here is amazing it's so fresh & tasty.

Josh has been on 12 hr shifts the past week or so so his having tomorrow (Sunday) off so he can relax a little. We are going to go to the Kent show, it's huge!! And go have a sunday roast on the coast some where. I love the english sunday roast. (So does my hips! lol)

Not much else has really been going on, off to Brussels next weekend, so Josh & I are looking forward to that. I've got a bit of a surprise for his birthday but I can't say yet.

We are doing realy well & very happy, last night he came home from work/after work drinks at the pub, and we sat and taled for ages, the next thing we looked at the clock & it was 10pm & we had not had dinner!! I just couldnt believe how much time had passed.

I hope every has a great day!

Hugs,

Lauren x

Update time

2006-07-09T01:40:00.000+10:00

Well I've got the internet on at home! Yeepy!!!!!! I've been gone some scrapping this is a page that I did last weekend. The purple is a plastic bag not part of the page. It's of my lovely mum & I. It was taken a few weeks before I left. The paper is so cute. I've cut out heaps of the flowers and 3D them and put some glitter on them. I had fun as it's the first pae i've done here.

We are all moved in to our own new place it's so small compaired with our huge house in Australia. This is a photo of the front our door is on the right. Number 9. If any one knows of the fung she stuff can you tell me if thats lucky or not???? And the other photo is from our lounge window. It looks over the Medway river and to the pub. You can just see it. It's a little too close as Josh & I have become locals already!

Not all that much else going on. I've quit temping!! It's too crap the money and have a job just 4 hrs a day but for good money so Josh is happy that i'm not working flat out and it's only a minute away, close enough to walk i think, just have to get motivated i guess. I start their on the 15th. So i've still got one more week as a temp where i am at the moment. it's a 45 min drive i think thats why i don't like it.

Josh & I are going to the movies tonight to watch the super sexy Johny Deep as a funky pirate. Yep I love him.

We are going to Brussels Belgim on the 21st of July for 2 nights. I've already started dreaming about the food & chocies!!!!

Carole I sent a little parcel off for you today so keep any eye out for the postie. You must be on a first name bases now as heis always there with a new box of goodies for you. Congrats on all the new developments too.

Hugs

Lauren

Footy update....

2006-06-22T23:39:00.000+10:00

Okie dokie, about 4 months ago the lovely Julie Love (you have to check out her amazing doodles on her latest page! It's amazing) and I started a footy tipping comp. Well 15 weeks into the season and it's rather close at the top of the ladder.

1. Vicki Smith 69
2. Kerry Swain 66
3. Carole-lea Morgan 65
4. Libby Morris 62
5. Lauren Rhodes 62
6. Tracey Wyldman 60
7. Linda 59
8. Rozzie 59
9. Donna W 58
10. Chris Millar 56
11. Karen Ridgeway 54
12. Carole Janson 54
13. Julie Love 53
14. Regina 48

I'm not sure if we had come up with any prize or not, we have 11 weeks to think of something.

Nothing new to update, we are moving on to Saint Marys Island tonight. That's the picture. It's the island, well it's linked to Chatham by a bridge! lol! It's a 20min drive to the Isle of Grain where josh works and only 10min drive to where I'm working at Gillingham. Oh I do have some news, on the very good advise from one of my dearest friends, I've asked the place that i've been temping for if that'd like to put me on once my temp position runds out. And they have said YES!!! so no more temping! The exciting part is, what I get from the temp agency for 5 days work, he's going to pay me for 3!! so I'll only be working Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday!!

This means I'll have a 4 day weekend every weekend! Josh is so excited, his going to book our tickets to Paris on the Eurostar this weekend! So in 3 weeks I'll have my first Europen trip!!! Josh had a 3 day weekend every month, thats the weekend we plan to travel on to all the places close by. The trip on the Eurostar, (Very fast train) takes about 2hrs from Ashford Internations to Paris. So i'll have plenty of photo's to share from their.

This weekend though we are going to Upnore, their is Upnore castle & a beach their so we'll go for a swim. It's been really hot here the last few weekends. Sunday lunch is the done thing here so we have made a reservation at a local pub for lunch. Reservations are must as they book up on Sundays quite quickly.

I hope every one is missing me as I miss every one so much.

Oh, I've already joined a UK scrapbooking web place (not sure what they are called, it's just like SAM & Scrapboxx) I'm doing 2 photo swaps & every one is so friendly. I'm meeting up with two ladies next week for a crop. So I can't wait to start getting my Lime Tart kits over here. To be honest after booking our flights to come here the very next thing I just had to organise was how to get Phillipha's kits to me! ROFL!! I know I'm a desperate scrapper!

These are some cards I made before I left. It's from the 6x6 kit Phillipa sent me. I decided to make some cards (12 in total) and post them the day I flew out, so people got them after I left. They were thank you, and telling people how special they are to me.

To be honest you relise who your friends are when ou move to the other side of the world. It's amazing how some people are just to busy to return an email. So those that stop by & email. It really means so much to me, as apart from Josh, Andrea & Josh's sisters family the other 61 million people that live here are yet to have the Lauren touch! ROFL what a sop I am.

Well buy for now..........

Lauren x

What's been going on!

2006-06-19T22:05:00.000+10:00

Well this is where we are staying, until this weekend. It's a cottage about 15 mins out of Chatham. It's so nice out there. The other photo is the view we get. We can see a 20km section of the river Thems. Their are foxes, rabbits & birds every where. When I go out to drop Josh at work in the mornings is so cute all the little bunnies are out on the road and thy run back in to their burrow. I'll have to camp out to get a photo as they are so quick.

After this post if you scroll down I've made several posts with lots of photo's of the things that we have been up too. I know that my family have been waiting to see some photo's. So yes I have heaps and heaps of scrapping to do. I think I'm going to do the album of all the photo's in 8.5 x 11.

Well I hope that every one is well & having a good time remember life is too short to worrie about anything, have fun!!!!!!

Hugs,

Lauren x

Our day in London City

2006-06-19T21:59:00.000+10:00

The first time we went into London City we sceen so much, Westminister Abbey Buckingham Palace gates, The London Eye (We didn't go on as it takes 45 mins to go round left that for another weekend) and Big Ben. We are going to do a tour of the palace in September as it's free entry! I know cheap but we have so much to see and every thing is so expensive.

Here is an interesting fact, in Australia we get a public holiday for the queens birthday, in June I think. Well her birthday is in April. In England they don't get a holiday and the public & Royal Family plus the church celerbrate it in June. It was on TV last week while I was home. Odd I thought that we get a holiday for it & they don't.

Madam Trusades Wax Museum

2006-06-19T21:55:00.000+10:00

On our fist trip in to London City we went to Madam Trusades Wax Museum. It's unreal in there. The models are so real looking. Thats me with David Beckman and Josh with Jessical Simpson. A must see, they are in New York too.

Historic Chatham Dockyards

2006-06-19T21:47:00.000+10:00

One day during the week josh & I went for a visit at the Hisoric Chatham Dockyards, which you can actually see from where our unit will be at Saint Mary's Island. It was realy good. Their is a working Roperay their, which is where they make rope & ship it all over the world. In the tour we got to make our ouwn rope! The dockyard is so huge.

Lauren x

Rochester Castle & Dickens Festival

2006-06-19T21:39:00.000+10:00

Okie Dokie, the weekend we first arrived here Gina (Josh's sister) took us to Rochester about 5 mins away. (Yes every thing is so close here) They hold a Charles Dichenson Festival every year to pay tribute to the Author. Every one dresses up in character and they have a huge perade at lunch time. It was really fun lloking around. They have all these rides for the little ones, market stores and they dres up the high stree. (Over here all towns have a High Street, it's like the main shopping stree. And usually you can't drive down them only walking.) The church their is such a sight. And we went into the castle and walked around, it's so cold all the stone. It was a lovely day outside though.

Lauren x

Leeds Castle

2006-06-19T21:33:00.000+10:00

This are some of the photo's from our day at Leeds Castle. We are going back their this wekend for an open air concert. It's so huge. When bands come to the UK often they hold the concerts at the stage their as their is just so much room. It's only 20 min drive from Chatam. The guy on the horse is from the Jousting comp that they had. Yep they went at each other like they did in the old days. One guy even fell of his horse he has hit that hard.

Lauren x

Simgapore

2006-06-17T00:21:00.000+10:00

Okie dokie, Santosa Island is just a cable car ride from Singapore. The big Merlion is over their that the photo of josh with the harbour behind him. The pond photo is from the night that we were at Santosa, they have spent a cool 4m on a light show with fire & heaps of laser displays a must see for any visitor. The temple & josh is with a budda is in china town. we loved china town so much.

Lauren x

Photo update

2006-06-14T00:19:00.000+10:00

This is Josh & I in Singapore at Raffles Hotel. We only had the one Singapore sling as it was 20.00 bucks!!! (sorry no dollar sign on the keyboards over her only pound signs!)

It's so slow this internet.

The secon photo is Josh & I again. (beware you be seeing lots of us in the next 12 month, NO FRIENDS LAUREN!!) at Leeds Castle. We went for a drive on Saturday bout 15 mins away (every thing is so close) to watch the jousting tournament. It was really good. The CAstle is so well keps too. It was just such a nice day. We went and watch the Di Vinchi Code in Maidstone that night. What a ripper of a movie!

Oh, thats Andrea & I on the steps out the front of the Queens house. She is from Australia & way mvery first friend in Gladstone, I've missed her so much. She has been here since September so it was good to catch up.

Josh is up close & personal with Miss Monroo at the wax museum! It's great in their so much to see & the figer are just so real!

Tomorrow when I come in to my fav internet cafe, I'll have shrunk all tho photo's and up load them, I'm running out of time.

Hugs, Lauren x

England

2006-06-08T21:03:00.000+10:00

Well hi to every one.....

I've had a really crappy first week, and i'de be lieing if I said i had not thought of using my return ticket 11 month eairly!

But things are slowly on the up, every things is just so different & hard here. And to top off all things going wrong, my favourite pair of thongs broke today while walking to an internet cafe!! Grrrrrrrrrrrrr..........

I post photo's as soon as I can, we are going to see the Queen on Sunday, so I'll tell her that you all said hi. lol

Well must go..

Hugs,

Lauren

In England at last

2006-06-05T21:22:00.000+10:00

I'm not doing too well here the English are so unhelpful. I'm in a really crappy mood all the time. I really don't mean to be so negative but it's so hard.

It took us 27 hours to get from Singapore to where Josh's sister is staying out at Kent.

Don't believe any one about the tube stations here in London thay are so hard to get around, if you had a pram or a wheel chair let a lone a 30kg suit case. Up down, up down up down the bloody stairs. I feel for Josh his such a gentleman he carried my suitcase up every set of stairs and in & out of every one of the 6 trains! He is truly my rock. In all the emotional upsets of the past 5 days and the tears & moods his still their and loving every minute here & with me.

We can't get work because we don't have National Insurance numbers.
We can't get National Insurance Numbers as we don't have a utility bill from a permanent address.
We can't lease a unit as we don't have a job.
Then today we had appointments with the bank to set up our bank accounts and they can't open us bank account as 1. We don't have a job and 2. Because my mail in Australia goes to a PO Box and they don't have them here in the UK so they can't accept my identification for an address. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.....

It's just a dead end. We come into town every day to try and get one more thing sorted and it just another head ace another person saying 'sorry we can't help you' It's just so devastating.

Josh on the other hand loves every thing. And I'm not sure but I think that that it self really ticks me off too. He should stat with CBI on Monday so he thinks its great having some time off and wandering around doing nothing.

We found a car to buy for 700 pound it a 4WD a frontier I think. But the insurance is 1700 pound a year so we have to keep looking. We are going to try and get like a berina looking thing as you can pick them up for between 750 - 1100 pounds and the insurance is only 1000 pounds a year. Then on top of that you have to pay the taxes of about 250 pounds a year and the MOT which is like a road worthy that you have to get every year and keep updated. So hope fully by the end of the week all of that should get sorted. FINGER CROSSED something might actually go our way.

Its summer and it's so cold. We are living in jeans socks and jackets. But even the poms are so the are feeling the cold as well.

I'd be lying if I said I haven't thought of coming home but I'll have to be tough and toughen up as Josh says. I guess I just have always had thing go my way and have never moved overseas before.

Well I'm at an internet cafe as we are staying out at Kent and we don't have the internet on yet. (Yes that’s a whole new drama again, you have to go on a plan their is no 'pay as you go' to go on a plan you have to have proof of your permanent address in the UK for at least 2 months)

I really must try & get my head around this situation. It's an adventre of a life time and I know that things will improve I just wish it'd happen now & not later.

I'm sorry to post such a negative post but honestly I feel like i'm on the other side of the world all buy my self at the moment.

For all that read my blog my new UK mobile number is 0783 7620 488, I think to call me from Australia you dial 4477837620488 to send an SMS it +4477837620488. I'll still check my Australian sim card from time to time but not too often. But just check as i'm not 100% sure.

Hugs,

Lauren

I'm in Singapoer!!!!!

2006-05-28T15:51:00.000+10:00

And guess what???? It's raining :(
Well we arrived at 5:30 this morning after a 7.5 hour flight. Grrrr Josh & I hardly slept as we had the last seats on the plane! 64 A & B. Well it wasn't as bad as I thought as we didn't bother any one as we wriggled like 4 year olds trying to get comfy. It's so hard to sleep. But a huge credit to Singapore Air as the made the trip run so nice. Warm towels when we got on board, wine & juice as often as we wanted and two great feads. (Well for plane food). Josh & I are so tired after having such a big week packing up the house trying to get it all done in time.

Well it's just a quick post as we are connected to the internet in our hotel room. (I love laptops!) And josh wants to send some emails so his counting me down! lol

Hugs to all.

Lauren x

P.S I hope all that went to the Stamping Down Under thingo had a great time & stoped in to meet Carole as she would love to meet every one.

A huge HELLO to Mike, Carole, Sarah & Chaise I miss you guys already!

5 Days to go...... (I'm not counting) lol

2006-05-22T10:51:00.000+10:00

Only 5 days to go………

And I’ll be off to see the world! Well Europe at least! Lol. I’ve had such a huge week. My Nan passed away on Monday so I’ve spent most of the week in Hervey Bay with my family. She was only 70 too and it came as a total shock. She had a wonderful life though. Nine kids, 35 grand children and 6 great grand children! And she always sent every one a card for their birthdays and knew every one’s birthday I think that that’s amazing!

Well to cheer me up Carole & I again had a mammoth scrapping session over the weekend and got heaps done! It’s amazing how therapeutic I find Scrapbooking! I think Josh now understands it’s a package deal, with Lauren comes Scrapbooking!!!

I haven’t done the blog rounds in a couple of days so I’ll be trying to catch up over the next couple of days as I’ll be without internet from the 25th May till about the 2nd June. As my internet runs on the CDMA network and it’ll cost a small fortune to use it over seas so I’ll have to wait till I get to London to sort out a new internet provider.

Okie dokie, these are the pages I did over the weekend. May have been inspired by most of you ladies.

BEAUTIFUL: I used Urban Lily papers and hand cut out the white swirl that was on the black! (What an effort that was it took me ages!) I glittered all of it and then added some flowers. The faint flowers you can see have been created by with a pin! (Yes I had a sore finder after doing that! Lol)

CHERISH: I love this page Carole gave me these Heidi Swapp letters and I love them so much, a little hand stitching add some flowers and presto! A page. (between you and me I think I’m addicted to hand stitching! ROFL!!!)

DIVA: After Chris Millar did a page for me I just loved her idea and ran with it. I love this page as it’s so simple & it wasn’t quick it took me all of Big Brother last night to cut out the flowers!

FRIENDS: More hand stitching! I love the title now that I have finished it but, boy oh boy mu fingers were sore after hand stitching it! The big ugly flower on the side was a moment of madness! They are chipboard ones I have covered and added the swirls!

LAUREN AT 22: This is paper left over from the May Lime Tarts Kit: I wanted to list what I am at 22! The photo is not so great I’m actually reading the paper. I didn’t realise Josh had take it until I plugged in the camera. ( I accidentally spelt my name wrong when doing this page and didn’t realise till Josh pointed it out to me! Oh it was a huge joke at the time Josh thought it was just hilarious! I fixed it up real quick!)

Enjoy you day ladies!

Lauren x

"19 days to go"

2006-05-09T08:33:00.000+10:00

19 Days to go & I’ll be boarding my flight to leave Australia!
Am I;

SCARED defiantly,
NERVOUS defiantly,
ANXIOUS defiantly,
EXCITED defiantly,
UN-PREPARED probably (no way in telling never moved from one side of the work to the other before) ROFL……..

In the last few days things are really starting to set in. I guess it hadn’t really hit me till Friday afternoon. As when I got home from work at 2pm Josh had already pulled half the house apart. (We hadn’t started packing the house up yet) I have been patiently waiting on our UK visas to be approved & returned to us from the British Embassy. So it was only 75% confirmed that we would be going even though we booked & paid for our flight weeks ago! Oh I though I’d share our iteniery with you so you know what’s happening. (Yes I’m in the excited mood)

Saturday 27th May
Depart Gladstone 5:25pm - arrive Brisbane 6:35pm
Depart Brisbane 11:45pm – arrive Singapore 5:45am Sunday 28th May

Wednesday 31st May
Depart Singapore 9:10pm – arrive Zurich Switzerland 6:15am Thursday 1st June

Thursday 1st June
Depart Zurich Switzerland 7:05am – arrive Heathrow London 7:55am

So over the course of the weekend we have managed to clean out the garage & set every thing up for our garage sale this Saturday & pack up two bedrooms & start moving it all into the back room. We are packing every thing into one of the rooms at the back of the house & just locking the door so the tenants who lease the house from us won’t have access. It’s a 5 bedroom house so they won’t miss one room.

I have began to get really emotional when I start thinking of all the people I won’t see in the next 12 month. I know it’ll go so fast but I think I really need certain people in my life & to be able to see them all the time. I know my mum will be an emotional wreck at the airport when we leave so as soon as she starts to cry I will for sure. (No make up that day! lol) My dad I’ll miss him so much his such a rock in my life, I’ll miss mums support. Of course all my friends.

My best friend Carole has kindly offered to send me the Lime Tarts kit each moth to London so I can still scrap, she even bought me the most amazing going away pressie ever. (You will all be so envious when I show it to you…. He he he) So I’ll still be scrapping & sharing every thing with you all. It’s amazing how close friendships become through Scrapbooking. I want to share my Scrapbooking story with you.

I had 6 weeks leave in January 2004 & I was so board, I was at the bakery when I noticed the LSS across the road, I wandered in & signed up for a beginners class and drag along a friend too. For the next 5 seeks I think I was their every day lol. Once I headed back to work I was finding excuses to try & get home or into the shop to see the latest & greatest. I actually never attended a group crop or scraped with other people till August 2004 when my partner realised how much I was enjoying it & paid for the retreat for me as a gift. We moved across town into our new house & were out on the front lawn one afternoon looking at the mess of a garden we wanted to tackle when the couple that lived next door & their daughter wandered over to introduce themselves. Low & behold it was the amazingly talented Carole Janson. The retreat was fast approaching & she offered to take me under her wing. I had the most amazing 2 days scrapping & meeting every one learning so many new things. Then it was a friendship founded in concrete now we talk on the phone every day & see each other at lease once a week. (It was every day till I moved house)

So I guess to make a long story short I have so many friendships all thanks to Scrapbooking. For what has become such a competitive craft we all really have created some beautiful friends many which will be for life. So as the craft grows so does our friendships.

Well I have only the one page to share with you today I called it “Adore” I used on of the Wild Asparagus Kaleidoscope kits to do this quick page. I used dimensional magic on all the harts to give them a glossy look they are all 3D but this photo doesn’t really show it off. Had fun doing the page & it only took me like 30 minutes how quick!

I hope every one has a wonderful day & I’m so sorry to spend this post rambling on & on.

Lauren x

5 day weekend!!

2006-04-26T09:48:00.000+10:00

I had a 5 day weekend and I so needed it. Work is driving me nuts!! Well my good friend Carole return from her trip away so it was time to get some serious scraping done. We had such a good time scrapping on Monday we got sop much done.

While at Caroles I thought that I'd open my April Lime Tarts Kit and work on a few layouts. These kits are amazing! Their is so much in them! This is what I came up with. "Friends For Life" This page I started and wanted to use my Heidi Swapp mask that I just had to have. Any way newbie me didn't really use it verry well as I't looked crap so I decided to journal all over it and on most of the page! lol

"Memories" I love the BG rub ons they are just too cute. I had lots of fun doing this page and it came together really quickly. They are all the photo's from the Races Easter Saturday.

And the last one is "A Day At The Races" The little round things are Basill thingo's I think and I really couldn't come up with another way to use them. The papers are all from Chatterbox which I love soooooooooo much.

Josh has been away in Brisbane for 5 days & I missed him so much I was so happy to pick him up from the airport yesterday. He had a boys weekend and boy oh boy was he tired! I think at the ripe age of 24 he can't do 4 all nighters in a row like when he was 18! lol

Well that all from me I'll share some more pages soon.

Lauren x

Easter update

2006-04-18T11:14:00.000+10:00

WoW what a busy weekend it was for the Gladstone people. The entertainment at this years Harbour Festival was sure to please every age group!

We also went to the races on Saturday for something different! (I love going to the races it’s become a bit of a habit!) Josh is on the left & even wore a tie for the races! the myself, Carrie & Rachel. Or as people in Gladstone like to call us "the three blonds"

We then went to the annual Yachties party at the sailing club! Not really my thing but I went along and it was a really good night. Long day though so my poor feet were glad to rest up in bed and before midnight too!!!

This is Rachel & I already to hit the town.

Also how well is the footy tipping comp going!!! I got 7!!!!!!! I know I’m big noting my self but I’m proud as peach!!!

29 -Lauren
28 - Karen
25 – Carole, Libby, Carole-lea & Julie
24 – Donna, Regina, Linda, & Tracey
23 – Chris & Vicki
22 – Roz
20 – Kerry

I have been a buys bee scrapping up a storm too, I've put just about 50 pages up in my gallery here at blogger. If you want to have a bit of a look just click the My gallery link to the right and then their is alink to get back to this page in their.

My little sisters birthday was Sunday so we took her out for dinner as mum was away seeing family in Wagga Wagga so Dad & I held the birthday celebrations at a local Chinese restraint for the night. It was really nice & she had a good time being the centre of attention for the night.

Josh & I then headed to Agnes Waters on Monday to catch up with his family who had spent the four days down their. He has two nephews, Jack 5 & Max just about 2. They are sooo…. cute so I thought I’d share some photo’s of them playing as well. But Blogger wont let me do it in this post so I'll pop them in next time.

I’m going to scrap a calendar for next year for Josh’s mum of the two boys before we leave for London. As the bright colours of these photo’s are something totally different for me & I’m actually excited about trying to scrap them! As Josh’s Sister & her husband Scott, Max & Jake are moving to London too. Poor Mrs C as she is seeing off both of her children & her only grand children.

Well I think that this is probably my biggest post yet, I hope every one enjoyed their Easter I didn’t eat any chocolate Easter egg’s! I’m so proud of my self.

NOTE TO CAROLE JANSON: I’ll be back from Hamilton Island on Monday arvo the boys will be in Brisbane till Wednesday & I don’t have to go back to work till Wednesday so if you are home & want to scrap on Tuesday (Anzac Day) let me know I would really love too.

!!! Thank you Chris !!!

2006-04-11T13:00:00.000+10:00

Oh my god what a lovely page!!! This arrived in the mail today from the very talented Chris Millar. Some of the ladies in our footy tipping comp decided to do a photo swap. Chris did this page for me of this photo of Josh & I from out holiday in Agnes Waters in January this Year.

I love love love it!!! Thank you so very much Chris you have done a magnificent job! She even included a journaling block which slides out from behind the photo so I can write on it.

Thank you so much you have truly made my day!

Speaking of footy tips, Julie Love, Carole-lea Morgan, Rozzie J & Linda all picked 6 from 6 on the weekend! WoW girls that amazing!!! This is the ladder'

Karen Ridgeway 23
Carole Janson - 22
Lauren Rhodes - 22
Libby Morris - 21
Donna W - 20
Linda - 20
Vicki Smith - 20
Tracey Wyldman - 20
Julie Love - 20
Rozzie J - 19
Regina - 19
Chris Millar - 18
Kerry Swain - 18

Very close comp girls!

I hope every one enjoys their day!!!

Lauren x

Monday moring...... (I hate them)

2006-04-10T09:51:00.000+10:00

Well the tital has nothing to do with this post, I just hate Monday mornings I have to start an hour earlier, on Monday of all days!!

Gladstone is the place to be at Easter in Central Queensland. The town comes alight with a week long festival including all the rides of the carnival, the crowning of the festival Queens where one is given a brand new car! A week of stage entertainment for the adults and endless show bags & rides for every one. Although the rain threatened there was no rain allowed as the colourful harbour festival street parade wound its way through Gladstone streets. The parade was the official opening for the Harbour Festival and Josh & I wandered down on Sunday afternoon for a look & it was excellent. We then went down to the harbour in the evening to have a look around at all the rides & stores set up. The entertainment was great too. Josh & I even indulged in these little pan cake thingy’s their Dutch and delicious!!!!

We had a very quiet weekend I scraped for a good part of it & josh started a painting on Saturday night. His hasn’t done something like that for ages but we went to Rocky for the day on Saturday & I wanted to look in the craft section of every store we went into (as every addicted scrapper does) and he thought he’d paint something. He finished it on Sunday it looks really good, when it dries I’ll take a photo & post it in here. Our night finished when we both fell asleep on the lounge! Lol it was really funny cause I think we both were just so exhausted from the week and the later Friday night. I had a friend come & scrap with me till 1:30am. I only got two pages done. I did them from the remaining Lime Tart kit from March. WoW you can really get some projects done from these kits I did 4 pages a not book & still have enough paper left to do more great value!

I'll post some new pages tomorrow afternoon, but if you want to have a look at any of my pages just click the link on the right to my gallery.

C ya,

Lauren x

!!! I'm being published !!!

2006-04-07T13:25:00.000+10:00

Ok it's not a big deal for thoses that are in magazines every month but I've had one of my pages excepted in to Scrapbook Creations. My very first!!!!

Only a quick post to let every one know my good news..........

Lauren x

More CBX plus my weekend

2006-04-03T12:13:00.000+10:00

I had such a long weekend. Well it was only two days but I feel exhausted from it. I took the Gladstone u/16 Rep Netball side that I coach out to Emeral for the weekend (about 4.5 hours west of Gladsotne) to play in a carnival egains other Rep teams as a preperation for the state titals carnival in 4 weeks. They won both their games and behaved so well it was nice to be with such a nice bunch of 16 year old after all the crap on the news lately. So it was a success.

More CBX pages to share this one is more prome photo's. I called it "Capture the Moment" I love this one cause our prom/formal photo's are life fashion frozen in time. we all look back at them and say "Oh that dress" so it was suitable I thought. This was actually the first page I did from the Loft range. The M is a BG monogram covered in CBX papers and the rest of the lettering is Collections. Capture has been done using Heidi Swapp alphas. These are great the come in different colours & fonts and are self adhesive. I love them.
These photo's of the embelishments look unreal. they truly show the depth of the page. I did a little book for my mu as well. I's so cute. She loves to receive
anything I make for her I love watching her look at it and turn it arounf touch all the little bits, it's so hart warming. Cause I know she will cherish it for ever. My day's the same only a few months ago I was visiting them and dad was up in his shed and was showing me drawings, notes & cards he has kept from like 20 years ago I had tears in my eyes. Tough old dad is an old softy. He still has a trike that I go for christmas whe I was 4 that my little sister used too. It hanges up from the rof of his shed.

I used some little paper flowers on this & stole a plastic flower from Carole. I wanted to just do some thing simple that would not get distroyed if she uses it all the time. It's a collections note book that I got ages ago & forgot about till I moved hose the other weekend. You have to essemble it yourself but it was worth it and fun.

I hope every one enjoys their week as mine will be pritty full on I think. But Josh is on days this week! Hip Hip Horay!!!!!

Yes I hat when he works nights it's so lonely. (Must be why I end up at caroles till 4am) lol

Lauren x

Chatterbox mad!!!!!

2006-03-30T10:12:00.000+10:00

Well I have the Loft range of the Chatterbox collection it’s just to beautiful. Carole & I had a bit of a scrap session last Friday since I had an RDO so I went round to Carols about 11am and was finally in the car driving home at 4am the next morning.

But wow did we get some pages pumped out. I did two beyond the page items a note book & clipboard plus “5” pages! That’s incredible for me. Then Last night I popped in for a lovely pork roast and did a canvas plus another page.

I promise I share them all in good time but just wanted to show you this one cause it’s my favourite.

This is my little sister, who isn't so little she turns 19 next month. Josh & I took some of our friends to his house at Agnes Waters at the end of summer for the weekend and Lana came too. We hit the local watering hole for a few cold ones and left several hours later. I love this photo as Lana & I are not as close as we should be yet we had such a nice weekend away and this photo captures every minute of memories for me.

With this page I wanted to make it fresh & girly not little girly. So I teamed the paper up with blue not pink. I'm also loving these BG rub ons. I've not yet ventured into doodles but this is such a cheat at it. I scrumpled up the papers and inked them with sepia then this gliterly coffee coulur Carole found in her endless draw of supplies. lol I hope that you enjoy this page as I truly love it.

This page is one of my prom photo's from 5 years ago. I hand stiched all around the outside and once again used the Chatterbox loft range. I wanted to show how different you can make these papers look. It's all from the same range but cause they are double sided it creates a whole new colour range. The tags have the names of the girls on them plus the school & year! Oh no I feel so old. The frame that the tags are sitting in is like a windo with doors, I've just opened the doors out. It's hard to show in the photo. Once agin oversized photo corners I'm just loving them at the moment.

Thanks for looking and I'll be sharing more of the pages I've done plus the canvas that I did. I'll post it soon. Just wanted to share these two first.

Sorry it's taken me so long to post in here I've been rreally busy at work. Make sure your footy tips are in. The Bronoco's are on winning streat '1' game. lol

I hope every one enjoys their day as I'm at work.........

Lauren x

Funny email..........

2006-03-23T13:14:00.000+10:00

Ok I know this wont be in every ones taste but I received this in an email today from a friend of mine. Some of us use the smiles & frowns but these are some new ones I guess.

If I have offended any one I apologies in advance.

Lauren x

We all know those cute little computer symbols called "emoticons," where:

:) means a smile and
:( is a frown.

Well, how about some "ARSEICONS?"
Here goes:

(_!_) a regular arse
(__!__) a fat arse
(!) a tight arse
(_*_) a sore arse
{_!_} a swishy arse
(_o_) an arse that's been around
(_x_) kiss my arse
(_X_) leave my arse alone
(_zzz_) a tired arse
(_E=mc2_) a smart arse
(_$_) Money coming out of his arse
(_?_) Dumb Arse

Tell me what does it take to get published????

2006-03-22T07:17:00.000+10:00

I have always said I scrap for me & not for magazines, but a friend of mine convinced me to submit some pages recently. I had in the past but never accepted. And yet again this time round NOTHING!!

Tell me all those that have been published do you have to know some one? I’m over submitting but it’d still be nice to know.

I haven’t had a whine on here before so hopefully this will be my one & only!!!

On a more positive note, I’m home from my work junket & I slept like a log last night. But here I am back at work less then 122 hours since I got back from the airport!!! But at least I’m not tired today!!

I’ve joined a swap at SAM, it sounds really exciting my first one!!! We all had to select three items form a list BTP ideas and submit them to the lovely Crissy. Who organised, every one. I have my lucky recipient and will do it this weekend hopefully.

Oh after I finished moving on the weekend I had the daunting task of unpacking it!! Grrr…. Well we can all guess the first room I had sorted. My new Scrapbooking room! I thought that at least if I want to I can sit and scrap and not have to worry about unpacking it them. TRUE ADDICT I think.

Well enough from me, sorry for the whinge, but it is my first! Enjoy the rest of the week and I hope every one has big plans for the weekend.

Lauren x

Lauren Rhodes

In Brisbane for work

2006-03-21T09:39:00.000+10:00

Hi to all.....

Well I had to come down to Brisbane for work for a couple of days this week & what do I find myself doing????

Sneaking around the office in search of a free computer to log on, check my emails, do the blog rounds & post!!!! Do I feel gulty nope!! (But I think I should) Has any one else done this??????

Any way's I've moved out of my house & into Josh's only for 10 weeks cause then we're off to London. (I can't wait)

Well I must go & I do have work to do.........

Lauren x

!!!!!! - Lime Tarts - !!!!!!

2006-03-16T16:24:00.000+10:00

Well I got my Lime Tarts kit about a week ago now and I have been a little busy as of late but Carole & I had a bit of a scrap last night. Ok I didn't leave Caroles till 2am this morning & had to start work at 6am so I'm soooooooo tired but it was all worth it. Cause the kit that Philippa has put together for March is just amazing. She is wonderful, it makes scrapping so easy when every thing already matches!!

This is what I came up with. Yes I know I have used this photo before but I was never happy with the page that I had done but the blue just does something to this page that makes the lack of sleep so worth it!

The note book it so cute, and I have so much paper left over I've aready started another single page and have plans for a third. (I'll share them once I finish them. My scrapbooking stuff is still at Caroles too tired this morning to go get it)

I hope you like these as I love them. Thank you so much Philippa!!! I can't wait to see the next kit. I have even arranged with Carole to send them to me in England once get their in June! (Addicted I think so!) ROFL!!!

Lauren x

The secret is out..........

2006-03-14T09:00:00.000+10:00

Well the secret is out……

It’s not a DT call up, (Would have been nice though) I’ll be moving to London on the 27th May this year. It’s only 10 weeks away! I’m so excited & scared at the same time. Probably two weeks ago Josh asked me if I’d like to move there with him, I said yes but it was a rather reluctant yes. The very next thing I did was drive around to Carole’s house and talk to her about it. (She is from England & holidayed their last year) Her & her husband convinced me. So the tickets are booked.

I guess the reason I’m going is that I have just sold my unit (well it settles on the 22nd of this month) and I’ll be debt free! That’ll be the first time since I was 18. (I purchased the unit at 18) So there is nothing holding me in Australia.

So every one is welcome to come and stay with me in London if you are over their. I will continue to blog as it will be the only way to keep every one up to date with how I’m doing. And it’s so fun I love being a blogger.

I’ve already contacted a freight company who is going to ship all my Scrapbooking supplies to me. (I’m only aloud 20kg’s on the plane their) So I’ll still be scrapping.

My mum & dad are excited for me, although I can still see my mum lying in front of the plane so it can’t take off. My dad’s telling me to go for it! My sister I think is glad that she now has an excuse to go on a holiday.

So I’ll be leaving Gladstone on the Saturday night, arriving in Brisbane. Then our plane leaves Brisbane at 11:45pm, we arrive 8 hours Katter in Singapore at 6am in the morning. We have three nights in Singapore (we wanted a holiday on the way over) then on the Tuesday we leave Singapore at 9:30pm fly 12 hours to Zurich in Switzerland where we change planes then fly 1.5 hours to London arriving on the 1st June at 6:30am.

So I can’t wait to be able to fill you all in on the Scrapbooking scene over in the UK. I’ll still be able to do the footy tipping comp so there is no problems their. Speaking of the footy tipping comp, Congrats to Tracey who picked 6 out of 6! Well done.

Well I can’t wait to here your reactions, as this is not like me at all I’m probably the most structured & organised person most of my friends know & I never takes risks let a lone moving across the globe.

Well it’s only for 12 months, so It’ll fly by and I’ll be home before any one notices I’m gone………

Lauren x

I've been taged

2006-03-14T08:09:00.000+10:00

What scrapbook lines/products etc do you dislike?
I'm not relly a sticker person.

What is the hardest thing you ever had to scrap?
I would have to say a friend of my who passed away last year. But I really had to scrap the pages for my scrapbook because he was such a huge part of me.

What technique do you use more than anything else?
I would have to say inking

What is the smallest scrap of paper you save?
I’m so ruthless I through most of my scraps after I’ve done a page, as I know I’ll never come back to them. I will cut large scraps down to create 6x6 pages though.

Have you ever had any scrapping related injuries?
I'm forever pricking myself with pins lately, when hand stitching on pages.

Finish this sentence, “If I wasn’t a scrapbooker/stamper, I would spend my money on…
Holidays!!!

Give your best storage or organisational idea
my tool box, it makes it so easy to take everything to a scrap.

You just won a week long scrapbooking cruise for 5. Who is going with you?
I would take Carole Janson of course, then I'd auction the remaining 3 tickets off to scrapbookers. Then use the money raised to hold a retreat and make it really cheap so every one can come.

When you received your first publication notification, who did you tell?
Never been published, the magazines don't like my work.... (doesn't bother me any more though cause I scrap for my & to recored the moments in my life that mean the most to me.)

I would like to tag ....
Linda Thompkins & Kerry Swain
(unless they have already had a go)

Lauren x

2006-03-13T09:42:00.000+10:00

Well round one of the footy tipping comp has been completed and the ladder is as follows,

First
Tracy 6

Second
Libby 5
Regina 5
Carole 5
Lauren 5

Third
Linda 4
Karen 4
Kerry 4
Carole-lea 4
Julie 4

Forth
Donna 2
Roz 2
Vicki 2

Well done to all, the number next to you name is the points scored in the round.

My weekend was so nice. Josh works nights just about all the time, so Friday night he wanted to take me to dinner. (Like I was ever going to say no lol) We went to a restraint called the Brass Bell. It was really nice, quiet and very romantic……

Then on Saturday we did all the crazy stuff that we just don’t get the chance to do during the week! Like going grocery shopping, going to the butchers, the travel agent (can’t tell you why yet but it’s really really exciting…..) I’ll be able to say in a couple of days just want to finalise everything first.

Then we took a friend of our out to a local Indian restraint on Saturday night for dinner. I love Indian food. It’s so filling and flavoursome.

Well that all for now but I’ll share my big surprise as soon as I can. Oh I almost forgot, Congratulations to Julie for her latest DT place!!! Well done.

Lauren x

Sweet Sarah

2006-03-08T11:35:00.000+10:00

Grrrrrr what a bad day!!!!

2006-03-08T11:19:00.001+10:00

WEll I'm sitting at work! (that's not even the bad part) and since 6:30 this morning (It's now 11:20) I've been trying to get prices on items that just are unavailable and every suppier is dodging my phone calls! Grrrrr I'm then in turn dodging the supervisor who needs these materials (ASAP of course) So what was a morning of catching up on paper work has turned into a morning of hide & seek!!!

The rain this morning made it hard enough to get out of bed, a good book or a day scraping would have been so much better!! Plus Josh is back on night shift meaning I'm at home alone AGAIN!!! (I think he likes getting away from me the poor thing lol) For those who are only just getting to know me, Josh is a bucket head (boiler maker) and when he works nights he does 6pm - 6am so I've left by the time he comes home in the morning, and he has left for work by the time I get home in the evening!! Making any attempt at a relationship extreamly hard and lonely. But I will give it to hime, when he has the time he makes me his only priority. I just miss him so much!!

On a good note, the tipping somp has all been set up, i missed a few but I think every one is in by now, if you want to be in you have until Friday to let me know cause game one is Friday night. I will post the leaders board in here every monday for every one to see who has bragging rights. I think it would be nice to decide on some sort of prize too. not sure what but we will have to come up with something.

Oh the page!! Well this is Carole Jansons lovely daughter. It's all done in K & Co papers. I had been doing crappy pages, then this arrived and not haveing a little girl of my own and wanting to do a pritty page I nabed some photo's from Carole and sat down, took my time and this was the end product after abot 4 hrs. I had so much fun and relaxed so much....

2006-03-08T11:19:00.000+10:00

Mad Monday!!!

2006-03-06T14:18:00.000+10:00

WOW I had such a huge weekend!!!!! I think at the ripe age of 22 I’m getting too old for the night clubbing scene!! (yes my head still hurts and I never got out of bed till 2pm Sunday)

Can I just say how jealous I am of all the people who get to scrap during the day!!! I have decided that I want to be able too. I work all day and never get the chance to scrap! Yep it’s driving me mad at the moment. Last week I got heaps done and already this week I’m off to such a horrible start.

Oh the photo's aren't they tops, the first one is Josh on the beach at Agnes Waters, the surf was huge and we had such a good weekend, the second one is me looking down at the lookout at 1770. I love the beach so much!!!

Netball kicks off on Tuesday night we have been training for so long now it’ll be nice to squeeze back into that dress and jump around like an idiot for an hour!!

Any way mush be off so much work to do and not enough time to do it in. (the usual story of a purchasing officer)

Oh a quick mention Julie Love & I are running a tipping comp for the NRL season if you would like to join in on the fun shoot me an email on lrhodes@cbh.net.au every one is welcome.

Lauren xoxo

Door hanger

2006-03-02T12:26:00.000+10:00

12x12 page & birthday card

2006-03-02T12:19:00.000+10:00

Thursday 2nd March

2006-03-02T09:36:00.000+10:00

WoW how the year is going, it'll be christmas before we all know it. I've been scrapping mad! I've done about 10 pages in the last week. Probably cause Josh is working nights and it gives me the chance to sit and do some pages to keep me from missing him......

I made a deal with myself though, to scrap one old photo then one new photo. That way my old ones don't get older and my new ones don't get old while I scrap the old ones. Silly I know but it's the only way I'll ever catch up!!

I received some new paper in the mail on Tuesday and had to use it their and then, so upstairs I went and had a creative bight, finally going to bed at 1am.... I'll up load the images after this post. The pafe I did is a photo from New Years Ever of myself and a dear friend Sarah. The Card if for my friend Shonel's birthday (from the 28th Feb) I have to post it so she wont mind it being a little late. And the door hanger was an idear that Josh inspired me to do. It is for my little sister Lana. (she's 19 soon)

Any way I'll post them now as I was having trouble doing them in this post. did I say it's been raining here for 3 days now. Grrrr I hate the rain, I can run, I can't train I have to stay inside. Well at least scrapping is an inside activity! lol

Lauren xoxox

2006-02-23T15:20:00.000+10:00

Yeap another crazy week in the life of CBH! Well it wasn't too bag I guess RDO tomorrow so I'm going to sleep in and relax. I'll probably go for a run in the arvo though.

Any way short & sweet today I've got so much on.

Tuesday 21st February

2006-02-21T14:59:00.000+10:00

Ok 've been going mad! I cam to work on Friday morning only to find that our server has SxxT it's self! To make matters worse it turns out that our router (not 100% sure what it is I'm still working on it) was from one phone company (I'll choose not to name names) and the lines are from another so for the entire day Friday over the weekend and all day yesterday they have been fighting over who's problem it is! Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Well to make a long story short I couldn't get back online till today after lunch! And to make matters worse I have heaps of work to do now and the first thing I did was come on to check out every one's blogs!

On the up side i did heaps of scrapping over the weekend, I'll post it up in my galery tomorrow I think.

Lauren xoxox

Thursday 16th Feb

2006-02-16T09:23:00.000+10:00

Well all the excitment of Valentines Day is over with now. I think I was the most spoilt person I know. I don’t mean to gloat, but I will! LOL Josh sent me a dozen long stem roses to work, then when he come to pick me up for dinner had a book for me that I wanted and a gift basket with a teddy and some other items in their it was so cute.

Well this page is one I did of a friend’s daughter. I used all KI Memories stuff and am really happy with how it turned out.

Any way better go do some work.

2006-02-10T08:08:00.000+10:00

Ok two days two entries, this is going well at the moment. I wanted to share this photo with every one. Josh & I went down to the gold coast just before christmas for a week. While we were down their we couldn't resist having these old time photo's done! I think josh looks the gangster part!!
WE had sooooo much fun while we were down thier. I really should et in and scrap some of the photo's. Just have to find the time! lol.

The page I have put in here is from new years eve. My friend Shonel came back from England in time for Christmas & New Years. I love these Junkitz papers!!!

Thursday 9th February

2006-02-09T11:48:00.000+10:00

Well this is my first post, I wanted to join in on the blogging fun!! My friend Carole has one in here and recommended it to me.

A bit about me, well I've just turned 22 in January. I play netball (and lots of it) I love to scrapbook when I have the time. I mostly scrap about me, & my family as I have no children.

I have a lovely boyfriend who I scrap a lot about. I love to holiday when I get the chance. So weekend get aways are our thing!

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Scrapbook City Awards Night

Secret Santa

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Italy, the new me and a begger stole my camera!

!!!! Merry Christmas !!!!

Sorry it's been so long!

Back from Australia....

I dare you…………

More to share......

Thank you......

Paris update

Off to Paris in the monring......

Photo time!!!!

Update

A quick note

Scrapping mad....

Love is......

Birthday time........

Art, History, Science - my weekend

Update time!!

Scrapping up a storm.......

Update time

Footy update....

What's been going on!

Our day in London City

Madam Trusades Wax Museum

Historic Chatham Dockyards

Rochester Castle & Dickens Festival

Leeds Castle

Simgapore

Photo update

England

In England at last

I'm in Singapoer!!!!!

5 Days to go...... (I'm not counting) lol

"19 days to go"

5 day weekend!!

Easter update

!!! Thank you Chris !!!

Monday moring...... (I hate them)

!!!~~ I'm being published ~~!!!

More CBX plus my weekend

Chatterbox mad!!!!!

Funny email..........

Tell me what does it take to get published????

In Brisbane for work

!!!!!! - Lime Tarts - !!!!!!

The secret is out..........

I've been taged

Sweet Sarah

Grrrrrr what a bad day!!!!

Mad Monday!!!

Door hanger

12x12 page & birthday card

Thursday 2nd March

Tuesday 21st February

Thursday 16th Feb

Thursday 9th February

!!! I'm being published !!!