Loubie Lou Loubie Lou

I'm Back

2008-02-04T23:42:00.001+10:00

Hi All I'm Back and finally snapping out of holiday mode.

Here are some pics from our 3 week trip to Tallebudgera.

William killed in the fishing department, Ian was too busy pumping yabbies (gabbies as Alex calls them) to get a decent fish. William caught some fantastic fish: whiting, black bream, trumpeter. No flathead unfortunately - that's my favourite eating fish. Ugly to look at but very sweet taste.

We met some fantastic people while we were away. We have made some wonderful friends and I hope that we will see them for many years to come.

We met Terry, Laura and their kids Alex and Alicia the first week. We had some fun times and it was great as Ian had to work most of the first week. Terry and Laura live in Salisbury and hopefully we will catch up in the next little while.

Second week we met out neighbours and being in a caravan park we have loads. Next door were Rachel, Shane and Jack who turned one in January. Over from them were Rachel's mum and dad - known as Jack's Grandma and Grandad! They all live in Samford and Rachel and Shane have secured the site next to us now and Rachel's mum and dad have been on their waterfront site for 17 years!

Across from us were Graham and Christine, behind them Janelle, Steve and their kids Jay and Jess. Steve has been coming for 30 years to Tallebudgera at Christmas and about 7 sites down from us were his sister Deanne and her family - they stay for the whole 7 weeks of holidays.

Next door but one we met some wonderful friends - Warren, Andrea, Joseph (8) and Anna (5 and three quarters - as she tells us). They live in Gladstone and we are hopefully having a week in Woodgate with them in September/October school holidays. They were such fantastic people and we are looking forward to many January's together. The pictures are taken with Warren and Andrea's boat and tube. Many an hour was spent with them. Next door to Andrea & Waz are her parents Shirley and Ken - lovely people who made our kids feel like their own. Across from them were the PB's - Steve, Karen, Kate and Nick. Karen is a teacher at Prince of Peace Lutheran College in Everton Park and has known our friend Lisa Harris for about 20 years.

Next to them where Al & Bev who taught us all how to play SCUM!! Fantastic card game where you have to change places according to how you win the hands. You can have up to 8 players and there is 4 main positions - King, Queen, Lowlife and Scumbag. I can't wait to play it again - I will have to teach some friends so we can have a few games.

Ian's mum and dad came down for the day with Liam and Eloise. Liam and William spent most of the time in the kayak paddling around and Eloise and Alexandra had fun on the boogie boards in the swimming enclosure.

My mum and dad came for a day too. Mum unfortunately was suffering from neuralgia so rested in the van and read some mags. I got to spend some quiet time with her which was good. After the 3rd lot of pain killers started to work we went for a walk. Dad took William for a walk to try and find the site that we used to come to when I was small. That site was near the playground closer to the highway. I also went kayaking that first day and loved it. When Dad was watching me he was taking a picture and yelled out "Slow down Trish you're a blur". Smarty pants!!!!!

We came back on Jan 22 to go to the Police Concert Brisbane this link is to a youtube of "Don't stand so close to me". Fiction Plane (Sting's son's band) and Fergie supported them. Fiction Plane were fantastic. Ian's fav was Fergie I think although she got a bollocking from the media.

Then we were back in the land of the living on 25 January.

We kids have settled into school now Will is in Turquoise (4/5) and has a new teacher and she is lovely. Alexandra is still in the same class (Yellow 1/2).

More Soon

Kisses Trish xxx

Merry Christmas!!!

2007-12-25T01:36:00.000+10:00

Ian, Trish, William and Alexandra wish you and your loved ones a very merry Christmas. Stay safe during this festive season.

We are looking forward to Santa coming a little later. Tomorrow we will be getting up and having breakfast - traditional to our family - homemade sausage rolls, ham and pine orange juice. I'm going to add a new ingredient this year, croissants.

After breaky is present time. There are loads under our tree and all one big one out in the pool - William's Kayak. Then we are off to Dohles Rocks to christen it for an hour or so and also there will be another surprise Ian's Kayak. He doesn't know I got it but I figured he works so hard he shouldn't have to wait for it.

Back home for a quick change and then off to Alison and Dave's for a Christmas lunch and dinner.

We will be home around 9pm I expect. Early night and then we do it again on Boxing day. Why should Christmas be just one day??? Tonight we had Christmas with Ian's family and the beautiful girls Eloise and Alex put on a concert for us - music by Delta and The Veronicas - so cute.

Well I best go before Santa gets here.

Kisses Trish xxx

Is it hot enough for you???

2007-12-17T00:01:00.000+10:00

"No actually it's not hot enough, when is it going to reach 52???? ".

I know it can get hot but think of this. What does summer bring - here's a few on my list.

Christmas
BBQ's
Swimming
Beaches
Holidays
Storms
Longer days
Parties
Kids playing on the street until dark
Cricket

I look at this list and I can't think of anyone who doesn't like these things. So next time someone complains about the heat, you be thankful that we have all the above and more to look forward to.

The Kling's have also been elfed - have a look at this http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1450404981.

Here are some pics Ian took in Fiji earlier this month. What beautiful countryside. He was working at a hydroelectric power station, in the most primitive of surroundings, but look at the area what paradise!

Kisses Trish xxx

All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth

2007-12-08T12:30:00.000+10:00

Alexandra, Santa and William Christmas 2007

Look at this beautiful picture. Santa and the kiddlies met and exchanged information about the big day at Strathpine Westfield this morning. William lost his front top tooth last night and the tooth fairy came with 2 $1 coins for it! Jeepers, I only used to get 20c.

Just to give you all a scare it's only 16.5 days until christmas and if you take out sleep, chores, eating and showers that leaves about 6 days - then take out time spent with the kids, wrapping presents, shopping, drinks and nibblies - that leaves about 20 hours - ekkkkkkkk 20 hours until Christmas.

Take care
Kisses Trish xxx

Erina Update...

2007-12-05T23:54:00.000+10:00

Here is the beautiful Erina Isabelle. She's doing very well. A hefty girl (gawf) at now over 6.5 lb (2800g). She's 6 weeks and 3 days now. Here is a picture of her in Mummy and Daddy's bed....so cute!!!

Drama Queens and Princesses

2007-12-03T18:56:00.000+10:00

We had a very busy weekend with drama presentations and birthday parties.
My lovely nephew Liam turned 8 yesterday (4th) and his sister the beautiful Princess Eloise turns 6 today (5th). We had a busy schedule with Ian away in Fiji as well. (Will post some of his photos later.) Alexandra had drama practise in the morning followed by Eloise's Bellydancing Party then back to drama presentation and then back for "family party" at Deanna's. Meanwhile William was with Liam and Paul at Liam's Ten Pin Bowling party at Aspley. Then back to Dee & Paul's for cake and then off to drama and back again about 5pm for dinner and drinks. Whhhhheeewww! It was a wonderful day I got to spend hours and hours with my lovely nephew and niece. Eloise came back for a sleep over and the girls then had another party to go to on Sunday at Splash! waterpark at Chermside. Paul took Liam and William to golf for a family fun day and William is now looking at starting golf next year.

I'm Back

2007-11-28T01:45:00.000+10:00

I bought Erina this swing - so cute! Mummy, Daddy and Baby at the park. My beautiful girl - Alexandra Rose. Daddy, William and Manny.

Sorry I've been away so long - resting after a tooth extraction. Not a pretty time. Never mind back with pictures for you. Here are a couple of the Beautiful Erina Isabelle at home. She's growing fast and is up to a whopping 6.5 lbs!!! She's doing well and so is Christa and Stephen. She is now over a month old - almost 5 weeks to be precise.

A couple of pictures taken Sunday 25th November at the GAP (Greyhound Adoption Program) Christmas Party at Capalaba Race Club. Manny was in the finals of MR GAP 2007 but was pipped at the post by a taller bloke - he's too short to be a supermodel. The kids had fun showing him off in a few competitions - smiliest dog, best looking, waggiest tail (he doesn't wag his tail much but while William was leading him around Alexandra was moving his tail! And of course he made it to the top 3 out of about 20 dogs for Mr Gap 2007. I recon he should have won but I'm biased.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!!!!!!!!!

ONLY 4 WEEKS TO GO!!!!!!!!!

I love christmas especially the decorations. I have started putting a few decos around the house and have finished one tree, the wire one with exquist glass and mercury decorations. It looks lovely even if I do say so myself. The HUGE picture of Santa Claus is actually a Hobbytex picture done by my lovely mum about 30 years ago - I always remember it hanging outside the front door on the veranda. I feel so special that mum decided to give it to me. She put binding around the edges and did the rope etc and presented it to me on Sunday. I was so happy I could have cried. Mum has passed down alot of christmas decos to me as they only put up a 4ft tree nowdays. My plan is to put our 7ft green tree up in the lounge with red and green decorations (no tinsel hate tinsel!!!) and so the front room also has red and green santas and decos in there. Moving through to the family room I am putting up our new pink christmas tree - and that room will be very "shabby" being cream, white, aqua, pink and pink!! We are putting up the trees on Sunday (if I can wait that long). I might have to do them Friday instead.

Kisses Trish xxx

WELCOME HOME ERINA!!!

2007-11-06T13:27:00.000+10:00

Welcome to the world Baby Girl - this is Daddy's wedding ring on my fingers.
Help - I'm yellow!! Poor darling had 3 treatments to get rid on her jaundice. Poor little Girl.
Stop posing Dad and let me out of here - I want to get dressed.

Very proud Nanny.

Welcome home Erina. About time too. Erina Isabel McCarn came home on Saturday 3rd November with Mummy and Daddy. She is settling reasonably well as any newborn would. Erina is up to 2400g which is wonderful. Nanny loves seeing her baby granddaughter and makes her think of when my two were babies. Erina better get loads of cuddles and kisses as it's going to be 7 weeks before she sees Nanny again, this time with a very excited Granddad at Christmas time.

Kisses Trish x

Happy HallO'ween

2007-10-31T22:19:00.000+10:00

Happy HallO'ween to all!!!!
Li'l Devil & Bart
Bart with his skateboard.
(L to R) Emma, Alexandra, Georgia and William.

Trick or treat anyone? My darling kiddlies have been soooooo excited about Halloween. They planned their own costumes - William (Bart Simpson) and Alexandra (Li'l Devil).Such a cute Little Devil!!!

We also had some friends with us, Emma and Georgia. Emma is the witch complete with black cat and Georgia is in the red polka dot dress.

Kisses Trish xxx

My Niece - Erina Isabel McCarn

2007-10-29T17:45:00.000+10:00

Introducing my beautiful niece ERINA ISABEL isn't she gorgeous!!! So pretty - just like a dolly!

I'm so proud of Christa, Stephen and Erina, I just wish I could see them.

Christa says: "Here is our beautiful daughter 7 days old today. This photo was taken on Wednesday, before she turned bright yellow!

She decided she'd had enough of life on the inside, at 36 weeks and one day. After a vacuum extraction, and the cord around her neck, with a purple head and very silent for a while after, she entered the world. She went to the Neonatal unit and is still there, unfortunately she has not been with Mummy in mummy's hospital room like everyone else on my ward. I was discharged today, but will still almost live at the hospital until she is coming home, maybe by Saturday. (fingers crossed)

She is pre-term and low birth weight, and the obstetrician said my placenta just ran out of gas, which Erina sensed and created her own cortisol to mature her own lungs before she came out. Usually little early babies need a hydrocortisone injection before they come out, but she has healthy lungs thank god, so Dr said she must have made her own cortisol- she is clever already!

She could not suck when she first came out, so had a nasogastric tube inserted for feeds.

As she had a massive bruise on her head from the vacuum extraction, and this and the fact that she is little and premature, she got jaundiced, and required UV light for 48 hours.(thurs/fri) The jaundice and the uv lamp makes her really drowsy and she took a step backward in her feeds, too tired to suck- so them going half in a bottle and half down her tube, sometimes all down her tube. after 24 hours without the lamp, they took another blood sample, (her poor little heel) and her jaundice sprung back with a vengence and she is back under it again.- prob until wed, When she is under it she is just wearing a nappy, though less settled this time. Her feeding is increasing, and although she is not her birth weight yet, she gained weight the last 3 weighs (only 5 grams this morning!)

Anyway, gotta get back to the hospital. Finish the story later".

Kisses Trish xxx

How many storms can we having in a weekend? Depends if you are camping or not!

2007-10-28T22:59:00.000+10:00

Alison (the Games Co-Ordinator) and (L to R) Jack H, Jack Lightbody, Connor, William, Connie, Mollie (right at the back), Alexandra, Tayla, Camille and Alison. They are preparing for the treasure hunt which the boys won by about 1 minute.

Our Home for the weekend!!!

Alison & Dave's new purchase!!!

Storms - huh did we have storms. I am so proud of everyone in tents because I sure wouldn't be sleeping in a tent with the wild weather we had on Thursday and Friday nights. After the pink ribbon morning tea the Klings and Lightbody's headed down to BroadwaterTouristPark for a long weekend. We were all set up before storms and rain and wind and tornados started so that was a blessing. On Friday at lunchtime the Harris' arrived along with Kev and Connie and early evening the Poupardin's and Julie arrived. 19 of us altogether that includes our 9 children. They all had a ball and were angels all weekend. The adults had a great time too - the kids were happy, we were relaxed and even played a few games which made my cheeks hurt from laughing and Ian hurt because he didn't know something about me!!!! We played a Mr & Mrs game which was fantastic - we had to remember things about each other.

On Saturday night we all went into Surfers to the Hard Rock Cafe Surfers Paradise we had fantastic meals and Alison, Michelle and I had beautiful cocktails. Alison had yummy sweet one, Michelle had a to die for cosmopolitan and I had my favourite a Margarita!!! Yummo. Afterwards we went and had ice-cream.

Sunday at 11.00am we were all out and on our way home. Oh well, only a few more weeks until next trip. Ian and I were in holiday mode and could have gone on for another week or so but it wasn't to be.

Erina Update

Erina has responded really well to the light therapy for her jaundice. She is sleeping lots which is good for her development. She still has her nasal gastric tube so she is getting good size (60ml) feeds every three hours. Mum arrived over in Perth Friday afternoon and she will probably be there for 3 weeks or so. All is well!!!

Swap News

I want to say a big hello to Kathy my swap partner. She is from Las Vegas and we are doing a christmas garland swap through GaGa for Garlands. Hello Kathy - hope you don't think we are too made over here.

Have a good Monday everyone.

Kisses Trish x

Pink Ribbon Morning Tea

2007-10-28T21:26:00.000+10:00

Party bags for everyone!! And what beautiful tables.

Marilyn and her lovely ladies.

This basket was one of the beautiful raffle gifts from Lilly Cottage.

My gorgeous group of girlfriends (the Besties Club) (L to R) Lisa, Claire, Juliette, me, Alison and Julie. (Michelle couldn't be there but she donated some money to us - thank you M).

Here are some pictures of the PINK RIBBON MORNING TEA held at the North Pine Country Park Rotunda. It was a HUGE success with the help and support of everyone we raised a total of $557.95. We had delicious cakes, muffins, slices and danishes as well as fresh juice, punch, tea and coffee. This was all thanks to the wonderful Ladies of Lilly Cottage and their helpers. We couldn't have done it without the support of everyone - THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.

Thank you to the following people:

5th Avenue Jewellery, Alison Lightbody, Cynthia Spiteri, Deb McCullogh - Diva, Juliette Needs, Jan & Les Bennell Automotive Airconditioning & Electrical, Marilyn Farnfield, Nutrimetics, Culinary Creations by Peta & Linda, Laura, Jan, Maria, and all the lovely helpers from Lilly Cottage.

I look forward to organising the next one. Hope you will be able to join us!

Kisses Trish x

Update on Erina

2007-10-24T22:36:00.000+10:00

Baby Erina - 2 days old now. She's doing really well considering she is so teeny weeny. I spoke to Mum and Christa and between them I have found out the following.

Erina will be staying in Special Care for around 2 weeks. Christa is expressing milk which is being fed to her through a nasal tube. And every second feed she is being woken for a bottle. They are letting her do loads of sleeping so that her pertuatory gland gets the rest it needs to make her strong. She has only lost 70grams which is really good considering. Normal expected weight loss would be up to 230grams.

Her lungs are fine and she has a good cry. Christa and Stephen gave her her first bath tonight and now her long dark hair is all fluffy and standing on end (just like Christa when she was a baby). Tomorrow Erina is having her heal prick and a blood test done. The doctors are suspecting that she has jaundice but that is a very common thing in all babies so she may be put under an infered light to help her along with that.

I really want to see her - I'm so jealous of Mum as she's flying over on Friday to see them all. Mum will be under strict instructions to give Erina loads and loads of cuddles and kisses from her Auntie Trishie.

Tomorrow is the Pink Ribbon Morning Tea. Linda and I are all prepared and we are looking forward to a fantastic day. After that we are heading off with the "besties" (Lightbody's, Harris', Poupardins and Prices) for a weekend down at Broadwater. Looking forward to it - it should be a big laugh!!

Kisses Trish xxx

Pink Ribbon Preparations

2007-10-23T19:47:00.000+10:00

Wow after our wonderful newspaper article we have been inundated with bookings. I am so happy that we have our 40 guests. Linda and I are making the final arrangements and we both look forward to a fantastic fund raising event.

Thank you to the following sponsors for your generous support:

5th Avenue Jewellery
Alison Lightbody
Cynthia Spiteri
Deb McCullogh
Juliette Needs
Les Bennell Automotive
Marilyn Farnfield
Nutrimetics
Peta's Culinary Creations

and drum roll please - Linda, Laura and Jan from Lilly Cottage who without their help we would not be able to do this.

Will post loads of photos of the event soon.

Kisses Trish xxx

ERINA Update

2007-10-23T19:39:00.000+10:00

Baby Erina Isabel is now 1 day old. She is still in special care however she is out of the humidity crib. They put in a nasal tube so that Erina can rest - she's soooo tired, so they are feeding her with expressed breast milk from Christa. Christa is really well, and I spoke to Stephen last night who was over the moon with his little girl. Also very proud of his big girl.

They expect that Erina should come home in a week or so which will be wonderful.

Kisses

Aunty Trish xxxxx

Our Maggie - Dusty!

2007-10-23T15:47:00.000+10:00

Simply had to share our beautiful Magpie - Dusty.

William named him - how do I know it's a him? Well throughout nesting season the mummy magpies get big - they have to look after the babies don't you know. So the daddies stay relatively the same size. Dusty is very unique to us. He has a gumby toe on his left foot. He comes to visit all times during the day and he sits in the same spot every time. If I don't notice he is there he will warble for his dinner. Sometimes I make him wait just so I can hear their beautiful sound. Over the past couple of months Dusty has let me get closer and closer. Yesterday I put food just inside the front door and he came in and got it. I'm hoping over the next couple of weeks he will let me pat him.

This is onother maggie coming to see what's so good.

Magpies are my very favourite bird - most people dislike and even hate them. I know that they are beautiful and clever. Magpies are known for swooping but as has been proved the last couple of weeks - they only swoop if they fear for their babies. There is a relatively "highly strung" maggie around the corner from us and he is very protective. Some boys on bikes have been taunting him and he is known to swoop bikes. However he doesn't swoop people walking - he knows that they will do him and his family no harm.

I have two stories that I tell everyone and I seriously believe this to be true.

Magpies are very clever. Do you know that if a baby maggie falls from a nest and can't get back up, you can nail an icecream bucket to the same tree and put the baby in there and the mummies and daddies will still look after it as well as the babies in their nest.

If you are kind to a magpie and feed it, the magpie will tell all his friends and they will never swoop you.

Moral of the story - Be kind to magpies!

More information on Magpies

Kisses Trish xxx

HAPPY BIRTH-DAY!!

2007-10-22T11:27:00.000+10:00

CONGRATULATIONS

BABY GIRL

Name: Erina Isabel McCarn

Born: 22nd October 2007

Time: 5.17pm (Bne time)

Weight: 5 lb - 2267g

Length: 18.3in - 46.5cm

Mother and baby doing well, father and grandmother still recovering. Mum is relieved, excited, disappointed (she's not there), overwhelmed, happy, blessed and every other emotion we can think of. Mum will be meeting Erina on Friday so that will be lovely. I have gifts here for her and must go to the shop tomorrow and get her a couple of cupcake singlets, and see if they will swap over the cushion for a more "girly" one.

This morning at 2.00pm Perth time Christa and Stephen went to hospital after her waters had broken. Her contractions were 5 min apart when she got there and then they slowed. They put her on a drip to speed up labour, which was slow (15 hours) and Erina was born naturally at 3.17pm Perth time (2 hours behind Queensland).

I've spoken to Christa and she is very emotional - Erina is beautiful with lots of dark hair, she is in special care just for the moment as she is so little. Erina Isabel wasn't due to enter the world for another 4 weeks yet - poor Christa was due to start maternity leave this Thursday. She's actually on call tonight!!

My darling family is not as computer literate as me so Erina might be 12 years old before we get a photo on email. But having said that Christa did promise to email me some photos asap.

Some pre-Erina photos taken a couple of weeks ago.

Kisses Aunty Trish xxx

Bon Appetito!

2007-10-18T23:11:00.000+10:00

Our kitchen renovations are almost complete!!!! Here is our old kitchen - the vinyl doors had peeled and it was quite tired. Ian and I are planning on staying here for a long time (who can afford to move with house prices and fees the way they are!!) so we organised for a beautiful new kitchen and we updated all the appliances too. Bon Appetit Kitchens were absolutely fab. The designer Kris did a fantastic job of making the most of the existing shape of the kitchen and the cabinet fitters were wonderful. The planning and installation was like a well oiled machine - who'd have thought I just saw their sign one day whilst driving along and I had kitchen measurements on me and I just popped in on the off chance to see if anyone was free to give me a quote. And from there it was 6 weeks and absolutely wonderful service. I'm so happy with it. The tiler and plasterer are just to finish off and the unenviable task of repainting the interior of the house begins. We are in no rush so it shall be my project for the next few months.

This is the fellow dismantling the old kitchen.
By the end of the first day they had all the bottom cabinets in.

The second day they completed the rest which was: installing new pantry and doors, overhead cupboards and rangehood, fixing all the tops down, installing double bin and undersink organiser underneath the sink, cut and installed the sink and stovetop, installed oven and siliconed all gaps. They left at about 2.30 and the plumber came in after them and plumbed in our fridge water and did the sink and dishwasher connections. Water at last!!!

Day 3 was the electricians turn to do all plugs and new points, hook up the stove and oven and install a kill switch for the stove. It was also when I repacked the kitchen - I haven't had a pantry this neat ever.

And this is the "almost" finished result - simply beautiful isn't it. It seems so much bigger than the last kitchen but it is the same footprint....mmmmm don't know what it is yet might be lighter colour and more streamlined design. All in all I'm over the moon.

Kisses Trish x

Hot off the press...

2007-10-17T22:44:00.000+10:00

Well here is!!!The eagerly awaited article for the Pink Ribbon Morning Tea. I was so excited to see the paper this morning on the net. Here the lovely Linda and I are showcasing a little taste of what is to come next Thursday.

The girls from Lilly Cottage are organising the beautiful high tea type morning tea for us to celebrate and support National Breast Cancer Foundation . We will have merchandise for sale, raffle tickets for the most beautiful prizes and a lucky door prize. The celebration starts at 9.30am at the North Pine Country Markets, Dayboro Road, Petrie in the Rotunda. Cost is $15.00. Don't forget to wear something PINK! Bookings can be made via email or call me on 0402 791 755.

It should be such a fun day and it will be dedicated to the loving memory of my beautiful Auntie Joyce. Auntie Joyce lost her battle with breast cancer a few years ago. Unfortunately breast cancer is all too common, and through education and support we can help breast cancer victims and their loved ones.

Kisses Trish x

Footy Presentation

2007-10-14T19:40:00.000+10:00

Today, we all attended William's football presentation.

He was very proud. He loves his new trophy. They got some lovely things. His photo, yearbook, penant flag, trophy, and a lovely big towel with the crushers logo and his name on it. Ian got one aswell as he was assistant coach this year. Ian also got a dozen Crownies - mmmmm I think Mummy deserves some of them!!! William only played 13 games this season (should have played 18) but he missed 5 games as he had a scull fracture early in the year from falling off Ian's ute while he was playing. He scored 5 tries and converted 2 goals - what a star!!

We don't know if William will play rugby league again next year. He is looking at soccer next season and he's getting a taster by playing 5-a-side for ACE Albany Creek during the Spring.

Next post will probably be of the kitchen and shade sail as they are both being installed this week - nail biting!!!

Kisses Trish x

Run to Paradise......

2007-10-13T13:31:00.000+10:00

Summer's here!!!!!

Nothing better - sipping a cool drink (aka Crownie), sitting in the sun, blue skies, shimmering water, palms blowing and kids squealing. That's what is going on now.... Evie (our darling little neighbour and Alex's best friend), the gorgeous William, an excited Alexandra and Daddy are in the pool.

Manny (our greyhound - retired of course) is looking to the skies and breathing in the warm air - even he looks happy. Lily - Manny's shadow is relaxing back on one of the deck chairs enjoying being close to the kids, Ian and I.

To top this off we have Australian Rock playing - Hooters, Midnight Oil, Hunters & Collectors, The Choir Boys and Icehouse to mention a few - the old rock Australia was built on - songs like "run to paradies, this is australia, alone with you, great southern land, i was only 19".

What a way to spend the day hey!!!!

Kisses Trish x

Our 11th Wedding Anniversary

2007-10-12T23:31:00.000+10:00

October 12, 1996 at 3.30pm Ian and I were married at St George's Church in Birkdale. Afterwards we celebrated our reception at the Wellington Point Sports Club.

Tonight we celebrated by going to the Breakfast Creek Hotel, going for a drive around Newstead, New Farm and Hamilton and finished off the night with a beautiful ice-cream from Baskin Robbins.

Ian is so lovely - even pulled my chair out for me at dinner!!! We chatted about our dreams for the future and enjoyed each other's company. It was a fantastic night and thanks to Dave and Alison for having the kiddlies for us. Although, I do miss them.

I wrote him this poem for our Anniversary.

This is what you mean to me…….

My darling Ian
You are the sun in my day,
The clouds in my storm.
You are the life in my life;
My heart and my soul.
Your love knows no bounds;
Nor does it forget to give.
Always surrounded by your love,
Is the reason that I live.

Our treasured love grows each and every day;
I wake up in the morning and treasure all your ways.
You are my sun, my moon and sky;
You are my wings with which to fly.
Our love everlasting and growing each day;
I treasure you more in every way.

This poem was written for you on our Eleventh Wedding Anniversary
I love you My Darling.
Yours always Trish xxx

I look forward to the next anniversary and a hundred more.

Have a lovely weekend, we have work to do in the yard, dinner with the girls, William's Rugby League breakup/presentation and I have to remember to do before photos for the kitchen which starts to be renovated on Tuesday.

Kisses Trish x

Lennox Head

2007-10-08T17:14:00.000+10:00

We had a week down at Lake Ainsworth Caravan Park. The park is opposite the beach and opposite the teatree lake. We had the best site in the park - we were lucky!! The kids had a blast - swimming at the beach, playing with some mates at the beach, playing spotlight at night, swimming in the lake and using the swing. William even managed to sit on a kayak. Fishing wasn't great - but they still had fun. I spent time scouring the stores for anything shabby/vintage. I missed home though - I couldn't relax and I managed to talk Ian into coming home a day early. It was nice but it wasn't the Gold Coast or Dicky's....

Here are some portraits I took - I plan on making them black and white and putting them into a frame. Aren't my kiddlies gorgeous!!!!

We are just about to get a huge storm - so I will sign off now and get the candles started.

Don't forget Pink Ribbon Morning Tea 25th October - Thursday @ 9.30am. Rotunda at the North Pine Country Markets. Please RSVP to me on 0402 791 755.

Kisses

Trish x

What a Find....Singer 201K

2007-09-29T02:35:00.000+10:00

I have to share this ladies and gents. I have the find of the year. Thanks to my endurance searching ebay for different things I am on the hunt for I have HIT THE JACKPOT!!!

Introducing my new baby - the Singer 201K (circa 1930-1950 - haven't been able to ascertain the year yet). I had been watching this fantastic piece of furniture, machine and bits to go with it for a couple of days. Usually the Singer machines (no matter what condition) go for at least $100. So here I am busily keeping an eye on this auction. I was there for the last hour - checking and rechecking - no bidders!!! Well I put my bid in a minute or two before it was to end and I got this baby for $5.00. I was so excited. Doing a dance - running (yes running) up and down the house - went and woke up my sick husband (nothing serious just man-flu) - I WON! I WON! I WON!. I rang my mum who promptly told me not to touch it (asthetically - which was my intention as I wanted it for a piece of furniture as well). I am under strict instructions to clean it only and oil the wood. Mum is an Antiques Roadshow fan and said that I may devalue it if I do anything to it. I can't wait to pick it up. I can't wait to go through all her bits & bobs - all those orginial tools and bits for the machine - WOW!!! Her name is "Betsy".

I did feel a bit bad but the lady who sold it didn't seem upset it only went for $5.00. I think it must have been listed in the wrong category and that's why she had no lookers. My first antique - how exciting. By the way did I tell you I was excited!!! :-).

Well I'm a bit naughty - it's 2.45am Saturday morning. I have just finished all my packing for our trip tomorrow and our lovely friends Alison, Dave and their kiddlies (Jack & Mollie) are going to join us for a night. Then on Sunday we will be going to Byron Bay for the day with them. I am imagining myself sitting at Strop's bar having a glass of bubbles or a lovely ice cold Crownie - enjoying the view and living it up.

Enjoy your week - it's going to be tough but I hope I can make it through next week!!! hehehe Kisses Trish x

Introducing Linda

2007-09-28T03:50:00.000+10:00

This isn't actually Linda but a beautiful bear that reminds me of her. I have hunted high and low and I can't find a picture of her anywhere..... mmmmmm me thinks she's avoiding the camera. Linda is my inspiration to get out there and do more. I am happiest when I'm doing something creative and something I feel passionate about - ie the Pink Ribbon Morning Tea. I'm going to sit back and see if this comes to anything - who knows whilst I'm travelling the world with my art I may be sort after to become ambassador to many charities and I will raise $millions for charities such as Pink Ribbon, Safe Haven Orphanage, MS, Bonney Babes and the like. I'll get out my tiara now and dust it off.

These are more mixed media paintings. These are all done by Linda - aren't they fantastic. I have promised myself I will try one of these when the kiddlies go back to school.

Have Weldbond Will Create!!!!

(Weldbond is a fantastic glue available at Bunnings - don't buy the small bottle as you will use it within days - stuff you never knew you had to be glued will be done.)

Funny for you

2007-09-27T23:01:00.000+10:00

Wow - my post was almost in Hindi but thankfully I am now thinking and typing in English. Damn typewriter with tv on top as my darling mum would say...

I love this piece of mixed media art by ihanna of www.ihanna.nu. I have decided that I want to become a mixed media artist and tour the world looking for treasures for my art and hosting exhibitions of my highly exhaulted work which will net $Millions. Gotta have a dream - actually a beautiful lady called Judy Scott is my idol. I met her almost a year ago now and she is my inspiration to overcome adversity and be the person she really is. http://judy-scott.blogspot.com
I know I will shine one day - just have to get out from under the doona long enough!!!!

Now for a funny and this is something you can do yourself aswell. Here goes:

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car)

Lady Exceed

2. YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fav ice cream & fav cookie)

Rum McVittee

3. YOUR "FLY Guy/Girl" NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of last name)

T-Kli

4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (fav colour & fav animal)

Pink Dog

5. SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name & city you were born)

Adrienne Brisbane

6. STAR WARS NAME: (first 3 letters of last name & first 2 letters of first name)

Kli-Tr

7. SUPERHERO NAME: ("The" & 2nd favourite colour & fav drink)

The Blue Champagne

8. RACING DRIVER NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers)

Bob Bob

9. EXOTIC PERFORMER NAME: (name of fav perfum & fav lollie/choc)

Lovely Chicco

10. WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother's & father's middle names)

Kathleen Charles

11. TV WEATHER PERSON NAME: (Your year 5 teacher's last name & major city that starts with the same letter)

Parkinson Perth

12. SPY NAME: (your fav holiday/season & flower)

Summer Rose

13. CARTOON NAME: (fav fruit, article of clothing you're wearing right now ending in "ie" or "y")

Cherry Pajamie

14. HIPPIE NAME: (What you ate for breakfast & your fav tree)

Toast Fig

15. ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: ("The" & your fav hobby/craft, fav weather element & "Tour"

The Shabby Collector's Sunshine Tour

I thought that was loads of fun.

Kisses from Cherry Pajamie xxx

And we're off.....

2007-09-27T14:18:00.000+10:00

Dining room and pantry with microwave. Look beyond that to our lounge and the kids bunk beds. Note the airconditioning - extremely handy as I am used to sleeping in arctic conditions!
The galley kitchen, stove top, grill (we never use) rangehood, sink with cold water only, utensil cupbooard and enormous fridge. The fridge can carry about 2 days of food!! Makes for interesting meal choices. We usually bbq and I rely on William and Ian to keep me in fish. yumm....
Welcome to the boudoir. The huge double bed with non-walk in robes for hanging about 2 days worth of clothes - the linen is stored above the bed, notice the romantic mood lighting. The bed springs up for storage underneath that we really only use on big trips. It holds quite alot - bbq, fan, clothes. Please also note my duck egg blue curtains - very shabby indeed. Ian won't let me put cushions or flowers in the van - but I am sneaking my quilt away this time shhhhhhh.....

Here is the exterior of our van - must remember to get bunting for our trip in January for 3 weeks. The van is a Coromal Excel 526 2005 model, it's 17'6".

We bought the van from our friends Lisa & Gav who had it for 9 months for $27,500. It came with the annexe walls, airconditioning and Gav and Lisa gave us lots of bits for inside which makes it lovely. They sold it as it was a bit too small for them with 3 kiddies - they now have a fantastic (turning green with envy) van that is the bees knees of family vans. I will have to remember to get some photos one day. We are going to hang onto this van for as long as the kids fit in it. I can't imagine life without a van so far to date we have had 5 long weekends and 7 weeks away in it and we've only had it since June last year. Our trips have been close and having included - Dicky Beach Caloundra, Tallebudgera Creek, Broadwater, Maroochy Palms, Mooloolaba Beach and Neurum Creek. We also have another 4 weeks worth booked in the next couple of months. Our favourite is Tallebudgera Beach but we are looking forward to next week at Lake Ainsworth at Lennox Head near Byron Bay.

I hope the school holidays are being good to you - I have had a wonderful time relaxing with the kids and their friends and look forward to doing 1/10 of nothing next week in Lennox.

Take care
Kisses Trish x

Baby News!!!!

2007-09-26T23:14:00.000+10:00

This is Baby McCarn. Christa and Stephen are expecting this beautiful baby mid November 2007. They have picked names and they are Darcy for a boy and Erina for a girl. Deanna (my darling sister in law) and I did the ring thing on Christa a couple of weeks ago and we have determined that she is having a boy. So DARCY JAMES McCarn it will be!!! And don't forget that method of determining the sex of the baby is only second to actually giving birth - so it's extremely accurate!!!!

Baby Connor: There is a baby brother on the way for the adorable Gabrielle (Gaby) now 2 3/4. SAMUEL DAVID is due early February 2008. Barb is keeping really well I think Reg is really excited about putting all his sports experience to the test. Isn't that fantastic!!!

Stop the Press!!!

2007-09-26T22:38:00.000+10:00

Hi All

Today I had my "close up Mr DeVille" with the photographer from Quest Newspapers. Linda and Laura from Lilly Cottage were hosting high tea in the Rotunda where the Pink Ribbon Morning Tea is being held so the photographer came along and took a few scrummy pictures of me and Linda in our PINK. Now wouldn't we all love a pair of shoes like the ones above!!

I will hopefully be able to scan the article about pink ribbon when it goes in the paper. The journalist Lee Stebhens was lovely and he was keen to get it in as soon as possible so we could get as many people along as possible and raise heaps of money.

I have to say that I could get quite used to hosting and attending beautiful teas - morning or afternoon I'm not fussy.

I do want to do at least two more fund raisers in the next couple of months - one being for my friend Linda who suffers from MS and needs to get a few things to assist her on a daily basis. Her beautiful friend Marilyn has organised a wonderful raffle of a beautiful quilt that she bought from the USA. That raffle will be drawn on Friday by Linda and the proceeds should be able to buy a motorised scooter for her to get around in. She will be zipping down to the school, shops and waterfront in no time but more importantly she will be unstoppable at antique sales.

If you haven't had a chance to go to Lilly Cottage yet please do - you won't thank me however as it is highly addictive!!! Vintage, Shabby, French Provincial it's all there for you to pour over.

Sadly I won't get my fix next week of the girls or the shop as I will be away with the family at Lennox Head near Byron Bay. Looking forward to wine and nibblie o'clock (around 4pm) such a beautiful time of day on holiday and I will be thinking of all my beautiful family and friends.

I haven't been to Lennox Heads since William was 8 months old (he's now 8!). My darling Mum took my sister, aunt, myself and William to Lennox Heads on two holidays when Will was a baby and they are such beautiful memories for me. My old friend Penny had grandparents that lived there and we used to visit them when we were 19. It's a 6 hour round trip and we used to go and see them for the day - wow what energy we had. Penny also introduced me to the famous calamari steak (droooolll) I can't wait for Ian to taste it.

Well I have heaps to do yet before we go away - renovating the house at the moment too - whew!!! I had my first experience with enamel paint last night - it's like painting with chewing gum and a stick!!! I had to do the architraves in the kitchen before the new kitchen is installed (as soon as next week!). I don't relish repainting the entire house (especially all the doors!!!!) but I'm hoping Ian will take the kiddlies away for a weekend and I can do all the yukky enamel bits without them being here. Alexandra had her first experience of wet sticky paint last night - apparently it jumped onto her arm while she was in her bedroom - paint has a habit of doing that doesn't it. Oh well that's for another time - first holiday, second Pink Ribbon and all the rest can fall into place before Christmas.

Take care & kisses Trish x

Your Invitation to the Pink Ribbon Morning Tea

2007-09-18T21:49:00.000+10:00

Here is your official invitation to the NBCF Pink Ribbon Morning Tea.

You and a friend are invited to attend this year's Pink Ribbon Breakfast to be held at the Rotunda @ North Pine Country Park on Thursday 25th October 2007 commencing at 9.30am.

The cost of the morning tea will be $15.00 this includes all yummy food and refreshments provided by the Shabby Girls at Lilly Cottage. We will be having lucky door prizes, raffles and Pink Ribbon Merchandise will be for sale.

I would love you to come along and make this a success for the NBCF. Please RSVP by 15th October to Trish Kling on 0402 791 755 or courtruby@bigpond.com
Oh almost forgot we are hoping to see lots of pink on the day so dust of the hats and fascinators and come along.

I don't know if any of you shabby lovers were able to get along to Lilly Cottage's Spring Fling. I was lucky enough to go along and it was wonderful. I am very much looking forward to all the num num's at the morning tea - they are delicious cooks. Check out my link to Lilly Cottage Blog if you haven't already done so and have a look at the wonderful pictures.

Until next time
Kisses Trish x

Pink Ribbon Breakfast

2007-09-16T23:25:00.000+10:00

Well, it's in motion. I have confirmed the time, date, venue and catering for our Pink Ribbon Breakfast. It's being held at the Rotunda at North Pine Country Markets on Thursday 25th October @ 9.30am. Pink, Pink and More Pink is the theme. If you are coming along we would love you to wear pink. Lots of scrummy food & refreshments will be served and this will be provided by the lovely girls at Lilly Cottage. There will be prizes, raffles and Pink Ribbon merchandise for sale. Now to organise everything. Let the fun begin!!!

If you would like to come along to or find out more about the breakfast email me and I will be sure to apprise you of the details.

Until later - kisses Trish x

www.nbcf.org.au

Welcome One & All

2007-09-15T23:56:00.000+10:00

Hi All,

Welcome to my first blog entry. I am keeping this blog to share events, plan trips, keep everyone up to date and share all the things I love with you.

I have some very exciting news. I'm planning to host a NBCF breakfast in October. I have booked the catering and now the fun begins with organising donations, prizes and guests. I have a limited number of 40. I thought that I should start small!!!

I plan to host this event at the Rotunda at the North Pine Country Markets with the help of my lovely friend Linda from Lilly Cottage.

This is a short and sweet post. More pictures and info next time. TTFN Trish x