JAI #73 & Skye update!

Tags

Extreme Elements, Family Stuff, Just Add Ink Challenge, Just Surfin', Skye, So Happy for You, Unchartered Territory

Hi bloggies!

Sigh … did you hear that latest interruption???? I have been trying to get here all afternoon … but it has been one interruption after another! I thought I should give you a quick update about Skye’s doc visit yesterday … but for those who are bored before I even start (totally understandable) … then scroll past the next paragraph!!!

I have to say … it has been a “big” 24 hours … of emotional ups & downs. Our visit to the orthopaedic specialist yesterday was not great news. (I need to give you the reader’s digest version … because the novel is a mammoth one!) We were told that Skye had two options … 1. Full leg plaster for 8 weeks followed by another 4 – 6 weeks in half leg plaster. NO SPORT for 4 months until full recovery.  OR … 2. Surgery … a “nail” inserted down through the centre of the tibia … with screws just under the knee and just above the ankle. 2 – 3 weeks on crutches (no weight bearing at all) … then 2 more weeks “careful” before she can drive. NO SPORT for 4 months until full recovery. This was not an easy decision … the surgery option means that Skye will have restrictions — ie. no high impact/speed type sports such as motor bike riding, sky diving etc. She runs the risk of more serious injury to her knee if she breaks her leg under high impact (ie. the leg wouldn’t break due to the nail being there … so the impact would be taken by the knee.) As a mum … I wanted the “safer” option (plaster) … which would give an outcome of “completely back to normal”. But … I am a mum! And … I am NOT  a risk taker … it is not in my nature or personality. After ringing the uni about outcomes with courses … and weighing all things up … Skye decided that she couldn’t bear the thought of 14 weeks in plaster … and with such a quick recovery after surgery decided this was what she wanted. We went off to book her into the hospital for surgery TOMORROW! And … then went home to “second guess” the decision. Yes! The mum wanted to make sure it was the right decision!!! (I know … I am hopeless!) Long story short … after phoning the doc today to get a few answers to questions … he assured Gav that this was a perfectly reasonable decision. That it won’t impact her career (physical education teaching) … in fact her leg will be stronger with the nail inside. It is only more of a risk with the high impact type sports. He commented that surgery was the more common decision for younger people … and he felt it would be fine. So … Skye has decided to go ahead with the surgery tomorrow. I am okay about this … but if I was honest … I would do anything … including 14 weeks of toilet stops … including driving her to uni each day (& waiting) to have her back to normal. But … this is not about me … I am looking at it from a “mum perspective” … and Skye is a different personality than me — able to cope with risks more … and willing to do this to enable her life to get back to normal again more quickly. I have to accept that! There is no “right & wrong” here … it is a decision that is a personal one. So … off to the hospital tomorrow! We have to be there by 8am and she is first on the list … but that … of course could change. It is usually an overnight stay … unless the patient is coping extremely well with the pain. You can imagine how drained I am feeling … another major decision … and another difficult day tomorrow. Sometimes it is so hard being a mum!

So … I do have a card to share! I spent a few moments this morning (well … a little more than a few moments …) doing the Just Add Ink Sketch challenge for this week. It is a great one! And … again … even a tiny bit of stamping … is GREAT THERAPY for a busy mind!!! Don’t forget to pop by the JAI site (click sketch pic to visit) … and check out all the other gorgeous creations for this challenge! I haven’t had time to leave any blog love this week for any of the entries … but I hope the girls will understand! Life just can’t get any more crazy for me … can it??? I think I am going to just squeak in with this entry … the deadline is 2 1/2 hours!!!

I was kind tickled with this one … considering my head was anywhere BUT with my stamping! I did a mask across the top section and it turned out rather nice … didn’t it! Being a male card … I decided to go with the crimped card rather than some ribbon. And … a jumbo brad & twine to make it a little more “nautical”! This is a fab colour combo that I have used before … and had to add it as a fav to my Colour Coach blanks. I love it! Pear Pizzazz / Not Quite Navy & Basic Black!

Mum is doing well … although a couple of slight hiccups have meant she has not yet made it to rehab. But … it seems that because the physio has been working with her in the hospital instead … she may end up going straight home … even as early as this Friday! My sis (Louise) & niece (Tahnee) arrive from Queensland tomorrow … and will stay with her for the next week or so. Then Tahnee will stay on for a couple of weeks more. It is a huge relief to me at the moment … to know that someone will be with mum … while I continue to care for Skye! School holidays begin on Friday … 3 weeks of minimal routine. I hope that we might manage to get a week down the coast … especially seeing we won’t be getting to Vanuatu to visit Gav’s sister’s family now. 

Well … Gav is out at a medical dinner … Ree has just left for Bible Study … Sandy is out at soccer training … and Shane is in bed sleeping before night shift at the nursing home tonight. So … it is just me & Skye … and I need to go and help her with her “bath” … and wash her hair before she goes for surgery tomorrow. How funny … we sat down tonight to watch an episode of “Packed to the Rafters” (season 3 on DVD) with Skye … while we ate dinner. We were up to the episode where Nathan gives his kidney to his g’ma! A surgery / hospital episode. I did turn to the girls at one point and ask “Why are we watching this tonight?????”!!!!! Yes … like Julie Rafter (Nathan’s mum) … I am nervous about tomorrow. But … I am trusting that Skye is in God’s hands … and the outcome will be fine! Take care, everyone! And … if I am not back for a couple of days … you will know why!!! Hugs xxaxx

The Paper Players #53

Tags

All a Flutter Butterfly, Challenge Winner, Elements of Style, Paper Players Challenge, Three Little Words

Added Monday 4th July: Woo hoo! An exhausted happy dance happening! I was picked at “A Cut Above” for this challenge!  It is such a sweet “pick me up” after a trying week! Thanks to Sandra & the girls over at the Paper Players! There is another great “Christmas in July” challenge on this week … I hope I find some time to play! Can’t wait to stamp! xxx 

Hi bloggies!

I am happy now … because I have Skye’s birthday pressie all organised! Talk about leaving it to the last minute … but … hey … I have had a few things on my mind. Gav & I are taking Skye to the specialist today. Her X-rays are quite interesting … the break is very obvious and to me (an untrained eye) there is some displacement … but according to the report … they are satisfactorily aligned. Hhhmmm … I guess we will know more once we see the doctor. Perhaps he will say it is time to put the proper cast on??? Hopefully this will mean a little more mobility. I had a tiny amount of stamping time yesterday … and so … I thought I would have a go at another of the Paper Players challenges … click challenge pic to see the great Design Team creations! 

The flowers on this card are water-coloured using markers and an aqua painter. I’m not sure if you can see it in the photos … but there is some soft sponging around the edge of the white and pink cardstock. I pulled out my fav butterfly stamp … “All a Flutter” and added that as the “feature”. I do hope the girls at Paper Players like this one!

Well … have to fly … Skye is in need of a “bath” before we are off to the docs! I will let you know tomorrow how we get on! I am hoping to pop by and see mum again, too! See you soon! Hugs xxaxx

A Simple Sympathy!

Tags

Our Daily Bread - Ecclesiastes 3:1, Our Daily Bread - Scripture Collections 1, Stem Silhouettes

Hi bloggies!

Isn’t it funny how you can go months without making a sympathy card (no need for one) and suddenly you have 2 or 3 to make. I had to sit down last week and make this card for a long time friend at church … whose Dad had passed away. And … I have just had news of the death of another friend’s dad … so will have to make another sometime very soon! But … with all the absolutely stunning cards that I have received lately … I have plenty of inspiration! I have a funny story to tell … but … first … the card …

Now … I did two versions of this … my first one didn’t have the bakers twine … and I felt it was a little “awkward”??? Here is the original … what do you think???

I got the idea for the framed stamping from a Less is More challenge entry that I saw recently! Laura  had used a mask to create a frame for the challenge … make sure you check out her creation … cos it is really pretty! I am keen to do a bright coloured version of this idea asap! These images are stamped with Early Espresso, Soft Suede & Crumb Cake inks. A great combo for a “serious” card!

Although Skye is still coping with some pain … she is a little more comfortable. (Her knee is really sore at the moment!) We have had quite a few giggles at times … just with little mishaps or funny moments. I thought I would share a couple with you all …

We are managing to give Skye sponge baths and hair washes using a big tub. She gets (with effort) into her swimmers and manages to give herself a sponge bath (I have to do her good leg and her back.) Then she swivels over the edge of the lounge … and hangs her head over the tub so I can wash her hair. (Not an easy job … because her hair is soooo long!!!) It is a bit of an undertaking to get this task done. After doing all this the other night … I was so tired … I said to Skye “So … what do you want first your undies or your shorts?” Her quick reply????? …… “I dunno, mum. Do I WANT to look like a superhero?” We laughed our heads off! Another moment … I always need to support her “damaged” leg while she balances herself and gets settled on the crutches … to go off to the toilet. Then when she comes back to the lounge I do the same … while she discards her crutches … and I help her swivel back onto the lounge. Last night … (again … too tired to think straight) I stood there watching (without thinking) while she discarded her crutches. There she was … on one leg … aimlessly waving her arms around to get her balance!!! I hadn’t clicked my brain into gear … and I had forgotten to support the leg before she dropped the crutches!!! It is okay … I give you all permission to laugh at my expense!!! We certainly did. 

Sheree and I are going to duck up to the shops this morning … for an hour or so. (Shane is home with Skye this morning.) I NEED to buy Skye’s birthday present … her birthday is suddenly coming so quickly (next Sunday!) What a rotten way to spend your birthday … stuck on a lounge (for the 14th day in a row!) I hope we can think of a way to make it a little special for her! Any ideas?????? Perhaps I could book a clown??? But … at 19 … I don’t think she will appreciate that??? Better go … I have a little window in between toilet visits … to get to the shops.

Clayton’s Convention Make & Takes

Tags

Brigette Lomax, Claytons Convention - May11, Gabbi Gerritson, Jenny Hayward, Leonie Newman

Hi there girlfriends!

I have a couple of projects to share today from our Clayton’s Convention in May. We each had to design a “make & take” and bring supplies for everyone to create it. (Mine was the “faux mother of pearl” card that I showed you recently.) I thought today I would share the “3D” or “off the page” creations that Brigette, Jenny & Leonie did for us! We all had fun making these up! This first one was a cute punch art bookmark that Leonie had designed.

The first one was my sample … and the second one was Tracey’s!  It is made with all oval & circle punches (except the tag on top). We also did a fabbo chocolate basket … designed by Jenny …

Here is the link for a description of how to make this great gift basket on Jenny’s blog. It is made with a square piece of card. All you need is the correct folds … and voila … a cute box! The last project for today was one that Brigette brought along to show us. Super cute … and quick to make! This suitcase is wrapped around a bar of soap.

Funny story … Brigette got this idea from a gift her daughter bought on the Mothers’ Day Stall at school. When my blog buddy, Gabbi saw this photo (below) that I posted about a month ago … she had to laugh.

This was actually one of the gifts Gabbi had made and sent into school for the Mothers’ Day Stall! What a small world! Obviously Gabbi’s daughter & Brigette’s daughter go to the same school. Isn’t the stamping world a small one!!! Which reminds me … a BIG HELLO to Diane … one of the nurses who works at Figtree Private Hospital. Diane has been caring for my mum … and they were chatting the other day … and mum was telling Diane about her granddaughter who had broken her leg. Diane suddenly realised that it was the same story she had been reading on my blog! Diane is a “secret” blog buddy … who hasn’t been able to work out how to add comments … but apparently is a faithful groupie! So … hi Diane! Thanks for looking after my mum so beautifully! Now … I have managed to add a recipe for the soap suitcase … so check out the end of this post! See you all soon. Hugs xxaxx

A Single Layer Card

Tags

Always, Claytons Convention - May11, For Everything, Sincere Salutations, Single Layer Card, Sweet Summer

Hello again my friends!

It is Friday night … and I have had a busy day! Skye is watching “So You Think You Can Dance (US)” at the moment … and is nice and fresh after another sponge bath/hair wash. The dogs are snoring … the big kids are out at youth group & Sandy is “early to bed” tonight … after a really full on week! So … I am quickly going to post a card … and have an early night, too! (Although … because she needs my help … it can only be as early as Skye’s last toilet stop for the night! ) She will die that I said that on my blog!!!!!!!!!

This was a card I made for a challenge at our Clayton’s Convention at Leonie’s in May! We had to do a single layer challenge … and I had a ball stamping flowers all over. Now … this is one of those cards … that the photography just doesn’t do it justice! There is pretty Dazzling Diamonds all over the flowers … and it is such a sparkly, gorgeous card IRL! Much more fairy like … than the picture shows. Here are the samples from the other girls. Some of them found this a tricky challenge … having never done a “single layer” card before! A couple of these are not quite finished … I had to take some quick picks before I left to go home. (Apologies for the repeat pics!) 

Tracey

Leonie

Jenny

Erin

I am pleased to say that Mum was looking a lot brighter this morning when I saw her. She had a much better night sleep and was starting to feel less panicky about all that she was having to deal with. After coming down from Sydney(1 hour drive) with a couple of meals yesterday and to spend some time visiting Skye … my lovely s-i-l (Gav’s sis) came down again  today … especially to take me to see my mum! She knew I was perfectly capable of driving myself the 20 mins to the hospital … but she just knew how tired I was. Isn’t it nice when someone just says “I am doing this for you … “and you can just feel perfectly free to say “okay”! It was just what I needed … to see my mum … without having to drive myself. It was so thoughtful.

Well … it is now nearly 10pm (my sis & hubby have just left after popping by to visit Skye) … so I am going to sign off and try and get to bed! We are off to the X-ray place early tomorrow with Skye for a weekly check. We are praying that the bones are still aligned and all is okay! See you soon! Hugs xxaxx

Stamping 411 – Sketch #208

Tags

A Word for You, Bliss, For Everything, Stamping 411 Sketch Challenge, Tracey Harper

Hello my friends …

I had made this card last Saturday … during a blissful morning of stamping. Little did I know what the day was going to bring!!!  If you haven’t been around … and would like to read about the sad story … click HERE! Anyway … I thought I should get it posted … so I could enter it into this round of the Stamping 411 sketches. Click on the sketch pic to visit the S411 blog and see the gorgeous design team creations! Here is my card …

Yes … I have flipped the sketch … and my sizing is a little different … but the basic sketch is the same! The gorgeous butterflies are stamped on vellum with Versamark ink & embossed with a 50/50 mix of Dazzling Diamonds / Heat & Stick Powder. They are super sparkly and pretty IRL. The rainbow effect is just simple sponging of ink onto the card. Another sweet RAK arrived in the mailbox yesterday from my special stamping buddy, Tracey! Isn’t this so special!? I don’t have this set … but I love all that I see done with it!

Tracey H

I think I might need to do a slide show of all the wonderful handmade cards that I have received over the last month or so. I would love you to see them all together! Well … off to do “something” for Skye … cos that is what my life consists of at the moment. (I’m not complaining … it’s just easier to giggle about it … than moan about it!) Take care! Hugs xxaxx

For my Mum!

Tags

Amy Fleming, Challenge Winner, Just Add Ink Challenge, Morning Cup, Paper Players Challenge, Sincere Salutations

Added Thursday 23rd:  Oooh! Oooh! I just scraped in as the final entry for the JAI challenge with this card … and I was so thrilled when Sandra let me know I got a TOP PICK for the week!!!! Now … that has certainly brightened my day! Thanks to all the JAI girls … you have no idea how this has cheered me up today!  

Hello bloggies!

I am off to visit my mum this afternoon … so I wanted to take the time to create something special for her. My brand new stamp set was sitting unmounted on my desk … and I was itching to play with it … so I just had to stop and put that together. I managed to do something that is sooooo mum! She does love a cuppa! I think some flowers will brighten her day … and make her smile, too!

I was keen to try stamping directly onto the Bashful Blue … even though I knew it wasn’t the best card for watercolouring. There is a tiny bit of “pilling” but I think I managed to keep it to a minimum … and it isn’t too obvious. Now … these are not colours that I use that often … but I am really taken with the Bashful Blue / Real Red combo … and think I will probably use this more frequently. Sometimes a combo just “grabs” you … doesn’t it! I imagine it might be a nice combo for a male card. (Tuck that away in my little brain!) I know mum will love these colours … she is a “blue” girl! The phrase tag is punched using the Decorative Label punch … glued to Real Red card … and then I carefully cut around to create the red border. This is a little tricky … getting all the curves even!

This card was a combo of two challenges … that I have been seeing around on my favourite blogs. The Just Add Ink Challenge is to “Just Add some Colouring In” … and the Paper Players Challenge was a Clean & Simple Sketch. I JUST HAD to play along! Make sure you pop by the challenge blogs to see the gorgeous Design Team samples! I also have to acknowledge a little help with the layout of the stamped images from Heather Klump. I am sure that others have done the same … but Heather’s was one that caught my eye over at Splitcoaststampers. It isn’t a direct CASE … but I always like to give credit where credit is due!

Now … before I go … I just HAVE TO share this amazing card that arrived in the mail yesterday. I saw this on Amy’s blog recently … little did I know it would be winging its way across the Tasman to me!!! I was so touched and so thrilled to receive such a gorgeous creation. Thanks Amy for your sweet thoughts & your lovely friendship!

Well … back to the grind … places to go … people to see … things to do!!! Hugs xxaxx

Another Friday Mashup!

Tags

Challenge Winner, INKspirations 4U! Challenges, Small Sayings, Stem Silhouettes, Tart & Tangy, The Friday Mashup! Challenge

Added Friday 23rd: Wowsers!!! I am so excited! I just scored a “Mashup Glamette” award for this card. What a surprise! There is nothing like a challenge award … to make a stamper smile! After an exhausting week … this is a super boost! Thanks so much to the Friday Mashup Design Team for this honour! 

Hi there bloggies!

Skye is doing a little better today … after a bad day with pain yesterday. I am also doing much better … after having a day of unexplained tears all day. I managed fine caring for Skye … but for some reason I was very emotional … all day! But … I had a really good sleep last night … and it has made a huge difference! I think that lost sleep … a whole night’s sleep … had caught up with me yesterday!

I was having a wonderful day on Saturday (before all the dramas! ) … finally doing some serious stamping … and I have two challenge cards that I need to get posted. Today’s card is the new Friday Mashup challenge — “Summer Lovin’ … Had me a Blast!” The challenge is to create a card with a summer theme and / or using polka dots.

I rummaged through my stamp sets … to look for something summery. I almost went for my extreme surfer stamp … but then pulled my “Tart & Tangy” set out … and saw the Strawberry stamp! Strawberries … and summer … PERFECT!!! And … they have spots on them too!!! I also managed to add more polka dots with the real red ribbon!

Well … I imagine that I might have a bit of time for blogging over the next couple of weeks. I am pretty much bound to being at home. I certainly can’t leave Skye at the moment … she does need constant assistance. So … perhaps I will find the time to work on some of my INKspirations 4U! design commitments for the next INK4U! Early Fall session … in between toilet stops … sponge baths … food/drink service … etc etc etc. I was having such a fun day on Saturday working on the sketch designs & samples (and had all 5 completed) until the “accident”. Now … I am looking forward to starting design work for the INKspiration challenges! And … then there is also my project tutorial to get done! I do hope I can escape occasionally to visit my mum. She seems to have come through her hip op reasonably well … although a little groggy last night … she seemed quite bright on the phone!

Take care … I will be back as I am able! Hugs xxaxx