Today...................

my gorgeous boy turns 8 ~ where did that time go???
The day was celebrated with presents at home and now I have my own rockin' Guitar Hero:
Have to love that expression, think he really might have wanted this!! Later we headed to his Dad's house for a pool party/BBQ with family and a few close friends.
The cake ~ obviously it takes three generations to light and blow out candles. This is my dad and brother assisting:
and the all important cutting of the cake and making a wish. No fancy nancy cake for my boy ~ his request a good 'ol Woolworths chocolate mud!!
Happy Birthday my beautiful boy. Love you, Mum xxx

Cheers........................Leanne

I saw.........................

this amazing, gorgeous girl:

and this spunky bloke:
in concert on Friday night at the Civic Theatre, Newcastle and it was fabulous. One of the best live concerts I have ever been to. We had great seats, only 10 rows back and right in front. This year is shaping up as a concert year ~ we also have tickets for Coldplay in March and Pink! in June.

A New Challenge........................

The latest sketch challenge has been loaded over at Lets Scrap. Here's the sketch:
and here's my example layout:
Heading off to see Delta Goodrem in concert tonight ~ should be good!!
Have a great day

Cheers.................Leanne

A Decision.......................Finally

My word for 2009 is.....................................
SIMPLFY.

I am going to make a conscious effort to simplfy all aspects of life, especially work. I am going to accept that there are things and people I can not change. I am not going to allow work to become overwhelming!! I am goin to enjoy lif e and the things that make me happy and satisfied.

There, that wasn't so hard. Just ned to make myself a little something to remind myself!!
On the scrapping front:

Don't miss the New Year Sale at Love Scrappin'. 20% off storewide, but only until 13th Jan.

I have completed my latest layouts and the January sketch challenge forLets Scrap. Will upload here once they are on the site.

Cheers.....................Leanne

Scrap the Boys

The January challenge has been posted at Scrap the Boys:

I want you all to look at the NEW BANNER and take some inspiration from it and incorporate it in your layout.

Here's my layout for this challenge.

There is also a STAR swap in operation, all the details are on the blog.

Cheers......................Leanne

It's SALE time..........

Head on over to Love Scrappin' for the New Year Sale. 20% off storewide so grab yourself a bargain, but be quick ~ sale ends 13th January.

LOVE SCRAPPIN

Cheers.....................Leanne

2009

Wow where exactly did 2008 disappear to?? The new year was welcomed with a few close friends, great antipasto nibbles and of course, a few wines. We waited up to see the fireworks on TV [note to self: I am so going to Sydney when Riley is a bit older to witness this IRL], said our good wishes and then headed for home and bed ~ we are starting to act our age or maybe that's just what happens as you get older!!

My resolution when it comes to New Years Resolutions is: "if I don't make 'em: I can't break 'em", so guess what ~ no new years resolutions for me!! I am however feeling really positive about this year. The future looks bright and a few things that were worrying me through 2008 have been solved. Riley is content and happy, and whilst he doesn't have a 'perfect' happy nuclear family, our situation is about as good as it gets under these circumstances, and for that I am ever grateful. And, talking of Riley, he is enjoying a short break in Perth with his Dad visiting that side of his family. Personally, I am finally in a place where I can just be me and that is not only accepted and okay, but expected. I also have an exciting overseas holiday to Vietnam, which I am very much looking forward to, in April.

Whilst thinking about all this positive stuff for the new year I read Ali Edwards blog and started thinking about her concept of one word to give a direction and focus to life in 2009. I haven't settled on a word as yet, but am considering the following:

declutter: (not a very fancy word) everything about life.

organise: although I don't think I have too much trouble with that one.

release: I need to learn to let go and accept that I can't control every aspect of life. I also need to
let go of things I can't change.

simplfy: everything in life, especially work. There were times in 2008 when I just felt completely
overwhelmed by work, which impacted on all other areas of my life, especially the desire
to create.

create: to spend less time procrastinating and thinking about creating and actually do it. That
includes limiting my computer time.

I will make a decision in the next day or two, but funnily enough after putting my thoughts down here, I am definitely leaning towards one option.

Anyhow, it's late. So here's to a Happy New Year, good health and happiness.

Cheers.....................Leanne