Maria's blog

Sort of settling in...

2011-01-20T07:47:00.001+01:00

Well, we are in Africa.
Got our house, no furniture yet, they were first sent to Singapore (???), then back across the world to Kenya.
They are now going through the procedure of clearing, which is going to take a while especially since every thing that possible can go wrong is going wrong. First the system failed last Friday, this Monday the "machine" that moves the containers broke down and I bet when it is finally cleared and put on a train to Nairobi, the train will derail or something else will happen, to delay it even longer. Anyhow, I have resigned to the fact that it might take "awhile" and there is nothing we can do about it. It really makes you appreciate your things and belongings in a different way. Freya asks daily when her unicorn teddy will arrive...
Since we haven't got any belongings, except what was in our suite cases from our month in Sweden, we've had fantastic friends and family who have all chipped in and lend us bits and pieces so at least we can live in our house. The house is BIG and with only a small sofa set, a plastic garden table and chairs in the dining room, a mattress and few bits in each bed room you can imagine the echo... It is laud here! Kids love it, we don't!
Just to give you an idea of the size:

Kids have started school and seems to settle really well. Kian has grown so much and his speech is amazing. He asked me the other day "Mamma, where is Daddy?" Me: "He is in the office" Kian: "Why?" Me: "Cause he has to work" Kian: "Why?" Me: "So he can earn money" Kian (after a little while): "Wow, chocolate money!!!"

Well, luckily it isn't just chocolate money that you get here but the little gold coins, with chocolate, is Kian's weekend treat and he obviously thought that that was the whole point of Daddy working - Sweet!

Kenya is fantastic for the children, the climate is great for all year outdoor fun. Right now we are in "summer" with lovely +26C and sunshine.

Some pics from our weekends:

We've also been to see the giraffes and adopted another orphaned elephant.
Freya has started her ballet classes again and she is loving it just as much as in Oman. Now she goes one afternoon on Tuesdays and in school Thursday mornings - she's in heaven!

Well, I think this is all for now.

Hope you all have a great day!

So far so good...

2010-12-08T08:48:00.000+01:00

Long time, no "blogging"...
Well, we (me and the children) left Oman end of October. Got back home to Sweden in time to celebrate Freya's 4th birthday together with Bella, her cousin, who is only 4 days older. They had a fabulous day and got seriously spoiled with loads of presents and each a pink "princess"cake!

Going from +30C in Oman to -5C in Sweden was according to the children fantastic. They LOVED the snow and being able to be outside in the cold fresh air.

Who can blame them doesn't it look beautiful!

This is our cabine at home.

After a month at home without daddy we were all very happy to see him when he came to "pick" us up, only problem was the snow that made our trip a little longer than planned back to Kenya. It took us 4 days and 3 continents to arrive and Sean has still not seen the luggage he brought to Sweden...

Now we are here, we've been to see our new house, which is FAB! We are planning to move in next weekend. All we need is some mattresses, a table and chairs since our shippment from Oman still haven't arrived in Mombasa and when it does it still has to be cleared by costumes so any hope on seeing that any time soon are not high.

Children has started school (only 4 days left of the term) and Freya is loving it, whilst Kian is not quite sure yet, think things are finally catching up with him and he needs some time to take it all in.

Now, I'm off to try and sort out some curtains before we move in.

Have a great day!

Lensbaby, beach shoot and lots of pictures!

2010-10-24T16:59:00.000+02:00

I honestly have the best friends ever!!! As you all know we are moving to Kenya this months, actually this coming Friday! Well, me and the children will go home to Sweden first until we know the container with our furniture and things are on it's way to Kenya.
So, back to the best friends ever - guess what they gave me as a "going away present" (titel of the post sort of gives it away...) a LENSBABY!!!!!! I was in tears of joy and sadness for leaving such amazing friends but I know we'll stay in touch eventhough we are continents apart!
Needless to say I have done loads of playing trying to get to know my knew "baby"... wanna see? :)

all are not shot with my Lensbaby but the ones that are - aren't they great!? I just love the blurred effect with the tack sharp center! Still lots to learn but my is it fun!

Have a great day!

Wedding bells

2010-09-25T07:24:00.000+02:00

On Wednesday afternoon I had the honor of documenting this very special day for Clair and Oliver. They are the most amazing, sweet and beautiful couple and we had such a blast in the +35 degree heat and burning sun. All dripping of sweat but still so much love and happiness. I thought I'd share a few of their photos with you all.

I wish them both all the best and a very happy marriage! Can't wait to do it all over again in October!

Have a great day everyone!

Exciting times ahead!

2010-09-19T07:16:00.000+02:00

It seems as our time in Oman has come to an end after 8 fantastic years. Sean has got an amazing opertunity and promotion that will bring us back to Africa. We are sad to leave friends and our "home" but at the same time, happy and excited to go back to Sean's home and live with family and friends there. I'm in a house hunting mode and my brain is going crazy with interior decoration ideas - so much fun!

We've got until the 29th of October here and will have some visitors before we leave so we'll make the most of this beautiful country whilst we can.

The children will only have 6 more weeks of school here then they'll be off until January when they'll start their new school in Nairobi.

Since Freya has all morning off nowadays, school only starts at 11am, we have some time to play just her and I. Most of the time we are either Queen Mamma and Princess Freya, Ballerinas or Freya is practising for a few cold weeks in Sweden before actually arriving in Kenya.

All this fun playing is giving me some great photo oppertunities!

Have a great day everyone!

That was summer 2010...

2010-08-16T21:15:00.000+02:00

Why is it time always fly when you are having fun!? Can't believe the summer is already over!!! We have had the most wonderful 2 months at home in Sweden with soooo much fun and games! Weather was amazing, kids out doors all day, every day. Family around us and just soaking up the fun! Unfortunately everything has an end so now we are back "home" in Oman. One way it is nice to be "home" again, getting back in routines and stuff but it is always so sad saying goodbye to everyone! I have lived abroad for more than 10 years and I thought it was going to get easier the more and longer you did it but it's the opposite, especially now when we have the children!

Anyway, the good thing is that we left Sweden in rain, returned to Muscat and +34 and sunshine! Spent the morning in the pool and just relaxed.

I should be in bed right now but I've just been away from the internet so long I'm now trying to catch up with everything.

Here's a few photos from our summer:

Hope you all have had just as wonderful summer as we and hopefully some of you might still be enjoying yours!

Have a great day!

Another day, another bug...

2010-06-22T05:59:00.000+02:00

So, they are back, the bugs that is... Freya is vometing - again! Poor thing! Hope this won't last too long since we are flying home to Sweden tomorrow!

I have about a million things to do and as soon as I have crossed one thing of the list, I'll add another!

Still trying to become friends with my camera and we're not BFF yet but getting there :)

Ornamental Cherry Blossom, taken with my 50mm f1.4, love the bokeh in this!

Well, 'better get on with the day and try and get some things done!

Have a great day everyone!

Update and lots of photos!

2010-06-20T07:12:00.000+02:00

So, it's been a while - again! Sorry but life just seem to fly by these days and I don't seem to get half of what I set out to do done!

We've had a fantastic holiday in Kenya with one small issue - my 5D broke!!! I was devestated and so eager to fix it I gave it to a "Canon dealer" in Nairobi who made matters worse and brought me to tears! Luckely Sean's sister was coming out whilst we were there and very kindly brought a new 50D that I ordered on the web with her so I had at least 7 days with a camera.

The children had a blast! Loved being outside everyday, all the animals and ofcourse being spoiled by Granny and Grandad!

Just a few samples of the holiday pics:

Nairobi National Park:

We also went to the Giraff Manor and got to feed the giraffs

Freya adopted her own little orphan elephant, her name is Sities. We were able to go to the orphanage one evening to put the babies to sleep, Freya totally fell in love!

Thanks to Granny, Grandad and the Pellings for such a wonderful holiday!
Since we got back we've been cursed by bugs - ear, throat and tummy bugs but it appears they have finally given up and hopefully will stay far, far away for a looong time!

We took Freya on her first cinema experience last week, the last "Shrek" movie and she LOVED it eventhough both me and Sean thought it was quite scary at times, she wasn't face at all!

Since I got my new camera I've tried to play quite alot to get used to it, it is not a full frame like my 5D and there is a quality difference I never knew I would notice but having been spoiled with the 5D I guess it's hard to go back, though this 50D is going to be my "spare" (I know, how spoiled am I!!!?) after I've got the 5D fixed, I need to get used to it so I "forced" some friends of mine to play :)

Last minute Baby bump picures - Good luck Vicky, we'll be thinking of you all day tomorrow!

Here are some beach photos from friday morning - again "forced" my swedish friends here in Oman to play with me :)

Well, i wish I had some scrapping to add to this post as well but unfortunately with all the bugs and life in general I've really been the worst scrapper ever lately, BUT in 4 days time I'm flying home and Sis and I can scrap our hearts out together - YAY!!!

For news and updates regarding all the exciting things happening over at CatScrap please click HERE and you'll see all the fantastic new designs and pages our team has come up with!

Wish you all a great day and hopefully I'll be back soon (...ish)

New lens!

2010-05-17T17:40:00.000+02:00

I've wanted a fast lens for awhile and yesterday I got the opertunity to buy one second hand but just as new for a really good price, a Canon EF 100mm f2.0. Of course I had to have a play straight away and it did not disapoint.

Some samples:

This is my friends little boy Alex - he just loved posing for me!

Our Safi, nice and fluffy - don't you just love the DOF with a wide open f2.0!?

Have a great day everyone!

An oppertunity not to be missed!!!!

2010-05-06T18:19:00.000+02:00

CatScrap has a CT Call!!!!This doesn't happen often so make sure you try your luck, it might just be YOU we are looking for!

Have great day!

Time to party!!!

2010-04-30T08:01:00.000+02:00

It is iNSD (interNational Scrapbooking Day) this weekend!
You have to come over to CatScrap to see all the fun we've got planned

There's lots more to come so stay tuned :)

For Nanna...

2010-04-27T18:03:00.001+02:00

"Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy."

R.I.P
Cuddles from us all! xoxo

1 st prize

2010-04-26T19:25:00.000+02:00

for worst blogger...? Is there such a thing? Well, if there are I've probably got it.
The last months has just been crazy around here. So much happening and honestly...where does the time go??? I feel like I need 10 more hours per day, preferably 5 of those after childrens bedtime!

Well, where do I start?
February:

Kian turned 2 (wasn't he just born?) had a fantastic birthday party. I went the whole way and ordered in theme party bags and bits from the states and they had a blast! Construction was the theme except Freya's girly table, which was pink with butterflies (she was allowed to invite 2 of her best friends).

March: Has it already been?

April: Well, it started of with a BANG! Literally, I totalled my poor car! Luckely, my car was big (Jeep Grand Cherokee) so I escaped with a black and blue left arm and a stiff neck for a couple of weeks but otherwise ok.
Kids had easter holidays from Nursery and every day was booked with lots of fun and I was finished by the end of it but we had a fantastic time!
Freya swims totally on her own, age 3yrs and 4 months... not bad! She's like a fish and would spend every minute awake in the pool if we let her.

On top of this I've been hard at work with my web project and done a wedding shoot and have one coming up in June, if I'm lucky, in Zanzibar!

My digital scrapping has been put aside slightly to give way for life but I'm trying to keep up since that is what keeps me sane. I'm hosting a fun blog challenge over at Catscrap this week, come and join in!

Sadely I have stopped posting my 365 pictures on the 365 site since I got some weird comments. I'm still doing it, just not publicly.

So, I'm going to try to do better and be back real soon!

PS! If you think the blog looks a bit funny it's only me trying to do a blog makeover and hopefully it won't take 4 months...

Have a great day!

It's been a long time...

2010-01-09T08:05:00.000+01:00

Time flies when you're having fun they say...
Since my last post things has definately changed around here. New house, done my first proffessional photo shoot, lost my internet connection and being very busy in general.
Well, things are starting to calm done and getting back into "normal" routines again which hopefully means more computer time for me :)
I have also joined Project 365 and I'm determind to stick to it but it is early days so we'll see how far I get, it's good fun though!
You can follow me on 365 project if you like.

On a scrapping note,
Did you know that Therese Rydström is designing??? You have to check out her blog and get you some of her gorgeous designs!
Here's a page a did with her template and New year kit

Have a great day!

Delight - Charity collab

2009-10-28T14:07:00.000+01:00

This is a huge collab from a large team of amazing designers to remind you to enjoy life and your family.

Bouille's DH passed away suddenly a few weeks ago. He was not only a beloved husband, but also a cherished father for their 2 young children.
This kit is a tribute to him - happy, full of energy, smiley, fun and without limits.
This kit is full of love... play, have fun with it - get it here!

I had the opertunity to be part of this amazing, heartfelt "digi get-together"

It really put things into perspective....

I hope you all are having a great day!

Check this out!

2009-10-21T13:53:00.000+02:00

Liz, a k a, Paislee Press has released these FANTASTIC frames and if you're lucky you might just get them for free...

Here's what I did with them

Have a great day!

The new Catwalk is here!

2009-10-17T08:59:00.000+02:00

The autumn collection over at Catscrap is here and it is gorgeous!!! You have to check it out!
Creashens has also released this SUPER cute little kit called Bugga Boo - it will work for your Halloween pages but also for any other pages!

This is what I've done with them all

First out Creashens "Bugga Boo"

Creashens "Anne (with an E)"

Joyce Paul "Atumn Blend"

Vinnie Pearce "Changes"

Syrin's "Lingonberry preserve"

Lynne-Marie's "Kraftprints"

Have a great day and weekend!

New toy

2009-10-16T17:14:00.000+02:00

Sean gave me a present the other day (ok... I admit it was my birthday...) and my jaw almost hit the floor... a Canon EF Macro 180mm 3.5 L lens!!! I absolutely LOVE it!!! Though I don't have a tripod so my attempts of macro are a little hit and miss but - wow - the quality!!!!

Some samples...

Have a great day!

My brain - an organised(?) mess!

2009-10-12T13:00:00.000+02:00

I got sent this image on the mail the other day and it is exactly how my brain feel!!! I've got so many things going on!!!

Then I have days like today when all these "balls" just seem to lead no-where!!!! I'm trying to get things done and still nothing happens!!! My list is still just as long and getting longer by the minute!!!

(According to the same email, Men only have two balls and they consume all their thoughts... hmm.....)

Have a great day!

Coming soon.... Don't miss it!

2009-10-11T12:38:00.000+02:00

Beautiful Eastbourn

2009-10-08T20:01:00.000+02:00

There is some amazing things happening in the designer world at the moment and one absolutely stunning new kit has just got on the market and it is a Collab between Paislee Press and Kathryn Wilson over @ Oscraps. The kit is called "Eastbourn" you have to check it out!

Here's a couple of pages I made with it

Have a great day!

Create "outside the lines"!

2009-09-27T06:51:00.000+02:00

TaylorMade Designs and Ashalee Wall has come up with this GORGEOUS collab kit "outside the lines" - check it out over at Oscraps and they've also got a pack of QP's that you get for free if you buy the kit!!!
Have a great day!

Embrace

2009-09-27T06:45:00.000+02:00

This fantastic kit "Embrace" is a collaboration between Fei-fei's stuff and Paislee Press Designs and it is a dream to work with.

Here's 2 pages I made with it

Have a great day!

They're up!

2009-09-17T09:16:00.001+02:00

Ok, so the famous (or is it "infamous") curtains are up and some other bits and pieces as well... I'm very pleased with the curtains, never sewn anything so well before. I admit they are not "fancy" in any way but fancy isn't really my style.

Did some tweeking on Kian's room as well.So, yes I like IKEA but who doesn't!?

Will be back with more photos ones the "house" is done

Have a great day!

Don't miss this!

2009-09-15T11:08:00.001+02:00

You can not miss this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's a "must have"!
Keep an eye out over at Oscraps and Shaui and Liz blogs for some fun!!!!

Sweetness

2009-09-10T19:13:00.000+02:00

Creashens has released this GORGEOUS new kit today "Sweetness" at the Digichick, which she's guesting for the month of September.

Here's a page I made with it

Have a great day!

I've got a new project ...

2009-09-06T15:39:00.000+02:00

You all know how much my daughter loves girly things, especially princesses and ballerinas. Well, Freya has moved out of her cot and is a "Big" girl now (her words) she "needs" (her words) a "princess bed"...
We had a look on the net and found several but she fell in love with this one from Matrix - note the price! Ok, so I'm NOT spending $1200 on a theme bed that she might like for a year or two! Plan B... make one my self!

Found this similar design bed frame at IKEA, no slide but that's a bonus since she wouldn't do much sleeping if there were = $350!!!

A tin of white paint, a roller and a few hours later...voila!
She LOVES it!!! I've spent most of today laying down underneith together with all her toys, being tucked in by my daughter over and over again whilst she's been "sleeping" on top!Last night when we first showed it to her and she climbed in for the first time, her exact words were "Mamma, Daddy - I LOVE IT!!! Thank you so much!!! I love you!" - How sweet is that!

I was worried about the hight and her climbing in and out, but the little monkey she is, that's not a problem at all!

Now I can start measuring and get sewing on the "house" underneith. I've got all the materials and even some new fabric to make new curtains for the room as well.

The light pink linnen = curtain fabric

Purpely pink = is for the "house"

Yellow, green, small and large flowers for "house" curtains, pillows and other bits...

I think I better get started!

I'll show you the result when it is all done!

Have a great day!

The summer is coming to an end...

2009-08-31T12:00:00.000+02:00

Can you believe it is already September tomorrow!!! OMG!!! Where did the time go??? We have had such a busy and wonderful summer.

First with our holiday back home in Sweden and then my brother and his girlfriend came to visit us here for 3 weeks, only left us Thursday last week. Now we are trying to get back to "normal" again but got news from the nursery that they have postponed the start until the end of September due to the new influenza... Poor kids are going to go mad and me too!!!

So to keep them busy I enrolled Freya for some "ballet"classes since she literally lives in her ballerina outfit and today was the first class - needless to say she LOVED it! She tippy toed all over the place, did pirouettes, splits and skips, stopped, shouted BRAVO at her self and bowed!!! *LOL*

She was the entertainment of the hour! One of the other little girls sat down besides me and said "she is sooo cute"! Where do they get everything from!?

A little side story of funny things that's been said - Yesterday, Freya did something she shouldn't and I told her off, she then sat down with her arms crossed over her chest and said "Mamma, I don't know!" I answered "what don't you know?" She "If I like you anymore!" Me "Ah, don't say that then I'll get sad" She stands up comes over to me and put her hand on my shoulder "Ah, Mamma, don't worry I'll find you a new home"!!!!!!!!!
Anyway... thought I'll post some pictures for a change so here's some from Oman

First out - Kian trying on Freya's sunglasses... no comments!

Freya trying out her snorkeling kit...

This is the view from our roof topWhilst my brother was here we did some sightseeing...

A typical view
Here we are in one the many great wadis, this is the entrance and you trek for about an hour up in the wadi where you finally jump in a pool and then swim and walk for another 15 min to come to a rock wall with a "key hole", depending on how high the water level is you either swim under or squeeze through it into a cave with a waterfall.... GORGEOUS!

Note 2 small figures on the edge of the cliff... me and my brothers girlfriend!
Trekking ... midday,+ 40 degrees C....
The pools

Me in action
A beach with a stranded turtle

Another beach

a local

The zink hole... a natural phenomena with tunnels up into the mountains and the sea. The water is brackish and stunning. Stopped for a swim
Sunrise in Oman
Beautiful country isn't it!?

Think this has to do for this time... will be back soon!

Have a great day!

I'm back...

2009-08-15T19:54:00.000+02:00

It's been a long, gorgeous holiday and now we are back in the real world, playing catch up! I didn't know so much could happen in one month!!!
Designers and shoppes have been hard at work and there is so many goodies to play with that I hardly know where to begin!!!
Anyway, just a small "Hello" and I'll be back with some pages and photos soon!

Have a great day!

Still alive...

2009-07-19T14:17:00.000+02:00

and on holiday!!! Yay!

We arrived here in Sweden last weekend and we've had a fab week.

Catching up with family and friends. The children is loving being outside in the garden all day. Unfortunately the mobile Internet connection we've got in our cabin is extremely slow and just enough for checking emails not much else.

Annika managed to sort her Internet so whenever I've get a chance I use hers.

Here are some pictures from our first week.

Cousins out on a walk.

Freya tasting red currant from the bushesThe playground in the gardenKian playing with his digger

Hope you all are having a great summer too!

Have a great day!

Exciting news!

2009-07-02T14:18:00.000+02:00

I know I said I would tell you all my news on wednesday... well, I've been in bed since with high fever, sore throat and generally feeling..blaaaaah!!!! I'm still in bed but couldn't stay away from the computer so my dear husband has set it all up in here.

Scrap addict..me...never!!! ;)

Anyway, my big news is I've been invited to guest Catscrap for July/August! YAY!

I'm absolutely thrilled about this and so excited to get scrapping if only this fever would give in allready!

Here are some pages I managed to put together before I was bedridden

I've used Lynne-Marie's new fantastic kit "White linen", Creashens "Yours", Vinnie Pearce "My sister", Madam Mim "Fish in the sea" from Catscrap and Dido Designs template pack IV and her "Playful wordart" from A5D.

I'm back to my blanket and pillow now so I'll see you later...

Have a great day!

Some pictures...

2009-06-29T06:49:00.000+02:00

I've been playing with my new camera and it is such a totally different ball game to my old Sony DSC-5H, which is a long zoom automatic and by all means take great pictures but not like my Canon 5D! :) The most difficult thing with the Canon is me having to think more *lol* that is hard!!! Also, I'm taking about 100 pictures and if I'm lucky 5 is in focus (pictures of the kids - MOVING!!!) but when I get it right it is worth it! I'm still very lost when it comes to the different settings and tend to go for automatic a lot but feel it is such a shame so I need to work on experimenting more! Any good advise - PLEASE send them my way! Here's a few pics I've managed to get fairly ok ... I've used Christian O'Dell's Lightroom Presets Pack 2, available at Catscrap, to edit them and I've fallen in love with this particular one "Ansel".
This is Freya with her fairy wings, she loves them!!! She's a real girly girl at the moment it is all fairies, princesses and ballerinas.

We had the big pool out over the weekend but all they wanted was this IKEA storage box filled with water and they played in it, TOGETHER, all morning!
Managed to catch Kian in the Kitchen with the sun shining through the blinds creating the shadow lines.

Kian with milk all over his mouth!

Kian in a moment of day dreaming, he looks so grown up!

I couldn't resist this shot of him standing by the windows. You can see how badly he wants to get back out there, it was just too hot, +45C!

His little toes and fingers

It is now exactly 10 days until we fly home for the holidays!!! YAY!!! Can't wait! The kids are going to love being able to be outside playing all day!

PS! Got some very exciting news but can't share anything until Wednesday...

Have a great day!

Summer

2009-06-24T06:03:00.000+02:00

There's a new fun challenge over at the blog at Catscrap, it's called ScrapMash.
It's all about your birthday and what numbers you kan get out of it and each number represent a sertain color, element, titel work and theme...
Mine came to "A summer page, color = Orange, element = Button and One word titel.

Here's my page

I also managed to get a GSO for it, YAY! Thank you, Sandra!

Have a great day!

The most beautiful memories

2009-06-22T20:55:00.000+02:00

I just came across this very moving and STUNNING work of art.
Grab a tissuebox and look at this.
Thank you, Ang for charing it on your blog!

I'm lost for words......

Full Bloom

2009-06-22T19:04:00.000+02:00

is Fei-fei's stuff gorgeous new kit coming soon to Oscraps! She's also got two quick pages and a new template as well!

Here's my pages with the kit

This is with the new template "Some stuff Template no.7" - slightly altered

This is my first QP ever

Have a great day!

"Yours"

2009-06-20T13:27:00.000+02:00

... is the name of Shen's (Creashens) new kit, it is absolutely AMAZING! She's also made a new pack of "Pretty Crafty" that compliments the kit. Check it all out here over at Catscrap!

Here's a few of my pages, it is just perfect for my wedding album!

As you know I'm not very good at adding elements and patterned papers but this kit is just crying out to be used so I had to give it a go....

Have a great day!

New kit from Leiko Beck Designs!

2009-06-20T06:18:00.000+02:00

Leiko Becks designs new great kit is called "The birdhouse".
Leiko will be debuting this kit as well as her Artists' Block No.2 on Sunday over at Oscraps. There will be a random drawing on her blog. 1 person will win the kit and one person will win the template. It will run from Sunday, June 21st - June 27.

Here is a page that I made with the kit

Journaling is about Freya and her desire to do everything her self at the moment! Click on the image for full credits.

Have a Great day and weekend!

Where does time go!?

2009-06-17T13:17:00.000+02:00

Can't believe it is Wednesday already!!!
Sean is back from his "Boys holiday" to France and the 24 hour LeMans race, yay!!! I have been so busy with the children I have hardly looked at the computer except for some late night scrapping. (To the single mothers out there - you deserve some kind of Nobel price!!!! Hats of to you all!!!)
The boys had a great time and Sean got to see McDreamy "live" (Patrick Dempsey from Grey's Anatomy)!!!!! Even managed to get him on a photo - well so he thought but it was only the car and a photo of him!!! He did see him and apparently he was racing for charity, children...aaahhh...makes him even cuter doesn't it just!!!

As you can see Sean was more interested in the car than the driver...

As I said earlier even though I've been flat out I've managed to squeeze in some scrapping at night after putting the kids to bed and got a couple of GSO's @ DST for them and a BOB mentioning as well over at Catscrap!! Yay! Always nice to be recognised!

Click on images for full credits

The last one is for the Doodle challenge over at Catscrap, head on over and join in! Such good fun!!!

Have a great day!

More goodies from Dido designs!

2009-06-11T19:20:00.000+02:00

Diana, Dido designs, has a new FAB pack of templates for you over at AfterFiveDesigns, make sure you pop over and grab one!

Here is the AAM page I made for her CT presentation using one of the new templates

Journaling is another great poem I found on the net, it reads

I AM not yours I AM not His or Hers I AM not the color of my skin or the house I live in I AM not the books I've read or the people I've led I AM not my resume or the person I was yesterday I AM not the clothes I've worn or the person you mourn I AM not the choices I made or the check I got paid I AM not my first or last name or someone for you to blame I AM not the school I attended or the fences I've mended I AM not a punching bag or someone for you to gag I AM not the world's martyr or something to barter I AM a human BEING I exist, therefore I AM. -Nandi Baldwin-

Have a great day!

GSO!!!

2009-06-08T18:39:00.000+02:00

Yay! I made it to GSO with my page A Child!!! (Featured below in my earlier post)
It has made my day!

Responsabilities

2009-06-08T07:12:00.000+02:00

I found this stunning poem whilst browsing the net last night and I just had to scrap it. (click on image for full credits)

"I am a child, All the world waits for my coming All the earth watches with interest To see what I shall become. The future hangs in the balance, For what I am The world of tomorrow will be. I am a child, I have come into your world about which I know nothing. Why I came I know not. How I came I know not. I am curious I am interested. I am a child, You hold in your hand my destiny. You determine, largely, whether I shall succeed or fail. Give me, I pray you, Those things that make for happiness. Train me, I beg you, That I may be a blessing to the world"-This statement, written in Chinese and English, appears at the entrance to the Guideposts Kindergarten in Hong Kong-

Therese also have a post on the subject over at her blog with a stunning layout of her daughter!

Have a nice day!

GSO @ DST

2009-06-06T13:06:00.000+02:00

Yay! Made my day!

One of my favorite photos of Sean and Kian

Credits to Creashens "Masks. no.1" and Paislee Press "Northshore"

Have a nice day!

Squeeze and Feel the line pack III!

2009-06-06T11:13:00.001+02:00

Creashens have got a new fab kit in stores today, be sure to check it out over at Catscrap or 2LP! Here's two pages I've made with it

Diana, Dido design, has also got a new FAB pack of templates for you over at After5Designs

Have a great weekend!

To Helen - with love!

2009-06-01T20:09:00.000+02:00

To fully appreciate this page you have to check THIS thread over at Catscrap!!!All credits to Ida designs "Urban Madness" except for the car - Helen Hancock designs "Vital element"

I managed to make another page as well and I'm sorry, Helen, but the car just didn't go with the color scheme! ;)

You all have a great day!

Diana, aka "Dido Designs", is on a roll!

2009-06-01T06:53:00.000+02:00

My friend Diana released her first designs last Thursday at After5Designs. Her first packs of her signature curve templates! You have to visit her shop !!! And she's hard at work producing more goodies for this week! Here is some of my takes on her first templates...
"Life is not about finding yourself, but about creating yourself - who do you want to be?" -George Bernard Shaw-

(For full credits click on the images)

Have a nice day!

New Camera and lots of pictures!!!

2009-05-31T06:25:00.000+02:00

Santa has arrived!!!

Sean got this AMAZING deal from one of his colleagues who is a real photography enthusiast and he had a spare Full frame Canon 5D (as you do!!!???) which he'd only taken about 1000 frames with, power grip and two batteries, a 24-105 L IS lens, flash gun model EX580, 8 Gb Sandisk Compact Flash card, Arctic Butterfly sensor cleaner, Lowepro Pro Mag 2 camera bag everything in the state of brand new and hardly used at all.

He was due to arrive last night 11pm and yesterday morning I told Freya that Daddy will be here tomorrow morning - she was sooo excited!!! As it turns out he arrived yesterday lunch time!!! As I'm picking up Freya from nursery I asked her "who do you think will come home after lunch?" Her answer was "YAY!!!! Santa is coming!!!!!!" *lol* Oh so right she was - for me it was Santa with a BIG "S"!!!

The camera with everything else is AMAZING!!! Not as big and "clumsy" as I had imagine. Perfect feel to it in the hand and solid! Seans colleague had said that if I didn't like it and rather wanted the brand new 450D that Sean had planned on buying(I had no idea of that either) no hard feelings, I could return it anytime...somehow don't think I will....

It will definitely take me some time to get use to and even longer to understand but I love it!!!

Here's my first shots from yesterday on Auto mode, no flash and this is how it turned out...

Freya loves her beading's

Kian just loves his diggers, trucks and lorries...

Here's some of our dining and living room... I've tried to take pictures of them before to show the family but never managed to get the lighting right...this is sooo much better!
Had to have one of the dogs as well... this is Tabu
Here's some from the garden and Freya had to use her camera just like me...
Not too bad for the first shots right!?

There is sooo much to learn, so many settings... I've really been dropped in the deep end with this one but only way out is to learn how to swim and I'm always up for a challenge - I'm keeping it!!!

On a different note...

HAPPY MOTHER"S DAY all Swedish mothers!!! Hope you all will have a great relaxing Sunday!!!

Grattis pa Mors dag mamma!!! Älskar dig! Vi ses snart!

Have a nice day everyone!

It's Christmas!!!!

2009-05-26T18:29:00.000+02:00

...well obviously not - but it sure does feel like it!!!
On Sunday the 31st of May it's the Swedish Mother's day. Sean is away this week on a bussiness trip, as I've mention before, he'll be back late Saturday night and he's kept on saying he'll do something special for me... I thought maybe flowers, dinner...you know...not in my wildest dreams could I've thought he would do this - He's got me a Canon 5D with a 24-105 F4 L IS lens!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I've been looking at buying a new camera for an while but this is just... wow!
I got a sms this pm saying "Happy early Mother's day honey, the children has asked me to get "this" for you since you are such a great mother and deserves only the best - Lots of love Freya and Kian" WOW!!!!! Needless to say I burst into tears and as it happend I was in Costa coffeshop ("luckely" I've got the cold from the children so I blamed the snotty nose and tears on that!) I don't even know if I will know how to use it and it will probably take me quite some time to get use to it...but...OMG!
Anyone who's got one and can give me some advise!?
Have I got the best husband or what!!! LY, honey!!!

On a scrapping note, I've finished another page for the album... me and Sean leaving the church as husband and wife, the number plate on the car says "Newly wed" in Swedish. (for full credits click on the image)

Have a nice day!

Flu and wedding album!!!???

2009-05-25T07:13:00.000+02:00

Well, Freya did not come down with chickenpox but instead a good old fashion flu!!! Yesterday was her first day back at nursery and she's now back to normal whilst Kian is down for count and I'm getting there, the cough and sore throat started this morning... Needless to say I haven't got much done this week and will probably not for the next 5 days either and on top of this Sean is going away tonight for a business trip and won't be back until Saturday night! I'm going shopping this pm so if it hits me as bad as the kids then at least we've got everything we need at home!

We knew Freya was getting better when she came through with Sean's helmet on her head and trying on his boots so she could go on the bike...This is how Kian spent his days since Wednesday, in a beanbag, with his dummy (which he normally only have at bed time) watching Baby Einstein... poor boy doesn't know what hit him and can't communicate enough to tell us how he feels!

On a happier note I won Paislee Press designs latest Presslines no.13 Wedding (YAY!) in a blog contest and it really inspired me to do something with our wedding photos... it is 6 years since we got married this summer!!! Can't believe it!!! It feels like yesterday!

Here are some pages from the coming album (click on the images for full credits)

Last but not least.... HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIS!!!!! Annika turn 35, my "little sister"!!!!!! HIP HIP HURRAY!!!!! Hope you had a great day, I sooo wish we could have been there but I promise to make it up to you when we get home!!! LY!

Have a nice day everyone!

Full tilt is here!!!

2009-05-19T07:43:00.000+02:00

It's finally time for Fei-fei's stuff to be in the spotlight over at Oscraps! Fantastic freebies and a super challenge! Make sure you get over there and have a go!

Here's my "Full tilt"

"Life is not about how many breaths you take, but how many moments that takes your breath away"

"Bubbles float high, bubbles float low, bubbles filled with love wherever they go So reach out and grab one - it's my love to you"

Have a nice day!

Chickenpox!!!???

2009-05-18T17:56:00.000+02:00

My poor little Freya! She's very rarely poorly except for the monthly nursery "cold bug" but she has come down with something that has totally knocked her out. It actually started yesterday pm with her telling me she didn't feel well but seemed otherwise ok. When she woke this morning she was really hot and didn't want to get out of my bed after our "morning coffee". Temperature 38.9 C... poor thing! She kept saying her skin hurt so I'm thinking she's got the fever pains as well... Now, 14 days ago we were told of 2 cases of chickenpox in her nursery...hmmm... guess we'll know tomorrow! Freya and I spent the day on the sofa, her tucked in under her duvet and me in front of my computer, she's slept most of the day and went to bed with 39 degrees C and some paracetamol. On a scrapping note,

TaylorMade Designs are in the Spotlight over at Catscrap this week make sure you don't miss it!!! Lots of goodies and fun! Here's a couple of pages I made (for full credits click on the images)

I found this poem on the net whilst browsing for bits and pieces...I LOVE it!

"I am a woman of many talents, the guardian of my children. I have the strength of my God, to lead me through whatever Life has in store for me. I shall look ahead, rather than be pulled back to the past sorrows or mistakes, for only by moving forward can I begin anew. I will love myself, I will sleep peaceful, knowing I have done my best, and no longer burden myself with thoughts of unworthiness, or worry about what other people think ... all that matters is my family and I am all ME"

Slightly altered from the original but so current for me right now!

Have a nice day!

A weekend of "firsts"

2009-05-17T07:07:00.000+02:00

We've had a nice quiet weekend at home with the children. Started of with a Thursday morning and lunch out for Sean and me.
Before we left the house that morning we had the first of the "firsts" - Freya asked to go on the potty (which she has done several times before but never done anything) and she actually had a small weewee! She was so proud of her self and so was I! My little girl is growing up fast!!! Because she was so good I promised her I'd buy her some panties when I was going out and another potty so we had one up and one down stairs, she wanted a pink one (of course!) and yellow, blue and purple panties (???) I then told her we would have to get Kian something and what did she think he would like. "Mamma, Kian want a car!" Ok, so I'll buy Kian a small car... "No, Mamma, Kian want a 'BIGGI' car! *lol* Ok, I'll get him a "biggi" car."

Well, here is the results...

Not sure Freya really meant this big but he loves it!!! Since Freya got her trike a few weekends ago he's wanted to get on it and play all the time and of course Freya won't let him so now he has his own vehicle and the best part is the little lid in the front and to be able to put "stuff" inside it. He's studied the "mechanics" of the car into every little detail.
Well, now to the second "first" that happened.

Freya and Kian played TOGETHER properly for the first time!!!!!! Sean and I was in the kitchen making lunch and for about 40 min all we heard was laughter and play from the living room! Not once was there a cry, screaming or any fighting!!! AMAZING! And they had such a good time! Freya was running around pushing Kian in his new car and then they played hide and seek, or at least a version of hide and seek, the laughter came from the heart straight into ours!!! It was one of those "Moments"! They had so much fun Freya forgot about the potty and only wearing panties, but who cares!After a great day indoors due to the heat we took them for a walk when it cooled down a bit and Kian went in his car whilst Freya peddled the whole way on her trike even if she stopped for a break now and then and it took us an hour but they loved it!

The third "first" is that we've just discovered that Kian has his very own little sign language and we haven't noticed it before this weekend! He is so clever! If he has a dirty nappy, he makes a sound and pulls his T-shirt which means "change, please", when he's tired he walks up to one of us and start waving to the other... I'm sure there is more but we've just started to understand him! I guess he's been thinking "Hey, guys, just because Freya can talk and I can't yet doesn't mean I don't want things too"

So now to the last "first" - not sure this is a good one...

Freya figured out how to climb out of her cot and at 05.30 this morning there was a small knock on our bedroom door and a "Monin, Mamma awake!? I come out of bed myself and open door!!!" as she runs into our bed!

Hope you all have a nice day!

Believe it or not...

2009-05-14T09:11:00.000+02:00

"Revive" is the latest creation from Amanda, TaylorMade designs, and she's created it for the June issue of Flourish at My Scrapbook Art. If you sign up before 1 June you get it for FREE!!!!

Search ...and you will find

2009-05-10T12:01:00.000+02:00

There's a little blog challenge over at Catscrap "Search" which ends Tuesday the 12th so make sure you get over there and play along! The challenge is to open your catscrap folder and search for 5 different things -Something White, a Clipping mask, Flowers, Glitter/Sequins and do some Journaling - easy right!? Well, the great thing was I found all these little goodies hiding in my stack of kits! I "found" things I didn't know I had!

This is my take on it, I just LOVE that bg paper and flower stamp and I didn't even know I had it!!! Click on the image for full credits:

The new me!

2009-05-09T06:44:00.000+02:00

Well it was all I thought it would be and some, but lets start from Tuesday pm...

I suddenly realised - this is it, this is really going to be Goodbye old me!!! It was quite emotional in a weird kind of way...like if I had walked around thinking that one of these days it will all be "back to normal" but my "normal" is not the same anymore and that just hit me.

I had a moment and shed some tears on my own in the car before thinking "pull your self together woman" I know there worse things "out there", but this was on a very personal level and something that obviously has bothered me more than I thought it had. That same evening I made my self a nice bath and just stayed in it for ages, candles, bath salts, bubbles... you name it! I also tried to do a little pedicure my self...can't come to the therapist with rough feet now, could I (even though I'm paying a fortune for her to do just that - silly me!) I was ready for my "BIG" day!

Wednesday, What a day! It was just as good as I hoped it to be if not better!

Started off in the morning with Freya running in to our bedroom, I was still in bed with the duvet not quite covering me. Freya pulls the elastics on my underwear, poke my bottom and says "Mamma, Good morning! Niiiice bootum (=bottom)" LOL! God, I love the little phrases she comes up with!

We all had a nice breakfast together, I was ready to go by 9.30 when Freya comes up to me and says she's going to Spa too "come on, Mamma, le't's go!" I explained that this was Mamma's day she then asked "Mamma coming back?" "Of course I do honey, Mamma always comes back!" She then hugs my leg and says "Ahhh, Mamma, I love you BIG BIG much!!!"

Am I the luckiest person in the world or what!? I felt like I've just won the lottery!

I arrive at the Spa at 9.45 and the atmosphere grabs you straight away, it's like you walk into another world of peace and relaxation. It smells of flowers, fresh and sweet but not overpowering. There is music, calm and soothing.

I'm led into a room and shown my own wardrobe with everything I need, sarong, disposable underwear(!?), slippers, robe, a little box for my jewelry... my own bathroom, the details they've put into this is amazing.

The therapist tells me to knock on the door when I'm ready so I can change in private. I've brought our little happy snappy camera since I didn't really want to carry around the big one so before I change I take some shots of the room.
I change into my sarong and disposable G-string(!!!) knock the door and the therapist comes back. Tells me to sit down in the rattan armchair for my foot rinse... My feet are placed in a wooden bowl with warm water and flowers, they are being scrubbed and then massaged.

Then I'm told to lay down on the table which is more like a luxury bed, place my face in the round bit in the front, on the floor underneath there's a bowl with black sand and flowers so you have something nice to look at whilst she massage you. Well, I didn't look at it very long, I just closed my eyes and relaxed. The massage was done with long, firm strokes and special pressure points that hurt in a strange good way!? She used hot oil that when first placed on the skin made you go, ahh...that hur...actually that's GOOD!
1 hour and 20 min later I'm in a different world and the massage is over and she starts the facial, just as nice with all the creams and masks you can imagine!

3 hours after I arrived I emerged as a new woman!

I then had a nice lunch with Sean and a walk through the gardens before I continued for my appointment at the hair salon.

I didn't plan on having any coloring or real cutting done just a wash and blow dry...well, 2 kind of highlights, cut with long layers, manicure, pedicure and ANOTHER scalp and neck massage(!!!on the house since it was a special day...ahhh!!! Thanks guys!)

2.5 hours later - I AM a new woman!
The best of all is when I arrive home and Freya saw me she came running but stopped just in front of me and said "Mamma pretty! I like it" LOL!

Had a nice couple of hours with the children before bedtime and when they where down, Sean and i finished of the evening with a laugh at the Craic Attack, stand up comedians.

What better way of saying goodbye and welcome than with a laugh!?

Through out the day I was thinking of why this has been so hard on me and the conclusion is ...I don't know! BUT I have nothing to grieve, I have gained 2 beautiful children, a whole lot of love that never can be replaced with anything. Sure, I've gained a few kg as well but the only way of fixing that is to deal with it and do something about it and I'm the only one who can do that and I will!

So there you go. I had a fantastic day and I am feeling great!

Have a nice day and weekend!

The first day of my "new" life... the "Grand plan"

2009-05-04T15:31:00.001+02:00

...starts on Wednesday morning and goes on all day!

Well, I thought of having a little fire in the garden, dance (sort of skipping) around it burning my old clothes that no longer fit and other "old me"related items but then my husband suggested a day to my self with Spa treatments, manicure, pedicure, facial, massage, having my hair done and a romantic lunch for 2 and in the evening go to see the "Craic Attack" (Standup comedians),...hmm... hard choice!

So, I've been checking out the Spas here in Muscat and I've choosen the Chedi Spa (click on the Chedi hotel Muscat, Oman) not too bad eh!?

The "treatment" I'm going to have is called "INDULGENT ORIENTAL RITUAL - *INDIA*" it includes "Aromatherapy Foot Polish (?), Ayurvedic Abhyanga Massage (?!!!), Sundari Ayurvedic Inspired Facial (???!!!)" - Will tell you what all that means and feels like on Thursday.... It takes 3 hours!

Then I'm having lunch with Sean at the same hotel,

to later move on the "Muscat Beauty Salon" for a hair and nail appointment! Am I being spoilt or what!!!

Later same night we are going out for a laugh at the "Craic attack" which is standup comedians from all over the world that comes to Oman once a month - what better way of ending my special day than with a good laugh!

My camera is coming with me so you'll get all the details!

I think this "will do" as a "Goodbye old me, Hello new me" ritual, don't you? ;-)
Needless to say I'm SUPER excited! I've never done anything like this and I'm just going to relax and go with the flow!
I can't wait!!!

Have a nice day!

Rock my world!

2009-05-04T06:55:00.001+02:00

This is the man who rocks my world!
Sean loves his bikes and riding off road more than anything else! Since we've had the children and moved back to Oman unfortunately he hasn't done as much of it as he would have liked to, only because he feels he has too little time off work to spend with the family so he doesn't want to give that up to do what he loves.
Honey, you are the best and me and the children appreciate it so much! You rock!!! LY!

Bumps and bikes!

2009-05-02T20:01:00.000+02:00

My poor little boy! Kian has had more bumps and bruises in the last 6 months than Freya has had in 2,5 years!!! Honestly! He is a real boys boy! Last one was done today and resulted in a bump on his forehead size of an egg!On top of this he also got a snotty nose, sore throat and a cough! Nothing that seems to bother him too much though! And he's said his first "real" word! Guess what - it was Mamma!!!! Yay! And not just the usual "mamama" no it was straight at me as he reached out with his little arms! "Mamma"! That melts a mothers heart!

Freya has learned how to pedal her trike! She is soooo proud! She loves that bike and if anyone tries to touch it....ooohweee! Don't know who she's inherited that temper from...can't be me! ;-) She pedals faaaast and just got hang of the steering though she sometimes ends up in a wall or running someone over... mainly Kian...hmmm, might be on purpose! She would take the bike to bed if we'd let her!

My plan for the "Goodbye old me" and "Hello new me" is almost complete just a few more bits and pieces than I'll tell you all about it!

Have a nice day!

Awakening and Sprung!

2009-05-02T12:51:00.000+02:00

It's all happening this weekend (well, it's not weekend for me anymore, it's actually my "Monday", anyway...)!!!

Amanda, TaylorMade Designs, is as I've said before, guesting Catscrap during May and she's made a collab kit with Ida Designs and Scarletheels, it's called "Awakening" it will be in the shop within the next few hours. Here's my page

It is such a fun kit, an absolute "Must have"!

AND - Creashens has released this totally fresh and stunning kit called "Sprung" available at The Daily Digi, make sure you check it out! Here's my pages

Isn't it beautiful with it's fresh colors and elements!?

Have fun shopping!

"Friends" award, Green and a GSO!

2009-05-01T12:23:00.000+02:00

What a day so far!

Creashen has released a FAB collab together with Joana designs over at Catscrap, check it out here "Green". Here's a page with it.

I've also got a "Friends" award from Helen! It has made my day! Thank you so much!

The award is for “blogs that are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more.” So sweet of her to think of me!

I would like to give it to Nichole, Therese, Diana, Christelle, Som, Tracy, Leah, Ann! Girls, you are all FAB!

On top of all this I've got another GSO!!!

I actually posted this in the galleries a while ago when Freya and i was in Sweden on holiday and I was missing Kian. I just love this photo of him and the quote is from a movie I saw at home at the same time "The wedding date" one of those "feel good movies" - I love them! There is enough "bad" things in real life why spend time watching more of it on the tv/movies!

Mamma, Happy Birthday to you... happy birthday to you!!! "Elkar dej" som Freya sager!!!

Have a nice day!

Lesson learned...

2009-04-30T18:35:00.000+02:00

A couple of days ago I read a great post over at Nichole's blog where she wrote about her children whining, my pet hate!!! Nothing annoys me more and she said she had always told her children to take a deep breath and then they would feel better... Great idea, I thought! Have to try it!

So, day after and Freya goes off on something and starts whining, aha! My plan can be put into action - "Freya, calm down, take a deep breath and you'll feel better"...ok... she looks at me very sceptical first but does it - Wow! It worked! Yay! Nichole, I love you!!!

A couple of hours later and the dogs keeps eating the poor cat's food so I tell them off in a slightly annoyed voice... well what I didn't know was that Freya was standing right behind me and she pulls my trousers and says "Mamma, deep breaze (=breath) - better!?" LOL

Lesson learned - Live as you preach and walk the talk!

Well, it's "weekend" here again - honestly, where does time go!? Unfortunately little ones have caught a bug (might be the one I had last week...). Both coughing and very blocked up but they don't seem too bothered - full action as usual!

Freya had a birthday "party" to go to yesterday. She was soooo excited and had to wear a necklace and have a handbag just like Mamma...

She was ready to paaartey!!!

Actually it was only her and the birthday girl, who turned 3, and they had a fab time! We went to the Ceramique Cafe to do some "art". The girls LOVED it!!!

It said that you should only do two layers of paint not to have it crack after burning...well, hmm... try and tell a 2 and 3 year old that!

Freya's plate with colors got all mixed up fairly quickly...will be interesting to see what bunny looks like when it's been in the Owen!

This was my plate... I bet you, her bunny is going to turn out fab and my coffee mug rather boring...

After all the artsy activities we had to have cake and the birthday girl is totally into dinosaurs at the moment so she had wished for a green dinosaur cake........isn't it Awesome! It was super yummy too!!! We had a GREAT day - Thank you, Jo and Isla!

On a scrapping note....

There is some super exciting things going on over at Catscrap, TaylorMade Designs are guesting for the whole of May!!! There will be loads of fun and she's made a FAB new kit for the occation "Composure" make sure you stop by and check it out!

Here's two of my pages

I know, isn't this kit just FABULOUS!!!!???

Have a nice day!

Soaking in life...

2009-04-28T09:26:00.000+02:00

I was going through my pictures this morning and found this photo of Freya from last month on the beach and I really wanted to scrap it. I love how she's just walking, totally carefree and enjoying life. I needed some inspiration for the page and looked in my Favorites folder and found this stunningly adorable page by Pixiedust called Princess, here's my version!

Santa cruz

2009-04-27T19:05:00.000+02:00

...is the name of Creashens beachy new fab kit and I meant to post this several days ago but time just seem to disappear! Here's a page I did with it

Cheeky boys and funny girls!

2009-04-27T07:19:00.000+02:00

One of my favorite times of the day is the mornings, the kids comes into our bed and we have our "coffee" in bed, me and Sean have the coffee and the children a bottle of milk each. We sit there tucked up together against the headboard and Freya sometimes plays this game, asking me if different body parts are OK, like "Mamma, tummy OK?, Foot OK? etc etc and if I say "Oh no, mamma's finger ajaj..."she'll then replay "Oh poor mamma, Freya bow" (= blow) today she added a new body part, pulled out my T-shirt looked down it and said "Mamma's boop ok?" turns around to Sean, looks at his chest and says "Daddy got boops too (puts her thumb and index finger together) and says - tiiiiiny one" *LOL* - she is 2...where do they get it from!?

At the moment she's coming up with new words and phrases by the minute and she's so funny to listen to. Whilst I was doing dinner last night she came up to me and asked what I was doing. I replayed I'm making soup for dinner, she went quiet for a few seconds then said "mamma soupa fast" *LOL* She doesn't know what soup is but she knows "super" !

Kian is trying so hard to talk and we can't understand a single word but the face tells it all and he's totally figured out what gets his sister going. Yesterday I saw him watching Freya as she was sitting in the sofa with her blankey in her lap. He very slowly moved towards her, moving backwards the last few cm until he stood beside her leaning against the sofa. He looked at her face then snatched her blankey and RAN!!!! Laughing!!!! The guy is 14 months and soooo cheeky! Obviously Freya went after him screaming and he just kept smiling - I was trying soooo hard not to laugh having seen it all and how he "planned" it. Can only imagine how it will be in a years time or even a couple of months from now...

The cause - Mr Cheeky

The result - Mrs Grumpy

Thanks everyone for your comments on my "Old me" post - it feels better knowing it's not JUST me! I have a "plan" and I'll get back to you on that one when I got it all in place! ;-)

Have a nice day!

First haircut and Goodbye old "me"!

2009-04-25T19:28:00.000+02:00

It was time... I've tried so long not to do it but Sean finally convinced me that it had to be done... My boy's first haircut! I thought we were going to have a major struggle but no, we placed him in his highchair in front of the TV watching Baby Einstein, a bottle of water and it was done in less than 10 min!!!! Here's the result...

Before

After

Ok, so I'm not a qualified hairdresser, as you can see... At least he's happy!

Well, our weekend is over and it's "Monday" and back to "work", actually it doesn't really work like that being a SAHM does it... weekend or no weekend we're still "on duty" aren't we!? I find this subject rather intriguing. Before I became a mother I envied mothers who was able to be "at home" all the time and "do what ever they wanted all day" (... if someone came up to me a told me just that, I think I'd punch them right there and then!) Don't take me wrong, I do feel privileged to be able to be home with my children and all that, BUT I miss "me"... You know, the intelligent, -10 postpreg kg woman who went to work, used her brain in intelligent matters... well, obviously that depends on how you define intelligence but I'm talking, numbers (not just 1-5..), meetings (not the ones you have under a sheet in the closet) business lunches (not the ones where food is all over the floor and you need to threaten fellow eaters with what could happen if they don't eat up...) I miss ME!!! I love my children to death and wouldn't change a thing but where am "I"!? Will "I"ever return? I doubt it, actually I know that "I", as I know it, is gone and "Me now" need to get on with it - but first I think i need to have a "Goodbye do" and a "Welcome do" to take farewell of old "Me" and celebrate new "Me" (though I wish the +10 postpreg kg would leave at the "Goodbye do"...) Anyway I'll stop rambling now. Anyone with a suggestion for a good Goodbye and Welcome do? May be there is like a "mothers ritual" I haven't heard of. Any suggestions - send them my way!

Have a nice day!

Super exciting news!!!!

2009-04-25T11:46:00.000+02:00

I'm so excited and very honored to have been choosen to join Fei-fei's Stuff' creative team!!! I mean, look who's on it! I'm totally starstruck!

Thank you, Shaui!

Mojo is back!

2009-04-24T17:57:00.000+02:00

Got some more pages to share today, this time it is with the ADORABLE new kit "Explore the jungle" and the super cool "Pop twirls" from Fei-fei's stuff at Oscraps

TFL!

New wordart fran Jopke designs!

2009-04-24T14:56:00.000+02:00

"Just so you know" - Available now at Digi Top3
And here is a page from me using it... TFL!

My first ever layout!

2009-04-24T07:11:00.000+02:00

Diana has invited me to play a game, I love games!
This is the game:

A little game for you my friend!

1. Show us your first scrapbook page
2. Write a couple of lines about the scrap - associated with your feelings, your thoughts and when you did it
3. Pass the game on to 5 person and leave a comment on their blog....

I'm passing it on to:
Annika
Helen
Shen
Jopke
Ashley

And this is my first page ever:
My sister Annika, had been scrapping for some time and made this gorgeous book for her daughter and she had tried soooo hard to get me into it as well. Being pregnant with a 6 months old toddler, I had other priorities with the spare time I managed to get at the time. Anyway, in September 2008, she managed to persuade me to try and enter a challenge on a Swedish site. The topic was to scrap a titel out of Per Gessle's (lead singer in Roxette) songs and this one is called "Lay your hand in mine" Well, I downloaded the 60 days free trial of Photoshop Elements 6.0, tried to figure out how it worked, downloaded some freebies on the web through the IKEA Goddess blog and bought my first kits on Catscrap, Creashens Fall Back and As I am. I won the challenge and got totally hooked on scrapping!!!

Have fun playing girls! Will be interesting to see your pages!

"Supa Cool!"

2009-04-23T19:39:00.000+02:00

It's weekend!

Thursday and Friday in Oman is weekend and Saturday is our Monday... I know, very confusing and it took me a couple of years(!) to get "into" it and still get it all mixed up now and then but Hey, if I can throw the laundry in the toilet...

Ever since Freya and I was home over Easter and she saw her cousin having a "computer" (the toy version that's tells you the alphabet over and over) she's talked about having her own "puter" so today when Sean and I was out on our monthly "husband and wife only" Thursday we bought one for her. She is ecstatic !!!

I didn't think a 2 year old could want something so badly but she's over the moon. She says it is "supa cool"!!! LOL! She sees me sitting in front of mine for hours and want to copy down to the smallest details even my glasses (yes, I'm getting old... )Is she "supa cool" or what!

They are retarmacing the road outside our house and Kian is stuck to the window watching the digger! It must be something boys are born with... I thought having had a girl first that Kian sort of would follow in her footsteps and like the same things, Oh so wrong I was!!! He is a total opposite! It is all hard toys, anything with wheels and the noisier the better!!! Quite intriguing! This is his version of heaven! Mouth full of dirt and playing on daddy's trailer!The little ones does keep us very busy and sometimes we seem to forget about our four legged children, our dogs, Safi and Tabu... this is how they protest...

after all they where our "first" babies...

Btw, my mojo is back! I've been scrapping all morning! Yay! Can't post anything yet but you'll see it soon!

Have a nice day!

Chocolate or no chocolate, that's the question!

2009-04-22T19:38:00.000+02:00

Today has been a good day!
The internet provider decided to take my word for it and "unblock" my scrapping sites, yay! I've also got some SUPER exciting news but can't share that just yet...
Still got my pounding ear but it's getting better..or I'm getting used to it, either way it's not bugging me too much.

I want to scrap but I've lost my mojo... I need my mojo!!!!! Have some gorgeous kits to use and still I just can't seem to be able to get it right!
Another problem of mine tonight is that beside me, on the table, is a bag of mini Twix... shall I or shall I not... since this seems to be my biggest problem tonight (except for the loss of my mojo...) life can't be that bad.

Actually...I'm sure my mojo would reappear if I took a chocolate... yes, there we go! Just the thought of it and my creative juices starts flowing...or is it just me drooling over the Twix...

Life is too short - enjoy it whilst it lasts!

Have a nice day!

I'm loosing it!

2009-04-21T18:19:00.000+02:00

Today has just been one of "those" days.
Really started yesterday with me having to go and see the doctor and get some medicine for an eye/ear/throat infection.
I felt pretty sorry for my self and went to bed after taking my medication hoping I would feel better in the morning. Well, that didn't really happen. I woke with a pounding ear, no voice and a closed left eye! So much for a quick recovery!
Anyway, got the family ready, had breakfast together and drove DD to her nursery, still feeling pretty sorry for my self. I had brought my computer so after dropping her off, I could go to a coffee shop, sit down, have a cup and go through the galleries...well, when I've got my coffee, sat down, switched on the computer, logged on to the Internet - the main Internet, the only Internet, provider here in Oman has decided that the scrapping sites I normally visit are "inappropriate material" and they've blocked them!!!! Now, I'm not in the mood for jokes and sent them a LONG email complaining and explaining.
I still can't get to the sites at this very moment!

After a disastrous morning, I picked DD up from nursery. Went home, had an afternoon with the children, watching Barbie movies, Barney and played with Lego until the weather had cooled down enough for us to get out and play. Sean, DH, arrived home at 5.30pm and I started to tidy the house before dinner time...this is where it gets scary!
As I'm tidying, I came across some dirty clothes and went to the bathroom to put them in the laundry basket... I open the lid and throw them in... to the TOILET!!!!! Honestly, what was I thinking! Obviously not at all and my first reaction is "strange, why is there all this water?" and then I snapped out of it and quickly removed the clothes from the bowl and swore never to tell anyone... well, that didn't work either now did it!?
Started dinner and spilled a whole cup of boiling water all over my left hand!!!

So, I'm sitting here with a burned hand, laundry down the toilet, pounding ear, sore eye and no voice!?
I've had better days!

On a happier note, I managed to do the first plaits on DD! Very cute! She was very proud and kept saying she was Rapunzel.... Don't think anyone would manage to climb these plaits though... LOL!
Whilst outside playing this evening Sean tried to make her say "What's up douwg - Freya's in the house" (obviously watching too much American Idol) and she did the hand gesture and all but very politely told him that Freya was not "in the house" she's outside!!! Later when we're in the kitchen and Sean asks her what she's doing, she does the hand gesture and says Freya's in the house - and busy!!!...as she continues to empty one of the kitchen cabinets... LOL!

In the end of the day it's the little things in life that makes it all worth it even if it sometimes feels like I'm loosing it.
Have a nice day!

GSO!

2009-04-20T17:15:00.001+02:00

I'm featured on Gallery Standouts with this page today, yay!

Welcome, I've got my own!!!

2009-04-19T12:22:00.000+02:00

Can't believe it but I finally got my own blog!!! Yay me! I always thought it would be sooo complicated but I did it in a morning! Ok...so there is a lot to wish for here but slowly does it and I'll get there in time... Now I just need to figure out all these gadgets and stuff... I can see some long nights coming up! I'm so excited! Any tips...feel free to send them my way! Hope to see you here again soon!
/Maria
xoxo