What a horrible, horrible week

This week has been the most horrible in not only in Victorian, but Australian history with the devastating bush fires that have claimed many many lives and whole towns here in Victoria.
The devastation is just beyond belief and the fact that the top half of Australia is in the middle of floods just doesn't make a whole heap of sense.
How can one country have such differing extremes of weather?
My heart and that of my family goes out to those affected, I can only imagine (actually I don't think I can)what they are going through and how long it may take them to rebuild their lives.
We have donated to appeals but it just doesn't seem enough, i wish there was some tangible way to help out.
Thats about it from me as I really dont feel like blogging but needed to express those feelings

Well maybe a weekly post then

OK so I havent been doing this daily and not even weekly but I am still posting so thats something
This week has been very very VERY hot and I am not a big fan of the heat so I am doing as little as possible
I did go to Fiona's to scrap which was great as I got all of the Christmas photos done in one 8 x 8 album and then on Sunday I finished up pages already started for the December Daily album we have been doing at Fionas. So I spent quite a lot of the Australia Day weekend doing what I love Scrapbooking.
This week I have also received some more scrapping stuff from a couple of suppliers so that is always fun too.
Yesterday Kev and I ventured to the pictures to see Slumdog Millionaire which was good but not a five star film I didnt think.
Today we are off to have lunch for Max's birthday and then the whirlwind of life begins again tomorrow when Alyce heads back to school and netball starts.
I have also been working on the album for Emma and Leon's wedding and that is all coming together as well.
So all in all fairly productive week considering the heat..................................

The end of the week

Well things have been a bit busier this week
Had to trek into town for work on Wednesday and also received a couple of boxes of scrapping stuff so that is always exciting and the weekend is filled with scrapping as the group are going to Fiona's tomorrow and then back to Creekwood Drive on Sunday, so instead of being here I should be getting ready for all of that.
So off I go...........................................

Some days later

I have remembered to come back.............
Nothing too exciting happening so didnt have much to blog.
Wednesday night I tried to finish off Julies 2008 little album that I made her and became a bit frustrated with it and then Thursday night I did finish it and took it around to her as well as the 2 books I have read since Xmas.
Not sure if I mentioned them in a previous post but have just about finished 3 books since Xmas
A Monica McInerney book (which I love) a Kate Jacobs book I read in less than a day and now I am trying to get a Bryce Courtney book finished.
Alyce had an all nighter at Maccas Friday night and we watched Australia lose the cricket and last night Alyce and Kirsten went to see Delta Goodrem and we had dinner at Brett and Aaron's and played Buzz.
Think I am all caught up now.

Missed again

But only one day and technically it is only 7 and a bit hours
Find this tough when there isnt much to say - nothing happened yesterday - got up went to work came home...................................you know same old same old.
Did try and convince Kev to go to SA for the long weekend to see Lance Armstrong and he is excited because looks like he will have his new bike this week but thats about it.
It is going to be very hot here today my least favorite time of the year and thats about it

Ok so I have missed a couple of days

But I have a good excuse I have not been well
So Thursday I came home from work with a bad abscess on my gum and was in agony and felt terrible - I had to go to work on Friday but did feel a little better
Alyce worked Friday night and Kev needed to go to Kmart for some fishing gear so we headed there on the way to pick up Alyce and I discovered a book from an author I love Kate Jacobs and by 1pm Saturday the book was read. I can be a real book nerd when the feeling takes me
Didnt do much On Saturday afternoon or night but today we went and met Baby Archie Fraser and what a cutie he is but so tiny - if blogger plays nice I may even be able to put a photo here
Isn't he the cutest baby boy and his Mum and Dad are stoked and celebrating their first wedding anniversary today - Congrats Carlie and Marcus
Well up to date now hope to keep it that way

Day 7 Must be a record

Well I am here again - surprise surprise
Again not a lot to blog about
Kev and Alyce had a great day with Grace and Amber and I am sad I wasn't here
I have a sore face as I have an abcess and scrapping was cancelled so not a good day all around
I really did want to scrap....................................

So far so good

Well at least I am blogging daily at this stage
Today was fun fun fun NOT at work as I had to bag 31 bags of coin to get rid of tomorrow
I did get some photos in the mail today though so have lots more photos to scrap - one day
No baby Fraser news yet, but shouldn't be far away now as Carlie is a week over
Alyce is going to have fun tomorrow as she has a babysitting date with Grace and Amber
Would love to stay home but don't think I would be very popular
Have put a hole in the paper work but still going
Had a chat with Jules today to set up some scrapping dates
And thats about it from me
over and out until tomorrow

ok Days 3,4 & 5

Well not too much to report for any of these days except having to go back to work on Day5 and as suspected nothing really has changed - not that I thought it would.
Kev did go out fishing with Gary Morgan yesterday and we ate the fish tonight which was good but other than that.......................................
Hope there is much more to report in the coming days and weeks

A New Year

I know this blog is only for my own reference so I am thinking that I might make this my Project 365 and try and document a year in my life and of course that of my family.
January 1 & 2 havent really seen any excitement as such and so at this stage there is not much to write about.
There was a bit of purging done yesterday with things taken to the tip and I am in the process of ridding ourselves of 20 year old tax records but as I said nothing to exciting happening here.
Hopefully some of the next posts will contain something with a little more substance

I know its been forever............................

I truly am a bad bad blogger, but my excuse is I lost all of my bookmarks on the computer and blogger was one of them.
Today is the first time I have had a chance to sit at the computer and think about what I would like to post.
Have had some exciting stuff happen over the last few months
1. Have been overseas to Phuket and it was the best
2. Went to Rhyarna and Rhyss Lees Deb Ball and that was wonderful
3. We have a new member of the household with Terka's Mum, Shaba coming to live with us
4. I have sent out the invites for the family Xmas party
5. Alyce is now a fully fledged working girl with not 1 but 2 jobs and doing well at school.
6. I have booked to go and see Heidi Swapp in December and Julie is coming too...counting the days for that one
7. Only 5 more weeks to the next Scrapbooking Getaway
8. Looks like the Kangaroos will make another finals series too so thats exciting as well
Life is full on and for the next 3 weeks have to drive to Glen Waverley to be a Branch Manager
I think thats about it in a nutshell might add some photos as well
Regards
Karen

Just goes to show.......................

That time slips by
Lots going on and not a lot of time to blog but here it is in a nutshell.
Alyce went back to school and is doing really well
Had a birthday and it was good fun
Missed out on the job again (wasn't meant to be)
Had a visit from Kate from TC.
The whole Simmons clan was together for Jacks 80th Birthday
Alyce got her first job at Coles in Greenvale (WooHoo Congrats to our baby girl who is growing up way too fast)
Spent a lovely Saturday with Julie at Crop for Kids (pity it was sooooooooo hot)
Alyce is playing netball 4 times a week
Alyce and Steven still going strong
Getting organized for my Long Weekend Scrapping Retreat in Sunbury in April
And today off to watch Steven play for Vic in the netball and then have afternoon tea with the O'Donoghue clan
And generally all is well in the world

Didn't quite happen

That I got to blog whilst on leave, but a gentle reminder today that I should update is why I am here.
We had a good time away and Kev did well with the riding until someone rode into his wheel and destroyed it but overall I think he was happy with his first real track Carnival.
I am back at work unfortunately, the holidays went all too quickly and now feels like I have never been away.
Went to the other family wedding on Friday at the Carousel at Albert Park which was just wonderful too - Congrats to Carlie and Marcus we had a wonderful time and you both sounded and looked so HAPPY.This is a photo of the three of us at the wedding. What a beautiful setting it was.

OK think that is about it for now - Thanks Jen for the gentle reminder

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Its a month or so since I last blogged and lots has happened but the main point of this post is to wish family and friends a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A GREAT 2008.
Family news would be as follows: -
Didnt get either of the jobs and was very disappointed, but the guy that got the job at my branch now has another job and I have another chance, won't get my hopes up but definitely will try and WOW the NEW boss.
Alyce has finished year 9 and did very well, I cant believe my baby will be in year 10 next year.
And Kev is still riding - we are off to a riding carnival between Christmas and New Year so that should be fun.
Have been to one of the family weddings which was lovely and looking forward to the second one in a few weeks.
Have been making mintie Christmas trees to give and they have been extremely well received.
I think thats about it for now
Will update in the New Year whilst I am still on holidays WOOOOHOOOOOOOOO
See you all in 2008
Love
Karen

Well its been a BIG WEEK

From the start of November to the middle is always a busy time here at the Simmons household as it is Birthday month.
Pauline and Andrew Morgan the first week and then Alyce and Kevin the next.
So HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you all
In other news, there is no news on the job front still waiting, waiting, waiting.....................
In Kev news, he has decided to have a go at track riding and seems to be enjoying it.

Well this one is short and sweet - gearing up for Christmas and 2 weddings in the next couple of months, Congrats to Claire and Damian and Carlie and Marcus.

Been awhile

I have decided that I am not great at this blogging stuff but if I come in every now again thats got to be better than nothing.
Well my very special hubby did make it a clean sweep of the medals in Adelaide and came home with 3 gold medals, so we are all very proud of him.
In other news the Weekend Scrap Getaway was wonderful we had loads of fun at a wonderful location and have made a booking for 3 days in April next year. Thanks again to all the wonderful ladies who make it so much fun.
And this morning I am off to an interview so I had better get a wriggle on

Regards

Karen
PS HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY WONDERFUL SIL PAULINE for today

GOLD,GOLD and ?

Well I cant change the title color but I can write the post in the color of my very smart husband's
medals so far, yes they were GOLD and GOLD and here's hoping for another one tomorrow.
And not only gold today but he rode the fastest time for all age divisions - GO Kev GO
We love you and miss you but are so very proud of you
Love
Karen and Alyce and a woof woof from Terka too

It's been awhile

Lots been happening and not a lot of time to blog.
First off I have had a promotion of sorts, my boss has been promoted and in turn I have been asked to be the acting Manager at Preston. I have also put my application in for the vacant Manager's job at Moonee Ponds too, so lots happening on that front. Won't reveal here what my preference would be so we will just wait and see what happens over the next month or so.
In other exciting news there have been lots of new babies born to friends over the last month, so congratulations to Ayfer and Halil on the birth of Eren, Amanda and Shaun on the birth of Jacob and Pauline and Sam on the birth of Bailey. Lots of little BLUE things to buy.
Kevin is in Adelaide competing at the Australasian Masters, so GOOD LUCK Kev. He has a race today, Tuesday and Wednesday so we have all our fingers and toes crossed for you.
Curves has taken a bit of a backward step the last couple of weeks and this week is just as bad but from next week on I am going to go at least 3 times a week.
Well it is only 5 more sleeps until my Scrapping Getaway up at Sunbury, so I am looking forward to a whole weekend of scrapping and just having lots of fun with a group of wonderful friends - See you Friday Girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well thats about it from me
Keep Safe and Loved
Karen

I hope this works

Wow now I am a little excited as I have been able to add LO's to my post.
Being NOT very computer savvy, I am hoping that the links below to an EBAY auction that has finished and that persons blog will provide anyone who reads my blog with lots of laughs
As a mother of just one cherub I can't really relate BUT the story is soooooooooooooo funny and this lady has turned into an international celebrity overnight due to the internet

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:US:11&item=130144061675


http://mom2my6pack.blogspot.com/

In a week that has seen me, see some of the large scrapbooking celebs in the US make lots of people very unhappy, it was great to see someone light up some peoples lives especially those who have husbands and relatives deployed overseas with her light hearted stories of life with 6 kids under 12.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

In other Simmons news, both of Alyce's netball teams lost yesterday and Kev didnt place in his race, but the Kangaroos had a win that means that they will play finals again this year which is great.
Curves is still OK.
The biggy this week is that Julie, Shelley, Pauline and I are off to Countdown Spectacular on Thursday night so very much looking forward to that.
Ok will sign off for now
Have fun

Karen