Tuesday WITL

It was a very chilly day today, so it was kinda boring being inside for most of the day, but we get these days once in a while hey.
We were lucky that the rain stopped to walk to kinder and collect Archie like we usually do. He was happy to see us and had a great morning.
I have started the pages and got the pics in there so far- it is hard to narrow it down and choose, but I am being ruthless, otherwise I will never get it finished!
Here they are so far:

Even if I can just do this much each night, I will be super happy come Sunday. It has opened my eyes to how routine we really are, but it works for us. Sweet Lily has her head on my shoulder and thumb in mouth before we even get up the stairs for her sleeps, how can one not adore that.
Alrighty, bedsville for me. 'Til tomorrow...

Week in the Life

Today I have started a new challenge, a somewhat huge one at that- documenting this week of our life, via photos and journaling and hopefully, bringing it all together in a digital album in the near future.
Ali Edwards is the guru behind this awesome idea- she is simply inpsiring and I am in awe of her talent in digital design, photography and writing.
The concept is very cool but it is a huge task, one that I hope I can keep up with and keep the momentum going.
As you know, I love photos just a little too much, so this project presented a great opportunity for me to practice different techniques and get a little more creative with my shots.
Today, already I can say that the project has been worthwhile- I took the time to play with settings: I changed the white balance to cloudy and tungsten; I took the same shot with different shutter speeds and ISO's that presented me with a range of creative outcomes- some were great and some were horrible! But I felt like the challenge of getting the right exposure in every shot was a little easier today. So after a week of snapping, I can't wait to see what I learn.
I ended up taking 100 photos with my DSLR and 16 with my iPhone. I then selected ones that I thought I would use for the final album and edited these in Photoshop. Once again, I learnt a few more tricks to enhance my shots twofold, so again, this can only be a good thing!
I then selected photos to put onto 2 pages that will make up my Monday spread. These pages or templates are from Ali and are fantastic and all editable to suit my preferences, such as colour and text.
Throughout the day, I took notes on what we did at certain times; funny quotes; what we ate; observations and anything else that was part of our normal everyday routine.
Before I started, I also wanted to include some number facts and decided to tally 3 things today- the number of hugs & kisses we had from dawn to dusk; the number of books we read and how many strawberry punnets we ate! A little quirky but I loved the outcome (Let's just say we are an affectionate, book reading family!) 
I haven't yet documented my notes, so there is still a bit to do for today, but I am stoked with what I achieved today, both in the photo snapping and the after process (which I always struggle with in other projects).
Going digital and using photoshop has definitely simplified things and I am glad I went this way.

Below are the pages and what I have done so far (click on them to enlarge)- there was nothing special about today, but that is exactly what is so good about it- it is celebrating simple things in life that we sometimes take for granted.
I am already looking forward to what tomorrow brings us and hope I keep this enthusiasm going!

Hard day at the office...

Today for many reasons, has been a really challenging day for me and I am glad that it is nearly over. Usually, I try to think of the positives in everything and rarely go into depth about the negatives, but I've been so upset today that I feel journaling will help me move on.

Archie started to become really hard work the week that Marcus was home (last week)- we both noticed it and I guess we hoped he would improve and be ok, as he usually is great when Marcus leaves.
But this time has been very different and he has really turned on me. No matter what I say, he yells at me and it is breaking my heart. Jac has seen him in action this week and she too is amazed how terrible his attitude towards me has been, at a mere 3 years of age.

I want my gorgeous little boy back, the little Archie that always used his manners and gave me cuddles just 'cause he wanted to. I want my happy go lucky Archie back, the one that has that cute chuckle that melts my heart, not breaks my heart.

I know that deep down it is partly our fault; he is quite mature for his age and all that he must handle- we can't expect him to adjust perfectly every time Marcus goes, even though he pretty much has up until now. He adores his Dad and it is evident that he is missing him oh so much at the moment. So much so, that I think I am copping the brunt of his longing for Marcus. Bless you buddy, I miss your Dad like crazy too.
But how do I approach his behaviour and get him to understand that he is hurting me? Easier said than done, that's for sure... I've tried ignoring him; having chats like 2 adults about feelings; yelling back; sending him to his room and giving him my full attention when Lily is asleep and it is all failing me big time.
I thought that maybe when he was in his room this morning I could storm in with Marcus on the phone, telling him that "Daddy can hear everything you are saying to me in America!"... Marcus spoke to him sternly and he sounded a little threatened and regretful and we thought it might do the trick. But half an hour later, he flips over the tiniest incident and world war 3 is on again.

Oh Archie, you really are breaking my heart and I hope that you will improve in the very near future, as it can't keep going like this. I know some Mums have kids that test them every day, so I must think of this and be grateful that this is my real first major test- he is healthy and on the whole, an amazing little man that I love to bits, but geez... you are dynamite at the moment! I am sure tomorrow will be a better day...

As much as I know traveling with Marcus will be a whole new challenge in itself- I am really looking forward to our time together as a family and having Marcus around to help with discipline issues on a day to day basis. Maybe that is what he needs, a little more stability from us...

I had just about had enough at around 5pm this evening, so I decided to head outside and take a few photos, which might sound a little crazy, but the kids love outside and it seemed to make Archie a happier boy and Lily loves watching him... and I too automatically felt better about things- my camera is my saviour, a way for me to escape my somewhat small dramas and feel alive and happy again. Here are a few snaps that I am grateful for of the cherubs.

Daddy's back :-)

Today I thought I would start with a picture that means so much to me... it speaks volumes and needs no words but whilst my thoughts are fresh, I will share them. I quickly grabbed my iphone this morning and managed to take this photo just as they had left our house for Kinder. Archie was so excited that 'Daddy' was going to take him and I think Marcus was quielty just as stoked. They have a great bond, I just love watching my boys. It can't be easy for either whilst Marcus is away, but they manage to have great chats on Skype and simply continue where they left off whenever he returns. I love how Archie's head is tilted slightly, just making sure Marcus is listening to his every word. It is days like this where I feel we are lucky that Marcus can be involved in his daily activities. Yes, he might miss many things, but when he is home, we are fortunate that he can work his golf schedule around us and I like that very much.

It has been a month since Marcus was home last but it has really flown. He had a really consistent trip, making all 4 cuts and finishing strong in India in his last week, tied 4th. Good results definitely make it all worth while. He has been training hard this year and really determined to stay in the top 100, with a goal of top 50 in the near future. I have no doubt he can do it- I am of course a biased wife, but I think he prepares well and he seems to have a good balance between golf, family and other interests which is so important. We will head to Europe this year for around 3 months, I am really looking forward to it and I am sure it will be a huge adventure for the kids, more zoos!

Lily has changed a lot in the last month and she was giving her best smiles this morning when she had cuddles with Daddy. She is sitting up so well now; still loves her tummy though and moving off the mat most days; she loves dropping things and getting me to pick them up; she loves bopping her head , so much so that I worry she will hurt herself; she is a great sleeper both day and night, having 2 good 1-2hr day sleeps and then punching out nearly 12 hrs at night, it is incredible- Archie was never this good! I keep waiting for it to turn pear-shaped as we are mighty lucky to have two sleeping through the night... Poor Archie, I'm sure he wasn't that bad, the little munchkin! I do remember quite clearly having a shocking few weeks around his 8th month but the rest is quite blurry ... I wish I was more thorough with my journal writing with him as an infant to compare them both- it's going to be a challenge to back track to do a proper baby book for him.

As for creativity, I have done a little here and there at night and Project Life is going along nicely, though I have been a little into MKR and now Revenge on tv! Here are a few things I have completed:

A photo wall mixed with a range of photos that I hope to change often. I have changed from Green and Teal to Orange and Teal and loving the bright, happy orange, so I inlcuded a few embellishments in the frames to co-ordinate.

Another 6x12 extra page for Project Life- I can write so much more and love adding them to the album- this has been created in Photoshop, printed and then a flower and no.7 added on top.
And below, another extra page after a photo shoot with the cherubs. Click on the photos to enlarge.

Well, that might have to do for now, we have a very busy week ahead, starting tonight- I am off to an Italian cooking class tonight with Kath and Robyn, Yummo! I am also doing a photography class this weekend, so I hope I can share some tips and really improve my photos, can't wait for that! xoxo

Project Life update

With Marcus still away and Archie having a week in Corowa, I managed to get quite a bit done around the house- first priority was book work for Marcus; cooking and then I was free to have a play in the study!
Here's what I've done so far:

The first entry of 3 pages is from our holiday down Blairgowrie- we had a nice relaxing break together, with a few family visitors.

Miss Lily had her first dip in the ocean... love those cute teeny tiny toes! Iadded the text in Photoshop before printing & then added a journal filler card & buttons to dress it up.

I'm loving incorporating iphone pics from various apps, they come out really well. Also love seeing Marcus having a beer & relaxing- I had a drinking buddy for once!

The following spread was from Archie's Birthday- a slight red theme once again!

I added the extra half page with Archie's Q & A's, completed in Photoshop, with some tape ribbon stuck on top.

We then had a family outing just before Marcus left, it was down in Frankston at the Sand sculpting- it was amazing, we may have even liked it more than Archie!

And with that, I am nearly up to date. As you can see, some weeks I have made a lot more effort than others, but it really doesn't matter what one does, so long as the stories get told.

I'm still loving Project Life, who else is in??!!

Archie turns Three...

It is hard to believe that my baby is now 3... it has just gone so fast and been an amazing journey watching him grow from baby to toddler and now to a little Boy, full of life and laughter. We have such wonderful chats now and he interacts with absolutely everyone he passes by... just waiting for a Hello. He is very confident talking to adults and children alike, with a preference being for a play with just a couple of quieter children.
I wonder who he will grow up to be and what he will do... Whatever it may be, I am sure he will charm his way out of trouble and cruise along!
He had a great Birthday on Sunday, riding (or attempting to) his new Lightning McQueen Bike all morning. We then had his cousins and immediate family over for cake and a play which he loved.

I asked him a few questions, thinking he may not be able to answer them completely, but he surprised me once again, reminiscing about a few things such as our holidays and the Titles of his favourite books.
Below is a Q & A page I created and have popped in my Project Life album for a laugh in the future (click to see larger version).

Archie, you are a bundle of smiles and endless energy- us adults could learn a thing or two from you and your approach to living life to the fullest...Love you like I never thought possible xoxoxo

Project Life 2012

Although I haven't quite finished my 2011 Album (still have around 6 weeks to complete), I am ready and raring to go for 2012!
I found my 2011 approach of documenting events as opposed to a weekly/daily basis suited me well. Some weeks are very busy and I have heaps to add, but other weeks are quiet and it may be more than a week before I put anything in the album. I have one album full and will most likely spread it over 2, given that the last 6 weeks were very busy with lots to add.
Here is my title page for 2012:

Becky Higgins is the genious behind Project Life and has produced 2 design ranges this year- I went with the 'Clementine' Orange Album and already, I love it! I had a little play with my stash; used some digital stamps and brushes from Ali Edwards on the photos before printing them and daddah! A nice bright, fresh start to the new year.
Below are more detailed shots of a couple of cards:

I used 3 cards from the range and added on 2012 from the Thickers Alpha range. Orange is my colour this year, from Lily's room to cushions... I'm loving it!

I thought the camera was perfect for me- I am a bit partial to a photo or two! The number 4 represents our family and the brads are from my stash.

I then used the same Thickers alpha range and stamped the cherubs names. I then thought it could be handy to stamp a few journal cards from the kit with their names on them as, let's be honest... the whole album is all about them! So I know have them ready to grab to write down those funny quotes from Archie and Lily's milestones. Only took 5 minutes, but they will add my personal touch to the album.

Once again, my album will be smothered in photos more than anything and that is how I like it. I may add a bit more bling this year, but I am not going to get stressed if I don't... I just really want to get the important bits in and they are the photos with a few notes to boot. I think if I stick to this goal, I may have time to attack baby albums and other numerous projects I dream of doing.
Hopefully, I can post a few pages here and there and encourage more of you to try it... but be warned... it's highly addictive!
'Til next time...

Tags: [tags]Becky Higgins, Ali Edwards[/tags]