Be warned!

Attention, long post ahead;p You’ve been warned;p

I’m sooooo in LUV with summer, holidaying and Rainer!!! Just love love love the summer and hanging out with my huni, going to the beach, to town, anywhere really so long it’s with Rainer! That’s the thing about having a teenager, they either work – Chris did some extra shifts at NewWorld’s -or hang out with their girlfriend, leaving the ‘oldies’ to fool around ;p
I’m also in love with those big photo mosaics, you can make them here. 
Kariotahi Beach, just around the corner from us and an absolute favorite beach of mine!

MEN, too funny sometimes. After a barefeet walk on the beach we almost burned our feet on the way to the car, the black sand ( it’s truely black- from volcanic sand ) gets so freak’n hot when it’s dry! We decided to get some stuff out of the car and hang out for a bit in the dunes.. First thing I did was put on my jandals, grabbed some gear and off we walked. Seconds later I hear Rainer : Owww, oww, oww, heck, no, wah it hurts…Wait!!! So I turn around and this is what I see, big man stranded on a little towel ;p How great I had my camera ready!! Poor sod;p

So Ilka to the rescue…. getting him some sandals. Had to laugh so hard!!!
Even he had to laugh about it! This is my absolute favorite pic of Rainer. All happy and relaxed! Gives me butterflies in my tummy and a big smile each time I look at it!

Cant believe Rainer is going back to work tomorrow.. sad…time flies by when you’re having fun! Whew at least my work doesn’t open until next week! Poor him but lucky me LOL! Well I got to weed the garden, clean the house, wash, organize some things Oh and did I mention weed the garden?;p I am so not a gardener anymore. And of course scrapbook too! 
Soooooo EXCITED!!!
A while back I was just surfing around when I came across Sarah ‘s challenge The Best Me. And I knew the challenge had ‘found me’! Just had a big grin and knew this was one for me. What a fabulous idea – A personal challenge. A challenge to be the best you- woohoo thanks Sarah!! I’m so looking forward to it and already did the first weeks challenge. List 5 small things to do for yourself. Aim – to enjoy a list and yourself!

I had so much fun redefining a list, not just another ‘have to do’ thing but as Fun to do List – one I actually love to do and achieve. Hmm pleasure lists ….! Now that’s a thought;p 
We even bought new plastic containers for the x-mas stuff and re-organized the lot. I’m so proud of myself, usually my x-mas stuff hangs around at least into mid january.. I know I know, but I just love all the decor .. The old boxes wouldn’t have survived another move and *coughs’ dare I mention we possess 4 giant 100 l containers full of christmas cheer now ;p 
Just luv luv the flow of the signo- not cheap but worth it! And why dont I take a footspa at least once a week? It just feels so nice! And nothing beats a Latte’ at the Agave  after a walk along the beach!
Feeling all inspired by this I decided to also join in Elsies PaperAdventure 08 . Almost finished my first entry and will show you tomorrow! LOL and there is more;p  Wilna has a great challenge going on and I decided to play along.  Choosing a word for 2008 and making a LO/ project and journal about your goals, dreams, aspirations, plans for 2008. Am still working on it.
With all the uncertainty looming and so much I cannot possibly foretell or control, I’ve decided to focus on the good, on what makes me happy. What keeps me centered. 
Time to trust.
Softly singing to myself Love and life is a journey baby not a destination. It’s right now.
So grateful and blessed to share so much of it with you Rainer!
And this was the pressie he got this Christmas. A 16″x16″ canvas.
I think I need to change the our into a black font or outline it with black, but otherwise I’m pretty happy with it. I just gave in to my inner child and we had a ball playing with all those buttons and other bits & pieces O.o 

Thanks for all your wonderful thoughts and comments! It sure makes my journey so much more meaningful and enjoyable!
Xx Ilka

My first class!

Woohoo yesterday I had my first class at Craftee Creations yesterday and was a bit nervous beforehand but wow I had a blast!! Helena – the owner- said everyone had a great time and although it all took longer than planned in the end everyone went home with their version of the class canvas! Was very cool to see them all! I so enjoy teaching and teaching in this environment is so much easier than my usual teaching. Am really looking forward to next saturdays class!

The SBO Queensbirthday challenges were due last Friday and there are some cool LO’s to see on the gallery. Andrea send everyone either some pretty lace or journaling cards from Jenny Bowlin – loving these – thanks Andrea. We had to use some  in all 3 challenges.
First challenge was a cool sketch challenge by Trina. What with missing Rainer so much I just had to scrap about that. Send him a pic of it too and he loved it.

Next challenge was a card challenge by Rachel – here’s my entry, am loving the Lil Davis stamps:

Next up was a scrap the silly photo challenge by Lara, lol poor Rainer was the victim;p Suffice to say he said.. Oh NOOOOOOOOOOOOO not THAT photo! Oh yes darling!

Had fun with this one and got some more ideas for other projects.

Found this wonderful blog called ornamental with amazing links while I did  some surfing today. In between the many disconnects * grr* our internet is terrible again:( A real challenge to my patience! Be prepared for some serious bloghopping LOL! Have fun!

Edit – added Woohoo just found out I won something from the Eslie range as a Rak for the card- love that range! Oh and that reminds me completely forgot to mention I won the the May challenge over at Scrapbooking Essentials ( For Silke LO) – $25 voucher very nice! Am under a lucky star!