Today I...

Finished re-furbishing a dress to wear for my party. It's very pretty. It used to be black with white straps and a white ribbon, and now it's black with green straps and a green ribbon and a new green back panel and some other bits and pieces. I'd post a pic, but that would be telling. YOu'll have to wait till after the party!

I've used some of the leftover material from when my nanna made my bridesmaid's dresses for our wedding. It's so pretty.

And you'll just have to wait to see it.

I"m also making some changes to my mask.

something I made

Yesterday I got the sewing machine out and did this....

It's one of those food covers that you put over the food to stop flies from getting to it when you have picnics etc.
I made this cute little bag for it to go in- will fit in the picnic basket nicely!

And here is the actual cover. It has 4 detachable weights so that the cover can be machine washed easily.

It's very cute.. I'm thinking of making a few and seeing if I can sell them at all!

week 12

Easterfest 2008: AGMF turns 10

I had the most AWESOME easter weekend. I think it was possibly my favourite AGMF so far.

It was incredible - so much fun with family and friends.. awesome music... no sleep!! I love it.

There was music all day every day from about 8am-ish till 11pm-ish, but the main events were always the night concerts. First night was an exciting line-up of Compliments of Gus, The Lads (!!!!!!!!!!!), Matt Corby (screaming 13 year olds.. yay) and and incredibly talented bunch of musicians called newworldson. They are fabulous, from Canada, and are currently touring with the Newsboys. They just have so much energy and passion in their music and you can't help but dance.

Saturday night's headline artists were Jono McNeil (formerly of Jive Express), Geoff More, Alabaster Box and ..... NEWSBOYS!!!!!!!!! The crowd was phenomenal. As was the band of course. The most exciting thing was that their whole set was 100% about worshiping God. Their message was just what I needed to hear, and seeing a crowd of thousands (literally) of hands in the air praising our Lord was so goose-bumpy. It made me so proud.

The crowd at newsboys (excuse the quality, none of us had a tripod with us).

Sunday night was the combined church service, which is a free event for the community and there were thousands and thousands of people there. The entire ampitheater in Queens Park was filled, and there was overflow in all of the other big tents with a live link screen. So exciting.
After the church service was my favourite band... Jars of Clay!!!! They are so good.. I just love their music heaps. In the first half of their set, they did a whole lot of new songs that I didn't really know, but then they started to pull out some oldies. I leaned over to my friend Lyndall and said, "If they sing 'show you love' (my favourite of their songs) it will absolutely make my weekend". Then they finished their set. Everyone did the usual cheer of, "ONE MORE SONG!!!" - which is usually not responded to at AGMF because they HAVE to finish at a certain time because it's near a residential area. But.............. they CAME BACK!!! and the first song they sang was SHOW YOU LOVE!!!! I was so excited, I actually danced. And for those who know me, that is saying much (ooh at which point I should add, I actually went in the moshpit at Agmf this year - for newworldson... THAT's how good they are). It was so awesome.

So anyway.. that's just a quick overview.. I mean I only talked about the evenings, so I've obviously missed out huge chunks. Some of the other highlights were: the political debate between the National's Barnaby Joyce, who is pretty much my favourite politician, and the ALP's Shane Neuman; the Lad's question/answer session at the chai circle (one of the venues in the park), Scat's fancy pants ball, and catching up with people that I haven't seen in about 10 years!

Another highligh: our shoes. Alexie and I got the coolest tennis-style shoes, specifically for people to sign. Our left foot is the famous foot, and our right foot is for not famous people. They are SO cool, and all the famous people who signed them thought they were an awesome idea. Here they are:

Non-famous shoe (side 1). This shoe is signed by all the people who stayed at our house, and a few more. There was my mum and dad, Bethanie, Alexie, Jordan, Karlos, Lockey, Tjalara, Marina, Peter - and some other friends, Connie, Hannah, Dannah, Cassie, Brad, and then there is a random guy called Simon who was sitting with the girl from Maverick when she signed our shoe. We told them about the famous/not famous shoe thing, and he goes, "I'm not famous, can I please sign your shoe??"

Not-famous shoe, side 2.

Famous shoe, side 1. Famous shoes were signed by: Newworldson, The Lads, the girl from Maverick, Brendon Walmsley (who is my cousin and thought we were very strange to have him sign our shoes), Justin Michael from Compliments of Gus, Phil from Rookie, Tanya Gordon, and JARS OF CLAY (who also shook my hand, which you can touch if you want).

and famous shoe, side 2.

I am done writing for now, but I'm sure I'll come back with more tales from AGMF/Easterfest soon.. I am SO tired it isn't even funny. I haven't gone to be before midnight for about 4 nights, and woken no later than 7 for all except for 1 of those days.

week 11

The card says it all...

my mask!!!

So yesterday I went out to my favourite shop, the Danish Flower Art Farm in Highfields. The name is misleading as to why it is my favourite shop. While they do sell Danish Flower Art stuff (funny that) I actually go there for the beads. It is the best bead shop in Toowoomba and where I get almost all of my stock.

Yesterday, I bought a roll of silver 28guage wire, 100 clear czech crystals, and 100 swarovski crystals of assorted colours. I bought all of this to make my mask for my 21st birthday!!

When we got home, I got started. I had in my mind an idea of one of those gorgeous fascinators with the big flower and the net thing that goes over the face. Not a traditional mask, but I need to be able to wear my glasses. I had thought that I could make one of those ones that you hold up to your face with a stick but how can I dance with a stick in my hands???? Besides which, I'm the birthday girl and if I say this is a mask, then this is a mask .. lol.
So, I started last night... and I just finished it!!! It's so pretty - very happy with it. So I'm going to give my blog readers a sneak peek.

Here 'tis!!!!


Okay - I know this is blurry, but it shows the colours of the wire and stuff better than the one with the flash on: Photo 1...

And here is one with the flash on so you can see what it actually looks like if you have 20/20 vision.

What do you think?

My sister

This is a piece of writing by my sister, Alexie. She was recently present at the birth of one of our friend's daughters. Alexie is currently in year 11 and wants to be a midwife when she 'grows up'. She wrote this piece for an assignment at school: a reflection of something that has changed your life (or something along those lines).
I want to share it here because it is a beautiful piece of writing, an incredible and inspiring story, and because I am so proud of her!!!! (just beware... it may make you cry)

Here it is:

Sumaya

Come on, baby, I thought, staring at the still empty crib. Hurry up! We can’t wait to see you. I looked over at Cindy and her husband, who were also staring longingly at the crib. She put her hand on her stomach as another contraction began.

“Ooh! A good one,” she panted, with an angrily determined look on her face as she focused on her breathing. I sank into the recliner, eyelids heavy. I wanted nothing more than to curl up and sleep like a baby myself.

The call had come at one thirty in the morning. I was already prepared. I’d gone to sleep with the phone on my bedside table in anticipation that tonight would be the night. But, 18 hours later, we were still waiting. They say that a watched pot never boils and testament to that we were watching and nothing was happening. An attempt had been made to quicken the labour but the effects of the gel were already wearing off. I looked at Cindy's stomach and saw the flutter of movement as the baby kicked around. At least we knew she was alright in there.

George, Cindy’s Greek balding obstetrician, came in followed by Jenny, the midwife. The combination of the shirt George was wearing and the fact that Jenny referred to him as ‘Georgie Porgie’ made it really hard to take him seriously. Nevertheless he had a serious job to do. As the gel wasn’t working, it was now his job to find out what was holding the labour up. It was the second time that day that I had sat in on the procedure and it was still just as awkward. Suddenly I was acutely aware of the beep of the foetal heart monitor slowing down rapidly and Cindy’s face contorting with emotion and fear. It was then I realised that I needed to be listening to what George was saying. I caught the last two words, “emergency caesarean”.

I felt like someone had punched me in the stomach. The blood drained from my face as my heart quickened pace. I felt really cold and I wanted to shiver but I stopped myself. This time wasn’t about me. It was about Cindy, Stuart and the baby. I needed to be strong for their sake. So I pushed my feelings aside and went into working mode. Helping Stuart put pressure stockings on Cindy. Stroking Cindy’s hair as they put in the IV. Cleaning up her belongings. Opening doors. Pulling on scrubs. Finally they wheeled her through the theatre doors and there was nothing more Stuart and I could do but wait. And pray.

I still cannot believe that a man 20 years my senior was drawing his strength from me. Stuart was leaning forward with his head in his hands, tears pouring down his face. As I went to put my hand on his shoulder he reached out for me and gripped me tightly. He was clinging to me and trying to pray but the words wouldn’t come out. So I stepped in and finished it for him. I felt like weeping with him but I couldn’t. Not yet.

At 8:28pm, after almost 19 hours, Sumaya Angel Mignon W-- was born. The relief I felt when I could hear her cries is like nothing I have ever experienced. Just knowing that she was safe stirred even more emotions and I couldn’t help but let tears escape down my cheeks. When Sumaya was placed in his arms for the very first time, Stuart gazed at her with a look of absolute awe on his face. This was the moment we had all been waiting for! “Hello, Sumaya. I’m your daddy.” He said softly. It is one of the most beautiful moments I’ve ever witnessed in my short life: a father holding his child for the first time. Sumaya opened her eyes and looked around, viewing the world and her new surroundings. “Did you want to hold her?” he asked. I didn’t know if I should. Cindy was in there, unconscious and unable to hold her for another few hours at least. I didn’t know if I should hold her before her own mother. But somehow I sensed that Cindy would want me to. Stuart placed her in my arms. I ran a finger gently over her cheek. I don’t think that there is a thing in this world that is as soft as the cheek of a newborn baby.

I was sitting in the room when Cindy came back. She was lying on her bed with all sorts of tubes coming out of her. She was whimpering in pain and in some ways reminded me of a baby – needing to be looked after and loved. She was calling out Stuart’s name. “I’m just getting the baby.” He said.

“I don’t want to see the baby just yet. I want to see you,” she replied weakly. He moved to her side. Another beautiful moment. The two of them whispered their love for one another and exclaimed their delight in their new daughter. Then I heard Cindy call my name quietly. I walked over to her and kissed her forehead. “How are you?” she asked. I was shocked. How was I? She didn’t need to be worrying about me. I was fine. She was the one I needed to be worrying about.

“I’m fine. How are you?” I replied.

“Sore.” Her face contorted with pain as a contraction began. Her finger pressed the morphine button. Without thinking I put my hand on her head and started stroking gently. The contraction passed but I kept stroking her head. “That feels really nice.” she whispered before closing her eyes.

Everyone keeps telling me how brave I was but I still can’t believe how brave Cindy was. It is amazing how much strength God gives people when they ask for it. I will never, ever forget the day Sumaya was born. It was a long, exciting, scary day all rolled into one. At first I thought Oh no! The experience of watching my first birth has not gone to plan. But now I realise that it was the best possible experience. I learnt more than I would have if the birth had proceeded normally. It’s funny how in stressful and desperate moments God lets your true potential shine. If the birth had gone to plan and nothing had gone wrong, I might never have discovered that I contain a strength inside me from which others can draw…a strength I know is only in me because of God.

Crafty things...

Some of the things I've been working on lately...

First a painting that I just finished for our new-look room. It incorporates elements from our bedspread (the green background, brown & white flowers & leaves) and the purple/pink circles from the clock I made - (I don't think I've posted a picture of the clock yet). So here it is. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out, and it looks really great in our room...



And this is the latest counted cross-stitch I've been working on. It's hibiscus flowers and it's so pretty. I love the texture that the colour creates. Cool huh??

It's frustrating

When you have a two hour lecture slot, and the lecturer can only manage to get halfway through his prepares lecture because annoying people ask stupid, unrelated questions incessantly throughout the whole thing. Especially when we have an exam that is based on the first 4 lectures in a few weeks. Grrrrr. And when the lecturer doesn't put his slideshows on studydesk because he can't figure out how to use the new operating system and even though he prints out the lecture slides he doesn't give them to you until the end of the lecture!!! What gives?? Organisation people! It doesn't have to be that hard!

I need to go to sleep now.

Week 10

We're in the Gold Coast!

Staying in a really nice hotel, with a really nice view, spending really nice quality time together.

Today I bought cute red diana ferrari (?) shoes for $9.95!!!!

Tomorrow we are going to Movie World. I haven't been since I was about 11 and Pete has never been before! We got tickets for half price from myfun, because we're 'locals' (from Queensland).

Thismorning we got up at 5.00am and walked down to the beach to watch the sunrise. It was so beautiful. We're having a really good time together.

I know you're wondering, "if you're having so much fun why are you on a computer posting on your blog??" That would be because I had to go online to by my half price Movie World tickets and I paid for 30minutes and I plan to use the 30 minutes. I have 6 minutes left.

Hope you're having a nice weekend too :)

Zoey xx (and Pete)

Spring (Autumn?) cleaning

So today we had no uni so we finally got into the office and attacked it with gusto. It took us... well... all day, but it feels good to have it done.

We have a box of things that we have lent from people (mostly books), and pile of things to take to the tender center (hopefully to make some money out of!) and a full bin ;-)

I have decided to make my desk a craft desk, so I have all my scrapbooking bits and pieces out on the desk, which will make keeping up with my year of my life cards a lot easier. I also have my sewing stuff set up in the cupboard so I can pull that out onto the desk easily too. I fell ready to be creative now! Maybe tomorrow I will start doing the new painting for our bedroom wall...

Here 'tis... (it's a really hard room to get a good angle for a photo!)

Week Nine

Scrapbooking stuff unpacked = can do my card for last week!!

Profound

People always ask why I want to be a teacher. A quote from my lecturer today sums it up:

"People are a product of their environment. For some kids, you as a teacher may be the only positive person in their entire world. The only person who can affect change in their self-belief and in the way they see the world around them. In that way, the teaching profession is one of the most powerful vocations there is"

Back to real life

Uni started back today. I had my first class of the semester/year from 3-6. It's a course called Communication & Collaboration which sounds boring but hopefully won't be too bad.
Tomorrow we have a day off, then I have uni again at 3 on wednesday. I think this semester is going to be okay.

I'm SO tired. I'm not really sure why. My back is sore too and I really need to talk my husband into giving me a massage. Hopefully our awesome infared massage machine from deals direct will come tomorrow!

Nite :)

Fine Food

At 4.00 this afternoon, I started making pasta. At 7.30 tonight we sat down for dinner. Fifteen minutes later, it was all eaten!! Totally worth it though. I made pink and green pasta. The pink was beetroot, and the green was spinach.
Pete and I made the pink pasta into spinach & ricotta tortellini, and that's what we ate tonight. The green pasta is going to be used for lasagne tomorrow.

Our rolled pasta sheets hanging over the back of the chair.


Pink pasta rolled into spinach & ricotta tortellini


Cooked tortellini. Yum!


Dinner for two.

I have to say, I felt very industrious making my own pasta from scratch! And it was so yummy... and there is some left for lunch tomorrow!