tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60510842383036271542024-03-13T23:53:15.998-07:00One Mummy's MusingsCreator of Tilly & Floss- Event Ideas
Find us on Facebook.kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298642361471839882noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051084238303627154.post-77499661908077872862015-02-20T18:42:00.000-08:002015-02-20T18:42:38.148-08:00<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">An Update to our Coastal Style</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I just wanted to add a few pics of some changes that have happened around the house. Some pieces are new, some re-purposed or refurbished and some nothing at all.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are still new things I have done that I am not including today, well, maybe I will. :)</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each pic has an explanatory caption.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3oxAEf1k1qY/VOfqvyMUthI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/Xh_sYqtj1VI/s1600/11001938_10206179782120094_78289008278654134_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3oxAEf1k1qY/VOfqvyMUthI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/Xh_sYqtj1VI/s1600/11001938_10206179782120094_78289008278654134_n.jpg" height="544" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the entry a little welcome to our guests.</span></div>
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gAudWxZ6W1M/VOfqsIl-zsI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/_oDHou4uUtA/s1600/10450160_10206179782840112_5298296312925897614_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gAudWxZ6W1M/VOfqsIl-zsI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/_oDHou4uUtA/s1600/10450160_10206179782840112_5298296312925897614_n.jpg" height="640" width="344" /></a>Entry</span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FmH1ZY0eNZM/VOfqwkMzdRI/AAAAAAAAA3o/ua4wasloQjM/s1600/11017009_10206179781160070_829605399851472985_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FmH1ZY0eNZM/VOfqwkMzdRI/AAAAAAAAA3o/ua4wasloQjM/s1600/11017009_10206179781160070_829605399851472985_n.jpg" height="640" width="482" /></a></span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Inside the lounge room the hallway table is home to a vignette of some of my favourite things right now. The table is a gorgeous piece my Dad made for me from timber he felled or found in western QLD.</span><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C_Yh6hh1LuA/VOfqsw3X-kI/AAAAAAAAA2o/KT26Ae_L1fM/s1600/10676187_10206179781680083_740146132498949904_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C_Yh6hh1LuA/VOfqsw3X-kI/AAAAAAAAA2o/KT26Ae_L1fM/s1600/10676187_10206179781680083_740146132498949904_n.jpg" height="520" width="640" /></span></a><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UkyiLJcEp3Q/VOfquwrXk1I/AAAAAAAAA3E/vzUlx7DjXTI/s1600/10987699_10206179778800011_1528062520671478676_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UkyiLJcEp3Q/VOfquwrXk1I/AAAAAAAAA3E/vzUlx7DjXTI/s1600/10987699_10206179778800011_1528062520671478676_n.jpg" height="370" width="640" /></span></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the lounge room I have a canvas I have painted along with coastal colours in the cushions and the re-purposed birdcage in my favourite turquoise colour.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5hudXH6wxyM/VOfqxPYQu7I/AAAAAAAAA3w/futKOhAFU08/s1600/11018849_10206179778600006_8739812389676155472_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5hudXH6wxyM/VOfqxPYQu7I/AAAAAAAAA3w/futKOhAFU08/s1600/11018849_10206179778600006_8739812389676155472_n.jpg" height="366" width="640" /></span></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The clock wall is still a work in progress it has changed 3 times in the past 2 months.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s22-iTqRfYM/VOfqzBIIqzI/AAAAAAAAA4U/HKLiIP0RUIk/s1600/1513173_10206179778400001_7926707065213093323_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s22-iTqRfYM/VOfqzBIIqzI/AAAAAAAAA4U/HKLiIP0RUIk/s1600/1513173_10206179778400001_7926707065213093323_n.jpg" height="320" width="258" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--p_x4e7BYac/VOfquk3kBwI/AAAAAAAAA3A/82DX2YceEEM/s1600/10984992_10206179779520029_3064459990360610175_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--p_x4e7BYac/VOfquk3kBwI/AAAAAAAAA3A/82DX2YceEEM/s1600/10984992_10206179779520029_3064459990360610175_n.jpg" height="320" width="283" /></a></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The retro table lamp is a garage sale pick up. I LOVE it! $5 and I have done nothing to it. The silver cake plate is the perfect place for my seaside treasures.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RJAWCahaFEU/VOfqxsrHROI/AAAAAAAAA34/XzVJ95S-g24/s1600/11018927_10206179779040017_4048837753029127131_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RJAWCahaFEU/VOfqxsrHROI/AAAAAAAAA34/XzVJ95S-g24/s1600/11018927_10206179779040017_4048837753029127131_n.jpg" height="372" width="640" /></span></a><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JbqRFyPmIyQ/VOfqtuT3ViI/AAAAAAAAA2s/Wv_YH_LZP0k/s1600/10866283_10206179779800036_9086267715240685274_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JbqRFyPmIyQ/VOfqtuT3ViI/AAAAAAAAA2s/Wv_YH_LZP0k/s1600/10866283_10206179779800036_9086267715240685274_o.jpg" height="640" width="258" /></span></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This pretty table was made by my Dad and step mum. It is one of my favourite pieces. I have had it for a long time now.</span></div>
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ek63-amz--A/VOfqraUTXqI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/EMPhI-QecF4/s1600/10354142_10206179775159920_6586911955778099463_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ek63-amz--A/VOfqraUTXqI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/EMPhI-QecF4/s1600/10354142_10206179775159920_6586911955778099463_n.jpg" height="528" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More garage sale pick ups.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VoPgx1kl184/VOfqsD2u9WI/AAAAAAAAA2c/SAqmp4QAZaA/s1600/10361382_10206179846081693_2393052154372335446_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VoPgx1kl184/VOfqsD2u9WI/AAAAAAAAA2c/SAqmp4QAZaA/s1600/10361382_10206179846081693_2393052154372335446_n.jpg" height="482" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This table and chair are new to our home. I just re-sprayed them last weekend. They were another garage sale pick up. I will be changing the lamp. It's too big and I am not liking this look at all. But for now it is being used.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j-Ee8jpjcjc/VOfqt4sQYuI/AAAAAAAAA2w/AS1O-dPoT34/s1600/10931351_10205842983900349_4924452665931896688_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j-Ee8jpjcjc/VOfqt4sQYuI/AAAAAAAAA2w/AS1O-dPoT34/s1600/10931351_10205842983900349_4924452665931896688_n.jpg" height="640" width="392" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This little stool is another garage sale pick up.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kSpWXjqyPPg/VOfquSslp9I/AAAAAAAAA24/-lTht7KlNwY/s1600/10933782_10205903881542752_7350799336275009482_n(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kSpWXjqyPPg/VOfquSslp9I/AAAAAAAAA24/-lTht7KlNwY/s1600/10933782_10205903881542752_7350799336275009482_n(1).jpg" height="640" width="382" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This gorgeous birdcage is another garage sale pick up. I am thinking of painting it but haven't decided on colour. The bird perch will probably be removed also.</span></div>
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Mhn4aubAsc/VOfqvdRyLJI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/iSDP8yr_jAU/s1600/10991333_10206179771959840_716395607856848150_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Mhn4aubAsc/VOfqvdRyLJI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/iSDP8yr_jAU/s1600/10991333_10206179771959840_716395607856848150_n.jpg" height="640" width="460" /></span></a><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My Dad rescued and refurbished this hutch from an old delapidated Qlder out west. It still has green paint inside the drawers :) It comes to me with so much love. I have had this for nearly 20 years.</span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ecEP6tgkvms/VOfqyKWun4I/AAAAAAAAA4A/q__kyplOd60/s1600/1268798_10206179771639832_6901434018607150635_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ecEP6tgkvms/VOfqyKWun4I/AAAAAAAAA4A/q__kyplOd60/s1600/1268798_10206179771639832_6901434018607150635_o.jpg" height="640" width="238" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UXsJtpX30S0/VOfqwYbtTaI/AAAAAAAAA3g/kjiGDhUHpgI/s1600/11016733_10206179771479828_1458033542926875769_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UXsJtpX30S0/VOfqwYbtTaI/AAAAAAAAA3g/kjiGDhUHpgI/s1600/11016733_10206179771479828_1458033542926875769_n.jpg" height="320" width="293" /></a></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All these items were garage sale pick ups except the wood turned burl bowl. Another treasure from my Dad, including the gem stones he fossicked for and tumbled himself.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xaqyb5aEebk/VOfqywQtkpI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/VFDovRWxnmg/s1600/1374979_10206179772199846_5661383167399059254_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xaqyb5aEebk/VOfqywQtkpI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/VFDovRWxnmg/s1600/1374979_10206179772199846_5661383167399059254_n.jpg" height="444" width="640" /></a></span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Outdoors we bought the lounge but the trunk, tray, chair and life ring were all garage sale pick ups!!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298642361471839882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051084238303627154.post-71764118798131251432014-06-14T16:58:00.000-07:002014-06-14T21:03:30.397-07:00A Monster High Spa Party-Isabella's 8th Birthday<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A Monster High Spa Party</span><span style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">-Isabella's 8th Birthday</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This has been a very busy year for our family again and I have not really blogged since the New Year. But here we are again in June and I need to pop up this year's birthday bash.</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The decision was made quite early on for a spa party, the Monster High theme came later.</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The girls had a wonderful day and I have a few thank you's as well.</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Firstly, to Lyndall Gravis for doing an awesome job of making the girls look freakishly fabulous with her amazing face painting and make up.</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then to Cheryl Glidden of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DecorCake?fref=ts">Decor-Cake</a> for Isabella's beautiful and delicious Monster High cake!</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lastly, many thanks to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lisaschmidtphotography1?fref=ts">Lisa Schmidt Photography</a> for the beautiful images she created for our day. Also see Lisa at <a href="http://www.lisaschmidtphotography.com.au/">Lisa Schmidt Photography</a></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There was a lot of emotion on this day also as we had just received the most amazingly wonderful news the day before that Dan, My husband and Isabella's Daddy has finally achieved complete remission after battling Hodgkin's Lymphoma for the past 2 and 1/2 years.</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So please enjoy the pics and feel free to ask about anything. </span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yISUNsCr1xw/U5zbaDKJAOI/AAAAAAAAAsw/A6l3f0flrvg/s1600/Bella-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yISUNsCr1xw/U5zbaDKJAOI/AAAAAAAAAsw/A6l3f0flrvg/s1600/Bella-9.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Welcome to the party!!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jq8xkMNybu4/U5zbfWI2nzI/AAAAAAAAAs4/lpGEXfcvFas/s1600/Bella-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jq8xkMNybu4/U5zbfWI2nzI/AAAAAAAAAs4/lpGEXfcvFas/s1600/Bella-11.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Welcome to the party!!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-67RF8uaPUYU/U5zbj5tFr0I/AAAAAAAAAtA/jnf5cD9quIA/s1600/Bella-49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-67RF8uaPUYU/U5zbj5tFr0I/AAAAAAAAAtA/jnf5cD9quIA/s1600/Bella-49.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TcgtzbIucxg/U5zb2DuZRtI/AAAAAAAAAtI/f7qkKnEXgLc/s1600/Bella-36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TcgtzbIucxg/U5zb2DuZRtI/AAAAAAAAAtI/f7qkKnEXgLc/s1600/Bella-36.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9jk8cHAYnik/U5zb7SzMCHI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/6y80_QJkmHg/s1600/Bella-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9jk8cHAYnik/U5zb7SzMCHI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/6y80_QJkmHg/s1600/Bella-20.jpg" height="404" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Party hats available from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Balloons-Weddings-by-the-Bay/132185110156942?fref=ts">Balloons by the Bay</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_GceuWpOCTM/U5zcBHGlY2I/AAAAAAAAAtY/G2ICj2hYIDE/s1600/Bella-42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_GceuWpOCTM/U5zcBHGlY2I/AAAAAAAAAtY/G2ICj2hYIDE/s1600/Bella-42.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Chocolate Face Masks to begin the makeovers! I found the recipe on line from a spa party recipe site.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0jqZ14OMSgU/U5zcSeCMZQI/AAAAAAAAAtg/BOlwk74PzUE/s1600/Bella-43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0jqZ14OMSgU/U5zcSeCMZQI/AAAAAAAAAtg/BOlwk74PzUE/s1600/Bella-43.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S7IAzjNM90s/U5zcWK-GbOI/AAAAAAAAAto/LZ2Dw6pS-yc/s1600/Bella-27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S7IAzjNM90s/U5zcWK-GbOI/AAAAAAAAAto/LZ2Dw6pS-yc/s1600/Bella-27.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g9YlD2lWSp4/U5zccKqOUkI/AAAAAAAAAtw/iAmCwIxLLO8/s1600/Bella-45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g9YlD2lWSp4/U5zccKqOUkI/AAAAAAAAAtw/iAmCwIxLLO8/s1600/Bella-45.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8U-Vjbry9bI/U5zclSvMboI/AAAAAAAAAt4/f151nE0eDI0/s1600/Bella-54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8U-Vjbry9bI/U5zclSvMboI/AAAAAAAAAt4/f151nE0eDI0/s1600/Bella-54.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then the girls decorated some party hats with feathers, sequins and jewels.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zBj4OYvBGeI/U5zcpDWVCTI/AAAAAAAAAuA/x9kH4xqTDFg/s1600/Bella-48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zBj4OYvBGeI/U5zcpDWVCTI/AAAAAAAAAuA/x9kH4xqTDFg/s1600/Bella-48.jpg" height="406" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CC-hb2pzdOE/U5zctXYtZZI/AAAAAAAAAuI/thSvEVUgrb0/s1600/Bella-70.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CC-hb2pzdOE/U5zctXYtZZI/AAAAAAAAAuI/thSvEVUgrb0/s1600/Bella-70.jpg" height="420" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i5F4LcGRoTo/U5zc3tM2dZI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/ZE7q4y4aIPE/s1600/Bella-68.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i5F4LcGRoTo/U5zc3tM2dZI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/ZE7q4y4aIPE/s1600/Bella-68.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Nail painting with kids polishes. It really just rubbed off. Great idea and no mess!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lNRcvapnmxk/U5zc6QTNy2I/AAAAAAAAAuY/W6RUS2z-ekA/s1600/Bella-63.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lNRcvapnmxk/U5zc6QTNy2I/AAAAAAAAAuY/W6RUS2z-ekA/s1600/Bella-63.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o3XbpC2WdEE/U5zdFA3k82I/AAAAAAAAAug/2_gXpaHRJ4o/s1600/Bella-78.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o3XbpC2WdEE/U5zdFA3k82I/AAAAAAAAAug/2_gXpaHRJ4o/s1600/Bella-78.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Ready for her make over!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9g7_g0gokU/U5zdI529b6I/AAAAAAAAAuo/h9TRBuOpB2w/s1600/Bella-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9g7_g0gokU/U5zdI529b6I/AAAAAAAAAuo/h9TRBuOpB2w/s1600/Bella-2.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Outside Food and Cake table.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T4y0foO-pl8/U5zdWD0oBRI/AAAAAAAAAuw/IQ6rtaav4YE/s1600/Bella-58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T4y0foO-pl8/U5zdWD0oBRI/AAAAAAAAAuw/IQ6rtaav4YE/s1600/Bella-58.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mlNZYLzajMY/U5zdZjrMVoI/AAAAAAAAAu4/W1oTjOVvxGM/s1600/Bella-57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mlNZYLzajMY/U5zdZjrMVoI/AAAAAAAAAu4/W1oTjOVvxGM/s1600/Bella-57.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WK08ZtiJ7bA/U5zdd3M9IwI/AAAAAAAAAvA/xki08pk59wM/s1600/Bella-59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WK08ZtiJ7bA/U5zdd3M9IwI/AAAAAAAAAvA/xki08pk59wM/s1600/Bella-59.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5F1wYR14dcQ/U5zde9CAvrI/AAAAAAAAAvI/2GV3K0ba16M/s1600/Bella-62.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5F1wYR14dcQ/U5zde9CAvrI/AAAAAAAAAvI/2GV3K0ba16M/s1600/Bella-62.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CsXlfzobh90/U5zdidP1REI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/4aQ9RZxdzTw/s1600/Bella-66.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CsXlfzobh90/U5zdidP1REI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/4aQ9RZxdzTw/s1600/Bella-66.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fOgHrpWwQck/U5zdjA7w2mI/AAAAAAAAAvU/Q5gtr_ca1z8/s1600/Bella-65.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fOgHrpWwQck/U5zdjA7w2mI/AAAAAAAAAvU/Q5gtr_ca1z8/s1600/Bella-65.jpg" height="430" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-49OydQQ86zw/U5zdoMUlcSI/AAAAAAAAAvg/dhaEqBId7X4/s1600/Bella-104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-49OydQQ86zw/U5zdoMUlcSI/AAAAAAAAAvg/dhaEqBId7X4/s1600/Bella-104.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8w_8BwzFEoM/U5zdr3bQP-I/AAAAAAAAAvo/OSH7ZQxosIE/s1600/Bella-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8w_8BwzFEoM/U5zdr3bQP-I/AAAAAAAAAvo/OSH7ZQxosIE/s1600/Bella-14.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V7uLfkmB23Y/U5zdugnT60I/AAAAAAAAAvw/hS57OJObz30/s1600/Bella-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V7uLfkmB23Y/U5zdugnT60I/AAAAAAAAAvw/hS57OJObz30/s1600/Bella-12.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dress ups wigs and hair pieces!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pYj-q70mqzc/U5zdw1TFoTI/AAAAAAAAAv4/YDEjn3_kKbo/s1600/Bella-72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pYj-q70mqzc/U5zdw1TFoTI/AAAAAAAAAv4/YDEjn3_kKbo/s1600/Bella-72.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EkXioqhM1a0/U5zd1ZEqQ0I/AAAAAAAAAwA/46ui2ygPS8s/s1600/Bella-71.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EkXioqhM1a0/U5zd1ZEqQ0I/AAAAAAAAAwA/46ui2ygPS8s/s1600/Bella-71.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fz1_LffZrTY/U5zd5Wx7D-I/AAAAAAAAAwI/nR9xI05py1c/s1600/Bella-82.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fz1_LffZrTY/U5zd5Wx7D-I/AAAAAAAAAwI/nR9xI05py1c/s1600/Bella-82.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OAY7ASdaLLc/U5zd7lYxogI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/z9Yt4LKW9r0/s1600/Bella-88.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OAY7ASdaLLc/U5zd7lYxogI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/z9Yt4LKW9r0/s1600/Bella-88.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-101WaeMR-BQ/U5zeAD7znEI/AAAAAAAAAwY/gHfU54_6fg0/s1600/Bella-109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-101WaeMR-BQ/U5zeAD7znEI/AAAAAAAAAwY/gHfU54_6fg0/s1600/Bella-109.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V4Awbj8vIE4/U5zeFjyF80I/AAAAAAAAAwg/smAt9jMNI7c/s1600/Bella-99.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V4Awbj8vIE4/U5zeFjyF80I/AAAAAAAAAwg/smAt9jMNI7c/s1600/Bella-99.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hyEogaWo1m4/U5zeScQN_QI/AAAAAAAAAwo/OLSx_V-Z6fY/s1600/Bella-123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hyEogaWo1m4/U5zeScQN_QI/AAAAAAAAAwo/OLSx_V-Z6fY/s1600/Bella-123.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-85AJkfZhP2U/U5zeXO1B9DI/AAAAAAAAAww/TDnBoq56VJs/s1600/Bella-136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-85AJkfZhP2U/U5zeXO1B9DI/AAAAAAAAAww/TDnBoq56VJs/s1600/Bella-136.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SqQf5EpSju4/U5zeZ-WmtsI/AAAAAAAAAw4/v82deb-ZH2k/s1600/Bella-138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SqQf5EpSju4/U5zeZ-WmtsI/AAAAAAAAAw4/v82deb-ZH2k/s1600/Bella-138.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ssua6MDuueU/U5zecutCzRI/AAAAAAAAAxA/LVqZdze9M7o/s1600/Bella-133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ssua6MDuueU/U5zecutCzRI/AAAAAAAAAxA/LVqZdze9M7o/s1600/Bella-133.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iA1sEdyLESk/U5zehccJuQI/AAAAAAAAAxI/Ns_x1EkpRPo/s1600/Bella-141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iA1sEdyLESk/U5zehccJuQI/AAAAAAAAAxI/Ns_x1EkpRPo/s1600/Bella-141.jpg" height="434" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lzx-OVikA_U/U5zelSvOEOI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/jJN7G4iL4XY/s1600/Bella-128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lzx-OVikA_U/U5zelSvOEOI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/jJN7G4iL4XY/s1600/Bella-128.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aBbI8cEiir8/U5zeopyxPsI/AAAAAAAAAxY/_o7FrxVf7Y0/s1600/Bella-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aBbI8cEiir8/U5zeopyxPsI/AAAAAAAAAxY/_o7FrxVf7Y0/s1600/Bella-6.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298642361471839882noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051084238303627154.post-86012603049419249442014-02-21T17:40:00.004-08:002014-02-21T17:40:54.256-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">UPDATE TO COASTAL CHIC STYLING</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">I HAVE COMPLETED A FEW PROJECTS AND ADDED SOME BEACH TREASURES TO A COUPLE OF THESE VIGNETTES</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">enjoy...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Back in January I posted this post...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">...see below this post for update :)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">New Style-Coastal </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Now Christmas is over for another year so we have decided to go with some coastal colouring in our home as we are now living closer to the Bay. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Here are a few new areas, mainly the living room I have been working on.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mAI53j8ZI_8/UszqJ-cZQbI/AAAAAAAAAn4/Ea7M7KMxHRI/s1600/1497600_10202979983927139_872652532_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mAI53j8ZI_8/UszqJ-cZQbI/AAAAAAAAAn4/Ea7M7KMxHRI/s1600/1497600_10202979983927139_872652532_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="640" width="482" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-egd_hgoUlIs/UszqJpBIteI/AAAAAAAAAn0/8hsO7VWv0jo/s1600/1505021_10202979978487003_382216309_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-egd_hgoUlIs/UszqJpBIteI/AAAAAAAAAn0/8hsO7VWv0jo/s1600/1505021_10202979978487003_382216309_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="482" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NKPvfht7MQo/UszqK-N2mdI/AAAAAAAAAoI/L-MMYQOEaNI/s1600/1507615_10202980012407851_728134773_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NKPvfht7MQo/UszqK-N2mdI/AAAAAAAAAoI/L-MMYQOEaNI/s1600/1507615_10202980012407851_728134773_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="640" width="454" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kiSmkCzILtY/UszqLZmcoiI/AAAAAAAAAoU/m-0hmrTWF4M/s1600/1509997_10202979965686683_272304183_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kiSmkCzILtY/UszqLZmcoiI/AAAAAAAAAoU/m-0hmrTWF4M/s1600/1509997_10202979965686683_272304183_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2z6WE131PVM/UszqLtwgr6I/AAAAAAAAAoQ/BC2I9zUIfjk/s1600/1511292_10202979985967190_1561388558_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2z6WE131PVM/UszqLtwgr6I/AAAAAAAAAoQ/BC2I9zUIfjk/s1600/1511292_10202979985967190_1561388558_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="640" width="450" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W234GKbK_RY/UszqM__9UGI/AAAAAAAAAoo/nssIv1mTuGw/s1600/1526659_10202979971886838_770091400_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W234GKbK_RY/UszqM__9UGI/AAAAAAAAAoo/nssIv1mTuGw/s1600/1526659_10202979971886838_770091400_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="640" width="418" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8lfpfBSrrc/UszqNTYHI5I/AAAAAAAAAo0/W0gJK7MtQyM/s1600/1528551_10202979991127319_1919035186_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8lfpfBSrrc/UszqNTYHI5I/AAAAAAAAAo0/W0gJK7MtQyM/s1600/1528551_10202979991127319_1919035186_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="640" width="540" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5228MGF4yAY/UszqOH_RfUI/AAAAAAAAAo4/-rqLZ2oUbK4/s1600/1535678_10202980000887563_294040714_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5228MGF4yAY/UszqOH_RfUI/AAAAAAAAAo4/-rqLZ2oUbK4/s1600/1535678_10202980000887563_294040714_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="640" width="440" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zBp-dHaFlHs/UszqOzDt8fI/AAAAAAAAApI/Nvekg4rU5S4/s1600/1545804_10202980009287773_1431197543_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zBp-dHaFlHs/UszqOzDt8fI/AAAAAAAAApI/Nvekg4rU5S4/s1600/1545804_10202980009287773_1431197543_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="474" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJ1wA37Xcm8/UszqPmZtK8I/AAAAAAAAApM/sGljinpGX_0/s1600/1554539_10202980004447652_1458299071_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJ1wA37Xcm8/UszqPmZtK8I/AAAAAAAAApM/sGljinpGX_0/s1600/1554539_10202980004447652_1458299071_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="640" width="626" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LCRxnsfuilc/UszqPuUibMI/AAAAAAAAApQ/_TiVleGG7bQ/s1600/1554579_10202979959726534_1737918981_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LCRxnsfuilc/UszqPuUibMI/AAAAAAAAApQ/_TiVleGG7bQ/s1600/1554579_10202979959726534_1737918981_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="482" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-egj-NQt54YY/UszqPwT368I/AAAAAAAAApY/OG76Ay_NetE/s1600/1601034_10202979997647482_1613382616_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-egj-NQt54YY/UszqPwT368I/AAAAAAAAApY/OG76Ay_NetE/s1600/1601034_10202979997647482_1613382616_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="640" width="284" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Starting with a neutral base and adding colour works best for me. I sourced most of these items such as cushions, runners, candles, shells and lanterns from discount outlets and sales. I have not spent more than around $150 so far on decorator items for this look. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Next room, the office!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">UPDATE!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">I have been working on some projects around the house whilst we have been waiting for Dan's transplant. He had it on Wednesday. So far, all good. Early days yet.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Project 1- Suitcase Table</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uLC26NSXQdg/Uwf9SxldOAI/AAAAAAAAArk/M_79vXTvOxA/s1600/1526526_637346556323228_929905669_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uLC26NSXQdg/Uwf9SxldOAI/AAAAAAAAArk/M_79vXTvOxA/s1600/1526526_637346556323228_929905669_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I found these 2 beauties and tried my hand at some DIY.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm pretty happy with the end result.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oTOjCXDMVyM/Uwf9SAG5CsI/AAAAAAAAArY/dhQgJJ_OMGE/s1600/12361_10203085487084652_906893275_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oTOjCXDMVyM/Uwf9SAG5CsI/AAAAAAAAArY/dhQgJJ_OMGE/s1600/12361_10203085487084652_906893275_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="588" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uVZmPi2B3Vs/Uwf9WRBWtfI/AAAAAAAAAsU/3nRzkcbN63k/s1600/1970489_10203305106014988_709010117_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uVZmPi2B3Vs/Uwf9WRBWtfI/AAAAAAAAAsU/3nRzkcbN63k/s1600/1970489_10203305106014988_709010117_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="572" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">PROJECT 2- BIRD CAGE</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QjLpBcDTHxY/Uwf9R9y0UFI/AAAAAAAAArU/eyxol4fFYqc/s1600/1013501_283596091791893_657534742_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QjLpBcDTHxY/Uwf9R9y0UFI/AAAAAAAAArU/eyxol4fFYqc/s1600/1013501_283596091791893_657534742_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I FOUND THIS GORGEOUS OLD BIRDCAGE AND DECIDED IT NEEDED SOME COLOUR, ALTHOUGH I DID LOVE IT IN THIS STATE TOO!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jn3DHC_XXX0/Uwf9VkkLGlI/AAAAAAAAAsI/k-C-tbXx8Sg/s1600/1920255_10203304715845234_979639100_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jn3DHC_XXX0/Uwf9VkkLGlI/AAAAAAAAAsI/k-C-tbXx8Sg/s1600/1920255_10203304715845234_979639100_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="640" width="496" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pS04KAEsz7Q/Uwf9V-QrZfI/AAAAAAAAAsM/N31qhGr3N94/s1600/1891040_10203305106815008_946209677_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pS04KAEsz7Q/Uwf9V-QrZfI/AAAAAAAAAsM/N31qhGr3N94/s1600/1891040_10203305106815008_946209677_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="522" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This isn't a project but some treasures I found at the local beaches we troll on weekends.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">I love the pumice stone and the sponge. Their textures and colours beautifully balance with the smooth glass of the float.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--6fj-CMnB38/Uwf9R-obRiI/AAAAAAAAArQ/jQaoosNRek4/s1600/1001274_10203305107695030_830452198_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--6fj-CMnB38/Uwf9R-obRiI/AAAAAAAAArQ/jQaoosNRek4/s1600/1001274_10203305107695030_830452198_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="320" width="285" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E1N8rpBjQsc/Uwf9UnLrgII/AAAAAAAAAsA/aEmTwKdYW6g/s1600/1779868_10203305107135016_208512438_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E1N8rpBjQsc/Uwf9UnLrgII/AAAAAAAAAsA/aEmTwKdYW6g/s1600/1779868_10203305107135016_208512438_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="320" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QjLpBcDTHxY/Uwf9R9y0UFI/AAAAAAAAArU/eyxol4fFYqc/s1600/1013501_283596091791893_657534742_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uLC26NSXQdg/Uwf9SxldOAI/AAAAAAAAArk/M_79vXTvOxA/s1600/1526526_637346556323228_929905669_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Something coming up...</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wAq1tUIFlbg/Uwf9UIvVHZI/AAAAAAAAAr0/faUnbNlLkUo/s1600/1625502_675246079184470_881098641_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wAq1tUIFlbg/Uwf9UIvVHZI/AAAAAAAAAr0/faUnbNlLkUo/s1600/1625502_675246079184470_881098641_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Have a great day!!!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E1N8rpBjQsc/Uwf9UnLrgII/AAAAAAAAAsA/aEmTwKdYW6g/s1600/1779868_10203305107135016_208512438_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pS04KAEsz7Q/Uwf9V-QrZfI/AAAAAAAAAsM/N31qhGr3N94/s1600/1891040_10203305106815008_946209677_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jn3DHC_XXX0/Uwf9VkkLGlI/AAAAAAAAAsI/k-C-tbXx8Sg/s1600/1920255_10203304715845234_979639100_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uVZmPi2B3Vs/Uwf9WRBWtfI/AAAAAAAAAsU/3nRzkcbN63k/s1600/1970489_10203305106014988_709010117_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298642361471839882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051084238303627154.post-4471341067394734672014-01-07T22:16:00.000-08:002014-01-07T22:16:11.900-08:00New House, Christmas and new style...sort of.<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We recently moved house, about 3 weeks before Christmas. It was mad, it happened in 2 weeks and I was totally stressed as there was so much happening in our lives at the same time.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial;">However, we are so fortunate to have a number of amazing people in our lives. We had so many people come to help us with packing and moving including a 5 foot marine fish tank! </span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial;">I don't even know how to begin to thank all those involved in getting us in the new house.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial;">But moved we did and so I am now going to share our Christmas and some new styling ideas I am trying out for the house...please be patient as I am still working on some of these looks and I still have so many more rooms to complete.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial;">As always I am happy to answer questions or queries about where to source items so feel free to comment or ask.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial;">Christmas first...</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<div align="center">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">A Bozzoli Christmas- rushed and panicked style</span></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: magenta;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HWe8bRF8S4g/UsvQaXCTh0I/AAAAAAAAAms/KwoEKYymt6s/s1600/1488060_10202818563211722_1007460180_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HWe8bRF8S4g/UsvQaXCTh0I/AAAAAAAAAms/KwoEKYymt6s/s1600/1488060_10202818563211722_1007460180_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="640" width="418" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Tree-this year's theme was pink and purple</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MAl6O7swL1g/UsvPbfyRa-I/AAAAAAAAAl4/KH2u3zh-VJo/s1600/1512471_10202882468209307_1485636909_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MAl6O7swL1g/UsvPbfyRa-I/AAAAAAAAAl4/KH2u3zh-VJo/s1600/1512471_10202882468209307_1485636909_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The table setting- I totally forgot to buy more charger plates as we had extra people for Christmas dinner. So I alternated silver plates with purple gift wrap cut to the same size as my chargers. I don't think anyone noticed they weren't actually plates. Gotta love family for that!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial;">Also, I forgot to buy a new white setting so I broke my theme colours and used my traditional Christmas serving setting...it kind of went okay I thought.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4eWFHwU0TOM/UsvPb7toL3I/AAAAAAAAAl8/d5v9Sh0c9L4/s1600/1525219_10202882468569316_1889568997_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4eWFHwU0TOM/UsvPb7toL3I/AAAAAAAAAl8/d5v9Sh0c9L4/s1600/1525219_10202882468569316_1889568997_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="640" width="534" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: magenta;"></span></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our dining room all set up.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"></span> </div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ow7M265bQOI/UsvQYBWf9-I/AAAAAAAAAmI/gkBx7JyTDvE/s1600/1390691_10202818565211772_2007587767_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ow7M265bQOI/UsvQYBWf9-I/AAAAAAAAAmI/gkBx7JyTDvE/s1600/1390691_10202818565211772_2007587767_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="640" width="288" /></a></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: magenta;"> </span></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mNheTDA58oM/UsvQYbTL0zI/AAAAAAAAAmM/m8odrEdtkDs/s1600/1468594_10202820054649007_1395946232_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span> </div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> A living room nook</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: magenta;"></span> </div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KMa4vcN7qJQ/UsvQYyJDfJI/AAAAAAAAAmU/NeqMO43u128/s1600/1471995_10202816019028119_1195676149_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KMa4vcN7qJQ/UsvQYyJDfJI/AAAAAAAAAmU/NeqMO43u128/s1600/1471995_10202816019028119_1195676149_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: magenta;"> </span></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oahmUBCaMsM/UsvQZrWK6ZI/AAAAAAAAAmk/E4yoD6DoEkY/s1600/1477777_10202820051968940_477854383_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span> </div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: magenta;"> </span></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8e0eI-2X1V8/UsvQZndSO_I/AAAAAAAAAmc/8fuTt3s0fF4/s1600/1483308_10202818560091644_785967000_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8e0eI-2X1V8/UsvQZndSO_I/AAAAAAAAAmc/8fuTt3s0fF4/s1600/1483308_10202818560091644_785967000_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="640" width="376" /></a></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another nook with candles and lanterns.</span> </span></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HWe8bRF8S4g/UsvQaXCTh0I/AAAAAAAAAms/KwoEKYymt6s/s1600/1488060_10202818563211722_1007460180_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span> </div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: magenta;"> </span></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KrDqR3MTnKk/UsvQa3EKDLI/AAAAAAAAAm4/Lfc-aageO2c/s1600/1497694_10202818563731735_1764613529_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KrDqR3MTnKk/UsvQa3EKDLI/AAAAAAAAAm4/Lfc-aageO2c/s1600/1497694_10202818563731735_1764613529_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="640" width="414" /></a></span></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can never have enough trees and baubles!</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: magenta;"> </span></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6FU2_xJBl5Q/UsvQbr47XAI/AAAAAAAAAm8/N-e6noF9XJg/s1600/1501693_10202818559131620_1191365964_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6FU2_xJBl5Q/UsvQbr47XAI/AAAAAAAAAm8/N-e6noF9XJg/s1600/1501693_10202818559131620_1191365964_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="640" width="452" /></a></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: magenta;"> </span></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2oFKxv-o-Iw/UsvQbuAWMRI/AAAAAAAAAnA/aEz4jX4JNuU/s1600/1507569_10202820053208971_2011688758_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span> </div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: magenta;"> </span></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8tZ0q8giUDY/UsvQdaJKHYI/AAAAAAAAAnc/95GCn-Qx5dg/s1600/1512604_10202818564731760_333306432_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8tZ0q8giUDY/UsvQdaJKHYI/AAAAAAAAAnc/95GCn-Qx5dg/s1600/1512604_10202818564731760_333306432_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="640" width="398" /></a></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: magenta;"> </span></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PnOoQ5GalJI/UsvQc9cvLAI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/3zjKJqwlrIY/s1600/1517692_10202816018268100_505683605_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PnOoQ5GalJI/UsvQc9cvLAI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/3zjKJqwlrIY/s1600/1517692_10202816018268100_505683605_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="640" width="412" /></a></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: magenta;"> </span></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UwLfcDRSdGg/UsvQdKjdyKI/AAAAAAAAAnU/7yxsq2j6Ngg/s1600/1526708_10202818564171746_1583751483_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UwLfcDRSdGg/UsvQdKjdyKI/AAAAAAAAAnU/7yxsq2j6Ngg/s1600/1526708_10202818564171746_1583751483_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="524" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<span style="background-color: white; color: magenta; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Dan's Lights</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial;">As many of you know my husband, Daniele is currently battling Relapsed Hodgkin's Lymphoma. He has been doing so for the past 2 years.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial;">I didn't expect him to put up the Christmas lights this year but he did and he did a great job! I love him so much for making Christmas so special for our family.</span></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2oFKxv-o-Iw/UsvQbuAWMRI/AAAAAAAAAnA/aEz4jX4JNuU/s1600/1507569_10202820053208971_2011688758_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2oFKxv-o-Iw/UsvQbuAWMRI/AAAAAAAAAnA/aEz4jX4JNuU/s1600/1507569_10202820053208971_2011688758_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oahmUBCaMsM/UsvQZrWK6ZI/AAAAAAAAAmk/E4yoD6DoEkY/s1600/1477777_10202820051968940_477854383_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oahmUBCaMsM/UsvQZrWK6ZI/AAAAAAAAAmk/E4yoD6DoEkY/s1600/1477777_10202820051968940_477854383_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mNheTDA58oM/UsvQYbTL0zI/AAAAAAAAAmM/m8odrEdtkDs/s1600/1468594_10202820054649007_1395946232_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mNheTDA58oM/UsvQYbTL0zI/AAAAAAAAAmM/m8odrEdtkDs/s1600/1468594_10202820054649007_1395946232_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LULs-6WSUBs/UszrXoa3dwI/AAAAAAAAApo/BwGjPXRYcUo/s1600/1515039_10202898541171121_799656385_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LULs-6WSUBs/UszrXoa3dwI/AAAAAAAAApo/BwGjPXRYcUo/s1600/1515039_10202898541171121_799656385_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="564" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-83KjSioV4Ok/Uszrg_-apRI/AAAAAAAAApw/3q3nYgoVgUc/s1600/1507646_10202898539731085_2011135793_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-83KjSioV4Ok/Uszrg_-apRI/AAAAAAAAApw/3q3nYgoVgUc/s1600/1507646_10202898539731085_2011135793_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="640" width="472" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">From our family to yours, Merry Christmas!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">New Style-Coastal </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Now Christmas is over for another year so we have decided to go with some coastal colouring in our home as we are now living closer to the Bay. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Here are a few new areas, mainly the living room I have been working on.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mAI53j8ZI_8/UszqJ-cZQbI/AAAAAAAAAn4/Ea7M7KMxHRI/s1600/1497600_10202979983927139_872652532_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mAI53j8ZI_8/UszqJ-cZQbI/AAAAAAAAAn4/Ea7M7KMxHRI/s1600/1497600_10202979983927139_872652532_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="640" width="482" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-egd_hgoUlIs/UszqJpBIteI/AAAAAAAAAn0/8hsO7VWv0jo/s1600/1505021_10202979978487003_382216309_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-egd_hgoUlIs/UszqJpBIteI/AAAAAAAAAn0/8hsO7VWv0jo/s1600/1505021_10202979978487003_382216309_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="482" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NKPvfht7MQo/UszqK-N2mdI/AAAAAAAAAoI/L-MMYQOEaNI/s1600/1507615_10202980012407851_728134773_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NKPvfht7MQo/UszqK-N2mdI/AAAAAAAAAoI/L-MMYQOEaNI/s1600/1507615_10202980012407851_728134773_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="640" width="454" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kiSmkCzILtY/UszqLZmcoiI/AAAAAAAAAoU/m-0hmrTWF4M/s1600/1509997_10202979965686683_272304183_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kiSmkCzILtY/UszqLZmcoiI/AAAAAAAAAoU/m-0hmrTWF4M/s1600/1509997_10202979965686683_272304183_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2z6WE131PVM/UszqLtwgr6I/AAAAAAAAAoQ/BC2I9zUIfjk/s1600/1511292_10202979985967190_1561388558_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2z6WE131PVM/UszqLtwgr6I/AAAAAAAAAoQ/BC2I9zUIfjk/s1600/1511292_10202979985967190_1561388558_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="640" width="450" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W234GKbK_RY/UszqM__9UGI/AAAAAAAAAoo/nssIv1mTuGw/s1600/1526659_10202979971886838_770091400_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W234GKbK_RY/UszqM__9UGI/AAAAAAAAAoo/nssIv1mTuGw/s1600/1526659_10202979971886838_770091400_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="640" width="418" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8lfpfBSrrc/UszqNTYHI5I/AAAAAAAAAo0/W0gJK7MtQyM/s1600/1528551_10202979991127319_1919035186_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8lfpfBSrrc/UszqNTYHI5I/AAAAAAAAAo0/W0gJK7MtQyM/s1600/1528551_10202979991127319_1919035186_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="640" width="540" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uEcQTsUEbHg/UszqNpv3DFI/AAAAAAAAAow/BG_r66huRJ0/s1600/1528566_10202979987607231_1133479400_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uEcQTsUEbHg/UszqNpv3DFI/AAAAAAAAAow/BG_r66huRJ0/s1600/1528566_10202979987607231_1133479400_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="640" width="456" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5228MGF4yAY/UszqOH_RfUI/AAAAAAAAAo4/-rqLZ2oUbK4/s1600/1535678_10202980000887563_294040714_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5228MGF4yAY/UszqOH_RfUI/AAAAAAAAAo4/-rqLZ2oUbK4/s1600/1535678_10202980000887563_294040714_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="640" width="440" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zBp-dHaFlHs/UszqOzDt8fI/AAAAAAAAApI/Nvekg4rU5S4/s1600/1545804_10202980009287773_1431197543_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zBp-dHaFlHs/UszqOzDt8fI/AAAAAAAAApI/Nvekg4rU5S4/s1600/1545804_10202980009287773_1431197543_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="474" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJ1wA37Xcm8/UszqPmZtK8I/AAAAAAAAApM/sGljinpGX_0/s1600/1554539_10202980004447652_1458299071_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJ1wA37Xcm8/UszqPmZtK8I/AAAAAAAAApM/sGljinpGX_0/s1600/1554539_10202980004447652_1458299071_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="640" width="626" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LCRxnsfuilc/UszqPuUibMI/AAAAAAAAApQ/_TiVleGG7bQ/s1600/1554579_10202979959726534_1737918981_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LCRxnsfuilc/UszqPuUibMI/AAAAAAAAApQ/_TiVleGG7bQ/s1600/1554579_10202979959726534_1737918981_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="482" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-egj-NQt54YY/UszqPwT368I/AAAAAAAAApY/OG76Ay_NetE/s1600/1601034_10202979997647482_1613382616_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-egj-NQt54YY/UszqPwT368I/AAAAAAAAApY/OG76Ay_NetE/s1600/1601034_10202979997647482_1613382616_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="640" width="284" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Starting with a neutral base and adding colour works best for me. I sourced most of these items such as cushions, runners, candles, shells and lanterns from discount outlets and sales. I have not spent more than around $150 so far on decorator items for this look. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Next room, the office!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mNheTDA58oM/UsvQYbTL0zI/AAAAAAAAAmM/m8odrEdtkDs/s1600/1468594_10202820054649007_1395946232_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298642361471839882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051084238303627154.post-83687440005363837952013-12-20T22:26:00.000-08:002013-12-20T22:26:05.035-08:00Isabella's Playroom<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">New house, new playroom!</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial;">We recently moved into a new house...long story, for another time.</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial;">My daughter Isabella is excited because she now has a bigger playroom with more space for most of her things.</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial;">I am trying to unpack and get the house ready for Christmas which is in 4 days. We have family arriving tomorrow and I am totally disorganised.</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial;">I am posting some pics below of her new playroom in it's current state. I am hoping after Christmas to add a stage area for her. I am taking some time off work to care for Dan, another long story.</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial;">So, below is her playroom, a work in progress.</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DaR8AsLjKpA/UrUy__-D8tI/AAAAAAAAAlE/PVpl6qGxv_M/s1600/994696_10202851585037247_877801794_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DaR8AsLjKpA/UrUy__-D8tI/AAAAAAAAAlE/PVpl6qGxv_M/s640/994696_10202851585037247_877801794_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="566" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The Barbie Corner- Doll House and Kitchen</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HJbdjA8M91U/UrUy-iQyXsI/AAAAAAAAAks/u4aHXf1jICQ/s1600/1486807_10202851581877168_1819083317_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="482" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HJbdjA8M91U/UrUy-iQyXsI/AAAAAAAAAks/u4aHXf1jICQ/s640/1486807_10202851581877168_1819083317_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Some storage, more to come and new tubs to go in as well as dress up rack and TV unit with couch.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qLduKLIIyn4/UrUy-n3E7ZI/AAAAAAAAAk0/d_wqEeML4HY/s1600/1486831_10202851582757190_1529663170_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qLduKLIIyn4/UrUy-n3E7ZI/AAAAAAAAAk0/d_wqEeML4HY/s640/1486831_10202851582757190_1529663170_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Homework desk and craft storage shelves and Christmas Tree</span>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mrFf9swiyZg/UrUy-W4QiZI/AAAAAAAAAko/gFTi9YB-E78/s1600/1512601_10202851583277203_348804776_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mrFf9swiyZg/UrUy-W4QiZI/AAAAAAAAAko/gFTi9YB-E78/s640/1512601_10202851583277203_348804776_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Lego table and storage tubs underneath</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V1NEO77kh9g/UrUy_onTsvI/AAAAAAAAAlA/06aFw7dnRuU/s1600/1530455_10202851583837217_2132107293_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V1NEO77kh9g/UrUy_onTsvI/AAAAAAAAAlA/06aFw7dnRuU/s640/1530455_10202851583837217_2132107293_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The TV unit will be white soon. :)</span></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial;">Hope you get some ideas or maybe wait til we are complete!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial;">Have a great Christmas!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial;">Kym</span></div>
kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298642361471839882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051084238303627154.post-48893337355052185902013-10-25T17:37:00.000-07:002013-10-25T17:48:58.177-07:00Halloween- Bozzoli Style<span style="color: orange; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Today we began putting up some decorations for Halloween. </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Because Halloween is mostly an American holiday we have never really embraced it here in Australia. But because of the commercialism that has crept into every celebration known to man we have begun to 'do' Halloween as well. </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong>I must admit, our family has really only started to have a fun Halloween since Isabella came along. </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Our neighbourhood do celebrate in a relaxed and friendly manner so we are very lucky. </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong>On All Hallows Eve families stroll the neighbourhood in a good natured community spirit, chatting, giggling and sharing the spoils of the trick or treat fun!</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong>It's getting quite warm in Queensland now so we can spend the evening quite pleasantly chatting with our neighbours and friends.</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong>I am including below some of our Halloween costumes from the past and some of our decorating in preparation for this year's fun.</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Enjoy!!</strong></span><br />
<strong><span style="background-color: white; color: orange; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PEUWn-y1wII/UmsLqXmbTHI/AAAAAAAAAig/GBP-7f2xJkM/s1600/391634_2595407851050_652095141_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PEUWn-y1wII/UmsLqXmbTHI/AAAAAAAAAig/GBP-7f2xJkM/s640/391634_2595407851050_652095141_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fSXIpO-uAJY/UmsL1PVeSeI/AAAAAAAAAjE/6Gg56WOTT5k/s1600/310098_2595401730897_1216298404_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fSXIpO-uAJY/UmsL1PVeSeI/AAAAAAAAAjE/6Gg56WOTT5k/s640/310098_2595401730897_1216298404_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D6vURenpWX8/UmsL2CBVOOI/AAAAAAAAAjY/yhI_A7UbTTU/s1600/387817_2595402290911_1949831712_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D6vURenpWX8/UmsL2CBVOOI/AAAAAAAAAjY/yhI_A7UbTTU/s640/387817_2595402290911_1949831712_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Halloween costume 2011. She was a sweet little witch!</span></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FECep0QqxI8/UmsL2YdhpnI/AAAAAAAAAjk/B8rlvQHhBPo/s1600/522354_4835307607144_1870009599_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FECep0QqxI8/UmsL2YdhpnI/AAAAAAAAAjk/B8rlvQHhBPo/s400/522354_4835307607144_1870009599_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">2012 - Our house decorations were very minimal!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qs70fqzFDe8/UmsL0rpxBcI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/J2hePxIH3S4/s1600/223673_4859212124742_1561078166_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: red;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qs70fqzFDe8/UmsL0rpxBcI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/J2hePxIH3S4/s640/223673_4859212124742_1561078166_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">A not so sweet Pirate!!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WYtwnMaOLC0/UmsL4BHjayI/AAAAAAAAAkA/YVDasaNLKaY/s1600/562042_4859499771933_2001136058_n%255B2%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WYtwnMaOLC0/UmsL4BHjayI/AAAAAAAAAkA/YVDasaNLKaY/s640/562042_4859499771933_2001136058_n%255B2%255D.jpg" width="446" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3JU1OjXtfe0/UmsL0oeq6cI/AAAAAAAAAjM/hHEc2-sCd8U/s1600/229839_4859496571853_357258432_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3JU1OjXtfe0/UmsL0oeq6cI/AAAAAAAAAjM/hHEc2-sCd8U/s640/229839_4859496571853_357258432_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span><div align="center">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Friends joined us for Trick or Treat!</span></div>
<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;"><strong>Now 2013!</strong></span></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mnsm-sPmHEE/UmsL4NgSXEI/AAAAAAAAAkE/XNhh5hkI3ZU/s1600/61274_10202348498220391_456669162_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mnsm-sPmHEE/UmsL4NgSXEI/AAAAAAAAAkE/XNhh5hkI3ZU/s640/61274_10202348498220391_456669162_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: orange;">I sourced lanterns in orange black and white from local discount stores.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: orange;">The front door hanger was only $2.99</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iYFyCmPQ9ac/UmsRShlQl7I/AAAAAAAAAkU/KUJUWOfGCPM/s1600/734369_10202348753186765_1650522497_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iYFyCmPQ9ac/UmsRShlQl7I/AAAAAAAAAkU/KUJUWOfGCPM/s640/734369_10202348753186765_1650522497_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bsot2_YptEQ/UmsL29kAZTI/AAAAAAAAAjw/5ySzDUrPQOA/s1600/526452_10202348497340369_1250606901_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bsot2_YptEQ/UmsL29kAZTI/AAAAAAAAAjw/5ySzDUrPQOA/s640/526452_10202348497340369_1250606901_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: orange;"></span> </div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: orange;"> The black bats I made myself. </span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: orange;">The paper pumpkin is an older deco from previous years.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: orange;"></span> </div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-66dO1lGs55U/UmsL3UuFLII/AAAAAAAAAj0/oLHzdO5lC3g/s1600/541761_10202348497780380_2111898265_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-66dO1lGs55U/UmsL3UuFLII/AAAAAAAAAj0/oLHzdO5lC3g/s400/541761_10202348497780380_2111898265_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: orange;">These little pumpkin carriers were $2 for 4 from local discount store. I just attached to spider line.</span> </div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gEiJIMbu5x4/UmsLzXdFsjI/AAAAAAAAAi4/gBCh6wgNM0w/s1600/1374851_10202348498820406_517797401_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="610" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gEiJIMbu5x4/UmsLzXdFsjI/AAAAAAAAAi4/gBCh6wgNM0w/s640/1374851_10202348498820406_517797401_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: orange;">I bought 3 witches hats to hang in our entry way inside as well.</span></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3zeBXcOQTAM/UmsLzhg2ThI/AAAAAAAAAi8/MGoqMULiUm4/s1600/1375684_10202348499300418_555482611_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3zeBXcOQTAM/UmsLzhg2ThI/AAAAAAAAAi8/MGoqMULiUm4/s640/1375684_10202348499300418_555482611_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: orange;">I am happy with these simple but friendly and effective decorations for this year. The whole lot cost about $25 and took about 30 mins to hang. </span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: orange;">Easy!!</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: orange;"></span> </div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wIaadc2ruVc/UmsLzZfl_fI/AAAAAAAAAi0/T0llxNJzVpI/s1600/1383579_10202348499580425_638473469_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: orange;"><img border="0" height="566" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wIaadc2ruVc/UmsLzZfl_fI/AAAAAAAAAi0/T0llxNJzVpI/s640/1383579_10202348499580425_638473469_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: orange;"><strong></strong></span> </div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: orange;"><strong>HAPPY HALLOWEEN</strong></span></div>
</span><br />
<div align="center">
</div>
kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298642361471839882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051084238303627154.post-8611555735225039032013-09-22T14:52:00.000-07:002013-09-22T14:54:39.259-07:00Dan Update<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Moving Forward</span><br />
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<span id="goog_847329206"></span><span id="goog_847329207"></span></div>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have some big news awaiting us this week. </span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But first, an update from where we last left off as we were having a break on the Gold Coast post Auto Stem Cell Transplant.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Long story short, Dan didn't go into remission! Bugger! Plus when the doc gave us the news he was particularly blunt about our options at that point. We left feeling that we were coming to a very scary point in our journey. Dan was told that he would be undergoing 4 weeks of radiation to active nodes in his chest and neck. If that didn't work we were without options. WHAT!!</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were shattered, scared, frightened, angry...I could go on but you get the picture.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We went home and Dan began putting 'things' in order. You also know what that means.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Life from day to day for the next few weeks was particular terrifying. We were facing our worst fears. I hated him being out of my sight, I kept touching him and holding him. I was scared.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After 4 weeks of radiation we had to wait 8 weeks for results as radiation continues to work! Went back to see doc and our usual doc was gone! A new guy, now head of Lymphoma Clinic, Dr Gill was in charge and what a different story he painted for us.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whilst we were waiting for results from new staging PET scan Dr Gill asked if Dan would consider an Allogenic Stem Cell Transplant (what was a bone marrow transplant in old terms)?</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hell yes!! We are always open to options, we were not prepared to give up yet!!</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, Dan's sister was tested but didn't match so they began the search in all transplant registers. None that matched in Australia but 10 possibles in Germany!</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Meanwhile we find out that whilst the radiation worked on the spots they were zapping other tumours popped up...in lung, liver. Yep, shattered again but not completely unexpected as Dan's symptoms, (coughing, night sweats etc. ) had returned. Crap on a cracker!</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 weeks ago Dan and I were told that he would begin a new chemo regime GDP, to try to halt the progress of the cancer and even reduce it before the transplant process began.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dan has now completed 2 full cycles of that chemo with 2 stay overs in Ward 2E due to infection and then last week with massive fatigue, light headedness and ringing in the ears. All from the drug, Cysplatin. We now know Dan has permanent hearing loss due to the chemo but the other symptoms have dissipated.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dan can not have Cysplatin again. </span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, that kind of brings us up to date. </span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tomorrow we head off to the Royal Brisbane Hospital to see the transplant team there to further discuss the Transplant process etc. We know that they will be using a recently off trial drug called Brentuximab (Adcetris), </span><a href="http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/cancer-help/about-cancer/treatment/cancer-drugs/brentuximab/brentuximab"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/cancer-help/about-cancer/treatment/cancer-drugs/brentuximab/brentuximab</span></a><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dan will have 4 cycles of this drug over 10 weeks prior to the conditioning chemo and then the transplant itself. But that's about all we know at this stage. They have all the drugs ready to go, we just need a donor to be matched as best as possible.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wednesday, Dan has another PET scan to see if this recent GDP has done it's work on the Lymphoma and then we get those results Thursday. This is vital in moving forward with the transplant. If Dan hasn't responded to the GDP, I'm not sure how confident they will be about going forward.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, a pretty full on week for our family.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next week we hope to be heading up to the Sunshine Coast for 2 nights due to the kindness and generosity of the Warwick Foundation, </span><a href="http://thewarwickfoundation.org.au/"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://thewarwickfoundation.org.au/</span></a><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. Many thanks to Emma for helping organise this time for our family. Dan has found the Facebook page very helpful in support, and just chatting to other young people who are going through the day to day challenges of living with this disease.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I truly hope that when I next update this blog that I will have some positive news about the transplant. We both feel confident that the recent chemo has done some good, despite the hearing loss and other side effects. We have to remain positive, we have so much to look forward to.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we began this journey with Hodgkin's Lymphoma we were so confident that Dan could knock this on the head with the first line of treatment even though he was stage 3B aggressive. We now know that everyone's journey is VERY different. It's bloody hard! Some days are darker than others and as you continue to fight, you become a bit, well, FLAT, is how I can best describe it. I have seen my husband transform from a quiet, tough guy to an emotionally reconciled man. I am so proud of him and all that he shares with me and others on this journey. </span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the beginning we all thought we were tough enough to do it on our own. HUH! That didn't last long. You soon realise that there are some amazingly, wonderful, beautiful people in this world who are there, sometimes even those you don't even know! People who have reached out to us and touched our lives in so may ways, through sharing their stories, asking for or giving advice, and those who have helped with a shoulder to lean or cry. Those who have provided a meal to us without us asking. Those who have given kindly in the way of gift cards, yard work or caring for Isabella in the many times Dan and I needed to be at hospital.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is no way we could ever repay these kindnesses, but we wish we could reach out and hold each and every one of these people. They will be forever in our hearts.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dan, Isabella and I remain strong. We can conquer this together!</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">xxx</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298642361471839882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051084238303627154.post-38044563410731059062013-06-01T23:34:00.000-07:002013-06-01T23:34:06.954-07:00Isabella's Hello Kitty 7th Birthday Party<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Party Day</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;">As you know this year has had it's ups and downs and many challenges with Dan's health.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;">We decided that Isabella would have a big party this year as we scaled things back last year.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;">Preparations went ahead for her 7th birthday. It was a huge task considering I work full time and Dan has just begun radiation treatment this past week and it is already affecting his energy levels and other side effects. </span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;">Regardless, I was determined to try to make it all go as close to plan as possible.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;">I am always a little disappointed that I cannot do all that I hope for and that all details are not exactly as I would like. I also realise I am only 1 mummy and not Superwoman. I can live with it...I'm getting better at that as the years pass.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;">I realised that the kids are happy if they see pretty decorations, have some yummy food and get to laugh, scream, run and get spoilt as much as possible in 3 hours. That I can do! :)</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;">I was so pleased that Isabella was surrounded with her friends, family and her beautiful teacher also came along which all the girls were super excited about!! Thanks Jules! xxx</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;">This year I decided to have a photographer to capture the fun. Linda Davies is just starting out with her business and I know her well from when I taught her beautiful girl a few years back. Linda did a wonderful job, she captured the mood of the party and especially my cheeky monkey, Isabella. Thank You Linda!</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;">So, sit back and enjoy the festivities.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;">Once again, I am happy to answer any questions about anything to do with the party. So feel free to ask away.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;">Enjoy.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;">xxx</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C4OpCmDEzZg/Uarm6yEASdI/AAAAAAAAAhc/LOGK43_f0LM/s1600/jpeg+for+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C4OpCmDEzZg/Uarm6yEASdI/AAAAAAAAAhc/LOGK43_f0LM/s640/jpeg+for+web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;">The PARTY Invitation</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t5GXXL9UaLE/Uarehk572BI/AAAAAAAAAdM/LxFUTACj_kI/s1600/IMG_4442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t5GXXL9UaLE/Uarehk572BI/AAAAAAAAAdM/LxFUTACj_kI/s640/IMG_4442.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Marshmallow Pops</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g-CazBzOQac/Uarejr4QOFI/AAAAAAAAAdc/3u3BEaM561E/s1600/IMG_4445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="578" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g-CazBzOQac/Uarejr4QOFI/AAAAAAAAAdc/3u3BEaM561E/s640/IMG_4445.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sweet Chocolate Treats</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BQ-tnjurNRY/UareiR5xZlI/AAAAAAAAAdU/nPXXdy4LfbE/s1600/IMG_4453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BQ-tnjurNRY/UareiR5xZlI/AAAAAAAAAdU/nPXXdy4LfbE/s640/IMG_4453.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Party Favour Bags</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7XcPwjRcVzQ/UaremvhHrsI/AAAAAAAAAdk/Xqo6tPnuRuA/s1600/IMG_4456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7XcPwjRcVzQ/UaremvhHrsI/AAAAAAAAAdk/Xqo6tPnuRuA/s640/IMG_4456.JPG" width="416" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The girls loved pouring their own drinks, the drink bottles and the old fashioned straws from Paper Eskimo.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-st9jjhJPtfo/UarenVPvKUI/AAAAAAAAAds/HFV25PmISA4/s1600/IMG_4460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-st9jjhJPtfo/UarenVPvKUI/AAAAAAAAAds/HFV25PmISA4/s640/IMG_4460.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hanging Decorations</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bVL1d2F21sc/Uarj-27LK5I/AAAAAAAAAg8/HU9rokB56cI/s1600/IMG_4639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bVL1d2F21sc/Uarj-27LK5I/AAAAAAAAAg8/HU9rokB56cI/s640/IMG_4639.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Outside Party and Craft Table</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e8bNIYT3e04/UarkAhiwbXI/AAAAAAAAAhM/se3aJQNZik0/s1600/IMG_4649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e8bNIYT3e04/UarkAhiwbXI/AAAAAAAAAhM/se3aJQNZik0/s640/IMG_4649.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Inside Food Table</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XcyB-jm1hqc/Uarj_VPIIVI/AAAAAAAAAhE/F9bdWPSjJj4/s1600/IMG_4666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XcyB-jm1hqc/Uarj_VPIIVI/AAAAAAAAAhE/F9bdWPSjJj4/s640/IMG_4666.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SlCqXV4cafc/Uareo3aXliI/AAAAAAAAAd0/tnu2UctqBGM/s1600/IMG_4484-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SlCqXV4cafc/Uareo3aXliI/AAAAAAAAAd0/tnu2UctqBGM/s640/IMG_4484-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Isabella and her Daddy.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u4W7GSu0aiM/UaresO5KIYI/AAAAAAAAAd8/C7csi-C5_x4/s1600/IMG_4553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u4W7GSu0aiM/UaresO5KIYI/AAAAAAAAAd8/C7csi-C5_x4/s640/IMG_4553.JPG" width="612" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mummy and Isabella before the fun begins.</span></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1BlJwnltTM0/Uaresevv4FI/AAAAAAAAAeA/lfNsevolUiw/s1600/IMG_4608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1BlJwnltTM0/Uaresevv4FI/AAAAAAAAAeA/lfNsevolUiw/s640/IMG_4608.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kjDwImtIMHc/UaretkCAPII/AAAAAAAAAeM/Udv_3rsWGGY/s1600/IMG_4613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kjDwImtIMHc/UaretkCAPII/AAAAAAAAAeM/Udv_3rsWGGY/s640/IMG_4613.JPG" width="514" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qGRUgHYMorE/Uarexwq2apI/AAAAAAAAAec/SEJpGuKSBHo/s1600/IMG_4636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qGRUgHYMorE/Uarexwq2apI/AAAAAAAAAec/SEJpGuKSBHo/s640/IMG_4636.JPG" width="488" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-95ZRKs9v2I8/UarexaR_5xI/AAAAAAAAAeU/eE6m9_gfj1o/s1600/IMG_4646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-95ZRKs9v2I8/UarexaR_5xI/AAAAAAAAAeU/eE6m9_gfj1o/s640/IMG_4646.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_cTEmqYElKM/UarezsiJJGI/AAAAAAAAAek/f1uDImeQ88U/s1600/IMG_4648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_cTEmqYElKM/UarezsiJJGI/AAAAAAAAAek/f1uDImeQ88U/s640/IMG_4648.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Glass Milk Bottles Purchased at Earthborn</span></div>
<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.earthborn.com.au/">http://www.earthborn.com.au/</a></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1PooHma6DHM/Uare3jmIlcI/AAAAAAAAAew/P8kbwTb6PHM/s1600/IMG_4659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1PooHma6DHM/Uare3jmIlcI/AAAAAAAAAew/P8kbwTb6PHM/s640/IMG_4659.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Da36dRzyHNY/Uare3fWQ5rI/AAAAAAAAAes/-tCKOOBCVbk/s1600/IMG_4663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Da36dRzyHNY/Uare3fWQ5rI/AAAAAAAAAes/-tCKOOBCVbk/s640/IMG_4663.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cdk_2LtkA7s/Uare4xKewnI/AAAAAAAAAe8/LhvoaKhfHgk/s1600/IMG_4678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cdk_2LtkA7s/Uare4xKewnI/AAAAAAAAAe8/LhvoaKhfHgk/s640/IMG_4678.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W9NtQ_DyUq8/Uare81d-v0I/AAAAAAAAAfE/LUyQwJAIkpg/s1600/IMG_4690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W9NtQ_DyUq8/Uare81d-v0I/AAAAAAAAAfE/LUyQwJAIkpg/s640/IMG_4690.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-12hXwBkoY8I/Uare94V9VpI/AAAAAAAAAfM/rduSH-jZhJQ/s1600/IMG_4744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-12hXwBkoY8I/Uare94V9VpI/AAAAAAAAAfM/rduSH-jZhJQ/s640/IMG_4744.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8m604N6XPWo/Uare-QpJiII/AAAAAAAAAfQ/ttGh7Pcp21A/s1600/IMG_4748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8m604N6XPWo/Uare-QpJiII/AAAAAAAAAfQ/ttGh7Pcp21A/s640/IMG_4748.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HdnJuQUoRNQ/UarfDIQnuLI/AAAAAAAAAfc/K73PSpP6ROw/s1600/IMG_4810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HdnJuQUoRNQ/UarfDIQnuLI/AAAAAAAAAfc/K73PSpP6ROw/s640/IMG_4810.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pass the Parcel</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qVdZdrJpvN4/UarfDsEAUGI/AAAAAAAAAfk/8G2Clu7EXSc/s1600/IMG_4857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qVdZdrJpvN4/UarfDsEAUGI/AAAAAAAAAfk/8G2Clu7EXSc/s640/IMG_4857.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oZUQlmscAKU/UarfEORM8RI/AAAAAAAAAfo/hkHu4ecRM2E/s1600/IMG_4909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oZUQlmscAKU/UarfEORM8RI/AAAAAAAAAfo/hkHu4ecRM2E/s640/IMG_4909.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JsWnfTePwDw/UarfIV6rqNI/AAAAAAAAAf0/d9p2noqoNmA/s1600/IMG_4955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JsWnfTePwDw/UarfIV6rqNI/AAAAAAAAAf0/d9p2noqoNmA/s640/IMG_4955.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sFULKhWnACM/UarfJE5n4sI/AAAAAAAAAgA/sKvll93UJrQ/s1600/IMG_4996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sFULKhWnACM/UarfJE5n4sI/AAAAAAAAAgA/sKvll93UJrQ/s640/IMG_4996.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pin the Bow on Hello Kitty</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6q5jD1u33ik/UarfJLAluuI/AAAAAAAAAf8/PmX1fnwZRYA/s1600/IMG_5168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6q5jD1u33ik/UarfJLAluuI/AAAAAAAAAf8/PmX1fnwZRYA/s640/IMG_5168.JPG" width="530" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XVMfj3YFBp0/UarfL9HxKeI/AAAAAAAAAgM/MvjOvLEAV2k/s1600/IMG_5184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XVMfj3YFBp0/UarfL9HxKeI/AAAAAAAAAgM/MvjOvLEAV2k/s640/IMG_5184.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gqsIq2ksWyA/UarfQxr3lxI/AAAAAAAAAgk/gEtDtgh5C30/s1600/IMG_5216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gqsIq2ksWyA/UarfQxr3lxI/AAAAAAAAAgk/gEtDtgh5C30/s640/IMG_5216.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_2GukCqVM-A/UarfQAi6c7I/AAAAAAAAAgc/ya6TPpHlpgE/s1600/IMG_5224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_2GukCqVM-A/UarfQAi6c7I/AAAAAAAAAgc/ya6TPpHlpgE/s640/IMG_5224.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-017b4zXLqdE/UarfPxRo07I/AAAAAAAAAgU/oJhgLsMfELA/s1600/IMG_5248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-017b4zXLqdE/UarfPxRo07I/AAAAAAAAAgU/oJhgLsMfELA/s640/IMG_5248.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Party All Done!</span></div>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;"><u>PARTY DETAILS and VENDORS</u></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;"><u>The theme</u>- Hello Kitty</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;"><u>Where</u>- at home</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;"><u>Guests</u>- 6 giggling girls and the birthday girl.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;"><u>Decorations</u>- prepared by Mummy- purchased from many variety stores as well as </span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;">The Lantern Shop</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.lanternshop.com.au/">http://www.lanternshop.com.au/</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;">Large Hello Kitty Air Walker foil balloon- Balloons by the Bay</span><br />
<a href="http://www.balloonsbythebay.com.au/">http://www.balloonsbythebay.com.au/</a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Guest Favours-</u> Hello Kitty pen and note pad sets and craft items- purchased at variety store</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;"><u>Headband Favours</u>- Handmade by a dear friend- Thank You Jennifer Bruce. xxx</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;"><u>Food</u>- Prepared by Mummy</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;"><u>Cake</u>- Bought at Woolworth's </span><br />
<a href="http://www2.woolworthsonline.com.au/#url=/Shop/SearchProducts%3Fsearch%3Dhello%2Bkitty"><span style="color: #cc0000;">http://www2.woolworthsonline.com.au/#url=/Shop/SearchProducts%3Fsearch%3Dhello%2Bkitty</span></a><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Photographer</u>- Linda Davies</span><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/ItsALindaThing?fref=ts"><span style="color: #cc0000;">http://www.facebook.com/ItsALindaThing?fref=ts</span></a><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Entertainment-</u> Hello Kitty Jumping Castle from Jolly Jumps</span><br />
<a href="http://www.jollyjumps.com.au/"><span style="color: #cc0000;">http://www.jollyjumps.com.au/</span></a><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span>kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298642361471839882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051084238303627154.post-27150683292941024862013-04-05T20:07:00.001-07:002013-04-05T20:13:07.900-07:00An Easter Surprise<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My husband Dan never ceases to amaze me. Even when feeling unwell after his recent stem cell transplant he has still managed to remember his family and how important it is to have relaxing, family time together.</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">On Easter Monday after farewelling family we were told to pack our bags as were heading down to the Gold Coast for 2 nights for a mini break! He had been planning this secret surprise and it certainly was a big surprise!</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We stayed at Mantra Legends which was lovely. Great rooms, gorgeous views and lovely facilities!</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><a href="http://www.mantralegends.com.au/">http://www.mantralegends.com.au/</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Isabella and I were in all honesty not very enthusiastic as we were both tired after hosting family for 2 days of Easter Celebrations and we both wanted some peace and quiet at home. But, Daddy knows best, so off we went and what a great break it was! Clever Daddy!</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We had a lovely ocean view from our room and the hotel had lovely facilities. Isabella really enjoyed the pool and I enjoyed the Pina Coladas!</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We mostly relaxed and strolled about Surfer's Paradise and the beach. It was just what the doctor ordered! Dan relaxed and forgot about all he had just been through. Which was great because not long after we got home Thursday we were off to the hospital for a check up, which went well. Yay!</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Now, we have 1 more week of holidays before Isabella and I return to school. We are all relaxed and rested.</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I love you Dan Bozzoli!</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">xxx</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--P9f1M2OHP4/UV-P4Ro3tdI/AAAAAAAAAaI/9zyA6ljY6eI/s1600/292206_10200970300966321_338405982_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--P9f1M2OHP4/UV-P4Ro3tdI/AAAAAAAAAaI/9zyA6ljY6eI/s640/292206_10200970300966321_338405982_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">VERY indulgent breakfast at Pancakes in Paradise!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F6Bs8tIknkI/UV-P4rVAvnI/AAAAAAAAAaM/QlMRLB5_xGI/s1600/17770_10200967032924622_1257101404_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F6Bs8tIknkI/UV-P4rVAvnI/AAAAAAAAAaM/QlMRLB5_xGI/s640/17770_10200967032924622_1257101404_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Having lots of fun at Timezone!</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b8L1HUPyZ0g/UV-P5wRk7dI/AAAAAAAAAaY/tZ4bLNufmwQ/s1600/149022_10200971492676113_1403934657_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b8L1HUPyZ0g/UV-P5wRk7dI/AAAAAAAAAaY/tZ4bLNufmwQ/s640/149022_10200971492676113_1403934657_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Enjoying the Surfers boardwalk and evening markets</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IqnkyN3-N18/UV-P6fwPUPI/AAAAAAAAAag/3-gqFtP_ZtM/s1600/528171_10200965493846146_2142180106_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IqnkyN3-N18/UV-P6fwPUPI/AAAAAAAAAag/3-gqFtP_ZtM/s640/528171_10200965493846146_2142180106_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cocktails by the pool, yum!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YZcwcqZBIkQ/UV-P7Mcw9XI/AAAAAAAAAao/Iy_7O9W0gCY/s1600/45538_10200971492516109_2002199709_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YZcwcqZBIkQ/UV-P7Mcw9XI/AAAAAAAAAao/Iy_7O9W0gCY/s640/45538_10200971492516109_2002199709_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jazz at the beachside</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nMdAiD61n8E/UV-P83-6LjI/AAAAAAAAAaw/XIJNvnaKueM/s1600/529593_10200964960032801_470950280_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nMdAiD61n8E/UV-P83-6LjI/AAAAAAAAAaw/XIJNvnaKueM/s640/529593_10200964960032801_470950280_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our View!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZeBLPgOJQjo/UV-P9Baw3xI/AAAAAAAAAa4/F_DUBpYMp4Y/s1600/531792_10200965538407260_925892373_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZeBLPgOJQjo/UV-P9Baw3xI/AAAAAAAAAa4/F_DUBpYMp4Y/s640/531792_10200965538407260_925892373_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Fun on the beach!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G-WZXv_fcgE/UV-P-PFB2vI/AAAAAAAAAbA/DJM_BA8I28A/s1600/531849_10200969331422083_268887678_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G-WZXv_fcgE/UV-P-PFB2vI/AAAAAAAAAbA/DJM_BA8I28A/s640/531849_10200969331422083_268887678_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Morning view from bed!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WjqOXa8n8Wg/UV-P_Cewd3I/AAAAAAAAAbI/RxfrYGPzlUI/s1600/63584_10200965489006025_176229544_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WjqOXa8n8Wg/UV-P_Cewd3I/AAAAAAAAAbI/RxfrYGPzlUI/s640/63584_10200965489006025_176229544_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">My two very favourite people in this world looking very relaxed and happy!</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div align="left">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">Til next time!</span></div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">Kym</span></div>
<div align="left">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">xxx</span></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298642361471839882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051084238303627154.post-68420588048809372522013-03-29T22:46:00.000-07:002013-03-29T22:46:41.017-07:00Hippity hoppity...<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong>Happy Easter</strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-large;"></span></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial;">I am so glad that Easter is finally here this year for a special reason.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial;">In January, my husband, Dan, began a second line of treatment for Aggressive Hodgkin's Lymphoma. This treatment involved much harsher chemotherapy than the type he had last year for 6 months and it concluded with a stem cell transplant.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial;">It was our hope that Dan would be completed his treatment and would feel somewhat well enough to enjoy the Easter break with Isabella and I.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial;">We got our wish!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial;">Although Dan is still often feeling unwell and very lethargic, and will probably continue to for some time, he has made a great recovery so far. I am so very proud of him and in fact all of us for making it through a pretty tough 3 months. I needed to take a 2 week break from my job as a Prep Teacher as the emotional and physical strain of caring and working began to take it's toll on me. Our Isabella also has had a few tough weeks as she is very close to her Dad and is always quite distressed when he is unwell.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial;">We hope to get some good news when Dan has his scan in about a month from now. If all goes to plan, the cancer will be gone. We hope the spot in his lung at least will be gone. Anything more than that will be a bonus. Fingers crossed.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial;">This time the toll on our family has been emotionally, physically and financially extremely difficult and continues to be so, but we know we can do it together. If not for the love and support of our wonderful family, friends and work colleagues I'm not sure we would have got there this time. Thanks and love to all of you.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial;">Now Easter is here I am beginning my favourite thing to do, decorate and party plan. Although our celebrations this year will be low key it will still be very special as Dan likes to prepare most of the family lunch.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial;">Please enjoy some photos of our Easter preparations.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial;">Til next time</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial;">Kym</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial;">xxx</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s1nmdcCAotY/UVZ4ZtrzlXI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/Cz78Ioj4JzM/s1600/28173_10200945979878309_1371374124_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s1nmdcCAotY/UVZ4ZtrzlXI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/Cz78Ioj4JzM/s640/28173_10200945979878309_1371374124_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="489" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Choc egg in felt sunflower, under glass cloche on footed antique, glass plate.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S5wyOjVOVEo/UVZ4acZUfOI/AAAAAAAAAYY/RzFGsluTBr0/s1600/308267_10200945980758331_2073111251_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S5wyOjVOVEo/UVZ4acZUfOI/AAAAAAAAAYY/RzFGsluTBr0/s640/308267_10200945980758331_2073111251_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="555" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bunnies from Woolworth's</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v83dIyF4Ht8/UVZ4aSsBJUI/AAAAAAAAAYc/GDuXcUuGVNQ/s1600/482833_10200945980478324_1916812302_n%5B2%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v83dIyF4Ht8/UVZ4aSsBJUI/AAAAAAAAAYc/GDuXcUuGVNQ/s400/482833_10200945980478324_1916812302_n%5B2%5D.jpg" width="356" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YtEUXDV5anw/UVZ4bqgYG9I/AAAAAAAAAYo/-7jZ3Wc6mbs/s1600/536235_10200945980998337_1825705250_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YtEUXDV5anw/UVZ4bqgYG9I/AAAAAAAAAYo/-7jZ3Wc6mbs/s640/536235_10200945980998337_1825705250_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uzaiGVBW9ko/UVZ6V6pgDMI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/IwF__OPhbBY/s1600/292228_10200936703686410_1473461174_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uzaiGVBW9ko/UVZ6V6pgDMI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/IwF__OPhbBY/s640/292228_10200936703686410_1473461174_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our gorgeous girl at the school Easter Hat Parade</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DKsf3e5gOMI/UVZ6WEwGPbI/AAAAAAAAAZU/A-cFBjiLg28/s1600/261202_10200907788843557_882589690_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DKsf3e5gOMI/UVZ6WEwGPbI/AAAAAAAAAZU/A-cFBjiLg28/s640/261202_10200907788843557_882589690_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="506" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iQpPwkv8nWk/UVZ6WZl0h8I/AAAAAAAAAZc/8fkj1eHqcl4/s1600/486068_10200907785683478_1782420723_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iQpPwkv8nWk/UVZ6WZl0h8I/AAAAAAAAAZc/8fkj1eHqcl4/s640/486068_10200907785683478_1782420723_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="526" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zqQnWUOIi4Q/UVZ6XzxwOrI/AAAAAAAAAZo/M4dY2-zKmbU/s1600/486637_10200907787003511_1615651280_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zqQnWUOIi4Q/UVZ6XzxwOrI/AAAAAAAAAZo/M4dY2-zKmbU/s400/486637_10200907787003511_1615651280_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="272" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UooCbrDwCDs/UVZ6Y9tkYyI/AAAAAAAAAZw/a8xO9b3LBWY/s1600/544124_10200907787563525_1932083810_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UooCbrDwCDs/UVZ6Y9tkYyI/AAAAAAAAAZw/a8xO9b3LBWY/s400/544124_10200907787563525_1932083810_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qU01A0YEcXY/UVZ6jRB-QlI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/ARX0wTxrBXw/s1600/483774_10200946140762331_747229432_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="618" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qU01A0YEcXY/UVZ6jRB-QlI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/ARX0wTxrBXw/s640/483774_10200946140762331_747229432_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My pretty Easter Wreath</span></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-46b0mAURTk8/UVZ4cOAE-PI/AAAAAAAAAYw/BKbZsFFUS6U/s1600/537275_10200945980238318_1159799445_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-46b0mAURTk8/UVZ4cOAE-PI/AAAAAAAAAYw/BKbZsFFUS6U/s640/537275_10200945980238318_1159799445_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zmdZe5tdaE4/UVZ4dEeI6XI/AAAAAAAAAZA/8980pQZKdPQ/s1600/625438_10200945981318345_2055267090_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zmdZe5tdaE4/UVZ4dEeI6XI/AAAAAAAAAZA/8980pQZKdPQ/s640/625438_10200945981318345_2055267090_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Happy Easter to all!</strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-large;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-large;"></span> </div>
kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298642361471839882noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051084238303627154.post-41779376553911738012013-03-18T22:35:00.000-07:002013-03-18T22:35:07.087-07:00Dan Update<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><strong>Post Stem Cell Transplant</strong></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gosh, it's been an age since I last posted. I apologise for my slackness however, life has been a bit hectic since Christmas.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We found out before Christmas that Dan had unfortunately not gone into remission as we so hoped for. At the end of his ABVD chemo treatment there were still 2 very small, almost negligible spots that had not gone. BUGGER!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We spoke to doctors and they told us that in the New Year Dan would begin a new regime. This one would entail 2 cycles of ESHAP chemo followed by collection of some of Dan's own blood stem cells and then a chemo treatment called BEAM which is then completed with a transfusion of the stem cells being transplanted back to his own body. This treatment would be much harsher for Dan and he would not be able to work through the duration of this treatment.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fast forward 3 months.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dan had his stem cell transplant last Thursday and is currently home with me awaiting the crash of his bloods. The side effects of the BEAM involves ulceration of the mouth and lining of the digestive tract and gut, severe diarrhoea, nausea, fever, acne and skin irritations...you get the picture.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The doctors expect he will be re-admitted to hospital sometime this week due to fever or generally unwell. So far, he's doing ok. We have to attend 3 clinics a week so they do blood check, and then off to day care for top ups of any fluids or blood products, or possible admission. Yesterday it was a 10 hour day at the hospital, NOT FUN! It ended with him requiring some fluids and potassium. His bloods have begun to drop significantly but not dangerously, yet. Throughout all of Dan's previous chemo treatments he has been extremely lucky that he has not experienced any fever or dangerous neutropenic (low blood count) episodes. If he gets through this one he will become one of a very small number of people who have escaped.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dan is still able to eat quite well and he is still giving me cheek, so he's not too bad, yet.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This treatment is now complete and he will have a follow up PET scan in about 6 weeks. We hope and pray for a good result this time. Fingers crossed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I could go on about how this has affected our whole family, emotionally, physically, financially etc. It's sure not fun. I can say, it's an experience I will be glad to be at an end, however, we have done it together, all 3 of us! I'm so, so proud of my husband and daughter. Each day they inspire me to forget how tired I am and just get on with what has to be done.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am on leave from work at the moment. I have taken 2 weeks off from my Prep teaching to concentrate on Dan's recovery. It's truly been exhausting and I'm not ashamed to admit I hit the wall a few weeks ago. Every one kept telling me how strong I had been, but I knew differently. I was crashing, and fast! I was having head spins and heart palpitations at school and was crying every 5 mins, or so it seemed. Taking leave was certainly difficult for me but it's been good for me. I am still tired but at least all I have to concentrate on at this time is my family, til next week.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All the best to you and yours.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fyyr0p-Nhz0/UUf387CbEcI/AAAAAAAAAXk/LPq6Kp4eDDU/s1600/314597_10200222472391074_2094221845_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fyyr0p-Nhz0/UUf387CbEcI/AAAAAAAAAXk/LPq6Kp4eDDU/s400/314597_10200222472391074_2094221845_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Isabella enjoying some fishing while we were away for Christmas relaxing before Dan's treatment began in January.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jMjSsyHmoeg/UUf4D816ZwI/AAAAAAAAAXs/vWWf-12-_Pc/s1600/418695_10200247232290056_821439836_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="483" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jMjSsyHmoeg/UUf4D816ZwI/AAAAAAAAAXs/vWWf-12-_Pc/s640/418695_10200247232290056_821439836_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Dan and Bella enjoying the pool at Christmas!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n_RVU8rsrSc/UUf4I7Q-cLI/AAAAAAAAAX4/I6cgOmnrZWI/s1600/599682_10200229723732353_584945981_n%5B2%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n_RVU8rsrSc/UUf4I7Q-cLI/AAAAAAAAAX4/I6cgOmnrZWI/s640/599682_10200229723732353_584945981_n%5B2%5D.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Christmas lunch, Queensland style.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ng6MMY7BUTA/UUf4JNpZpII/AAAAAAAAAYA/qMZwOI1L6Yg/s1600/481492_10200218250885539_554115473_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ng6MMY7BUTA/UUf4JNpZpII/AAAAAAAAAYA/qMZwOI1L6Yg/s640/481492_10200218250885539_554115473_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We look forward to getting away again soon to our favourite family destination, Gemini Resort, Golden Beach.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298642361471839882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051084238303627154.post-8194400520952681772012-12-05T00:27:00.002-08:002012-12-05T00:29:02.500-08:00A Blue Bozzoli Christmas 2012 - part 2<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hi again, </span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am back to update the decorating as we have continued in the last week. Suffice to say as we have been away having a wonderful time catching up with old friends last weekend we didn't get much time to do a lot.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have added a few more pieces to the house so I will begin with those and then add a few light pictures of Dan's outside Christmas Light display.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wc0HGl60a7E/UL8Ccct38GI/AAAAAAAAAWA/Sk07_Ffy6Eg/s1600/47334_10200109097836781_499224452_n%5B2%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="624" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wc0HGl60a7E/UL8Ccct38GI/AAAAAAAAAWA/Sk07_Ffy6Eg/s640/47334_10200109097836781_499224452_n%5B2%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have used a small scalloped cake plate stand with a small but tall cloche I bought at Sharnel Dollar's recent sale. I filled it with teal baubles.</span></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wlXCtRDN5s4/UL8CdWlrroI/AAAAAAAAAWE/CJBxlGi-_7w/s1600/21901_10200109098796805_1758425494_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wlXCtRDN5s4/UL8CdWlrroI/AAAAAAAAAWE/CJBxlGi-_7w/s640/21901_10200109098796805_1758425494_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here I used a rectangular white ceramic dish with 3 marine coloured glass jars from Bed, Bath and Table with tealights. I filled the dish with teal coloured jingle bells. I bought the jars for $4.95 each and used 3 packs of bells each $2 from Crazy Clark's.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e2uLHVjns9I/UL8CfInJN1I/AAAAAAAAAWQ/en31xOjbS0c/s1600/320638_10200109098676802_1076704859_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="514" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e2uLHVjns9I/UL8CfInJN1I/AAAAAAAAAWQ/en31xOjbS0c/s640/320638_10200109098676802_1076704859_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My Ikea cake plate stand and dome were filled with a selection of blue baubles.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N4xAdZOJaVo/UL8Cf74HmII/AAAAAAAAAWY/o7ad0OR4Xiw/s1600/395056_10200109098316793_1012194734_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N4xAdZOJaVo/UL8Cf74HmII/AAAAAAAAAWY/o7ad0OR4Xiw/s640/395056_10200109098316793_1012194734_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="508" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Isabella's play area is beginning to get some colour also. I have used a selection of snowflakes on the wall. I bought the large blue flakes from the Dollar shop at Capalaba Park. $3.95 each. The large silver stars are from the Christmas shack, $5.95 each, and the small silver stars are coasters from a $2 pack.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">The white timber glittered Christmas tree is from Crazy Clark's also. I think it was a few dollars.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mpfdaSI7KDQ/UL8ChV8yLlI/AAAAAAAAAWg/Zvs7l8UwJvQ/s1600/480598_10200109098396795_1635455386_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mpfdaSI7KDQ/UL8ChV8yLlI/AAAAAAAAAWg/Zvs7l8UwJvQ/s640/480598_10200109098396795_1635455386_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_pdYQf6aCWs/UL8Cjl78MVI/AAAAAAAAAWo/Z19T8TeS82M/s1600/65194_10200109099076812_338697105_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_pdYQf6aCWs/UL8Cjl78MVI/AAAAAAAAAWo/Z19T8TeS82M/s640/65194_10200109099076812_338697105_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="548" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our small tree is 4 foot high, it's decorated with blue decorations this year and tinsel and coloured lights. I'll try to get a better pic. I also tried snowflake stencils on the window. Hmm, not sure how I feel about those just yet.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Dan's Christmas Lights</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I took a few pics about the front of the house but they aren't great. I'll leave these here for the moment but will come back with better ones when we get a chance.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ppw2faUZY7E/UL8ClmfofUI/AAAAAAAAAWw/ekV1WmyZV4s/s1600/558943_4990883856453_1155486034_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ppw2faUZY7E/UL8ClmfofUI/AAAAAAAAAWw/ekV1WmyZV4s/s640/558943_4990883856453_1155486034_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VRWpc4mWmqA/UL8CmrOGxQI/AAAAAAAAAW4/qhtfPPzyXEo/s1600/28018_4990883696449_2114829032_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VRWpc4mWmqA/UL8CmrOGxQI/AAAAAAAAAW4/qhtfPPzyXEo/s640/28018_4990883696449_2114829032_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O7i4LJCEC9I/UL8Cn7n1YnI/AAAAAAAAAXA/0vJLifN7iFM/s1600/381600_4990883976456_1102882820_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O7i4LJCEC9I/UL8Cn7n1YnI/AAAAAAAAAXA/0vJLifN7iFM/s640/381600_4990883976456_1102882820_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L41Se7Vf4sM/UL8Co_DE1TI/AAAAAAAAAXI/kTvPX9Gnvvw/s1600/228243_10200109177998785_1360199136_n%5B2%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="536" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L41Se7Vf4sM/UL8Co_DE1TI/AAAAAAAAAXI/kTvPX9Gnvvw/s640/228243_10200109177998785_1360199136_n%5B2%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298642361471839882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051084238303627154.post-72493979507434533602012-11-17T22:49:00.002-08:002012-11-18T01:01:41.622-08:00A Blue Bozzoli Christmas 2012-part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XF19ZmySyqE/UKiD7Q9Ke_I/AAAAAAAAAVo/PKH0UygIXBA/s1600/486249_4944860465897_1971958188_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XF19ZmySyqE/UKiD7Q9Ke_I/AAAAAAAAAVo/PKH0UygIXBA/s400/486249_4944860465897_1971958188_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's been a while since I blogged and I apologise for that. </span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We have been rather busy with school etc. and we have had some good news with Dan's treatment. He has completed his chemo and we will have scan results on Dec 13th, so will update when that happens. In the meantime Dan is well and his recovery from chemo is good so far.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now, to important issues...Christmas decorating!</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am going to post part 1 of my Christmas decos thus far!</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I decided we would be doing a 'blue, white and silver' theme this year. I love the colours, they are fresh and very summery, which is great for our hot summer climate here in Queensland, and if you live in a cold climate then they adapt to look very icy too!</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have been collecting bits and pieces now for a few weeks and have begun to decorate this weekend.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The South East of Queensland has experienced some pretty severe weather this weekend so, decorating has taken a bit of a backfoot. We were going to start our outside light display as well, but, the weather got in the way. So, that blog will come and we have some new lights for that, so I am a bit excited.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Enough chatter, on with the decorating!!!</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mw7InHhPVkk/UKh_jimlPwI/AAAAAAAAAUU/v2Zk_AxCjOs/s1600/486374_4945819729878_659384613_n%5B2%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mw7InHhPVkk/UKh_jimlPwI/AAAAAAAAAUU/v2Zk_AxCjOs/s640/486374_4945819729878_659384613_n%5B2%5D.jpg" width="557" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is my wreath for the front door. I bought it at 'The Christmas Shack' and decorated it with teal blue baubles.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">We love the Christmas Shack and you will see some more lights we got from there when I do my blog of our outdoor lights for this year.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.christmasshack.com.au/">https://www.christmasshack.com.au/</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(If you can't get to the Shack, try Crazy Clark's, I saw some plain silver wreaths similar but smaller than this one just today.)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--cEvRp9q290/UKh_maNaNNI/AAAAAAAAAUc/6qLRGx6yvL0/s1600/46447_4944870706153_978992397_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="602" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--cEvRp9q290/UKh_maNaNNI/AAAAAAAAAUc/6qLRGx6yvL0/s640/46447_4944870706153_978992397_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This display may look similar to one I did last year. I used the same apothecary jar and filled it with blue and silver baubles again. This year I placed it on a white dish and filled with blue beads.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">The 'NOEL" sign was from Big W I used this last year also.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WTWsMi_6z3U/UKh_nThcLiI/AAAAAAAAAUk/LToeviQt9gY/s1600/602347_4945106152039_1555850903_n%5B2%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WTWsMi_6z3U/UKh_nThcLiI/AAAAAAAAAUk/LToeviQt9gY/s640/602347_4945106152039_1555850903_n%5B2%5D.jpg" width="464" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I used my 'star' hurricane vase again and filled it with blue baubles but this year I used silver snowflake coasters to give it a bit of a special touch. I got inspiration for this one from Pinterest.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qli3TyR1n4s/UKh_okDdm7I/AAAAAAAAAUs/SOmgEJHHp0U/s1600/579156_4945107952084_1093392215_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qli3TyR1n4s/UKh_okDdm7I/AAAAAAAAAUs/SOmgEJHHp0U/s640/579156_4945107952084_1093392215_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="516" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Some of you will recognise my birdcage from my previous blogs. I just added some pretty baubles to my pretty birdies to give this shabby decor item a Chrismassy feel.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a1e-lsgynAs/UKh_p4aa-ZI/AAAAAAAAAU0/qlJRwcDitMU/s1600/407695_4945104872007_1629439017_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a1e-lsgynAs/UKh_p4aa-ZI/AAAAAAAAAU0/qlJRwcDitMU/s640/407695_4945104872007_1629439017_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="368" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I love the way my paper ball display turned out. I went to a sale at Sharnel Dollar's gorgeous house some time ago and found these 6 paper balls for a bargain! I knew they would be perfect for my display. So up they went, then I realised they needed a little 'bling'. So, I added some more of the silver snowflake coasters...super cute!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.sharneldollardesigns.com.au/store/pc/home.asp">http://www.sharneldollardesigns.com.au/store/pc/home.asp</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f8iUgBMh2cQ/UKh_s6TxjvI/AAAAAAAAAVE/WdHvh2bhAYU/s1600/543123_4944862225941_2103838426_n%5B2%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f8iUgBMh2cQ/UKh_s6TxjvI/AAAAAAAAAVE/WdHvh2bhAYU/s640/543123_4944862225941_2103838426_n%5B2%5D.jpg" width="490" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And because they look so pretty, here's another shot.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uqVIp0MwDjE/UKh_uvvv7HI/AAAAAAAAAVM/KN20eJVE8ag/s1600/481757_4941653905735_1432990203_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uqVIp0MwDjE/UKh_uvvv7HI/AAAAAAAAAVM/KN20eJVE8ag/s640/481757_4941653905735_1432990203_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="516" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Final pic for this part of my decorating blog, this beautiful glassware which I picked up from a Garage Sale site here in the Redlands. I paid $5 for this lot!!! They were a bit grubby, so, a quick rinse and scrub and they came up a treat. Filled with sparkly baubles they look so pretty all gathered together.</span></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">So, there you go, part 1 done! Just to let you know that all of the baubles were purchased from places like Crazy Clark's Discount Stores, KMart and Coles supermarkets. I try to be very frugal with my spending and keep costs to a minimum.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">I hope you like what I've achieved so far. If you do, then please leave a comment below. I am happy to answer any questions because I LOVE Christmas decorating and I am happy to share any ideas.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">For now, bye and I'll be back soon with part 2!</span></div>
kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298642361471839882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051084238303627154.post-31833909698306611132012-07-07T18:12:00.000-07:002012-07-07T21:35:27.145-07:00<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong><u>Our Home</u></strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana;">I should be doing preparation for the new school term but of course like most teachers I procrastinate. I can assure you I am doing a heap of planning in my head, even as I write this blog! I promise as soon as I have posted this it's straight onto my school work!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana;">I have been wandering this morning as I did my early morning pick up around the house. It always amazes me that even though I do a pick up before I go to bed that there are always things that find their way to spots they don't belong in by morning. Further proof that mischievious fairies do exist! :)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana;">Whilst I wandered I smiled at all my favourite spots about the house that I just love because they contain some of my most treasured memories.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana;">I just wanted to share a few with you. I shall add to this again later...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana;">Oh, BTW, I am a nutter for shabby chic...if you hadn't already guessed.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IxiE0t1FyP4/T_jblW6IWVI/AAAAAAAAASk/kPmd0qjohRU/s1600/311628_4291280166798_1004652537_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="524" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IxiE0t1FyP4/T_jblW6IWVI/AAAAAAAAASk/kPmd0qjohRU/s640/311628_4291280166798_1004652537_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our entryway</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iBK5Iv7QJls/T_jbpopmIXI/AAAAAAAAASs/bYR9wP1tZw8/s1600/575667_4291287846990_1403956262_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iBK5Iv7QJls/T_jbpopmIXI/AAAAAAAAASs/bYR9wP1tZw8/s640/575667_4291287846990_1403956262_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <span style="color: #3d85c6;">Our lounge</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vnh4iUlfG_g/T_jbqvSGLiI/AAAAAAAAAS0/IYipDa2xLwo/s1600/306646_4291288727012_1791473373_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vnh4iUlfG_g/T_jbqvSGLiI/AAAAAAAAAS0/IYipDa2xLwo/s640/306646_4291288727012_1791473373_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some drawings I did.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_b1hSnKiBTM/T_jbsQympOI/AAAAAAAAAS8/oGGwDDPTY7s/s1600/409681_4291286606959_672605355_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_b1hSnKiBTM/T_jbsQympOI/AAAAAAAAAS8/oGGwDDPTY7s/s640/409681_4291286606959_672605355_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My favourite nook</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7OuvXzR3s7Y/T_jbt5VSxlI/AAAAAAAAATE/ox_SOlc3E98/s1600/389023_4291286126947_1174104258_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7OuvXzR3s7Y/T_jbt5VSxlI/AAAAAAAAATE/ox_SOlc3E98/s640/389023_4291286126947_1174104258_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="534" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love candles</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-al8brp-zBAI/T_jbvSU61gI/AAAAAAAAATM/81IkHPh-zE0/s1600/179543_4291281006819_39524678_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-al8brp-zBAI/T_jbvSU61gI/AAAAAAAAATM/81IkHPh-zE0/s640/179543_4291281006819_39524678_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This sideboard belonged to my great Grandmother and some of the treasures inside were her's also.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uMBjPpcANzs/T_jbwubwLAI/AAAAAAAAATU/1TyWWimGvmE/s1600/561031_4291283566883_458942338_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="516" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uMBjPpcANzs/T_jbwubwLAI/AAAAAAAAATU/1TyWWimGvmE/s640/561031_4291283566883_458942338_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My fav snuggly, from Lorraine Lea Linen</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jk9tnMXNhwU/T_jby7FcE6I/AAAAAAAAATc/hsybgFYdSk0/s1600/523425_4291282246850_488449008_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jk9tnMXNhwU/T_jby7FcE6I/AAAAAAAAATc/hsybgFYdSk0/s640/523425_4291282246850_488449008_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="522" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My Dad restored this old kitchen dresser from a QLDer that was about to be demolished. I'm thinking of painting it white ot pink?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jkBhdJR4S94/T_jb3ceiYFI/AAAAAAAAATk/kHk3Hd2DR50/s1600/487750_4291278686761_1781553659_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jkBhdJR4S94/T_jb3ceiYFI/AAAAAAAAATk/kHk3Hd2DR50/s640/487750_4291278686761_1781553659_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our guest room, I'm trying out the Parisian feel.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5_qGXJUifv8/T_jb4eAs0aI/AAAAAAAAATs/ZheNvJiJv1Q/s1600/426856_4291273886641_1039110994_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="518" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5_qGXJUifv8/T_jb4eAs0aI/AAAAAAAAATs/ZheNvJiJv1Q/s640/426856_4291273886641_1039110994_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A little nook I'm working on in my bedroom. The doll is Crumpet. A vintage 1970 doll. You can read about in a previous blog. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CRWYUe_S0Ew/T_jb-gxWsWI/AAAAAAAAAT0/T6k--IP5qBs/s1600/600461_4291278326752_390964011_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CRWYUe_S0Ew/T_jb-gxWsWI/AAAAAAAAAT0/T6k--IP5qBs/s640/600461_4291278326752_390964011_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="430" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This rocker belonged to my darling sister. I have many happy memories of nursing my daughter Isabella in this chair. It now resides in our other guest room.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e5IOFhWY33E/T_kNgjXYTSI/AAAAAAAAAUA/vXQAEutU7GU/s1600/482078_4292439955792_503704951_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e5IOFhWY33E/T_kNgjXYTSI/AAAAAAAAAUA/vXQAEutU7GU/s640/482078_4292439955792_503704951_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="482" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our front courtyard in the Winter sun.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Wezqbe0Sew/T_kNoqU5CvI/AAAAAAAAAUI/gA3ljpO4oAg/s1600/575822_4292438195748_321859833_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Wezqbe0Sew/T_kNoqU5CvI/AAAAAAAAAUI/gA3ljpO4oAg/s640/575822_4292438195748_321859833_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana;">Where I love to enjoy a glass of wine.</span></div>kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298642361471839882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051084238303627154.post-60386012079708669042012-07-02T14:11:00.000-07:002012-07-02T14:16:13.092-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PDcxwzgUVC4/T_IMm5xPJqI/AAAAAAAAASY/zQxdUbmVUy4/s1600/548662_4222227120515_449986855_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PDcxwzgUVC4/T_IMm5xPJqI/AAAAAAAAASY/zQxdUbmVUy4/s400/548662_4222227120515_449986855_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Dan Update </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Dan will go in this Thursday for treatment 3b of his chemo. That means he will officially be halfway...well, maybe.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> hope that is the case.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I went with Dan to the hospital for his last chemo treatment 2 weeks ago and it was a bit of a reality check for me...not fun, but something I needed to do.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Things have been going so well for Dan, coping with chemo without major side effects, (there are plenty of irritating things like muscular aches and cramps, slight nausea, all his hair is gone, plenty of lethargy etc.) and he continues to work most days apart from the day of treatment and the Monday afterwards when he just can't do much at all.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I guess since I've been working too and we've been trying to carry on as a regular family and our regular routines I just kind of 'forgot' what he's been dealing with. I know that sounds a bit weird but I just became a little complacent. I needed to be with him in hospital to remind myself of what he's facing on a daily basis. The doctors also wanted to catch me up with scan results and the 'plan'.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, everything went like clockwork, 12pm blood taken, to check cell counts, then lunch, then wait to see doc at Lymphoma clinic, (lymphoma clinic day is massively busy at the PA), so we see the doc and he goes through the last PET scan results with me. We compare the original scan which of course showed Dan was 'chockers' with numerous large tumours in his abdomen, chest and neck, (for those following treatment and details, Dan was diagnosed with stage 3 aggressive Hodgkin's Lymphoma) Then the current results which had NO hot spots (tumours) at all!!!! YAY!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So doc explains that they are really happy with all this news and of course we are over the moon. I then expect he will say that Dan will definitely be completed his chemo at the end of the 6 month period. Well, maybe not.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It seems that they will scan again after cycle 4 and again after cycle 6...then if the actual lymph nodes themselves which are still slightly enlarged have stopped reducing in size they will complete treatment. However, if the nodes continue to show reduction they will take the extra 2 month option and chemo will continue which would take us right through to New Year. I asked why they would stop if the nodes do stop reducing and he explained that the treatment will not continue if the body ceases to show reduction in node or tumour size...not much point. The body has taken all it can at this point. If the nodes continue to respond then treatment continues...makes sense.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, we wait to see what happens now.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's a little strange as to how we feel about this. Of course we look forward to the end of the treatment but we know that if it needs to continue and Dan's body is responding then that's what he needs to do. If his lymph nodes return to 'normal' before the end of the treament at 6 months...I'm not exactly sure what happens...that's another question to ask.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At this point we are very happy with how things are going. I wish it was all over and sometimes you forget that we will be living with this for a long time yet...regular check ups, scans etc. for years to come. The doctor has told us that at this point they expect Dan will be cured. Cured can mean that he will be disease free for more than 5-7 years. Hmmm, interesting hey? We'd like 'life' of course!! Nothing's a given unfortunately in life is it?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They also told us that if he has a recurrence, then they would expect to treat him again to 'cure'. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'd feel a whole lot better if they said that the cure would be life long...but then, I still believe in fairies, so, we just want Dan well and able to do all the things the Bozzoli's enjoy doing. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We consider ourselves very lucky that we have been able to do most of those things since treatment started.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recently, we had my Dad and Mary staying with us for a week and we celebrated my Dad's 70th birthday with some of his family at Sirromet winery. The day was cold and dreary but the company was fantastic! I love the Green Family! Dan did really well considering it was one of his 'down' days just after treatment. I love him so much for being there for Dad and me. Isabella had a ball!!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So here are a few pics of the celebration.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Catch you all!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take care!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kym</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">xxx</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XLye8yS-Kgo/T_IMbV3ijjI/AAAAAAAAARw/WDXeyPGl1sk/s1600/246434_4222239920835_687808351_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XLye8yS-Kgo/T_IMbV3ijjI/AAAAAAAAARw/WDXeyPGl1sk/s400/246434_4222239920835_687808351_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="396" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Dan enjoying scones and coffee</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-76q68OXqZMs/T_IMd2SuCwI/AAAAAAAAAR4/HOZ0qitvb1I/s1600/306539_4222237960786_1175026160_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-76q68OXqZMs/T_IMd2SuCwI/AAAAAAAAAR4/HOZ0qitvb1I/s400/306539_4222237960786_1175026160_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="337" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w0wlJ8ykcLg/T_IMgsAwDVI/AAAAAAAAASA/aYQfXMBbdF0/s1600/602419_4222229280569_505891693_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="580" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w0wlJ8ykcLg/T_IMgsAwDVI/AAAAAAAAASA/aYQfXMBbdF0/s640/602419_4222229280569_505891693_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PfDumpZvZ3g/T_IMitRZbLI/AAAAAAAAASI/4wz0NCfOvNQ/s1600/179967_4218007655031_284431394_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="558" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PfDumpZvZ3g/T_IMitRZbLI/AAAAAAAAASI/4wz0NCfOvNQ/s640/179967_4218007655031_284431394_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ozt2hVegPt8/T_IMkqOhMWI/AAAAAAAAASQ/avPG0nOfpz0/s1600/319763_4218666111492_20681533_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="518" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ozt2hVegPt8/T_IMkqOhMWI/AAAAAAAAASQ/avPG0nOfpz0/s640/319763_4218666111492_20681533_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298642361471839882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051084238303627154.post-48849586506392278002012-06-19T13:50:00.000-07:002012-06-20T14:06:55.086-07:00<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I'm so angry!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know I shouldn't vent anger here...and didn't ever think I would but something has recently happened that just makes my blood boil!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As you know Dan is doing absolutely brilliantly with his treatment for Hodgkin's Lymphoma. He has completed 2 full cycles of chemotherapy and begins cycle 3 tomorrow. I will be going with him to hospital to speak with the doctors about the rest of his treatment and what we can expect for the next few months.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm so proud of Dan for how positive he has been, the outlook he has about life and dealing with this challenge has been amazing! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He has missed a day of work after each chemo treatment, usually the Monday after his Thursday dose each fortnight. But other than that he has been to work each day, sometimes he has had to head home a few hours early or head in a little later than his usual start. Sometimes it breaks my heart to see him go to work on days when he really doesn't have the energy but due to the 'stuff up' by his company with their choice of super funds he has no access to income protection and apparently no access to his long service leave...we'll leave it at that for the moment.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kN9Z1fOtT10/T-I7T_wI9_I/AAAAAAAAARk/ZJVVNVH7liE/s1600/562394_3853627945766_1430329267_3429539_982749488_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kN9Z1fOtT10/T-I7T_wI9_I/AAAAAAAAARk/ZJVVNVH7liE/s200/562394_3853627945766_1430329267_3429539_982749488_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As it stands Dan has about a day and a half of leave left. After that if he doesn't go to work, no pay. Now we are happy to cop that on the chin and see how we manage.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recently, his work asked him to return to a 'clock card' to 'manage' his work hours. (Dan is on an agreement and salary, that he work 38 hrs a week + 5 hrs overtime), this has NEVER been a problem in the past as he often worked 14+ hr days and heaps of overtime! As the production manager of the place he just accepted the extra hrs as necessary. No complaints. When he got sick the job told him "Don't worry mate, we'll look after you!" I'm beginning to wonder how that works?</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After returning to work from hospital he was asked to email his hours to the 'pay officer' and he has been doing that. Now it appears they are questioning his honesty about this. Apparently, they don't believe he could possibly be working the hours he says as he's too crook to do that much...but they still expect him to fulfill his agreement!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The 'pay officer' is rarely in the workplace to even see when Dan is there and I feel like giving them a call and a piece of my mind!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have been so lucky as a family to receive the support from friends, colleagues and the school community with Dan's recent illness and initially we had complete faith in his workplace that they would assist Dan in remaining in his job without stress for the duration of this time.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't know what the solution is to this problem...or understand the greed and stupid, narrowmindedness of some people who only see dollar signs. If I went into further detail I could explain all that Dan has contributed in keeping this company viable whilst similar businesses crumble around them.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I just can't believe that it's okay for my husband to bust his behind for these people when he is going through Cancer Therapy and NOT be given any thought.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He still gets up everyday and is now clocking in and out...he's already done more than his agreed hours...I wonder if he'll get paid the EXTRA hours he's done? </span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sadly, I already know the answer to that!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you know someone who is ill and just gets on with their commitments to work and family, maybe a pat on the back would really help them get through the day!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial;">I'm not naming and shaming but just needed to get this off my chest!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial;">Your thoughts?</span>kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298642361471839882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051084238303627154.post-26176722205001920382012-06-05T14:26:00.000-07:002012-06-06T14:10:35.704-07:00<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dan Update</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">This week Dan had a PET scan to determine the progress of his chemotherapy. A PET scan is similar to a CT scan except they inject radioactive sugars in so he was glowing a little last night...LOL! The radioactive sugars are taken up by the very fast metabolism of any cancer cells and so they are easily identified on the scan. </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">In Dan's original PET we discovered he was in stage 3 of Aggressive Hodgkins Lymphoma. This meant there was evidence of large lymph nodes in the chest, neck and below the diaphragm in the abdomen as well as around his back. </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">We hope that this scan will show a significant reduction in those tumours and hopefully most of them will be gone!</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">If so, then his treatment should be completed after the scheduled 6 cycles of chemo (each cycle includes 2 chemo treatments an 'A' and a 'B' treatment, which are identical). This Thursday will see the completion of cycle 2.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">There is a possibility the doctors will choose to continue the chemo through a further 2 more cycles, which would mean he would complete chemo around Christmas/ New Year.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">We really hope this isn't the case. We are confident this won't occur. BUT, we have to be open minded about this whole treatment schedule. Because his cancer was particularly aggressive they may decide to ere on the side of caution and give the further treatment.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">We have a very long way to go yet and it feels like this has been going on forever some days and it's more the case for Dan of course!</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Everyday I am reminded of his resilience and amazing attitude with how he approaches and handles the whole 'thing'! He is my rock and I am so glad he is my Dan. I am so very proud of him. He sometimes quietly says "I wish this was over", and then just carries on. </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I see him continuing to work and help me around the house as much as possible. He is extremely conscious of the effect this is all having on me and Isabella and I love him for his quiet and calming love that just makes it feel, a little bit better.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I feel a bit guilty at times, because I am supposed to be the 'strong' one...well, yeah, being proven a bit wrong at times in that department.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">No matter what happens this week or what the doctors say to Dan on Thursday when he goes in for chemo again, I know he will put it all aside and continue to move on with his positive way.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I love you so much Dan Bozzoli.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">xxx</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ut1obgyzeSU/T8_HN9bzUmI/AAAAAAAAARY/FR4t0Pww-SQ/s1600/Dan+and+Kym.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ut1obgyzeSU/T8_HN9bzUmI/AAAAAAAAARY/FR4t0Pww-SQ/s320/Dan+and+Kym.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298642361471839882noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051084238303627154.post-9487723155753135562012-05-30T01:29:00.000-07:002012-05-30T01:29:17.125-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">6 Short Years Ago...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #c27ba0;">I can't believe that this time 6 years ago I was preparing for an event that would change my life completely, turn it upside down and inside out and make me a different person.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #c27ba0;">Tomorrow my Isabella Rose will be 6 years old and I am so sad that my 'baby' is gone but in her place I see a young girl growing and changing, driving me completely mad, but inspiring me and encouraging me to be a better person everyday for her.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #c27ba0;">This year is especially emotional because I have seen so many changes in Isabella mainly due to all she has dealt with in the last couple of months with Dan's illness having such an incredible impact on her young life. She will never be the same, and in many ways I cry for the loss of her innocence, because her world is no longer a place that only magical things happen in. Although in her beautiful, wonderful, incredibly imaginative mind it is still a truly special place.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #c27ba0;">I am so proud of who she is now and all that she may yet become. I think of all that lies ahead of her, the joy, sorrow, laughter and tears and hope I get to share in as much of it as possible. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #c27ba0;">My wish for her is to always be happy and to always know that she is loved unconditionally.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #c27ba0;">Happy Birthday my Darling Girl</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #c27ba0;">xxx</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;">Watch how she has grown...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-11PnX-iIGXg/T8XMVKBeQBI/AAAAAAAAAPo/lwpM6Cl0W-I/s1600/scan0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="394" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-11PnX-iIGXg/T8XMVKBeQBI/AAAAAAAAAPo/lwpM6Cl0W-I/s640/scan0002.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;">A few moments after my precious girl arrived in this world</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d1cwqgMa0BE/T8XMZNTD1qI/AAAAAAAAAPw/6iOMV9EzgRU/s1600/scan0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d1cwqgMa0BE/T8XMZNTD1qI/AAAAAAAAAPw/6iOMV9EzgRU/s640/scan0003.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;">Her first bath</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3mkvmHXBTfo/T8XMcAfW9TI/AAAAAAAAAP4/adV9xMKP-V8/s1600/scan0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3mkvmHXBTfo/T8XMcAfW9TI/AAAAAAAAAP4/adV9xMKP-V8/s640/scan0004.jpg" width="438" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;">She was so tiny!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;"> This suit was a 00000</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lg_g_QsIQ68/T8XMezsIAaI/AAAAAAAAAQA/ummxujCngOo/s1600/scan0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lg_g_QsIQ68/T8XMezsIAaI/AAAAAAAAAQA/ummxujCngOo/s640/scan0005.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;">At 3 months of age</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jc1ZYV0LppY/T8XMhXOf6lI/AAAAAAAAAQI/SywQ-Yfxz_M/s1600/scan0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jc1ZYV0LppY/T8XMhXOf6lI/AAAAAAAAAQI/SywQ-Yfxz_M/s640/scan0006.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;"> In the bath tub!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wcGMJffHQh8/T8XY4qtQv0I/AAAAAAAAAQ8/tl3pq3-14AI/s1600/bella+face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wcGMJffHQh8/T8XY4qtQv0I/AAAAAAAAAQ8/tl3pq3-14AI/s640/bella+face.jpg" width="506" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;">1st Photo Shoot</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-26s_AGNDe4g/T8XY9h5YrRI/AAAAAAAAARE/9jPmKMJ6hfY/s1600/bella+pose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-26s_AGNDe4g/T8XY9h5YrRI/AAAAAAAAARE/9jPmKMJ6hfY/s640/bella+pose.jpg" width="560" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SyI9iihwdkU/T8XMkeJFULI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/LPXXJqO7RXU/s1600/scan0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="522" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SyI9iihwdkU/T8XMkeJFULI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/LPXXJqO7RXU/s640/scan0007.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;">My Christening Gown</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QGUTLgkyQEg/T8XMmqnApAI/AAAAAAAAAQY/PRijFwhvNnY/s1600/scan0008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QGUTLgkyQEg/T8XMmqnApAI/AAAAAAAAAQY/PRijFwhvNnY/s640/scan0008.jpg" width="462" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;">Cutting my Christening Cake!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dYlHMQBcYQo/T8XMo5mtlOI/AAAAAAAAAQg/Y-EjRgYu-Hw/s1600/scan0009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="542" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dYlHMQBcYQo/T8XMo5mtlOI/AAAAAAAAAQg/Y-EjRgYu-Hw/s640/scan0009.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;">My First Christmas!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I1UpgnkurOw/T8XMqqbdrTI/AAAAAAAAAQo/NYmUTzsonvs/s1600/scan0010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I1UpgnkurOw/T8XMqqbdrTI/AAAAAAAAAQo/NYmUTzsonvs/s640/scan0010.jpg" width="464" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;">First Birthday Photo Shoot!</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XI9zzIrCI40/T8XZUGrq9UI/AAAAAAAAARM/v0OhN0bjgJU/s1600/P5310033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XI9zzIrCI40/T8XZUGrq9UI/AAAAAAAAARM/v0OhN0bjgJU/s640/P5310033.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">1st Birthday!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JDvln3odLVo/T8XX1hKq8iI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/hAO94JEs6H0/s1600/536747_4063215745330_589772477_n%5B1%5D-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JDvln3odLVo/T8XX1hKq8iI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/hAO94JEs6H0/s640/536747_4063215745330_589772477_n%5B1%5D-001.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;">My Princess!</span></div>kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298642361471839882noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051084238303627154.post-23768651876168197382012-05-25T23:24:00.002-07:002012-05-25T23:24:49.106-07:00<div align="center">
<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong>Isabella's 6th Birthday Play Date</strong></span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">We have just begun celebrations for Isabella's 6th birthday!</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">This year as Dan is going through chemotherapy we decided to do things a bit low key.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">I'll admit it was a difficult decision for me because as most of you know birthdays are my 'thing'.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">But, I am 'over' being disappointed.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">We decided we were going to have a special day, a mummy daughter pedicure and then off to see Beauty and the Beast in 3D with 2 friends dressed up in our princess dresses, of course, followed by a sushi luncheon.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Well, the best laid plans often go astray, and so did ours...the cinema decided not to continue their run of the movie as it wasn't doing very well...so, plan B.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">I very hurriedly gathered a few party props and food together to make a play date with the girls at home...amd so, here follows Isabella's 6th Birthday play date!</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TFPnvUKvx7s/T8BwbCra6qI/AAAAAAAAAN0/NpPHInCl8eU/s1600/P5260083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TFPnvUKvx7s/T8BwbCra6qI/AAAAAAAAAN0/NpPHInCl8eU/s400/P5260083.JPG" width="290" /></a><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">My pretty party girl all ready for her friends to arrive.</span></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dEKDlaMf9S4/T8BxMpSYavI/AAAAAAAAAOE/7WCs7qMO_5w/s1600/533093_4057010990215_1430329267_3511311_788280681_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="516" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dEKDlaMf9S4/T8BxMpSYavI/AAAAAAAAAOE/7WCs7qMO_5w/s640/533093_4057010990215_1430329267_3511311_788280681_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I found this balloon flower idea on Pinterest!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SsoiMETlHBU/T8Bxe-8-v0I/AAAAAAAAAOM/b27A7nPoAJ4/s1600/182347_4057005790085_1430329267_3511306_966722756_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SsoiMETlHBU/T8Bxe-8-v0I/AAAAAAAAAOM/b27A7nPoAJ4/s640/182347_4057005790085_1430329267_3511306_966722756_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="515" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">The dining room with just a little decoration.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-37VDN-1lxX8/T8Bxyy7wXcI/AAAAAAAAAOU/n9JyCpeQGmo/s1600/533459_4057007990140_1430329267_3511308_1265871104_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-37VDN-1lxX8/T8Bxyy7wXcI/AAAAAAAAAOU/n9JyCpeQGmo/s640/533459_4057007990140_1430329267_3511308_1265871104_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="516" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wdS__lCbFQ4/T8ByH4GIEVI/AAAAAAAAAOc/Z-ewIAXej3I/s1600/487220_4057009270172_1300645219_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="516" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wdS__lCbFQ4/T8ByH4GIEVI/AAAAAAAAAOc/Z-ewIAXej3I/s640/487220_4057009270172_1300645219_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nKPmN1W2u30/T8ByZxHLB1I/AAAAAAAAAOk/HnsD6Ud2YYc/s1600/Bella+and+friends+2012+birthday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nKPmN1W2u30/T8ByZxHLB1I/AAAAAAAAAOk/HnsD6Ud2YYc/s640/Bella+and+friends+2012+birthday.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">3 good friends</span><br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TUFQcFMCYUc/T8By3eBt1RI/AAAAAAAAAOs/bQCWVhFROL0/s1600/P5260101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TUFQcFMCYUc/T8By3eBt1RI/AAAAAAAAAOs/bQCWVhFROL0/s400/P5260101.JPG" width="380" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Ready to bake cupcakes!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qX3C81Ox5sI/T8BzcyRAkSI/AAAAAAAAAO0/t2U7wjAul4o/s1600/P5260105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qX3C81Ox5sI/T8BzcyRAkSI/AAAAAAAAAO0/t2U7wjAul4o/s400/P5260105.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ItyFdWJUVFE/T8B0VtxcfAI/AAAAAAAAAO8/iMPtU_Pkx9o/s1600/Kira.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ItyFdWJUVFE/T8B0VtxcfAI/AAAAAAAAAO8/iMPtU_Pkx9o/s400/Kira.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Kira ready to lick the spoons!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5n4Tv9wZSEA/T8B0qRksRlI/AAAAAAAAAPE/v_FSKmhzKUM/s1600/P5260096-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="536" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5n4Tv9wZSEA/T8B0qRksRlI/AAAAAAAAAPE/v_FSKmhzKUM/s640/P5260096-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Ready to watch a movie!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q0PMEh1Yb2Y/T8B1OqKg0FI/AAAAAAAAAPM/i2YQykj5cAA/s1600/P5260119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q0PMEh1Yb2Y/T8B1OqKg0FI/AAAAAAAAAPM/i2YQykj5cAA/s640/P5260119.JPG" width="542" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> The decorated birthday cupcakes are ready! Good job girls!!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GUj4516qFcc/T8B1pv3-fxI/AAAAAAAAAPU/sRKJb8yAYb0/s1600/P5260121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GUj4516qFcc/T8B1pv3-fxI/AAAAAAAAAPU/sRKJb8yAYb0/s640/P5260121.JPG" width="502" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Happy Birthday Isabella!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NH2Q1o63Gvc/T8B2C6Il-6I/AAAAAAAAAPc/U9sNZn8bzt4/s1600/P5260124-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NH2Q1o63Gvc/T8B2C6Il-6I/AAAAAAAAAPc/U9sNZn8bzt4/s640/P5260124-1.JPG" width="514" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">And we're done!!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">It might not have been the birthday party I was planning this year but the girls had a ball and I am pleased she got to spend it with her 2 best friends. In the end, that's all that matters isn't it?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">xxx</span></div>kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298642361471839882noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051084238303627154.post-53869521667099167392012-05-24T00:38:00.000-07:002012-05-24T00:38:07.537-07:00<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Prank</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's happened! My 5 almost 6 year old pranked me a beauty last night and was sooo cool about it, I am actually kind of proud of her.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Last night I came into the office to check emails (or perhaps sneak in 1 more Bejewelled Blitz game) before I went to bed only to find my PC mouse was dead frozen!!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I did all the usual problem solving, bang it, grimace, wriggle it, tell it it was a stupid bloody mouse, hit a few keys on the keyboard and then being completely peeved turned the bloody thing off!! So, yeah I'm a real tech head! I didn't dare annoy Dan and his Dad who were in Origin heaven!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Off I went to bed thinking that after a good rest the computer and mouse would of course be more cooperative in the morning.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, this morning I get up do brekky, coffee etc. Dan leaves for work and doc appointment, Isabella is finishing her brekky and I decide to say good morning to the computer. Surely it's going to behave this morning! Hmm!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I turn it on all positive and sending happy vibes only to find the bloody mouse was still frozen!!! What the...????? Argh!! I do all the correct problem solving strategies as per last night only to find, surprise, surprise...it didn't work???</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then, and I am ashamed and embarrassed to admit this bit, only then, did I even think to turn the mouse over and look...ahhhh, what the heck is that??? A Barbie sticker is stuck over the sensor!!! Now how did that...??? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I pull it off and what do you know? the mouse works!! I'm such a great problem solver!! I am so happy with myself for being so clever I don't give it another thought, just squeeze in a quick game of Bejewelled...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">15 mins later Isabella is getting dressed for school when she calmly asks me with a wry smile on her face..."So, Mum have you checked your emails?" I look at her and think why would she be the slightest bit interested in me check...doh!! Um, yeah, how dumb do I feel? She then smiles and says, "Pranked you!!!" Then starts cracking up! I laughed so hard we just gave each other a big hug and we talked about how clever and sneaky she is.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">On the way to school she starts telling me about how she is planning to prank her teacher and Mr Black, the principal!! Uh Oh!!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've already warned Mr Black, to which he laughed and said "Not if I get her first!!" </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OXnOlk39IVM/T73kTV3LkYI/AAAAAAAAANo/jIvKRwo3E4w/s1600/547215_4046844016047_1430329267_3507765_1545012375_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OXnOlk39IVM/T73kTV3LkYI/AAAAAAAAANo/jIvKRwo3E4w/s1600/547215_4046844016047_1430329267_3507765_1545012375_n%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Funny!!</span>kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298642361471839882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051084238303627154.post-38380415003692277882012-05-14T14:17:00.000-07:002012-05-14T14:17:26.446-07:00<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><u><strong>Yes, it's true, I am in fact having birthday party planning withdrawals!</strong></u></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There, I admitted it!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For those who know me well, planning birthdays, well any event really is something I absolutely adore doing. I do not admit to be a professional on any level, but as a mummy who works full time, blah, blah, blah, I do my best.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have even blogged about my planning efforts in the past to maybe inspire other mum's to give it a go, and that has worked a little! Yay!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am a bit ridiculous and start the planning process a little ahead of time. Okay, I admit it as soon as the kids are out the door and my hands are wet from washing up from one party, I'm on the computer browsing Pinterest and other party bloggers sites looking for inspiration for the next party. Don't laugh!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I love planning for Isabella's birthday's and this year she is turning 6. I had ideas about a wild woodland fairy party, and I was brimming over with ideas about the location, the dessert table, decorations, games, costumes, food, everything! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then we decided as a family that we were going on our dream cruise in 2012 and we would have to be a bit frugal, so, no party. But, even then I couldn't give up the party idea, so I thought we could do an intimate cupcake party at home with patty cake liner garlands draped around the house and sweet frosting and...then</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Well, many of you already know what's happened recently. Dan ,my hubby, got very ill and is currently having chemo for Hodgkin's Lymphoma. (I've been blogging about that too lately if you'd like to catch up).</span><br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Whilst Dan is doing amazingly well, and our lives are kind of normal again while he continues treatment, the whole thing has dug into our finances and whilst we won't be on the streets, we have had to make a few financial decisions.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, no birthday party and no cruise.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now, that's all okay and we have come to terms, almost with those decisions...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This blog isn't about feeling sorry for myself or our family, quite the opposite, we are just SO happy that Dan's treatment is going so beautifully and we know he will be fine.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I however, am not sure how I will ever recover from the withdrawals of not 'doing' a party this year. (HUGE SIGH!!)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We will of course celebrate Isabella's party and there will be friends, probably a mummy/daughter pedicure and a movie with the girls and a sushi lunch. something like that will be fun and wonderful of course and quite suffices for Isabella. In fact, she is quite fine with the whole idea of no party.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">No, it's poor mummy that still finds herself scrolling through my Pinterest boards of inspiration...ah well! There's always next year...hmm :)</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Enjoy every day!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Kym</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">p.s. after my recent very serious blogs, I really needed to lighten up and let the world know that the Bozzoli's still have our sense of humour!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">xxx</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q02HWBPzH0o/T7F2GjsvNnI/AAAAAAAAANc/cjcVSl0k03I/s1600/383103_261999680513125_104922036220891_767243_1916193540_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q02HWBPzH0o/T7F2GjsvNnI/AAAAAAAAANc/cjcVSl0k03I/s320/383103_261999680513125_104922036220891_767243_1916193540_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298642361471839882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051084238303627154.post-47318211426570638072012-05-12T23:44:00.001-07:002012-05-12T23:47:59.319-07:00<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Can you help a dream come true?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">My husband, Dan and I have had a lovely, albeit, quiet day celebrating Mother's day with Isabella. I got breakfast in bed and lots of delicious wine and a yummy platter for lunch and I'm sure a yummy barbeque dinner will follow shortly. But today we also had a serious discussion about where things were heading during Dan's cancer treatment and how we were coping financially.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's a discussion that we had kind of put off for a bit because, well, there were more important things to discuss.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">But now, it's time to sit and talk.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">We've made a few important decisions, and some of them will affect us in quite different ways. We will be fine at the end of it all but I just don't feel right about one. That is, the decision that we cannot go on the dream cruise that we booked for this December for Christmas and to celebrate Dan's 40th birthday.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, I have decided before we cancel it altogether to throw it out there, to the universe to see if people will help us to see this dream come true.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's not an important dream in the scheme of things, but to me, well it is really important. I always wanted to have a huge birthday bash for Dan's 40th, because he is the most important person in my life, apart from Isabella. He is my rock, my love, my life! I don't know what I'd be without him.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">If I can make this small dream, which is actually huge, come true, it would be a big dream for me too!</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">If it happens well, it would be unbelievably fantastic!!</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">But, if it doesn't then we will find a way ourselves to make it a special time, no matter what.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you have been following our story and you'd like to help, then please share this page with your friends. Perhaps together, with the help of many giving just a little you can help make this familiy dream become a reality!</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">Please click on the following link to assist us!</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.gofundme.com/m4aus#description">http://www.gofundme.com/m4aus#description</a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xzIcOKXhgdc/T69XsvwvU0I/AAAAAAAAANQ/4msEMZuWDJw/s1600/Dan+and+Kym.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xzIcOKXhgdc/T69XsvwvU0I/AAAAAAAAANQ/4msEMZuWDJw/s320/Dan+and+Kym.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thank you for sharing your time to share our family story.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">xxx</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Kym</span>kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298642361471839882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051084238303627154.post-9482341801993692502012-05-06T20:07:00.003-07:002012-05-06T20:20:41.865-07:00a long time coming<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span id="goog_1946616330"></span><span id="goog_1946616331"></span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A number of events have and are occuring that have had me pondering and reflecting on many events and people in my life and how I have become the person I am today. I will be 47 this year and I suddenly realise that I am rapidly approaching that phase called 'middle age'...oh my God! It's terrifying! It's also a relief. I am finding that on a day to day basis I am beginning to have questions about so many things...I almost sound like my 5 year old wanting to know everything and I do mean EVERYTHING right now!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But I digress...as I often do...this blog is about the past...and maybe that will bring us up to speed? Much of what I am about to write is not pleasant, it's not easy to write about, remember and I can't even put some of it down into words, so I won't. This is not about asking for pity or anything actually, it's just a way for me to remember. Most of my memories are happy, joyful and full of love and laughter. Those memories will come too. But for now I need to recall how a very familiar foe entered my life and how I have been able to live on, survive and be happy again.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I need to go way back...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I consider myself a very fortunate person...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I was raised by a mother and father who loved each other and all 3 of their children unconditionally. I always felt as though my family was proud of me, no matter what. But sometimes I wished I could be better...I don't know why.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My mum was a stay home mum, as most in the 60's were. My Dad was an electrical contractor and had his own business for over 25 years on the Gold Coast. We had everything we wanted or needed which by today's standards meant...very little. We were blissfully happy!!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We were a happy family that did everything together...footy, dancing camping, surfing and parties!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">At 18 my world fell apart when my darling mum died from cancer.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">She had been unwell for about 3-4 months, in and out of hospital with bouts of severe abdominal pain that nobody really had an answer for but plenty of good guesses. On one of her stays out of hospital she came to me and said she was scared because she had found a lump in her breast.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">She wanted me to feel it. It was hard as a rock, small as a pea and sat right behind her nipple...I can still feel it right now. I told her not to worry, it would be okay but to go to the doctor and get it checked. I was scared too.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It was cancer, it was actually a secondary cancer that had spread from her bowel to the breast and her lymph nodes. But, nobody knew it yet. She had a full mastectomy, Christ, did they make a mess of her!</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Mum was devastated, she had the most gorgeous boobs and was so proud of them! I thought she was the most beautiful, woman in the world and so did my Dad.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Then the radiotherapy started...I can't remember how long it went for I just remember I drove her to Royal Brisbane Hospital from the Gold Coast on my learner's licence many, many times. I'd sit in the waiting room and see people dealing with the dreadful scars that this hideous disease wreaks on people. I remember one day seeing for the first time a young woman who had lost at least half her face to surgery. At the time I thought to myself, I'd rather die. I'm sure she did too. I don't know what happened to her...but I also remember thinking how strong she must be to deal with this everyday.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Mum's scars were alwful too but she never complained.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">There's so much I don't remember from this time probably because I didn't want to know what was happening and partly because I could hide away from it all because I was still studying at Teacher's College Mon-Fri and only come home on weekends.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My friends kept me busy and my job was to do well at college and get that teaching diploma. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Within a 6 month period I saw my very athletic, outgoing, busy, chatty, never sit down and rest mother become frail, tired and quiet.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I saw my life changing without even realising it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I remember coming home from college one Friday night and my Dad was bringing my mum home from hospital stay number...???? too many to remember. He walked through the door virtually carrying her frail body to their room. He put her in bed and came upstairs to tell us all that she had come home to die...there was nothing else the doctors could do for her.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I just sat there...shock set in and I remember Dad mad me a cup of tea that was so sweet it nearly made me sick...he siad the sugar would help?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My life completely turned upside down in that moment and I don't think I ever recovered from that feeling.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I went through all the normal stages...denial, anger etc. but mostly I just felt numb and everything seemed so quiet and still, the whole world seemed to come to a standstill but it didn't. I'd go to do grocery shopping and people were just normal, smiling, laughing, arguing. It didn't feel, right.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Didn't they all know what was happening? My mother, Robyn, was dying!! She would be gone soon and they wouldn't be able to see her again! No one would, not even me! So, stop! Do something! Anything! But I didn't say any of those things, I just did my shopping like everyone else. No one would have even known my pain, my despair that my world was about to end. It was all so surreal.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The end for my mother was awful, like it is for so many cancer patients, pain, injections to relieve the pain, illness, deliriousness. Horror like I've never imagined...well, not at that time anyway.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">When she finally passed around midnight on July 29th, 1984 the night was quiet and still. My mother died in my Dad's arms and he told me later she spoke of me in her final words, wondering if I'd be okay. No, I wouldn't be, she was gone forever and I'd never hear her laugh again. Never see her smile again. Never feel her arms around me again. Never hear her say words of comfort and love. She was gone. She was 39 and I was 18. Too young.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But we went on, I took my sister shopping for an appropriate dress for a 14 year old to wear to her mother's funeral. That in itself felt so wrong. I still see the look on the face of the sales assistant when she told Shelley how nice the dress looked and she said thanks and told her what event it was for. Those looks of pity became very familiar. Now I just abhor them. I've seen them too often. I don't mean that I'm angry at those who show them they don't know how it makes me feel.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Life changed forever after that. Dad was a mess. That's saying it nicely. My brother Brett was gone, living on the Sunshine Coast. Shelley needed me. My Grandmother was there but not for long. She moved to a unit. </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Then another nightmare began, but that's a different story, and not one I am prepared to tell yet.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hvQxAUG-m6s/T6c_P7fAkZI/AAAAAAAAANE/lsg_UEcL5cQ/s1600/scan0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hvQxAUG-m6s/T6c_P7fAkZI/AAAAAAAAANE/lsg_UEcL5cQ/s320/scan0005.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Robyn Faye Green</span></div>
<br />kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298642361471839882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051084238303627154.post-44320300969690581462012-04-28T22:29:00.000-07:002012-04-28T22:29:59.681-07:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Dan the Man is coming along nicely, thank you!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Hi all,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">I thought it was time for a quick update since the last post was a bit worrying.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Well, things certainly got hairier and scarier before they got better.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">First Monday of school hols and we ended up in Emergency when Dan's airways began to become crushed by the enlarged lymph nodes in his chest...then he was admitted to the Oncology ward.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Docs needed to start some kind of chemo treatment because Dan's symptoms were becoming life threatening. So began an aggressive</span> <span style="font-size: large;">chemo treatment which thankfully only lasted for 4 days.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AMK3kG0Wzqg/T5zPWbhw6aI/AAAAAAAAAMk/dhqm_y0qucI/s1600/548241_3687668116874_1430329267_3363043_260266035_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AMK3kG0Wzqg/T5zPWbhw6aI/AAAAAAAAAMk/dhqm_y0qucI/s320/548241_3687668116874_1430329267_3363043_260266035_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;">Day 2 chemo</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">A few days anxious wait and another biopsy, expert pathology teams working over Easter weekend and we had a final diagnosis after 2 false starts.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">It seems they were right to begin with, Hodgkin's Lymphoma, an aggressive form, stage 3B ( which means it was found in lymph nodes above and below the diaphragm and the 'b' indicates the symptoms he was experiencing, night sweats, fever, cough etc).</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">So began Dan's new chemo regime. 6 months of fortnightly chemo treatments to be administered through outpatient clinic. Phew! This was much better than the original plan of 14 day cycles in hospital every 3 weeks!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">So Dan has had his first lot of his scheduled treatment and he is doing really well!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Fatigue is the biggest issue to deal with.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">But we managed to get out today! First to the Farmer's Markets and then lunch at the pub. Then down to the marina to look at some boats we might buy when we win lotto this week... :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8NX2_8SnbBk/T5zQNkJ_knI/AAAAAAAAAMs/TWaKGCQEl8g/s1600/562394_3853627945766_1430329267_3429539_982749488_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8NX2_8SnbBk/T5zQNkJ_knI/AAAAAAAAAMs/TWaKGCQEl8g/s320/562394_3853627945766_1430329267_3429539_982749488_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">His hair is almost all gone so we clipped it but he still looks gorgeous!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Now we just wait out the next 6 months and get back to 'normal'.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">It's been amazing having so much support from all the gang at BayView State School. The parent and teachers have supported us with meals and babysitting and offers to do our lawn too!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">It's overwhelming and a very emotional time for all of us.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">I'm extremely proud of how my little family is dealing with this huge challenge. We couldn't have got this far without all the love and support we get each and everyday.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Thanks to everyone for all you have done.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">xxx</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298642361471839882noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051084238303627154.post-4044675497204751712012-03-30T18:24:00.000-07:002012-03-30T18:24:26.495-07:00A letter to another mother, wife, friend.<div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dear Friend,</span></div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You sound busy with your beautiful family! I love to read about families and everyday challenges and being able to share just a little of my own life experience with others. So, here’s a little of my story.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am blessed to be married to an amazing man, Dan, and we have a beautiful, amazing 5, soon to be 6 year old daughter, Isabella.</span><br />
<br />
<div></div><br />
<div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We are happily married and live a fairly ordinary day to day life, along with the usual challenges of 2 full time working parents raising a child.</span></div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am a prep teacher (full time), and have been teaching for 25 years now. I love it and find it exciting and everyday I laugh out loud at the things kids say to make me realise how precious and wonderful they are.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dan is a production manager in a glass factory.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Let’s go back a little now.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I lost my mother to cancer when I was 18 and she was 39, that was 1984. It was a relatively short illness with her falling ill and passing away in a space of 6 months. I was incredibly close to my mother, Robyn, I loved her incredible joy of life! My sister, Shelley was 14 at the time and my older brother was living away at the Sunshine Coast living the life of a beach bum...good on him!</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My Dad was devastated at the loss of my mother and so I took on a lot of responsibility at this time. I was also halfway through my teaching Diploma at college.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dad tried to escape his sadness by leaving us to travel the country so I moved out with my little sister and we started to become very independent young women. We were still living together when Shelley was diagnosed in 1995 with aggressive Cervical Cancer at 25, I was just celebrating my 30th birthday and had returned to Uni to complete my B.Ed.</span></div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I cared for Shelley through the first 2 years of her illness and she moved into remission during this time, met an amazing man, moved to Sydney and they got married ready to live happily ever after. I went OS for 3 months on Long Service leave for some RnR. I was transferred to Bundaberg to teach in 2001 and it was during this first year there that Shelley fell ill again. I spent the next 3 years flying back and forth from Bundaberg to Sydney to be with her through various surgeries, treatments and finally to be with her when she passed away on Oct 16, 2003. I was completely devastated, she was my baby sister and I loved her so very much. It was also during these 3 years that I met Dan and we had a long distance love affair travelling to be with each other between Bundaberg and Brisbane. I grew to love him more and more as he was always there for me and my family.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was transferred back to Brisbane in 2004 and Dan and I became engaged and then married in 2005, I fell pregnant on our honeymoon turned 40 in Nov that year and on May 31st 2006 delivered our precious Isabella Rose. There’s more to that part of the story but suffice to say she was a blessing from my angels in heaven!</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The next 5 years were the usual family challenges, sleep deprivation, tantrums and fun and games! I loved every minute of it.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2012</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We decided after an ‘interesting’ family Christmas in 2011 that in 2012 we would go away on our first family cruise in Dec for Christmas and to celebrate Dan’s 40th birthday which falls on the 27th Dec. Holiday booked and so begins 2012...</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dan went back to work after Christmas holiday with flu like symptoms and a terrible, annoying cough...</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">11 weeks later...</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mar 31</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We have just spent 5 weeks toing and froing from doctors and have just spent the last week going to the PA hospital everyday for lengthy waiting and tests of all sorts to find out whether Dan has Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. In the past month he has had CT scans, bone marrow biopsy, fine needle aspirations, lymph node biopsy, blood tests ( lots of those), chest x-rays, etc. Now we know that come Monday we will have a definite diagnosis...we ‘hope’ for Hodgkins, it is probably the lesser of all the evils it could be. If so, then we expect to hear at next Thursday’s clinic appointment that Dan will begin treatment very quickly and hopefully chemo and radiation will be the extent of a treatment that will see my darling husband well again.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I never imagined that I would be sitting in oncology units again after doing this twice before...the sights, sounds, smells are an assault on my senses and it is reeling to be affected so strongly this way. I never let Dan see that it affects me when I smell or hear things that bring memories back from a time I’d rather forget. That is where my woebegone state ends.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have an amazing family...the 3 of us are together and I know we’ll be strong for each other no matter what. Isabella has been wonderful, amazing actually. We have explained to her as best we can what is going on so far as we know, and kept her daily schedule as normal as possible so far. I’m so lucky to have an absolute treasure of a friend and colleague in my Teacher Aide, Lyndall, who has helped with Isabella almost everyday for the past month as well as keep my classroom running when I haven’t been there. </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The families at school and my colleagues have all been wonderful with their kind words of support and encouragement.</span></div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I cannot abide people who dwell in self sorrow, so we don’t, but I do admit that there have been times when I have quietly shed tears not because I am facing this foe again, because it feels unfair to be SO familiar with everything that this disease is and does to good people and families, in particular, my family.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I will never let my darling sister down by being a ‘sad sack’ because whenever we would feel a bit of self woe she was always the first to say “Oh pull yourself together! Don’t you know there are others out there suffering much worse than I?” </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Her strength, courage, dignity and love will always be my strength. My mother’s laugh will always ring from my heart and my smile will always be there for my family along with loving arms to hold us together.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I wish you a wonderful Easter to you and yours.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Kind Regards</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Kym </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iQiBeqHKz5E/T3Zb9u5dUoI/AAAAAAAAAMc/K53pRyJF6Iw/s1600/IMG_2803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iQiBeqHKz5E/T3Zb9u5dUoI/AAAAAAAAAMc/K53pRyJF6Iw/s320/IMG_2803.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>kymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298642361471839882noreply@blogger.com6