shout outs, thank yous and followings

after a frenzy of crafty posts last week and lots of linking to linky parties - i just wanted to shout out to a few lovely peeps for the many extra visitors i've had popping past here this past week.

firstly - thank you to all those that popped past and left a comment - and some of you are new followers - yay!!
seriously - a huge thank you. i know everyone is busy - and i do really appreciate the time commenting takes.
i'm honoured that you would take the time to leave me a little piece of you.
but thanks also to the stalkers !! those that always pop in quietly - have a little read - then move on for the day.
all are welcome here!

thank you also to those that liked my new nefotlak. facebook page.
when i checked my stats - i've had literally hundreds of visitors from facebook within a 24 hour span - most from hungary!! yes...hungary! odd - but lovely all the same.
hi to all those that visit from far far away! when i see those stats it makes the world seem a little closer.

special thanks to all those that have featured some of my many projects - i'm humbled and thrilled that you liked something of mine that much. i've started adding featured buttons to the top tab (titled featured) of all those blogs that my projects have been featured on (click on each button and it will take you to the blog - clever techno thing - yes?!!!). if you haven't checked it out - go - now.....i'll wait............

.....but in case you're too busy - here's the lovelys that have me featured already  (if i've missed anyone - please let me know) .......

another special thanks to the lovely lousie from table tonic....

louise included this here little blog in her weekly bookmark worthy sites she's recently discovered. *blush* - i'm tickled pink about that inclusion - thank you louise.

oh - and some news - i'm going to start a weekly blog share thursday - on thursday's obviously  (i'll try to keep to that schedule - eek!) - where i'll feature a blog (just one blog) that i really like - 'cuz i want to share the love around abit!!! be sure to tune in tomorrow for that exciting feature!!!!!! (now i've added pressure on myself to the mix!!)

i do have some more makings to blog about - uni has just caught up on me - and i really need to get some assignments done. which is really hard when there are so so so many wonderful blog posts out there to keep up with!!!
i'd much rather be crafting and blogging!!!
boo!!

hope you're having a great week.
cheryl xox.

happy mothers day

i awoke to cuddles, hand-made cards and breakfast in bed !!
breakfast included - french toast with maple syrup, freshly made plunger coffee, apple juice & an eggcup filled with flowers from the garden.
(it's so cool having a 15 year old who has been taking food tech at school for the last two years - although she doesn't clean up the kitchen as well as she cooks!!!!)
i am so so blessed to have 3 such amazing daughters - who make me smile every. single. day.
love you gorgeous girls.
today is a beautiful clear day - and hopefully we'll get outside as a family to enjoy it.
i just have to get my lesson plans done for the upcoming week.
i survived week one of prac in a 3/4 class - now two more to go.
there has been some challenging behaviour from some class members - however, this last week has clearly shown me that teaching is what i love - and i just can't wait to get a class of my own.
happy happy happy mothers day to all you mums out there.
loads of love and hugz from this family to yours.
mrs c. xox

will and kate's wedding

i wasn't that interested in the lead up to the big day - but last night i could not move away from the tv.
we all sat glued - watching the spectacle unfold before our eyes.
the royals / the outfits / the hats (!?!) / the trees in the chapel / the dress (and bridesmaid dress!) / that amazing smile / the natural chemistry between will and kate / the crowd / the wow
i was the same age as my miss e. when diana and charles wed. 
i'm glad we took the time to take it all in. (tissues firmly placed by my side.)
it was an event that we'll remember for a lifetime.

just amazing.
huge congrats to will and kate - you did it with amazing style and grace.

(Photo: Reuters / Toby Melville)

happy easter - happy holidays !!

we're heading away tomorrow for a 7 night holiday - so this place won't get updated for a wee while.
we're going on our (what has become) yearly easter trip - this year with another 8 (yes 8) families.
it's camping - in style!!
almost all of us have invested in pop-up caravans.....after years of doing it tent-style.
we're heading to the high country (nsw snowy mountains) - where it's very very cold at night - but lovely clear days.
we're hoping to spot some more brumbies (wild horses) - and generally have some more really good times.
great friends, super conversations, lots of kids of many ages, loads of chocolate - good good times!!
i'll post some pics when we get back.
meanwhile - when i went out in the backyard earlier to take the above photo - this little shadow was following close behind...........

and the reason...........is not for the chocolate eggs...........but for..............

.......that tennis ball on the right........and miss molly waiting patiently for it to be thrown!!!

oh moo - you are far too cute!!!

i'm off to pack loads of warm clothes - and head out for some supplies.

have a safe and happy easter everyone.
see you when i return.

mrs c. xox

house gnome - a.k.a. tomte

when i lived in sweden many many moons ago - my host family gave me a 'tomte' to take back to australia to protect my home.
(you can read up on the tomte - pronounced 'tom-te' with a short vowel 'e' sound at the end - here)
that particular loved tomte is packed away in the roof - and comes out at christmas.
last week i found this gorgeous guy at freedom of all places!!(in the outdoor furniture section - just under $20 if i remember correctly)
i couldn't resist re-homing the little fella to my place!!
so today i wanted to play around taking photos (with our very basic camera) & twig the pics a little using photoshop software - and decided to use him as my #1 model today !!!
he's going to stay around to protect our house i'm thinking.
here's some more of the 'big' boy in action !!!!

 

*sigh* - i miss my swedish family & friends muchly today.
sending them loads of love & cyber hugz through the airways.
mrs c. xox