Some Photos from our friends farm

This is lucy at their back fence looking out over the burnt land -that is normally full of cows. To top of the photo are vineyards - one section that was diseased was burnt out - but the green ones remained.

The grandparents lived in the ruins of this home - which is maybe 300 metres from their place down the road. Their grandfather was safe standing on a green patch of grass in the front yard. The left of the photo shows the remains of the chimney

Of course what do all good aussie kids want to do - even in a terrible time - play cricket!! They were so excited that they could play cricket in the paddock - cos there were no cattle there at the moment - they lost all their fencing in the fires. Mind you they were all black when we got home!!

This shos how close the fire came - its not showing in this photo - but their house is right at the left of the photo.

This is their farm car - all the fencing just around the house was still smoldering even when we went their last monday.

The kids teacher from Buxton was back at school today - we were so glad to see her. People are kinda starting to relax - but the fires are still outside Healesville - so many families are still on edge.

Victorian Bushfires

I wanted to share some of what is happening in our lives this week - somehow cards and pretty papers just don't seem important right now.

This is a photo of Chateu Yering - very close to our kids school (within minutes).

Marysville Primary School - totally destroyed along with nearly all of Marysville

The smoke from the fires has even reached as far as New Zealand

What a tale of survival - a house safe amongst the fire

How hot must the fire have been to melt the wheels

People said it was like it was raining fire - this shows you how it did.

A wall of fire just sweeping through

These are just some of the photos of the fires that have devasted our area and most of the state. They are still burning. Three of our schools 4 teachers have been affected by the fires. They are safe and their homes are safe - but homes burnt around them. It is so hard to deal with the devastation and the terrifying stories that i continue to hear from people from our school who live amongst the fire affected areas.

Please give to the Red Cross Appeal and pray for the fire fighters who are still fighting to keep lives and properties safe. Pray for those who are grieving for lost families and friends and pray for those who have lost everything they owned.

But also praise God for those who were kept safe in only miraculous circumstances. I can only tell them that an Angel was sent by God protected them and their family as they were inside their home with fire all around but they came out unscathed and their house is ok. But fire was right up to the back door.

And here is my last photos - it was taken from my school crossing this morning. You can see the smoke from the nearby fires.

Scary Day in Melbourne

We have had fires all over Victoria since yesterday. Yesterday it was at least 48 degrees celsius with 70 kph winds. They have said this morning that at least 25 people have died and over 100 homes lost. And there are still active fires burning. We had friends that have had to move their live stock and could see the flames from their houses. They were hosing their home down to protect it. I was scared when after dinner i had just showered the kids and was hanging up their towels when i looked out the back window and could see glowing smoke billowing near our backyard. I called my husband - screaming - smoke - there is fire close! We checked the CFA website to see where it was coming from - it was about 5-10km away. Thankfully the wind dropped. My friends are safe - but are currently helping other of their friends shift horses to safety too. The fires are still burning. We all need to pray for rain and safety. It really puts your life into perspective when things like this happen.

Kwerner Colour Challenge #40

Well how do you like this - 2 posts in one day!!

I used a cuttlebug embossing folder for the base of the card and then swiped it with white ink. I used a butterfly patterened paper for the more mustard colour. I used a circle stamp from my paper crafts clear cling stamps set. I set a light olive colour rhinestone in the centre of the flower. The only teal things i had was some really ugly ribbon and some buttons - so buttons it was, with some so saffron coloured embroidery thread. I really like this layout - but don't really love the colours. But again - i like that i am trying other colour options. Go here and check out the other entries.

Mojo Monday Challenge #72

Well I'm finally back! I kinda lacked any creative interest with the weather being so hot, then i was busy organizing the kids going back to school. You know the drill, label everything, organize everything! Well they are back and starting to settle in. My eldest has gone into a new class room and has a new teacher - lots to get used to. And my second youngest started school this week too. So 3 at school this year! I finally sat down yesterday to make this card. I did it in time to go and pick up the kids from school! YEAH! But then last night i was searching for the card to take a photo of it - and guess what - i had lost it. Searched everywhere - in the end i went out to the bin - and of course - i had thrown it out accidentally and was ruined by food etc! How very annoying. Well i decided that i liked the summery colours on it - so i did an exact copy. Hope you like it. Go and check out all the other entries into this challenge here