Pickle Boo

Cupcakes & Caleb

2011-05-30T10:23:00.005+01:00

Had the most perfect afternoon on Friday...cuddles with our gorgeous new nephew along with cupcakes from the Blackbird Bakery. Thanks to Alan and Laura for both and for ending a busy week in such a lovely way!!

Miss Molly

2011-05-16T21:13:00.004+01:00

This photo sums up our Molly perfectly...just home from Ballet class, her wellies on, chasing around with the boys playing swords.

Our girly girl...with tomboy tendencies.

Our little garden party

2011-04-28T19:56:00.007+01:00

The flowers are arranged...

...the bunting's ready

...and the cake is baked.

I do love a Royal Wedding. xx

It's beginning to look a lot like....

2010-11-25T16:10:00.013Z

Still here!!

2010-10-05T16:56:00.050+01:00

Hello Blogland!! Have been off the radar for a while - life is busy as and there always seems to be something more urgent/necessary/pressing to do than update the poor blog!! The longer I left it, the bigger the job became but here I am, ready to update - be warned there's a LOT of pictures...will let them do the talking and promise a chattier post next time...

We're going way back in time here - well, July - to James's birthday party. Race Car themed (love a good theme!) and the afternoon was a big success...

Last time I posted, we were just back from the Dina Wakely Weekend at Art From The Heart - an amazing course and a whole lot of fun. Paul and I are lucky enough to count Dina as a friend now which is lovely. We had such a great time but were so glad to be home after the very long drive!! Here's my welcome home from Molly...

...and Harry loved his new bag we got him for Nursery...

We stopped at Ikea on the way to Harrogate to get the furniture for the new study. Harry helped Paul build it all the next day...

...and the transformation started!! It's taken a while to get everything organised and I can't believe how much stuff came out of that wee room I used to work in!! Here are some pictures of the room today...

Molly has her own little corner which keeps her attention away (most of the time) from my stuff. I've borrowed the chair from the front hall until I can find a big squishy one that I love and I used the fabric I bought for the kitchen pelmets for the curtain!! Still need to get a table for the sewing machine and looking for a big wall decal for Molly's corner but apart from a couple other bits and pieces - it's done!! I love it.

Halfway through hemming the curtain - scary!! Had to phone Granny Ruby for some advice - she told me to tack first and I did as I was told!!

The girls birthdays next...Ellie turned 11 on the 21st of August and Molly was 2 on the 23rd!! Ellie wanted a Mocktail Party complete with Daddy as barman and Molly had a 'Tea for 2' party with her little friends...

Molly on her birthday morning...

...and her tea party

Phew!! we're getting there!! Next up is Paul's cousin Jenna's Wedding Invitations. Completely not what she asked for but thankfully she loved them!! Thanks to my lovely sis-in-law Laura for helping me so much with these - couldn't have done it without you!!

The wedding is in 2 weeks time - Paul, Ellie and I are going down to Stirling for it. Can't wait!!

Damn, have to go...Blogger seems a bit temperamental this evening so I'll sign off now and be back with more photos and news real soon - promise!! xx

Dina Wakley Weekend at Art From The Heart

2010-08-14T19:10:00.028+01:00

Hello!! Hard to believe that this time last week I was enjoying a lovely glass of wine (or two) at Pizza Express in Harrogate with the amazingly talented, gorgeous Dina Wakley and a few Blogland friends that I had the huge pleasure of finally meeting - namely Kate and Sarah. We were joined by Chris (who is hilarious after a couple of glasses and a sweetheart beforehand!), Dina's son Carter and Paul. We had a really nice time (would probably have been even nicer if SOMEONE hadn't forgotten to take the special offer vouchers with her, the dippy moo...) and you can see photographic evidence of this on Kate's blog as I didn't take my camera?!? Don't know what it was about the weekend but I just kept forgetting to take pictures - very unusual for me...what little I have I will share though!!

Here's a rundown of the weekend in the pictures I remembered to take...

I was sitting next to Sandra who has to be one of my favourite people EVER. Funny, thoughtful and always ready with words of support when you think it's all gone horribly wrong...she's a talented lady and I love the fact that she had totally colour co-ordinated her page with her outfit!! And she calls me the Style Queen?!?

Messy hands were a big part of the weekend...we all had them. If you didn't then you were doing something wrong (or wearing gloves, but even then...) We decided quickly that if there was paint on our faces then we were proper artists...Sandra and I are definitely proper artists - I thought she'd cut her head at one point and I had a blue lip for most of Sunday!!

3 of the 5 pages I did on Friday...I can't tell you how much I enjoyed the first day. Dina is a generous teacher, sharing techniques, advice and putting everyone at ease from the outset. If you ever have to opportunity to be taught by her, grab it with both hands. Seriously.

Another page in the early stages...

...and the end result.

Day 2 was all about the layers. Each time we changed technique, colour or texture, that counted as another layer. Dina challenged us to reach 20 layers in one page, which I thought was impossible for me but I managed to reach 23!! Here is the page in progress...

...and 23 layers later!!

We were joined on Day 2 by Sexie Suzy and her lovely Mum. Here they are with Sandra.

Considering we were working in very close quarters (and her and Sandra added their own 'layers' to my pages) we got on really well and it was fantastic to meet them. By the way, that white t-shirt - as far as I could tell - remained white by the end of the day. Amazing.

I also had the huge pleasure of Ann's company for the weekend. Now Ann hasn't been well at all recently but, in spite of some low points, she powered through and kept us all smiling - or in me and Sandy's case, laughing till the tears ran down our faces...

Her 'Bugger It' method of creating pages is something to behold and she had some amazing stories from her Beatnik days involving The Beatles and Mick Jagger!! Hope we meet up again soon Ann!!

Day 3 was portrait painting - Dina Style. We did pretty good considering the night before, Paul took over the guest house bar and turned it into a scene from Cocktail. Kind of..!! Again, see Kate's blog for the photos!! Anyway, we each had to bring a selection of photos - close up shots of our (or anyones) face and we set about applying white paint to the light areas, black to the dark then building up a light, medium and dark tone of the same colour to the corresponding areas. Dina demonstrated each step but she has the annoying knack of making it look SO easy!!

But we gave it a go and she was really impressed with the results!!

Here's my 1st attempt at me, in glorious pink and blue...

I did one of Molly too but I'm still not happy with her lips and eyes - there's just something not quite right. Think the photo was so dark to begin with, it was hard to get the 'shapes' right...

Dina helping fix Molly...

Sandy and the gorgeous Shelley hard at work...

Sarah did 2 fantastic portraits of her kids and then attempted to 'do' herself...she gave up at the point where she managed to make herself look like an 80 year old woman!! Here she is with her 'future' self smiling beautifully as always...

Kate and Sarah were staying at Alexa House too (in a Love Shack, no less) and it was fantastic to get to know them in real life. Kate has such a unique style - erring towards the weirdy-wonderful but always beautifully quirky...she also (rumour has it) wears a purple polka dot sleep mask to bed, but I believe that's just a vicious rumour...if only there was a photo to prove it... Next time we're down in Harrogate, we're arranging a night out with husbands!!

Kate, Sarah, me and Dina...

Dina, Dyan and me - how amazing does Dy look in those bright colours?!?

Dy was around all weekend, making sure we were all happy, keeping us fed and watered with the help of John - aptly named 'The Babe' and Ben, Katie and Pam. So sad to hear that Dyan is in hospital at the moment...please send lots of good thoughts her way. She's a very special lady and hopefully will be on the mend real soon.

Dyan's new spray inks...they took quite a beating over the weekend! They are fantastic, the colours are so vibrant and vivid. If you don't have some, go get them - NOW!!

By late Sunday afternoon, people started heading off to catch trains or drive home after a weekend of painting, spraying, layering, spattering and stencilling.... Paul returned with Carter from watching Toy Story 3 and taking him shopping for the afternoon - he suggested a little gift for his Mum would be nice, so Carter chose a lovely necklace at Cath Kidston - how nice?!?

So that was the weekend! Will be back with more news soon (and anything I've forgotten to mention!) Hope you're having a great weekend! xx

It's August?!? Seriously?!?

2010-08-04T22:04:00.017+01:00

Where did July go? It seemed to pass in the blink of an eye...so much happened - just had a look through the photos from the last month...it was busy!! But, even though I have loads to share, this will have to be a quick post. Off to Harrogate tomorrow morning and lucky enough to be attending the Dina Wakley weekend at Art From The Heart. Nervous and excited in equal measures and really looking forward to some time with Paul too. Still a few things to organise and pack before getting some sleep but wanted to drop into Blogland before I go...

365 Challenge

Thank the Lord for Post-it Notes...been jotting day to day activities down (and relying on the calendar and emails) to keep up to date with Kate's project. Determined to complete this but the school holidays have meant a little less time for my kinda playing (but lots more of the kids kind!) Getting back on track, so here's an update...

This is my June page - it does have writing on it now but I can't take a picture of it at the moment 'cos July's days are waiting to be stuck down...! Cut out a title last night (from a book of postage stamps) The stamps are cut out of vellum so you can still see the background and each Queen's head was traced onto the reverse and coloured in with a black pen.

Bit of a travel theme for July using Tim Holtz postmark stamps and cute little postcards that I downloaded. Still got a bit of work to do but it's almost there. As for August...I might just go minimum and use those Post-it's...!!

Would love to stay longer but really need to go and finish off... Promise to be back soon with all the news from Harrogate. Leave you with some of photos of our Glamping experience...

Happy days... xx

Life on the farm...

2010-07-14T20:35:00.002+01:00

Spending this week in the heart of Wiltshire, on a lovely farm, enjoying the outdoor life...

Days so far have been spent collecting fresh eggs from the chickens, feeding a baby lamb, visiting the donkeys, riding on the tractor and getting acquainted with the new ducks. It's quiet, relaxing, rainy (can't have everything!) and the kids have total freedom to run around and explore. The food tastes better being cooked on wood burning stove, we're all sleeping more soundly with all the fresh air and there's nothing better than that quiet time once the kids are all asleep, sitting outside the tent with a cold glass of wine and enjoy the idyllic setting. Bliss.

Be back home soon to share news and photos but for now there's a gorgeous evening to enjoy...xx

Forgive me Bloggers for I have sinned...

2010-07-05T12:43:00.021+01:00

Well, it's been a while to put it mildly! June was a really busy month with lots happening at home, school and Paul's new job but to be honest, my heart really hasn't been in it when it came to posting on my blog since the last entry almost a month ago. I've barely even looked at anyone else's blogs either and for that I apologise but now the kids are on holiday and things seem to have calmed down I thought I'd take some time to review the last month...

Molly was fine after her operation - she's certainly trying more words and there has been little differences in the way she pronounces things but it hasn't been the 'dramatic' difference that the doctor said it would be. She now sounds like Harry used to before he got his hearing aids so our gut feeling is that she has an underlying hearing loss too. Back to the ENT clinic on the 26th of August and Audiology are doing a hearing test that day too so we'll wait and see... Thanks to everyone who got in touch via text, phone, email, in person and with comments on the blog - it was so awful not being able to be there but you all helped me so much through the day. This is the little trike and trailer we got her for being so brave...

My social life is like a No.26 bus...nothing for ages then they all arrive at once! June was one of those months with lots nights out - a big thank-you to my Mum and Dad for being the best babysitters ever!! Here's a quick rundown in pictures...

Caledonian Ball, Caledonain Thistle, Aberdeen - a great night out every year. The best bit is the getting ready in the hotel room. we bring a load of food and drink and beautify ourselves for the afternoon while the boys go off and do boys stuff (this year they went mountain biking). We get a group photo taken, have a lovely meal, stop our other halves bidding for stuff at the charity auction then dance till we can't stand up anymore. Fantastic.

Before...

...after

...and after still!

Murder on the dancefloor...

Trend Magazine Awards, The Marcliffe at Pitfodels, Aberdeen - about a year ago a fabulous dress shop opened here in Inverurie. It's called Vanity and it stocks lots of small, up and coming labels as well as established brands like French Connection and Mina. Cheryl who owns the shop is so lovely and has such a great eye for what suits her customers. I love going in there - they are great with the kids while I try stuff on and everything I have bought there has been worn time and time again. Vanity was nominated for an award by Trend Magazine and Cheryl invited some of her customers who had supported her through her first year and I was so proud to be one of them. We had a fabulous night at the Marcliffe, all wearing Vanity dresses, and the icing on the cake was when Vanity won!! I think we were easily the loudest table there and we were all so proud of her for putting Inverurie on the fashion map! I only knew the girls from the shop and one other fellow customer but they were a lovely bunch of girls and we had such a great night.

All ready to go...

Cheryl with her award!

Mixology Lesson, Orchid Bar, Aberdeen - Michelle organised a girly night here the night after the Trend Awards (!) and it was so much fun. Ben, our teacher for the evening talked about the history of cocktail making whilst making us some amazing drinks. It was so good that I arranged to take Paul for a private lesson this Friday followed by a meal at a Japanese restaurant right across from Orchid - he deserved a special Father's Day present and this was perfect. We learned a lot (and drank a lot!) and afterwards went for a bite to eat then on to see Sex and The City 2...well, SOME of us went to see Sex and The City 2...!!!

Really looking forward to Friday after looking at those photos again - that had to be the best Cosmopolitan I have ever tasted!!

I'm going to sign off there for the moment...there's lots more to come but I think we need a break first!! xx

Today's the day...

2010-06-11T07:37:00.000+01:00

It's been quite a week. Harry and Molly both had a stomach bug (caught at a kids party they had been at on Sunday - so far there have been around 20 cases of gastroentinitis) Harry was worse than Molly in that he was up every hour between 10.30pm and 5am Monday into Tuesday. Molly was sick once and seemed to bounce back pretty fast. Then on Wednesday night, it was my turn. Woke at 1.30am with my heart racing and that horrible feeling...by 7am I felt like I had been in a fight and come off worst. Spent yesterday sleeping on and off, aching all over and generally feeling pretty terrible...

The worst part is that today is the day that Molly goes into hospital to get her grommets fitted and I can't be there now. We spoke to a nurse on the ward yesterday who said that because I would still be contagious up to 48 hours after the last time I was sick - so 7am tomorrow - I would have to stay away.

I know it's only a minor op and she'll more than likely be home in the afternoon but the thought of waving her off this morning is heartbreaking. Paul will be there of course and will keep in touch to let me know what's happening but I can't believe I won't be there.

So, please think good thoughts at around 11am and fingers crossed all goes well. xx

Work in progress...

2010-06-04T19:13:00.000+01:00

...works in progress actually - got a few projects on the go that I thought I'd share!

Molly's Room

Last week we gave Molly's room a bit of an update. Out went the cot tidy, the nappy stacker, the cot bumper and the co-ordinating curtains and bits & pieces and in came some new things and a change about of the furniture to make her room more fitting for an (almost!) 2 year old...

Still have a canopy to put up over her cot and the built in cupboard needs a serious sort out but it's looking good so far and most importantly - Molly loves it!!

Garden Furniture

We've had this set since I was pregnant with James and I have spent a lot of hours over the years sanding it down and re-staining it to make it last another summer... Although I bought a lovely new outdoor dining set a couple of weeks ago, the deck is big enough for two areas - eating and seating, so there's still a place for the old stuff - just not in it's current state!

Starting to look MUCH better now! Doing the 2 benches in Willow and the 2 seats in Country Cream. Planning on making some seat cushions for them too...Ellie's helping paint which is a huge help!

365 Challenge

Here's the May pages all completed. It was a bit of a rush getting this one ready and I kinda wish I had done a background before I painted on the square frames but never mind... Here's a sneak peak of June - well, the main body of it anyway...

Furthering my love of all things Union Jack-y right now I thought I'd celebrate the start of the great British Summer and represent June with with some red, white and blue!! When I was at AFTH a couple of weeks back, Dyan and I were talking about how Union Jacks were everywhere right now...she had bought herself a vintage flag and some Union Jack bunting for her lounge and I was talking about an umbrella stand I had seen in James Brindley's in Harrogate...which brings me onto project No 3!

The Front Hall

The umbrella stand arrived this week!! Dy's daughter sent it up for me (along with my cardigan!) and it's gorgeous!! Needs a couple more brollies though...! And it's set off perfectly with...

...my fab new wellies!!

That wee cushion looks lonely...it definitely NEEDS a bigger companion, Dy!! Still on the lookout for bits and pieces to finish off the walls in there but I'm loving the splash of colour our flag brings!!

The Family Room/Craft Room Changeover

This week we got a step closer to getting the family room changed over into my craft/study area as we finally found a new home for the sofa. We were visiting friends last weekend and they mentioned they wanted a new sofa for their family room...a few days, some emailed pictures and the hiring of a van later, it was on its way to Laurencekirk to its new family. So happy that it's somewhere being used and loved...and we can still visit it!! Above is a picture of the last piece in the room before Paul loaded it into the van...

...all packed and ready to go.

The room feels much bigger now and it's been nice getting used to the space whilst planning out the new layout. Still have a few pieces of furniture but they can be stored in the garage until we have takers for them. So excited about getting the new room started - it's come to the point where I have WAY too much stuff for my current space...especially since that last haul at Dyan's...!!

Off to a ball tomorrow evening - all kilts and fancy frocks - can't wait!! Meeting the girls there in the afternoon for hair, make-up and drinks while the boys go mountain biking then it's formal photos, meal, charity auction then dancing!! Face painting all day Sunday at a Beaver Scout Fun Day though...that WILL be fun!?! xx

I made it...finally!!

2010-05-27T18:04:00.000+01:00

I'm finally here...sitting down at the 'puter in (relative) peace to, at last, post on our gorgeously sunny visit to Harrogate last weekend! It was fantastic...

We were staying at The Old Swan, close to the centre of Harrogate and known as Agatha's Hideout as this is where Ms Christie hid for 10 days in 1926 while the world and it's press hunted for her and speculated on what might have happened...she checked into the hotel under her husband's mistress's name (possibly partly explaining why she had ran away?!?) and when she was finally found, she kept her husband waiting in reception while she dressed for dinner...quite right too!!

The setting was perfect - like being transported into one of her novels - just the right amount of shabby decadence to set the scene. There was a wedding taking place on the Friday and a Murder Mystery going on the whole weekend - how cool would that be?! We met some of the actors and they were hilarious, all very 'lovie, dahling!' The only downside was the obvious lack of air-con and the fact that every surface in our beautiful bathroom was heated - the floor, the mirror, the wall (thanks to the huge heated towel rail) and since the lovely big bay window only opened a crack, it acted like more of a greenhouse than anything! The bedding was a bit strange - two sheets with a thick nylon fleece type blanket sandwiched between acted as our duvet and if Agatha lasted 10 days there then she must have taken her own pillow...!! But, the staff were friendly and helpful, the food was gorgeous, the G&T's were cold and the lovely Sandra and her husband Andy were staying there too, meaning that I got some bonus time driving to Dy's with her which was so nice. The addition of an electric fan helped make our stay more enjoyable too!!

We had arrived there late Thursday night, stopping off at Ikea in Edinburgh to do a quick recon on furniture for the new craft room...I ended up buying garden furniture much to Paul's disbelief but what's the point in having a lovely big van if you can't buy a table and benches on a whim?!? On Friday morning we set out in the sunshine to do some shopping and spend some time together before the 'hard' work started that evening! Harrogate is very pretty, especially with all the trees and flowers in full bloom...

Love the dappled light in this cobbled street

Before long (and before even hitting the shops) we had to stop for a drink...with the sun blazing and it feeling so Summery, it had to be Pimms...

Spent a really chilled out day, wandering about, stopping for lunch at Betty's (you just have too!), making a dent in the stock levels at Cath Kidston and exploring the vintage shops...

When we got back to the Swan, laden down with bags (I went kinda crazy in Paperchase too) there was time for a quick freshen up and a bit of a phone makeover...

...off with the old...

...and on with the new!

Much better!

After a G&T in the Cocktail Lounge we made our way to Art From the Heart aka Dy's place. I was the last to arrive and it was so nice to see Dyan, the new shop, meet Jay for the first time and be greeted by all the familiar faces from AJ1 - and a few new ones too! For the next few hours we chatted, folded, laughed, ate, drank, sewed, chatted and all too soon it was time to go...but not before getting lovely pressies from Virginia and Mel - an inspiration jar from Ginny, full of little prompts for journal pages (I had been talking about struggling with what to journal about earlier, so it was the perfect gift!) and a gorgeous bracelet that Mel had made which was worn most of the weekend!

We were all raring to go on Saturday morning and Dy set about showing us how to create different lettering for our journalling in her own unique style...

We doodled borders, created borders using Dyan's Downloads, picked a colour and cut pictures of that colour out of magazines to create another border. Ooh, and we finished off the day with 3d balls!! Here are the results...

Sandra with red...

Anne Marie with yellow

Ronni with orange

Carole with green

Me with pink (thanks Ronni for taking over the photography!)

Mel with black (of course!)

Virginia with purple

Valencia with green

Vanessa with blue

Steph with aqua

Ann with yellow

Birthday Bee with blue

Emma with pink

Janet with orange

Michelle with grey

Liz with blue

Chris with pink

and finally Dyan with black!!

Here are my pages for the day...

Doodled border

Dy's Downloads border

Pink border

3d balls!!

Dyan and Sandra were off to a Northern Soul night - Dy was suffering with her back so didn't expect to be doing much in the way of dancing...Paul came to meet me and the Roffrum lot and we headed to the Premier Inn beer garden for some much needed lager shandy. The gorgeously funny Anne Marie and her hubbie joined us (he likes meeting people from foreign countries!) and we all had a good natter and a laugh in the sunshine. Paul and I headed back to our hotel to get ready for our night on the town. I got changed into my new frock and heels...

...then promptly changed out of them when I decided that the floaty number I had been wearing that day would be WAY more comfy (I don't normally do comfort over style - THAT'S how hot it was)

Better...

View from the terrace (on Hipstamatic)

Headed to Hotel du Vin and enjoyed a couple of cocktails out on the terrace. It was such a beautiful, still evening and we decided to get a table there for dinner later instead of heading further. Paul disappeared into the bar to get some more drinks and snacks and came back with...

Perfect.

Such a good night...

Dinner was so nice and afterwards we strolled back for the night...toying with the idea of visiting Virginia and Mel but once I'd taken my boots off there was no going back...!

Sunday was spent playing - inking, painting, distressing, mixing, spraying and generally having a free reign to create and use whatever we liked to finish the books we had sewn together on Friday evening. Oh, and Dy's back was much better thanks to all the dancing she did!!

Mini book using spray inks and stencils with gesso, doodling and the gorgeous Stampotique stamps.

Using the leftover spray ink on the stencils in my Moleskin.

Distressing, masking and faux bleach effect.

Paul had ended up going to the cinema with Anne Marie's husband, they were back at the hotel having a drink on the lawn when I called at 4pm so he headed over while I headed through to the shop...the plan was to leave a bit early to get home earlier...

...but I had so much stuff that I kept letting everyone else go first but that was nice as I got to chat to everyone as we were queueing! Dyan's till skills are hilarious...the best one being when she and Valencia between them managed to charge £114,500 onto Val's card. Paul said "Was it declined?" to which Val replied "I bloody hope so, I'm only a pensioner!!"

So much for my mantra of "No more paper, no more paper..."!!

In crafty retail heaven...

Soon, it was time to say goodbye as the lovely ladies started to filter out into the sunshine...

Sandra, me and Dyan

My Roffrum sisters

...and then there was just us!

I got changed for the journey - honestly that dress was a Godsend! Been trying to find ones for Mel and Dy and not having any luck - they were still around about a month ago but have disappeared!! Will keep looking ladies...

Jay and Dyan

We headed off on the long drive home - listening to The Beatles, Plan B and Paloma Faith, realising as we reached Berwick that I'd left my cardi behind, chatting about our weekend and planning the next one! I managed to get a photo of the Angel of the North as we were passing through Newcastle...

Really want to visit it properly next time. I did some doodling till the light faded as we were crossing the Forth Road Bridge...

We arrived home just before midnight, tired but happy and glad to be home safely. Thanks Dyan, Jay, Pam, Katie and all the ladies who made the weekend so much fun - can't wait to see you all again real soon! xx

Road Trip...

2010-05-19T22:12:00.000+01:00

Bags are packed, childcare's arranged, house is tidied, tablet is made, pressies are wrapped... Off to Harrogate tomorrow for Art Journalling (Intermediate) running from Friday to Sunday at Art From The Heart. Got a day of shopping planned with Paul on Friday before the class starts in the evening. Can't wait to see the new studio, Dyan and all the lovely ladies I met at AJ1! Off to get an early(ish) night before the big drive tomorrow! Will leave you with a couple of pictures of my May pages for the 365 Challenge...xx

Wish me luck...

2010-05-14T16:48:00.000+01:00

Hello! Hope you've all had a lovely Friday. We've been out the whole day - Toddlers first thing, coffee at Michelle's, cuddles from baby Freya, lunch out with Mum and Molly, a spot of shopping and then pick ups from school and playgroup! Waiting for Paul to come home then I'm going for a nap...wouldn't usually but tonight a group of us are doing the 10k Twilight Walk in aid of Cancer Research. It starts at 10pm and will take a couple of hours so I think a little bit of sleep will go a long way!! Really looking forward to it and the girls I'm walking with are a great bunch so it should be a fun night.

On with the latest from us lot...the weather hasn't really been the best for cracking on with the back garden lately but last Sunday Mum came over and although it wasn't exactly warm, it was dry!! While Paul cut the grass, we tackled the front garden. I dread to think how many hours of my life I wasted last Summer, weeding the flower beds we had dug out so I had a plan for this year...

Dug the beds over and removed as much weeds as possible...

...covered over with impermeable membrane (at least I hope it is!!)

..cut it to fit neatly...

...eased the plants through...

...and spread the stones on top - easy!!

It was hard work but really satisfying. Here's some more photos of our day...

Mum and Harry with the Cherry Blossom tree before...

...and after!

Even the 2 ugly drain covers we are stuck with look a bit better now!

Thought the lilac in the corner was dying...then realised it was covered with fence paint that Paul had sprayed on the other side...!!

Ran out of stones so Paul was sent off to get more!!

Just realised I haven't taken a picture of it all finished cos it started raining but you get the idea. Another job ticked off the list...!!

Had a lovely dinner that night of beef stew followed by strawberry trifle...yum! We were laughing at the faces the kids were pulling as they enjoyed their dessert...

Ellie looking gorgeous - even with a mouthful of pudding!

Harry in trifle heaven...

Little Miss "I'm NOT wearing a bib anymore" was worth the bathing that night...!

Funniest of all though was James...crazy, cute boy.

Our friends Laura and Gordon had a baby girl a few months back and I finally got her present finished!! I knew what I wanted to make whenever she was born but it just took a wee bit of time to actually materialise...! Laura shares my love of shoes and I'm sure that baby Freya will follow in our high-heeled footsteps so here's what I made for her...

Filled it with gorgeous teeny shoes for her to wear. So happy that Laura loved it!

And finally, before I go for a much needed power-nap, a wee bit of bragging from this very proud Mummy... Ellie and her 4 of her classmates (plus Headmaster and Mums!) travelled down to Edinburgh on Monday to represent Aberdeenshire in this years Euro Quiz held in the Debating Chamber of the Scottish Parliament. The Euro Quiz is a Scotland wide event open to all Primary 6 pupils and the competition was fierce this year with 145 schools entering the contest. Ellie, Archie, Dan, Alice and reserve Kara were chosen from their class after sitting a test in school, won the local heat in our Town Hall then the Aberdeenshire Heat at Lochter at the end of March. They have been meeting up regularly for study sessions at the weekends and getting together at lunchtimes too and their dedication has made us even more proud of them. We were all so excited about the Edinburgh trip and, of course, I had the camera with me to document the day!!

Just arrived at Waverley Station - they were constantly chatting on the train but all went a bit quiet once we reached Edinburgh!

Outside the Parliament building - they thought the seats they're sitting on looked like teeth!

Ellie starting to look a bit unsure...?!?

First time I had visited Holyrood - such a beautiful and unusual building...

Could have taken SO many photos of the building alone but the schedule was tight and we had to say goodbye and good luck to the kids as they headed off inside. Us Mums (and Kara) took ourselves off across the road to Holyrood Palace for lunch...

Catriona and I enjoying a spot of tea

The waiter came and put this dinky tea timer on the table, ensuring us the perfect cuppa!! I need to get me one of these!!

After a quick visit to the palace shop it was time to get to our seats in the gallery! We were so nervous for them but when we sat down and saw them all waving up at us smiling, we relaxed...a bit!

We had quiz sheets to fill in as the questions were being asked...if it hadn't been for Kara sitting next to us we wouldn't have got half the answers - it was really difficult! It's a huge subject - they were asked such a wide range of questions and we were amazed to see them get straight in there with most of the answers. There were 4 rounds - individual, team, pairs then the 2 teams who scored the highest went to a head to head buzzer round - eek! At one point they were 4th on the leader board but eventually finished joint 8th with a score of 99 (the winners scored 107). Out of 32 teams there, that was a fantastic result. The whole school was watching back in Inverurie as it was broadcast live on the internet. You can view the event here. (You can even spot me and my fellow mums a few times!!)

The roof inside the Debating Chamber was the subject of much controversy when the Parliament building was being built...it's amazing though!

Do you think the cut outs in the wall are supposed to look like whisky bottles?!?

Here they all are afterwards

Loved the whole day and plan to go back to visit the Parliament building again. It's so perfectly situated...right in the heart of Edinburgh...

...opposite Holyrood Palace...

...at the bottom of the Royal Mile...

...overlooked by Arthur's Seat. Beautiful.

We had time for a trolley dash around M&S at the station for supplies for the journey and before we knew it we were back on the train headed for home...

(Almost) the whole gang

Ellie and Alice relaxing after a long day!

Me and my girl

The team mascot - Angus IMP

So there you go...my week and a bit(ish). Off to get ready for tonight, have a great weekend whatever you're doing. We've got a busy one with lots on for everyone...see you next week!! xx

Will I ever learn...?!?

2010-05-11T18:48:00.000+01:00

Well, it's happened again. I've left WAY too long between posts and before I know it, it's been 2 weeks, I have a camera full of photos and I don't know where to start...you'd think I'd learn by now?!? Get yourselves comfy, there's a lot to get through...

Granda's Girl...

The first piece of news is that Molly is scheduled to have a wee operation. We saw the ENT Consultant a couple of weeks ago and he has recommended that she has grommets fitted to drain off the fluid in her ears and hopefully improve her hearing and, in turn, her speech. At the moment Molly hears at around the same level that Harry does without his hearing aids in and we were actually more prepared for her to be fitted for her own set of 'ears' rather than be told that she would be undergoing surgery! I know it's only a minor op and, as the consultant told us, it's the most common procedure they do at the children's hospital, but she's my baby and the first of our kids to ever have an operation so it doesn't feel very minor to us right now!! Harry had fluid in his ears up to Molly's age too and when it was gone (of it's own accord) he was still left with a hearing loss so it's not guaranteed that it will make any difference long term but it's definitely worth a shot.

Ellie went on her very first Guide camp. It was to celebrate the Centenary Year and was held at Haddo House in Aberdeenshire (around 20 minutes away from us). It was for 3 nights...although looking at the size of the rucksack you'd think she was off for a month! Scarily, I went to a camp at Haddo when I was Ellie's age...but it was to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Guiding!! Took me right back when I got her all signed in - the smell of the canvas and seeing how excited and nervous they were...

Erin and Ellie...

...starting the long walk to camp.

It was strange leaving her - she's stayed away before but never for 3 nights of sleeping outside and no contact with home!! I knew she'd have a fantastic time but I found myself worrying, wondering and thinking about her all weekend... Molly had the tummy bug that James and I had by the Monday so I wasn't able to go and collect her. Erin's Mum and Dad dropped her off and the two of us burst into tears when we saw each other! It was such a relief to see her and have her back home...

She told me all about her adventures over a cup of tea and some cake...

...and took herself off for a very long shower, while I...

...tackled the washing!!!

Can't believe we're now into May and that's another month of the 365 Challenge over. Here's how April turned out.

The eagle-eyed among you may have noticed that there are only 29 brollies there...found one on the floor of the study halfway through the month and realised what had happened - oops!! Did a bit of a summary of the last few days of April to (kind of) fix it! May is underway - a bit labour intensive this one but hopefully will be worth it...will post photos when there's something a bit more substantial to show!

Had to make a Get Well card for one of the Mum's in James's class who had been in hospital so used the spare umbrella and adapted the design. We arranged a collection too and got her a nice little bundle of crafty bits as she's into scrapbooking and card making. Thanks Elaine for your help in getting the products organised!

Did a bit of a clear out of the dresser in the dining area - it needed a good ol' tidy and I uncovered some treasures I had forgotten about! (And refilled the Jelly Bean Jar!)

I was given these sweet little cups and saucers from one of my Great Aunties a few months back. She was given them as a wedding present along with...

...these gorgeous little coffee bean teaspoons - how cute?!? They were still in the original packaging (the green box you can just see behind them) and have never been used. The teacups are making me nervous on the dresser - terrified something behind them slips and breaks them - so I'm trying to find a shelf to put on the wall to house them. Thank-you Auntie Ann, I love them!

James started Beaver Scouts last Wednesday. There hasn't been a Beaver group here for years and Paul and I are both helping out as Colony Assistants. The first night went well and the boys seemed to enjoy it.

Paul arranged to get a load of stock from the Guiding shop in Aberdeen and set up a stall with uniforms, badges, books, pencils and this little fella. Here's James in action...

After years of helping out at Rainbows, Brownies and Guides, it was lovely to be involved with one of James's activities!

On Friday night I had some friends and family over for a crafty night. Elaine from Stampin' Up got us sticking, cutting, stamping, folding and punching our way through 4 little projects and everyone was thrilled to bits with what they'd made...especially since some of them were convinced that all they would make was a mess!!

Elaine in action...with Louise concentrating hard!

My 2 lovely sister-in-laws getting stuck in.

So busy that the brownies remain untouched...for now!

Michelle got really into it - she only had 3 G&T's the entire night (and no Singstar!?!)

The most sceptical of them all...my gorgeous friend Lesley. She was keeping me right by the end of the first hour!!

3 out of the 4 things we made.

Paul was pretty much redundant as barman for most of the evening but we worked him hard once the work was over! It was a great night - well done girlies!!

I've just looked at the rest of the photos I was going to post and there's still loads to go! Will call it a night right now - I'll be back soon with the following...garden updates, a cute baby shoebox, strawberry trifle and a European trip!! Now if that doesn't getcha checkin' back in...!?!

Caught up, finally!

2010-04-27T13:43:00.000+01:00

Hello again! Been off the radar a couple of days because of a horrible tummy bug. Ended up crawling to the phone yesterday and calling for back up which arrived a while later in the shape of Paul who put me to bed and took care of the kids. I slept for 4 hours straight! Still a bit shaky and tired today but feeling a whole lot better. James was sent home from school feeling sick this morning and Molly has been a bit out of sorts so it looks like it's going to do the rounds...

Anyway, since I'm not going anywhere today, thought I should get the final catch up done and then I'm up to date again!

A couple of Saturdays ago we took a hike up Pitfichie Forest to watch the first stage of the Granite City Rally. Now, I don't really do hiking (especially not at 8.30am!) and Paul hadn't given me the whole story about how far it would be (or how steep!) but off we went following lots of other people up the rough trail to the observation point. I carried Molly most of the way while Paul steered the boys and carried the bags and the buggy...it was a relief to reach the top for a seat! I did ask a guy making his way down if there was a coffee shop at the top and he just laughed...

After a very hairy experience crossing the road (i.e. the race track!) we got settled down and waited for the Race Marshall's whistle to sound before a car came racing round...(have to admit that the first photo I took was actually the Marshall's car doing about 20mph!) Here's the more exciting ones...

The boys were so into it - they love playing Scalectrix so to see real life race cars was really exciting for them.

It was dusty and very noisy so the boys retreated up the hill a bit...

...joined by Molly

Once the snacks and drinks had run out and I couldn't take any more dust in my hair, we made the long walk back down the hill. On the way home, one of the rally cars was behind us - this caused lots of excitement!!

And here's Bennachie on the way home...so pretty.

Will definitely go back next year, with better boots (knitted Uggs offer no protection against thorns) and a big ol' Thermos of tea!!

Speaking of tea...it really does calm the soul. Last Friday, by 4pm I was done. Busy week, worrying over all sorts and not feeling great took it's toll and a battle of wills with the boys caused a mini meltdown. This doesn't happen a lot and I always tend to keep it together in front of the kids but it all just spilled over. My lovely Ellie Pie, once she had organised the younger ones and put away all the shoes and coats, asked if I wanted a cup of tea. I said no but she made one anyway...and it really did help. Bless her, she's never made it herself before but she did such a good job and she even gave me biscuits. When Mum and Dad popped in later, she made them their coffee...she wasn't sure how much to put in but reckoned that 3 teaspoons seemed reasonable...I believe they were still wide awake at 3am!!

Paul was working with a guy from Yorkshire his last offshore trip and got a taste for this tea that the Yorkshireman was drinking (the only tea he said he ever drank!) He ordered some online and also got me this really cute teapot, cup and milk jug that all stack up. The tea is by Ringtons and is very tasty indeed.

Loving all the flowers around just now - these are in a pot in our back garden. Love mixing the little grape hyacinths with the normal size ones.

Got these beauties from Paul last week, the've lasted really well!

Bought some Peonies last weekend. Love how they start out so tightly closed and open up to become even more beautiful. I think they are my favourite flower.

I ordered a Grab Bag from Elle's Studio a while back. It's basically a goodie bag full of surprises. I love Elle's stuff so it was a great deal paying £35 for $70 worth of goodies. Some old lines, some current but all fabulous...here's what was in the bag!

Couldn't get it all in the photo but I was like a kid in a sweet shop, so many lovely things!

And finally, some crafty stuff!! Had this album for ages (given to me by Kirsti) and it was supposed to be a baby gift...that never happened so I made it up for his 1st Birthday instead!

Added a polka dot candle to the front cover...

Used a combination of Making Memories papers that I have had for ages... (and used SO many times!)

...and a pair of Harry's jeans that he'd outgrown (they were James's originally!)

Created lots of places to add photos and journalling about his party...

...and a good sprinkling of buttons with just enough ribbon (could have added more but had to remember it was for a wee boy!)

Was going to leave the back page blank as I thought a photo would get damaged over time being on the back cover but instead made an area for his party guests to sign...

Bailey's Mummy loved it and I've been asked to do another one for a new baby. Really enjoyed making this - it's the kind of project that evolves as you go and you can keep on adding to it. Looking forward to seeing it full of pictures and journalling!

We're in the midst of swapping rooms to get the new craft room done. It's all a bit of a mismatch of furniture at the moment and we're left with a (nearly) new Fama sofa and some really nice Ikea Stockholm pieces to sell/find a home for to make room for the new storage and desks that we'll be getting soon. Trying to keep my eye on the prize but in the meantime am having to turn a blind eye to the chaos. Here's my mantra this week..."It will be worth it in the end, it will be worth it in the end. it will be worth it in the end..." Makes a change from Keep Calm and Carry on!!

p.s. Would love to hear Virginia pronounce 'Pitfichie' and Bennachie'...still giggling over 'Craigalacky' aka 'Craigellachie'!!

Sorry Ginny!!

2010-04-24T20:00:00.001+01:00

Firstly, apologies to the lovely Virginia who waited all night for me to post again on Thursday - I really did intend getting back to the computer and getting the next one done but it just didn't happen...I did however get all the bathrooms cleaned, the whole house hoovered and dusted and the kids beds were stripped, washed, dried (outside!) ironed and made up again! Even got some crafty stuff done in the evening. Friday was SO busy - Scout meeting in the morning (I'm becoming a Beaver Leader!?!), time in my study while Harry was at Playgroup then double school run, dancing, football...and a minor meltdown (more about that later...) Anyway, here's the next catch up on the last couple of weeks.

On Easter Sunday we went for an Easter Egg Hunt in Banchory with Mum and Dad and stopped off to buy the best hot cross buns EVER. I need to make some of my own next year but they'll be nowhere near as good as these I'm sure!

Miss Molly needed new shoes and after a couple of false starts (not her size, nothing that would fit properly) she eventually got a pair. She is very proud of them...

...although I'm not sure how long the toes will remain white for!

The garden is progressing well...(weather depending) we've been out as much as we can and we got the kids play area spruced up a couple of weekends ago.

Here's the swing Harry got for his birthday - and Molly is in the swing seat that she got for her first birthday!! The boys enjoyed getting stuck in and helping Daddy 'fix things'

They did really well lifting the pallets that our turf arrived on...

...but then got distracted by worms - again!

Molly was under the weather that weekend. She'd had some immunisations done during the week and they knocked her for six, poor baby.

She warmed to the idea of being outside, eventually. especially when she discovered the boys vehicles were up for grabs...

Little red tractor - okay, but there has to be something better...

Speed Trike - maybe, but I've just spotted...

...the big green tractor - I NEVER get that!!!

She was so funny...here she is later with Harry's gardening gloves on...

I'll finish there for the minute but PROMISE to do another post tomorrow and then we'll be properly caught up and there'll even be some crafty stuff to share too! Meanwhile, dinner is ready and smelling fantastic...bye for now!! xx

Easter all wrapped up

2010-04-22T09:46:00.001+01:00

Hello! Easter seems like a long time ago now and despite Paul being away the entire weekend, we had a lovely time. On Good Friday we headed over to my cousin's house and the kids had so much fun...

We headed to a local playbarn first then back to Sean and Justine's to decorate their eggs...

...then roll them! Molly ended up rolling herself down the hill more than once! My other cousin Alana was there too with her little girl Ruby. There's only 8 weeks between her and Molly and they are becoming such good friends.

Love this shot of them on the doorstep later...

They all ate way too much chocolate, ran about the garden all afternoon and got some lovely Easter presents...

We bought baby Georgia a special bonnet for her very first Easter...

Too cute! Back with more later...thought I'd do some smaller posts today, rather than one giant one!!

Miss Molly and lots of brollies!

2010-03-31T15:37:00.000+01:00

Hello! Thought I'd post today since it's the last day of March and I've actually got my April pages for the 365 challenge ready to go! Here's the March set, as of a couple of days ago...

I read it all back the other night - March was BUSY!! Really pleased how it turned out - especially since I was ready to rip it out of the book and do it over when I first started - thanks Paul for persuading me not to!

And here is April...

Here's how I made the brollies...

...punched along the edge of the paper with a scalloped square punch

...used a large circle punch to create the top

...1 down, 29 to go!

...drew around the shape with a black pen

...writing 'april showers' on a few

...added handles, doodly bits and a few raindrops too.

Today though it's snow boots and a shovel we need rather than a brolley - the snow is back!! It's SO cold outside with a biting wind so it's not even as if the kids can go out and play...Such a difference from the weekend when we spent all Saturday in the garden - planning, playing and planting.

We haven't done much to the garden since we moved here a couple of years ago. We laid turf, created a play area for the kids, got a deck built last year and the front is planted with some trees and flowers but this summer we are determined to get it all looking lovely. Now have a plan that we're happy with so it's a case of getting the work done. Bought some apple trees for a mini orchard in the far corner, getting a quote for a second deck to put the summer house (or vintage caravan!) on, Paul has drawn a plan for the sheds (toy, tool and potting) up the side of the house and the kids are going to have their own vegetable beds at the other side. A wormery's also on the wish list after James and Harry found lots of worms in the garden on Saturday and wanted them to have a home...

Molly had a great time helping them and James was a really good big brother, keeping an eye on her and helping her out...

She came in briefly for a chocolatey treat but wanted right back out again...

She was filthy by the end of the day but very happy. At one point James said "I really think you should put Molly in the bath now, Mummy" She must have been dirty! Here she is scrubbed clean a while later giving Daddy a kiss...

I'm onto the 2nd week on Art Journalling 101, an online journalling class with Dina Wakley. Have had a few teething problems - like finding the links for the classes which was a pretty major one! Also the book I had planned to use wasn't suitable, the paper was too thin, the Gesso I had wasn't thick enough and my biggest brush was way too small! After a quick trip to Hobbycraft I am now playing catch up! Will post some pics next time when there's something to show other than sheets of paper with white paint drying!!

When I was getting to grips with it all on Sunday evening, Molly amused herself playing with the colours I had chosen (before I realised my materials weren't up to the job and there was no chance of getting to the next stage!) How much fun can a baby have with a few Paint Dabbers?!? She would have had even more had she figured out that the lids came off...!

That's all for now - Paul's going offshore tomorrow morning until Tuesday so we're off to roll some eggs down the stairs then stuff ourselves with chocolate in front of a movie!! Happy Easter to everyone, have a lovely weekend. xx

Where to Start...?!?

2010-03-23T11:20:00.000Z

This is what happens when I leave over 2 weeks between posts...I don't know where to start! Am going to have to rely on the photos I've taken to jog my memory and you might want to grab yourself a cuppa - you could be in for a long read!

Better start with Harry's birthday. Our little boy is now 4 which seems very grown up all of a sudden. Got his Nursery letter through today confirming he'll be starting at Ellie and James's school in August - scary!! He's a force of nature our Harry - strong willed, funny and with nothing to learn. My Mum reckons he's been here before and my Dad always says "There's only one Harry..." Thank goodness for that!! He didn't talk until he was around 20 months - he had ongoing hearing problems from birth so we used sign language to ease the frustration he felt trying to communicate. Now, he won't stop talking and since he got his hearing aids a few months back his speech has improved so much.

His birthday was during the week so at Playgroup, he brought in little chocolate cakes for his friends to share. We went out for dinner that evening but as we were about to start I got a phonecall from my Mum saying that my Granny had been taken into hospital with a problem with her heart...this started days of worrying, travelling up to Elgin to visit her, trying to get her to take it a bit easier and all realising that (despite what she might think) Granny Ruby is not invincible. She never stops despite being 79, she is a lovely Granny and we all adore her. She makes me laugh, is always on hand for cooking/sewing advice and makes the best pancakes ever. She is home now thankfully and says she's resting but I highly doubt it...!

This was all mixed in with getting ready for Harry's party, a bag pack at M&S on the Saturday for Playgroup, a study group which was supposed to be at our house but with all that was going on was held at Ellie's friend's house (thanks Catriona!), my friend's Mum's funeral in Edinburgh which we sadly couldn't attend and the usual mini dramas that family life brings!! Anyway, here's the preparations underway for the Race Car party...

Went to bed exhausted but in the morning it was Mother's Day and I was woken up with a lovely surprise...

...breakfast in bed!

Got some special cards too...

...and some lovely presents.

Got a bit of a lie in with my book but once I got up, I hit the ground running - party time! We set up 4 race tracks and the kids were split into 4 teams and all had team t-shirts to wear. Four Dads, including Paul were the Race Marshalls and took their team around the tracks making notes on how they were driving, best crash, fastest lap time and who improved the most. They had a great time, especially the girls! Everyone got their photo taken on the 'podium' and there were prizes for each team. Here are some piccies from the afternoon...

After everyone had gone, Harry opened his presents...there seemed to be a bit of a theme going on with some of them!

Can't wait till Toy Story 3 comes out!

Got the March pages of the 365 Challenge completed - yay! Determined to be more organised with April's!

Wrote 'march' over and over again to create the ribbon for the bunting...

...and stuck down the top edge of each triangle.

Not been much more creating going on but did do a mini art journal in a fit of frustration the other day. It certainly helped me work a few things out and start to ease some the negative stuff that I was trying to deal with. It's not something to be shared in detail but it should be included in this post as it's been an important part of my week.

It's a very small notebook that happened to fall off a shelf in my study at just the right time. I grabbed a handful of pens and wrote down an emotion or a feeling that I wanted to work through on each page. Didn't use any images, just doodled and journalled.

In hindsight, I should have glued a few pages together as they are quite thin but I'll go back and cover them, maybe with an image. Have signed up for Dina Wakley's Art Jounalling 101 which started yesterday. Would have loved to have made it to her class at AFTH but am looking forward to learning some of her techniques. Will post the results of the first lesson soon!

Ellie and I did a bit more work on her 7 Gypsies printers tray last week...

...nothing's stuck down yet so it can be tweaked till she's happy with it.

We made a little CK shop by cutting down a postcard I picked up in the Windsor branch and adding a punched canopy.

This section lifts up so secret notes can be left or the odd sweetie hidden!

Having so much fun doing this with her and seeing it all develop and change. I think we'll be sad when it's finally done - if that ever happens!

A few other things to share...almost done, honest!

One of Harry's favourite birthday presents - a Buzz Lightyear Hot Wheels track - hours of fun!

Race Marshall Molly shouting Ready, Steady, Go! in her own unique style...

Pretty flowers from Kirsti

Posted this jewellery hanger a while back - it's now loaded!

Paul spent the weekend in Dublin with some mates and went to see the Scotland v Ireland Rugby match - Scotland won!!!

He brought me back some Red Roses bath oil - love it. Reminds me of the 'perfume' I would try to make with roses from my Granny's garden when I was little - only better!

Saw this on Home Shopping Spy a few weeks back and have been dreaming about it ever since...I want one!

We were going to build a wooden summer house this summer but now we are on the lookout for an old caravan to restore!

Ooh - hot off the press! The postie's just been to deliver this - the prize I won off the Bo Bunny blog back in January!

Finally, the lovely Lesley has been blogging for almost a year and to celebrate she's having a giveaway! Hop on over to see her and leave a nice comment...you'll make her day and might win some gorgeous things! Also Elaine is celebrating her first year as a Stampin' Up demonstrator and it's her actual birthday soon too so she is giving away a fabby selection of products. Good luck!

Off to wipe more noses and dose more Calpol - Harry and Molly have horrible colds...poor babies. Have a lovely week - almost the holidays!! xx

Friendships, fights and fabulous shoes...

2010-03-09T09:59:00.000Z

It's been a funny old week. Busy, as always with lots of extra things on too meaning me making lots of lists and trying to organise everything inbetween the 'normal' stuff. Lots to share with you so here goes...

Got 2 lovely parcels last week - the prize that I won off of Elsie's blog (Ellie has kept most of the goodies!) and my 1st Kenner Road pack.

Included in Elsie's prize was a copy of Studios, featuring lots of different workspaces, organisational ideas and inspiration for creating an environment to enjoy your hobby. It gave me lots of ideas and couldn't have come at a better time as Paul has come up with the fantastic idea of changing our family room into a craft room for me (and the kids) to use. At the moment I'm upstairs in a teeny room and it's bursting at the seams! We've drawn it all out, planned the storage and Paul's currently working on how to reroute the Sky cable through to the big sitting room so the TV can be moved through there. Can't wait as it will mean I can sit and be part of life downstairs when I'm working on projects - watch this space!!

The Kenner Road February kit is beautiful - my photo doesn't do it justice. I have signed up for 6 months and there are ideas of what to create on their website. They have some great digital kits and some free downloads available too. Check them out.

Fianlly got my 365 challenge sorted out. Took a total change of direction and fancied painting a background instead of stamping. Using Dyan's shading technique that she taught us last year, here is what it ended up looking like...

Cut out some triangles of paper to make bunting for each day...

March is a month full of birthdays and celebrations for us so I like how it's turned out. Plus, when Ellie saw it she said "The world needs more polka dots..." Couldn't agree more baby! Still need to add little bits and pieces and try to remember what I did on the 1st of March...missed that day and there's nothing in the calendar to jog my memory - may just have to draw something pretty!!

Delivered a box of Gingerbread Men to Harry's Playgroup on Wednesday. They were enjoying the Gingerbread Man story as part of World Book Day so I gave them a pile of blank men to paint, then I took them away, added the 'icing', ribbon and their names all ready to take home on Friday. Here's the result!

Hairdressers on Thursday - one of my favourite places to be...even though it took military style organising to get there, it was worth it. A stack of magazines, a gorgeous latte and a big slab of ginger cake - heaven! Have gone much shorter - Paul and the kids didn't actually recognise me when we met for dinner after!

Friday was a strange day. We were heading up to my hometown for my Uncle's surprise 5oth, staying overnight then leaving the kids there as Paul and I were going out back here on Saturday night. I spent the morning trying to pack bags for everyone inbetween Molly being clingy and difficult and Harry taking meltdowns over the slightest thing. About mid morning got a call from my friend in Edinburgh to say her Mum had died in the early hours of the morning. She only lost her Dad 8 months ago and her Mum was diagnosed with terminal cancer just over 2 weeks ago. I can't even imagine how she's coping and I am amazed at her strength. I came off the phone and burst into tears...only one thing for it - kettle on and give up on trying to get anything done for a while. After some quiet time with the kids cuddled in on the sofa, I managed to get everyone's bags organised (except mine!) and it all looked like it was coming together...until another phonecall left me reeling, upset and angry. But it was time for the school run and a weekend of celebrations so I just had to 'glory on'...

The surprise party went without a hitch (apart for the fact I'd taken the camera but left the memory card in the computer at home!) The main surprise was the fact that the birthday boy had figured it all out weeks ago but a good time was had by all and we were home at my Granny Ruby's by 10.45pm as Molly could barely stand she was so tired! I was exhausted too and was in bed bang on midnight which was just in time for the start of my birthday...

Had lunch with all my family on Saturday at a local hotel which was noisy and lovely! Got some lovely pressies too...

From the girls (chosen by Ellie)

From the boys (chosen by James - all by himself!)

Knickers, Thickers, books and baubles from Paul!

Had a great night out with friends that night at the local Indian then onto the pub for some drinks. Wore a pair of heels that I bought a year ago and have never worn...every time I put them on I end up changing them for another pair that never hurt regardless of how far I walk or how much I dance! But I thought they deserved an airing - I swear, my feet were hurting just walking from the front door to the taxi but they looked fabulous! Discovered that they don't really work on cobbles, or the nobbly paving slabs in front of pedestrian crossings but Paul was there to assist so it was all good!

Sunday was our 12th Wedding Anniversary. The traditional gift is Linen apparently but the contemporary one is Pearl...here's what Paul bought for me

So impressed that he went and researched it all...he got me a gorgeous freshwater pearl bracelet with an Eiffel Tower charm - we went to Paris for our first anniversary. Of course, it could just as easily be Blackpool Tower couldn't it?!? Anyway, it was a beautiful gift, thank-you. xx

We left for Dundee at midday to go to Caird Hall for Sticks and Strings - 2 percusionists and a String Quintet playing a variety of instruments and different kinds of music. It was fantastic and the kids were enthralled - really enjoyed it. Went for dinner with some friends afterwards then drove home, exhausted but happy! Did a wee bit of journalling on the way down. Got really sweet wrapping paper on my birthday presents so started cutting it up and making some backgrounds...

The book is only little but I'm enjoying the challenge of the small pages. I'm keeping all the bits I'm using for it in a folder so I can grab it and take it with me if I know I'll have a bit of time to play!

That's about it for now. Harry's 4th birthday tomorrow so wrapping presents tonight and (hopefully) getting him off to bed nice and early! I'll finish with some photos of Miss Molly. She's 18 months old, loves her handbag, getting very independent and insisting of feeding herself now...

Attempt No. ...17?!?

2010-02-25T18:54:00.000Z

I have been trying to post for DAYS and I hate having to start a post by saying something along the lines of " sorry for not posting in a while, but..." (especially after reading the Blogging Without Obligation 'mission statement' on Kate's blog!) I dunno, life with a young family is funny...one minute it's 4pm then before you know it it's 7pm...or worse - one minute it's Tuesday and the next, it's Friday...!! Anyway, I love doing my postings, but I guess I just have to accept that some weeks are like this one and not stress about it. Quality not quantity...!?!

To kick off, I have to acknowledge a first in my blogging experience...I got an award!! Too excited! And even better than that - I actually got 2!! The first arrived last week and I wasn't quite sure what to do with it...

It came from Virginia and it is a Beautiful Heart Award...to accept, I have to answer some questions and pass it on. Here goes...!

List 4 things that keep your inner self beautiful...

1. Staying calm...or at least trying to. The sun is going to rise and set regardless - what's the point of getting all worked up about the small stuff?

2. Loving the life Paul and I have built together.

3. Having some 'me' time - going to the hairdressers regularly, getting a long soak in the bath once the kids are in bed or even just spending 5 minutes painting my nails.

4. Telling my family that I love them. Everyday.

List 4 things that keep you physically beautiful...

1. Practically religious about my skincare regime, always have been.

2. Wear (some) make-up every day...wish I didn't have to but I look ill without it!!

3. Smile.

4. Love to shop - nothing better than a great find to boost your confidence!

Precious Memory...

Lots to choose from but the one that sprung to mind was in a photography studio with Harry. He was born 11 days early and was in Neo-Natal for a few days because of breathing problems. We had arranged to get some newborn photos taken on his actual due date and during the session, he got really upset and was screaming, lying on this black velvet cloth. I picked him up and started talking to him quietly in his ear. He immediately calmed down and nuzzled into me and I remember thinking "He knows me. I can calm him." Up to that point I hadn't realised that even though Harry was my 3rd, I had been worried about the effect being in Neo-Natal, away from me, would have on him and the relief was immeasurable. The photographer actually captured the moment and I love this photo so much.

Pass this onto 5 other people who have a beautiful heart...

Judy - such a lovely person and does the best colouring in ever!

Paige - her (and Chris's) blog makes me smile every time. And even though she watches British films with the subtitles on (hee hee!), she's a wee gem.

Mel - now technically, Mel (sister of Virginia) doesn't have a blog...but if she did - OMG, what a read that would be!! And what better reason to start one Mel, than the fact that you already have a Blog Award to be getting on with?!?

Wendy - my lovely friend who's moved away...I miss her but am so proud of the way she's made a great life for herself and her gorgeous kids.

Lesley - her blog always has a very calming effect on me and she has the cutest wee Grandson!

Onto the next one!

Got this from Dyan - thank-you! To accept, I have to list 10 things that make me happy...

1. Paul. He has this knack...

2. Shopping with Ellie - the best shopping partner ever and I love how much we giggle and chat wandering around Zara or H&M's...and she totally gets the Cath Kidston thing!

3. Molly. Generally. She is just the happiest baby and I look forward to seeing her every morning.

4. When the boys are happy together - this doesn't happen very often right now, but when the 2 of them are in the mood and playing (or even co-existing!) happily - I am a happy ma-ma!

5. My wee study - it's tiny (and despite what Dyan thinks, not ALWAYS tidy!) but I love being in there and playing.

6. Organising - sad but true. I love gutting a cupboard out and putting it all back...but better!

7. Shoes. Always and forever.

8. A good book - the kind where you can't wait for a spare 5 minutes so you can grab the next couple of pages.

9. Dancing round the kitchen when a great song comes on the radio...then the kids joining in!

10. Time away, just me and Paul. Very lucky to have a Mum and Dad like mine...

Thanks to Sandra for giving me this one too!

Right, Onto the continuing saga of February's pages for the 365 Challenge...! I've finally finished them - hooray! I'm really bad at planning crafting projects out and tend to wing it...a lot. Ended up with 2 blank-ish spaces this month for this reason and I just couldn't get the whole thing to come together...Here's what I ended up doing.

Sewing! Glued on both ends and pegged the folds in place.

Stamped and cut out a birdie from a Tim Holtz set that I have, but changed it out for...

...a date stamp and a sprinkling of button brads

Here's how it looks now - only a few days to go and it's March!?!

While I was working on that, Ellie was helping me out. She took all the bags, pouches, boxes, tins and jars of buttons I have and sorted them all into colours - here's the result!

How pretty?!? Thank-you Ellie!!

On Sunday, I spent a good few hours in my study working on my Art Journalling. Going to be very brave and share the pages I made...

I really enjoyed doing them and felt lighter afterwards?!? It really is great therapy!!

Ellie and started a little project together for her newly redecorated room...I bought her a 7 Gypsies printer tray at AFTH and here's the start we made...

she chose some paper from one of my writing sets...

...I cut it to size and Ellie arranged it...

then rearranged it several times, chose a Love stamp for the middle and used the free Craft Stamper stamp (again!) to add a detail...

She wanted to make some mini paper bunting for it so spent the evening watching Harry Potter and cutting out teeny triangles...

Love doing a wee project with Ellie - she knows what she likes and it will be fun to see how the finished product turns out.

To finish, here's a few things that have made me happy the past week (or so!)

Our street getting ploughed first thing this morning!!

Unexpected flowers, just because.

Sushi. I love it.

Plants that I don't have to remember to water...it's a fake from Ikea - pretty realistic looking too!

Bunting. It's a happy thing.

Molly's kissy face - too cute.

That's all folks...hope you enjoyed it - be back soon(ish?!?)

Jude

xxxx