life at its best ...chaotic

2009-02-27T14:27:00.012Z

I feel like I have been away from my blog for too long. I have needed to allow a little more time for family and home so my blog was the thing to go BUT I want to add things so that I can look back and see where I am at.

I have been getting inspiration from lots of places. I have beeen trying to broaden my creative vision by looking at different ways to express myself. I have been trying to mix my art with words and thoughts.....visual journalling.

This book really inspired me and the authors have a great website.

One really fun thing is I have got a little red leather book and a black pen and have started drawing my thoughts down in a mixture of pictures and words. Some things are funny others sad but it gives me a quick artisitic release each day.

My new project is designing a woodland story telling set for a Easter Kids Zone at church. Here is what I am being inspired by so far....

Found this cute idea on a web site while re
searching set design.

and read this fun idea there

Happy New Year

2009-01-05T22:25:00.002Z

Happy New Year!!!
I am in the process of thinking of my goals for this year, which is really fun. I want to make them achievable which is also a challenge.

What are your *new year* goals?

This year for me has started with sad news from various friends of mine and with all the economical doom and gloom and all my fav shops closing (how could they!!!) I was feeling a bit sad and it is only the 5th!!

Heard this great song *Soak up the Sun* today by Sheryl Crow (album £2.50 in Woolworths closing down sale...some good things)
It has this line in it which says :

It's not having what you want It's wanting what you've got

Dont you think that is so true. We need to be thankful for all the things we have and learn to pay attention to all the good things in our lives instead of worrying about what we dont have or what might happen.

So this week enjoy what you have and be thankful for it.

2008-11-17T14:02:00.009Z

HAPPY 9th BIRTHDAY !!!!

I am so proud of Phoebe. She is a lovely, caring, generous little girl. I cant believe I have had her for 9 years. The time has gone so quickly. I found this picture of her when she was 4! So cute!

We have been busy making her some presents. I made this little Elsie Bear doll. I had to prise it from Lucia who took an instant like to it!!

Lucia stitched the butterfly on this cushion and is very proud of it.

I am taking Phoebe and her best friend to town to go shopping and have a pizza for her birthday treat.

lovely yummy stuff

2008-11-14T17:06:00.027Z

These are a few of the new lovely things I have in my shop tomorrow at Claires crop. I do have limited stock so get there quick . The shop will be open from 10am til 2pm. If there is anything you missed out on then please let me know and I can order it for you. Also if you are not at the crop and spot something you like contact me!

Sweet Christmas Paper and Chipboard

long time I know...

2008-11-13T09:31:00.007Z

I have been rather busy lately and trying to fit too much in but as I have a moment I thought I would blog!

Thought I would share these. We had or photos taken by Andy Teo from Photocillin. We had such fun!

I had a string of bad school photos this year. Lucia's was the only nice one so I was delighted with these!

Yes Christmas is not far away!!!

I am doing an online craft class with the lovely Elsie as part of my birthday present. I know I can hear you say you are too busy. I have found that over the last few months I have craved some creativity. This class is lots of little projects which take very little time, so I can be creative on a tight time schedule.

I am going on a saturday crop to Burfield and taking my shop. I have quite a lot of new things so I post them up soon. If you like something then send me a message and I will arrange to post it to you.

Just realised...

2008-10-17T12:03:00.003Z

that my header is very out of date! Must get an autumn one. I am looking forward to seeing Mike and Jo my brother and his wife this week end.

Also I am face painting at a party and have some lovely new brushes to play with...so nice when the equipment works well. They do all the gorgeous swirls.

Also I am in the middle of planning Ewans birthday party and have got a massive piece of cardboard to paint some power rangers on. I have just ordered these little light wands/swords for the party bags...so excited.

be the one

2008-10-15T15:26:00.005Z

We were driving along in the car and this song came on Be the One by the Ting Tings and Lucia immediately was drawn to the song and started singing along (she is three) and now declares it is her favourite song. I went on their web site and love the energy and colour in how they do their videos and my space page. Very groovy.

2008-10-02T09:05:00.003Z

just enjoying getting into the swing of term. I am finding that I am quite tired so there have been a few early nights, which has been frustrating bc I have wanted to do something fun. I am trying to sort out the house and keep on top of the m ounting pile of washing. I have come tho the conclusion that I need to reduce the amount of clothes we have. Another job to do!

I am very much wanting to do some sewing and keep searching for the opportunity to do something creative. So last week when I got up early there was a beautiful surprise for me. The mist had come down and covered the millions od spiders webs in our garden with little drops of water so I had great fun taking loads of pictures.

My motto : sometimes we are focussing so much on the big issues of life that we forget the beauty of live that comes in the small insignificant places.

autumn days

2008-09-24T18:08:00.003Z

Well it really feels like autumn has set in doesnt it? When it is slightly cold and especially when it is wet outside I just want to snuggle up inside with some lovely warm home cooking....so today we had a lovely meaty cottage pie with a blackberry and apple crumble. So yummy!

At the moment I am enjoying getting into the rhythm of school and the routine which comes from that. I did have a tidy house but over the weekend I had to attend to a tree in our garden and well nothing else got done!!!

I will take a picture tomorrow. I was one of those situations which Colin hates. He was mowing the lawn and I say I think I need to cut some brances off the tree as one of them has come a little loose. Colin was not so sure but said he would help. so armed with a somewhat blunt saw I started tackling the lower brances....It took awhile bc the saw was very blunt but once started I had to carry on. The first branch came down quite easily and then the next branch was more of a challenge!

Colin comes out of the house to find me halfway up the tree sawing the larger branch! all I can say is he is a very patient man!!!)

It ended up with a broken saw and the branch hanging precariously in the tree! So I borrowed a much better saw and a tree lopper the next day and fininshed the job...the pile of branches is taller than I am!

school days

2008-09-16T10:52:00.003Z

dont they look smart!

changes

2008-09-04T20:03:00.006Z

Today was Jamies first day at the Junior school. He looked so hansome in his uniform and so little. His back pack was nearly as big as him which was quite funny. We had to go in slightly later and he lined up on the playground by his new teacher and went in with out a care in the world....not a backward glance.

What was really lovely...I was in work today but not teaching, so I had little peeps of him all through out the day. Every time I saw him he was smiling and seemed to be enjoying himself. Jamie is like that when everything is going well he is very contented and happy, when it is not he is a bit of a rain cloud!

I will try to get a picture tomorrow as I was trying to get to work today I didnt have time for a photo...very unlike me!:)

Phoebe loves her two new teachers and was full of it today....just a few weeks and Ewan will be at school too. Looking forward to him starting but for now I need to start tidying the house for the home visit on Friday (thank goodness it was friday not monday!!!)

Just to give you some thing to look at I love this....soo cute!

and these...

I need to go and make something.....

girls night out

2008-09-01T11:42:00.001Z

Worked very hard on saturday (and all week tidying up) so it was such fun to go out to see a girly flick with Vanessa, Roey and Emma. It was such fun and the kind of flim you could make comments through out and sing if you wanted too. I love ABBA songs and the whole styling of things in the film....and there was a bit of sunshine which we have not seen all summer.

I loved this bit where mother and daughter get ready...I hope that is what my relationship ies like with Phoebe and Lucia.....so lovely! Have a great week it is back to school soon so I am busy getting the uniforms ready.

topsy turvy

2008-08-29T12:59:00.002Z

each summer holiday the children choose the theme for a day where we do thinngs a bit differently. This year the theme is "backwards and topsy turvy". The ideas behind this was to have a bit of fun and allow the children freedom to be creative.

We began the day with dinner....pudding first of course! We drank our yoghurts with a straw (that kept them very quiet!!!) then cake and after that sausage and beans...which they were all too full too finish.

Then it was bath time and getting dressed. I laughed and so did the children. Jamie took it literally and put his PJ's on his legs (which kept falling down) and his trousers on his arms and an extra pair of pants on his head. Ewan did the same and they were running around clutching their "trousers" until Jamie had a brain wave....put another pair of pants on top and hey presto the new trousers stay up!!

We have a few more things to do today ....so I will update later.

just popping in...

2008-08-26T09:57:00.008Z

Cousins annual photo shoot!

Phoebe and Callum

Andy and Pippa

Lucia peeping through a hole

Phoebe posing

The new cast of Dr Who!

I was looking back over my photos for the summer and found a few which I thought were fun. We have been clearing the hard disc on the computer so I have had very little time to blog. Also every time I come to use the computer one of the children is playing games on it, so I had to give up on blogging for a while.

I have been sorting the house out and making VERY slow progress. There is so much that needs sorting out after ths children have been home all summer!!

One little thing I did with them this year was make them each a little art bag (and one for me) I stocked it with a sketch book , pencils, paints and a coloured pencil roll. My bag has other things like pastels, charcoal, inks and different size brushes. It was lovely to see what they produced when given really nice equipment. We took the bags out on holiday and if they got board in the museums we sat down and drew things we saw.

Phoebe is away on camp this week so I am taking the opportunity of having a "spare " room and using her room to sort things out. Better get on!!

announcing

2008-08-05T10:51:00.001Z

there is an extra crop on this Thursday (7th) because it is my birthday week. 7-10 at Yateley Manor School in the drama studio.

holidays are here...

2008-08-02T16:59:00.003Z

I have been knee deep in children, sorting and creating. So many things going on that my poor blogging site has seen no activity. There have been a few minor things which have kept me away from the computer....children playing games on the computer, no room on the hard disk (too many photos) so I cant download any of my new photos and my camera is broken (sob).

Yes that is my new camera...I had see a great shot , whipped my camera out and a very eager Jamie grabbed my arm to tell me something and.....crash down went my camera on the concrete! I can still take photos but my LCD screen is ruined and won't work so I have to sqint through the view finder which, with glasses, is always a challenge.

With the sunshine has come a desire to clear out things...starting with the garage. It has taken 7 boot loads to the dump to clear most of it and two trips to the charity shop. I have not even started on the loft!!!

When I have downloaded my new photos I will show you some of the activities I ahve been doing withthe children...involving sewing.

sneaky peak..

2008-07-17T17:31:00.012Z

These are just a few of the products which are new and I have made a few projects which you can try out yourself on the weekend, using them.

Also I have new ribbons, paper packs and

nearly there!

2008-07-15T17:54:00.002Z

Well the crop is nearly here...I have just recieved a box full of goodies which I cant wait to share. I have been creating some little projects to help inspire your scrapping.

In the shop I have new papers from Daisy Bucket, Crate Paper, Stamps from Autumn Leaves, loads of gorgeous things from Jenni Bowlin, and an assortment of new ribbons, die cuts, stickers, and the list goes on.

I have been working on a class about using all those stamps. The layout is based on using 1-3 photos which is very flexible to accomodate your photos and colour scheme.

If you havent booked it is still not too late to squeeze someone else in!

sun has made me happy!

2008-07-02T19:50:00.004Z

Thought I would inject some colour into my blog for a little while! I was at a carribean party to celebrate our friend Dave's birthday on saturday. See here on Andy's facebook for his photos. I didnt take my camera surprise surprise (my handbag was too small!!!) I took these pictures when I came home.

A very special event occured on Sunday. It was Colin's birthday (wont mention age except there were lots of candles) and my whole family was in the same place at the same time.

sort, tidy crash!

2008-06-24T19:41:00.007Z

Ok maybe it is the sunshine, or maybe it is because I have less on this week but I have got a "sorting bug" (Colin is very happy). I have cleared out the freezer (which is now so bare it looks pitiful! haha) the linen cupboard, plastic box cupboard (ok that was my mum) and all the clothes are folded and put away (except mine) and I sorted the boys room out. I got a new bed for them from freecycle....a vintage bed as we call anything which is old, it sounds so much nicer! It is a wooden "stacking" bed which means there is a pull out bed underneath. So Jamie has the top one and we pull out the other one for Ewan. This way the floor space has just got bigger.

Loved thesephotos of our growing apples and plums. Hopefully there will be no bug attacks like the last two years. I had to strip the plum tree last year as it was infested but I am hoping I caught it in time to prevent it happening this year. There are loads of apple this year but the main problem is the children picking them too soon!

Love this photo of Ewan being Batman!!

I am now off to have a cuppa , make something and watch the tennis which I have been trying to watch for the last hour!!

fun weekend

2008-06-22T19:24:00.013Z

Someone said to me you need to make sure your life has punctuation. Sometime we need to have full stops (say no!), commas (pauses or breaks from things) and exclamation marks (fun things)

This weekend has been an exclamation mark for me. It has been a lovely time of chilling with family and friends.

Friday Phoebe had an inset day at scholl so we dropped Ewan and Lucia of at pre-school and went into Fleet to do some shopping. I had no things to get so it was totally Phoebe's choice of shops. We spent most of our time pouring over make up and jewelry in Clarie's Accessories and the at Maccachinos for a Hot Chocolate and Iced Coffee. We also visited tThe Walnut Tree which is the most gorgeous shop ever. It is full of beautifully crafted things and so inspirational.

My brother made a fleeting visit, which was really lovely as we have not seen him for ages. The children got out all the lego so they could build a tower. It usually ends up Mike building the tower and the children directing!!

We had our annual Eurovision Party (I know three weeks late!! We were busy when it was on) I was such a lovely evening. I quickly decorated the lounge and put out a box of props to dress up in. We had not had much time to get it ready but somehow it just worked and it was really good fun seeing all the "interesting acts". Noticed a trend of black leather and silver shimmy skirts!

Today we went to the park to fly Jamie's new enormous kite. We try to think of things we can do which are exclusive to each child

get creative

2008-06-17T12:40:00.002Z

Now I have finished writing my school reports woohoo!!! I have started reading this book call the Creative Family by Amanda Soule. Such a lovely book with loads of easy cheap and fun ideas...just in time for summer holidays!

I amd also inspired by her blog Soule Mama. Why not go and have a little look.

Brain Overload!!!!

2008-06-16T21:09:00.003Z

You know when you get the flashing letter symbol on your mobile phone when your inbox is full? Well that has happened to my brain!! There are so many dates and bits of information coming my way when I cannot write them down (or when I can) that I feel as if my brain is flashing a little envelope sign....too FULL!
Today I forgot to take Ewan to his first induction day at school because I had not registered in my brain that it was today. Fortunately he is a confident little boy and doesn't seem at all worried about school so I think we will be ok with just one visit next week. I wonder what I will forget next!!!

hello again!!!

2008-06-09T12:21:00.019Z

I can't believe I didnt blog for the whole of May....that is insane! life has been quite crazy and I have had a few big things on which has meant any little things which I enjoy have been squeezed out, like scrapping and blogging.

This weekend I was involved in organising and cooking a thai charity dinner for 50 pepole (we did end up with a few extras!!!) It was a lot of fun but also a lot of work! Here are a few photos taken by my talented friend Andy. The full album is here

My favourite photo!

I also spent some time taking photos of my children!

Will be back soon!!

stuck in a rut?

2008-04-29T12:12:00.004Z

I don't know about you but spring is in the air. I want to clear out things, tidy, sort and organise. I want to try new things and look at what I normally do from a fresh perspective.
So if you are stuck in a rut with your scrapping why not try these ideas...

* change the size you work on
* use sketches to kick start you
* look back in your albums and chose your favourite layout. Use the same format but change the colour, paper and embelishments...and you will be very surprised how different it looks!!
* make a mini book - I love small projects which get me back into my creative flow
* try out a new technique

Guess what i have been feature on a fantastic website Sisterhood of Scrap for ideas and inspiration!!!
Go check it out...I am an honorary sister for the week!:)

Today you....

2008-04-23T18:34:00.002Z

Phoebe
Wrote a list of all the things she does in a week and stuck it very neatly on her wall. Designed two star charts one for music practise and one for healthy eating! She is such a list girl and is constantly making lists and charts to help her do things. She is also amazingly organised which is lucky for me as sometimes I'm not and it is great to have a walking reminder!!

Jamie
Got two stickers at school. One was the new rainbow sticker for exceptional behaviour and the other one was best friend badge for being kind to someone.(well strictly it was yesterday but I had to include it!!) You were so excited and full of it when you came home from school. The long awaited first day of Beavers arrived and you had such a fun time. I could not get you to stop talking when you alked in the door.

Ewan
Ewan is a boy of few paintings at school but today I had a whole collection of them. There was a beautiful one of a rocket. You went to the gym for the first time and absoluteley LOVED it. The whole time was spent running around and leaping off things and diving, jumping and running. At the end when you came out you said "I really liked that it was so fun...and so awesome"
You tried very hard and wrote your name for the first time all the way through by yourself.

Lucia
You amaze me. Two weeks ago you were wearing nappies and now you are potty trained...and decide to go by yourself, can sort yourself out (on most occasions...there are a few mionr accidents) You went to pre-school for your first visit. You absolutely loved it and had to be dragged away....roll on two weeks when you go properly!! :)

Colin
Was really excited bc he had ordered a new "toy" an MP3 player. I was miffed bc mine is not as nice but he rarely ever buys himself anything so I could not really complain!! :)

Me well I was back at school....coming home tired and wishing I had the energy to do something creative with my evening (colin is out at a work function) but knowing I will probably crash out on the sofa!! if I do do anything creative I will let you know.

you rock

2008-04-04T10:54:00.009Z

Phoebe has anew luv...it is Superchic[k] which is a christian rock band. They sound across between Averil Lavigne and Evervecense....with pink hair!
See an unofficial video of Superchic[k] 'standing in the rain' which is really cool here
Superchic[k] is Phoebes new luv....in her words it rocks!

She is growing up! She has always been one for making sure everything matches and her clothes look good but she never demands to have the lastest fashion, she just makes her own with the clothes she has.
Her lastest phrases seem to include 'rock'
Phoebe we are doing this today (me) ....."cool rock on"(pheoebe)
'That rocks'.... 'totally awesome'....
I just love it and althought we have moments of diva attitudes I am loving getting to know Phoebe as she grows up.

2008-04-02T21:00:00.004Z

Anyone else feeling tired or is it just me? I think it must be the clocks going forward and not during a holiday!

I had a lovely weekend away here with the ladies from church for our INSPIRE weekend! The main guest speaker was Jane Rosier who used to be a principle ballerina for Birmingham Royal Ballet and she is also an artist. She was really funny and a great inspiration to me (being arty we got on well!!)

I think my tiredness might be due to working!!! I am enjoying my work. It is nice to be creative. I think I have now got into a groove so that the pupils know my expectation and I know their little quirks a bit better.

I am going to be doing textile next term and I am currently searching for textile related projects which boys would like to do....any ideas?

Year 5 are doing trees which is a lovely project....here are some inspirational pictures I found of trees.....

love this video!!!

2008-03-25T20:06:00.003Z

If you have not seen this video you have got to watch it. It is so clever!

easter

2008-03-24T19:02:00.001Z

Just wanted to share this photo with you of Lucia at easter. You know when you press the button and capture a moment? Well this was it for me. Lucia had lined up all her chocolate bunnies and eggs and was taking to them, telling them stories. I took loads of photos but this was the one that stood out. The actual photo was a bit washed out so I have had to adjust the brightness and colour. I just love it when I get THAT picture.

Easter this year has been crazy bc of the weather...I mean snow at easter! We have had Colin's parent to stay and have had to be really creative with what to do so we have not all gone stir-crazy. Here is the hightlights

Friday:

decorated eggs, made crispy cakes and decorated cupcakes in the morning
went to Virginia Water in the afternoon and had a great time doing our own egg hunt
Had hot chocolate in the sunshine looking at the lake
rolled chocolate coins down the hill in Valley Garden at VW...children loved this!
Walked leisurley back to the car until mum became a crazy mum and hustled everyone in the car saying "quick in the car...look at the sky...its coming..GET in the car NOW...its coming....everyone in the car, last door closed and whoosh hail stones came down!!! (mum is always right!!)

Saturday:

chilled out morning and spent most of it trying to decide what to do on a wet chilly day
snowed hard!
decided to do the very off the wall activity of driving to homebase and buying pots and plants for the children to pot....reason for this...dry, sort of warm and big enough for the children to have a run and make some noise. It had the desired effect!!

Sunday:

Special children's services at church based on Willy Wonka
Beckah (my sis) came round
Easter egg hunt was hurriedly set up in the momentary break in the weather.
Gorgeous roast lamb dinner...yum!

Monday:

Took Phoebe to visit one of her friends in hospital and also visited one of my friends.
Planted the flowers
Actually got to go for aowalk and the sun shone!
Grandad and mum (me) got a urgent desire to weed, prune and tidy the garden...the result- ;) lovely pruned plants and several enormous mounds of twigs and leaves which will need moving.

All in all considering the weather we have had a lovely weekend...what about you anything fun?

tidying up

2008-03-18T14:13:00.003Z

Does anyone have any good ideas of how to really sort out their house?
I am tidying up which means a massive sort out of everything. The only trouble is I always run out of time and never seem to really finish the job. I also get bored of tidying up and need an incentive to motivate me. Unfortunately a tidy room is not enough to keep me motivated.

Any ideas of things which motivate you?

2008-03-16T20:27:00.006Z

I can't remember the last time I was so cold.

We were face painting under a gazebo so out of the drizzle but after a gust of wind blew the remaining wall off it was freezing! My fingers were so numb I could hardly hold the brush. Also I have never in all my times face painting had my arm wobble bc of the wind. Honestly, the gusts were so strong that sometimes my arm moved. The best bit was holding a cup of hot chocolate aaaagh...I felt my fingers again.

I can say that apart from the cold it was fun. I enjoyed seeing Sara and Sarah again...you two are great fun to paint with, so inspirational. I really wanted to get some good pictures but we were so busy there just was not the time.

I really enjoyed the fantastic crowd. All those people who had their faces painted- thanks for being so happy and upbeat, it made the whole afternoon so much better. Especially all the guys who had the green lips, eyes and shamrocks!!! Also the bands were great, The Overtures and the Reels playing some of my fav songs.

Afterwards me and Sarah went to the hotel and had a coffee...after 1 1/2 hours we had thawed out and caught up with all our news!

St Patricks Day...

2008-03-16T08:40:00.004Z

yes I know it is tomorrow but I am face painting today at the London Irish StPatricks Day match in Reading. Going to be super fun I think!! Im not Irish but to look the part I am dressed in green and Phoebe has approved my outfit!

Colin was going to come with the children as there is a whole kids zone but he was invited out for lunch to watch the opening season of the grand prix...guess which option he took!!

inspiration

2008-03-11T14:38:00.004Z

Spring is in the air. The sun is shining and I have got a head full of ideas. Most frustrating thing is I have had to do housework today, so no creating! Good thing about housework it is so mundane that I have time to churn ideas over and over. I need to get my sketch book and put a few of these ideas down before I forget them.

I am going to do something creative with the children when we get back from school as tuesday is my free evening.

I have found a big twig which we are going to decorate for easter so may be we will begin that or Phoebe want to make a little film. We will see what takes our fancy. I love afternoons like this when there is nothing to do...a kind of chilling out creative time.

These are some blogs that are inspiring me right now...

Moopy and Me Such a cute idea for an art activity with children

Print Pattern thanks Emily for the heads up on this web site it is full of inspiration!

Garden Trading..mmmm love all these vintage look things....could easily buy most of the shop!

your park + my park = satisfaction

2008-03-07T18:13:00.007Z

Your Park

When you go to the park you see a world of possibilities. Slides to go whizzing down, steps to climb up, swings to make you fly, seesaws which make you bounce. Challenges to overcome. Imaginary games. Running, climbing, action, round and round, trying, repeating it over again, never still, always moving and non stop fun. That is your park.

My Park

Watching you play and listening for your call for help. Waiting, usually on my own, devoid most of the time of adult conversation. Part of your world but outside it... a spectator to your imagination. So I look and see things differently while I am waiting. I see colour, pattern, texture, shape, line and form. Your playing and my looking makes me love going to the park because it satisfies the mother and the artist in me.

(The Lookout and Yateley Park March 4th and 7th 2008)

see things differently

2008-03-05T21:54:00.010Z

I had a good day at work teaching art. Really tired out after being on my feet all day and then coming home to finish the things in my house. :) So after all the jobs (well nearly all) had been done I could not resist doing some blogging to chill out. Found some interesting blogs I will share with you another time.

I wanted to share some photos I had taken yesterday. It was a really cold, sunny day but with lots of cloud around. The light was fantastic especially as most of the photos were taken late afternoon.

I was trying out some different settings like the multiple photos ( i can take only three quick sucession) This was fun with two children on the swings!

I was also trying out different angle....ie using objects as a frame for my subject.

The best one (bc the light and cloud was so contrasting ) was half holding down the button whilst pointing at light/dark object and then moving the camera onto my subject. This resulted in the contrasts in the dramatic sky.

discoveries

2008-03-01T12:48:00.011Z

Have been sorting the loft out and found some really interesting things. These buttons were taken off old clothes which were not good enough for the charity shop.....all for free, how good is that! The metal heart is an old cake mould. I love old vintage items.

Vintage door keys

Grandad's prayer book and an old school ruler

Letter from a relative of Colin's from 1922

Old jeans with a cool design

New stuff...

2008-02-28T19:25:00.011Z

Just got some scrapping goodies in the post today from an etsy shop called Every Jot and Tittle Have a look, there is some great things in the shop.

This week has been quite crazy (im sure some of you are saying which weeks are not crazy) Before we went to Cambodia I was offered a job at my daughters school teaching art two days a week. This is such a dream job for me as I am passionate about teaching and anything to do with art.

I went in on wednesday to see some of my classes and it was like slipping into a favourite pair of shoes. It fits and I know that I am going to love it.

I am also keeping up with my fortnightly crops so for those who live near they are staring again next week on thursday March 7th at 7:30 at Yateley Manor School in the drama studio. If you know anyone who would like to come just email me on colin.saunders1@ntlworld.com There is always space for more! I am also looking into a all day saturday crop, so when I get the date finalised I will post up here with the details.

I really miss the Odiham crop and it would be lovely to see what people are doing so if you have done any lovely pages or mini books post a link on here.

Inspiration..

2008-02-20T09:31:00.013Z

I found the trip to Cambodia so visually inspiring. So much colour and pattern every where you looked. The light is so good, all the colours vibrate. It was a mixture of old and modern influences.
Painting on a shutter in the Royal Palace

Old Pedicab in the French Quarter

Crumbling building in the French Quarter

Fruit in the market..so colourful

Chinese New Year decorations and dragon masks

Houses often painted in these vivid blue and red

I will post more tomorrow but these give you a little taste of what I saw!

2008-01-26T17:35:00.000Z

we are off catch us on http://cambodiathroughoureyes.blogspot.com see you soon!!

I got it!!

2008-01-18T10:26:00.000Z

I am going to teach art on Wed/Thurs from March-July..more details later and what I taught!

Job interview

2008-01-17T10:05:00.000Z

I have been preparing for an interview for an art job (two days a week) at Phoebes school. the interview is today so I will post later.
I would love the job but it will mean a bit or reoganising of live...not a bad thing! So we will see! :)
I will post later what I did for my interview lesson.

2008-01-12T18:50:00.000Z

We went to see the Lightbox in Woking today to see the Wallace and Grommit Exibition. I had nearly missed it and wanted to take the children before it finishes tomorrow. It was in just one large exhibition room but very interactive and gave the children lots to do. Downside photography was not allowed. These were taken befor we got in and I realised I couldn't take photos.

Also in the Lightbox were other things to see which we just skipped over really. Must go back!

getting ready

2008-01-07T09:38:00.000Z

We are getting rready for our trip to Cambodia in three weeks. So if the posting is a bit sparodic I do appologise. If I can get the scanner to work then I will show you what I did with all my christmas cards.

My most favourite present was a new camera which takes the most amazing photos for a simple "point and shoot". I needed one for about £100, which had a good macro, worked well in low light and was easy to use. It was a tall order but this one just ticked all the boxes. Also my previous camera was a fuji fine pix and always took great photos. I would love an DSLR but I dont think I have the time to fiddle with it! I need one which will take good photos fast!

looking back

2008-01-01T23:08:00.001Z

yummy

2007-12-21T11:42:00.000Z

Making allsorts of yummy things today with the children...fudge, biscuits and maybe caramel sqaures.

Found these pictures inspiring...

busy...fun...busy

2007-12-10T17:07:00.000Z

wow last week was a blur and bc I have THREE sick children (tummy bug) I couldnt do the cleaning today as planned and had to sit with them...I let them watch dvd and I sit on the sofa with them reading a book. That way they get a cuddle and I can switch off from the film which I have seen countless times!!
Well...

Wed 5th night out with "yummy mummys" as we are know was great fun. The numbers had gone down so we were all on the same table which was really fun. We didnt think much of the DJ only got to 90's by midnight (boring) which was when I had to go! But I must say my fav was the dodgems...put a load of party people in dodgems with no rules and what you get is crazy!! The photo is of one of my friends Jeanette.

Thursday 6th We had another busy morning at the toddler group Sunbeams and after school I was helping a friend Claire sew her son Louis outfit for the school play...he is Ginger Spice!!! I was nice to catch up as we dont see each other that often and Phoebe and Louis always have got along very well.

Friday 7th Ewan and Lucia had a christmas party at a toddler group they go to and their first meeting of santa this year...but I forgot my camera so I am still waiting for a friend to send me the copy. Ewan dressed up as a camel and Lucia as a sheep. So cute. Ewan was the first in line and was delighted with his present od chocolates!! Lucia desparately wanted the present but was not so keen about Santa!!

Saturday 8th Colin and the children went to a party at church and had fun...i went to my first shift of my "holiday job" face painting at the Victoria Theatre in Woking at their Pantomime "Peter Pan". It is such a fun job making their evening really special and the company I 'm employed by Ezylet is a sponsor so it is free which makes the parents really happy! The day before I had done some example on my children which was fun. Phoebe had a hand in designing some of them. And my parents flew in from Thailand in the evening, for Christmas which was lovely.

Sunday 9th I was able to get to church in the morning b4 going to work...I spent a lovely hour and half between shifts sitting (yes sitting) in a coffee shopp with a coffee and bagel.... aaaah bliss! Colin had a good day with the children and all was fine until the evenning when three children were sick!!!

Monday Chilled out day with sick children! Phoebe was sad bc she missed her first performance in front of the school :( but hopefully she will be well enought to perform tomorrow for me and Colin (we are more important!)

catch-up

2007-12-05T13:38:00.000Z

I want to keep a track of what we do through the whole of december 07 so I can remember. So here in quick is what has been going on...

Dec 2 (Sun) we put the tree up as it was the only free weekend! It worked out well bc Phoebe was singing in her Chamber Choir (school) and they were having a joint concert with the Yateley Choral Society and two other schools. We went to St Swithems church and enjoyed a lovely evening of carols and christmas songs. We came back and decorated the tree amid much excitement and noise!! Lucia decided to see how many baubles fitted on on branch, Phoebe spent ages considering where a particular decoration would look best, Ewan put a santa hat on and Jamie just pottered. We then had a roast dinner with the "candles on" and had the first mince pies (ecept Colin had sneaked one the day b4!!

Dec 3 (Mon) Phoebe practising her ballet show, while me and the children went to the library to choose some christmas stories. We now have a christmas book basket where they can choose stories from. I did some christmas shopping!

Dec 4 ( Tues) I had my hair cut ( a lot shorter!) to get ready for my mums night out on Wed. I also was leading the small group at church which was fun. We spent the evening focussing in on the real meaning of christmas and looking at the christmas story froim the eyes of the people in it. Very interesting! My ice breaker was fun. I had a basket of "christmas objects" and we chose one and said what it meant or a funny story attacthed to it ie mine was

I love decorating the chirstmas tree but I also know my children love to do it as well so in order that I have what I want on the tree I only put out those decorations!! But having decorated the tree I came downstairs to find Ewan and lucia plaing a funny game...."lets remove all the baubles off the tree!!"

Dec 5 (Wed) woohoo out tonight with some friends. Will tell you about it tomorrow. Today we are having our travel jabs....all of us!! Ouch! Which means I will only be having one glass!

{traditions}

2007-12-01T20:12:00.000Z

What do you do in the run up to Christmas? I love all the excitement, decorations, anticipation and lights (not tacky ones). I am going to try to make a note this year of all the things which we do...if I blog them then I might be able to do an album later (ha ha!!)

So today...I have got some wreaths and small decorations out and the rest will follow tomorrow.

The children were very excited to open their advent calendars and usually we read a bit of the christmas story but they were all very tired so we will catch up tomorrow!

Tonight me and Colin are going to check through the month and see what is coming up so we can prepare for a very, very busy month !!!

Looking forward to.....

* decorating the house (need to tidy up first!!)

* picking holly and ivy for mantle piece

* doing craft with children

* shopping (nearly finished)

* making cards

* getting cards and letters (i love it bc we never get letters these days)

* making christmas treats

* going for a drive to look at the local christmas lights

* hearing Phoebe sing in the chamber choir

* face painting before the Peter Pan pantomime in Woking

sweet moment

2007-11-29T23:23:00.000Z

ewan and lucia were fighting today over who could wear the camel outfit!!! I had bought some dressing up clothes for Sunbeams and one of them was a camel...which is sooo cute. I took some photos of Lucia wearing it before the batteries in the camera went flat but Ewan was the funniest. he wore it to the school when I went to pick up Jamie and Phoebe. All along the way was 'ooh how cute' , then we went into town and everyone kept looking or commenting on how cute he was. We were going to get passport photos for me and the girls and the photographer (Kevin Wibley...really good photographer) was in stitches over Ewan and his camel costume and said we had made his day!!!

I am here really!!!

2007-11-26T21:22:00.000Z

No I have not vanished in a puff of smoke. I am here really. I have have rather a busy month with no time to blog. Boo hoo!!

But I have made some fun stuff...yeh! Finally I got a chance to create...Colin went away for the weekend with some friends (a very deserved break for him) and while he was away I burned the midnight oil creating some fab Christmas decorations for a craft fair. I didnt sell much at the craft fair but Stephanie and some of the other teachers at Pre-school made up for it! Thank you ladies as I was beginning to think no-one liked it! there is some lovely things still left but not for long!

Here is a peak at some of the things I made...

{today I love}

2007-11-04T17:44:00.000Z

so many good things to love today.....

* new venue for church. Kings International College. We are now in a 600 seater sports hall! wow! it was awesome to be there this morning. We began the service with celebrations (chocolates) as we came in and then party poppers! Worship (music) was fantastic
I help with creche and we have the most fabulous hall with loads of space, beautiful wooden floor, light airy space which the children can run around in.
Coffee was served in the 'cyber cafe' after the service (what a cool name) normally they use about four pints of milk today it was 12!

*Freecycle...my sofa had had it! It was still comfortable but the arms had ripped and the throw was not quite big enough and kept falling off (or being pulled off!) so I have been keeping an eye out on freecycle and a red sofa came up. Colin went to collect it today and it is lovely!
If you don't know about freecycle I will explain.....
Freecycle is an internet based recycling project. You sign up and then when you want to get rid of something you post it on the website and someone will come and claim it! It is a great way of recycling rather than taking stuff to the dump and filling landfill sites.

* Sharing lunch with friends. We had some friends for lunch and it was great to just chill out and chat.

Autumn Favs from Flickr

2007-10-31T17:05:00.000Z

Love the colours of autumn and found all these great pictures on Flickr

autumn moment

2007-10-27T10:54:00.000Z

yesterday we went out for a walk...children complained and moaned at the prospect and looking outside it did not look promising...very dull and a little misty but I insisted (partly for my sanity!)

We met up with Vanessa and her two girls and walked around the airfield near our house. Part way along the children dived into a small path and began to explore through the forest. It was great fun following the path and finding out where it went and the children were all making up little games as they went. Finally we came to a field. It was enclosed on three sides by tree and opened out onto field on the fourth, with gorgeous views. It was hushed and quiet even with 6 children there as the damp air seemed to absorb the sound. The children rushed to the far end of the field to look at the horses. after a little while the horses came over and they spent a blissful half and hour feeding them grass.

The walk back was great as we found a very muddy path...do you know what we were gone for about 2 1/2 hours and no one complained!!! Even Lucia (with a little help) walked all the way!

The thought of going out in the cold and damp is not always pleasant but the children had such a special time it is something I will be repeating!!

Ellie

2007-10-16T12:14:00.000Z

I can't believe it has been five years since she died. I still miss her sense of fun, energy and smile.

These songs remind me of her.... and how I feel when I think about her some happy some sad.

Aint No Sunshine- Bill Withers

My Girl- The Temptations

Autumn Leaves - Eva Cassidy

Nutcracker -Tchaikovsky

Wow!

2007-10-12T19:28:00.000Z

The box was a big box of food from church...they thought we might like it! How lovely, that will certainly help this month as it has been a little tight round here with all the bills we have had. This month we had pay a bill from the "shopping budget" which is the equivalent of a weeks worth of shopping and then we get a box full of fresh packet, and tinned food which is easily a weeks worth.
It just reminded me that God always knows my situation and provides what we need at the right time.

October

2007-10-11T22:18:00.000Z

" I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers. It would be terrible if we just skipped from September to November, wouldn't it?" LM Montgomery

For the last few years I have found October a really hard month bc it was the month Elisha died but this year I have been trying to appreciate it. It used to be my fav month bc of all the beautiful colours, crisp air and brilliant blue skies. I want to enjoy it again but I also don't want to forget.

I got a phone call today saying there was a big box for me at church...and that I would really like it....mmm can't think what it is? I hate suspense so I am going to collect it tommorrow......

{creating}

2007-10-08T14:58:00.000Z

So happy....I ahve finally finished my jobs, well ther are a few still not *quite* finished but I NEED to do something creative or I will go mad.
I am going to create some Christmas things tonight which is going to be so fun...I will try to take some photos but i am having major problems trying to get my camera to work....it wont even open the lens. I can view the phots but not take them...unlike my other camera where I can take them but not view them. *sigh* it would be nice to have a camera which works for one...never mind....

cool people

2007-10-06T10:34:00.000Z

I love finding other blogs which are fun to read and found this one on Ali Edwards blog called "cool people i know". The post is all about making life lists which is so cool. I have a book where I have written goals that I wish to achieve in my lifetime but here is some where you can put them up on the Internet. I was reading some and they are so fun and inspiring! I think I will put mine up later....

probably not today as I'm looking after Em and Dan's gorgeous Naomi (which brings head count of children to 5!) So far everything has been calm and sort of peaceful. We have been to the library and now both little girls are asleep while the others are watching "Happy Feet".

[perspective]

2007-10-04T21:46:00.000Z

..."these things come once in a childhood and then the moment passes never to return"....

[Perspective]

Lucia, one day I will look back
remember and laugh
now it is an inconvenience,
extra work
and frustrating.

I want to enjoy these moments
not get angry and cross
because most of the time
you don't mean to be naughty
it's your way of having fun.

I need to see the world
from your perspective
in colour, texture, noise
To find enjoyment in the
exploring rather than
the completion.

Lucia I want to remember
and laugh at today
to see your enjoyment
and sense of fun
because one day
this moment will have passed.

Rachel Saunders

The photo is of Lucia and an empty packet of sugar puffs all over the table....one of the countless meddling things she gets up to DAILY. Photo went wrong in processing but I like it like this!

quicky:who is your favourite artist?

2007-10-01T22:36:00.000Z

I love the work of Jane Ray
So unusual and colourful

totally awsome...stunning...amazing

2007-09-20T11:40:00.000Z

what a show! From the moment we walked in we knew it was going to be good. The set was fantastic, there were tree roots growing out from the stage covering some of the ceiling and boxes right up to where we were sitting (on the front row of the 'grand circle' as Emma said anything with grand in it make you feel really posh!)

The stage revolved and as the play progressed different parts would move up and down creating different effects...really clever. The whole space was used as elves came down from the ceiling, orks were on these bouncy shoes and did acrobatic movements, ents were on huge stilts and the Dark Riders were on stilts as well and were so cleverly done. I wont tell you every thing as it would spoilt it if you wanted to go. I would highly recommend it...it was visually stunning and the story was cleverly told. The musical aspect was different from the usual musical numbers and was an enhancement woven through the story rather than part of the dialogue as in most musicals.

The restaurant was fantastic...quick delicious and so funky. I had Thai Green curry pizza which was so gorgeous. Definitely recommend the Fire and Stone too.......actually I noticed they are doing 'Show and Meal' deals for Lord of the Rings why not check it out!!!

sooo excited...

2007-09-18T09:40:00.000Z

we are off to see Lord of the Rings musical in London tonight!! We have always said that if there was a musical of lotr we would go...the we saw the Times doing a special offer- 4 tickets for £99!! We have front row grand circle tickets and are going with Dan and Emma some really good friend of ours. I know it is going to be awesome.
We are going up early and having dinner at Fire and Stone.....as Emma said we have to go there as it is a really Gothic name for a restaurant!!
Must go and finish tidying up and think of what to wear!

Stripping back....

2007-09-13T20:36:00.000Z

Well it was while i was taking the tiles off the floor that got me thinking......how beautiful things look when you start taking away all the rubbish and extra unnecessary parts. They have a simple uncomplicated beauty which is so attractive.

I would be quite happy sanding the floor and painting it white bc I love the way things look in their original state. (too late I had already bought the flooring, which will look good in a different way)

I started applying this to my daily life. What things can I strip back to make it more simple and uncomplicated. What are the things I want to keep and what things can I so without...good question.

I cram so many things into a day that it make my head spin and that is not good!!! So I have been trying to slow down thins week and think things though a bit more...trying to think about the repercussions of a given course of action on me and my family.....

On the whole apart from one or two days life has been much calmer! I did decide to do a detox of caffeine this week as well so I was quite grumpy at the beginning of the week which was probably not such good timing (much to Stephanie's amusement!) But I can say the I am feeling much better and less grumpy (what IS that coffee and tea doing to me :( ! )

So we will see....can I keep this uncomplicated life up...according to Colin No! but I will have a good try!!!!

Phoebe with her new haircut, no front teeth and new stripy legging under her skirt (latest fashion and oh so proud of them)

B2B

2007-09-04T12:10:00.000Z

no! not back to basics.... back to blogging!!! Yey! I have sooo missed doing my blog but it was nealy impossible to do over the holidays...there was always someone on the computer or doing something they shouldn't be doing or wanting me to do something. Hectic and crazy!

So this is why I like today ....

*back to school for Jamie and Phoebe

* back to routine for everyone...(sigh of relief from Colin)

* back to the cleaning and washing (*sigh* from me...not that I have had a break from it over the summer but at least I can get some done!)

* back to cropping...yey! a crop this week Thursday night at Yateley Manor School 7:30

* back to normality!

* and most of all back to blogging!

I was going through my holiday photos and I loved this one taken at The Lookout in Bracknell on Bank Holiday Monday by Colin.

To me it shows how crazy my live is. Sometimes I feel as if I am on a roundabout spinning round and round without being able to get off but while I am spinning and in the middle of the chaos I can have fun with my children. I can offer them a fun packed full live, living it to the edge but with the security and support they need. That is what being a mum is to me.

desparate to post but...

2007-08-27T22:33:00.000Z

so busy with bathroom. Every moment I can spare is spent ont the bathroom. We now have a nice shiney bath which I have re-enamelled and have plumbed in.

I tested its water-tightness today with the children, now I am going to test it myself...eeek slightly more water to cause complete flood if the seal on the waste pipe does not work. (it leaked once but I have changed a few pipes and put loads of sealent round the base so, so far there have been no leaks!)

Reading back on it, I have made it all sound so easy...not so LOTS of hard work ...total respect to plumbers!!!

Back soon.... will post pics of holiday in Devon and some gorgeous stash I got from America this week! Just too yum!

we're back!!!

2007-08-14T20:12:00.000Z

actually we have been back for a week but I have not had time to blog...will explain later.

We had a lovely time. The sun was out all week and it was dry!! Yippee! The campsite Cottage Farm was lovely.... really clean and well kept but just the basics. It was small,l so the children could wander around and I would know where they were. This was the view from our tent 9taken by Ewan).....

We visited Buxton..had fun it the Pavillion Gardens...the children went paddling in the stream.

Chatsworth House Gardens were such fun...they have introduced a fun pack for the children to do which kept ours more than occupied. I got lost in the maze ...again!! (last time I could not work it out)

Other places we visited were Poole Cavern and Bakewell...mmm...lovely cakes!! While we were there Colin;s Dad introduced us to a cafe called Treeline. It was tucked away in a courtyard and was lovely. The best thing was the gallery...kept the children well under control!!! The was some stunning glass work which the link doesn't do justice to. I bought a small hanging with four hearts suspended in the glass.

Phoebe did a 3 hour walk with Kath (Colin's sister and myself) and it was not an easy walk. She did not complain once!!

Well when we got back it was straight back to work...I have been gutting our bathroom and then trying to put it back together! I know mad timing but our friends are away and we are using their bath and shower so it was now or never. If I keep to schedule then I should be taking the children away on Thursday to Mullacott Farm for some more camping...and Stephanie is joining us on Saturday which will be fun!

yes..life is chaotic!!!

2007-07-29T22:27:00.000Z

We are off tomorrow (6 am) to the Peaks for our camping holiday and yes the sun is going to shine! (I've decided!!!)

But before that today we had 10 children, 6 adults and a dog round for lunch!!!

Lucia managed to find a lovely squishy muddy puddle and got totally plastered up to her waist...her nice pink trousers were black!!! But thanks to good old persil and vanish they are now pink again!

So see you in a week!! enjoy the sunshine!

how many activities!!!!!

2007-07-26T15:36:00.000Z

lets see today we have.....

* played Lego
*computer games
* made a yogurt exfoliater
* buckaroo
* made cakes
* tidied up (me)
* played playdoh
* tidied up (me)
* made an avocado face mask
* iced cakes
* more play doh
* made rose water eye masks
* more play doh
* enforced play in the garden (with doors shut so I had some peace!)
* spinning paintings
* blowing paint pictures
* babies
* repeat all beauty treatments
* more Lego
* oh and more tidying up for me...how fun!!

holidays are here eek!!!

2007-07-23T12:19:00.000Z

Monday....I am trying to be positive about the holidays. I love them really but they can be quite exhausting epecially when it is RAINING!!!!
Ok so I decided that as we go on holiday next monday I would start the packing today! First job was to clear the car out...then it was entertaining the children while it bucketed down.
That was solved by putting up a beach shelter tent in the lounge and they played camping..lasted for ages and kept them all occupied.

Tuesday...IT WAS SUNNY!!! they all slept in and we had a slow start but while it was sunny went to the park....as you can guess it was heaving! Everyone had the same idea..but it got them out and exercised. We are also feeding Liz's cats..yesterday one of them decided it would be nice to bring in a half daed bird..thanks I really needed that!

Wednesday...more rain! I had made my mind up that if it rained we would get all togged up and go out in the rain and jump in puddles but it was that horrible rain which is fine, very wet and makes absoluteley no puddles. So we went to M&S for Phoebes uniform and then Tescos for the rest of it. We only made it through with the *incentive* of doughnuts. (found out it is not *bribing* bc bribing is giving someone a reward to make them do something against the law but an *incentive* is giving them a reward to get them to do something which they need to do...I like this!!!) We then visited Emma R for the afternoon..thankyou for letting us come...it was so lovely getting out of the house and..... you just rock!!!

don't you just love inspiration...

2007-07-17T11:37:00.000Z

I was reading Phoebe her bedtime story and we had such fun looking at the illustrations. I have always like the *Charlie and Lola* books bc their illustrations are so quirky and funky. I love the way patterned paper is used and the mixture of collage and pen lines. I am going to try to do a Charlie and Lola inspire page ...and it has just got to be about Lucia. Also the stories are really funny!

Also noticed Basic Grey have got another new line coming out just revealed at CHA called *Periphery* oh so good ...their stuff just keeps on getting better.

little pickle....

2007-07-16T17:29:00.000Z

what can I say .... as fast as I tidy up, sort out, put away, Lucia with her charming smile and blond hair comes and tips out, messes up, and generally destroys.

I have never known a child quite like her (although she does remind me of Elisha) the only word to describe her is marauding. She wanders round and meddles with anything and everything she can find....So this week we have had

* a whole box of honey puffs tipped out on the floor

* turn the washing machine on with nothing in it

* tipped out a box of toys I was sorting twice

* taken the cushions off the sofa more times than I can count

* raided the pringles

* pulled all the heads off my geraniums

* thrown numerous things on the floor

* refused to eat dinner and thrown it on the floor

* escaped from her buggy with alarming speed

* poured water all over the kitchen floor

* eaten a whole box of jaffa cakes with Ewan

* thrown a soft dolly in a swimming pool

Say no more I think that is quite enough for you to get the picture!!!

I am getting quite worried about the holidays...she might just drive me a little crazy! Any ideas of what I can do?

Summer Inspiration...

2007-07-11T18:13:00.000Z

Yes I am doing scrapbooking but I can't show any of it..yet. So just to give you something to look at why not check out Heidi Swapps new website. Its full of layout ideas and instructions of how to do things. Check it out and have fun playing. She also has this fab kit every month full of her products....and she has just has baby number 5 who is just adorable!!!

2007-07-08T21:27:00.000Z

Angels...

I read this and knew I needed to pass it on. It is an auction of *angel art* in memory of a girl called Brianna. You can read her story here.

The angel auction is running for a week from July the 9th. All the art work has been donated by different artists.

2007-07-08T19:21:00.000Z

telling the stories....
I have been doing this album for some friends of mine to celebrate their 20th Wedding Anniversary. The only thing is... I can't show any of the layouts online in case they see them.

One layout I did do was called "In the Beginning" or it could be called "The First..." This one has a photo of them when they were first together and tells the stories of...the first time they met, the first date, when they got engaged.

It was such fun that I am going to do one about me and Colin and then my parent and Colin's parents.

These are the stories we should be preserving, the *bread and butter* relationship stories about our families, stories which make you smile and laugh.

I have been wanting to record things about my family tree but it has seemed too much and I have not known where to start.

This is a great place to start as it is easy and very specific. Why not have a go. See how many people in your family tree you can find these stories for and then....

*tell the story*

I would love to hear them....

2007-07-07T23:02:00.000Z

Woo hoo!! Sunshine all day!!!

What did you do? We finally got a chance to put up Jamie's tent in the garden. He has been waiting since May. And have the first BBQ of the year (for us) we just thought make the most of the sun!

just love this...

2007-07-03T21:57:00.000Z

was reading some other people's blogs yesterday and I came across this post about *idleness vs industrious* and just thought it was great. I have felt so tired that although I have wanted to create I have not had the energy....there is the answer I just need to be a little more idle.

So tonight I was! I sat down and watched TV without anything to do while I was watching (yes Liz I did!!)

I'm sure I could have done many more useful things or more interesting but I just needed to sit down with no agenda. And I feel better for it.

So my advice if you are too busy find some idle time!

Love this picture of Jamie taken at Virginia Waters (no! not taken this month as you will notice he is not in waterproofs!!!)

rain, rain go away....

2007-07-02T21:56:00.000Z

is it just me or is anyone else just a little tired of all the rain?

I had to take one of our cars for an MOT today which meant walking everywhere (got my exercise today!!) I was hot then cold, coat on coat off, brilliant sunshine....chucking it down with rain. We (me and the children) went to the park after Phoebe's ballet as it was earlier today.

There was blue sky and bright sunshine...thay had so much fun and then suddenly the clouds came over and it tipped it down. We walked home in the rain, which was quite fun as it was warm! But just so unpredictable.

I wish I had had my camera as Lucia was prancing around the playground in a spotty tutu and pink sparkly wellies!! I must get a photo of that!!

So what have you all been doing I haven't heard from anyone...anyone been away somewhere nice? or going somewhere on holiday? let me know!

laughter...

2007-06-28T22:41:00.000Z

The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.
e e cummings

The most completely lost of all days is that on which one has not laughed.

A good laugh is sunshine in a house. (anon)

We have to laugh. Because laughter, we already know, is the first evidence of freedom. 'Rosario Castellanos'

Had such a funny few moments. In my mind was all the jobs I needed to do and Ewan and Lucia had taken the cushions off the sofa AGAIN and I thought why do I not ever join them in their little game. So that is what I did. We had so much fun giggling and tickling, and laughing. And it reminded me how much children love to laugh and need us to join in....

and adults we are allowed to laugh too even if there are no children around!

look at life...

2007-06-27T16:44:00.000Z

from a different perspective.

I have been trying to vary the angles and perspectives when I take my photos. sometimes it works well other times not but when I look at things from a different angle I see things in a new way. The misty picture was taken very early in the morning (not usually up then!!) and I actually drove back home to get my camera bc I wanted to take this picture.

Anyway it got me thinking so often we see our life from one angle especially if it involves a problem of some sort and we just cannot see past the obstacle. Why not try looking at it from a different angle? Make a tiny change and it could make a mountain look like a molehill

John Lubbock
What we see depends mainly on what we look for.

Arthur Schopenhauer
Every man takes the limits of his own field of vision for the limits of the world.

I like these verses from Psalm 62 :5-8 reminding me that God wants me to see things from his perspective.

5Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.
6 He alone is my rock and my salvation;he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
7 My salvation and my honor depend on God [a] ;he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
8 Trust in him at all times, O people;pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

lovely stash...

2007-06-26T10:17:00.000Z

Here it is....
First two paper ranges from College Press *Fresh* (blue) and *Citrus* (pink). Each one is double sided and costs 60p per sheet. The chipboard letters co-ordinate and are lovely, thick chipboard and cost only £3.50.
I am making up some page packs from these papers along with the new bazzill bling cardstock...just keep looking as they are limited in stock! (I am still working on the price...but it will be very good value)

Lovely chunky rickrack to add extra texture to your page.....sold 75p per metre or at crops 8p per 10cm

Lovely gingham ...45p per m or 5p per 10cm

Itty bitty blossoms I have divided the larger container so each container has 5 flowers of each colour making a total of 40 flowers for £2.80 (bargain)

Bitty blossoms (slightly larger) I have mixed packs of these colour. Each pack has three complimentary colours and a total of 15 flowers (5 of each colour) cost

The gorgeous bazzill bling flowers match certain bazzill bling cardstock and were so lovely that I have put them into two packs so you can have more colours! These are the two packs. Each one has 2 flowers of each colour so a total of 6 flowers. Each pack costs £1.50. (if you would like a pack of all one colour please e-mail me and I will put it on the next order a pack of 10 of the same colour costs £2.35. there are some colours I have not got in this order.)

Bazzill Bling Cardstock...this has a lovely luscious sheen to it. The colours are pure luxury. I will be selling it in packs and also individually. Each sheet is slightly more than plain cardstock at 55p but it will definitely add glamour to any layout!

Each set of colours I will also sell as a pack. Each pack will include two of each colour, so a total of 8 pieces of cardstock. Each pack will cost £4.20 (cost per sheet is less in the pack) I only have one pack per colour at the moment but if you want some please e-mail me and I can get some more in in time for the next crop (odiham)

There are a few things I have not got photos for...packs of gems in pink, blue, green £1.50 (44 gems), and crystal £1.90 . Chipboard letters Bazzill Margarita white £4.90.

Just a note: if you do request something for me to order you are committing yourself to buying it. I will take payment at crops for pre-orders or you can sent me a cheque. If you want me to post it I am quite happy to do this but I will need to charge for P&P.

will post properly..

2007-06-25T21:28:00.001Z

I know I have not posted for nearly a week. I was so busy getting ready for the crop last week and then doing the crop...and recovering from the crop!!!
It was really chilled out though and I had so much fun. I was going to do some challenges things but in the end it was purely and simply scrapping. In between the jobs I had to do I managed to do 9 LO's on the friday and Saturday. I will try to post up some!

Today I got some new goodies in..the gorgeous Bazzill Bling paper in all colours, some Bazzill Bling blossoms, itty blossoms , itty bitty blossoms, gems, new patterned paper, some giant rickrack, chipboard letters...will try to post soon some pictures of it. If you see anything you like please e-mail me and let me know if you want it. I will be making a Jenni Bowlin order soon so if you missed out first time then e-mail me what you wanted.

back soon

new forest...

2007-06-19T18:30:00.000Z

Colin and I went away overnight to the New Forest. What a lovely, peaceful time we had! We stayed at Alderholt Mill.....absolutely gorgeous setting, really friendly people and beautiful tranquil garden. We just sat and chilled out!

In the evening we went to the Royal Oak in Gorley which was perfect. I wanted to go somewhere quiet and in the middle of the New Forest and this one, when we arrived fitted the bill. It was in a lovely setting, friendly helpful staff, and absolutely gorgeous food. I was lovely to sit through a whole meal without getting up or being interupted!!!!

oops!!

2007-06-16T10:47:00.000Z

downer..washing machine which was on its way out finally stopped working with a dramatic spin and nasty burning smell!! (at least it was at the end of the wash...how considerate!) New washing machine is not coming until tuesday so it was down to the laundrette this morning.

I managed to stuff my entire wash into two machines.....just!! 40 mins later it was done -wish my normal washing was that quick!

Normally I wouldn't bother but Colin and I are going away Monday and Tuesday, so I need to make sure there is enough clothes for the children while my parents are looking after them!

Came up with a funny game...I put the dirty sheets in the bath with water and soap and the children had a fantastic game running, jumping and squashing the sheets...it kept them busy for ages and now I have clean sheets and duvet cover!!!

Got two things in the post...my CK magazine....fab and a parcel with some Elsie, Cosmo Cricket and Crate paper...yum! Only problem I have to tidy up and I just want to go and play!!!

summer clear out..

2007-06-15T19:28:00.000Z

well I have been sorting the house and managed to tidy the kitchen...its the children's rooms next. Lots of toys to sort. Anyway I thought I would have a summer change on my blog. Fancied a bit of a light, bright airy feel...what do you think?

Also I have been trying to work out how to do a banner (picture at top) but couldn't work it out...anyway had a little play and yey! have done it! So pleased.... I want to do some of my own art on it but I thought I would start with the daisies!

Have a good weekend! :)

got that summer feeling...

2007-06-14T23:06:00.001Z

1. & 2. Daisies in my garden

3. New spotty flip flops

4. Recoved my chair today

5. Love this jug and plate.

inspired by this

2007-06-13T23:37:00.000Z

Was feeling a little fed up yesterday until I read this and it made me smile!! Which would you do?

Party....

2007-06-12T12:27:00.000Z

When the children arrive I had decorated the hall and we had music from Pirates of the Caribbean playing. Each child was given a pirate name and put on a "boat".

They all had a map to plot the route on and a mini flag to make.

I sent them on a treasure hunt all around the grounds. At each point they found a part of the pirate costume and at the end they found the treasure in a black wooden chest that I have. the only thing I forgot to do was give them their loot bags!! So I hid them at the end near the treasure.

After that we played some games. One was sea legs which is a relay race where you have to run round with your head on a stick and then run to the end. By the time you have run around the stick you feel very dizzy!

Then we did another relay where you had to walk along a wooden plank on the ground and throw a water balloon to the next person....quite nice as it was so hot.

by the next game it was getting too hot and the "crews"were getting mutinous so we did our last activity....

Each team was given cardboard boxes and masking tape and asked to make a boat they could sit in. This was such fun and then they had their tea in the boats. For the food I had give out cards with the invitations with food choices on. Each child then got a named bag with their food in it...also rubbish all went in the bag so their was not much mess to tidy up.

Jamie's cake was a boat....

Party bag was the loot bag and contents.

It was fun and I definitely could not have done it with out the help of friends and family...so thank you so much to all who helped I could not have done it without you.

such fun...

2007-06-11T19:49:00.000Z

party went really well and I was all prepared to sit down and do a nice blog about it but i am going to make you wait one more day bc....

at 10 to 3 today MY CRICUT ARRIVED!!!! (what cruel timing though as I have had not one minute to play)

So if you don't mind I will blog party tomorrow but now the kids are finally in bed...I just want to have a play!!!! See you tomorrow!

Just look at this....

2007-06-07T22:18:00.000Z

My sister -in -law Di is going to abseil down this tower on the 1st of July!!!!!! I can tell you this now I could never do this as I am so so scared of heights ( I have abseiled once and I was ok once I started but the first bit freaked me out)

She is doing it to raise funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care and I am so immensely proud of her that I was wondering if you could help us to get her to the target she has put or beyond. I think it needs a big response from all of us. Just click on here to find out more.

Thank you ....we need to do all we can to help people who are terminally ill with cancer to have the best treatment and care they can get.

I've been....

2007-06-04T20:11:00.000Z

sewing....sewing...sewing...and more sewing!! Getting ready for Jamies party and I found this most awsome fabric!! Girly pink skull and crossbone. I just had to have it for all my girl pirates!!! But that means sewing 32 bandanas, 32 sashes and 32 loot bags and 32 eye patches.....yes, I know what was I thinking! But hey I think its going to be the best party ever! (bias of course)

also my box of pirate goodies came today full of gold coins, necklaces and rings... and a HUGE pirate flag...such fun!!! I think I am enjoying this more than Jamie!!

I am still waiting for the music to arrive. I ordered a CD of Disney Pirate songs and the sound track to the Black Pearl...hope they get here soon!!!

So this week I will do very short blogs!

What a day!!!!

2007-06-01T21:08:00.001Z

Well we were a little late leaving so we didn't get there until 11:30, so some of the rides were quite busy. We went straight to the log flume ride and got wet!!! Then we queued up for the *Cobra* a big roller coaster.....so I strapped my camera on tight and took some photos on the way round!!! Fab ride so fast and high!!

Phoebe *loves* her aunty Bekah and spent the whole day at her side!! Bekah is so good with her.

I was having camera trouble again and didn't realise that the camera I was using only had a small card on it...doh!!!! I was not able to get many pictures especially of Colin and my mum and dad...(mum took some and so did dad so hopefully between us we will have some of everyone!!)

I love this one of Colin on the *log flume ride* Phoebe loved this ride and went on it a few times.

Memories of the day......

* Sitting with Ewan on the Stinger roller coaster and watching his little face beam when we got to the top...much to my surprise he LOVED it

*Persuading Jamie all the way up the Wave Runner (which was scarily high off the ground and had holes in the steps) that he would enjoy it when he got there....it took LOTS of pep talk...he loved it

* Lucia trying to work out how to get into the pond area which had a gate on it....no, lock won't open...well wait for someone to come out...hey I'm in!!!!

* Being out all together as a family

*Phoebe going on every big ride without any fear and doing the most amazing screams!!!

*Racing against Colin on the go-karts (I was the passenger and dad was driving) and overtaking him and Phoebe

*At the end of the day when all the rides had finished...just watching the children play on the sand paly park in the late afternoon sun.

* Walking through the Japanese garden at the end of the day and seeing the iris and lilly in the pond

* Ending the day at McDonalds to Jamie's delight!!!

* Winding down on the sofa after the children had crashed and watching Big Brother with Colin.

Hope you all had a good day!!

sunshine through rain....

2007-05-31T19:19:00.000Z

I have had one of those days today where everything that could go wrong went wrong....last night we found that our mot had not been renewed and the tax disc was due today!

Not normally a problem but it is half term and tomorrow we are going to Paultons Park with my parents mmm...not good! After a quick ring round I found no one had any free MOT slots :( ...then I noticed an ad for a garage in Woking I had used before and thought aaah I was going to see my parents anyway so I will drop the chilldren off and then the car and have a cuppa while I wait.

Good plan except..the car failed on emissions (slightly) and needed some work done on it B4 they would give me the MOT... but I had to leave it over night with them...leaving me well stranded!

So finally made it home at 7 pm after waiting for Colin to pick us up (fortunately Phoebe was at a friends!!) So exhausted I open the door and here is the sunshine bit....

There on the doormat was a box of Kazoo Kids chipboard pieces, which I absolutely love!!!!

Thank you sooo much Marie! It really made my day and put a smile on my face!

I love the way God works little things out so that there is maximum impact. Stephanie had come round to drop it off but just missed me so I got the present when I needed it the most! Amazing!

So have a great weekend we are off to Paultons Park tomorrow no matter what...rain, shine...so I will take lots of photos and post them up.

tea, wax and pirates...

2007-05-26T21:50:00.000Z

I have been really busy this week and have not had any time to blog......so annoying! So I thought I would fill you in on what I have been doing.

I am in the middle of planning Jamie's Pirate party and the first big job was the invitations. My first idea was to roll them up and put them in a bottle but I needed too many bottles...so I stained some paper with a tea bag and then printed the invitation onto it.

I burnt around the edge by holding it above a candle...I did several at a time but you need a damp cloth to gently extinguish any flames!!! (my whole house smelt of smoke)

I then folded it up and sealed it with a blob of wax. I tried to make a seal in the wax with a metal stamp but I didn't have the proper sealing wax. I melted a candle in a saucepan and dribbled it on with a spoon.

I was really pleased with how they came out and think they LOOK SO COOL!!!

Most importantly Jamie likes them! :)

I love doing things like this and the reasons...one child went home and said "its even on real pirate paper" another mum said it was the best party invitation they had ever received.

Now, I have always felt the pressure to do the *big party thing* at a play centre or hire a hall and entertainer and I just don't have the money to do it...but do you know what I secretly love doing my own thing!!!

I have always liked being different and I want my children to know that being unique can be fun...it is always a risk but definitely worth it !!!

Also I have found this website full of ideas, check it out next time you have a party.

fav things today....

2007-05-22T12:05:00.000Z

I was just thinking today about lovely little things I have just acquired or seen ( as I have had no time or energy to be creative!)

Felt flowers from Woolworth's (£1.99) I thought they were cute....

Wire basket from Snip in Fleet (50p!!!) I bought it without knowing what it was for..I love aged things

Glass jars (Avon from a car boot sale £1 each) ...loved the design on the tops very art nouveau

Flowers in the field...thank goodness for some sunshine today as there has been so much rain every thing has gone mad in my garden!!!

Have a lovely day and tell me what new things you have just bought....

How do you beat the housework blues?

2007-05-21T13:31:00.000Z

Ok tday is Monday my official housework day...clear up from the weekend, catch up on washing, cleaning....BUT I HATE HOUSEWORK!!! I need little incentives to keep me going.....]

1. Nice cup of coffee
2. Chocolate biscuit
3. Music
4. Chance to do something nice the next day....

Honestly I like it when my house is tidy but I don't really like the process!!

What things do you do to help you get the housework done?

back in a bit with some photos just got to finish the hoovering :(

Wonder Pet Party

2007-05-19T19:01:00.000Z

Ewan and Lucia were invited to their friends *Wonder Pet Party*. Ewan dressed up as a frog (I know its not strictly wonder pet but he liked it) Lucia was a Duck...so cute!!!
The cake was fantastic and the attention to detail..even the cups had homemade wonder pet stickers on them.
I was lovely to see my two youngest at a party and mixing with other children. They both enjoyed the bouncy castle and Ewan found a new game throwing the ball out and an adult throwing it in. The bubbles kept ewan occupied for a long time and I realised he can now hold the bottle without tipping all the bubble mixture out.He did run a few people over with the motorised car. Lucia managed to get a few of the dads to help her with things...that girl is NOT shy!!
More photos to come when I have downloaded them...

appreciate life....

2007-05-18T16:13:00.000Z

I have been thinking about this, this week. How often do we take the little thing for granted? To me the most important things in life are the people in my life.

Sometimes life can be so busy that we don't spend time with our family or appreciate them and value them as we should....

This week my oldest daughter Elisha would have been 9 years old (the same birthday as Jamie my oldest son) ...I wish I had had more time to do things with her but she did teach me the value of enjoying simple things.

Also as the hunt for Madeline continues I am reminded to appreciate each day as it comes and to continue to pray for her to be found.

Take time this weekend to do some silly, funny, crazy, happy, quiet, thoughtful things with the ones you love and remember the simple things are always the best and to a child there is no such thing as *quality time* only *TIME*

any suggestions...

2007-05-16T22:04:00.000Z

Colin and myself have been invited to a *super heros and villians party* in a few weeks.

Any suggestions for who we could go as?

Who would you go as if you were invited?

Or if you could be a super hero for a day who would you be and why?

"Creativity is a lifestyle, not simply an activity.Let it expand you!

2007-05-14T16:21:00.000Z

I read this quote on Ali Edwards blog (one of 10 things) from a magazine called Body & Soul and I really liked it.

It is so true...do you look at things and appreciate colour, pattern, texture and shape?

Do you save things that might look nice on a scrapbook page?

Does your creative nature spill over into other areas of your life?

i like the fact that my creativity is not something that is in a box...it is something that I can acess throughout the day...something that defines me!

Celebrate this and open your eyes to the world around you....be creative and enjoy the process not just what you produce...don't be afraid to try something new!!!

(artwork today I found as I was surfing the net ...just like the colour and design)

Have fun today just creating....