Lifes everyday chaos

Wiggly Worm!

2011-09-11T18:13:00.001Z

Flynn loves playing with play dough. Just recently he has started to make things out of it rather than just cut it up or put it in the toys that came with one if the sets. He had been making people but shouted me on Friday to come and look at his wiggly worm - he even found some things for the eyes! Flynn has such a great imagination.

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Back to school

2011-09-08T09:44:00.001Z

It was back to school this week for Ethan. One of the highlights was that he got to use his new backpack. He loved it as soon as he saw it and didn't want to look at any more.

So it's back to the old routines of pack lunches (I hate this job), homework, rushing in the mornings etc

Flynn starts back at nursery next week and can't wait!

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Scrapping!

2011-08-29T15:41:00.003Z

I've done lots of scrapping this Bank Holiday weekend and enjoyed getting some of my photos from our trip to London earlier this month done. This layout is using Shimelle's sketch this week and I love how it turned out. (Not the best photo as I used my iPhone)

Wonder how long I'll keep up blogging for!!!

DIY

2011-07-17T22:39:00.001Z

A few months back we started work on our front room. We had been wanting to do it for a while and when the ceiling started falling down we got to work!

We took the chimney breast and then took the room back to brick and the whole ceiling down.

It was a very messy, dusty few weeks and at times I wondered what we were doing! We soon had it plaster boarded and the plasterer in. It then stayed like that for a while with life getting in the way of completing it. A few weeks ago John started work on it again and it is now almost done :-)

More to follow, should be fully done in the next week or two. After a weekend of shopping too I've got most of the accessories for the room too!

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Well done Ethan!

2011-07-14T09:19:00.001Z

At the weekend Ethan took part in this years sailing regatta at our sailing club. He did a great job and took part in all of the 3 races. Overall (39 sailors took part of all abilities) Ethan didn't come in last in hi little boat :-) In the junior section he got a 2nd place and was presented with a trophy!

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Scrapping

2010-11-21T20:00:00.001Z

I had a lovely evening last night with great friends - although the evening went far too quickly! I managed a couple of layouts, so not a bad evenings scrapping for me.

Thank you Carla for having us and to Debs and Sally too for a fabby evening.

Hoping to go to a new crop starting in a few weeks which is just round the corner from where I live :-)

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A good day!

2010-11-20T17:29:00.001Z

Today has been a good day starting off with the fantastic news Flynn will start nursery in January at the local school. This is going to be great for him but I'm realising he is growing up too quickly!

John then went off to the Sailing Club to look at a boat he was thinking of buying - he didn't in the end, it was a great price but needed a lot of work. He doesn't need it till spring and we have a slightly bigger budget so we are still on the look out.

Whilst John was there me and the boys went for breakfast at our local Wetherspoons.

It was then shopping time. Hobbycraft for some card and ribbon for Christmas gifts and a few other things fell into the basket! Then for this weeks food shop. We then nipped to my Grandma and Grandad's but they weren't in.

The rest of the day has been spent chilling and getting ready for tonight. A lovely evening with Carla, Sally and Debs.

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Orthoptics

2010-11-18T14:16:00.001Z

Today I have taken Flynn for his orthoptics appointment at the local hospital. He has been been having regular check ups because of family history of squints etc.

Flynn did great today and named all the different sized pictures shown to him. He then had to have drops in to dilate his pupils - this test showed he is long sighted but not unusual for his age. The person doing this test was clearly not familiar with what a 3 year old would/wouldn't understand!

He has finally been discharged after over 2 years and we can now just have regular checks at the local opticians.

In a few weeks I will be back here with Ethan at the Ear, Nose and Throat department!

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Where do I start?

2010-11-18T10:19:00.001Z

Do I recap the last 18 months or so I haven't blogged or just start again from now - decisions!

Here's a photo for now of Ethan in his sailing boat - there will be many many posts to come on sailing!!!

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I'm back!!

2010-11-16T20:58:00.001Z

I've been wanting to start blogging again for a while but never seem to find the time. Now I've got Blogpress on my iPhone I'm hoping that's going to change - let's see!

I'll leave you with a photo of my gorgeous boys from a weekend walk at Elvaston Castle to get a photo for our Christmas cards this year.

PS - thanks Sally for recommending this app xxx

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

SNOW!

2009-02-05T13:58:00.015Z

Wow what a great week it has been with all the snow we've had (apart from having to drive in it to work earlier in the week!)

On Monday we got the first lot of snow and this was Flynn's first time in the snow! We went out onto the decking before Ethan went to school and both boys had lots of fun.

Flynn in the snow for the first time, he was quick to copy Ethan and try and make a snowball!

Ethan making snowballs and Flynn enjoying himself.

The boys playing together in the snow.

I finished work a little earlier than usual and went and picked the boys up. We then walked to the Weir field and met friends, the boys (and Mum's) had a great time sledging down the little hills! Flynn enjoyed sledging too and sat with Ethan on the sledge.

Ethan and Flynn sledging - fun!

Then today (Thursday) we woke to a lovely covering of snow and it was still snowing. We also found out that Ethan didn't have school as the teachers couldn't in - this was the best news, it meant we could go out and enjoy the snow. We headed out after breakfast, dropping Flynn off with my sister on the way - Flynn loved being pulled on the sledge on the way. We met some friends again at the Weir field and we built snowmen and went sledging down the little hills. We arrived home cold and wet but had a fab time.

Our back garden when we looked out of the window this morning.

Flynn enjoying pulled on the sledge.

On our way to the Weir and the Weir field.

Ethan having fun.

Ethan trying some different sledging positions!

Me and Ethan sledging and the snowman we built.

November 2008

2009-01-01T22:31:00.008Z

November has been a month of getting things sorted for Christmas so I can enjoying December instaed of running around doing things at the last minute. So no big events etc this month.

Bonfire night was at the beginning of the month and for the second year running we had it at home. We had some friends round - Ethan's best friend - so that was really nice for Ethan and Flynn. We had some more fireworks the following night as Ethan's friends brother was ill and was upset he'd missed them.

The boys watching the fireworks, Flynn didn't want to miss out and enjoyed watching and pointing at them too.

Having fun with the sparklers.

We went swimming this month and had lots of fun, Etahn and Flynn particularly had a great time. We went on the slides and Ethan went on, on his own and I took Flynn down on my knee - he loved it.

I took this photo just after a little photo shoot of the boys to try and get a good photo of them both for the Christmas cards. I didn't get a good shot but liked this one of them sat on the sofa together.

October 2008

2008-12-11T14:42:00.021Z

This was the month Flynn turned one - where did that year go?! The day of his birthday was lovely and very relaxed. He opened all his in the morning with a little help from Ethan. We then went and had some photos of the boys took as I've been wanting a nice photo of them both to go on the wall. Later in the day family arrived with their presents for Flynn and we had a birthday cake for him that we did when we had our tea.

Flynn opening and playing on his main present from us - a battery operated bike and he loves it and figured out how it worked straight away.

Flynn enjoying his birthday presents from his grandparents.

Flynn enjoying his birthday cake.

We decided to have a party for him with all his friends and family the weekend after his birthday. It was a great party and apart from a bit of a rush just before the party started it went really well.

Flynn and Ethan enjoying the party and Flynn blowing his candle out - sort of!

The presents Flynn got - need I say any more!

We went to Goose Fair earlier in the month as we always do and it was Flynn's first time. We took the back carrier instead of trying to get the pushchair through all the crowds and it was great. Flynn loved all the lights, music and watching the rides. Ethan as always had a great time and enjoyed the rides and some food/treats!

Flynn in his back carrier and Ethan on one of the rides he went on.

At the end of the month it was Halloween and Ethan was really looking forward to it especially going out trick or treating. Both boys had new outfits this year and looked great, both loved wearing them.

Spider Flynn and Pirate Ethan.

Some random October photos:

Flynn fast asleep in his pushchair.

Flynn emptying the DVD shelves as he does several times a day!

Flynn just looking cute in the winter hat I got him - I love it and Flynn loves pulling it off.

September 2008

2008-11-04T19:39:00.008Z

It really has been so long since I last updated that I'm just going to do a quick round up of the previous months then try and get back on track!

September was the start of the next school year and Ethan is now a year 2, can't believe next year he will be in junior school! It was also his 7th birthday and he had a great time and enjoyed having a few friends round for a little party. Here are just a couple of photos from the day:

Blowing out the candles on his cake.

Opening his new red Nintendo DS. He used his birthday money to get this and thought he'd have to wait till after to get it but I bought it before for him so he could have it on his birthday - he was VERY happy.

One of his other birthday presents was a skateboard, something he has wanted for a long time. The day after his birthday he tried it out in the garden.

September also saw Flynn start at the childminders 2 days a week. He has settled in so well and wouldn't even wave to me on his first day!

We had a day out in Skegness at the end of September, it was a lovely day if not a little cold. Ethan had been wanting to go in the summer holidays but we never got round to it with all the other summer activities we had planned.

John, Ethan and Flynn on the beach, just before burying Ethan in the sand!

Ethan joining Flynn on one of the little rides - Flynn loved going on a few of these little rides.

I started back at work with my proper hours since starting back after maternity leave. During the last week in July and through August I was doing my hours over 2 days instead of 3 so i could have more time with the boys during the holidays. My usual hours allow me to still be able to take and pick Ethan up from school which is why I spread them over 3 days.

Also this month I have a slightly new hair style, a different colour through my hair and I'm now growing my fringe out - I'm really liking the new colours this time.

I had a great girly night out at the beginning of the month to say goodbye to a good friend who is off to live in New Zealand. It was a lovely night and great to get together with everyone. My friend then went at the end of the month to New Zealand with her family.

Oh dear.....

2008-11-04T08:03:00.001Z

I really have let this go! It's been a busy couple of months with Ethan and Flynn's birthdays - will be back to update sometime this week :D

Just for fun

2008-09-03T20:56:00.005Z

I saw this on Anilu's blog and thought I'd have a go:

1) Are your parents married or divorced? Married

(2) Vegetarian? No but I was for a while about 12 years ago

3) Heaven? Hopefully

4) Come close to dying? No

5) What jewelry do you wear 24/7? My engagement and wedding rings

6) Are you eating? Not right now but I just had some melon

7) Do you eat the stems of broccoli? Yes

8) Makeup? A little but I just don't have time in the mornings!

9) Were you usually the dumper or the dumpee in your past relationships? Dumpee

10) Would you ever have plastic surgery? A breast ruduction!

11) What do you wear to bed? PJs

12) Have you ever done anything illegal? Nothing major

13) Can you roll your tongue? Yes

14) Pluck your eyebrows? Yes

15) What kind of watch(es) do you wear: I have a few, Guess, Diesel and Calvin Klein

16) Abortion? I wouldn't

17) Hair color? Blond

18) Future child's name? Well I have a 7 year old and 10month old boys, my fave girls names 10 months ago were Elsie and Macy, boys name at the moment - Riley!

19) Do you snore? Hopefully not!

20) If you could go anywhere in the world on a vacation? America, I love America and go as often as possible

21) Do you sleep with stuffed animals? No

22) If you won the lottery, what would you do first? There would be a few things - house, holiday, car, the list goes on.

23) Gold or silver? Gold

24) Hamburger or hot dog? Hot dog

25) If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would you choose? Pizza and salad

26) Beach, city, or country? Bit of everything LOL

27) Who was the last person you touched? John

28) Where do you eat? Conservatory or family room

29) When's the last time you cried? Can't remember, maybe when Flynn was a few weeks old and I was feeding him!

30) Have you loved somebody so much it makes you cry? Yes, my boys

31) Would you ever go out dressed like the opposite sex? No

32) Ever been involved with the police? No

33)Believe in Santa Claus? Of course, Santa left snowy footprints last year!

34) Do you talk in your sleep? I'm sure I must have done at some point

35) Beach or pool? Pool

36) Can you cross your eyes? Yes, without even trying

37) What's your favorite song at the moment? I'm Alive

38) Window seat or aisle? Window seat

39) Ever met any famous bands/singers? D:Reama and some of Boyzone

40) Do you feel that you've ever had a truly successful relationship? Yes

41) Do you twirl your spaghetti or cut it? Cut it

42) Rickie Lake or Oprah Winfrey? Neither

43) Would you ever admit to having done plastic surgery of any kind if confronted? I think so

44) How long does your shower last? Not long, I like a bath to relax in

45) Do you drive a stick? Yes

46) Cake or ice cream? Ice Cream

47) Self-conscious? Yes

48) What time do you get up? At the moment about 5.45am, my 10month old loves early mornings - not complaining he goes to bed at 7pm

49) Have you ever given money to a bum? I'm sure I have

50) When was your first crush? At Junior school!

51) Where do you wish you were? In Virginia/New York/San Diego

52) Have you ever broken someone's heart? ?

53) Ever been given a ring? Yes :)

54) Longest relationship? 10 years and still going strong

55) Last gift you received: That would probably be my Canon DSLR for my birthday

56) Last sport you played? Dancing

57) Things you spend a lot of money on? Scrapping and holidays

58) Where do you live?Nottingham

59) High school you attend(ed): Comp

60) Last wedding attended: Some good friends last year

61) Favorite fast food restaurant: McDonald's but I hardly ever go there

62) Where do you work: In a Health Centre

63) Can you cook? Yes and I enjoy it

64) Most hated food: Olives

65) Can you sing? NO!!!!!

66) Last concert attended: I think it was Daniel Beddingfield

67) Last kiss? My boys at bedtime

68) Favorite Alcoholic drink: Rose

69) Current crush? Now that would be telling LOL

A few layouts

2008-09-03T06:43:00.008Z

Here are a few layouts I did during August, there are more but I haven't photographed them yet.

Ethan on the monkey bars, I didn't even know he could do this when we were at our local park, thankfully I had took my camera along.

John and the boys in the paddling pool earlier in the summer when we actually had some nice weather LOL This was Flynn's first time and he had fun.

Flynn is a very determined little boy as these photos show! He was trying to climb up the stairs and would have gone all the way had I let him. He also wanted his toy off his pushchair so he climbed on it and got the toy!

Flynn and how easily he can fall to sleep in the strangest places sometimes. This layout was a scraplift of April's layout for the Studio Calico hand picked kit.

All layouts using my Studio Calico kits and a few extras - Doodlebug alphabets, Bazzill cardstock and gems. I'm really loving the Studio Calico kit and it's really changed how I scrap. I very rarely now buy any scrapbooking products other than the kit. It has everything in it I need and if I do want a little more or I can't resist then I buy an add on. What I love too is past kits often co-ordinate with each other so I often mix and match. The community over at Studio Calico is fab too, so friendly and welcoming plus the gallery's are fab/inspiring.

I will photograph the other layouts and post soon.

Where did the time go?

2008-09-02T12:15:00.012Z

I can't believe it's the end of the summer holidays already and Ethan starts back at school tomorrow, he'll be in year 2 - last year of infants. Everything is ready and I'll just spend a little time later sorting it all out so it's ready by the door for the morning.

At the weekend we went to Warwick Castle, somewhere we have planned to go all summer and we finally fitted it in. The day didn't get off to a great start with poor Flynn being stung by a wasp on his lip. It was a little worrying to start with as it swelled up (as you can see in the photo) very quickly and he seemed to be struggling to eat. By the end of the day the swelling had gone and down and he was back to his normal self. Ethan enjoyed doing and seeing various things at the Castle and was a lovely way to end the summer.

Here are some photos from Warwick Castle:

Flynn after he was stung by a wasp.

Ethan inside the Castle and walking along the Castle.

Ethan by the fountain and with Flynn in the gardens.

Birds - they are beautiful.

Ethan with the Castle in the background and me with my boys.

I will be back tomorrow with some layouts.

The boys

2008-08-08T07:17:00.014Z

Some recent photos of the boys:

We went to TGI's as a treat for Ethan as he got such a fantastic school report, we had a great meal.

Flynn has been pulling himself to stand for a while now and gets himself into all sorts of places! He is also able to sit on his little bike now and keep himself on, lots of fun especially when Ethan is pushing him!

Ethan at Sports Day, they did an Olympic games event where all the children were split into 4 different countries. They then all did the various events and the children that came 1st, 2nd and 3rd place got points. The points were then added together and the countries placed in 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th. Ethan also went to his first football match which he was super excited about, it was a great game - Nottingham Forest v Everton - and the result was a draw so at least he saw some goals scored!

Flynn is so active and strong, here he is pulling himself up on his pushchair and climbing the stairs (supervised of course) - at 8 months!

We went to The Black Country Museum a few weeks back, Ethan loves history so the perfect place for him to visit. It was a great day but VERY hot and we're looking forward to going again when it's not too hot. Ethan in the old school writing and playing a game - from the "olden days" as Ethan would say LOL

Flynn and Ethan at The Black Country Museum.

Not a sight you often see now, Ethan asleep in the car. Fortunately I'd just been to visit a friend and her new baby so had my camera on me to capture both boys fast asleep in the car as we arrived home.

Just love this first photo of Flynn, going to get this framed probably in B&W. The other is of Flynn being trapped in and prevented from going upstairs by another stair gate - the other is upstairs and I think we may need another for the kitchen - he loves to open cupboards etc and follow me around!

Ethan on the monkey bars - I had no idea he was able to do this till we went to the park last week. It's quite high so was surprised to see him up there!

Been busy scrapping

2008-08-06T13:58:00.007Z

Can't believe it's been over a month since I blogged, I'd been doing so well too!!! I've uploaded some layouts, all done with my Studio Calico kits apart from add some thickers on a couple of the layouts.

These are photos I've been wanting to scrap for a while but not got round to it. Flynn when he rolled over, I wanted to capture and record how he did this. The when he went into his cotbed from his crib.

I loved these photos of Flynn having a bath especially as he almost always has a bath with Ethan in the big bath. He loved splashing around and being able to sit up without being restrained!!! I'm quite pleased with the Let's go layout of Flynn with his sit on/push along toy. The mini black MM letters are parts of the little songs it sings.

I wanted to scrap a page about the Wii so used these photos I'd taken when I first got my Canon 4ooD, it's quite simple but tells the story :) The page from when we went to the Peak District came out so much better than I'd expected especially as I'd been struggling to use this paper.

This layout is about me going back to work after my maternity leave finish a few weeks a go, I wanted to write down all what I was feeling etc before I forgot. I have also journalled a lot on the back too as there was lots i wanted to record.

I'm tending to journal a lot on the back of layouts now if there is more i want to say but there is no room or it wouldn't look right on the page. At least I'm getting down all what I want too even if it is on the reverse side of the layout.

I'll be back in a day or too with photos of the boys and general update and may be even more layouts LOL

Must stop spending!!!

2008-07-01T12:27:00.010Z

Well all I seemed to have done the past week is spend, spend, spend - not all scrapping stuff! My other order arrived from Every Moment Matters with my Bind it All wires and Teresa Collins Travel die cuts and bracket covers :) I used one set of the bracket covers straight away to finish off an album for my Dad's half sister who came up to stay a few weeks ago - my first project with my Bind it All. The album is about her visit and includes photo from her visit. I have left lots of space for journaling and my dad, other Auntie and Grandad are in the process of writing in it then it will be sent to her. Here is a photo of the front (can't include any more photos as i haven't permission from everyone in the photos):

Then on Sunday we went to Ikea and got all the furniture needed for my new scrap room and john put it together in the afternoon. I now just have to sort all my scrapping stuff out and find places for it all. I still need to get some storage boxes/baskets from Ikea to put things in but I wanted to start my sorting first so I'd know exactly what I'd need. Here is the furniture I got:

Yesterday I went shopping in town as there were quite a few things I needed. I managed to get almost everything which as was really pleased about - it doesn't happen often. I got myself some new clothes ready for when I start back at work later in the month. I also got birthday presents and presents for Ethan's teachers - they just needed altering a little :)

Then last night I ordered this stroller for Flynn ready for when we go to America. I wanted to get it now though so we can get some use out of it. I managed to get a really good deal on it - over £30 cheaper than the shops.

New goodies

2008-06-26T13:44:00.005Z

Since doing Teresa Collins' class earlier in the month I 've really liked the look of the Bind It All - this is what we used to bind the album we made. Since then I have been working on a few little albums/journals and felt that I needed a Bind It All. So I am selling a lot of my old stash that I've not used for a while as well as other stuff and thought this would be a good way to justify my purchase LOL. I couldn't wait though as I found it for such a good price at Craft Superstore so went and ordered it and it arrived today. I also ordered from Papermaze and got some acylic covers to use with the Bind It All plus an American Crafts Slick writer pen - I got a brown one in my last Studio Calico kit which has been great. That order also arrived today, so great service from both companies :)

Yesterday I went on a school trip to Twycross Zoo with Ethan's school. I help in Ethan's class and had 5 children with me - Ethan and 4 of his friends. It was a lovely day and great trip, everybody including teachers and helpers, had a great time. I was very tired after though which wasn't helped by being ill. If I'm honest I probably shouldn't have gone but there was no way I could let Ethan down - he was so excited about me coming to help and has been desperate for me to help on a trip.

I've still not managed any layouts this week, I've just not felt up to it. Hopefully I can get back scrapping soon but I have a lot of sorting over the next week that might get in the way. I'm going to be having my own scraproom which I'm really excited about. Our front room has not been used much, apart from for drying and sorting washing, since the back room has been decorated etc. When we first starting talking about what we could use the room for I wasn't too keen on it being a scrap room - I just didn't want to take up a whole room in the house! We would rather the room be used though so it will become a scrap room and I'll also have a sofa and TV in there so it can be used as a sitting room too. John is off work next week and we are getting the new sofa then hopefully the desk and storage for it. If there is time too I'm going to re paint some of the room too and change the colour. Hopefully this time next week I'll have some photos to share.

What a weekend!

2008-06-23T07:56:00.008Z

It really has been one of those weekends and very busy. Ethan had his Ju-Jitsu grading on Sunday to gain his orange belt so he had his last lesson on Saturday. It was a good session but there was a lot to remember with all the different moves. His grading on Sunday went well and the move he was most unsure about went well and he PASSED. It's now onto green belt which is quite a jump so he may not take his next grading so quickly. Here is a photo of Ethan once we got back with his new orange belt on:

Saturday morning before leaving for Ju-Jitsu my new Crumpler Ben's Pizza XL Camera bag arrived and I love it. I already have a medium Ben's Pizza which is perfect for just taking my camera and smaller lens out. When I wanted to take my bigger lens and accesories out though I needed a bigger bag and I really liked the look of this one. I thought it was going to be quite big but fortunately it isn't - it's the perfect size. It fits so much in and there is still plenty of room for more.

On Saturday evening I realised the fridge was smelling a bit and after a little investigation it became clear that it had broke, along with the freezer as it's a fridge freezer. We tried to save as much food as possible and take to my Mum and Dad's but there wasn't a lot. The rest went in the bin - what a waste. I was really worrying about Flynn's food as I make it so needs to be kept in the fridge or freezer. I kept his food at my parents and have had to nip out to get it at meal times. We went to order a new fridge freezer yesterday expecting delivery to be the end of this week but thankfully they could deliver the next day - it has just been delivered and it's fab. It's quite a bit bigger than the last one so no more carefully placing the food to fit everything in! So although it was terrible timing we were going to be getting a new one in the near future and I love it. In the future I'd love a big America fridge freezer with ice and water dispenser but that will have to wait till we extend our kitchen!

I have also been ill over the weekend, not sure what it is but have had fever, aches and pains, sore throat, ear ache etc. It doesn't seem to be what Flynn has had and still has but there is obviously something in the air. I just hope I'm better for Wednesday as I've agreed to go on Ethan's school trip which he is super excited about as I'm going.

I had hoped to get some scrapping done over the weekend but with feeling unwell resting has took priority. Hopefully I'll get done this week as there is so much i want to do. I'm also planning on buying a Bind-it-All soon after seeing it in action at the Teresa Collins class I went to. Katy has also got one and is really pleased with hers, so that will be my next purchase :)

This week I'll post some recent photos of the boys, seems ages since I've done a post just on photos of them :)

Allsorts!

2008-06-20T20:32:00.010Z

Here is a layout I did earlier in the week with June's Studio Calico kit. The photos were taken on a trip to Wollaton Park to try out my new camera. I was really pleased with some of the photos and it was great fun - although I did get some funny looks LOL. There were quite a few photos I wasn't pleased with but I think I learnt a lot from that, I suppose the saying learn by your mistakes is true!

I did this below using the Scroll Frame Sheer Keychain by Maya Road that I got in May's Studio Calico kit. When it arrived I didn't have a clue what I was going to do with it but last week I had the perfect idea. I did this for John for Father's Day, it has photos of both Ethan and Flynn in and I've just used a few little embellishments. The photos aren't very good but you get the idea.

Then totally off the subject of scrapping is this photo below. It's a long story but the shortened version is this is my Dad (at the font) and his sisters. He only grew up with one of his sisters and believed the other was a cousin (they are half brother/sister). They met for the first time last week since finding out the truth. I have yet to meet my new Auntie but hopefully that will happen later in the year when she visits again. There are so many more photos like this but not of them together, it's been so lovely seeing them as we haven't really got an photos from when my Dad was young.

New mobile phone

2008-06-18T08:30:00.004Z

I have been due an upgrade for quite a while (probably a year) but I really liked my old phone as it is so slim - as you can see below.

I have struggled to find another phone I like as much which is why I haven't upgraded sooner. Recently though some of the keys have been sticking a little when sending texts so I knew it was time to sort a new phone.

I phoned Orange to see if they had any deals on - they were offering a free Nano but I wasn't keen on the phones with this deal. So I went into town yesterday and managed to get one of the phones I liked with cash - a better deal. This is my new phone:

Samsung Soul U900 in PINK

I'm having lots of fun with it but it's going to take a lot of getting used to and I do miss the size of my other - can't have it all though!!!

Teresa Collins

2008-06-12T10:15:00.009Z

Last Thursday 5th June I went to Teresa Collins' class Live Life in Chepstow (run by The Chepstow Pink Scrappers). It was my birthday present that Katy got for me and we were staying over night too. I drove down to Katy's to pick her up then we travelled down together. We ended up having to have dinner at the services as we didn't have enough time to go anywhere else. We then went over to where the class was being held, it was a lovely room and they'd gone to a lot of effort with chocolates and cakes on the tables.

The class was fantastic and Teresa's Journal It line is really nice - the class kit had so much to it and I was able to add extra pages so I could include a few more photos. Teresa was so easy going and was happy to sign our books (something I saw someone else ask her to do) and have her photo taken with us. She also had so much to say to us and talked about her love of journaling - it really makes you think. I got A LOT out of the class.

THANK YOU KATY

I just need to add a few photos and some journaling then my book will be complete and I'm itching to do another now. here is my front cover and a sneak of the inside, once it's done I'll photograph the rest.

Here is a photograph of Katy, Teresa and me. I also have photos of me with Teresa and I'm going to add one of those to the back inside cover of the book where Teresa has signed it.

On the way home the following day we went to Paperarts as it was only a 30 minute drive away and not too much of a detour. It was a fab shop with so much stash, I could have done with the whole day there! The staff were so helpful and friendly and I just wish we'd had longer than the 30 minutes we had - next time!

Here are a couple of recent layouts, both using my Studio Calico kit. I'm really pleased with how they came out.

Great weekend

2008-06-09T09:53:00.012Z

The weather has been so lovely the past few days, hopefully it will continue through the weekend so we can be out in the garden.

Yesterday we spent the day at Silverstone with friends for the Renault World Series. We had a fantastic day and there was so much to do there. We had a walk around, took a picnic with us and watched some of the races, which Ethan loved. It also gave me a chance to play with my camera and use the bigger lens I have for it. Here are a few photos from the day:

I'll post again with some new photos of Flynn, layouts and my fun/busy week last week.

Bad blogger

2008-05-01T10:10:00.006Z

I let time pass by again, it just seems to have been a very busy month.

It was my birthday a few weeks a go and I got a DSLR - Canon EOS 400D with 70-300 lens and memory card. I've been wanting one for ages so I was super excited :) I've enjoyed using it and the quality of the photos is amazing - I've only got as far as auto at the moment! I got birthday money too so got a UV filter for one lens and getting one for the other lens this weekend. Also got a camera bag and CD and still deciding what to spend the rest on.

Another great present was what Katy got me - a class with Teresa Collins next month. It looks a fab class and should be a great. We are staying in a hotel that night so will probably go out for dinner too so really looking forward to it.

Ethan is good and enjoying playing on Mario Kart on the Wii (another of my birthday presents). He's also busy at school at the moment with lots of after school activities. Ethan has managed to talk John into putting the trampoline up at the weekend, weather permitting so fingers crossed - I can't wait to have a go LOL

Flynn hasn't been well the past week but seems to be getting better now. He's had a virus and has had high temperature and been very grumpy and off his food. he started solids a few weeks a go and it was going really well untill he became ill. Hopefully we'll get back on track in the next few days as he was really enjoying it. He has enjoyed various fruits and vegetables, porridge, yoghurt and many finger foods and doesn't seemed to have disliked any.

A few photos from the past month:

Photo shoot

2008-04-06T22:06:00.007Z

I've been wanting to get some photos of Ethan and Flynn to put on the wall now Flynn is a little older. I had some taken last month of Flynn but they were very expensive and although lovely not fantastic plus they were just of Flynn. So I thought I'd have a go myself and went out at the weekend and got a big sheet of white fabric. I used the conservatory with it being so light and had a play around. It was great fun and especially love the one below of Ethan.

Studio Calico kit layouts

2008-03-24T15:52:00.007Z

I really look forward to getting my Studio Calico kit and I always manage to use most of it in the month and get plenty of layouts done. It was a little later this month due to hold ups with the postal service but finally arrived on Thursday. I managed to get 4 layouts done on friday evening and another last night. Here are a few (a couple are not quite complete but thought I'd post anyway):

I'm really pleased with how this came out and love the colours - Ethan had spent the day with my Mum and sister and they took him on the Nottingham Eye. I put the different colour card behind the cut out flowers, love that paper.

I have had to put the flowers over the other children's faces in this layout. Love this layout, it is very simple and was quick to put together.

I'm going to add some buttons to the bottom right corner, just need to find them! This is all about when Flynn got his first 2 teeth in the same week. The paper worked great and although it was creased it was on the day that i didn't need to use :)

I need to add the journaling to this one - the story behind the bandaged foot! So it will be a very simple layout but I wanted the focus to be on the story rather than any embellishments etc.

Growing up!

2008-03-17T09:01:00.010Z

Well it's been a while since I last posted so thought I'd better find the time to update. It's been a very busy few weeks with lots of things going on.

Ethan has been busy with Ju-Jitsu and has had some extra lessons over the past few weeks in preperation for his yellow belt grading he had yesterday. He took his red belt back in December and passed (you can pass, pass with credit or pass with honours) which was such a great boost for him. So Ethan was really excited about his grading and had been practising hard, when we arrived it wasn't as busy as last time which was nice. They were in there for about 1 hour 45 minutes and take it in turns to go up and get graded, practising before and after the grading. When they'd finished the parents were allowed in and Ethan was presented with his certificate for passing his yellow belt with CREDIT. We were all so excited and went and got his new yellow belt straight away.

Ethan just before leaving for his grading.

Ethan has also been busy at school as last week was his last week, he is now on Easter holidays. Theyhad a sports week last week at school and went in their sports clothes. They got to try loads of different sports, including, football, cricket, horse riding, cheerleading - the list goes on. He had lots of fun and it finished with an evening at school on Thursday that parents could attend too and find out about various sports clubs etc in the area.

On Friday it was back to school in uniform and the Easter Bonnet Parade in the afternoon. Ethan was very excited that I was bringing Flynn to watch him - that's how it is now, Flynn is the most important person to him LOL. It was great and Ethan looked great in his Easter Bonnet and sung really well.

Now to Flynn, well he has been a busy little boy recently! He is now rolling and there is no stopping him now he knows what to do. He mostly rolls back to front but is doind front to back more and more. He's been so close to rolling for a long time but always had his hands in his mouth which prevented him from getting all the way over! He also got his 3rd tooth and that realy bothered him when it came through on Friday. He seems fine with it now but his hands are staying firmly in his mouth!

This was taken a couple of weeks ago!

He is also making a lot more noise and is also babbling, laughing and squeals in excitement. He loves being on the floor surrounded by his toys, musical of course! He's also enjoying his sit play gym more and more especially now he can stand in it and stop himself from slumping forward.

I took this photo last night, we were just playing with the camera - I think they look so alike in this photo

Me and Flynn

2008-02-28T22:37:00.003Z

I have only a handful of photos of me and Flynn so a few nights ago got John to take a couple of photos. The problem is I'm always behind the camera but really need John to take more so there are more photos of me and me with Ethan and Flynn. Otherwise there are going to be scrapbooks with photos of John in and not me. Here is one of the best photos:

I have managed to almost complete a couple of layouts tonight with this months Studio Calico kit. I just need to journal on them then I can upload - just one as the other has a friends child in.

Bumbo

2008-02-26T10:07:00.005Z

At the weekend we went out and got Flynn a Bumbo seat which he loves. He really enjoys being in it especially when Ethan is playing on the floor next to him. He loves to be around Ethan and watch him. It'll be great for him to sit in and play with his toys and when he's a little older to sit and have snacks in.

The cow in the second picture is one of Flynn's special toys and he is just starting to really take notice of it. Ethan had a very similar toy as a baby but it was a monkey and it went everywhere with him. The cow is a great little toy but you do find yourself singing along to the songs and talking it does - don't you love Vtech :)

I'm off to get Flynn weighed later as it's ages since I last got him weighed. I'm looking forward to seeing how much he weighs but he seems to be growing well.

A&E

2008-02-24T22:26:00.004Z

This morning I ended up at A&E with Ethan. He jumped yesterday and hurt his foot and wasn't putting any weight on it. So after no improvement this morning it was off to the local hospital. I thought he would need an x-ray so was pointless waiting to see the GP tomorrow although I didn't think he'd broken anything. He did need an x-ray which Ethan thought was great and loved it when the doctor showed him the x-rays of his foot - he wanted a picture to bring home! They are all computerised now so the doctor was zooming in and out on different parts of the foot - technology! Anyway nothing was broken but he needed a support bandage putting on and this has helped no end with his walking. I think he'll be back to normal in a few days. Here is a photo:

Poor Ethan has been full of cold too and it's particularly bad during the night. In the day time it has not bothered him as much just the odd sneeze and cough etc.

I managed to do a layout tonight of Ethan on Bonfire Night last year. I will upload tomorrow along with another layout I did last week.

So tired

2008-02-22T10:51:00.007Z

I've been up early this morning fetching my brother and his girlfriend from the airport after a holiday in New York. Whilst they were there they got engaged and Laura has come back with a very nice engagment ring :) They've had a lovely time and spent LOTS of money but how can you not in New York. Roll on next April when we go to New York again.

I picked them up from Birmingham Airport and how things have changed since I was last there. You can't drive in front of the arrivals and departures now to drop off and pick up so the car park outside there is now a rapid drop off zone (used to be short stay). That doesn't mean it's free though - £1 for 20 minutes and £3 for EVERY 15 minutes after that. I couldn't decide where to park - rapid drop off, multi story or long stay. In the end I decided on long stay and this worked out great. Although it was a little way from the terminal there was a bus that took less than a minute which dropped and picked up right outside - and the best thing it was free to park in there for up to 1 hour and so easy to use. I think it must be a first getting free parking at an airport though!!!

I've not managed to scrap all week even though I've had things out ready to do. One thing I've been wanting to do for a while is a mini 2008 calendar Katy got me for Christmas. I have been thinking for a while what I wanted to do with it and now have a few ideas so want to get on and do it but time has just not allowed - may be later today. I did some layouts at the weekend though so will try and get them uploaded at some point, just need to photograph them. I've had both my Creating Keepsakes and Simple Scrapbooks magazines this week too so have lots of reading!

Here are a couple of photos of Flynn I took yesterday and one of Ethan taken last week whilst he was out with my sister and Mum - just so this post looks a bit more colourful and a little less like an essay!

I had a play around in Photoshop with the second - I really need to get to grips with that and make the most of it.

Second tooth

2008-02-19T09:34:00.006Z

Flynn's got his second tooth on Friday, it had not come through in the morning but by the evening you could feel it. Here is my best attempt at a photo of his teeth:

I went to the Hobby Horse crop on Saturday morning and managed 3 layouts but just need to finish one of them off. I used February's Studio Calico kit for two of them and they came out ok. I just need to get some more photos printed off so I can scrap some more with the kit.

Here is a photo of Ethan and Flynn, not often I can get them both smiling!

My best friend had a baby boy last week so I have been up to see them a few times. He is gorgeous and they are all doing so well. On Wednesday morning me and Flynn are going to spend the morning with them which will be great.

My baby has a tooth!

2008-02-12T13:29:00.000Z

Flynn is 15 weeks old and has his first tooth with the second not far behind! I've been wondering for a week or so if he was teething as he does not have his hands out of his mouth - see the layout below which I did over the weekend. I kind of thought it was quite early though and maybe there was just a little movement under the gums but then Ethan got teeth at 5 months. Yesterday though I could see and feel the two bottom teeth but they hadn't come through the gums yet but guessed they wouldn't be long. Then this morning one has appeared and so far they don't seem to have bothered him too much, although it explains why he has been a little more unsettled over the past few days.

Used Making Memories paper, Imaginisce flowers, American Crafts letters, Creative Cafe buttons and Scenic Route label.

Flynn also has his third lot of indections tomorrow, 3 in all so it is not going to be the best week for him. I have the Calpol ready for when it's needed!

Here are a couple more layouts I did over the weekend too:

Used Studio Calico Jan kit and added Making Memories journaling page and Creative Cafe button.

Used Making Memories paper and journaling page, Heidi swapp letters, Scenic Route journaling circle and Imaginisce flower.

It's half term and we have a busy week with appointments and meeting with friends and family. I could do with another week to fit everything in but at least Easter isn't too far away.

Back again!

2008-02-08T22:44:00.000Z

Well I haven't been gone long so my aim to blog more is going well for now!!! I managed to do some scrapping last night and completed two layouts, I'm going to try and remember to photograph them tomorrow and then upload. I'm hoping to get another couple of layouts done over the weekend but think I need to get some photos printed out first.

At the weekend we went for a walk round the local Nature Reserve. It was so cold and windy but nice to get out - poor Flynn went to sleep after moaning a little at the wind! Here are a couple of photos:

I've also had a little photo shoot but it didn't quite go to plan! I managed to get a few good photos of Flynn but then he got a little unsettled. Didn't really get any good ones of Ethan and Ethan and Flynn together. Ethan just couldn't keep a straight face and Flynn was just too hungry so going to have another go this weekend to get one of them together. Here are a few of Flynn - he pulled some funny faces as you can see, he also sucks his fingers and hands a lot so was good to get photos of that:

Here is the best one of Ethan:

The blogger spell checker isn't working so if there are any funny spellings, that's why LOL

Layouts

2008-02-05T10:19:00.000Z

Here are some layouts as promised! Some are quite recent ones from the past couple of weeks and some I did towards the end of last year but never uploaded them.

Birthday morning: This is Ethan on the morning of his birthday.
Electric scooter: Ethan trying out the electric scooter he got for his birthday - he had so much fun.
Used: Bazzill CS, Sweetwater PP and embellishments, Making Memories buttons and letter stickers, Heidi Swapp number letters, Imaginice flower and brad and Autumn Leaves stamp.

Missing tooth: Ethan lost his first tooth a few days after his birthday, he was so excited and put his little pot with his tooth in under his pillow.
Goose fair: Even though I was 8 + months pregnant we still went to Goose Fair, there was no way I was missing out! I couldn't go on any rides with Ethan but there was plenty of food to sample etc.
Used: Bazzill CS, Sweetwater PP and twill, American crafts letters, arrow and flowers, Making Memories buttons, Imaginice flower and Scenic Route label.

Brothers: This is Ethan with Flynn just after Flynn was born - holding him for the first time (I just need to add some jounaling).
Used: Crate Paper, Bazzil scalloped CS, American Crafts letters and Imaginice flower and brad.
Fast asleep: Flynn just looks so adorable when he is asleep so these are a few of my favourite photos of him asleep.
Used: Studio Calico kit.

Home: These are pictures taken just before we left hospital, I was so excited to be going home.
Photo Shoot: Katy took some photos of Ethan and Flynn for me and these are my favourites.
Used: Bazzill CS, October Afternoon PP and jounaling cards, American Crafts letters and arrow, Imaginice flowers and Creative Cafe buttons.

These are 3 of the Christmas layouts I did. The first 2 are Ethan and Flynn's visit to Santa which Ethan especially loved - he stood and talked to santa for quite a while. The 3rd is Flynn's 1st Christmas day which just needs a title adding - I thought I'd upload it now though!

Used: Bazzill CS and brad, Sweetwater PP, stickers and embellishments, American Crafts letters, Scenic Route letters and labels, Prima flowers, SEI buttons and a couple of embellishments from a previous Jenni Bowlin kit.

I really need to blog more

2008-02-02T23:01:00.000Z

I really do need to find the time to blog more. At one time I was managing to do it almost daily and really need to get back to doing it at least a couple of times a week. That might become a little easier soon as Flynn is now going to sleep earlier now so getting a little bit of time in the evenings.

Flynn is growing fast, I can't believe he is 14 weeks already - where did that go! He is doing new things all the time too and is such a happy little boy. At the moment he is loving music (being sung to), being spoken to, massage and his musical toys. He laughs and smiles lots and even rolled onto his side the other day!

I'm managing to get some scrapping done which is great as I have lots to do of flynn plus Ethan's. I'm not overly pleased with how some are turning out but at least I'm getting them done. I'm enjoying having the Studio Calico kit and looking forward to the next one, it looks lovely.

Here are a couple of photos of Ethan and Flynn and I'll try and remember to get my camera out tomorrow and photograph some recent layouts.

Ethan having fun playing in the conservatory.

This is a photo of Flynn when he was playing with his friends, he loved having the other babies around.

Flynn posing for the camera - shame his eyes are almost closed!

Flynn in his sit in baby gym, he loves it although he'll love it more when he figures out how you press everything.

I thought.....

2008-01-16T09:56:00.000Z

.....I'd have more time on my hands with being on maternity leave but it's not the case! The days go so quickly between taking Ethan to school then picking him up. Then some days he has activities after school, like reading club and computer club. Then there is everything else I do such as baby massage, post-natal group, exercise class, meeting friends etc. There are also Flynn's appointments for his injections and to be weighed. So I definitely don't have much spare time just chill at home - maybe soon!

I have to take Flynn for his second injections in a while and I'm just hoping he is not as unsettled after as he was with the last ones. He was very good when they did them last time and just cried after each of the two injections.

Tomorrow morning I'm meeting with a few friends who have babies too. I work with them and we are all on maternity leave at the same time. We haven't met as much as we'd have like with it being Christmas but hopefully now get together a bit more. Then in the afternoon I have the exercise class I've started going to which is held at the local hospital by the physio department. It's really good and great to get back exercising again.

I've managed to get a few layouts done over the past week or so which I'm really pleased about. It's great to be scrapping again and I have so much to catch up on. I have been using my Christmas Sweetwater papers for my Christmas layouts which mixed with last years Christmas kit is working well. My first Studio Calico kit arrived last week too so I have managed a few layouts with that, I'm just looking forward to doing more. I've kept the layouts quite simple and used a similar layout design for both Ethan's and Flynn's to save on time and help me catch up. I'll try and get some of them photographed and upload them - its been a while since I uploaded layouts :)

What else we got up to.....

2008-01-11T16:32:00.000Z

Warning - lots of photos!

We enjoyed a walk along the canal and through the local Nature Reserve about a five minute walk from where we live. It was really cold but perfect weather for an afternoon walk. We really don't make the most of what's on our doorstep but I'm going to try harder this year especially when the summer comes. I can walk with Flynn whilst Ethan is at school and in the holidays Ethan can bring his bike or football. Here are a few photos from our walk:

We went to London for the day in between Christmas and New Year. Ethan hasn't been before so we thought it'd be nice to take him so he could see the sights. As you can see from the photos we had a lovely day and we were able to visit the main sights - London Eye, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Harrods etc. Ethan really loved going on the tube though and it was one of the highlights of the day. He enjoyed going on the Metro in new York but didn't get to spend long on there like he did on the tube. We finished the day with dinner at Pizza Express and a little shopping in Knightsbridge. Here are some photos from the day:

New years Day I had a family party. We usually go to my Grandma and Grandad's on Boxing day and get together with all my family. It is a lot of work though getting it organised and the food done etc so i did it this year but on new Years day. It was great and everyone had a lovely time, I'll be doing it again next year.

Here is Flynn getting a bit of sleep before the party - I love this photo of him.

Ethan enjoying the party food and Ethan with Flynn at the party.

Flynn catching up on sleep during the party - I think he looks so peaceful here.

Flynn spends a lot of time smiling now and it's lovely to see. It's especially nice to see him react to us and his favourite musical toys. Here are a couple of photos of him smiling.

Christmas

2008-01-08T11:58:00.000Z

Well it's been a while since I posted but I'm going to try and get back into blogging on a regular basis - well when Flynn gets into a better routine in the evenings! We have had a lovely Christmas and kept very busy.

This is Ethan and Flynn visiting Santa the weekend before Christmas. Santa spent quite a while talking to Santa telling him what he would like and that Flynn would like some presents too :)

Christmas Eve Ethan watched a movie (Polar express) with John whilst i got last minute wrapping done! Then it was bath time and getting everything ready for Santa. I got the plate you can see in the photo just before Christmas and Ethan was able to write on it (it wipes off ready to use next year). We also put Santa's mince pie, beer and the reindeer's carrot's on there.

Ethan helped Flynn open his presents Christmas morning and was very good at showing Flynn them. In the photo Ethan is opening one of Flynn's presents from his stocking and showing it to him.

This is Flynn in his Christmas nightwear - a My First Christmas baby grow and hat. He only wore the hat for the purpose of the photo LOL - he looks very cute.

This is Ethan after opening his bike that Santa left in the conservatory for him. He was so excited when he saw Santa's snowy foot prints under the backroom curtains leading to the conservatory. He tore the wrapping paper off with such excitement to reveal his new bike.

Ethan enjoying Christmas dinner, there was so much that we had left overs on Boxing Day too.

Flynn playing under his new baby mat/gym that he got for Christmas. He absolutely loves it and smiles away at the toys above him.

Flynn fast asleep after a busy Christmas Day opening presents!!!

I will post more photos in the next few days of what we got up to over Christmas.

New toy

2007-12-09T13:56:00.000Z

Last Christmas John got me an IPOD Nano which I love and use all the time in the car. For a while I've wanted a speaker set for my Nano so that I can listen to my music whilst in the house. Finally I got round to ordering one from Amazon after lots of research looking at reviews etc. It arrived last week and is just fantastic, the sound quality is amazing and it's quite small. It also charges my Nano and connects to my PC so updates my Nano with my new songs etc. Needless to say it has been on non stop and will get so much use :) Here it is:

Smiling

2007-12-07T09:59:00.000Z

Finally caught Flynn smiling on camera and here he is:

Not the best photos but I have plenty of time to get more!

Ethan and Flynn

2007-12-06T14:20:00.000Z

Here are some photos of Ethan and Flynn that Katy took for me at the weekend. I wanted some really nice photos of them both so Katy came with her DSLR and snapped away. I'm going to use a couple to give family at Christmas and to put on the walls at home. Here are a couple of my favourites:

Thank you Katy.

Conservatory

2007-12-03T22:10:00.000Z

Here are a couple of photos of the conservatory with the outside finished. Not sure if you can see it from the photos but the left side has a higher brick wall with small windows along the top.

The plasterer came yesterday to plaster the conservatory and it's looking great. It just needs to dry out then John can start work. The list of things to do is: painting, skirting, window sills, lay flooring, fit light, fit window between kitchen and conservatory and move in the furniture :) There sounds a lot but it won't take long as it's all new and straight walls etc and will be done for Christmas.

It's going to be such a great space to have especially for the children to play in. I'm going to have a small unit in there for them to have a few of their toys in. Also in there will be a sofa and the dining room table.

Will post some more photos soon.

Busy week

2007-11-29T16:12:00.000Z

It's been such a busy week this week and I'm so tired. I've been out and about every day so haven't been able to sleep when Flynn sleeps to catch up on sleep. I have also been having a lot of trouble feeding Flynn. After a couple of visits to the doctors and an urgent referral to the hospital to see a consultant I have now been prescribed something. Fingers crossed that it works.

I now have my new desk up in the backroom and the main computer back. It's great to now have my own space which will very soon house all my scrapping stuff. I went to Ikea this week to get one of the shelf's we're thinking of having above the desk to try out and it's great. Whilst I was there I had a look at some other bits I'd like and also got a few things that I can store my scrapping stuff in.

Here are a couple of photos of Ethan and Flynn taken at the weekend. Although you can't see it in the photo of Ethan he has a bad cut just in his hair line. He did it at the weekend when he fell and it needed gluing, he is fine now.

Full of cold!

2007-11-22T11:43:00.000Z

Flynn was 4 weeks old yesterday and has been really suffering with a cold. He has had it for about 2 weeks now and it has gotten worse the last week. I just hope it clears soon, he's so young and there is nothing he can have. John was ill last week with a cold too that he probably

caught from Flynn and then I've had it this week too - only Ethan has escaped it!

Here are a few photos of Flynn asleep (so cute):

Time is really flying by and it'll soon be Christmas, which I'm really looking forward to. Thankfully I did a lot of my Christmas shopping before Flynn arrived and I'm going to go shopping next week and finish it off.

I can now drive again after checking that it would be OK. It is great to be out and about again and I'm looking forward to visiting friends and getting shopping etc done. I went out yesterday and have been out again this morning and it's nice to get out of the house.

Ethan's second tooth fell out on Monday and he was so excited. He came out of school with it in an envelope as it fell out at lunch time. He couldn't wait to put it in his tooth holder ready for the tooth fairy who visited that night. He is already feeling his other teeth to see if there are any wobbly ones!

3 weeks old

2007-11-13T21:26:00.000Z

The conservatory is up and looks great, so much bigger now all the glass etc is in. Once I've took a photo, I'll upload it. We're just got the inside to finish ready for Christmas :)

Flynn is 3 weeks old now and I can't believe how quick its gone. John went back to work this week so I have been on my own. Its not been too bad and I've managed to get Ethan to school on time everyday so far.

Flynn has been a little unsettled as he has a cold which has got worse the last day, I just hope it clears soon.

I had a couple of little "photo shoots" last week. I wanted to get a nice photo of Flynn for the birth announcement/than you cards and also a nice photo of Ethan and Flynn. Here are some of my favourites:

I love these 2 photos and I used the second one for the cards.

I love this one of Flynn yawning, so cute.

This is Ethan and Flynn, I just love the way they are looking at each other.

Conservatory

2007-11-09T22:04:00.000Z

The conservatory frame, glass etc has been delivered and is being put in this weekend. It's really exciting to see it all come together now after all John's hard work. Once it's up John will then have a good weekends work to finish off the inside - plaster boarding (then get the plasterer in), skirting, window sills, electric sockets, lighting, radiator, painting and flooring. It will all be done in time for Christmas so we won't be short on space to put all the toys etc that Ethan and Flynn will no doubt get! Here is a photo of the brick work part done (there was another row of bricks all round and the wall on the left being built right up).

I'll upload a photo of the conservatory with all the glass etc tomorrow. I'll also upload some photos of the before and after of the backroom now that's finished.

Halloween

2007-11-04T14:26:00.000Z

Halloween celebrations started last Sunday for Ethan. Friends of ours always have a Halloween party and this year was no different. As Flynn was only 4 days old we didn't all go for the whole party. john dropped Ethan off and then we all went to pick him up 15 minutes early so friends could meet Flynn. Ethan had lots of fun at the party and especially enjoyed apple bobbing and the pinata.

On Halloween night Ethan helped John carve the pumpkin which looked great. He also enjoyed giving sweets out to children that came to our door, some were friends from school. Later on me and Ethan went out with friends for a short while so Ethan could trick or treat. Of course he had lots of fun and got some treats - not too many, we came back before we got over run with chocolate and sweets.

Flynn also took part in his little first Halloween baby grow that me and Ethan had bought last month. I didn't want to get an outfit with all the frills etc on as he was only a week old but Ethan really wanted to get something and this was very cute :D

Some photos

2007-10-28T12:33:00.000Z

Finally I have been able to upload some photos. Blogger wouldn't upload yesterday and I've been doing these on and off all day in between feeding, changing etc.

Flynn about 2 hours old, back on the ward and dressed.

Ethan with Flynn, holding him for the first time.

The 4 of us, not all looking the right way and not a great photo of me but our first family photo!

Flynn asleep in hospital.

This photo of Flynn has the 4 little animal teddy bears Ethan got him.

A couple of cute photos of Flynn - I love how he's holding his hands in the first photo.

Flynn in his car seat ready to go home from hospital

Love these photos of Flynn, he just looks so peaceful.

Taken this morning, one of my favourite photos.

It's a Boy

2007-10-26T16:29:00.000Z

Flynn Lucas was born on Wednesday 24th October 2007 at 10:24am weighing a lovely 8lb 3oz.

Will be back with photos and details soon.

Tomorrow's the day!

2007-10-23T18:17:00.000Z

Well tomorrow's the day that baby number 2 arrives. After 3 years of trying and 39 plus weeks of pregnancy the day is almost here. I'm really excited and can't wait to meet baby and find out if it's a boy or girl. I was feeling a little nervous about it all after my pre-op appointment last Friday where I signed everything and they went over all the risks of the operation! I'm sure once tomorrow morning arrives I will be feeling very nervous again but for now it's more excitement.

I've had a lovely few days with Ethan just chilling out, meeting friends and eating out. Yesterday we went to Wollaton park with one of Ethan's school friends and he took his electric scooter with him. He had such fun on it and it was great for going up all the hills, it even kept it's charge the whole time. Today we have been for lunch at TGI Fridays and had a fab meal as we always do there. Ethan ate so much food including starter, main course and dessert! He did complain of a tummy ache after but it didn't last long.

The backroom is still not finished but it will be by the time I'm out of hospital. My dad has very kindly been round today painting and is coming back tomorrow to finish off. Then on Friday the fireplace and granite (which is what has held things up as we couldn't get it cut in time) is being fitted along with the carpet.

Hopefully I'll be out of hospital on Friday and back on here with some photos :D

House renovation!

2007-10-14T15:24:00.000Z

Well things are progressing with the conservatory and backroom. The conservatory glass is ordered and we are hoping it will be fitted around the 10th/11th November. This should work out great as John will still be off from the babies birth plus it's a weekend I think. It saves me having to make all the tea, coffee etc.

Here is the conservatory brick work nearly done - will take a photo of it done and post soon.

The backroom is really coming on now and things are ready for the plasterer tomorrow. Yesterday John and his brother put in the new sliding doors which look great but took all day to sort as bricks needed to be removed and then some patching up. Today my Dad has come round to help too as the doors needed finishing, some boxing in doing and electrics sorting for the conservatory - this needs doing before the carpet goes down! I'm still trying to get hold of the carpet fitter as we need him to come next Monday so we can then put the furniture in on that Monday and Tuesday ready for the baby arriving on Wednesday.

Here are a few before and during photos of the back room, the top two show the door and window being replaced with sliding doors which will lead into the conservatory. The bottom two show the fireplace before and after it was widened and before and after with the built in cupboard.

We still need to go to Ikea to sort some of the furniture for the backroom. We had planned to go yesterday but as John didn't finish doing the doors till late we wouldn't have had enough time. Hopefully we can get there one night in the week so that everything is ready. Well almost everything - John is having a fully working cast iron stove in the backroom and we have the surround sorted but not the hearth and it sounds like it has to be in sections because of the heat. John is going to have to some how sort this out before next Monday as it needs to be in for when the carpet fitter comes!

Next weekend will be spent doing skirting, coving, painting, sanding and last minute fixings etc. This week I need to sort a curtain pole out along with curtains but we could use the old ones if I don't find any as they are fairly new and really nice ones, just not really the right colour.

I've got lots of shopping and appointments next week before Ethan breaks up for half term on Thursday. He has an inset day Friday so I get to spend an extra day with him although it will start with a trip to the hospital for my pre-op appointment. I want to make sure that all the shopping etc is done before Ethan breaks up so I can spend those last days with him and meeting with his friends, don't think he would appreciate going shopping for a nursing bra LOL

Maternity leave

2007-10-09T14:44:00.000Z

I am now on maternity leave and I'm not sure where the time is going. Its already been over 3 weeks and I have just been so busy with one thing or another. I have felt a lot more tired recently and after a telephone call from the doctor at the end of last week I now know why - I'm anaemic! I really hate taking iron tablets and they just don't agree with me but it has to be done.
I have been doing quite a lot of baking the last week and have been trying out various loaf cakes from Nigella Lawson's the Domestic Goddess. I love this book and how it is laid out and a lot of the recipes are really quite simple with out too many fancy ingredients. So far the lemon drizzle cake has been the most popular with the chocolate one coming a close second.

Ethan lost his first tooth a few days after his birthday and was so excited after it had been wobbly for ages. He put it in his little tooth box and left it for the tooth fairy, who surprise, surprise left him some money :) The tooth next to that is is wobbly but think it will be a little while before that's out.

The conservatory is coming on and all the brick work is done now. We have ordered all the glass so once that has arrived we can arrange for the fitted to come and do it. In the mean time John is starting work on the back room and that should be done just in time for the baby arriving. That will give us more room to spread baby things and Ethan's toys around! Plus I can have a little scrapping area too :)

Ethan's 6th Birthday

2007-10-04T08:30:00.000Z

Ethan had his 6th birthday last week and not sure where those last 6 years have gone. He had a great day and got lots of lovely presents, cards and money. He had thought he was going to buy an electric scooter with his birthday money but John's Mum and Dad got him one after asking us what Ethan wanted for his birthday. He loves the scooter and I have to say it's great, more than fast enough and a bargain at £25.99!

Out of some of his birthday money Ethan got a watch that projects the time. His friend has one and he loved it so treated himself to one. At the moment it goes everywhere and keeps telling us what the time is! The rest of his money has gone into his bank account - he must have more savings than us LOL

We went out for a meal when John got home and took one of Ethan's friends with us. He had wanted to take another friend too but because of where we were going he couldn't come (food allergy). We had a lovely carvery meal which is one of Ethan's favourites and Ethan and his friend had a ice cream sundae after.

He had his party on Saturday before and loved every minute of it. I was totally shattered after having catered for and supervised around 40 children!!! It did go well though considering how many were there and I had some great help from a few close friends and John.

Where did the summer holidays go?

2007-09-06T15:45:00.000Z

I can't believe Ethan is back at school already, it doesn't seem five minutes since the end of term in July. It's been a great summer catching up with friends and not having to rush around in the mornings.

Last week we went away for a few days to my Mum and Dad's caravan. It was a lovely break and we had such nice weather, it was great to get away and relax. Ethan had a fab time and loved being on the beach, he had so much fun. Here are a few photos including one of me and Ethan :)

This week Ethan has been back at school, he is now year 1 and in a new class. Although he was very unsure about his new class he seems to have settled in and is enjoying seeing his friends again.

It's his 6th birthday in a few weeks and all holidays he has been excited about giving out his invitations. We did this yesterday and he couldn't wait to go to school and give them out. He is having quite a big party as we are hiring a function room so have said he can have who he wants - not sure this was a good idea but as long as he has a good time then that's all that matters!

I'm now 32 weeks pregnant and probably have 7 weeks left till I have my C-section so time is really flying by. I have been off work the last two weeks and go back next week for my last week. It's going to be strange finishing work but in some ways I'm looking forward to it and have some major sorting out to do in the babies room so that should keep me busy for a few weeks. I hadn't planned on taking so much time off before the baby arrives but as I've got 5 weeks holiday left to use that I can't carry over so I thought this would be the best time so that's what I've done.

Things are really progressing with the conservatory but I'll leave that for another post and include some before photos and where we're at now.

4D scan

2007-08-03T18:16:00.000Z

Last Saturday we went for our 4D scan and it was great, it was such an amazing experience. We only got "fairly good" pictures/DVD as the lady put it but I'm really pleased with them especially the DVD.

Here are a couple of the pictures, we think it looks like a boy and very much like Ethan did as a baby. Baby forever had it's hands in front of their face and in their mouth and was even sticking it's tongue out at one point :)

Over the weekend will post some baby photos of Ethan so you can see the likeness.

House plans

2007-07-25T11:22:00.000Z

Well the last few weeks have been spent making plans for the house and what exactly we want to do to get the extra space. When we bought the house one of the things we were going to do asap was extend the ground floor. We decided to go with an extension so we could extend the kitchen as it is very small, it would also give us an extra room. We got all the plans drawn up and had them passed by the council, spending a lot of money in the process! We have now done a complete U turn and are having a conservatory. It has taken lots of time deciding this weighing up the pros and cons and it is the right thing to do at this time. The main advantage will be that it will be up before the baby arrives which is something I really wanted but was never going to happen with the extension.

So we had a friend come round at the weekend and he has priced up what we want and we are getting really excited now. It's going to be quite a big space, around 5x3 metres so will be great room for us all. The only downside is that the small kitchen remains but we are going to make the best of the space available. Fortunately we have a utility area that already houses the washer and dryer so we don't need to have them in the kitchen. We went to Ikea last week and got some really good ideas for helping us decide how best to use the space and we have seen a kitchen we like there too.

So the plan is:

- Old garage is coming down this week

- John starts work on digging the footings for the conservatory at the weekend

- Get the brick layer in to do all the brick work

- Lay the floor

- Surveyor in to check sizing etc

- Order conservatory

- Conservatory up

Then we need to start work inside the house starting with changing the doors/windows between the rooms. I have decided that it would be best to do the Kitchen first then the back room and finally finsh off the inside of the conservatory. This way if everything is not done before the baby arrives at least I'll have a nice kitchen and probably back room completely done. The conservatory is closed off with the doors from th house so John can just go in and finsh that when he can. Plus it will only be a case of plastering, fitting radiators, flooring then moving dining room table, setee, storage etc.

Wedding

2007-07-25T07:53:00.000Z

We went to a wedding on Saturday and had a lovely time. It's amazing how quickily these things creep up. It seems like only yesterday (last September) we were talking to our friend about it. The weather wasn't great but it did stop raining as she was arriving at the church and stayed that way till they were just finishing the photos. This is a photo of me that Ethan took whilst we were waiting outside the church. It's not the most flattering of photos but I think Ethan did a pretty good job (I have cropped it). I had to buy the cardigan at the Next sale that morning as I had nothing to go with the outfit I'd bought with the weather being so cold - it looked better without it.

Ethan had a great time and was really good in the church and he did have to sit there for about an hour. Once at the reception he was able to let off some steam and dance and play around. There were quite a few children there so he played with a few of them throughout the evening. I really don't know where he gets his energy from as he never really stopped all evening apart from food! Here are a few photos - the first two are Ethan on the dance floor (he liked the smoke machine), another of Ethan that I really like and one of me and Ethan that I really like.

Sports Day

2007-07-12T10:56:00.000Z

Yesterday was Ethan's sports day and fortunately the weather stayed dry so it could go ahead. He was really excited about it and asked me in the morning if I could video him - I told him I would but was going to anyway. He was one happy little boy after winning both his races, he said he'd be the fastest and he was!!! Here are a couple of photos, the first is the running race and the second is the obstacle (not sure what's going on with his legs):

It was the summer fair after too so Ethan enjoyed having a go and the tombola and some of the little games etc they had. We then went and met his new teacher and I have arranged to see her next week to have a chat.

Then it was Ethan's football presentation so it was a quick change when we got home from school and out of the house again. They played some football matches before the presentation and then they gathered us all round for the presentation. Ethan was very pleased with his certificate and trophy and they are now on the fireplace where everyone can see them. Here is a photo of Ethan going up to collect his certificate and trophy and one of him holding them:

Sunny day

2007-07-08T20:24:00.000Z

Well as the sun came out today we got the pool out for Ethan. He has been so desperate to have it out but with the bad weather we have not had it out this year yet. He was really excited and had his new swimming shorts on before the pool had been blown up! He had lots of fun with his dingy and ring in the pool and used his trampoline to bounce and jump in. He even managed to get John in by the end of the afternoon even though he had a headache!

I didn't get my camera out but got lots of footage on the video camera - we're really making an effort to use it more as it is great to look back at. We have recently put all our camera tapes onto DVD and have enjoyed watching them back especially from when Ethan was young. It has made us realise how valuable this is and we are so glad we used it. I'd have liked to have got more though of when Ethan was young so will learn and get plenty with this baby when he/she arrives.

Ethan enjoyed cooking tea with John this afternoon. Ethan loves to get in the kitchen with his apron on and help chop and mix food. They cooked Toad in the Hole, something Ethan really enjoyed when we had it a few weeks ago and asked to have it again. While they were at it they also cooked a Spaghetti Bolognese for tomorrows tea to save cooking - the vegetables are very chunky so I hope they cooked ok! This is a photo of Ethan helping cut the sausages just before the batter mix goes in :)

I finished a layout I started a few nights ago yesterday which I'm really pleased with. It's one for Ethan's album and I have almost caught up on this album which I started from when he was 5. I also did a layout for my pregnancy album today which is now up to date. Well with the photos that I had developed. I just need to get some more photos developed so think I will have another 3 layouts to do, so not too bad.

I have also had an idea for another album after finding some epoxy stickers I bought a while ago today. They are KI Memories epoxy stickers that have the months of the year, letters and more. I thought I'd do a 6x6 album for the first year of the babies life and try and get the pages done before October then I can just add the journalling and photos. I am waiting for the latest Sweetwater kit which I'm hoping will match with the stickers, if not then I'll need to find some patterned paper that would be suitable for a boy or girl.

School report and new class

2007-07-06T14:55:00.000Z

Ethan got his school report today and found out that he would have a new teacher next year. There are going to be two classes with year 1 in and in some ways I'm a little disappointed in the one he's in. If I'm totally honest I don't think I would have been 100% happy which ever class he'd have been in. He will not be in the same class as one of his closest friends and I'm really upset about that. I think Ethan would have benefited from being in the other class as there are more of his friends that are a good influence. In the class he is going to be in it's the opposite but on the other hand maybe the teaching style of the new teacher may suit him better. Who knows anyway, Ethan is happy and it's never easy being a parent especially when you're not the one making the decisions - glad I got that off my chest!!!

Here is a photo of Ethan taken yesterday after his long over due hair cut, he looks so different.

I ordered a couple of scrapbooking bits from A Million Little Things yesterday and can't wait for them to arrive. I've been wanting to get some of the Making Memories Travel range after seeing Katy's. When they arrive I'm going to do a 6x6 album with everything for when we go on holiday at the end of August. We are going to my Mum and Dad's caravan for a weeks break before Ethan is back at school and the baby arrives. They will be selling it once we've been in so I thought it'd be nice to have a good record of being at the caravan as Ethan has had so many happy times and memories there. After seeing so many travel albums/journals (and doing my own for our trip to America) recently, including Katy's, I thought this would be a great idea. I'm planning on either buying a portable photo printer or borrowing my sister's so that I can complete the album whilst I'm there - will do the page layouts hopefully before I go so it will just be a case of putting in the photos and journalling.

Active baby

2007-07-04T17:09:00.000Z

I had a midwife appointment today and all is well. Baby is very active and was kicking the doppler when she was trying to find the heartbeat. When she did find the heart beat baby moved out of the way! I can't remember Ethan being quite this active so early although he was very active later on.

Here is a photo of Ethan taken a few weeks ago in bed. He often manages to get himself into some strange sleeping positions and this was one of those. Fortunately my camera was to hand so after taking a photo we put him back into bed properly.

Off to have a look through scrapbooking magazines, stash and photos and get a few layouts done over the next few days.

Baby buying :)

2007-07-01T20:02:00.000Z

I've been spending again and I'm loving every minute of it - even John doesn't say a word now, just lets me get on with it :) On Friday I went shopping in town and nipped into Gap as there was a few things I wanted to get along with a pressie for my cousin's baby (he was born on Friday and we're waiting to hear what she has called him). There was a sale on and I got some lovely things including vests, baby all-in-one, hat, teddy, plus a couple of pressies. I also went in John Lewis as they had the baby carrier I wanted with about £12 so thought I would get it whilst it's on offer.

I took some maternity cropped jeans back that I got a few weeks ago as they didn't really fit very well. They had a sale on so got a pair of combats and a top for less than the jeans I took back. I've just about got all the clothes I need to get me through till October apart from maybe a couple of tops depending on the summer weather! I've got a mix of maternity clothes and normal clothes, it just depended on the style of the clothes.

Yesterday I spent a lot of the day sorting the babies room out and Ethan's old baby clothes. We had to nip out to get a few bits so whilst we were out I picked up some underbed storage. I had decided on Ikea storage but with the sizes I wouldn't have got as much. Once home I put the clothes in two of the boxes, one with the older baby stuff and the other with the boys stuff ( if it's a girl then the boys stuff can then go). The other box is for bedding and bath towels, there are a couple of bits in there but will fill that up over the coming months as I get the sheets, blankets etc that we need. Here is the cot with the underbed storage, I think it will work really well.

I also had a little reorganisation of the drawers so that there will be enough space for everything i want to keep in there.

The white teddy is what I got from Gap on Friday whilst shopping, I will take this into hospital with me for the baby (Ethan had a teddy we took in too). The other teddy's are what Ethan has bought for the baby, they are so soft and suitable from birth.

We also picked up a baby swing last night as the one Ethan had when he was a baby broke. It was a real bargain and virtually as new plus it's Graco and almost identical to the one Ethan had. As you can see Ethan has enjoyed putting some of his teddy bears in the swing and pushchair.

Here is the pushchair (sorry not very good photos) - one with the carseat and the other with the pushchair seat on. There is also a hood and rain cover that comes with it and we need to buy the footmuff.

We then went to a party in the evening as my friend is back from Dubai for a few weeks where she now works. It was great to see her again although we didn't really get chance to chat as she had all her friends and family there. Hopefully we are going to meet before she goes back for a chat as she is not back then until Christmas.

Today I have been sorting Ethan's room out which is well over due but there is still lots of sorting to do just need some storage boxes etc form Ikea. He had too many clothes on his wardrobe hanging rail so I put most of his winter clothes in one of his drawers and got rid of any clothes that were too small. I also did a little sorting of his wardrobe shelves and drawer and they are now ready for things to go in and storage boxes. Once that is all sorted then it will be onto the toys - that is where I'm sure Ethan will have something to say as he hates getting rid of things!

New Look

2007-06-28T07:32:00.000Z

I thought it was about time I changed the look of my blog and had a go at putting a photo on the banner. It wasn't easy getting it the right size and in the right place but with a little help from John I got there. I thought this photo was quite summery and hopefully Ethan will be able to go in the pool again very soon so thought I'd have this photo for a while!

We bought the pushchair earlier this week so it's seeming more real. We had decided on the Bebe Confort Loola pushchair after looking at several others - it was between this one and Silver Cross in the end. We managed to get a real bargain with it and basically got the car seat free which retails at £100. It is brand new and the colour we wanted, Oxygen Black, just need to get the footmuff for it now. Will have to take some photos and post.

Ethan came downstairs yesterday morning and tells me he has a wobbly tooth. I've been expecting this as when we were last at the dentist earlier in the year she said a couple of his teeth were loosening. He is really excited, especially about the tooth fairy and has a little wooden tooth pot to put it in so it can go under his pillow. It is one of his front bottom teeth but the one next to it feels loose too so it looks like they both might come out around the same time - must make sure I get a photo so I can do a scrapbook page!

Bits and Bobs

2007-06-24T09:06:00.000Z

Still trying to catch up on all the time I haven't blogged!

Ethan had a lovely time at a party yesterday. It was a super hero party and they had a lady that came as secret agent Rose and did various games and tasks which the children loved. After that we went to my Grandma and Grandad's as it's ages since we last went and we usually go really often. We had dinner there which as always was lovely, Sunday dinner tastes so much better when someone else cooks it. Even though it was raining Ethan went out into their garden to look at the pond and things my Grandad is growing. We came back with some radish's, lettuce and bean plants all of which we haven't grown this year.

Ethan is really into planting and we have a little area in the garden in front of his shed that is taking shape. This year we have strawberry's, rhubarb, raspberry's, blackberries, tomatoes, peas and parsley. Ethan is especially enjoying going out to the garden and picking bowls of strawberries. The peas and tomatoes are doing well and hopefully within the next few weeks we should have some ready. The parsley has grown really well and it's great to be able to add to certain meals.

On Saturday Ethan started back at dancing and had a great time and really got into the dances. With me being ill then us having things on at the weekends etc he hasn't been able to go. I was so surprised how well he did as he went straight in and danced and even remembered a few bits from the dances and picked the rest up really well.

On the way home from dancing we stopped off at a new Gap outlet. It was great and I got a few lovely bits for the baby and Ethan - looking forward to my next trip there :)

This weekend John has been tidying the garage ready for us to take down and have the extension done. He managed to find all Ethan's old baby clothes so they have been sorted - some have gone to a neighbour, some to the charity shop and the rest are currently being washed. It's amazing how much there is, especially vests, sleepsuits etc - I'd forgotten about some of it.

On Saturday afternoon we met Katy and went to Cyril's Nut Hut so the children could have a play and we could chat. We always have a good time there and the food and drinks are really reasonable.

Last Sunday we went to see Katy and family and went out for a Father's Day meal at Frankie and Benny's. After me and Katy went shopping in Milton Keynes and the men took the children to a play centre. On the way back we stopped off at Martin's work and Ethan got to go inside the plane - to say he was gobsmacked and excited is an understatement! Here are a few photos:

Layouts

2007-06-21T17:57:00.000Z

Here are photos of a few layouts I did at the weekend crop - I have actually uploaded as I said I would!

This is a double layout of our time in New York at Christmas for Ethan's album. Used Love Elsie Toby range (papers and stickers) and Cricut for the numbers.

Photo of Ethan last Halloween, used Bazzill cardstock and brads, Sweetwater papers and embellishments, buttons, Heidi Swapp flower, American Crafts felt flower, ribbons from Michael's and lettering cut with Cricut.

I did this layout a few weeks ago, used Karen Russell paper, chipboard letters from Walmart, Prima Sprite flower, May Arts ribbon and Catslife stamp.

Will be back with more soon.

Busy month!!!

2007-06-20T14:46:00.000Z

I don't know where the time goes, I keep meaning to post but never get round to it. We've done lots of things over the past month:

- Had a weekend away at the coast - it mostly RAINED but we still had a nice break.
- I had a weekend away at Butlins at a dance festival. It was a great weekend and I really enjoyed taking part in the team dance I was in (only just learnt the routine after not going to the lessons due to being ill).
- Had half term week off work and did lots of things with Ethan. We mainly caught up with friends that we weren't able to see at Easter as I was in hospital.
- The babies room is now decorated, carpet in and furniture in. It's only a small room but it looks great and it's very useful being able to put all the baby bits in there so they're not cluttering the rest of the house - will post some before and after photos soon.

There has been lots of other stuff we've been doing but can't remember!

Had my 20 week scan at the hospital. I had to have a more detailed scan but everything was fine and we got to see a lots of the baby whilst it was being done (the scan pictures aren't very good though). I have been having quite a lot of back, hip and pelvic pain over the last month or so and finally got it checked out. It turns out I have SPD and have had some physio and now wearing a hip support - not looking forward to that on hotter days! Although the nausea is still there I'm a lot better, I think I'm just learning to live with it now and don't notice it as much. I will definitely have to have a section too due to complications in my previous section. I found out a lot about my previous section/delivery that I didn't know so it's definitely the best thing - will get a date at my next appointment with my consultant.

At the weekend I went cropping and did 8 layouts, I couldn't believe how many I managed to get done. It had a lovely time and was so pleased I got so many done. I will get them photographed and on my blog.

Back soon with photos etc

Must blog more!

2007-05-08T22:18:00.000Z

I really must post more often! Since my last post I had another week or two off work and am now back. It's not been easy going back and I found it a lot harder than I thought I would. I've been so tired and the nausea and sickness got a little worse. Hopefully now though I'm starting to get back into things and I'm also trying to wean myself off the medication.

I have done 3 layouts with some of my scan pictures. I haven't done the journalling for them yet but will post photos soon.

Back sometime this week hopefully with photos of new stash as well as the layout photos.

Happy Birthday to me

2007-04-18T10:07:00.000Z

Well another year older today. It's going to be a bit of a strange birthday with everything that's going on. No meal out or birthday cake but will be fun opening cards and presents. Ethan is very excited and I have had to get some cake for him and John as Ethan expects cake when it's someones birthday. I won't be having any, my diet doesn't strange beyond weetabix, crumpets and yogurt at the moment!

Any John and Ethan got me a lovely present - a CRICUT. I'm can't wait to have a play with it and need to get another cartridge or two for it. Also got some money, jewellery, scrapbooking goodies, flowers etc.

I've got some friends coming round later which will be nice as I haven't really seen anyone for a while with being in hospital and the resting at home.

I'm hoping that I will be able to go to the Hobby Horse crop at the weekend even if just for a few hours. I'll have to see how I feel nearer the time but it would be great to see everyone and do some scrapping. I'm going to get my scan photos printed along with a few other photos so that I can scrap those if I go. If I order from Photobox today they should be here in the next couple of days.

Lastest scan pictures

2007-04-13T11:36:00.000Z

Scan at 11 weeks 4 days

These 2 scan pictures are just normal scans. Unfortunately they didn't scan too well and baby was jumping around - great to see.

These scan pictures are 3D and it was amazing to see all the detail. My favourite is the 4th one down (the 5th is the same but cropped), I just love how the babies hand is positioned.

It was clear from the scan that this baby has big feet :) Ethan had quite big feet when he was born I just hope this isn't a sihn of things to come as Ethan was 10lb when he was born

I'm very tempted now to have a 4D scan further on in the pregnancy, the detail is just amazing in these 3D/4D scans.

Apart from the scan it has not been a great day. It was very strange to leave the house after being house bound for so long. I thought I was ready to be a bit more mobile but I was very sick and dizzy. The rest of the day I've felt very nauseous and not managed as much food as I have been. I just hope tomorrow is a better day and I'm able to eat a little more - I really want to avoid another stay in hospital.

John took Ethan to Wollaton Park today whilst I slept for a few hours and he had a great time. It's been great John being off work this week as Ethan has been able to be at home rather than with family. Although John has been working on the house (will update at a later date), Ethan has been able to help, play in the garden whilst John has been out there and John has always done something with him in the afternoon/evening.

I'm pregnant.....

2007-04-11T12:44:00.000Z

.....that is my news and the reason I've been away so long. After almost 3 years of trying and weeks away from starting fertility treatment, I am now 11 weeks pregnant. Unfortunately I have suffered morning sickness almost since finding out I was pregnant and it gradually got worse. A few weeks ago it got really bad and I was unable to keep any food or fluids down, not even licks of ice lollies. I was admitted to hospital with severe dehydration and morning sickness (Hyperemesis Gravidarum) and spent 5 days there on IV fluids and anti sickness medication. Thankfully I am now home and managing to keep small amounts of food and fluids down and getting plenty of rest. Not that I have any choice, I am not able to sit or stand without feeling dizzy and I'm still very week. I've been signed off work till next week so we'll see how things go.

I've got quite a few scan photos which I've posted below. I had a bleed early in the pregnancy and have had a few scans since then. Luckily my friend works with the Dr I saw in the fertility clinic whilst we were trying and when he heard he got me in for a scan within the hour. He does private work as well as working for the NHS so has his own scanner and the quality of the scans are amazing.

Scan at 7 weeks 4 days

Scan at 8 weeks 4 days

Scan at 9 weeks 4 days

NHS scan at 9 weeks 5 days (look at the difference between this one and the ones above, there is only 1 day between them!)

I've got another scan on Friday so will post those pictures when they're scanned in.

Bedroom update

2007-04-10T14:51:00.000Z

We finished the room weeks ago but I just never got round to posting any photos (I'll explain in my next post).

I'm so pleased with the finished room and love the colour (warm beige) on the walls. I thought it would be lighter than that and I had chosen a deep red for the chimney breast. Once the warm beige went on the walls I thought the red wouldn't look right so we stuck with the one colour.

The TV is John's "thing" and the only thing he wanted in the room. I'm not too keen on it, I don't think it looks quite right with the fireplace. Maybe at a later date I can talk him into having it downstairs in the back room and get a smaller one for the bedroom!

Here are the photos, they are not great as it doesn't show all of the room and we have photos on the wall now too:

Will be back in the next day or so with lots to tell :)

It really has been a long time.....

2007-04-05T10:56:00.000Z

I will come back and update properly soon as there is lots to tell and reasons why I have been away so long!

We have finished our bedroom and I'll get some photos uploaded asap.

Back soon.

Its been a while

2007-02-18T19:41:00.000Z

Progress is being made in our bedroom and it won't be long now till we're back in there. Tomorrow we are having a new window fitted then John will paint the room. We then just need the radiator putting back on (the guy who does it is on holiday for the next week!) and the carpet fitting. We finally got round to choosing the carpet and it's really nice but then it should be for what we paid!

Here are some updated photos of the room from the last few weeks:

Here are a few photos of Ethan whilst helping John! As you can see in the background the plaster has dried and the coving is up.

I went to the Hobby Horse crop on Friday and Saturday and had a great time. I manged to complete about 6 layouts so quite a productive weekend. My Big Picture Scrapbooking class is also going well and I'm still really enjoying it. I need to catch up on a few of the things but I have plenty of time and I've printed everything off. Over the last week I've done a few layouts, some Rolodex cards, decorated tag, card and a few other things. Today's task is to do a mini book which I'm really looking forward to doing. There is a free class on Big Picture Scrapbooking at the moment called Kid Perspective by Deanna Lambson so it's worth going and accessing it. I think there are a few others too if you look under classes then give it a try.

It's half term this week so I'm having Wednesday off. I was going to have the whole week off but Ethan wanted to go to his Grandparents so he's having a day at each. We'll then have the rest of the week to chill out, catch up with friends etc.

Ethan hasn't been very well over the weekend. He is full of cold and has had a cough and high temperature. I think it'll be a trip to the doctors and a day off work tomorrow if he is no better. I don't think he has ever suffered like he is at the moment with a cold. He has a constant runny nose, streaming red puffy dry eyes, high temperature, achy etc

Progress

2007-02-06T18:10:00.000Z

Huge progress has been made with our bedroom over the weekend and last couple of days. It has now all been plastered and should be dry ready for the weekend. John will then get the coving up and hopefully have time to paint it as well - really must get to B&Q and choose some paint!!!

Here are a few photos before plastering (I'll take some photos tomorrow in the daylight of after it was plastered and post them):

I have also signed up for the 28 Day class at Big Picture Scrapbooking. I signed up a few days into it so am still catching up! So far I'm really enjoying it and have completed most of the daily tasks and photos.

Here is the journal I decorated:

Here are a few of the photos - My fridge and something you use everyday (my mobile!)

I was getting a bit fed up with my old ribbon storage so I've now got all my ribbons in these glass vases a got a while ago. Once I have my scrapping area up and running I think they'll look quite good :)

Changes

2007-02-01T18:29:00.000Z

Well I've finally got round to updating to the new blogger and it seems to have gone well. I've also managed to put some links up which I could never figure out how to do before. I'll add some more as soon as I get the chance.

It's been a busy few weeks especially with the house. John is making good progress on our room and hopefully it will be finished by the end of the month. We have the plasterer coming in next week to plaster the whole room - walls and ceiling. Then the following week we are hoping to get a new window and radiator fitted. That then leaves coving, skirting, painting, fire surround etc to be fitted before we have the carpet fitted. In the mean time I need to get a move on and get curtains, duvet cover, photos/pictures for the walls, storage basket and boxes and other things to finish the room. We will then need to move everything back in and put up the few new pieces of furniture we've got - and not forgetting the 32" LCD HD ready TV John has got, the main reason John is working so hard to get the room done as quick as possible! Here are a few photos of the bedroom before we started (well John had done a mornings work).

I got my order through the post yesterday from A Million Little Things which I had been waiting for so I could finish a layout. I was so pleased it came so quickly and I added some of the American Crafts foam letters to finish off my Rain Forest Cafe layout. I have done 6 more layouts from our holiday since I last posted so will try and upload a couple of those soon. Here are the things I got from A Million Little Things - American Crafts foam letters and cardstock stickers, KI Memories Epoxy Stickers, Heidi Swapp stickers (a bargain at 18p) and Imaginisce Goin Places ribbon slide.

Here are a couple of recent photos of Ethan, taken at Olivia's party a few weeks ago - he is dancing!

Layouts as promised

2007-01-20T16:14:00.000Z

Here are some of the layouts I've done of our trip to America in Dec 06/Jan 07. The quality of the photos isn't great, I never seem to get the right light etc. Will upload more as I get them done, have so far done 14 layouts of our trip.

This layout is one half of a double layout. The helicopter we went on over New York and Ethan sat at the front and ready to do. Used paper and cardstock that my Auntie got me for Christmas, $2 stamps from Walmart, photo anchors and brads from a Sweetwater kit and Autumn Leaves clear stamps (below). I have left the right side of it so you can see the Statue of Liberty on the paper.

This layout is of me and Ethan ice skating in Bryant Park New York. Used Sweetwater paper, Bazzill cardstock from December Jenni Bowlin kit and title cut on Katy's Cricut which she very kindly let me use at the last crop :)

This is Ethan on the giant piano and outside FAO Schwartz. Used Sweetwater papers and tag, Pressed Petals letters and letter stickers and buttons.

This layout is of Ethan in Central Park New York. Used Bazzill cardstock, Catslife diamond stamp, Jenni Bowlin lined paper, Sweetwater paper. Title is cut using Katy's Cricut.

This layout is Ethan in front of the Christmas tree on Christmas morning wearing his new Spongebob pj's! Used Sweetwater papers, letter stickers, tags, journaling tab and Bazzill cardstock.

This layout is of me, John and Ethan at Maymont Park in the Japanese water gardens. I got the paper from a scrapbook shop in America, also used Bazzill cardstock, Prima flowers, Jenni Bowlin note card and title cut using Katy's Cricut.

This layout is of Ethan candle dipping at Yankee Candle. He loved doing this and made lots of gifts for friends and family. Used Sweetwater papers, letter stickers, Bazzill cardstock and flower and ric rak from December Jenni Bowlin kit.

I ordered these Autumn Leaves stamps by Tia Bennett whilst I was in America but they arrived a few hours after we left. Fortunately my Auntie sent them onto me and they arrived 4 days later! They are great and I've used them loads on the layouts I've done since. On some layouts I've just inked part of the stamp, ie. the lines and used them.

We're back!

2007-01-06T20:14:00.000Z

Here are the photos promised in my last post:

These were taken at Maymont Park, the first is of me, John and Ethan in the gardens and the second is of Maymont house. It's a great place with lots of different things to see and do. The park is 100 acres and has a Japanese garden, Italian garden, children's farm, Maymont house, nature centre and lots more. We had a lovely walk around and did a guided tour of the house which was really interesting.

On the way back from Maymont Park we went to Pony Pastures. This is a photo of Ethan at Pony Pastures with the James River in the background. In the summer when there hasn't been as much rain, there are huge rocks that you can walk on in the river and some people even sun bath on them.

Ethan enjoying his meal at TGI Fridays, he loved the carrots with ranch dip.

Ethan at Yankee Candle - he dipped loads as presents for everyone and loved it. He really got the hang of it in the end and did some lovely rainbow candles.

These photos were taken in Colonial Williamsburg and it was a fantastic place. Unfortunately we didn't have chance to go in the museums but enjoyed walking around. Next time we visit we'll spend a day or two there, Jamestown and Yorktown and get the pass to go in all the museums.

The flight home was pretty good and even landed early. Ethan was great on the plane and even managed to get some sleep. The photo is of him on the plane with his new BA teddy before going to sleep - he looks so tired on this photo.

I have been to the Hobby Horse crop today and also went last night. I managed to get 5 layouts done with photos from our trip to America that I got developed at Costco yesterday. Katy very kindly let me use her Cricut and I loved it, may need to start saving! Will upload some of the layouts tomorrow.

I'm still getting over the jet lag and just hope I'm ok for Monday when I start back at work. John and Ethan seem to be doing ok but I'm just not tired. Last night I didn't go to bed till around 2:30am and it's 12:30am now!

Christmas 2006

2006-12-27T05:11:00.000Z

Well Christmas came and went and we had a lovely time. The tree looked lovely with all the presents under, there were so many! Ethan was really excited and loved having other children around who he could play with all his toys with etc. This photo is of Ethan infront of the Christmas tree before we started opening presents. What does he look like in those PJs - we got them a few days before Christmas!

I got an IPOD for Christmas alomg with some books, DVDs, scrapbooking stuff and other cool bits. I just need to get some music loaded to the IPOD once I get home as I only had a couple of CDs with me. I also got a thing for it which allows you to listen to it through your radio, that will be great when we are in the car as I don't have to have loads of CDs.

Boxing Day was spent chilling out and a little shopping (they don't have Boxing Day over here in America) in the sales. Last week we also vistited Maymont Park, Pony Pastures, Williamsburg and lots of other things as well as shopping! I will upload photos when I get back as everything is packed now.

Today I have been packing and we have done some last minute shopping. We are off out for a meal tonight at a pizza resturant near by which is a eat all you want. Then we leave my Auntie's around midday tomorrow to drop the car off. Our flight is at about 8pm and we'll land in England around 7am on Thursday. I just hope it all goes smoothly and there are no delays.

Great Wolf Lodge

2006-12-27T04:22:00.000Z

On Friday 22nd December we headed out to Great Wolf Lodge which is a huge indoor water park. It's in Williamsburg about an hour and fifteen minutes away from my Auntie's house. We could use the pool from 1pm so planned to arrive for that time but stopped off at IHOP on the way. We all had a fab late breakfast with hash browns, egg, bacon, sausage, pancakes and fruit.

The place was fantastic, like a huge log cabin - the photo is of the main entrance. We went straight to the water park and spent about three hours in there. We went in the wave pool, rapids, the big water fun house, on all the various slides - and there were a lot. Some of the slides you went in little dingy's, single or double, others had rafts that four people could go in and then little children's slides. Ethan loved all the slides especially the fast ones, he was not able to go on the fastest though - the Howlin Tornado. It was fantastic fun but a little scary at times especailly if you were sitting backwards in the raft!

We then went to the room which was great, it had a log cabin within the room with bunk beds and single bed for the children - they loved it. In the evening there were a few activities for the children to do and a little arcade so we spent some time doing that. Santa was also there so Ethan went and had his photo taken with him. Then the me and my Auntie went shopping to the local Warmart whilst everyone else went back into the pool.

The following we were back in the pool, although we had to check out by 11am we were able to use the water park till 10pm. We managed to stay till 3pm by which time we were all exhausted. On our way back home we went to the Yankee Candle Store in Williamsburg where they have ahuge store and it's made up just like Christmas inside. You were also able to make your own candles which was lots of fun. Ethan loved dipping them into all the different colours. We then drove through Colonial Williamsburg which looked lovely, lots of historic buildings and colonial sites. We are hoping that we will be able to vist there before we go home.

Whilst at the water park you could hire a water camera for free then have the photos put on a CD at the end. These are some of the photos:

First few days in Virginia

2006-12-27T04:00:00.000Z

Our first day in Virginia was very busy with lots of things to fit in. It started off with walking my cousins to the bus stop as it was their last day at school. Ethan thought this was great, especially the yellow school buses - he spent the rest of the day looking for and counting the school buses. It was my cousins birthday so we then went to get donuts to take into school for her friends. We then went to the school had lunch with her and she gave out donuts to her friends, Ethan really enjoyed this.

We then went and did some shopping, we needed things like shampoo, toothpaste, shower gel etc. Whilst in Target John and Ethan spotted a load of Spongebob Squarepants stuff so they stocked up on a few things. I then did some shopping in Old Navy, getting a few bits for me and for Christmas presents. On our way back to my Auntie's house I nipped into the local scrapbooking store and had a look round and got a few bits.

That evening we went out to The Califonia Pizza Kitchen for my cousin's birthday tea. It was great food and we had a lovely time. Here's Ethan enjoying his Ice Cream Sundae with caramal sauce and Oreo's!

The following day we went to Sunday Park which is a local reservoir and had a lovely walk round there. There were lots of squirrals running around in the wooded areas and ducks swimming in the reservoir. There was a lovely park which the children had a great time playing on, especially the tyre swing.

In the afternoon I went to the Mall with my Auntie to do some more shopping and get a few last minute presents. I got some great bargains from Old Navy for myself and it was nice to have a walk around the Mall. Later in the evening John went and out to do some "shopping" and took some photos in to be developed for me and I stayed home and wrapped some presents.

New York

2006-12-24T01:02:00.000Z

Well we had an amazing time in New York and didn't want to leave. We didn't have that long there but definately made the most of it. We landed in Washington DC then drove up to New York and arrived around 8.30pm and went to bed.

We woke early the following morning, around 6am, so we got ready and went out for breakfast. We then went to the Empire State Building which was so windy at the top but the fantastic views of New York. We also went on a helicopter tour (fantastic views again), to Ground Zero, shopping and much more. In the evening we went to Times Square and did a little shopping in Toys R Us.

The following day we had another early start and went ice skating in Bryant Park which Ethan had really wanted to do and had a great time. We then went to Macy's, FAO Swartz, Central Park, the Natural History Museum and a little more shopping. In the evening we went to the Rockefeller Centre and to The Top of The Rock to see New York by Night which was breath taking.

The day after that we did a few things before we left including the ferris wheel in Toys R Us which Ethan wanted to do earlier in the visit but the cue was too big. On our drive down to my Auntie's we stopped at The Rain Forest cafe in New Jersey for lunch. We had a lovely meal and spent a little money in the gift shop after!

And we're off.....

2006-12-15T17:26:00.000Z

Tomorrow morning to America.

Very nearly packed just a few last bits to do and waiting for washing to dry so it can be ironed.

It's been a busy week so it's flown by. Ethan had his Christmas play and we went to watch that on Wednesday, it was great and Ethan sang really well and looked great all dressed up. Ethan also had his football presentation on Wednesday and he was so pleased to get a trophy and certificate, he has really improved since he started and is going to start back in January.

Anyway must go and finish off plus we have friends coming over and we're getting take away.

Will update my blog whilst I'm away and include some photos, will be next Tuesday/Wednesday though as won't have internet access whilst we are in New York.

Its been so long

2006-12-05T22:12:00.000Z

Can't believe how long it has been since I last posted. It's not a bad thing time is flying by though, means our holiday is getting closer. I have been so busy getting getting the last few presents (mostly John's), presents wrapped, cards wrote, buying things we need for America and putting things in suitcases that we are going to need for the holiday. I'm going to need the holiday by the end of next week.

The next few weeks are going to be even busier with all the finishing off and delivering of presents. We also have Ethan's school play and disco, football presentation, a birthday party, meeting up with friends, family round for an early Christmas, and so much more. I also have my work meal out this week and John is out for a meal with his friend too. Then next week I'm having my hair coloured and cut which I'm looking forward to but will take up a whole morning the day before we fly.

Haven't managed to do much scrapping apart from a few pages in my America journal, I really need to get the last few pages done before we go so I don't have any catching up to do whilst I'm there.

I have been ordering a few things and had them delivered to America ready for when I get there. My Sweetwater Christmas Kit has already arrived and is all ready for the Christmas layouts. I also ordered the Jenni Bowlin Kit this month along with a few other bits from her new site. I also have a couple of stamps from Catslife Press that will be waiting for me too - I love these stamps and only just had some delivered last week! Think I am going to order form A Peek Into Yesterday too so I have cardstock and a few extras ready. Then I will go scrapbook shopping too :)

It's late soI'm off to bed but I'll update again soon - before I go away. I will also update my blog whilst I'm away with photos etc.

Another layout

2006-11-18T20:58:00.000Z

I did this on Thursday night and have finally got round to uploading it. It's another layout using this weeks Pencil Lines sketch by Carole Janson which I'm loving. The photos were taken last Christmas when I went to London to see Chicago. I have been meaning to scrap them all year but have never got round to it. Used Bazzill cardstock, Scenic Route paper, Heidi Swapp chipboard letters, Sweetwater letter stickers, brads and ribbon.

I went to the Hobby Horse crop yesterday and evening and today. Had a great time as always and managed 2 12x12 layouts, 2 6x6 layouts and a page in my America journal. I will upload them sometime this week as I haven't unpacked and photographed them yet. Made a few small purchases whilst there! Rachel had some lovely new stock so I got some of the American Crafts felt flowers, Prima flowers, cardstock, ribbon and some fab gel pens that work great on black paper - perfect for my America journal.

Ethan has had 2 parties today so it has been very busy. The first one was at lunch so I left the crop to take him and the other was this evening. He had a fab time at them both and is now in bed.

We've had some work done on the house this week which should have been sorted ages ago but we had some problems with the company. It is now done and we can now sort out and decorate the spare room and use it for something else other then a junk room!

A few layouts

2006-11-14T17:08:00.000Z

I have done a couple of layouts the past few evenings, both using this weeks Pencil Lines sketch by Carole Janson. I loved this sketch and it was so easy to use. My layouts are very simple and I've not used all the elements from the sketch. Both layouts are from this years Goose Fair in Nottingham. I took my new camera and got lots of great photos so decided to do two pages. Used Bazzill cardstock, Sweetwater papers and rub on, Making Memories and Heidi Swapp chipboard letters, brad and white Signo gel pen. (sorry not the best photos, there has been very little natural light by the time I'm home from work the last few days)

Work is really busy at the moment, I'm not only busy with home visits, clinics and groups but paperwork too which is taking up so much time. There are also lots of changes happening so that doesn't make things any easier!

Ethan is doing well at school and really enjoys going. He loves to get his homework on Monday's and wait to complete it - wonder how long that will last! On Wednesday's he goes to reading club straight from school and is enjoying that. After reading club he has football, there are only 4 more weeks left of his 12 week course so Wednesday's will be a lot less rushed once they've finished. Dancing is also going well and he is improving with all the dances etc.

On Saturday it's the Hobby Horse crop so I'm really looking forward to that, although I have to leave at lunchtime for a couple of hours as Ethan has a party. He also has another party in the evening so it's going to be very busy!

Creative Keepsakes arrived last week, I think. Seemed very strange receiving a Christmas magazine even though I am quite organised for Christmas! I haven't really looked through it properly yet so might save it to read on the plane when we go on holiday.

Countdown time - just over 4 weeks till I go on holiday to America :) We booked the holiday back in March this year and its come round so quickly.

I have been busy buying the last of the Christmas presents and only have a few left to buy. I will be wrapping most of them this week so they are ready to be delivered at the beginning of December. We also have to sort out Christmas cards and we always get the photo ones done at Costco. Just need to take a Christmassy photo photo of Ethan - last year was easy as we went to the Snowdome in Tamworth and took a photo of him in the snow play area on a sledge.

Catch up

2006-11-06T17:26:00.000Z

Its been a while since I blogged, it's just been really busy with Halloween and Ethan starting back at school after half term.

Ethan loved Halloween this year and for the first time I took him out trick or treating. We went with one of his school friends and he loved it visiting friends, family and houses with pumpkins etc outside. He came back with a bag full of sweets and chocolates, it will take a while to get through them all. Here he is dressed in his skeleton outfit and with the pumpkin we did:

On Friday I met with some other local scrappers for coffee and it was great. We met at an Outlet Centre and took our scrapbooks along to share with everyone. I was a little late meeting everyone as I had an appointment at the hairdresser's but it wasn't too far away so worked out well. I also did a little shopping whilst I was there at the Cabury's shop and The Papermill!

On Saturday we went to watch some fireworks a short walk form where we live. They had a huge bonfire and the fireworks lasted for about half an hour. Ethan only just lasted to see them all as he was getting really restless - I think they went on a little too long really but shouldn't complain. Then yesterday John and Ethan had a little bonfire in the garden burning some old wood etc that has been lying around. We had jacket potatoes, marshmallows and spiced apple cider drink.

Ethan started back at dancing on Saturday, it was the first lesson since the show. He had a great time as always and has to practice his little solo routine that he does in his private lesson. I also ordered the DVD of the show so will hopefully get that this Tuesday or Saturday.

Autumn

2006-10-28T11:37:00.000Z

It's been a quite a busy week especially with it being half term. I only worked two days this week and it worked really well as John had Monday and Tuesday off work and I had Wednesday off and don't work Thursday and Friday's anyway. So Ethan has had great week with us both and has been to sift play areas, to the park, helping John in the shed etc.

I've enjoyed making some winter soups this, I just love homemade soups. I found a recipe for Butternut Squash soup on Morgan's blog so thought I'd give it a go as I've not had that before. It was lovely and as I had some butternut squash left over I did another soup the following day but added sweet potato, carrots and parsnips. It was delicious and I'll definitely be doing it again.

I also made some spiced apple cider which I always have when I go to America. I have never found anything as good over here so found a recipe and changed it around a little. I love it and it leaves just a lovely smell around the house - very American.

Spiced apple cider recipe

1 1/2 pints apple juice
3/4 pints water
60ml honey
1 cinnamon stick
1/4 tsp ground mixed spiced
6 whole cloves
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
125ml lemon juice
1/2 orange sliced

Mix together the apple juice, water, honey and all the spices and bring to the boil then simmer for around 30 minutes. Leave to stand over night and then strain. Add the lemon juice and orange slices to the drink and reheat - do not boil. I just reheated it as I wanted it.

I'm just about to make some more now as it's all gone - Ethan really likes it. I will only leave it to stand till this evening though as I can't wait for the morning!

I went out last night to a local pub with a few friends, had quite a lot to drink but had a good night. My friends got up and did karoke but I didn't - I just can't sing and refuse to embarrass myself, especially as I saw quite a few people that Have known me since I was a baby!!!

John also bought, me home 4 big bags of Bonfire Toffee this week, I haven't been able to find it anywhere local and a friend at John's work managed to get us some. It's not a great photo but I just love this stuff.

Dancing star

2006-10-22T21:51:00.000Z

Dancing show
Well the dance shows are over and its been such a tiring but fantastic week. Ethan was definitely the star and everyone who came to watch him thought he was great. He tried so hard on all three nights and his confidence grew the more he did it. He danced to the Superman song and especially loved the bit where it's speeded up and when he ran forward as Superman :) Here he is in his costume:

Layouts
I went to the Hobby Horse crop on Saturday and had a great time, although I had to leave a little early as I had to get home and get ready for the show. I managed to get these to layouts done, sorry for the poor photo quality, bad lighting. The first one is of me and Ethan taken on his birthday at TGI's. The second one is of Ethan on the bouncy castle at his birthday party.

I did this layout a while ago but was missing an S, Claire very kindly gave me one - thank you Claire. This layout is of all the presents, money, cards etc Ethan got for his birthday - thought it would be nice to have a layout to show him in years to come how luck he is!

Hoping to meet with some friends this week with it being half term, I think Ethan was definitely ready for half term especially with having the dancing show over the weekend.

Matlock Illuminations

2006-10-15T18:22:00.000Z

Yesterday we went to Matlock Bath to see the Illuminations. It was really busy when we arrived and had to park in Matlock and walk into Matlock Bath. Before we walked into Matlock bath we had a picnic in the car, me and Ethan had been shopping earlier and bought everything. It didn't take us too long to walk in and it was quite a nice walk. We had a little walk round and got Ethan a little light up toy and went to stand by the river. Unfortunately we didn't get to see the boat parade as us, along we hundreds of other people were in the wrong place, apparently it no longer comes up the river. We did however see the fireworks a little later on which were great and Ethan loved them. Here are some photos from Matlock Bath, as you can see Ethan was shattered by the end of the night.

Yesterday morning Ethan had his last dancing practice before the show next week. He also did the show dance in his private lesson too so hopefully that will have helped - just hope he dances on the night!

Today Ethan has been to his cousins 6th birthday party and had a fab time. With his late night last night I don't know where he gets all his energy from.

Here is a layout (click to enlarge) I have finally finished using the Pencil Lines sketch. My first attempt just wasn't flowing so I changed photos and really enjoyed doing it. It's not a great photo of the layout as I've had to use the flash!

New car

2006-10-13T14:42:00.000Z

John finally got his new car, a brand new Volkswagen Passat. He got it on Monday so we all went out for a little drive in the evening to give it a test drive! It's a lovely car but very big, not sure I'm going to be driving it on a regular basis.

It's been another busy week with dancing practice and it's only a week away till the first performance now. I've still got a couple of bits to get but have all the main things for me and Ethan. There is a dress rehearsal on Monday and another rehearsal at the theatre on Thursday so they'll probably be late nights.

Managed to do a layout yesterday, not able to post a photo of it as there are 17 children on there. It is from Ethan's party and I'm hoping to get a few more layouts done this weekend from his party.

Had a friend round for coffee this morning which was lovely, nice to sit and have a chat whilst the children are at school. Then I went into town to get some money changed into America travellers cheques for our holiday. Also got a new bag from Gap to take my hand luggage in (as you can see), I did have a little suitcase but with the new restrictions I think it'll be far too big.

Here, at last, are some photos of the bathroom, it is very nearly done just the last few finishing touches.

Here are a few photos of Ethan busy doing his homework last week. I love the look on his face, he's really concentrating. He is really enjoying his homework and looks forward to doing it. His writing and colouring have really improved since starting school. He also enjoys reading his reading books and doing his bear words which we do most nights.

Another photo of Ethan taken a few weeks ago fast asleep in bed with his rabbit- doesn't he look peaceful.

Goose Fair

2006-10-07T22:54:00.000Z

This evening we have been to Goose Fairand had a great time. It is an annual fair in Nottingham that has been happening for hundreds of years. It's great fun and I look forward to it every October. I have only missed the fair twice, the first time I was on holiday in America for 3 months and the other time Ethan was about a week old - we still drove round though and got some candy floss, brandy snaps etc.

Ethan has been very excited and looking forward to it for a few weeks, deciding which rides he was going to go on. I can't believe the details he has remembered from our trip their last year. He has remembered rides he went on last year that he wants to go on again and rides that he didn't want to go on last year but he is now brave enough to go on them (his words).

We had lots of food whilst we were there, hot dogs, cheese burgers, mushy peas, donuts, hot chesnuts, candy floss and bought back lots of sweets etc like rum truffles and brandy snaps. It's one of the best bits about going to Goose Fair.

We drove to a nearby park and ride then got the tram from there to Goose fair, it's only a few stops along but it's the only chance Ethan gets to go on the tram as they don't run near us - thankfully! We spent about 3-4 hours walking around and going on the rides etc, think Ethan went on 5 rides altogether. Here are a few of my favorite photos of him:

The first ride he is on is one that shoots up and down and wouldn't go on last year. The second and third photos are of Ethan and me on the fun house, we went on this last year and he wanted to go on it again so he could go on the funny stairs that moved up and down in opposite directions.

These photos are of Ethan and the trampolines attached to bungy cords. He loved this and got the hang of it really quickly, I love the second photo, you can see the outline of him so well.

This photo is of Ethan on a train ride, he was the driver of the train and made lots of noise with the bell.

*The rides or Ethan were moving when all these photos were taken so I'm really pleased at how well they've came out. I managed to put my camera to the test whilst I was there too especially whilst Ethan was on the rides. I'm very pleased with how it performed and I haven't been through the whole of the instruction book yet.

Shopping

2006-10-05T15:11:00.000Z

Here are two layouts I did earlier in the week. They are from Ethan's birthday party, the first one is on the bouncy castle with his Uncle and the second one is Ethan in his birthday outfit. Used Scenic Route Hampton papers and rub on, Queen and Co flowers and brads, May Arts ribbons and Heidi Swapp journaling spots, chipboard arrows and letters.

Its been a busy week with dancing practice and Ethan's had football, reading club and also an art workshop. I've been shopping today to change some clothes and get Ethan some more white t-shirts for school. Also did some more Christmas shopping so I've got a big chunk of it done this month with the shopping I also did last week. Not including Ethan, John and my family in America I've done over half my Christmas shopping :) Which is great as I need it all done and wrapped for the beginning of December so we can visit everybody before we go away in the middle of December.

Feeling ill

2006-10-01T21:48:00.000Z

I've come down with a cold since Friday night and it's really took it out of me, I can't remember the last time I had a really bad cold. Have managed to get some rest today which has helped and I've begun to feel a little better this evening. I don't think I'll be going to work tomorrow though as I have baby clinic and visits to young babies which I wouldn't be able to do with this cold - I just always feel guilty when I'm off work!

It's been quite a busy week with lots of things to do. I had dancing on Tuesday and also Wednesday evening as we needed to practice our riverdance which we learnt earlier in the year for the Butlins competition. Luckily I have pretty much remembered it all so that's one less dance to worry about!

On Thursday morning I helped out at Ethan's school which I am going to try and do most Thursday mornings. Ethan enjoys this and it helps his teacher out with reading, bear words etc. This week though I was working with small groups of children on how to cross the road at a Zebra crossing.

I had an order arrive yesterday from Papermaze with some papers and cardstock to do Ethan's party layouts. I also got some Autumn Leaves Graffiti papers by Rhonna Farrer that I have been looking for, for ages. I got a few sheets in early summer but used them quite quickly and hadn't managed to find any so looking forward to using those.

NEW CAMERA

I had new camera arrive the day before Ethan's party, which I was so relieved at as I really wanted one for then. It's a Fuji F30 which is not what I was originally looking at as I wanted a bigger optical zoom. All the other extra features it had though sold it to me and it was still a small camera which was my main priority. It will make life a lot easier to carry around especially when we go to America and visit New York etc. I also wanted better picture quality in low light and with moving objects which this camera offered and the reviews were great. The other cameras I was looking at that did have the longer zoom either didn't have good reviews or were cameras that were new out so didn't have the reviews. Also what what people have said the Fuji cameras offer one of the best sensors if not the best so I compromised on the zoom in the end. The camera hasn't disappointed and has given excellent photos in both low light and with moving objects, the 3200 ISO is definitely a winner in low light shots. Looking forward to trying it out in America now and shouldn't have to worry too much about recharging the battery either as it has 580 shots per charge - mind you with the amount of photos I take!!!

Happy 5th birthday Ethan

2006-09-25T19:39:00.000Z

Ethan is 5 today and has been at school. He was a little tearful this morning when I dropped him off at school but I'm not surprised as he's had a busy weekend and is a little tired from it all! There was so much to take into school this morning, lunch bag, reading folder, slips, sweets for his friends, water bottle and some photos from his party to show. This morning he opened presents that we got him and a few from family, he opened the rest this evening. As you can see he got so many presents and A LOT of money. We got him a few little bits - x2 read along CDs, PJs, Cars stencil book, pencil case, crayons and of course a very special birthday party. I just can't believe how much stuff he has got and had to take a photo, he is one lucky boy - can you see all the birthday cards along the bottom of the photo!

We have been to TGI Fridays for tea and had a great time. Ethan told them it was his birthdayas soon as we walked in and he got special treatment. We all had burgers and shared a Popcorn Brownie Sundae for dessert which was lovely. They then bought Ethan a little cake out and sung Happy Birthday to him which he loved.

After that we went to John's Mum and Dad's and he got even more presents. We then came home to open all his other presents which took him a little while. Then more family and friends came round with presents and the lounge floor was covered!

Here are a couple more great photos from Saturday's parties.

Party photos 2

2006-09-24T19:37:00.000Z

These photos are from the party we had after the children's one for family and friends.

Ethan on the bouncy castle

Ethan's second birthday cake that doubled up at dessert for everyone LOL

Ethan was desperate to open some of his presents, he opened this present that Nan and Grandad had got him as they were there to watch him open it. It's a mini guitar just like Daddy's.