Photos

It's been a busy week and first week of the school holidays. We've had lots of friends visiting, Ethan has spent time at his Nan and Grandad's and had a sleep over at my friend Jane's house - he had such good fun with her children.
As you can see John has been busy with the bathroom and the shower is now working. It's so nice to have a proper shower, something we haven't had since we've been in this house - 11 months!









John also moved the old cast iron bath from the spare room to the garage. As you can see he needed some help and it wasn't that easy getting it down the stairs. Ethan helped though and was giving instructions as to which way they needed to go. They did it though and we now have damaged carpet and stair banister as a result!!!

Here are some recent layouts, I did these a week or two ago and the photos are from June 2006 when we had the paddling pool out. The first one is of Ethan, John and my Dad having fun in the paddling pool and the second one is of Ethan when he fell to sleep whilst playing in the dingy!

Shopping

Well its been another busy weekend and I'm not sure where the times gone. I was up VERY early on Saturday morning for the Next sale and managed to get a few bargains. I have also been back to two different Next's to get bits for John as he really needed some new clothes and some of the bits I got Saturday morning didn't fit. I got myself a few bits and some things for the kitchen and presents for Christmas - I know it's early but with going to America in the middle of December and not coming back till January I need to be extra organised.

Ethan went dancing on Saturday morning as usual then we went to Jane's after. Had a lovely time at Jane's and Ethan had a fab time playing outside with her children. As we were about to leave to sky went black and it chucked it down with rain so we waited till it had stopped, we really needed that rain.

Today has been a lovely day and we went out to Cyril's Nut Hut (a local soft play area) with Katy, Olivia, Louise and Phoebe. The children had a great time playing together and running around. It was also great to "catch up" with Katy, it must have been about four months since we last did this but seemed like yesterday! It is also Louise's birthday tomorrow and Ethan gave her, her present which she seemed to like - Barbie walkie talkies.

John has been busy with the bathroom and unfortunately didn't quite get the shower up and running. It only needs connecting up and the shower hose rail putting up but it has taken him all afternoon just to drill nine holes through porcelain tiles to attach the shower and shower cubicle frame! So he has done the sealant so it can dry over night and will get it connected and the rail up as soon as he can.

Will take some photos of the bathroom tomorrow and post and also some photos of recent layouts.

Last day at nursery

It was Ethan's last day at nursery today before he starts school. I went to help and it has been such a lovely morning. The teacher did a little party for all the children as it was her last day in the nursery as she is going to teach the year 1 children from September. All the children made their own sandwiches, party hat and placemat before going out into the playground for a run around. We then went onto the field and had the party food and of course Ethan ate very well - sandwich, crisps, cake biscuits etc.

Once back in the classroom all the children that were leaving sat on chairs at the front and one by one had the leaving song sung to them and blew the candles out on the cake. Ethan gave his teacher her present - I decorated the mini lunch tin then Ethan chose a mini photo frame, 2 candles and a candle holder to go in the tin. Ethan's other teacher was off sick so we have had to leave that for his other teacher to give to her.














Our boiler has broke again this morning so they will be coming out again on Monday to sort it out, we thought it would go again and we were right! If all goes to plan we will have our new electric shower in and working by Sunday. It was delivered today along with the towel radiator and we only ordered them yesterday (Thursday) morning. I'm so pleased with the shower as I really wanted a stainless steel/chrome finish and all we could was a silver plastic finish. I thought that was what this one was going to be like from the photo but it was such a good price we decided to go for it. I've just opened the box and it is the stainless steel/chrome finish I wanted and looks fab, not cheap like some of the others.

Ethan had his last visit at school this week and again had a lovely time. So it'll be full time in September and he'll have to get used to wearing a uniform, staying all day and having lunch at school.

Lovely day

Had a great day today and another lovely sunny day.

I went shopping with Ethan to get some more of his school uniform. I got him some trousers, t-shirts and shorts from John Lewis, they were all such a good price - £10 for them all. I also got him some new trainers as his others had started to come apart and his feet had grown. JohnLewiss had a sale so managed to get some Reebok trainers half price so he now has decent trainers for dancing.

John was doing a 10k run today in Newark. It was really hot but he had fun and did the run in a pretty good time.

Ethan has had a lovely afternoon in the paddling pool and got his new dingy and rubber ring in too. I went in for a little while (paddling) and Ethan had me playing a ball game that got me wet!!!! Here he is chilling out in the paddling pool and cooling off with an ice lolly.

Boiler troubles

Well the boiler got fixed on Thursday and it was great. We were able to use the bath and have hot water to wash our hands etc. That all changed Friday morning when John got up to run the bath before work - no hot water. The boiler has broke again and the company couldn't come out on Friday to look at it again. They are supposed to be coming tomorrow and I do hope they manage to sort it as I'm really getting fed up with it now - I want to wash in my own home instead of having to go to my parents!

On Friday I helped out at Ethan's nursery, I've been wanting to help for a while but there has always been something happening on my days off. Ethan loves me going into help and did some lovely drawings and writing on Friday. He also get a super star for doing so well with his bear words so he was very proud of himself as we were of him.

Also on Friday I did a little shopping after my hygienist appointment at the dentist. I needed some bits for Ethan's teachers as it's his last day on Friday in nursery. When John got home we enjoyed a fish and chip tea which was lovely and we hadn't had them in ages.

Yesterday was such a busy day but lots of fun. Before dancing I nipped to the hairdresser to get my fringe trimmed as it was really started to get on my nerves and in my eyes. Whilst I was there I booked an appointment for two weeks time to get my hair cut and highlighted. I've never had anything done to my hair apart from cut so this is quite a big step. Then Ethan went dancing and he had a private lesson too, his dance teacher added quite a few new moves to his dance so he has lots to practice.

We then went to visit some friends as it was their younger sons 6th birthday. Ethan had a lovely time playing with him and his older brother on the 12 ft trampoline he got for his birthday. After we went to Jane's and had lunch there and I spent the afternoon chatting with Jane whilst Ethan played with her children. He had a lovely time as he doesn't get to see them much anymore as they are at school.

In the evening we went out for a meal with my Grandma and Grandad. It was their treat to say thank you for taking and picking them up from the airport. They bought Ethan a few presents from America, a t-shirt of a skateboader who was coloured in like the American flag and a little magnetic game. The meal was lovely and Ethan ate every last bit of his pizza, chips, peas and then ice cream.

Busy, busy.

Life is so busy at the moment with the end of the summer term approaching. Ethan had his second school visit on Tuesday morning and again seemed to really enjoy it. Whilst the children were visiting there was a meeting for the parents. The school nurse came, a dinner lady, school secretary , one of the school governors and the headteacher. They all talked about various things like dinner money, school uniform, health checks etc and we were also given an introduction pack with all the information in. Ethan's teacher then spoke to us just to let us know how things would work the first day and that there would be a further meeting with her the second week back at term.

Yesterday was sports day and Ethan was fab winning bath his races, he tried really hard and was very pleased with himself. The school don't give out places, everyone gets a sticker for taking part which is a great way of doing it and all the children seemed to have fun. Here is Ethan finishing the hat and scarf race - he had to run, put a hat on, run a little more, put a scarf on then run to the finish line. He also did a running race but I only managed to video that race - Ethan loves watching the video back of him and his friends running.



The boiler is still not fixed so I am waiting for a guy to come out from the manufactures today to hopefully sort it out. I really want to be able to have a bath in my own house instead of going round to my Mum and Dad's, it's so inconvenient.

Managed to do a layout last night and just got to finish it off. It's not gone quite as I thought it would but it's another layout to go in Ethan's 2-4 year album.

Weekend

Ethan was back at dancing on Saturday after missing last week with being away. Unfortunately his private lesson was cancelled as his dance teacher wasn't well so he was a little disappointed.

I then took Ethan to his Nan and Grandad's whilst John did some work on the bathroom and I went to the Hobbyhorse crop. Managed to complete two layouts one of which was for Ethan's 2-4 year album that I'm trying to finish.

Today we have been looking at cars. We're thinking that now John is going to be promoted that we would upgrade my car. We have not definitely decided that is what we are going to do as I have a perfectly decent 3 year old car at the moment. If all goes to plan though we are thinking of getting a Meriva. I really like the look of this as it would be a great family car and something we wouldn't grow out of. It has some great features but is a lot bigger than I'm used to driving - I really like smaller cars. We are going to test drive one at some point if we decide to go a head and upgrade.

We have spent the afternoon in the garden planting and tiding it up. Things had become quite over grown and weeds popping up everywhere. It is looking a lot better now and the strawberry patch is growing bigger by the day with all the runners from the main plants.

Although we now have a working bath we can't use it as the boiler as packed up and we have no hot water - back to showers at my Mum and Dad's! Hoping to get it sorted in the next few days but will depend how busy the guy who does all our heating stuff for us is.

Taking shape

The bathroom is really taking shape now and John has managed to get the bath in place and shower tray in and plumbed too. The aim now is to get the shower area tiled and the doors and shower in by the end of next weekend. Then the rest of the tiling will be done and all the other little jobs.

I picked my Grandma and Grandad up from the airport this morning. The plane was on time and they arrived out about 30 minutes later after collecting their luggage. They've had a great time and look really well.

Tonight we decided to go out for dinner at TGI Friday's. I had a buy one get one free voucher so it made the meal realy cheap. I had an ultimate chicken burger, John had a Fajita and Ethan had a cheeseburger. It was a lovely meal and really nice to go out together, we even saw the fire engine that we've hired for Ethan's birthday party so he was very excited.

I have a toilet that works!

The toilet is in and working, I'd almost forgot what is was like having a toilet and having one that flushed!!! John has also got the fittings on the bath too which took him quite a while, that will be plumbed in the morning. Hopefully the sink will go in tomorrow too then we can start getting the tiles on around the bath. After that it will be the rest of the tiles, shower cubicle then lots of finishing off.




And here it is, just taken this photo in the dark as we have no lighting in the bathroom - can't say I've ever taken a photo of a toilet before!




I have my car back too and it's all fixed. The garage have been great and JUST managed to get it sorted today so I have it for my airport run in the morning. My Grandma and Grandad are now on their way back and hopefully the plane won't be delayed.

How cute.

My Artbase order arrived yesterday with the page protectors I needed to put Ethan's 2-4 year album together. Last night I put all the layouts that weren't in page protectors in them and left spaces for the few layouts that needed doing. I'm just uploading the photos that I need to complete this album to Photobox so I can do some of the layouts at the weekend when I go to the Hobbyhorse crop. It has been great to look at old photos of Ethan when he was a toddler and still has the cute baby face, here is one of them.

Bathroom photos from yesterday

This is where the bath and sink will go - bath to the left along the wall and sink to the right under the window.





This is where the shower cubicle will be in the corner and the toilet will be to the right, in between the shower and bath.












John is just doing the pipe work for the toilet and bath so they will be connected by the end of the day.

I took my car into the garage and they have it now till the end of the day or tomorrow as the part didn't arrive. It will take a little longer to fit than they first thought but at least I will have it by tomorrow. Unfortunately though if it isn't finished today I'll have to drive John's car to pick my Grandma and Grandad up from the airport. I really don't like driving his car and it's almost impossible to open so he's been giving me lessons!!!

Still no toilet!

Here is a photo of the tile boarder we have chosen. The darker colour is what we are having on the floor and lighter colour is what we are having on the walls - the tiles will be 30cm x 30cm.

Well John tried his best but just couldn't get the toilet in and working tonight. He has done loads today and all the pipe work outside is done and looks great. The plasterer has finished and done a fantastic job and now the walls are ready for painting and tiling. John is going to get the toilet sorted tomorrow morning and then probably try and put the bath in. It would be great if both were done tomorrow and in use.

I took my car into the garage this morning and it needs a new part, it's some sort of ball and socket joint that does the linkage for the gears. The part costs £82 trade price and has been ordered and will have arrived today. It should only take about 30 minutes to fit, I'm just so thankful we know the guy who runs the garage as we'll never get ripped off and always get a good job done. It will then be time for a long over due service in the next few weeks so it's going to be an expensive month.

After getting back from sorting the car out I went for coffee at a friends house. It was great to chill out and have a chat. Just before we were leaving to collect the children from nursery it started to chuck it down with rain so I picked up her little girl as she has a baby.

This afternoon Ethan had his first school visit and his new teacher seems lovely. It went really well and he seemed to really enjoy it. I stayed for a little while and they had one of the classrooms for the parents so they could get a drink. We could also speak with the head if we wanted and ask her any questions - she is such a lovely head teacher. After checking that Ethan was ok I went home along with most of the other parents and came back to fetch him later on. He had made a bookmark and was very intrigued that his teacher is getting married over the school holidays and will have a different name. We've had lots of questions this afternoon on why people get married and who gets married.

Lisa

Another hot day

Work is so unbearable in this heat, it has been about 34C in our room at work! I have booked tomorrow off because of the heat and it's a really busy week too especially with picking my Grandma and Grandad up from the airport early on Friday. My car is also playing up and I was unable to do some visits at work this afternoon as I really thought it was going to give in on me. I think it probably needs a new gear stick and I'm not surprised after all the miles it's. It's only 3 years old but I've really worked it to the ground!

The plasterer has started on the bathroom and the ceiling is done and he did the preparation work for the walls today. Tomorrow when he comes back he will skim all the walls and John is going to get the outside pipe work done for the toilet whilst the he is here. Then in the afternoon when the plasterer has gone John is going to try his very best to get the toilet in and fully working.

We have just got back from B&Q to get some bits ready for all the work later in the week. It's amazing how little things add up, we just got tile spaces, a few pipe bits, tile trims and bath trims and it came to just under £60. We need to go back for a few other bits including the grout, paint and coving but at least we have most of the bits. We had a look at showers whilst we were there, I'm not impressed at all but I think we have decided on the sort of shower we are going to go for.

We are trying to decide how to do the tile boarder in the bathroom. The original plan was to take the wall tiles up to window level then do a boarder there. We are still going to do this but have decided it would be nice to have another boarder but we can't decide where to put it. It will either be at the bottom of the tiles on the wall or as a boarder around the floor tiles. Both are going to cause us problems, if we do it at the bottom of the wall tiles then the other boarder will be just under or just over window sill level so that wouldn't look as good as if it were level. If we do the boarder around the floor tiles then we have to decide whether we take it round the bath and shower cubicle. They shower cubicle is curved to it would be so difficult to do and involve lots of complex tile cutting but we're not sure if it will look right just around the edges of the wall - so not to take it round the bath and shower cubicle - too many decisions to make!!!

Yesterday evening we got an email from British Airways and they have cancelled our return flight from America. They have rebooked us on a slightly later flight and we leave and arrive from the same airports so it shouldn't be too much of a problem. Instead of arriving home on Wednesday night we will now arrive in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Just about to sit down for a takeaway and watch a bit of the football before Big Brother's on. Was going to do some scrapbooking tonight but really feel like relaxing.

Without a bathroom

As you can see my bathroom now consists of floorboards and plaster board! The plasterer comes tomorrow to start work and John is going to get preparation work done to get the toilet fitted. It will probably be Wednesday though before we have the toilet fitted and ready to use. Luckily my Mum and Dad are away so we are able to use their bathroom this week.

This morning John went to pick up the tiles we had chosen yesterday apart from most of the boarders as they are on order. We didn't choose the tiles we had originally seen as we saw these others when we went in and they are porcelain so harder wearing. The floor tiles are a lot darker from what we were going to have but I'm really pleased we saw these as I think they'll look a lot nicer. We were going to have two different neutral shades, one on the floor and the other on the walls.

John picked up the shower cubicle tonight so hopefully that will be fitted soon. There is just so much to do that it's hard to see what order and when things are going to get done. Putting the tiles down will be a big job but at least the walls will be completely smooth from having it plastered. I wanted the boarder of the tiles to come to the bottom of the window but it looks like we may have to go 10cm under or above it or we'll be cutting tiles up and I don't think it will look as good - so hard to imagine what it will look like either way and make these decisions.

Just need to choose a shower now which is easier said than done as I can't have what I want. I really wanted a "trendy" stainless steel shower head etc but because of our heating system we have to have an electric shower. There is not much choice and they are either white or chrome and some of those look a bit "cheap". Will have to do some shopping around and see if I can find something and quick. Also need to choose a paint colour for the top half of the walls and I have no idea what colour to go for so that'll be fun too!

Some layouts

Here are some of the layouts that I did whilst I was away:

Just need to finish the journalling on this one as I didn't have the pen I wanted to use with me.

Been away for a few days

Sorry I've not been around, I've been away at my Mum and Dad's caravan since Wednesday and didn't get chance to post before I went.

After finishing work on Wednesday I came home, finished packing and we were off - me, Ethan and my sister, stopping off for a few bits and a Subway first. We met my Mum and Dad at the caravan although my Dad then came home as he had work for the rest of the week.


On Thursday we went into Skegness to do a bit of shopping and we had lunch their too which was really nice. On the way back to the caravan we went strawberry picking which was lovely and we picked loads - Ethan loves strawberry picking and eating them after! In the evening we went out for an hour so Ethan could go on a few of the rides and we won some England things which Ethan was really excited about.

We had a lovely walk to Fantasy Island on Friday and had a walk around the market there. There is also a new little complex with some shops etc so we had a look round there too - every year there are changes and new buildings and caravan sites popping up. Ethan and my sister went on one of the rides in Fantasy Island which Ethan had been looking for and kept asking - "when am I going to go on a ride." We then had a lovely walk back along the beach and chilled out at the caravan for the rest of the day. In the evening John and Dad joined us and bought fish and chips with them.

Saturday was such a great day and we had a lovely walk to the boating lake and went on the motor boats and slide. As you can see form the photos Ethan loved it especially racing me, my sister and my Mum. We then had a walk to Chapel along the beach and had an all day breakfast for lunch and went in a few of the shops there. In the evening me and John went for a meal which was really nice.

Sunday was mainly spent getting ready to go home and packing. We did manage to go strawberry picking again but took John and Dad with us this time. It was then time to go as we needed to be back in Nottingham to order the bathroom tiles before the shop closed.

Over the few days we were there I managed to get 6 layouts done, I'm really pleased with them especially considering the amount of stash I was able to take with me - not much!!!

Busy again

I need to try and remember what I have been up to since I last blogged.

I nipped to Hobbyhorse at the end of last week to get a few things including Junes Creating Keepsakes magazine that I hadn't managed to get hold of yet. I also ordered July's Creating Keepsakes magazine and two mini lunch tins from Papermaze for Ethan's teachers when he leaves in July.

On Friday a few of the Mum's from nursery popped round for a coffee which was really nice. It made a nice change from coming home and cleaning etc. In the afternoon me and Ethan had a check up at the dentist which Ethan quite enjoys. Before we went in we were deciding who would go first and Ethan said he wanted to and I could go first next time!!!

Yesterday (Saturday) was a very busy day and started as usual with Ethan going dancing. Today though he had his first private lesson after his normal ones. He did really well learning a little routine and has been doing it at home since and is remembering the first part of the routine - I'm remembering the rest. After dancing we went to pick up Christina and went to do some shopping as she needed to get a baby book for her sister's baby shower.

Ethan then a had a party in the afternoon and we picked up one of Ethan's friend on the way. He had a lovely time playing on the bouncy castle and watching the magician, he even got to help bend a balloon in half as the magician couldn't do it!!!

Today I have been to my best friends sisters baby shower. It was a great afternoon and a nice surprise for her as she didn't know. She got some lovely gifts and we had a great time playing games. One of them I won - you started with a necklace in either blue or pink depending on if you thought it would be a girl or boy and if you saw somebody folding their arms or crossing their legs you had to take theirs off them.

Photos

For some reason these photos wouldn't upload onto the Father's Day post as I had wanted them too, so here they are.

Here is Ethan in his Nottingham Forest football strip on Friday. At nursery they could wear it on that day as England are doing so well and we also took in an item that can be used for the tombolla at the summer fete.







Here is the latest photo of the bathroom. It's not a great photo as it was very difficult to get a good angle with all the rubble etc. We are now flushing the toilet with a bucket of water and the sink will be out of action from the weekend. The plasterer then comes in after the weekend and then John will have the first week in July off to get as much of the bathroom done as possible.




Here is the lunch box we got Ethan ready for school. We have used it for the nursery trip today and it is great. The ice pack that you put inside kept everything cold so it will be fantastic for putting his lunch in once he starts school in September.

Nursery trip

It's been such a busy day today and I'm so tired. I took my Grandma and Grandad to the airport this morning as they are off to America to see my Auntie. We made it there in good time and there were no cues for check in. Once they had checked in I filled out the immigration and customs forms out for them so they wouldn't be worrying and not have to do them on the plane. I then saw them up to the departure lounge and they went in to wait for boarding - they had plenty of time, about an hour and a half.

I was parked in the car park for about 40 minutes and it coast me £3.60, it is such a rip off and really annoys me that NCP charge so much - can you imagine the profit they make! I had a good journey back and was at Ethan's nursery trip at Ferry Farm an hour later. It's been a lovely day at the farm and Ethan has really enjoyed it although very excited and full of energy! Here are some photos from today

Nothing much has happened since I last posted just the whole build up to the school trip and taking Grandma and Grandad to the airport today. It looks like there are going to be more changes at work with staff moving bases etc. Hopefully I won't be moving but we may end up having some other health visitors sharing our room or based in the same building, will just have to wait and see. Almost forgot, we did go and order a shower cubicle on Monday for the bathroom. They didn't have the one in stock that we wanted so have ordered it in and still got the 15% off that was being advertised. Just the floor and wall tiles, radiator/towel rail, shower and accessories to buy now and maybe under floor heating.

Father's Day

Having a lovely relaxing day today which is nice - although John isn't as he's back working on the bathroom. We have a plasterer coming in just under two weeks to plaster the entire bathroom so it has to be ready for then and there is still loads to do. Here is the latest photo of the bathroom and they'll be another later as John is taking the toilet apart so he can put lateral restraints in - a bucket a water is what we'll be using to flush the toilet as from this evening!!!

We have just been to John's Mum and Dad's to give John's Dad his Father's Day card and present. In the end I made another mini book with more photos from their 50th wedding anniversary meal that I found on John's Mum's camera. I had been asking John all week for ideas for his Dad but I never got any. Thankfully he loved it and it has been added to the mini book I did John's Mum for her birthday so makes one big mini book now.

Just waiting for my Dad to get back from a weekend at the caravan then I can nip round with his card and present.

Ethan gave John his Father's Day cards and present this morning. He made a card at nursery and also one with me and he did all the writing himself. Ethan chose a t-shirt and some 3/4 length trousers for John's Father's Day presents, with a little help from me! John has always been unsure of 3/4 length trousers and when I saw these I thought I would get them so he try some on as I could have easily taken them back. They look great on and although John's still not sure I think he quite likes them. We did have to take the t-shirt back though as it was far too short and the bigger size would have been too wide, Ethan was a little upset as it had an England design on it. So we exchanged it for some trousers as John really needed some more as all his trousers seem to be turning into work trousers!!

Yesterday was a really busy day and it started as usual with Ethan going dancing. Today though John came along too which Ethan was really excited about as John hasn't been yet to watch him. Ethan is really enjoying the first class at the moment which is gym, he does all the stretches, roly polys, hand stands etc. I'm also hoping to get Ethan a private lesson sorted, they think they can squeeze him in just before or after his other lessons so lets hope so. I think it will really help him with his stretches etc and to start learning a little routine as he has shown an interest for doing competitions - well winning a trophy like I did at Butlins but bigger.

After dancing we went to my Grandma and Grandad's for lunch and to sort out arrangements for Wednesday. On Wednesday morning I am taking them to the airport as they are off to America to visit my Auntie (their daughter). They just wanted everything checking and making sure they had everything ready. I wrote out the luggage tags for them, made sure they had all the relevant documents and they had new passports so the stickers etc needed taking off them and emergency contact details writing in. So they are all set now apart from packing the rest of their cases and I'll be picking them up at 7:30am. Whilst we were there Ethan managed to fall in their pond. We never let him in their garden without one of us is with him so John was right next to him and pulled him out. Just shows you how easy it is as he was only running towards it and tripped. He was wet through and we had to go straight home - we were going to do the food shopping on the way back!

Once we had gone home and got Ethan changed we got the food shopping out of the way and also nipped to Costco. Ethan has a nursery trip on Wednesday and has to take a pack lunch but I didn't have a good lunch box for him. So as he will be needing one for when he starts school in September I thought I'd buy it now and he can use it for the trip. I had seen some in Costco a few weeks ago that had the ice packs etc in and thought that would be ideal as it will keep things like yogurt's etc cool. It also comes with a drinks bottle and the inside can be taken off and washed so will be perfect.

Katy then popped over with Olivia for half an hour. Ethan and Olivia played outside whilst me and Katy chatted and looked at each others layouts etc. I also gave Katy Phoebe's first birthday present which is the main reason they were visiting Nottingham.

Friday was a fairly busy day too and I had to have a filling in the morning after I had dropped Ethan off at nursery. It wasn't too bad and even the needle didn't really hurt and it's all sorted now. Liam and Donna came round after nursery and Ethan and Liam had a great time playing in the garden.

When John got home from work it was straight round to his Mum and Dad's as it was his Mum's birthday. She loved the mini book I made and the handmade cards too so that was nice. Ethan ate far too much chocolate cake whilst we were there but had a lovely time!

Lake District layout

This is the layout I finished the other night that has been half finished for the last week. It's of me, John and Ethan on one of the boat tours on Lake Windermere. We visited the Lake District last year and made sure we did this as we knew Ethan would love it. I'm not too sure about the layout, it is another simple one for the album I'm trying to get finished but it's growing on me.

Mini book

I did this mini book this afternoon for my mother in laws birthday tomorrow. The photos inside are from her and my father in laws 50th wedding anniversary in April - can't show the inside pages as it includes other family members. It came together really easily and quickly and I'm really pleased with finished book. She is quite crafty so sure she will love and appreciate it.

Anyway back to everything else I've been up to. Yesterday afternoon I went shopping with Ethan after I had finished work. Ethan was really hard work and didn't behave himself at all and as a result we didn't go and collect his flip flops we had ordered - not that he was bothered!!! I managed to get John's and my Dad's father's day presents sorted so that's a good job out of the way, just John's Dad now but I'm getting no help from John!

Today has been a busy day and I spent the morning getting chores etc done. The first part of the morning was spent cleaning up and getting washing sorted. Then I went to collect Ethan's flip flops and get a few bits from Sainsbury's for lunch. After picking Ethan up from nursery Jane came round for the afternoon and we were able to have a good chat and catch up.

Ethan picked the first strawberry from our strawberry patch today. He has had his eye on it for a few days as he had noticed it had started to go red. Unfortunately we won't get many strawberry's this year as it takes a few years for them to 'mature' but it'll be worth the wait.

I also got a letter from Ethan's nursery today with all his school visits on, who his teacher will be and when parents can go in etc. It's suddenly feeling very real and close, I think it is only 5 weeks until he breaks up for the summer holidays. It will be very strange when he starts school and we no longer have our afternoons together. At least I will be able to take and pick him up from school though so will still have plenty of time with him and of course there is still the holidays. Thankfully it all seems to have gone smoothly being able to reduce and change my hours at work to fit them around Ethan's school times.

ENGLAND WON the football. Great game and even Ethan enjoyed watching the second half - he came and told me Daddy wanted the white ones (white shirts) to win and is that who I wanted to win, he will learn!

John's Birthday

It's John's birthday today and we couldn't have asked for nicer weather for it. John had insisted that I got him nothing for his birthday as we are saving for America but I had other ideas. After lots emails and telephone conversations with my Auntie I have booked John a helicopter ride over New York when we visit there at Christmas. It's called The Big Apple Tour and you can see it here. Me and Ethan will hopefully join him but we will decide nearer the time.

This morning we have done a little shopping as there were a few things I forgot from shopping yesterday and we also needed a few other bits for the BBQ this evening. We then went to Costco and got some taped for the camcorder, a bargain at 12 for £16 - we usually pay around £8 for 2. We also got John a birthday cake from Costco, they are such good value at £10 but a little too sickly for me. Here is John with his cake, it had bee cut seconds after this photo was taken!




Ethan has been out in his paddling pool again today and John has joined him. He has had so much fun this weekend in the paddling pool and garden but he is exhausted. As you can see he fell so sleep in the dingy as it was floating in the paddling pool!




We have had lots of visitors today with it being John's birthday. My Dad popped round this morning with cards and then John's brother nipped round with cards too. My Grandma, Grandad and Auntie popped round then and stopped for drink and chat. Grandma and Grandad had forgotten John's birthday so they came with cake and chocolate to make it up to him LOL John's Mum, Dad and other brother, Nathan are coming round now so no doubt they'll have some pressies etc.

Then it will be BBQ time and Gareth and Christina will be joining us for that which will be nice.

Fun in the sun

I will upload some more later, it's running a little slow at the moment.

Here are some photos from earlier today. Ethan had a great afternoon playing in his paddling pool and dingy. He loved jumping in from his trampoline and relaxing in the dingy in there. John and my Dad joined him after the football and you wouldn't know who was the child. Had a BBQ after which was lovely and looking forward to another one tomorrow.

Earlier today Ethan went dancing and he did really well, especially in the first session - gym. He tried so hard at his roly polys and doing them through hoops too, also jumping, balancing and his stretches. On the way home I did the food shopping and got some photos developed to complete a few mini albums - I will upload them soon.

I went over to my friend Jane's on Thursday for lunch and Ethan had a fab time playing in her paddling pool she'd set up for him. Another of Jane's friends popped round later and Ethan enjoyed playing with her little girl in the paddling pool and on the trampoline.

On Friday after picking Ethan up from nursery we went shopping to get a few bits including something for John's birthday on Sunday and something for my hayfever which has been really bad this week. We then went over to Next and I ordered Ethan some flip flops, got him some summer sandal's and bought myself a dress. I can never get dresses to fit me so was so pleased when this fit and looked ok - it can also be worn over jeans so should get plenty of use out of it.

So tired

I am still so exhausted from the weekend, it has been a real struggle at work to stay awake. I've finished work for the week now though so can try and recover. I went dancing last night (don't ask why!) and my legs were aching so much still from the weekend. We also watched back the team dance from the weekend as Clare had bought her camcorder along and recorded it. It was really good to watch back and amazing hearing all the cheers and support we got whilst we were dancing.

We are having a BBQ tonight so looking forward to sitting out in the garden in the sunshine. It's so nice to be able to sit out in the garden especially in the evening. I'm hoping the weather will stay this nice over the weekend too so Ethan can have his paddling pool out. He has been wanting to get the paddling pool out all winter and I kept saying when sun comes out and it is hot.

Here are two layouts I did last week. The first one is of Ethan with Olivia and Louise in our back garden last year. They all had a great time laying in the paddling pool and with the garden toys.








The second layout is from last year on holiday in Ingoldmells. Ethan loves to go and spend time at his Nanna and Grandad's caravan especially as there are all these great things to do.

It's another two layouts completed for Ethan's 2-4 year scrapbook album so it shouldn't be too much longer now till it's done.

WE WON

Well I'm back from the dancing competition at Butlins and we won the adult team. We were all so excited and jumping up and down when we got 1st place. There were 6 teams altogether so we did so well to win. Some of the other team members came up to us and said how good they thought we were and how they'd not seen anything like that before - we did Riverdance and it's usually disco/street dancing. It was really nice of the other team members to say these things and shows we all did it for fun and enjoyed it. I had a fab time doing the dance but at one point couldn't hear the music the crowd were clapping and shouting so much. When we collected the trophies all the team wore t-shirts our dance teacher had made for us saying -

DANCEMANIA

FLATtleys BATTERIES

IN LOVING MEMORY OF KAREN

Karen passed away last year and it has not been the same without her. She was always part of the team and the most energetic one too, making all the jokes. She was a great friend and is sadly missed at dancing - what a great tribute to her winning this.

Anyway I'm ahead of myself and it has been a while since I posted on here. Friday morning was very busy trying to get packed and I had all my ironing to do. I dropped Ethan off at his Nan and Grandad's then went to Mansfield to picked Joy and Clare up. We arrived about 5:30/6pm at Butlins but it took us a while to get to the chalet as we had to check in. Some others we were sharing the chalet with had checked in before us so had the keys. When we got to the chalet though they weren't there and they weren't answering their mobiles. Anyway we finally got in and it was not the best of chalets and one less bedroom than we were expecting. Three people ended up sleeping in the lounge which was not ideal as it was quite small and not very clean and modern. We went out that night with lots of the women/Mum's from the dance school and had a fab night. I only had a couple of drinks unlike others as I didn't want to spoil the weekend.

The next morning we were up and ready early and over to the dance hall ready for the competition to start. The first event was all 17 dance schools each coming onto the floor for one minute and doing a little routine, me and Joy stood at the back holding a banner with the dance schools name on. For the rest of the day I watched all the children take part in the solo disco, street pairs and slow solo. It was great watching everyone and they all did so well.

It was then back to the chalet for something to eat and then back to the dance hall for the Supreme disco solo (very similar to the disco solo during the day but some extra prizes for 1st place). It was a great evening and a member of our dance school won the over 16's section. We then went out for a quick drink before coming back to the chalet.

It was a very hectic morning yesterday as I had to get all my things ready for the team Riverdance. The day before I could just take my handbag but I had to make sure I had everything with me. During the morning I watched the solo street dance, slow pairs and disco pairs which again was great to watch and lots from our school got to the finals. It was then time for the adult and child section which I had been volunteered to do with Lauren. We made up a little disco routine and I had feathers in my hair and some of Lauren's arm bands from the costume she was wearing. I had such fun doing this as it is ages since I've danced like that but I was REALLY out of breath by the end. Lots of people said how good I'd danced and that they hadn't realized I was so good :) and that we would get through the next round. Unfortunately we didn't get through to the next round which I thought we wouldn't but was disappointed for Lauren. They really really looking for the Dad's partnering their daughters and wearing outrageous outfits - which lots did. It was then the rock and roll and over 25's pairs street dance and child teams which was really fun to watch especially all the effort some of the street pairs went to.

We then did the adult teams and we were the third team to dance. I was a little nervous stood waiting but excited about doing it at the same time. I was just really worried about going wrong and just wanted it to go well. Luckily it went really well and I didn't go wrong - the rest you already know.

I then had to get changed, get back to the chalet and get all my things packed. Before I could leave we were having a photo with all the dance school and trophies that we'd won. I finally left about 8:30pm and got home about 10:30pm. I got straight in the bath when I got home and tried to get as much of the make up and glitter off as I could but that was easier said than done and I can still see bits of glitter on now!

I will upload some photos soon.

Two layouts

This is the layout I did last night. It's of Ethan with his doll which he had to sleep with every night last year. He is a little older now and just sleeps with his cuddly toys but still enjoys playing with dolls - not that John likes that LOL



I did this layout on Sunday night and it's just a quick and simple one. It is of our visit to Greens Windmill in April this year. We took Louise with us and they both had a great time grinding, finding the Easter eggs and making a gift bag.

Bank holiday Monday

Had a lovely Bank Holiday Monday and it's lovely to have a shorter week at work. In the morning Katy came over with Olivia, Louise and Phoebe. The children all have a great time playing in Ethan's bedroom with all the toys and playing outside. Me and Katy looked at each others recent scrapbook pages, it's so much better to see them in real life.

In the afternoon we went food shopping and got Ethan a new helmet now he can ride his bike. He got a Scooby Doo one which was on offer for about £5 but at the till it came up at £2.47 - I love a bargain. Ethan wants the matching knee and elbow pads now or pad knees as he calls them!

Later in the evening Christina and Gareth came over which was great as it's been a while since we got together. We caught up on what we've all been up to and are going to get together for a BBQ as soon as the weather improves.

I spent quite a while sorting out Ethan's 2-4 year scrapbook album to get it in order so I can see what layouts need doing. There aren't too many to do so I will be working over the next few months to get that completely finished then I can sort his 0-2 year album out. His most recent album 4 + is almost up to date, just a couple of Ethan's most recent outings need scrapping. I also did another layout last night from Ethan's 2-4 year album so that's one down, hoping to get another done tonight when I get back from our dresrehearsalal at dancing.

Will upload a few layouts later.

BBQ

We are having a BBQ this evening, it's a little windy out there but we have the burgers and it's not raining.

This morning I have been shopping with Ethan to get a few bits. I wanted to get Ethan some summer plimsol type shoes but they didn't have his size in. I have ordered them though and they should arrive in the next week or two. I ended up with some Start-rite shoes, they are very similar to Clarks doodles but more grown up (the Clarks doodles were just to babyish for Ethan) and more money! When they arrive I will need to take them into John Lewis to get them fitted and choose between the two styles that I have ordered. Also got Ethan some t-shirts ready for the summer, got a really nice OshKosh one and one from John Lewis which has cranes on!

Got some make for myself from Clinque, it's ages since I've bought any and I really needed some new foundation. I love Clinque products and usually stock up when I visit America but I've started to run out.

Me and Ethan went for a little bike ride round to my Mum and Dad's this afternoon and he rode his bike all of the way, we just had to be careful when passing parked cars. Ethan loved showing his Nanna, Grandad and Auntie Michelle how he could ride his bike with no stabilizers.

This was Ethan yesterday afternoon after he fell to sleep on the sofa - notice the scruffy jeans from being outside in the garden, it's a hard life!







This is the layout I completed last night. It's not the best photo of me, John and Ethan but as we don't get our photo taken together very often I thought I would scrap it for the family album. I used the left over Junkitz papers from the layout I did the previous night of me and Ethan so I really got my moneys worth.

New hair style

I've had my hair cut today and had a new style. It was quite a quick decision but a few days ago I decided I would have a fringe. I am so glad I did as I love it and it completely changes how I look - if you know what I mean. It is taking John some getting used to as he says I look so different. Will add a photo at some point.

On the way back from having my hair cut I went to to Gonalston farm shop to get a few bits. It's a bit of a detour but I love the place and they have such lovely food. I got some burgers ready for when we next have a BBQ - 12 for £5 which I think is really cheap and they are big burgers! I also got a few other bits, bread, ham, biscuits etc but could have spent a whole lot more.

This afternoon I finished a layout and spent some time with Ethan out in the garden. He just can't get enough of riding his bike now he can do it with no stabilizerss. It's not been a very quiet afternoon though as some neighbours at the back of us have been playing music nonstop all afternoon, evening and tonight full blast - not funny when you're trying to get a 4 year old to sleep.

This evening we have been out for a meal with Ethan. We had a lovely meal and couldn't manage a dessert we were so full. After we went for a drive and drove by the airport and saw a plane taking off. Ethan loves to watch the planes taking off and landing and we often go up there with a picnic.

Off to watch TV now and do another LO.

Two layouts

Here are two of the layouts I've done in the past couple of days, I managed to finish the one I started last night this afternoon.

The first one is off Ethan when he was about two and a half. It was taken the morning I went to Barcelona for a few days. I have used Sweetwater paper and embellishments, Queen and Co bookplate and brads and Bazzil cardstock.





The second layout is of me and Ethan when we visited America in April 2003. This photo was taken at Disneyland whilst we were in the cue to see Tigger, Eeyore and Winnie the Pooh. I have used Junkitz paper, Bazzill cardstock and American crafts ribbon.

Can't stop scrapping

Well I really am on a roll with my scrapbooking these last few days. I completed two layouts yesterday and starting a third last night too. I finished that layout tonight and have almost completed another layout. I'm really pleased with them and they are all very different. The first two I did are fairly simple but it's another two layouts done for Ethan's albums to get them up to date. The third one is for our family album and is of John's side of the family when we went out for his Mum and Dad's 50th wedding anniversary. The last layout is for my album and is of me and Ethan at Disneyland in California when we went in 2003. I will post photos of a few of them tomorrow - can't post two of them as they have other people in the photos.

Today has been a very busy day and me and Ethan were out most of the day. First thing this morning we went to have breakfast at Tesco's which was yummy. We then went to a friend from works house who is not well at the moment. I had to stop by the florists on the way to pick up some flowers after we collected for her at work. Ethan had fun playing with her son and all his toys - he had a lot too. From there we went to Claire's and we had lunch which was ready when we arrived. Ethan played really well with Finlay and Jacob and there wasn't really any falling out which was nice.

We then went home but it wasn't long before John got home and we were back out again. We had planned to go out for dinner but after everything me and Ethan had eaten today we thought it would be better to leave it till tomorrow when we weren't as full! So we went off to Costco as it's ages since we last went. We just got the usual - Croissants for Ethan of course and also some bird seed for the bird feeder in the garden as it was a bargain at £3.99 for a huge bag and a couple of other bits. We also have a bite to eat when we had finished and they had cottage pie which they don't usually sell so I had that and it was really nice.

Clever boy

Ethan rode his bike tonight with no stabilizers. He's only had a few practices since we took them off as the weathers been so wet we haven't managed to get outside much. We went outside to water the strawberry's and rhubarb, he was in his PJs and he just got on his bike and did it. He went from one end of the garden to the other and there was no stopping him after that. He was even starting to master the corners around the house and using the brakes. He just needs a little more practice pushing himself off with his feet as it takes him a while!

We were going to treat him to an ice cream from the ice cream van but he never came on our road even though we heard the van. We then went to look for it and couldn't find it so next time the ice cream van comes we owe Ethan an ice cream.

Will get some photos on here in the next few days, also need to buy another tape for the camcorder so we can video him.

Well I've finished work for the week, well I did yesterday lunch time. It has been as busy as ever and my work has now changed slightly for the next few months or so. I will be working with a different Health Visitor one day a week but still at the same Health Centre. It should be challenge and I'll have a lot to get stuck into but still working at two separate Health Centres.

I have had two practices again at dancing this week so I'm really looking forward to relaxing tonight. My feet are really aching after doing Riverdance for the past two nights. We now have one more practice left which is next Tuesday and it will be a dress rehearsal. We haven't seen our outfits yet but it consists of a black skirt, long black sleeve top, sash, wig, hand band, tights etc.

Our plumber came round yesterday when I got back from work to disconnect the radiator in the bathroom. John can now get on with things in there and get the wall back up between the bathroom and our bedroom - no en-suite then!

This morning I have done some scrapping whilst Ethan was at nursery. I managed to get one layout completed of Ethan with his cousins in America when we went in 2003. I am hoping to get another couple done today as it is so long since I last scrapped - well a few weeks ago at Bonanza, it just feels longer than that.

Also have NTL coming round today to fit digital TV. We don't need it as we have Sky but they had an offer where we would save money on our phone and broadband and the TV was included so we'll have it put it the back room - not that it will ever really get used but as it's free, we'll have it.

Ethan is off nursery tomorrow as it's an inset day. We are going to go to Tesco's in the morning and treat ourselves to breakfast which we haven't done in ages. I then need to visit a friend from work who is not well and take her some flowers from everyone at work. We are also going to friends for lunch and need to try and visit another friend too - busy day I think. I could have done some of the visiting today but NTL are coming between 12pm - 6pm so who knows when they'll turn up.

No rest

I had quite a nice day Friday, it was busy but relaxing! After dropping Ethan off at nursery I came back and relaxed in front of the TV, it's ages since I've watched day time TV and I really enjoyed it. Ethan came back from nursery with his Bear words and the next one too - Bear words 3. I had asked for the next ones as it is inset day next Friday and half term the following week (they take Bear words in on a Friday) and he is already great with Bear words 2. I don't think his teacher wanted to give them us and put on his sheet that he didn't know all of Bear words 2 (he does) but Ethan said they worked as a group and she never went through any of the Bear words 2 - so who knows! Liam and Donna then came round in afternoon and the boys had a great time. They played great together, most of the time and didn't make a mess. Claire then popped round with Finlay and we had a chat whilst they played for a short while. It's a while since they have seen each other but it was like they'd never been away, we are going round to their house on Friday with it being inset day.

Ethan went dancing on Saturday morning and had a great time as always. He hasn't been the last few weeks for various reasons but it was like he'd never been away. On the way home we went to Grandma and Grandad's to sort their flight times to America as I need to send the details to my Auntie. Ethan was really excited as we were going for dinner and he always helps his Great Grandad and gets a great pudding. The rest of the afternoon was spent in garden watering plants, Ethan practicing riding his bike and he went over to our neighbours to look in her pond. She has loads of tadpoles and frogs in there and her young nephews were round too so Ethan loved it - he has no fear though and he had to be watched very carefully near the pond!!!

Katy also popped round for an hour on Saturday as she was up in Nottingham for the day. The children played outside with John whilst me and Katy chatted with no interruptions!


John spent all of Saturday on the bathroom too so it looks so different again. This time he has been working on the outside wall of the bathroom which is now down to the bricks. It looks so dark and smaller in there now especially as he also blocked off the little window in there to make way for the shower cubicle. Here are the latest photos - Saturday morning and Saturday afternoon, notice the bath has moved position temporarily as well.

Sunday was spent "window" shopping for tiles, a shower cubicle and shower. We didn't really get that far as the shower cubicle we like we don't think we can have as it's not compatible with our heating system. I did find some tiles that I really like though but we now have to decide how much of the bathroom we want tiling. I think it will come down to money though as I think it will be cheaper to tile the whole room then to have the room plastered and then tile part of it.

Ethan had a party in the afternoon of a friend from dancing. He had a lovely time and joined in all the party games and most of the dancers. He also ate lots of party food and loved playing with the balloons.

Some photos

Bonanza - UKS team photo











Bonanza Lil Davis class layout











Ethan learning to ride his bike with no stabilisers

Dancing

It's been a usual busy week at work and we have a student with us for 4 weeks at the moment too. It's been a while since we last had a student so that will keep us busy over the coming weeks as well as everything else!

I have had to go dancing twice this week, once as I usually do on Tuesdays and on Wednesday for an extra Riverdance practice as the Skegness competition gets closer. The routine is really starting to come together now and I'm looking forward to doing it. The skirts for the outfit we'll be wearing are being made at the moment and I'm not sure they're going to be very flattering!

This morning whilst Ethan was at nursery I went food and clothes shopping. I just needed a few bits from Sainsbury's for lunch as Jane was coming over for a few hours. I went to Next and took a top I bought last week back as I wasn't really keen on it when I tried it on again. I got a really lovely pink and grey stripy sweater which I love - thanks Katy for showing me yours :)

Jane was looking after a friends little girl today so she came along with Jane and Ethan had a great time playing with her. They played so well and me and Jane were able to chat and catch up.
Not too much planned for the rest of the day, hoping to get some Bonanza classes I did completed and it's the start of Big Brother tonight too.

BONANZA

Well I'm back from a great weekend away at Bonanza. It was my first time and so much better than I expected. In the end me and Katy made a last minute decision to go on the Thursday night so that we were only a 10 minute drive away from the NEC in the morning. Katy booked a Travelodge about 3 miles from the NEC so it was ideal. After packing everything in a rush on Thursday afternoon/evening I finally arrived just after 10pm at the Travelodge. After chilling out for a bit we both went to bed as we had a very early start in the morning.

We got up about 6am on Friday morning and got ourselves ready. We got everything down to our cars and had breakfast at McDonald's which was only next door. After going the wrong way to start with (Sat Nav's fault!) we arrived at the NEC. It was not that straight forward to find somewhere to park as the signs just seemed to stop. We found somewhere to park though and only a very short walk to where we needed to be.

Check in was very easy and we went straight to the VIP room for coffee. Our goodie bags looked great with all sorts of bits in them. We also had a tool bag which we found out we could keep as we were VIPs but we were given the wrong tool set to start with but we managed to get that changed. We then went to the cropping area and found ourselves a table and started cropping straight away. I managed to get a layout finished that morning and met Lianne and Kathy. Dani and Mary were also at our table and we had a great time with them, it was great to have people we knew there.

We went shopping and I bought a few bits including a AMM tote for my tools that I had been after for ages. I got it from Rachel at Hobbyhorsecrafts and so did a lot of other people by the looks of it! Our first class was A lotta Lil with Becks, it was a fab class with great teacher and an amazing kit. There was so much in it, travel stamps, ribbon, lots of embellishments, paper etc and I loved the double layout I created. Before the next class we met with others from our UKS team, it was lovely to meet people again and for the first time. We were able to have a quick chat and have some photos taken before going off to our next classes. The next class was Heidi Swapp, Inside the box with Kara Wylie and was fantastic. We made a little album from one of Heidi Swapps frame kits (just needs finishing) which is something I never would have though of doing-I have a travel one sat in my draw so I know what I can do with it now! Kara was lovely and made the class so relaxed and we got so much done.

The last class of the day was The X-factor by Gin-x and the only disappointing class I did. The class kit was various papers from Imagination Project so not just Gin-x as I thought. The kit did not co-ordinate - papers, embellishments and cotton art tape and I'm not sure the little album is something I would use especially as nothing matches.

Party night was good and there was enough food to go round. We had a power cut due to a lightening strike but I still managed a layout in the dark! I also did another layout that night and it was good to meet a few new people and watch some of the challenges. I also won a raffle price which I was really pleased with. After the party we made our way to the Hilton Hotel. It took longer than planned as once we had got our cars we couldn't find our way back to Dani and Mary who were looking after the bags. Once we'd checked in at the hotel we took our things to the rooms and had a drink in the bar. We finally got to bed around 1:30am.

The next day me and Katy were up and down for breakfast around 8am. We had a lovely breakfast and filled ourselves up. We then got our things and went over to the NEC and got a coffee from the VIP room. We then found ourselves a table in the cropping room and made our way to the first of today's two classes. It was Album Botox with Mandy Anderson and was a huge paper bag book. It was a very fast class and we almost completed the whole album, Mandy was a great teacher and kept us on out toes. Our next class was Prima Donna and was a card class with Prima flowers, Maya round charms and some other things from Craftwork cards. We completed 2 cards in this class and had some things left over to do some more.

We then had some more time cropping, shopping and meeting people before heading home. I was so exhausted but it was a fantastic two days and I finally made it home at 8pm.

Thanks Katy for a great weekend and for your company in cropping, classes, shopping etc. It was great to share classes with Michelle and Kathy too on the Friday - didn't we have a good moan on Friday Michelle and Katy!! Thanks to Dani and Mary too for your company whilst cropping and drinking and finding our way to the Hilton!!!

I will post photo of my layouts later when I have photographed them.

Times running away

It's been a busy week and have been trying to find the time to update! On Sunday we went to Katy's house to help them with boxes etc. John and Martin were very busy putting boxes in the loft, putting furniture together, getting the garden sorted etc. Me and Katy went shopping with the children for a few things that she needed. We stopped for McDonald's whilst we were out which we all enjoyed! Once back the children played in the garden all afternoon whilst we got other things done. We then had some dinner which we had bought with us so that was really nice. We had a lovely day even though it was a "working" visit and can't wait to go again when everything is sorted and can see all the new things and scrapping area :) We arrived home around 8pm and the journey was great with no traffic.

It was back at work on Monday and I felt so tired. It was quite a busy day at work so that kept me going through the day. I didn't really do much just relaxed, enjoyed a chow main John had cooked and watched tv.

Tuesday was very busy at work and I was glad to get home by the end of the day. Once I picked Ethan up I had to go to the Post Office to get a long over due parcel sent off. It was then time for dancing later on which I felt far too tired for but went as Skegness is getting closer and we really need the practice for the Riverdance.

I was glad to finish work for the week today. I had to get home for 2pm picking Ethan up on the way. We had some guys coming round from the insurance company to look at the work that they will be completing in about a months time when the movement monitoring is complete. As soon as they had gone me and Ethan went for a walk down the river and canal. We stopped off at the shop first for an ice cream then ate them as we walked to the weir field. We walked along the path that runs by the side of the river and it was just so peaceful and sunny. We saw a heron and swans along the way and Ethan found a golf ball. It seemed so long since I'd done this walk yet it minutes from my house and where I grew up. I thing you sometimes take for granted what you have on your doorstep and I will not in the future we had such a lovely afternoon. On the way back we walked past the park and Ethan played their for a while before we walked the rest of the way home. On John's way home from work he picked up all the essentials for a BBQ and that's what we had for tea. There is nothing better than sitting out in the garden on a summers evening with a glass of wine and a BBQ.

Back down to earth!!!

Ethan let us all sleep in this morning and didn't wake up till 8:00am - I slept in a little longer. We had bacon sandwiches for breakfast this morning outside which was lovely. We sat watch the birds at the feeder that's on our apple tree, it was so peaceful out there. I then went into town shopping with Ethan to get a few bits, birthday card for the party Ethan had, new house present, new baby boy present, some clothes for Ethan and a few other bits including some handbags. Ethan helped choose some of the things and chose himself some socks as he hasn't got many - well he has they're just all odd. On the way back I treated Ethan to an ice cream, vanilla and strawberry whippy with sprinkles - he loved it. We got home just in time for John to get Ethan ready whilst I wrapped the presents then Ethan wrote the card out.

Ethan had a lovely time at the party which I ended up staying at as there were a lot of children and holes in fences outside where the children's play area was. He really enjoyed the magician that came so I think that's Ethan's birthday party sorted this year! It had started to rain during the magician's act so this spell of lovely weather didn't last long.

After the party we went shopping at Tesco, nothing exciting just the usually weekly shop. Then that was the day gone, Ethan in bed, we had our tea then getting things ready for tomorrow and Monday. Back to Katy's tomorrow to help, we're taking tea with us for everyone so that'll save cooking tomorrow.

Manic few days

Where do I start, the last three days have just flown. Thursday was a lovely relaxing day and the weather was just so hot. In the morning I nipped into Beeston to get a few bit and got a coffee from Cafe Nero that has just opened. I then went over to my friend Jane's after picking Ethan up from nursery. We had a lovely afternoon outside chatting and Ethan played on their new trampoline. On the way home I went to a local farm shop to get burgers and sausages and then to Sainsbury's to get cobs, cheese, wine and hamburger relish. When John got home we sat in the garden and had a BBQ and my Mum and Dad joined us. The burgers were pork and apple and huge, they were bigger than the cobs. The sausages were just a selection of what they had and everything was organic and made on site.

Friday I had Katy's three children all day as it was their moving day. All the children had breakfast together here then it was time to get Ethan to nursery. On the way home from there we went for a walk along the canal which was lovely as the weather was sunny again although I was exhausted pushing the pushchair with two children in - you forget what it's like when you haven't used a pushchair for so long. Ethan was having his nursery photos done today and we got to see the photo on the day. It is such a lovely photo of him and we just have to decide what to have now as there are bookmarks, keyrings etc. After lunch the children played outside and Liam came round to have a play too. It was lovely to get outside again and get all the outside toys out. Unfortunately it didn't go quite to plan for Katy and they didn't leave Nottingham till 6pm. We went with them to give them a hand at the other end but before that cooked the left over burgers on the BBQ, got some drinks etc together, waited for John to get home then met them at their old house with it all and followed them.

We got to their new house around 7:30pm and the removal guys arrived not long after. Me and Katy tried to entertain the children and keep them out of the way whilst John, Martin and the three removal guys unloaded the vans. The children were so full of energy though and hard to contain, especially Ethan!!!! I took them out for a walk but that made no difference. Everything was finally in by around 10:30pm and we finished our drinks and left not long after with a "still full of energy Ethan." He was fast asleep within ten minutes though and when we arrived home around midnight he transferred straight into his bed. Needless to say I was straight in bed too.

So clumsy

After a very busy morning at work I was relieved to get home. A parcel had a arrived for me and luckily a neighbour had taken it in for me. It was my order from Artbase which I didn't expect today with the Bank holiday but it was a very nice surprise. I just love all the bits I got, page protectors, Foofala Going places patterned paper for my America journal, a transparency and some Zig Millennium writers in brown and blue. Can't wait to use them now.

I then met Katy at Crazy Crocs so the children could play together for one last time whilst Katy is still living in Nottingham . We had a lovely afternoon and the children had a great time, we had tea there too. I managed to knock a whole jug of blackcurrent over and it went everywhere I then managed to knock a cup of it over as we were tidying it up after they bought us a new jug - very embarrassing!

We had a builder pop round tonight with a quote for our extension, the guy was really nice and broke down all the costs but it's a little more than we want to pay so we'll see what the others come back with.

I treated Ethan (and John) to an ice cream tonight from the ice cream van. We heard the vans tune and I said to Ethan he could have one if the van came on our round and it did about 5 minutes later!!! As you can see Ethan really enjoyed it and it didn't last long!

Started sorting Ethan's 2-4 year scrapbook album out tonight now I have some more page protectors. I don't think I ordered enough though which is a real pain. Think it will have to wait till next pay day to order more but I can get everything in order and layouts that need doing done before I order more.

Matlock Bath

We went to Matlock this morning and had a great time even though the weather couldn't decide what it was doing. It was mostly dry with just a couple of light showers. We took Olivia and Louise (Katy's children) with us which Ethan loved. We all had a lovely morning walking around Matlock Bath and playing on the park. The children loved the swings and once we'd wiped the rain off the slides they went on them too. We had chips, sausage and fishcake for dinner and found a little chip shop we could sit down and eat in.

We were going to go to the Heights of Abraham but didn't have the time plus with the weather being so variable we thought it would be nicer to do when the sun is shining! So really looking forward to doing that in the summer and so is Ethan. There is so much to do up there to, adventure play area, caves, walks and there are a few places to eat too.

This afternoon we have done the food shopping and I got a pair of crop trousers for work, think I am now all sorted for work clothes for the summer. When we got back we planted the strawberry plants and rhubarb plant we bought yesterday and also moved the rhubarb plant that was already in the garden. I'm hoping that the rhubarb we moved will be ok and continue to grow - fingers crossed.

Whilst John and Ethan finished off in the garden I completed two layouts that needed the journaling adding. It's another two layouts completed and ready to go in Ethan's albums when the new page protectors arrive as I have ran out!