Shopping

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

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

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

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.

Party photos

Here are the photos:



Ethan in his fireman's outfit and me in the fire engine wearing Ethan's hat!



Ethan on the fire engine - posing for the camera, dancing to the music and looking out of the window.



Ethan on the fire engine for his birthday boy treat



Ethan's fire engine birthday cake that a friend made, the number plate has his mane and age on it :)

Ethan's birthday party

Ethan had his birthday party yesterday and it was fantastic. We hired a bouncy castle for the day and fire engine for his party. The children had half and hour to play on the bouncy castle before the fire engine arrived. The children were so excited and all went running to the door when it arrived. The fireman bought all the hats and fireman outfits to the back garden for the children to get into. They then all had a photo in front of the fire engine on the street - there were a few neighbours looking LOL Then I went with the first lot of six children including Ethan for a ride around. I sat in front and the children sat in the back with another Mum. We were out and about for about 20 minutes and we had music and sirens playing, it was great. The next six children then went out with John and my sister, then the next six after that. I went again and so did Ethan as there was a spare space, I sat in the back this time with the children and another Mum went in the front - the Mum's were fighting for that space. Got some better photos this time and some video footage. Ethan was then allow to sit in the drivers seat of the fire engine as a birthday boy treat, he loved it especially as no one else was allowed a go. He was then presented with some toy firemen - Jack and Diego and a certificate.

It was then time to feed the children and do the birthday cake but we only had 30 minutes so it was all a bit of a rush. They all ate well though and Ethan loved his fire engine cake a friend had made, it was such a shame to have to cut it up though. All the children went home then with their fireman hats, birthday cake and a few goodies.

Then it was time for the family party and everyone was arriving half an hour after the children's party finished. We had a great time and was lovely to have everyone round. We still had the bouncy castle so the children that were there could play. Another load of food was served but I had got quite a lot sorted the night before so there wasn't too much to do. The last guests left at 8.30pm and we were all shattered.



Only the one photo as it wouldn't allow me to upload anymore! Will do another post with photos - this one was of Ethan in his birthday outfit.

6 years today

Well 6 years today I was getting married, I really don't know where the time goes. We were going to go out for a meal but with working on the bathroom and having Ethan's party next week we have just not got round to sorting it out. We will go out the week after Ethan's party though and we're going to have an Indian tonight and relax.

John's got loads done in the bathroom today and it looks as though it will be finished for Ethan's party next week :) Most of the floor tiles are now down and all the tricky ones around the shower cubicle are done too - which John has made a fab job off. We went to B&Q this afternoon to get a few bits, they still haven't got the end panel for our bath so we have to go to a different one tomorrow to get it.

Ethan has had a party this afternoon and had a great time. They had a bouncy castle which he loves and he ate LOTS of party food.

Ethan is still enjoying school and thinks it is better than nursery as they have more stuff. He is enjoying his reading books and bear words and tries really hard. He starts reading club at school next week which he is looking forward to. On Wednesday last week he did his first of 12 football sessions. He had a fab time and was really good at remembering things, he did headers, saving the ball, dribbling and they played little matches.

I have done quite a few scrapbook layouts so will try and upload those over the next few days.

So far so good

Ethan seems to be settling into school well and enjoying his time there. I did my new hours at work for the first time yesterday and all went well. I have plenty of time in the morning to walk Ethan to school and walk back to get the car and to drop the car off at home and walk to pick him up so I'm really pleased about that.

After picking Ethan up from school yesterday I noticed his new clarkes shoes were falling apart! It was only the second day he had worn them so it was off into town to get them sorted which is not what I wanted to do after a day at work. They changed them no problem but he had to have a different style which were not as comfortable as the others. Not only that but they cost £4 more and the parking cost £2.50!!!

Whilst we were in town I picked up a couple more pairs of school trousers although I had to ask for them as they don't have them on the shop floor now! We also got his Superman outfit for the dancing show he will be in next month (will post a photo tomorrow), so not a complete waste of journey.

Ethan's party invites went out yesterday too so that is creeping up. We have the fire engine booked and all the children are really excited to be having a ride on a fire engine, just need to book the bouncy castle now.

Today has be a busy day and gone really quickly. I met with Jane and after a coffee we went shopping and I managed to get quite a few things for Ethan's party - drinks, party bag things, some food and some PJ's for his birthday. Also got some clothes for myself, a top for work and one for a christening I'm going to at the weekend which will also be great for going out - just hope they all fit as I didn't have time to try them on.

Here are a couple of photos of the bathroom taken at the weekend, not the best photos as John was in the middle of working on it but it gives you an idea of the progress. The first photo is with the sink and towel radiator fitted, the radiator looks big in this photo but it doesn't IRL. The second is of the ceiling with the new loft hatch fitted (no more drafts!) and the spot lights which I love and it's great to have light's back in the bathroom.

There is only the towel radiator to be plumbed in, walls, ceiling and coving to be painted, floor to tile, door to put on and a couple of finishing touches so not long now.

First day at school

Well it was Ethan's first day at school today and he was up bright and earlier ready to go. It took us quite a while to get everything sorted and make sure we had everything he needed for his first day. He looked so smart in his uniform and couldn't stop looking at himself in the mirror to see what he looked like. He also insisted on carrying his PE bag, reading bag and lunch box and not sure that'll last past today! When the bell went we went to his class with him and he put his PE and reading bags on his peg and lunch box on the shelf. He then went straight into his class and sat down with a big smile on his face looking forward to his first day. Here are some photos of Ethan this morning, wearing his school t-shirt, with his school jumper on and all his things and in the playground waiting to go into class.



After taking Ethan to school me and John went over to a friends to see her and her new baby boy. It was great to see her as it has been a while since we last saw her. After that we went and had some lunch before it was time to pick Ethan up.

We then went to pick Ethan up and he was very excited when he saw us through the window and looked as though he had a great day. When he came out we asked him if he had a nice day and what he'd been up to. As you can imagine we didn't get too much information out of him but he did say he had TWO playtimes :) He'd also done painting as it was all over his new school jumper, will need to get used to that and missing jumpers etc.

I went to Ikea on Sunday with Ethan to get some storage bits for his bedroom which we really needed with all the extra school stuff he now has. We got some dividers for his drawers and also some great little round storage bins that must be new as I haven't seen them before.

Here is the layout I did the other weekend of Ethan in Mt Laguna, San Diego playing in the snow for the first time. Used Bazzill cardstock, Heidi Swapp silhouette snowflake stickers and chipboard letters and white Sakura gelly roll pen.

Saturday crop layouts

Ethan was back at dancing yesterday after a two week break and got straight back into it. The dancing show is only about 6 weeks away and Ethan will be dancing in it for the first time. He will be dancing to Superman and we have to go and get him a little superman outfit that has been chosen for them to wear. He also had his first private lesson in four week and did really well. He is definitely improving and remembering more of the dance, once his concentration and timing to the music improves we can start thinking about competitions he still wants to do them.

In the afternoon I went to the Hobby Horse crop. Yet again I had a great time and got 3 layouts done. That means I only have 1 more layout to do and Ethan’s 4+ album will be up to date.

I have struggled with this photo because of all the different colours, it was taken at a local soft play area. Eventually I found these Sweetwater papers from their Paint Box Kit earlier in the year. Used Bazzill cardstock, Sweetwater papers, Heidi Swapp letters and Sakura Gelly Roll pen.

These photos were from John’s birthday this year and again I have struggled to scrap them, it was hard to get papers that matched. It has turned out better than I expected but not one of my favourite layouts. Used Bazzill cardstock, Sassafrass Lass papers and used Sassafrass letters as templates and Zig millennium pen in brown.

I have another layout but just need to add a title using my Quickutz so will upload later along with the other layout I have been promising to upload.

Friday crop layouts

I went to the Hobby Horse crop last night and had a great time and even completed 2 layouts. I’m really pleased with them and they came together so quickly. Here they are:

Ethan’s first sports day in July this year, he tried so hard and even won both his races. Used Sassafrass Lass papers and letters, Bazzill cardstock, Heidi Swapp chipboard arrow






This photo is of Ethan with Olivia and Louise the day they moved house. Used Bazzill cardstock and flower, Sassafrass Lass paper and letters, Heidi Swapp chipboard arrow and Queen and Co brad.

London

Yesterday me and Ethan had a trip to London to do some visiting. We had a great day but both were and still are very tired!

Firstly we visited Michelle, it was great to see her as we'd only briefly met at Bonanza earlier in the year and chatted online. Ethan had a lovely time playing with some children who lived next door and really didn't want to leave! We then had a lovely lunch at McDonald's, it seems so long since we last ate there.

It was then time to visit my cousin and her daughter who was 1 in August, Ethan was really looking forward to playing with her. She was asleep when we arrived and Ethan couldn't wait till she woke up. He didn't have to wait too long and they had such fun together and Ethan was lovely with her. My cousin has just moved into a new house so it was great to see it and have a look around, they didn't have an easy time with the buying and selling but now have a lovely house. Here is a photo of Ethan taken whilst we were there, such a lovely photo of him, how he's growing up.

On the way back home we went to Katy's for an hour and Ethan was able to play with the girls. They haven't seen each other in a while and played so well together which was lovely. Although I've seen lots of Katy since she moved it was only the second time we had been to the house since she moved so won't leave it so long next time!

Been busy today getting the last couple of school bits for Ethan. We also needed some printer paper and some birthday cards so got those whilst we were out. Liam also came to play today so Ethan was really excited about that, they played really well, although a little loud!

Off to the Hobby Horse crop tonight so hoping to get lots done. Will post the completed layouts over the weekend and also the layout I did last week they I still haven't posted.

Photos as promised

Here is the fire/surround for the bedroom, I love all the detail on this and it's a perfect size for the bedroom. I can't wait till we start our bedroom and can put it in, it will look great.

The first photo is of the coffee table when we got it, as you can see it needs quite a bit of work but I love the detail on the legs. The second photo is after I'd spent about an hour sanding it this afternoon. You can already see how it might look and it's really exciting. It still needs a lot of sanding and is probably quite a few hours of work left but it will be worth it. We still haven't decided whether to keep the bit of wood that sticks up at the back.

Spend, Spend, Spend.

We really need to stop! We went back to Nottingham Reclaims today and got the coffee table, fire insert, surround and hearth. We also got the bedroom fire/surround whilst we were there so really pleased with that. Everything's going to look great once it's in place and John will get his open fire in the back room, think he will make getting that in for the winter a priority.

When we arrived home there was a stray cat waiting for us. The poor cat was just skin and bones but very friendly. I'm not usually a cat lover but have really taken to it. We fed it some dry cat food and the poor cat was so hungry.

It was then time to set off for my Grandma and Grandad's as we were having dinner there and we only just got there on time. We had a lovely Sunday roast and as always Ethan ate loads and more dessert than any of the adults! We all get fed well when we go so really look forward to it and gets to play in the garden and have a look at the fish in the pond.

Off out to friends tonight and we are going to get an Indian, really looking forward to it but just hope I can eat some after the Sunday roast!

Will post some photos tomorrow of the bedroom fire/surround and coffee table, the other stuff is wrapped up so probably won't be able to get photos of them at the moment.

Busy week

Had a bad week at work this week, there are just so many changes going on plus the continuing staff shortages. I will be so glad when things settle down and things get back to normal.

Had a lovely day on Thursday meeting up with Jane. We had lunch there and Ethan had a great time playing with her children, as he always does.

On Friday I went shopping with Ethan to get the last of his school things. As you can see we did quite well and get almost everything, shoes, plimsolls, more trousers, socks etc.













Friday night when John got home from work we went to Costco and spent a small fortune! I managed to get lots of Christmas shopping done - I know it's early but with going to America in December I need to be organised. We also got Ethan a fab winter coat for just £10 which will be ideal for school, it will be great for when we're in America too. I love that shop :)

Today I went shopping to get Ethan an outfit for his birthday party in September, got some great jeans and top from Next but will need to get a bigger size in the top even though it's a size 5. Also got a new work top for me which I've needed for a while, will just need some winter stuff for work next pay day. As Ethan was with John I took the opportunity and got a few bits for Ethan for his birthday and some wrapping paper.

This afternoon we went to our favorite place Nottingham Reclaims and spent even more money, we can not go to this place without spending! We got a coffee table which is probably Georgian for the lounge which will finish that room off now. We then saw a lovely original fire insert, a pine surround and hearth so got that as well for the back room. I also saw a lovely black bedroom fire/surround so we are probably going to get that tomorrow when we go back to pick the other stuff up, it will look great in our bedroom. I will take some photos and post them in the next day or so, the coffee table needs a lot of work doing to it so will do a photo now and then one when it's been sanded and waxed.

1 YEAR TODAY!

It's 1 year today that we moved into this house, it has gone so quickly. We haven't got quite as much done in the first year as we hoped but we have made a good start.

Here are some before and after photos:

The lounge:










The photo on the left was taken when we viewed the house and
the one on the right was taken at Christmas, 1 week after is was completed.

Ethan's bedroom:









The photo on the left was taken after the room was striped and a new lintal was put in above the window, 8 days before the photo on the right was taken!










The photo on the left was taken when we viewed the house and the one on the right is the finished room.

Scrapping

I'm writing this for the second time after it decided to delete the whole post after I'd wrote it all and uploaded all the layouts!

Today I have been to the Hobby Horse crop and had a fab day. I didn't much done this morning as I was too busy chatting but did manage to do 3 layouts this afternoon. Here they are:

I found these photos yesterday whilst I was having a sort out. It was my birthday whilst on holiday in America (I was pregnant with Ethan) and my Auntie had got a cake and done a birthday tea for me. She later sent these photos to me so thought I would scrap them now I've found them again.
Used Heidi Swapp tape, letters, ribbon, flower and jewels from a local bead shop.



This is Ethan in his Forest football kit in June this year. His nursery had a football themes day with it being the world cup. Used new Sassafrass Lass papers, Heidi Swapp letters, Junkitz brads and large Queen and Co brad.






This photo was taken at a wedding last year when John was bestman for his friend. Used new Sassafrass Lass papers, Heidi Swapp letters and Queen and Co flowers.







These layouts were completed in the last few weeks:

This photo is also from the wedding last year. Used Sassafrass Lass papers, Heidi Swapp letters, Bazzill flower and American Crafts ribbon.









These photos were taken last year in the Peak District. Used Sassafrass Lass in stitches papers, Bazzill cardstock, prima and Queen and Co flowers, Heidi Swapp letters and arrow and America crafts ribbons.






Last week was such a busy week with work and visiting friends. I also started back at dancing on Tuesday after a 3 week break so I was exhausted by the end of the night! After finishing work Wednesday lunch time I met with a friend and Ethan went to nursery with her daughter. They had a great afternoon and played so well outside together. On Thursday I met with Jane and we took the children to a soft play area called Cyril's Nut Hut. They had a great time and we were there for nearly 4 hours! Friday morning we went to Donna and Liam's, Ethan hadn't seen Liam since finishing nursery in July so he was really excited.

I then took Ethan to Pizza Hut for their eat all you want buffet. It was lovely and Ethan managed to eat 4/5 slices of pizza and lots of salad so we got our moneys worth. We then went to some other friends who we hadn't seen in a while. It was great to catch up with Claire and Ethan had lots of fun with Finlay. Lets hope next week isn't as busy!

Parties!

We have had two parties this weekend so its been a little busy. Yesterday afternoon we have my cousin's daughter's first birthday party, it doesn't seem that long ago she was born. We had a lovely afternoon getting together with my side of the family and catching up. We want get to do that this Christmas with being away in America. Today Ethan had his friend Finlay's 5th birthday party who he has been friends with since they were babies. It was a pirate party and Ethan had a pirate hat and eye patch on

John has been busy in the bathroom and has put the rest of the boarder tiles on and grouted some more of the wall tiles. He has also put all the fixings up for the towel radiator too so we just need to get that connected.

Will post again soon with some layouts that I've done and pictures of the bathroom.