Tough day

It was the funeral today of my friends little boy who passed away just over a week ago. It was a very difficult afternoon and my friend seemed to be coping very well with the afternoon. You just don't know what to say in these situations, makes me very grateful for the healthy child I have.

My sister Michelle has been back from university in Swansea for a few days so came over for tea tonight. Ethan enjoyed having her round and couldn't wait to show her his hamster Scooby. He ate really well too and that was after a good breakfast, big dinner, tea at Katy's then the spaghetti bolognese at home - where does that boy put it!!!

I have done two layouts which is very good for me. I just need to put the date and a little journaling on one of them and it'll be complete. I have used the Wild Asparagus and kaleidoscope papers that Katy bought me back from America. They are lovely papers and so easy to work with. The layouts are slightly different to my usual style mainly because I have only used the papers and the matching paper embellishments. I'm really pleased with the results though and can't wait to use the rest of the papers. Here's one of them.

My new shoes

These are the shoes I bought over the weekend. The pink flip flops are so comfortable and I usually find it difficult to find nice comfortable flip flops. They usually hurt and leave blisters on feet or don't quite fit right. They are from Next clearance so last years stock but they are comfortable so that's all that matters. The others are some slip on trainers, I couldn't decide between these and some pink full trainers. I went for these cause they were more suited to summer and for wearing with skirts and shorts - I may go back for the trainers though!!!

Work today, busy as ever. I stayed and worked a little later tonight to get some bits done as John was picking Ethan up - well was supposed to be. I arrived home just before John arrived home on his own, when I asked where Ethan was he didn't know what I was talking about - then it clicked! So off he went to get him from his parents house.

Just finished a layout I started last night of Ethan with his cousins so will hopefully get another one done tonight.

Greens Windmill

Today we went to greens Windmill in Sneinton. I used to go there as a child and it hasn't really changed that much at all. Ethan has been wanting to go there for ages, everytime we see it when driving by it or near by he asks to go. So eventually we went and took Louise with us who was also very excited. They have a lot of activities going on for children so thought we'd go and do some of those.

We picked Louise up around 10:00am and then drove there. Once there we had a look around the visitors centre and they have all sorts of science things to look at - I remember some of them from when I went there as a child!!! We then did the Easter Egg Hunt in the windmill, it was only 50p. We had to answer questions as we went round the Windmill, starting at the top. The stairs were VERY steep and both Ethan and Louise needed help getting up and down them. We had to find out how many eggs were on each floor as well as answering questions about the windmill and how it works - the answers were on information boards on each of the floors. It was very interesting and the views from the windmill were great, we even saw the sails working a little when the wind picked up. On the ground floor you could have a go at grinding the grains yourself like the mill stone does. They both really enjoyed doing this and was hard to get them away. We then took the quiz sheets in and they got all the questions right so got a little basket with chicks in.

We then went to make Easter gift bags. It was supposed to be for 7 years plus but we helped them out and they really enjoyed doing it and had a bag at the end to put all their bits and pieces in. We saw the guinea pigs that were in the courtyard area and then went for a play on the park. That had changed quite a bit from when I was last there, there used to be a really long slide which is no longer there. We then took some photos of Ethan and Louise in front of the windmill and went back to the centre to have another look round and get a greens Windmill pencil.

It was time to get some lunch then and we eventually decided on McDonald's. They both enjoyed it of course and liked the little toy they got. Before taking Louise home we stopped by Beeston train station to meet my sister off the train. Ethan thought we were just going to see the trains so couldn't believe it when he saw Auntie Michelle.

We then did the food shopping and came home to relax. I also got some more shoes today, these are pink leather flip flops from Next Clearance. I had been looking at some in Next but they weren't very comfortable so didn't bother getting them yet. The pink ones are so comfortable I can't wait to wear them.

I had a quick sleep this afternoon I was just so tired, think the last week is catching up on me. John did some tidying in our bedroom whilst I was asleep. A few things needed fixing, sorting and it was long over due for a spring clean. It is getting used for storing things whilst we are doing up the house so has all sorts of things in there. It will all be worth it when it's done but our bedroom does have some major work ahead of it and it will probably end up being last.

New clothes

Took Ethan dancing this morning as usual, he got a little tired towards the end but still had a great time. He did brillient rolly pollys this week and tried really hard at hand stands and being a clown! There was no travel sickness on the way home either today so that was a relief.

On the way home we went to Next, I had some vouchers to spend and wanted some more clothes. Managed to get some new slip on trainers for the summer, grey combat type trousers and a top. Also got Ethan a top and some sunglasses - he looks really cool in the sunglasses and wore them all the way home.

Ethan has a party later on this afternoon. I just need to get the presents wrapped and dry and iron Ethan's trousers. He is going to wear the new top we bought from Next today with the trousers and he needs to write the card out before we go too. Will update the party info later.

Scrapbooking Stash

Look at all my new scrapbooking stash (click on photos to enlarge), I can't wait to use it all. My friend Katy bought it all back from America for me so saved lots of money. Most of it is Heidi Swapp, her stuff is just great and very hard to get hold of over here. The book is Ali Edward's "A Designers Eye," I haven't had a chance to look through it yet but sure it'll be fab (this was a pressie off Katy for looking after her cats). The patterned papers are mostly Wild Asparagus with a few kaleidoscope and Junkitz, I really needed some more papers so they came at the right time.

Anyway the rest of the day! I finally managed to get some new jeans today. I went to Next whilst Ethan was at nursery to take some other jeans back that didn't quite fit. Tried on loads more jeans whilst I was there and got a pair to fit. They were cheaper too so also bought some socks for myself and a baby present.

I then picked Ethan up from nursery and he came out with a bag full of sweets and chocolate as it was the last day at nursery for some of the children due to starting school after the Easter holidays. He also came out with an Easter card, he had done some great writing in it and it was very neat, you could tell he had tried really hard.

After we had, had lunch we went to Paint a Pot in Beeston. Ethan painted a little pen pot to put his pens etc in. He started off doing it to match his bedroom, blue background, moon and stars but then added an anchor and flying fish and dolphin! It is being glazed so we will be able to pick it up on the 11th April.

Did a bit of shopping whilst we were in Beeston and posted some parcels and cards off. Then got Katy a few bits from Sainsbury's so she had some food for tea and nipped over there for a bit. Great to see everyone again and Ethan was really excited.

Ethan then spent the evening in the garden with John moving mud!!!! That reminds me, I must take some photos of the shed/garage as it is now and post them.

Disco time

Yesterday turned out to be quite a busy day. I had a friend over for coffee in the morning whilst Ethan was at nursery. The morning flew by even though she was here for just under two hours. After I picked Ethan up from nursery we nipped to the shop to get some fresh bread and had dinner.

I then did some some things in my America journal now that the ink cartridges had arrived, I really missed the printer being out of action. I'm really pleased with how the journal is taking shape but I still have quite a bit to do before it's up to date.

Ethan's friend Liam and his Mum then came round. They played really well in Ethan's bedroom and hardly made any mess. It's nice when they can play well together and we can sit and chat and have a coffee - everybody has a nice afternoon!

It was then time to nip into Beeston as I needed to get some birthday cards, sympathy card and a new baby girl card - better late than never! Whilst there, a shop was selling off scrapbooks for £2, they had some sequins on the front, name and date ofsomeone'ss wedding printed on and were a little scruffy. For £2 it's worth it for the ten page protectors inside and if I'm feeling brave I will have a go at covering it.



It was then time to get ready for the school disco, that was after my Mum had popped round to check something on the internet. Me and Ethan had a bath, then me and Ethan had something to eat. We then we both got ready and I straightened my hair and it was time to go. As you can see form the photo Ethan was very excited about going. I don't know why I bothered straightening my hair as it rained as we were walking there! Ethan had a fab time dancing with his friends and even won a prize for musical bumps. It didn't want to go home though and we had some tears on the walk home. He did sleep well last night and I was exhausted.

Easter bonnet parade

Well today was the day. I left work early so I could get Ethan from Mum's and get him home to sort everything out before getting him to nursery. I only had about ten minutes to get him changed, get the camera and camcorder and of course the bonnet. We walked to the school and I dropped him off at nursery with all the other children. I then cued up to get into the hall, I sat with another Mum who was going to video it all while I took the photos. We got fairly good seats although the best ones are reserved for teachers, governors and the vicar.

All the children walked round the hall and stage first wearing their Easter bonnets. Nursery were the last to walk round and Ethan looked great in the bonnet he made. It's very difficult to get good photos but think I managed one. All the children then sat on the stage and sung the songs they had been practicing. They sung some as a whole school and then classes did their own. Ethan was great when nursery sang theirs and sung all the way through. I even managed to video most of the show , so was glad I decided to take the camcorder.

The centre photo at the top is the best one I have when he was parading around. The others were taken afterwards whilst walking home.

Just chilled out at home for the rest of the afternoon, apart from a walk to the post box and shop! When John got home Ethan showed him the video of the show, Ethan was very proud of himself and it was great to watch him singing away.

Easter bonnet day 3 (4th April)

After getting back from a busy day at work and picking Ethan up from the childminders it was time to finish the bonnet off. Ethan put the chicks around the rim, small pom poms around the rim and in the nest and feathers around the bonnet. It looked fab when it was done and just needed to dry out.

I decided not to go dancing as I had been up most of the night with Ethan. Not sure what was wrong with him but something was bothering him. At one point we were both sleeping on his bedroom floor! So didn't really do much apart from relax and watch television.

Easter bonnet, day 2

Well Ethan 's Easter bonnet is coming on, see the photos - look at the concentration on his face in the first one. As soon as I'd had picked him up from the childminders tonight it was home, walk to the shops and at the table to continue with the bonnet. Ethan was very eager to get to get started and the first job was another layer of yellow crepe paper. The is was on to making the nest, I cut the strips of brown card Ethan painted yesterday and Ethan stuck them on round the top of the bonnet. He then had tea and a bath whilst that dried. I then found some yellow shredded tissue paper (usually used for gift bags!) which Ethan used to make the middle of the nest. It was then time for the bit Ethan has been waiting for, to put the bigger chicks in the nest, he will put the smaller ones round the bonnet rim tomorrow.

Back at work today after a few days off last week, still short staffed etc - how much longer will it go on? I had my new annual leave form today so put the holiday to America straight on it, just need to get it signed and it will be official.

Got a parcel in the post today, nothing exciting just some refills for my Herma and a Sakura Gelly roll pen, always nice to get post though.

I've fallen behind with the 21 day challenge but will hopefully catch up later in the week whilst Ethan's at nursery - depending on house work!!!

Easter bonnet

That's been my main job today, helping Ethan make his bonnet ready for the Easter Bonnet Parade at Nursery on Wednesday. We had to go up to Hobbycraft first as we didn't have enough thick card to make the hat, I ended up spending a fortune on more chicks, crepe paper, brown paint, mini pom poms and feathers. The picture is of Ethan putting the glue on ready to stick the crepe paper on. He also painted some of the card so we can make twigs and stuck crepe paper on the whole of his bonnet. Just another layer of crepe paper to do, nest to make, chicks to stick on and feathers to stick on. Will post photos of the completed bonnet and when he is wearing it on Wednesday for his parade.

Also went food shopping today, had to get it done in record time as Grandma and Grandad were coming round. Got all of the usual and a little Easter present for John - won't say what it is in case he reads this!

Grandma and Grandad came round about 3:30pm and bought Ethan a wooded boat but it needs building, a project for him and his Daddy I think. We had cream cakes and gave Grandad his birthday cards ready for Thursday.

John has spent the day on the shed/garage again and managed to get quite a bit done and most of the concrete roof tiles are now on. Here is a photo of the before and I will post a photo of how it is at the moment over the next few days.

Not much else really, bathed Ethan, had a bath myself and cooked tea - cauliflower cheese mash potato, chicken green beans and sweetcorn, it was yummy.

Ethan is now fast asleep in bed after a bedtime story, he was so tired tonight.

Poorly boy

Ethan still has his cough and today he has been sick too. It's awful when children are sick and I hate to see him like that. We were in the car on the way back from dancing and going to watch the planes at East Midlands Airport when he was first sick. I couldn't pull over straight away but once I had pulled over, I managed to get him cleaned up. He managed to see a plane take off before we drove home. Thankfully he slept for most of the way home and John was waiting with the cleaning stuff!!!

I thought he had probably been travel sick as there has been a couple of times he has been sick in the car fairly recently. It seems to be when the suns out even if the weather is cold outside - I did have the air con on in the car though today. He was sick again though this afternoon so who knows if it was just a bug, something that disagreed with him or he is going to suffer from travel sickness at times. One things for sure we will have something on hand in the future, especially in America when we will have some long car journeys.

Dancing this morning was good, Ethan is really growing in confidence and seems to be really enjoying it. Today we went in and while I paid he went and warmed up, something he hasn't done before without some encouragement.

The parcels I have been expecting arrived today which I was pleased about, especially the Sakura Lightening Gelly roll pens. I really needed them for the America journal I am doing. I had started some more on that tonight but had to stop as the printer isn't working. Not happy - seems it needs some more colour cartridges which I thought we had, we haven't so have to order them and wait for them to arrive some time next week.

John's shed/garage is now up, he just has the concrete tiles to put on and some other bits I think. It is quite big but doesn't look as big as I thought it would especially now the doors are on. He just has to fill it, tidy the area up and build Ethan a smaller version with the left over wood. I will post some before and after photos of the bottom of the garden at some point - and the rest of the house>

Sad news

I have just found out a friend's son has passed away today. He has been ill and in intensive care for a while now. It's just so sad and very hard to find the words and makes you realise how lucky you are. I'm going to send a card to her and her husband but what do you put?

The rest of the day has just been the usual. Ethan has been at nursery this morning and I had a few hours to relax, very much needed with this cold hanging around. Took some parcels to the post office at lunch time, one for a Prima Flower swap, another for my Auntie in America (chocolates, book and rabbit photo frames for my cousins) and Ethan also posted a picture he had drawn to his Auntie Michelle. Then went to friends where Ethan played with his friend Finlay, they were very loud today.

Managed to do yesterdays entry for my 21 day journal today, I was hoping to use some stash I was expecting but it hasn't arrived yet. Hopefully it will come tomorrow and I can get today's and tomorrows entries done.

Going to go and watch American Idol now, it started about 15 minutes ago but have taped it on Sky plus so will go and start it and will be able to fast forward the adverts - I hate watching adverts now I have Sky plus. Will also try and get some more done on my America journal, I did quite well with it last night and really pleased with how it's coming on.

Feeling worse

My cold seems to be getting worse rather than better, felt so drained this morning. I had arranged to meet my friend Jane for a coffee at Starbuck's this morning and decided to still go hoping getting out of the house would help make me feel better. It was great to catch up on our own and have a chat - no children in sight. The morning flew by and just got home with five minutes to spare before walking to pick Ethan up from nursery.

I needed (wanted) a few bits from the shops and had to go and feed a friends cats so thought I'd get it all done in one outing and then I could come home and relax with Ethan. Got some stationary bits from Staples and a Jiffy bag to send some things over to my Auntie in America. Also got a couple of Sakura glaze pens for the 21 day journal and also for a book/journal I'm starting of the run up to our holiday in America at the end of the year. I'm really looking forward to doing it and going to include all the booking things, seating plans on the plane, to do lists, places to visit etc, I will add some photos soon. I also ordered some of my fave pens, Sakura lightening Gelly roll pens, I love these pens and have only ever been able to get them sent from America but found some from eBay and they should arrive tomorrow - I hope so cause the green and blue have ran out.

So not a very exciting day today, off to do some more in my America journal and have a look at today's quote for the 21 day journal - think I may do it tomorrow though.

Haven't stopped....

I feel as though I haven't stopped all day. Took Ethan to nursery this morning as usual and planned to come home and not do very much as I'm still feeling a little ill. Instead though I cleared the rubbish, hoovered and dusted my car - for the first time ever as John usually does this for me when he gets fed up of the mess LOL Then as I already had the hoover out thought I might as well hoover the house - well downstairs and then sorted the kitchen and dishwasher out.

After picking Ethan up from nursery we went to a local play area, Cyril's Nut Hut and picked Ethan's friend Liam and his Mum up on the way. They have both been so excited about going since we told them yesterday and Ethan has been saying "we're going to Cyril's Hut Nut with Liam aren't we" - I have spelt it right :) They had a great time running around there together and we had lunch too (photo is of Ethan having his lunch at Cyril's Nut Hut).

Unfortunately one thing did spoil the afternoon - there was a lady and her son sitting in front of us and at one point she seemed to be telling Liam off (I really have a thing about other people telling your child off - it is not on), his Mum went straight over but couldn't really figure out what had gone on. Over the next hour or so it became clear that the little boy kept coming over to his Mum and saying that boy/girl just hit me and she got up a number of times and seemed to "have a word" with a few people!!! Anyway apart from that it was a lovely afternoon and a nice change being able to sit and chat whilst the children play.

Back at home Ethan was very tired and has not been the easiest child this afternoon - he is tucked up in bed now though.

I have started the 21dayjournal today that Rhonna Farrer has started on her blog. Have done the first 3 days today as I started a little late and have enjoyed it. Although I am struggling with the whole doodling, art thing, I am going to stick with it though and hopefully by the end of it I'll have found my style!

It's booked

It's booked and we're all so excited but now have to wait 9 months We fly out on the 16th December and arrive back on 3rd January. We will stay with my family over there in Virginia for most of the time but will visit New York, Washington DC and other places. I spoke to my Auntie earlier and we're already making plans about what I can bring over, especially English food, chocolate, selection boxes, Christmas pudding etc. Some friends might be out in America for Christmas too in New York which would be great. Once we know if and when they are going we will book our hotel in New York and hopefully we will be able to meet up with them.

We are flying with British Airways and their site is great, you can go into manage your booking and book seats, meals and sort allsorts of stuff out. I really must stay away for now though as it is 9 months before we go.

We have started to tell family we are going, so far everyone is really happy for us if not a bit surprised. They really are going to miss Ethan at Christmas time but we may never get this opportunity again and Etahn will just love spending Christmas with other children - his cousins. One thing I will miss at Christmas is my Grandma and Grandad's Boxing Day party, it's a real shame and I feel a little sad about it as all the family comes and is usually the only time each year we get together. I think we will have a party of our own in America and play the traditional Boxing Day game the American way!

I have been up and down all night with a cold, OI hate having a blocked nose and feeling like this, hopefully it won't get any worse and go soon.

Very Excited

Very excited tonight. We are booking our holiday to America tonight, just waiting for my Auntie to call back to double check dates. Although she has already said to go ahead and book but I like to check, and we'll be booking. We are going over Christmas and have been searching out flights for the past week. We had pretty much decided to fly by US Airways to Philadelphia and drive down to my Auntie's as we managed to get the flights about £500 cheaper by doing that. Today though I went back onto British Airways and have found flights cheaper again and to Washington DC so closer to my Auntie. So will update later when they are booked.

Ethan seemed to have a miraculous recovery when he woke up this morning. I really thought I would have to take the morning off and probably visit the doctors. He went off to nursery and to the childminder's and has been fine all day, although he keeps saying he needs medicine (Calpal) to make him better!!!

Off work for the rest of the week using up the rest of my annual leave before the end of this month. Will be nice to have another nearly full week (I did the same last week) of taking and picking Ethan up from nursery and spending the afternoons with him. Will try and get another one of his friends round to play at some point too.

Will post with news about America soon.

Lisa

Mother's Day

Had a lovely Mother's Day today. Ethan got me a teddy bear Mummy keyring, Mother's Day balloon and a plant in a Mummy pot (this is a photo of Ethan and my presents). He also made me a card at nursery and wrote everything in it, he's getting so good at his writing and really enjoying. John and Ethan were going to take me out for a meal too but as Ethan is still not well John cooked me a meal at home instead and it was lovely - chow mein.

Also did the usual food shopping at Tesco's but got a couple of suitcases ready for the holiday. They were a real bargain so thought we'd get them now. One is for our carry on luggage as the last one broke and the other is a medium size suitcase for bringing things back - scrapbooking goods :)

Just started another layout too, the photos are nearly two years and have been meaning to scrap them for ages. They are of Ethan at his friend Josh's 4th birthday party at Windmill farm in Southport. I have used the new Basic Grey Oh Boy papers and just need to sort the title out, add embellishments and add the journalling.

Time to get to bed, although I probably won't be at work in the morning with Ethan still being ill and a probable visit to the doctors. Hopefully my Mum will be able to have him in the afternoon for a few hours so I can go into work and do clinic - will have to see how he is and if my Mum is finished in her appointment.

Lisa

It's been a strange day today. Ethan is still not well and think it will be a trip to the doctors on Monday if there is no improvement. His cough sounds so bad and is on calpal to get his temperature down.

I went shopping this morning, nothing exciting just a bra, pair of jeans, and a present for a 40th wedding anniversary party we are going to tonight. I've had a headache all day so just hope it goes before tonight.

I also got a southeast American road map for our planned trip to Virginia at Christmas. We are playing around with flights and the possibility of flying into various airports then driving to Virginia, which helps bring the cost down. At the moment we are thinking that flying into Philadelphia might be a good option as we are wanting to have a few days in New York so could do that either end of the holiday as it's not too far.

Going to go and chill out and have something to eat.

Lisa

Busy few days

Yesterday I helped at Ethan's nursery, it seemed to really drag and was a very long two and a half hours. They had a school nurse in to talk about nut allergys to the children as one of the children has a nut allergy. It was a very bad talk and was not child friendly at all, she seem to have have just got some infomation my a book or the internet, wrote it out and read from it - I could have done better!!! Just hoping Ethan isn't even more confused about it all than he already is.

After nursery we went over to my friends for lunch, we always meet on a Thursday at one and others houses. Ethan used to play with her little girl but she has started school now so is not usually around when we visit, except for school holidays and if we stay for tea. Ethan manages to occupy himself with all her toys and her older brothers toys plus he'll bring toys down that we can play with him.

It's been like a nursery at home today. Ethan went to nursery this morning as usual and I picked him and his friend up later. After eating lunch they had a great afternoon playing and another friend joined us later! Three four year old boys running riot round the house, you should see his bedroom.

I also finished a scrapbook page of Ethan when he was 18months old with two of his friends. I'm trying to catch up and layouts of when Ethan was younger to complete those scrapbooks. Ethan's scrapbook from his 4th birthday onwards is pretty much up to date apart from acouple that need doing, but I now have the photos developed to get on with those.

Going to relax tonight with a takaway pizza, and scrapbook whilst watching American Idol. That's if Ethan will let me as he hasn't been very well and I think he may have croup, that's what it sounded like yesterday anyway. It seems worse today as the days gone on but more of a chesty now, oh well lets hope he improves over the weekend.

Lisa

I'm back!

Well I think it's about time I got this blog up and running again.

It's been a busy day today and the postman has been good to me today. I've had my Catslife stamps delivered which are just fab and with a few extras thrown in :) and also had a very early birthday present form my Auntie in America. I'm being very good though and John is taking it and it will reappear on my birthday next month. Ethan also had a few things in the post today, a new game for his Vsmile and the Madagasgar DVD, which was a bargain at £5.89 from Amazon Jersey.

Ethan also had a friend to play this afternoon, they had lunch then both played on their Vsmiles whilst me and his Mum had a chat. They played so well together and had a great afternoon. It was then off to see a friend who had baby girl a few weeks ago, she was gorgeous with LOTS of hair. On the way back we stopped at Toys 'R' us for a case for Ethan's pocket Vsmile. He only got it at the weekend so want to avoid as many scratches etc as possible.

Me and John have also been talking about our planned trip to America at the end of the year. We had originally thought we would go the end of October over the school holidays or over Thanksgiving. After chatting tonight though we may go over Christmas, it would be such a great experience and lovely to see all the New York decorations. We'll have to see what happens and check that my Auntie will have us stay over Christmas time.

Off to get something to eat and then have play with my new stamps.