Birthday Girl in the house

That's right my sweet little girl turned 6 today. Bless her it was the first time ever that she was really excited about her Birthday. Last night she was so excited it took her an age to get off to sleep. Although her Birthday is so close to Christmas we always make the effort and decorate the house for her. She has been an extremely lucky girl, my parents bought her a dolls house, part Birthday and Christmas (I don't normally combine presents but due to it costing lots of pennies we agreed this year). She has had money, vouchers and presents and some still to be opened after school. She went off to school really happy this morning telling everyone it's her Birthday wearing a massive badge to prove it!!. Here she is this morning looking very sleepy. I asked her this morning what it felt like to be 6 and she said 'I feel really big'!!. Thank you to everyone who thought of her today.

It's been another busy week. Tuesday I went with the school to watch Cinderella at the Pantomime, it was really good and the children were really well behaved. The school organises the event perfectly and so safely which is not an easy task when you have the whole school attending.

At the beginning of the week they had Party day at school they could wear party dresses and smart clothes. Well Charlotte isn't really a dressy girl so we bought her a new top and leggings to match and she looked really sweet and she was comfortable which is the main thing.



The school production last week went really well, she done herself proud and stood up and spoke into the microphone clearly. On the last but one line she had a bit of a wobble but she carried on and got her words out. We have been on such a journey with her and I didn't really think that she would be able to do it, I know she could, but emotionally I was unsure whether she could cope. She done it and remembered all her lines. We were so proud of her. We are all ready for Friday, we are all so tired and ready for a break. Les has next week off to so I'm looking forward to having some lie ins!!!

I am just about keeping up with my JYC, I'm on day 14 at the moment so I'd doing alright. On a couple of days I'm waiting for photos which I'm hoping will be here soon. I will take some picture when I get a spare moment.

I'm running out of time again.

Take care all.
Cx

Firstly I'd like to thank everyone who left me a comment encouraging me with my JYC, it so appreciated it. I'm loving it, I'm trying to keep up on a daily basis as much as I can. Today's is about past Christmases, and I need some photos from my childhood, so hopefully Mum and Dad are bringing some with them at the end of the week. Here are some promised pictures. I still need to take quite a few photos of the previous pages, but the light has been poor today, will try again tomorrow.



The story or Manifesto, I'm keeping to it so far.



We had such a busy weekend. On Saturday Les dropped me of at the Bromsgrove crop, I haven't been for several months (due to commitments), but I do enjoy going they are such a nice bunch of ladies. I managed to get rather a lot and finished including Charlotte's Birthday card ready for next week. I also took part in Debs card class which was ace, such funky designs with great ideas.

Yesterday was spent at IKEA and picking a Christmas tree, it only took 20 minutes which is pretty good for us. As usual it's big but we love it. Charlotte loved putting all the decorations on it, it's probably the first year that she didn't get bored half way through.

This is the one!!



Charlotte needed a little helping hand with the star, it was so tall we had to chop a bit off the top!!



The finished tree, the photo's a little dark as it was taken in the dark.



I'm trying out some different photo's, I was quite pleased with this one although it needs to be a bit crisper, I even managed to get in the picture too!!



It's Charlotte's big day at school tomorrow. It's the first showing of the Christmas production, I'm extremely nervous for her. She has had several wobbles over the past week and isn't happy to stand on the stage. So they have opted for her to sit on a bench in front of the stage. Apparently she done her lines fine in front of the rest of the school. I've got everything crossed for her that it goes smoothly.

Right I'm off to wrap some presents. Thanks for stopping by.
Cx

So excited

I have taken the plunge this year and have decided to JYC (Journal Your Christmas) with Shimelle. This looks amazing and I'm so looking forward to it, I have already created my journal cover as well as the story page. I love the month of December and what's a better way than to record all the special things that happen. I also want to remember the past Christmases and all the traditions that go with it. I just really hope that I manage to keep up and don't get to far behind, I have loads of ideas so I really want to complete it. I hope you are all going to keep a close eye on me :)

The other exciting news is that some of you may of remembered that I was part of the Twisted Sketches team earlier in the year. Anam who creates all the sketches and runs the website had a fantastic idea to have an App for scrapbook pages so no matter where you are you can always be inspired. I was so pleased to be asked to create some layouts as examples for this new app. Unfortunately, it is only available to download onto Iphones, and as I have a Blackberry I have to wait a little while longer before I can have a copy as they are still developing the software for other phones. So watch this space. The link to purchase the App is here



So how are your preparations going for Christmas? Just a few last bits and pieces needed now. Charlotte is still working hard on her lines for the production next week. She had a little wobble last week and she got very upset but I'm hoping that she has got that out of her system and will cope okay when it comes to the big performance. To say that I will be nervous will be an understatement, but immensely proud!!

I will be back later in the week with an update of how I'm getting on with my JYC.

Wish me luck!!

Cx

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas

I've had the best weekend ever. We spent it with my old school buddie Suze and her new husband Huw. She hasn't changed at all, still the same Suze I knew at school, we spent loads of time together in the sixth form and got up to lots of mischief together. We were both doing the same business course and have lots of happy memories. We lost contact as you do when you are young, but then earlier in the year thanks to Facebook we were able to chat and to catch up. I was honoured to be at her wedding back in September and to share her special day with her and Huw, who is just the funniest guy. She is a very special person and I'm glad we have found one another again and to hopefully carry on our friendship.

Huw sulked when I didn't get in the photo, but this is what happened when I did!.

So Christmas isn't that far off is it? Can't quite believe how quickly it has come round again. I love all the hype of Christmas and love all the special things that happen in the run up to the big day. I have loads to do and as I had a quite few moments this morning I thought I would make up the gifts for Charlotte's teachers. I had this idea and already had the cellophane I didn't really want to just give them chocolates as everyone tends to do that. I bought some really lovely notebooks from Paperchase and wrapped them up with a few chocs too. You can't really see them that well in this photo, but they look okay and a little different.

I saw Delia Smith advertise her Christmas cake on tv last week. She is selling the cake with all the ingredients already weighed out, which I think is a brilliant idea, as it tends to costs a fortune for all the stuff you need, and I always end up with loads of left over fruit etc. For £10 I was happy to give it a go, all you have to add is 5 eggs, butter, orange and lemon. Charlotte has an inset day from school on Friday so I plan to bake it then.

I haven't managed to do any crafting yet, but I'm hoping for a crafty morning tomorrow.

Take care all.

Cx

Children in Need Day

As if you didn't know it's Children in Need day and the children at Charlotte's school had to dress in something yellow or spotty. I found this slightly difficult as I always think that yellow is a spring, summer colour so she had no yellow tops, she had no spotty tops either. I didn't really want to buy anything new just for one day so I decided to improvise. Last year I used my circle punch to punch out different coloured spots and then popped some double sided tape on the back and then stuck them on. This year I wanted to do something different, and thought of buttons, I have literally hundreds of them so I sifted through them and choose all different sizes and sat and stitched them on. Here she was this morning full of the joys.

Think this was her mean and moody look!

Then it all got to much and ended up like this.



This layout has been on the go for over a week so I sat down last night to finish it off. It was one of those layouts that just didn't flow right, if you know what I mean. Fairly happy with the finished result and just love the photo. Just look at Charlotte's face loving her Daddy. This was taken on our last day at Disneyland back in July. We were waiting for our transfer back to the airport when I snapped her with Les, she just couldn't leave him alone.



Little close up shot of the detail.



Have been busy sorting the house today as we have friends staying over at the weekend. I'm so looking forward to it, especially not cooking tomorrow night, off to the local curry house for a Balti.

Anyway take care all, will be back next week.

Cx

Photo overload

I promised some layouts and here they are. I just love the pink and lime green on this layout, although the colour isn't very good as the light hasn't been brilliant over the past few days.

Another layout with this photo, it's my favourite at the moment and I just love it in Black and White. Again the red is more of a dark red than it is on here, but you get the idea. Loved using lots of Jenni Bowlin products on this one.

With this layout I used lots of old stash which feels great. A couple of weeks back I had a mass sort out of my crafting stuff and re-organised how I store all my stash, it seems to be working a lot better. I've filed my papers by colour rather than brand, put all my chipboard into one big bag and it's good to have a rummage knowing that they are all together.

Of course that big occasion is just a few weeks away now and so I have made a few cards.

A huge welldone to my Mum she has finally got to her target weight, the last 1/2 stone has really taken a while to shift but she has stayed so focused. I don't think I have ever met anyone who has been so determined so welldone Mum. X

A couple of posts ago I promised you photos of the quilt Mum is making for Charlotte's bed. It's growing everytime I see it and to think that she has stitched it all by hand.

I think that's quite enough photos for one post.

Thanks for popping by.

Cx

Catch up

It's been a while and whilst my machine is still not right I have managed to download some photos using the camera card placing it directly into my p.c which seems to be working fine. Better than putting it back to factory settings which is what the Techguys suggested, I have no faith in them what so ever.

Had a fantastic time in Blackpool, even if it did chuck it down with rain. I loved the footie I love the live games but can't be bothered when it's on the television. The illuminations were great and believe that everyone should see them at least once.











Charlotte is working hard at school for her Christmas production and she has a rather big part, she is one of the narrators, I just hope she doesn't get stage fright and freezes. I can't wait to see her but she has a fair few lines to learn so we are going through them every evening when she gets back from school. Bless her I'm so proud of her, she has come so far in such a short space of time. I really can't fault her new teacher she is working so hard to boost her confidence.

We have had a lovely weekend going to Cheltenham to do some Christmas shopping I have really broken the back of it now so I'm relatively happy. Just need to get bits and pieces. Today we had good friends round for dinner which is always so enjoyable if a little tiring.

I will leave you for now with some layouts that I done weeks ago. I have 3 more layouts and some cards to photograph and will update later in the week.









Thanks for your patience, take care all.

Cx

I'm back (well sort of)

with a working laptop, yay. I would of had it back sooner only it was returned un-fixed and so it had to go back again. This firm have been mentioned quite a bit on Watchdog just recently so I was a little concerned. Anyway I had a call last week whilst on half term at my parents to say that it was fixed. Bearing in mind it was only the back lights on the monitor which had gone, when I switched on the laptop they had removed my antivirus protection which has now been resolved, but the biggest issue is that I now can't download my photos onto my computer. A document has been damaged on the registry. Not sure what this means but a little trip back up to the store will be made tonight to see what they are going to do about it. So whilst I am back with a computer, I can not share any of my layouts or cards I have been busy making whilst without my laptop.

Was it just me or did October just whizz by in a flash??. I have a feeling that November will be the same, every weekend this month we have something on. We have friends visiting, Birthday party's, football matches to go to. This weekend we are going up to see Blackpool Illuminations, I can wait, I'm so excited, it's the last weekend they will be on. We are meeting family up there, in the afternoon, we will go and watch the Blackpool v Everton football match. My family are all avid Blackpool supporters (well you just get swept along with all the enthusiasm you can't be of it) and Les is an Everton supporter. It should be good, I just hope Blackpool play well and give them a good fight.

What else has been happening, well last week was half term which was a really needed break, I went down with the lurgy the last day of term which meant I didn't go into school at lunchtime. On the mend now though and it didn't spoil our plans last week. Charlotte and I went down to my parents, then Les followed down on the Tuesday evening he had work commitments that he couldn't get out of. Wednesday Les and I went to Norwich for a couple of days which was great, we saw the castle, went to the cinema and dare I say it started some Christmas shopping. Charlotte had a great time with my Mum and Dad, but have to say that my poor Dad looked exhausted when we went to collect her on Friday.

Whilst at Mum's I took some photos of the quilt she is making for Charlotte's bed, I'm just sorry that I can't share them just yet, but they will be worth the wait. It's growing rapidly and has all been stitched by hand. Such a talented Mum I have. On that note I'm so proud of Mum, she is nearly at her target weight, it's been a tough couple of weeks as the weight hasn't wanted to move but she only has 1/2 pound to lose. So good luck Mum for next week.

The last week of term we went to see Charlotte's teacher, she is doing so well especially in her reading she is achieving way above what she should be for her age so again I'm so proud of her. She seems so much happy in year 1, probably because they are learning more rather than just playing. Just waiting to hear what this years Christmas production will be, as well as the Christmas panto to. Such a lovely time of year coming up for the kiddies.

Thanks for your patience.
Cx

I maybe some time again

A really quick post as my poor laptop has had to go into repair as it looks as though the back lights in the monitor have gone. I'm just so glad that it's still under warranty, it's only 10 months old!!. So it means I'm without a laptop for the next 2-3 weeks. The only good thing is that I'm managing to complete layouts rather than browse the web!!.

Anyway take care all.
Cx

It's been a while again

I just can't believe how quickly September has flashed by, only another 3 weeks and it will be half term.

As you know I have been part of a team on UKS since January and have enjoyed my time with a group of lovely ladies, but of late I have found it hard work to always contribute to challenges and didn't always have the time to go on to chat. So last week I came to the decision to leave the Crafty Magpies. Although this wasn't an easy decision to make I know I have made the right decision for me. I am so enjoying making cards especially using the Magnolia stamps, and almost feel as though I have come full circle as that is were I started almost 20 years ago, I would save my pocket money to buy them which at that stage were quite expensive. I'm still learning, and have along way to go to get them looking spot on but I'm generally liking my finished cards, which I guess is the main thing.

I made this card using the sketch over on the Magnolia website, but I'm not that brave enough to post it on there yet. I have to say a big thank you to Deb Hickman who let me stamp this lovely Tilda bunny months ago but I have only just got round to colouring them in!! I guess Deb that it's you that has got me hooked onto these sweet stamps. haha



It's my Mum's Birthday tomorrow (21 again Mum!!) and made this card for her. I made it with a slightly bigger card and I'm really happy with the way it's turned out. I'm so looking forward to tomorrow as Mum and Dad are coming up to spend the weekend with us. I haven't managed to share Mum's Birthday with her for years so it will be a lovely. On Saturday as a special treat we are off to the NEC to the Dollshouse Fair.



This is another layout that I have managed to create last week. I have got loads of photos from the summer to work through and this October Afternoon paper is just perfect.



I feel so relaxed with my crafting at the moment and it's great that I can do what I want when I want, I have started a cross stitch kit to, it's relaxing to sit here of an evening stitching until my eyes can do no more. My Mum has started to make Charlotte a hand stitched quilt using all Cath Kidston material which I know is going to be just beautiful, I hope to see it really soon and will post a picture really soon.

Anyway thanks for listening and thanks for stopping by.

Take care
Cx

This and That

Again the weeks have just flown by, I can't believe that Charlotte has done her second week at school. She has amazed me again, she has settled into school life really well, when the school bell rings she lines up and walks in, doesn't give me a second glance which is just great. I can't believe how quickly she is growing up and has lost yet another tooth.

Here she is all gappy!!



Managed to create this layout using the new Cosmo Cricket papers, the little pixies were just perfect for this photo.



We are off to my friends wedding tomorrow and I'm so looking forward to seeing her and sharing her special day with her. Last weekend we went shopping, Charlotte chose a new dress with some silver shoes, she really is changing as she would never have worn a dress a year ago. It was so nice to wander around the shops looking at accessories to go with her dress. I will post some photos from the wedding next week.

I made this card and to be honest it hasn't really turned out how I planned but I'm sure she will like it. The flag book I made her to remember her hen night by was a real hit.



I have also created this layout, using the new October Afternoon papers, I just couldn't resist them as they were seaside theme they were just perfect to use with all the summer photos I have to scrap. This photo was taken in Hastings down by the fishing boats, Charlotte was only to happy to pose with her Grandad.



I will leave you with this photo I took from our back garden on Sunday evening. If you look closely you can see it's a double rainbow.



Thanks as always for popping by.

Cx

Back to school....

for Charlotte today. Here she is in her new pinafore dress that I never thought she would wear, just goes to show how they can change in a year. I assume that her first day back went okay, she didn't really tell me much, apparently this is fairly common in children. I really missed her today and really enjoyed having her off for 6 weeks, if I'm honest I didn't really want her to go back but she had to go, so back to the old routine.....



I'm enjoying making cards at the moment and I do feel they are improving. This one I made for my Mum last week.



This one is my favourite, think I might have to make another one of these.



Just love the Magnolia's. A few new stamps have just fallen into my basket!!!



This mini flag book I made for my friend Suzanne to remember her Hen night by. I think I may have to make another one as I really enjoyed making it from scratch. I made one back in February at the Scrapagogo day event in Coventry.



I done mine slightly different as the previous one I made we used playing cards.



Need to put Charlotte to bed now.
Cx

So much to share

Well were do I start. Right I think I'll start with my Mum, today she has won Slimmer of the Year within her class at Slimming World. My Mum started a year ago today and is only a few pounds away from her target weight. She has done so well and I'm so proud of her as it's not easy but she is so dedicated and once she sets her mind to it she just does it, she is a real inspiration. Welldone Mum.

I had a fantastic night on Saturday as an old school friend had her hen night in Cambridge. It started by punting on the river Cam, chaffeured I have to say with cocktails. It was hilarously funny and I enjoyed meeting all Suzanne's friends. Some of them I knew from school and I was a little nervous in meeting them all again, but I really didn't need to be as they were such fun and made me feel really welcome. We then went on to Revolution Bar to learn how to make a cocktail which again I loved. There were so much choice but I chose a Woo Woo and a Tutti Fruity they were lush but didn't drink them all. Anyone that knows me, knows that I'm not a big drinker but I can still have fun with out getting drunk. A few of the girlies including the bride to be felt a little unwell at one stage and had to sober her up a little before we could think about dancing the night away. It was such a lovely afternoon and evening, and I'm really looking forward to wedding in a couple of weeks time.

I think this was the Woo Woo!!





Love this photo of us all, with one of the Colleges behind us, can't remember which one it was though.



Scrapping wise well I have been doing quite a lot. I managed to create a layout last week as well as making a little flag book for Suzanne so she can remember her Hen night, still have to put the finishing touches to it but hope to get that finished this week. I've also made a couple of cards too, the first one is for our neighbours who are celebrating there first wedding anniversary today.



I used the new Cosmo Cricket papers for this layout.



Right will be back later in the week, thanks as aways for the comments they are appreciated.

Cx