My Slightly Crazy World

Ice Cream

2011-08-21T20:49:00.000+01:00

For some reason blogger wants this photo on its side. I don't know how to turn it around. I love this photo, taken on my iPhone on the last night of our recent holiday to Brittany. The chocolate stains have never come out of that t-shirt though.

Skipton Castle

2011-08-21T20:42:00.002+01:00

These photos are from May 2008, our first family holiday as a three. Thought I'd try and get some old photos printed off to scrapbook this weekend

Jacob is 3

2011-08-21T12:33:00.000+01:00

Actually Jacob is now 4! I just managed to scrap the shot of him on his 3rd birthday 2 days before he turned 4. I will try to scrap the shot of him turning 4 in the next few weeks. Watch this space.

the Bigger the Better

2011-08-21T12:30:00.002+01:00

Jacob has really got into geocaching this summer. He is very insistent that he holds the GPS and that he is the first to search for the cache. This is most definitely the biggest one we've found as a family.

New Hall

2011-08-21T12:27:00.001+01:00

Last November I spent a lovely weekend away with some very special friends in a very special place in Chirk called New Hall. We really must get organised and book to go away there again this year.

Moving out... Moving on

2011-08-21T12:23:00.000+01:00

The day we left our ould house in 2010. It really was the end of an era. The challenge was to use a grid

I want to ride my Bicycle

2011-08-21T12:19:00.000+01:00

Here is a picture of Daniel. I really enjoyed putting together this bright layout.

Scrapbook Sketch of the Week

2011-08-21T12:12:00.000+01:00

Thought I'd get involved in the online crop over at Shimelle.com last weekend. I'd forgotten how much I enjoy scrapping. Hopefully I'll get the time to do lots more now I'll be working part time

Missing

2010-09-23T08:55:00.000+01:00

A friend asked if my blog was broken.......

............it isn't, i've just been stupidly busy. The summer was crazy busy and now I'm trying to find a job and move house at the same time. The ove happens next week, which means we will be internetless for about 2 weeks, then normal\service should resume.

I'm still reading all your blogs but through google reader so i'm not clicking through to comment.

See you soon xxxx

Pretty in Pink

2010-07-24T20:30:00.001+01:00

How cute is this meringue pig.

We have a book in our house called '1000 things to do in Britain' I love it. No. 26 is 'Pig out at Judges Bakery' Every single item they sell is made from organically certified ingredients. The only snag is that it is in Hastings, which is a long way from home.

My lovely friend Emily is from Hastings and recently on a trip to see her family she popped into Judges and picked me up some pink meringue pigs. Thank you Emily.

Interesting fact - they are dyed with raspberry and beetroot juice.

Yummy.

Baby Elephant

2010-07-23T20:30:00.002+01:00

We went to Chester Zoo on Wednesday to see the new baby elephant. He was only 2 days old. It was quite difficult to get any photos, as his proud parents were keeping him safely in between them, so we just managed to catch a few glimpses as they all plodded along.

We also saw a real rhino!

Spotty Baby

2010-07-22T20:30:00.002+01:00

Here is Daniel with the chicken pox, I'm so glad it's out of the way. You can't tell on the photo but he was much spottier than Jacob.

Quick Question?

2010-07-21T21:37:00.000+01:00

I started project 365 on the 1st January. I managed two weeks. I blame the bad weather, having two small people and my anxiety.

I really really wish I had carried on. I was going to wait until next year to start, then I thought maybe 1st September, then I thought, why wait I'll start today. (That was on Monday)

What do you think? Does it count? Or should I wait?

Jacob's crocs

2010-07-21T20:30:00.002+01:00

I loved this photo and the story behindit that it had to be scrapped. I've had this cloud paer in my stash for ages and have dying to use it. I'm really pleased with it with this photo.

West Kirby

2010-07-20T20:30:00.002+01:00

Recently we had to drop off a geocoin that was after a seaview, so took the opportunity to go for a wander on the beach at West Kirby on the Wirral. Jacob collected a lot of shells

Bath Babe

2010-07-19T20:30:00.001+01:00

Took some photos of the boys after their bath. I just love this one. I always find it hard to scrap a photo with little colour, so i was pleased when I came across this paper in my stash

Cherry Bomb

2010-07-18T20:29:00.000+01:00

Last week I printed off this photo to be scrapped. Then, the July scrap-a-go-go kit arrives with lots of lovely cherry stuff. Perfect.

Look at my new sign

2010-07-18T20:05:00.000+01:00

Hope you have had a lovely weekend.

A bit nervous

2010-07-14T19:50:00.000+01:00

Our house is now sale agreed. We are in a complete chain of 6. We've been to arrange our mortgage this afternoon and now there is nothing we can do. We just have to wait on everyone else in the chain and respective solicitors.

I feel a bit sick and nervous. Can't wait to move though.

A Sunny Sunday

2010-07-11T21:30:00.001+01:00

Spurred on by my friend having her baby this morning we decided to walk into Chester today and buy all things pink. Which is not something I get to do very often, as I have two boys. Mike suggested we do some more rhino hunting while we were there. I was quick to agree, as this is my new favourite hobby.

Hope you enjoy the latest rhino installment.

10 - Romeo the Rhino

Artist: Isobel Kershaw and Community Friends, Sponsor: His Grace, The Duke of Westminster KG CB OBE TD CD DL, Donated to Chester Aid to the Homeless, Community Day Services and Volunteer Centre, Chester, Location: Frosham Square, Frodsham Street

9 - Blossom

Artist: Sarah Jane Richards, Sponsor: Cheshire's Gardens of Distinction, Location: Eastgate Street/Foregate Street

100 - Dee Rhino (mini)

School: Dee Banks School, Location: Marks and Spencer, Foregate Street, Chester

Inspiration: The winning design was created by our key stage 2 class of children with severe learning difficulties. The blue background with fish, trees and 'finger print' flowers depicts the nearby River Dee. This design allowed al of the pupils to participate in the decoration of the rhino.

22 - Rhinopedia

School: Waverton Community Primary School, Location: Marks and Spencer, Chester

Inspiration: After all the pupils were given the opportunity to design a Rhino, their results were very imaginative and impossible to choose from! The finished artwork incorporates most of these designs as flowing bands of knowledge wrapping around the rhino. He is a topical, historical, musical, geographical rhino and a whole lot more!

7 - Rhino Romano

Artist: Anthony Braniff, Sponsor: Bank of America, Location: The Ampitheatre

43 - Precious Commodity

Artist: Tracie Marshall, Sponsor: ITV Granada Reports, Location: The Roman Gardens

42 - Otis

Artist: Designed by Bob Berridge, painted by Angela Brady, Sponsor: Hickory's Smokehouse, Location: Hickory's Smokehouse, The Groves

41 - Cestrianocerous

Artist: Sarah Jane Richards, Sponsor: Chester Area Partnership Board, Location: The Groves, Souter's Lane

40 - LAWrence

Artist: Designed by Rachel Bernie, painted by Stacey Sumner, Sponsor: The College of Law, Location: The Groves, Souter's Lane

39 - Charity

Artist: Julie Dodd, Sponsor: Virgin Money Giving, Location: The Groves, Queens Park Bridge

37 - Unioceros

Artist: Samantha Quigley, Georgina Thomas, Nathan Tomlinson, Julia Elpers, Helen Coupland, John Renshaw, Sponsor: Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Chester, Location: Bridge Gate, Lower Bridge Street

32 - The Bulk

Artist: Angela Brady, Sponsor: Land Recovery and Enviro Skips, Location: HQ Nun's Road/Grosvenor Road

33 - Armour Plated

Artist: Groves Artist Mary Saifelden, Sponsor: ABode Hotels & Liberty Properties, Location HQ Piazza, Grosvenor Road

34 - Think

Artist: Sam Jones, Sponsor: Cheshire West and Chester Council, Location: HQ, Nicholas Street

24 - Roman Gladiator (mini)

School: Eccleston Church of England Primary School, Location: Grosvenor Museum, Chester

Inspiration: A member of staff from the Grosvenor Museum visited Eccleston Primary with Roman artefacts to stimulate the children's imagination. One class accompanied a Centurion in a walk around Chester before creating designs that featured a range of different aspects of Roman life such as mosaics and legionaries.

46 - Lurking in the Leaves (mini)

School: Overleigh St Mary's Church of England Primary School, Location: Grosvenor Museum, Chester

Inspiration: The children were fortunate enough to have worked with an artist from Grosvenor Museum to create their 'Roman Chester' rhino, reflecting beautifully the city's rich heritage.

36 - Deeno

Artist: Andy Harrington, Sponsor: Dee 106.3, Location: Grosvenor Street/Bridge Street

21 - Shocklach Patch (mini)

School: Shocklatch Oviatt Church of England Primary School, Location: Olio & Farina, Bridge Street, Chester

Inspiration: This interestingly named Rhino was created by pupils working with local artist Frances Connor. His name derives from his patchwork jacket of children's drawings. He bears the symbol of the school - the bell tower - and words that represent the children's thoughts after their visit to Chester Zoo.

115 - Chuck (mini)

School: Helsby High School, Location P&A Davies, Bridge Street, Chester

Inspiration: The environmental theme represents its designers concern about the environment and our responsibility to take care of it and look after the rhino. Chuck's jeans represent the young people of Helsby High and his abstract patterns show the school's creativity and and their link with the charity Afritwin.

It was much sunnier today than it has been all week, hence lots of window reflection for the mini rhino's. If I get chance I shall replace those photos with better ones.

Baby Girl

2010-07-11T09:37:00.000+01:00

My friend had a baby girl at 5:15am this morning. Can't wait to hear all the details. Must've happened very quickly because she was born on the bathroom floor.

When I saw her on Friday I had an inkling that her little girl would be making an appearance this weekend.

Jacobs Choice

2010-07-08T09:32:00.000+01:00

Wednesday is a day of the week when we have no set plans, so I usually leave the decision up to Jacob, (within reason.)

"What shall we do today Jacob?"

"Don't Know"

"Shall we go and find some more Rhino's?"

"Yes, only one big one and one little one"

So, that was decided, I got my map out and decided on Grosvenor Garden Centre, where sure enough there is one big one and one little one.

What do you think of Wednesday's finds?

45 - Empathy

Artist: Mish Mash, Sponsor: His Grace, The Duke of Westminster KG CB OBE TD CD DL. Donated to the Samaritans, Chester, Location: Grosvenor Garden Centre, Wrexham Road, Belgrave

103 - Derek (mini)

School: Brookside Primary School, Location: Grosvenor Garden Centre, Chester

Inspiration: The children in Year 6 have been working on the topic 'Is Planet Earth in danger?' and expanded on the theme by completing the 'Animals in Danger' survey at Chester Zoo. They chose to represent these vulnerable animals on their rhino, along with their need for our protection.

Thanks for all your lovely comments, it's always greatly appreciated.

A reminder of my rhino giveaway, which will run until 12th September. You need to create your own rhino themed post and then comment on my blog with a link to your entry. I will have some rhino mania themed goodies to give away.

If this is the first time you've come accross my blog and you would like to see more rhinos then click on the rhinomania tag to see all the posts.

Big Ones and Little Ones

2010-07-06T21:07:00.000+01:00

I've been rhino spotting again today. I decided to try and do a few in order of the trail that they are on. I think I forgot to mention yesterday that in addition to the 62 big rhino's, there are also 116 mini rhinos, these have all been designed and created by local schools/childrens centres/pre-schools. They are in shop windows and hotel receptions and places like that. I managed to download their map today too, so I'm now officially on the hunt for them too.

1. Elvis

Artist: Martin Band, Sponsor: Bank of America, Location: Railway Station, City Road

2. Fleur

Artist: Rosalind Hargreaves, Sponsor: Wild in Art, Location: Brook Place, Brook Street

3. Guardian

Artist: Michael Haselden, Sponsor: Mill Hotel & Spa Destination, Location: The Mill Hotel Milton Street

98 - Stanley (Mini)

School: Mickle Trafford Village School, Location: Mill Hotel, Milton Street, Chester

Inspiration: Year 5 pupils used the uniqueness and individuality of 'the hand' as the inspiration for this rhino. The size of hands characterise each child's age and in joining them together in the artwork, they represent friendship and illustrate the support they give to one another.

4 - Hollyoaks Omnibus

Artist: Nicola Windever, Sponsor: Hollyoaks, Location: Bars Roundabout, Foregate Street

18 - The Jolly Green Rhino (mini)

School: Guilden Sutton Church of England Primary School, Location: Cotswold, Foregate Street, Chester

Inspiration: Guilden Sutton have described their rhino as simply a reflection of 'Nature and Spring!.

40 - Rupert (mini)

School: Barton and Weaverham Children's Centre, Location: Store, Queens Street, Chester

Inspiration: The inspiration for Rupert came from a real life baby rhino orphaned when the Zambize river was flooded to make way for the Kariba Dam. Young people and families worked on the design, with every child inscribing their name on the finished artwork as a lasting reminder of their creative communities working together.

88 - A Crash of Rhinos (mini)

School: Christleton Primary School, Location: Primark, Foregate Street, Chester

Inspiration: Wanting everyone in school to be involved in the Rhino Mania project, teachers gave every child the opportunity to create a rhino using a variety of different patterns and designs. These have all been adhered to the sculpture and represent the school mission statement of 'together we learn, together we celebrate'.

5 - Black and White 'Extinct'

Artist: Martin Band, Sponsor: Bank of America on behalf of WWF-UK, Location: Grosvenor Park, Grosvenor Park Road

6- Rhin 'o' clock

Artist: Becky Barnett, Sponsor: Chester Renaissance, Location: Chester Visitor Centre, Vicar's Lane

110 - Clucking Cara

School: Mill View Primary School, Location: Chester Rows Cafe, Chester Visitors Centre

Inspiration: A display was created in the school's communal area using the undecorated rhinos along with stimulating images and questions. The children suggested ways to decorate the two rhinos and the school council chose the top six proposals. The chosen design was a 'rhino of chickens' linking the project with the school's kitchen garden.

8. Safety Sally

Artist: Designed by Bethany Holland, painted by Christleton High School Year 9 students, Sponsor: Cheshire fire & Rescue Service, Location: St John Street/Little St John Street

24 - Linda

Artsit: Emily Lansley, Sponsor: NHS Western Cheshire, Location: The Cathedral, St Werbergh Street

22 - Rodney Rhino

Artist: Phil Crawford with Zak Graffiti, Sponsor: Hospice of the Good Shepherd, Location: The Cathedral, St Werbergh Street

20 - Peace & Freedom

Artist: Wendy Williams, Sponsor: North West Regional Development Centre, Location: The Town Hall, Northgate Street

19 - Lakes Alive

Artist: Anna Benson, Sponsor: Northwest Regional Development Agency, Location: The Town Hall, Northgate Street

I can't wait to go and find some more!

Don't forget my giveaway. All you need to do is create your own rhino related blog post and then leave me a comment with a link to your blog. The prize will be rhino mania goodies and will be drawn at random on 13th September.

Rhinomania - Join the Stampede

2010-07-05T20:21:00.000+01:00

In Chester this summer you will find 62 rhino's throughout the city and surrounding areas. It is a public art exhibition which has been organised by Chester Renaissance and Wild in Art. I'm planning to find and photograph them all between 5th July (today) and the 12th September. I'm thinking that the two most elusive will be no. 62, which is 207.6 miles away from Chester, at Euston station and no. 35, which will start on Cuppin street but will be moving around, fingers crossed I manage to catch up with both of these.

As today was the official start of rhinomania we thought we'd aim to find a few. Decided to head out of the city and pick up the rhino's in Ellesmere Port Arcades and Cheshire Oaks. So here are the first six I've managed to photograph.

No. 51 - Brutus.

Artist: Tamzin Harris, Sponsor: The Port Arcades, Location: The Port Arcades, Mercer Way, Ellesmere Port.

No.53 - While Stocks Last

Artist: Sara Corley, Sponsor Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet, Location Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet

No. 54 - The Wallower

Artist: Fiona Meakin, Sponsor: Wild in Art, Locaton: Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet

No. 52 - Rhino 999

Artist: John Kelly, Sponsor: Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet, Location: Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet

No. 55 - The Ladybug

Artist: Nick McCubbing, Sponsor: Wild in Art, Location: Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet

No.56 - Cheshire Set

Artist: Anthony Braniff, Sponsor: Doubletree by Hilton, Location: Doubletreeby Hilton, Warrington Road, Hoole.

I can't wait to go looking for some more.

Ooops, I nearly forgot. I thought I'd have a rhino themed giveaway. So all I need you to do is to have a rhino themed blog post between now and September 12th. Once you've blogged send me a comment, on any of my rhinomania posts with a link to you blog and i'll pick a random entry on September 13th.

A couple of layouts

2010-07-04T16:06:00.000+01:00

Just thought I'd share a couple of layouts with you on a less than sunny Sunday afternoon. Daniel looking cute and summery and Jacob covered in chicken pox.

Cherries

2010-06-11T08:00:00.002+01:00

Jacob has discovered cherries, he's never really had them before because I was always a bit fearful that he might choke on the stone.

Bit messy though

Encouraging Friends

2010-06-10T14:00:00.004+01:00

I belong the the most amazing homegroup. We often eat cake and drink tea. We also pray for each other and encourage each other in our life and our faith. A couple of weeks ago we had an encouragement night, everyone bought small gifts for each other. There was also a game of encouragement consequences. Unfortunately due to the chicken pox I was unable to make it. Luci very kindly brought my stuff around to me last night. I have yet to buy all my presents for my girlies but once we are no longer contagious I shall shop.

I thought it would be interesting to share with you their answers for me from Encouragement Consequences.

1. What qualities, skills and strengths does this person have?
Wisdom, knowledgeable, integrity, gentle, peaceful, natural, honest & genuine, creative, clever, problem-solver, resourceful

2. Name a funny moment you have had with them (or something close)
Pigeon poo on Abbie's head "Dirty Pigeon" "Those people are laughing at me still" "No that was us"
When you phoned us to say you had had a baby
The dress rehearsal for the choir (dressing up)

3. Describe this person in 3 words
Genuine, loyal, generous

4. What famous person do they remind you of?
Catherine Zeta Jones (determined and successful)

5. What colour do they remind you of?
Purple

6. How does this person make you happy?
By listening to your stories about the things other people have done that make us laugh

7. What animal would they be?
Owl

8. What would you say this persons spiritual gifts are?
Wisdom, insight - you bring clarity to situations, leadership

9. What flavour cupcake would they be?
Lemon Cupcake

10. If you could spend a day with them what would you do?
Go to the zoo, do some scrapbooking

11. Say something random about them
Teaches us about having babies

12. If they were a sport what would they be?
Rugby

13. Write the first object that come to mind
Camera

A couple of explanations:

2. I had a Daniel in the afternoon, quite short labour, only had gas and air. I rang Abbie and said "Hi how are you? I had my baby today" She didn't believe me at first
When I said we had a dress rehearsal, someone thought we would be wearing costumes.

9. I have a great recipe for lemon cheesecake cupcakes

12. Apparently rugby, because I'm hardcore

Wrong Feet

2010-06-09T21:38:00.000+01:00

Jacob loves his crocs because he can put them on himself. He doesn't always put them on the right feet though!

A Bit Spotty

2010-06-06T10:51:00.000+01:00

We have had Chicken Pox in our house for the last two weeks. There seems to have been a bit of an epidemic in our area. Nearly all of the children at Jacob's nursery have had it including his two best friends. I'm still waiting for Daniel's spots to come out though. My husband never had it as a child though so we are wondering whether he will get it too.

Don't be fooled by the smiles in this photo, Jacob has been grumpy, irritable, stubborn and whingy. Glad he's back to normal, which means he'll be back in nursery on Tuesday.

A Weekend in the Dales

2010-06-03T20:00:00.000+01:00

Mike and I spent a weekend in the Yorkshire Dales recently for our 5th Wedding Anniversary. We had beautiful weather and stayed in the lovely town of Hawes. It was great to get away and do some walking without Jacob and Daniel. We visited some beautiful places and managed to find several geocaches in the area, can't wait to do it again.

Pretty Pendants

2010-06-03T10:51:00.000+01:00

My friend Leigh has just opened her crafty bits website. It is so lovely, I especially love the domino pendants but she does lots of other things too. Every single piece is hand-made, which means each piece is completely unique.

Pendants

Necklaces

Bangles

Earrings

Keychains/Bag Charms

Phone Charms

Birthday Sketch Challenge #1

2010-06-02T20:00:00.001+01:00

Over at Capture These Sketches they are celebrating their 1st birthday with 9 days of sketches. I love a good sketch so thought I would play along. Here is sketch #1 courtesy of Ally from the DT.

I took lots of picture of Jacob on the bouncy castle a few weeks ago at a party. The sun was really bright and he had his hat on so I didn't get any great ones, the sketch was great because I could the photos into circles and the focus was on Jacob.

For every layout you collect a bithday decal and here is my first one.

Can't wait to start the net one.

Bootcamp

2010-06-02T10:51:00.000+01:00

I have been rubbish at blogging recently. I don't know why though. I keep thinking, I must put that on my blog but just don't get around to it. I must try harder.

So, I thought today I would tell you about my weekend away at photography Bootcamp. It was run by the fabulous Cheryl Johnson from Feel Good Photos. I had been planning to go to a scrap retreat ths year and then this popped up in google reader and I booked there and then.

I had a brilliant time, everyone was great and I learnt loads. I took quite a lot of photos and some of them turned out quite well. I felt extremely out of my depth on the Friday but really got into the swing of things on the Saturday. I understand apertures, shutter speeds and ISO now. I just need to play about with to see which combos yield the best results in different places. I really enjoyed photographing the models, especially baby Anastasia. I've put a couple of pics for you to see. What do you think?

I just need to learn how to do some post production now.

Time to Party - 10pm Saturday Challenge

2010-04-18T23:22:00.000+01:00

This has got to be the most difficult challenge of the weekend! After careful deliberation I've managed to come up with five layouts that I love. Here we go.....

1. I love this layout. I don't know about you but I have been known to have some brilliant ideas (at the time) that then become a labour of love. This was one such thing.

"I know I'll put some music on the paper" This entailed finding some music for Half a pound of tupenny rice and copying it into powerpoint with musical notes found somewhere else and resized. I then printed it out on vellum.

"Wouldn't it be great to have a drum" Couldn't find any stickers so decided to make my own. Found some shiny paper, drew out drum by hand (I am aware it is a little lopsided). I bought some black elastic. Then put it all together, using eyelets to thread the elastic. It took hours, but I love it.

2. I think this layout is my favourite favourite. I love the photos, I love that is just a normal day doing normal stuff. Most of all I love the paper. This sheet of paper is one I received in a pack of American Craft Metropolitan. I remember thinking, wow that is bright, I don't think I'll ever find a use for that. It just goes so well with the pattern on the highchair.

3. This next layout is from out Honeymoon in Iceland. The most amazing place on Earth. One of our favourite stays was a night in Akureyri. We loved the atmosphere of this town. I took a series of pictures from the road on the way out. I was so pleased when they all joined together so well.

It took me ages to pick the letters for the title. In the end I picked these, sanded the shiny green paint off them and embossed them silver. That was a bit of an experiment, Although not how I planned them to look, I was pleased with the slightly mottled effect.

4. A slightly newer layout. It just seemed to all come together. It is such a happy memory of Jacob's 2nd birthday. I love how all the colours from his t-shirt match the papers. I love the use of space on the page, normally I like to fill, but this just seemed right.

5. A really recent layout. The beginning of a new geocaching adventure for us, it has become our new favourite hobby. I really like the sassafrass paper at the bottom cut into a scallop edge (another sheet of paper I never thought I'd use) I really like the journalling mats too, they were just right for that layout.

There you have it my top 5. Mind you, ask me in a couple of months and I'm sure it would be different!

Time to Party - 6pm Saturday Challenge

2010-04-18T22:45:00.000+01:00

Today has been super busy in our house. Had a little lie in this morning and then I went to church with Daniel and Mike took Jacob to the park. We both got back about 1pm and then got everything ready for some geocaching near to Beeston Castle (and the Ice Cream Farm). In a nutshell, didn't manage to do any scrapping until 8pm. There was quite a bit of hand cutting so it was quite a time consuming layout.

This challenge was about handwriting. Quite an easy one for me, as I can never be bothered to faff around on the computer with fonts and margins and printing. So, although I'm not in love with my own handwriting it is just much more practical and means I can get more scrapping done. You can read about the challenge here

Time to Party - 8pm Saturday Challenge

2010-04-17T21:57:00.000+01:00

Not too bad. I've managed to complete three challenges so far. I'm determined to do one more before I go to bed. Part of me wants to get cracking right away and part of wants to wait ten minutes to find out what the next challenge will be!

So, here is my layout for the 8pm challenge. I already had these photos printed off and a plan for them. That plan was sketch #31 from Capture these sketches. So I've combined the two challenges. I've decided to enter this on Shimelle's blog and just to use the sketch as inspiration.

(For some reason blogger has decided that it should be sideways. As I took this picture with the flash I shall replace it in the morning anyway.)

Time to Party - 8am Saturday Challenge

2010-04-17T15:30:00.000+01:00

Well, I managed to start scrapping at about 10:30 once i'd sorted everyone out. I had a whole 40 minutes before Daniel woke up. I snuck back into the conservatory about an hour ago and have just managed to finish this layout. The challenge is here. I didn't mean to use American Crafts paper, it just happened as they were the ones that suited the photos best. It was good however to use up some really old stash.

Time to Party - 8pm Friday Challenge

2010-04-17T10:06:00.000+01:00

Shimelle is hosting her first online crop party this weekend. It started last night and there is a new challenge every two hours. I have three main obstacles to a whole uninterrupted weekend of scrapping - Mike, Jacob and Daniel. So, although it would be nice to do them all, I'll just dip in and out.

I managed 1 out of 3 of Friday nights challenges, which was a scraplift of a Shimelle layout with a bonus for woodgrain. You may not be able to see it too well, but my journalling tag is woodgrain.

Hopefully I'll be back really soon with some more completed challenges.

Getting back to normal

2010-04-07T09:42:00.000+01:00

Well, I can't believe how long it has been since I blogged. Life has been a little overwhelming so far this year. I think with pretty much everything changing in our world made me just want to hide away for a bit. I don't think the terrible wintry weather helped much. I took a break from lots of things for a couple of months, including scrapbooking. However the last few weeks I have been feeling much more like my normal self and the paper trimmer and double-sided tape has come out again.

Here are my layouts from the last couple of weeks. I have used a combination of Capture these Sketches and Pencillines sketches as a basis. Enjoy.

Recent Scrapbooking

2010-01-16T16:50:00.000Z

Here are my layouts from December. I would normally upload them one by one as I go but, life has just been busy.

So, this one is from our day at Martin Mere feeding the ducks over the summer. This is based on sketch 165 over at pencil lines.

My brother graduated in 2008. I think I put this one off because I look so terrible in the photo, but finally bit the bullet early one morning in December while everyone was still in bed.

Another family day out in the summer holiday. A visit to Stockley farm. I think it might've been the only day that week when it rained, but was the only day Mike was off work. I used this sketch from Capture these Sketches blog.

I had this layout in my head from around the middle of December, but didn't manage to scrap it until Jan 2nd. This is a picture from Jacob's Christmas party in 2008, he is with his nursery key worker very reluctantly meeting Father Christmas. The idea came from The Studio December 16th challenge. You can read about it here. I didn't use any Christmas themed products for this layout (as per the challenge).

I love this photo of Jacob and Daniel. Extremely posed, trying to take a good photo of thenm both from my nanna for Christmas.

Here is my sleeping beauty. I've been dying to crack open this pack of paper wimsies from sassafrass lass.

Hope you like them xx

Week 2 - Project 365

2010-01-16T14:38:00.002Z

Well, here are my pics from week 2. I'm only half way through January and I'm already starting to find this hard work. Some days are easy but others I just don't know what to photograph. It would be easy to just take photos of Jacob and Daniel every day, but I'm resisting the urge to do that as much as possible, unless there is a specific story attached to that particular day.

So here is the 8 January. Daniel wearing about a million layers before we went for walk in the freezing but beautiful cold.

9 January. A picture of Jacob and his friend after swimming lesson with a big plastic cow. A couple of people have asked whether this is a real cow. As if I would let 2 year old's near a real cow that size!

10 January. Come on Ipswich! This game was being shown on tv on Sunday afternoon, so all three boys put on their shirts to cheer the tractor boys on.

11 January. Another day, another headache. This was the third day on the trot where my head really hurt.

12 January. A peek inside my shopping bag. Before Christmas I shopped with my sister, I'm really missing doing it in the evening with her. We need to start it again soon.

13 January. Jacob's balloons. He had three but burst one. He got them from his BSF class.

14 January. Chocolate fountain enjoyed with friends. This was a gift from a friend in the Caymen Islands. Very yummy.

My 365

2010-01-10T17:01:00.001Z

So, 2010, I've decided to photograph my year and do project 365. I shall upload my photos here on a weekly basis. A little late, but here is my first week of the year.

Happy New Year. We spent new year with great friends.

Early morning cuteness with Daniel and blue bear

The 3rd shall always be a self-portrait. This is a bit of a cheat I know, but we had been travelling and it was quite late when I took this, shall try harder next month.

Jacob being helpful and taking the decorations off a rather sad looking tree.

We had snow in Chester. (Yes, I know everyone in the UK had snow, but it's super rare for it to snow here.)

Wednesday brought a powercut, 2 hours were without heat and light. Luckily I managed to find some candles.

It took 3 days to convince Jacob to play in the snow. He still won't touch it!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-26T16:20:00.000Z

Hope everyone had a lovely Christmas Day.

We had so much fun, it is brilliant having children on Christmas day, Jacob helped Daniel open his presents. It was all far too exciting, he just didn't know what to play with first.

We have however missed our pre-children Boxing Day, which used to consist of staying bed until lunch time and watching Christmas television whilst eating chocolates.

Christmas Cards

2009-12-22T14:41:00.001Z

This year I made Christmas cards with Jacob. We made six. It was so easy, I bought a kit from the Early Learning Centre. There was no gluing involved, everything was self-adhesive.

He really enjoyed adding the gemstone stickers

Here are the finished cards.

As we only made six they were reserved for grandparents, his auntie and his god parents. I hope they all like them.

For Sale...

2009-12-21T20:39:00.000Z

...is what the new sign outside my house says. We only decided a few weeks ago that we wanted to move somewhere a bit bigger. We then spent a frantic week and a half clearing and cleaning our house ready for photographs and any potential viewings.

This photo is my "can't live without" craft stuff. I can't quite believe how much went into storage (Jacob calls storage "Daddy's big cupboard"). I'm now being very discplined, every time I finish with something it goes straight back away onto this shelf. It feels weird being so organised and tidy.

I wonder how long it will last ;)

Special Delivery

2009-12-20T10:20:00.000Z

A couple of weeks ago, when Jacob was poorly, I opened the door to the postman. He had a parcel for me.

I opened it up and inside,underneath the tissue paper was...

A lovely delicious collection of m&m's. Now, those of you in the UK will know that we don't get many different types of m&m's, often just the milk chocolate and the peanut. So I was super excited to receive the premiums (especially as husband doesn't really like dark choc or mint) and peanut butter, which I always request when anyone I know goes to the USA.

So, I would just like to say a huge THANK YOU to Deb over at the fabulous PaperTurtle blog (check it out lovely craft and yummy treats) for her randon act of kindness. It made me smile all day.

On another note,can't believe it is Christmas on Friday. I still have shopping to buy.

On a final note. Well done Chris and Ola, very deserving winners last night on Strictly Come Dancing.

Christmas Cactus

2009-12-18T20:19:00.000Z

As promised, something a little christmassy.....

This is my beautiful poinsettia. I just love it and am determined to keep it alive well into the New Year. (I'm the opposite of green fingered).

Come On Daddy

2009-12-14T08:48:00.001Z

I managed to complete another layout yesterday afternoon while Mike was in charge of the boys. These photos were taken on a trip to Chester Zoo. Jacob loves running from one animal enclosure to another calling "Come on Daddy". It was dark when I photographed it looks much better in real life.

I used Sketch 21 from Lets capture these sketches blog. Thaks for a fab sketch. I'm just loving all the fabulous challenge blogs at the moment.

Dare 153

2009-12-14T08:39:00.000Z

Have you seen The Dares? As soon as I saw the "Don't Stop" dare I thought of these photos of Jacob and his friends running and collapsing in a heap on the floor.

Pencil Lines : Sketch 164

2009-12-13T10:22:00.000Z

Another early morning layout. Not as early as usual, as it was light by the time I was ready to photograph.

I used sketch 164 courtesy of the fabulous Pencil lines sketch challenge blog.

I love this photo of Mike and Jacob. It was taken earlier this year on a day out to Knowsley Safari Park. After we had done the Safari drive we went for a nature walk in the woodland.

Do you like my hand cut scallop at the bottom (any excuse to get my craft knife out).

A Poorly Boy

2009-12-13T09:54:00.003Z

It's ages since I've blogged. I've got loads to blog about as well, so not sure why I've been so rubbish!

Last week I had a poorly Jacob.

He started with a temperature on the Saturday after swimming and didn't really improve over the next few days, which is very rare. On the Tuesday I took him to the doctors. We got sent to Children's Assessment Unit at our local hospital. He was very brave, there was medicine, oxygen and an x-ray. They diagnosed him with a chest infection and we were sent home with antibiotics.

Jacob, was not a huge fan of the medicine and it became an ordeal and a two person job to get him to take it. Anyway normal service has been resumed this week, back to nursery (hoorah).

Daniel was very good while I was focusing on his poorly big brother. He is getting into a lovely sleeping routine now and will go down for naps in the day. Sometimes short and sometimes long. We have lots of smiles when he is awake and he is now in his 3-6months clothes. How time flies.

Well, that is enough to read for one post. I'll be back with more stuff, including some Christmassy stuff, scrapbooking stuff and a lovely parcel that arrived last week.

Squashy Soup

2009-11-28T21:16:00.003Z

Jacob has recently decided he will eat soup.

As part of weaning you spend so much time trying to progress from smooth pureed vegetables, to small lumps, to food that can be chewed to eating family meals. It is then a bit odd trying to get them to eat soup, which in our house, is essentially pureed vegetables mixed with stock.

Squashy Soup, is roasted butternut squash soup. Jacob helped make it. He likes dipping his bread.

I mixed the squash with a tsp ginger and a tbsp of garam masala and then roasted it in olive oil for about 40 mins, then I blended it with vegetable stock, easy.

November 16th Challenge : The Studio

2009-11-20T18:01:00.000Z

I saw this challenge on the Studio (thank you Google Reader) and thought I would have a go. There were three parts to it. Title should include a number.

Use eyelets

Complete your journaling in a list style

I was up at 6:30am this morning, to feed the baby. He went back to sleep but I decided to stay up and make the most of all the boys still being asleep. It was lovely scrapping first thing in the morning.

I used one of the scrapagogo kits to make this layout, which included this fab journaling stamp, I stamped this out 4 times, They are things he has learnt, things he likes to do, his friends and some of his significant injuries (he is a little accident prone - at one point we were signing the nursery accident book weekly!)

Children In Need

2009-11-20T09:21:00.002Z

It's Children In Need today. The tag line is "Do Something Different" so this year I baked Pudsey Bear's favourite muffins. I'm now pedaling my wares shamelessly wherever I go to raise money.

I bought the muffin cases from Lakeland last week and split them with my friends, so hopefully we should raise a few quid for Chidren in Need.

Double Chocolate Chip and Banana Muffins

I made two batches, the first came out really well.

Unfortunately I forgot to put sugar in the second batch, so they are relying on the natural sweetness of the banana (oops).

I've finished

2009-11-19T09:43:00.002Z

I'm not normally a person who finishes things, so this is a major achievement for me (and hopefully a sign of things to come!) I've really enjoyed this project, thanks Shimelle for a fabulous class.

So, here is the 30th September. When asked to eat some chicken, Jacob replied, "No daddy I like rice"

I also managed to complete a 12x12 layout last night as well. This is based on a sketch from the September :BE INSPIRED creativity prompt from the blog A Matter of Memories.

These photos were taken earlier this year at the Valley of the Monkeys in France.

Cooking and Baking

2009-11-16T16:09:00.002Z

Something very strange is happening. I think it might have something to do with living in a male dominated household. I just want to cook and bake all the time. I've made cake, shortbread, biscuits, soup and pasta sauce in the last week alone.

These are the cupcakes I made last week. I slightly overfilled the cases, so I cut the tops off before I iced them. They were so easy to make, put all ingredients in a bowl and mix.

Topped off with lemon butter cream icing. I had the girlie cake chicks round last week so fortunately they were able to help me polish them off.

It's Children in Need here in the UK this Friday. I have 25 Pudsey Bear cake cases. So, I shall be making cakes this week and accepting donations for them. Not decided what flavour to make yet.

Fruit & Veg

2009-11-15T20:03:00.002Z

We had our first organic fruit and veg box delivered on Friday. It was on the step when we got up.

We had been thinking about ordering it for a while, but we have recently decided to try and eat more fruit and veg.

Delicious looking apples and bananas

Broccoli

Potatoes, red onions, pomegranates

Carrots and green cabbage.

I worked out how much it would've cost to buy this fruit and veg from the supermarket and it was about 50p more. We have said we will buy one box a week until Christmas and if we can use it all then we shall carry on into the New Year.

We had some of the veg and potatoes for tea followed by a pomegranate. I was quite surprised how much Jacob enjoyed it.

A very Industrious Day

2009-11-14T19:42:00.004Z

I've had a brilliant day today. Just me and three friends locked in my conservatory scrapping. I completed 7 pages of my learn something new everyday album. Only one day left to scrap and then I've finished.

19th September is about my amazing sister. She is the most fabulous auntie and completely adored by Jacob. She took Jacob swimming for us just after Daniel was born. She has been a great support and I love her so much.

24th September. I love this photo, it was taken by the medical photographer, Jenny at the Countess of Chester hospital. When we had Daniel we were asked by one our midwives, Helen if we would be on the front of the home birth leaflet that she had put together. We said yes. I saw Helen yesterday and she said that they are currently at the printers. I can't quite believe we are going to be on a leaflet.

25th September. The thought of giving Daniel formula milk made me feel sick, a failure, a terrible mum etc etc. However, by this point Daniel was feeding all the time, I wasn't getting any sleep, I just felt awful, so we took the plunge and gave him some formula. The world didn't end, my child had a full tummy, I got some rest and I don't feel a failure.

26th September. I found keeping a journal through September extremely cathartic, especially after Daniel was born. I've managed to capture how I was feeling then. The plan was to continue post September, I haven't!

27th September. How cute are my boys! This was the day when we first heard "Jacob hold" He loves holding Daniel. We thought that maybe the novelty of having a baby brother would wear off quite quickly but it hasn't.

28th September. One of the huge blessings of being part of Christ Church is the fabulous meal rota. After having a baby food is delivered to your house every day for a week. We had the most delicious meals delivered each day. However, my friends from one of my house groups hadn't been included in the rota, so sent me an email asking if they could cook for us. "Please say yes" it said, so we said yes. Thank you fabulous friends

29th September. I love autumn and all the colours. After spending a couple of week pretty much in the house with my newborn, it was a bit of a surprise to see those beautiful reds, oranges and yellows in the trees. I can't believe I missed the start of autumn.

So, only one more day to do. I'm going to try to sneak off tomorrow and get it done. I can't wait to get on with some 12x12 layouts before JYC starts.

Some Colour...

2009-11-12T16:09:00.001Z

...to brighten up your Thursday.

I was chatting with my mum today and we got onto the subject of the Sony Bravia adverts. I remembered the balls one and the one with the paint, but I'd never seen the bunnies before. So, we went on the internet (what would we do without it) and found it.

Hope you like it too.

Sunflowers & Not Sleeping

2009-11-10T10:07:00.002Z

So, here are a couple more Learn Something New Everyday layouts. 22nd and 23rd September.

The 22nd was the first day I had left the house properly since Daniel had been born. After several sleepless nights and hormonal crying, it was so lovely to see the sunflowers we had planted all tall and smiling in the afternoon sun. I can't wait to grow more next year.

The 23rd was a day that followed a night of little sleep. I went back to bed mid-morning but couldn't get to sleep. So instead of getting upset and in a tizz with myself I got my book out (nothing too highbrow - chicklit) and just rested and read for a couple of hours. Although I had not been to sleep I still felt so much better.

I don't really like this layout though. I think I may need to re-visit once I've finished.

So, I'm nearly there. I'm off to print the last batch of pictures now.

I Don't Like Mondays

2009-11-09T13:08:00.002Z

For the last few months I have been taking Jacob to Didi Dance on a Monday morning. We grew like a seed, we danced in a circle, we galloped and at the end we got a sticker. Sounds lovely don't you think. Well, if Jacob was a willing participant then yes it would be fabulous. Over the last few weeks he has got worse and worse, to the point today I decided that I didn't have the energy to fight with him. So instead we went to the local play barn (love these places). I had to renew his membership anyway and then I paid an extra £1 to join in with toddler morning. Juice & toast & activity (bargain).

It was great. Daniel went to sleep, so I climbed up with Jacob and we went to the top and then down the slide a few times, then he had some juice and toast and then we did some painting. I don't do painting at home and you can see why in the photo!

This would be the one and only time we have had paints out at home. There was more paint on Jacob than on the paper. I leave this activity to the professionals.

Anyway, so until this week I didn't like Mondays. I think we'll knock Didi Dance on the head and go to the toddler activity instead. Cheaper and less stressful. Win win me thinks.

National Sausage Week

2009-11-06T17:06:00.002Z

On Tuesday my husband asked "do we need anything in town?" My reply "yes, sausages from the market". At this point in the conversation he stopped and looked at me quizzically. "Any reason why?" he asked. Well, surely it was obvious. It's National Sausage Week in the UK (2nd -8th November), the reason it had to be from the market is because Dave Joinson, the butcher is donating 50 pence for every pound of sausages sold this week to Cancer Research.

As is often the case my husband indulged me in my randomness and we went and bought 6 award winning pork and apple sausages from the market.

We had them for our dinner last night with mash, peas and gravy. The perfect comfort food meal to be eaten when the weather is so cold and wet outside.

Blogging For Scrapbookers

2009-11-05T16:19:00.002Z

Another month another online class. You would think that as I have not finished Learn Something New Everyday from September that signing up for another would be craziness. You would be a little right there. However, in my defence the beauty of this course is that it isn't daily, there may be some scrapbooking but it won't be a mini book but will form part of my 12x12 album. There are prompts and I will do them but in a willy-nilly fashion.

The thing that appealed to me about this class is all the fabulous technical blog stuff that Shimelle is imparting to us all and all the lovely blogs from my classmates that I get to read. (The 2nd bit is driving my husband insane by the way) I'm trying to read as many as possible and to leave at least 10 comments per day.

I started to think about Journal Your Christmas this week. I have some ideas for this year but I'll leave them for another day.

A bit of a blur

2009-11-03T18:20:00.002Z

I have to confess, the first couple weeks after Daniel was born were all a bit of a blur. I just about managed to keep up to date with my Learn Something New Everyday Journal with a view to scrapping things when life became less hectic. It was really interesting to go back and read some of the extremely hormonal things I had written. It is amazing how much stuff you forget about that first couple of weeks as time goes by.

So, here are my pages for the 18th, 20th and 21st. The 19th is to follow, I haven't printed the photo yet.

Breastfeeding had been a huge problem first time round. I was determined to do it but Jacob didn't have a very strong suck, so ended up being fed through a tube. It was a huge relief in that first 24 hours that Daniel was a natural at it.

The baby blues had well and truly set in by the 20th. Bring on the random crying, for absolutely no reason at all. In fact I spent a considerable amount of the day in tears. The only thing that stopped it was the bedtime routine with Jacob. I really enjoyed running his bath, putting him in and making his hair spiky with the shampoo, putting his pyjamas on, reading his story and putting him to bed. I felt normal for a whole hour.

For someone who would ideally like 12 hours sleep per night, having just a couple of hours really isn't good. The downside to Daniel being a brilliant feeder meant that he wanted to do it all the time at the beginning, which meant I just had to grab 40 winks when I could. I love my bed.

Kleptomaniac

2009-11-02T16:52:00.002Z

We have to check Jacob's pockets every time we leave somewhere, especially nursery. Emptying them before bath time is all part of the routine now. He can now say kleptomaniac, which is pretty impressive for a two year old.

I wonder if it makes me a bad mummy that when I ask "is Jacob a kleptomaniac?" he says yes.

Welcome Daniel George Shanahan

2009-10-27T11:01:00.000Z

I know I've already blogged Daniels arrival, but as I am posting my Learn Something New Everyday pages, it would be wrong not to post this page. How cute, I'm pleased with this page.

Contractions

2009-10-27T10:58:00.001Z

Having contractions while looking after an exuberant two year old could've easily been a recipe for disaster. However, I was lucky that day to have been blesses with a well behaved, quiet, contented, cuddly boy. He was gentle with me, played with his toys nicely, sat on the sofa and cuddled me while we watched cbeebies and then when we packed him off to Grandma's went without any fuss, in fact seemed to treat it like an unplanned holiday.

Halfway

2009-10-27T10:54:00.000Z

The 15th September was the halfway point of Learn Something New Everyday. The prompt called for a page about yourself and what you are learning about yourself doing this project. I kind of cheated, I can't make my mind up whether I like what I've done or not, will try harder next year!

Gardening Techniques

2009-10-27T10:51:00.001Z

Jacob and I spent the afternoon with my mum and my brother at their new house. My brother was keen to have a go at my mum's new tree choppers and shredder, and this bush was the casualty. He wasn't making much headway, so decided to take a running jump into the middle of the bush. It seemed to work as soon the bush was a gonner.

Sunday Sunshine

2009-10-27T10:47:00.001Z

We thought we would make the most of the English Heritage Open days and get out and about. When we had a look on the website, the best place to visit on the Sunday was Norton Priory, which is a ruined monastery. Jacob really enjoyed running around in the ruins and through the woodland. I'm really pleased that we went out and made the most of the September sunshine.

Chocolate cupcakes

2009-10-27T10:43:00.001Z

In the run-up to giving birth I baked a lot, mainly cupcakes and biscuits (and not all were successful) I think most women clean as their nesting instinct, but not me! These were my chocolate cupcakes, the recipe said it would make 12 and I ended up with 24! They were yummy though.

Cool Bargain

2009-10-27T10:35:00.001Z

What an absolute bargain. We really needed a new fan for our bedroom, however being the laid back couple we are, we didn't get around to looking for one until September. So I managed to snap this one up at half price. How satisfying it is snapping up an absolute bargain.

Jumping Cat

2009-10-27T10:29:00.002Z

Well, it seems like forever since I've done any scrapbooking but over the last week I have managed to put some pages together for my Learn Something New Everyday book. Unfortunately I had to use the flash to take this photo, I shall try to take a photo in daylight if I get chance.

I would like to introduce Tudur (it's Welsh). He is the new kitten of my friend Luci and as you can see he jumps extremely high.

40 Minutes

2009-10-21T14:43:00.001+01:00

It took 40 minutes to walk from here

to here

I thought it would take at least an hour to work from our house to mum and dads new house, so left plenty of time. I had left my car key at home so Mike could pick us up, it would be too far to walk home again.

So just under 40 minutes later, I had arrived. I walked most of it on the cycle path, I got off in Hoole and then walked along the main road. The new cyclce path opens next weekend so I might see if it is any quicker to walk further on the that path.

So I decided to do it again on Monday with both boys and the dreaded double buggy. (That thing weighs a tonne). It didn't take too much loger and I walked home again this time too. Not that Jacob or Daniel were particuarly impressed.

Pair of sleepy heads!

Actors

2009-10-13T17:59:00.005+01:00

I spent yesterday afternoon with my mum and brother. When we arrived at mums house they were watching FlashForward, a new American drama, which we both really like. We started talking about British Actors in American shows.

Here is the list we came up with. If you can think of any more, let me know. They can either play a Brit or an American, that bit doesn't matter.

FlashFoward
Joseph Fiennes - Agent Mark Benford
Jack Davenport - Lloyd Simcoe
Sonya Walger - Olivia Benford

Lost
Naveen Andrews - Sayid Jarrah
Dominic Monaghan - Charlie Pace
Henry Ian Cusick - Desmond Hume
Rebecca Mader - Charlotte Lewis
Sonya Walger - Penelope Widmore

Greys Anatomy
Kevin McKidd - Dr Owen Hunt

Ugly Betty
Ashley Jensen - Christina McKinney

Without a Trace
Marianne Jean-Baptiste - Vivian Johnson

Lie To Me
Tim Roth - Dr Cal Lightman

ER
Alex Kingston - Dr Elizabeth Corday
Parminder Nagra - Dr Neela Rasgotra

Prison Break
Chris Vance - James Whistler

House
Hugh Laurie - Dr Gregory House

I'm sure we thought of some more, but I can't remember now. I'll ask Martin.

Thought of some more

Life
Damian Lewis - Charlie Crews

Boston Legal
Tara Summers - Katie Lloyd
Saffron Burrows - Lorraine Weller

True Blood
Stephen Moyer - Bill Compton

Eli Stone
Johnny Lee Miller - Eli Stone

Hen Night

2009-10-11T17:32:00.004+01:00

How brilliant is my husband! Daniel is only three weeks old and Mike let me go on Emily's hen night and leave him with both boys to contend with.

Here is a selection of photographs from the evening, including some "arty" shots taken by Abbie.

Here is the beautiful bride to be, Emily.

Here is Abbie, my fellow photographer for evening!

And here is one of her extremely arty shots.

And here she is demonstrating an upside-down self-portrait.

This is her side order of onion rings that were ordered to accompany her sun-dried tomato risotto.

This is a picture of me and Luci I took this one. Luci wanted to document her ridiculously small portion of coleslaw.

Ooh, another arty shot from Abbie.

Here is Abbie and Jen. Obviously I took this one, as Abbie is in it!

I Like Rice

2009-10-08T12:37:00.004+01:00

"Jacob, eat some chicken"

"No daddy, I like rice"

Jacob has been a pain to feed since we weaned him (except at nursery where he eats beautifully) however over the last few weeks he's been brilliant, even asking for seconds of veg.

His new favourite food is rice. He will often ask for thirds and fourths. Yesterday he started asking for rice at 3:30pm. When I told him he would have to wait until daddy got home he climbed up and strapped himself into his chair. There were tears when i got him down and made him play with his toys.

A bit neurotic?

2009-10-07T17:01:00.002+01:00

How did I manage to be the most laid back first time mum and then turn into the most neurotic second time mum?

Daniel has not yet turned three weeks but we've already been to the doctors twice. The first time was because of his infected tummy button and he was prescribed antibiotics and cream, so not neurotic. But today, I had decided that he had reflux so off to the doctors we went.

Well, I don't think the doctor could've made me feel any more neurotic if he'd tried. He may have a touch of reflux, but it's not bad enough to be treated. I felt totally ridiculous as I left the surgery.

Discharged

2009-09-29T16:12:00.003+01:00

Jane, my midwife came today to discharge me. I'm going to miss her actually, as she has cared for me quite a bit over the last few years. I first met her in late Spring 2006 when I first fell pregnant, unfortunately that pregnancy ended in miscarriage, so I didn't really get to know her.

Then, when I fell pregnant with Jacob at the end of that year, she was extremely caring and sensitive when I went through lots of wobbles and worries about potentially having another miscarriage. Fortunately everything progressing normally and the pregnancy was relatively easy and we have Jacob.

This time I got to know her quite a bit better, probably because of our choice to have a home birth, I had a couple of extra appointments with her and we chatted about more than just my pregnancy over the last nine months. In fact the only time I didn't see her was during the birth, as she was on holiday! To have such a supportive midwife makes pregnancy and all its decisions much easier to deal with. Jane definitely helped me to remain cool, calm and collected all the way through. I felt much more in control of my pregnancy this time.

The team of community midwives in Chester are an extremely special group of women, they are completely on board with home birth as an option (assuming all is well in pregnancy and there were no complications in previous pregnancies). Even though I had not met any of the women who came to deliver Daniel, they made me feel like they'd been involved in my care personally all the way through my pregnancy.

So, now we are under the care of the Health Visitor. We met her at Jacob's one year check, she had just taken over from the previous health visitor and I was worried that she was a bit keen. However, she came to visit this week and I really like her. I found her really supportive and constructive, she also had some good suggestions with the feeding issues that I have had (Daniel is extremely hungry all the time).

Sunflowers

2009-09-26T16:06:00.002+01:00

Well, I thought they would never flower! These are Jacobs sunflowers, he planted the seeds in the spring, then transferred them to our front garden and has taken his watering responsibilities very seriously

There is one left to flower, which is now taller than me, so hopefully that one will flower over the next week.

I hope they make you smile. They make me smile every time I go outside.

Home Birth II

2009-09-25T12:11:00.004+01:00

So, this time last week I was well and truly in the swing of things. Labour, well it really hurts! It was completely different to my hospital labour experience, on the whole it was a much more relaxed and natural experience. It went much quicker and I managed the whole thing with just gas and air - although at one point I would've taken the drugs!

So, after 5 hours 50 mins (official time) Daniel George arrived on our living room floor, a lovely healthy weight of 7lbs 12oz. We sat on the floor together for a little bit and then we went upstairs to my own comfy bed in my lovely quiet house.

We had amazing midwives who were fully supportive of our home birth decision. I am very lucky to be a completely average pregnant lady, with completely average labours.

And, although he doesn't think he really did anything, I really couldn't have done it without Mike. He was once again an amazing support physically (I have bruised his leg) and emotionally. Thank you wonderful husband.

Well, a week on and I am still feeling a little uncomfortable and am just getting used to surviving on much less sleep than I would like. However, I am making the most of having this beautiful tiny baby, because, blink and he'll be all grown up!

Home Delivery

2009-09-19T22:37:00.002+01:00

I have given birth :). Daniel George arrived on Thursday afternoon, weighing a healthy 7lb 12oz. As planned we had a home birth, which was amazing.

As it is only two days ago I have yet to load photos, however I shall try to do it in the next few days.

Norton Priory

2009-09-16T14:23:00.004+01:00

This weekend just gone was the English Heritage Open Days across England. So, when we looked for something to do on Sunday Norton Priory came up as being open and free admission.

We went quite late in the afternoon and just had a potter around in the sunshine for an hour or so. I don't think we could quite believe how busy it was.

Overdue

2009-09-10T13:08:00.005+01:00

Yeah, more opportunity to scrap in pink. I never thought I'd get to use this kit! I got Mike to take a few pictures so I think there may be a 12x12 layout that needs creating too.

Well, I am overdue now! My friend text me today to say I should try to hold out until 20.09.2009, as that would be the next cool date.

Ice- Cream Bribery

2009-09-10T13:00:00.003+01:00

Last week Mike went to pick Jacob up from nursery. They were all playing outside in the cars and on the bikes. After watching him for ten minutes he was unable to coax out of the car he was whizzing round in. So he ended up dragging a kicking and screaming child away from nursery.

I went to pick Jacob up and didn't want to drag him home, so offered him chocolate ice-cream, worked an absolute treat. Bribery is ok sometimes.

Cheshire Ice-cream farm is defnitely one of our favourite places to visit. In addition to lots and lots of ice-cream, there are ducks, hens, rabbits, cows, sheep, pigs, goats and donkeys.

Afternoon Naps

2009-09-10T12:55:00.004+01:00

The prompt today was all about re-learning something. However little did I expect to actually re-learn something.

Well, I learnt that I like afternoon naps too! I used to have afternoon naps when I was pregnant with Jacob. Also when he was new I would sleep when he slept. I think this is my favourite learning so far.This photo was taken after his nap. He loves climbing into our bed, so I got him to pretend to be asleep for my page today.

Due Date

2009-09-09T22:03:00.003+01:00

So, once again it pretty much came and went (big sigh). I am now an overdue pregnant person again.

My prediction for giving birth is the 19th or 20th September, much to the amusement of my midwife. However, even she is coming around to my logic!

So, I'm afraid it is still a case of watch this space.

Family Time

2009-09-08T11:30:00.004+01:00

Often I think that we need to have have plans to have special family time. I was reminded on Sunday afternoon that any time can be special when you are with your family, even just lounging around on the bed on Sunday afternoon.

I'm so glad I picked up my camera to take some pics. I've got enough for a 12x12 layout for my album. Don't I have two very cheeky boys. Say cheese!

Lazy Sunday Afternoons

2009-09-08T11:19:00.004+01:00

We had such a funny half hour on Sunday afternoon after getting Jacob up from his nap. All three of us giggled away, so I picked up my camera for a few family snaps.

Baby Shower

2009-09-08T10:43:00.005+01:00

Did you know that nappy cake is made out of actual nappies? Well, I didn't until I arrived at my baby shower to find my two tiered nappy cake pride of place in the middle of the table.My fabulous friends Luci and Abbie organised a baby shower for me. I was on strict instructions not to give birth before Saturday! Fortunately there was lots of scrummy cakes and scones to eat. There was also a hunt the parcel and a quiz. It was such lovely afternoon spent with fantastic friendsFor anyone who is interested in making one then there are loads of online tutorials.

Think Pink

2009-09-05T22:05:00.007+01:00

Before I tell you the story, just a quick confession. I didn't use left overs today. As I rarely get to scrap in pink I made the most of it and picked a full sheet of paper and chopped it up. I loved scrapping in pink though, so I don't feel that guilty.

How much was I looking forward to going girl shopping. I never get to do anything pink, especially now Mike's god daughter is older. So off I went to Toys R Us all optimistic that I would find loads to pick from.

Well ten minutes into the trip I found it really isn't that easy buying for a two year old girl who you don't really know. I had all but given up and was about to go down the safe book option when I spotted this tea set. Hooray, hope she likes it. Not sure why but blogger decided the photo should be in landscape, however it is definitely a portrait shot, so apologies if you a get a crick in your neck!

Another thing I've learnt this week doing the project. Sketches rule, thanks Shimelle, I think they are the only way I've managed to stay on top of things

New Carpet

2009-09-04T11:28:00.011+01:00

We had a new carpet fitted yesterday. The man in the shop told me the fitter would arrive some time after 12pm. So I waited in. And i waited, and i waited and i waited! He arrived about 4:40pm, however he was done and dusted in 15 minutes, quite impressive.

He said he still had two more jobs to do after our house.

Not a very pretty picture today I'm afraid!

Triangles

2009-09-04T11:22:00.002+01:00

You wouldn't believe how many hours it has taken me to get to this stage! I'm not even half way through my stash of triangles.

I am really enjoying it though, I'm starting to think I won't be finished by the time our new baby arrives.

Not so grumpy Jacob!

2009-09-03T10:33:00.005+01:00

I can honestly say that yesterday morning did not start well. I had had a terrible nights sleep and then I was awoken by a whinging two year old. Rubbish, today is going to be a long day.

However, I couldn't have been more wrong. Jacob's mood seemed to improve throughout the day, the morning was spent playing with soft stuff, squashing, rolling and cutting. I even managed to get some photos of him saying cheese and grinning at me. In the afternoon we went to Cheshire Farm for ice cream, it's never too cold or rainy to go for ice cream and to see the ducks!

I have to admit though, my determination to just use up bits and pieces on this project has been tested in this layout. Not my finest work, but I decided I would just do and see what happens. So please let me know what you think! As I said yesterday the photos will be attached when I have enough to print, but below is my pic for 02.09.09.

As I have to stay in today (we're having carpet fitted I shall be cracking on with my other crazy project my quilt, so if you're interested I'll pop some pictures on here later of any progress I make!

Today I learnt...

2009-09-02T20:10:00.004+01:00

Well, despite Jacob's best efforts I'm still up-to-date! I've decided to print all my photos in 6x8cm on the printer so I'm going to wait until I have a full sheet of A4 before printing.

However, if you scroll down you can see the photo I took yesterday of my not quite flowered sunflowers. I'm still managing to just up leftover bits and pieces. Not sure where these buttons are from but I just had three.I should just point out, these aren't my sunflowers but Jacob's, he grew then from seed and has very much enjoyed watering them through the summer.A quick thanks to everyone who has been stopping by, I have loved receiving your warm and lovely and confidence boosting comments.

Learn Something New Every Day

2009-09-01T13:48:00.004+01:00

Following the craziness of starting to make a quilt just days/weeks before I'm about to give birth I have now embarked on another craft project.

Learn Something New Every Day is a September project where I should be able to produce a mini-book of things I have learnt/observed through the month of September. In my defence, I did sign up for this January following Journal Your Christmas before I knew I was pregnant.

So, I shall do my best to keep as up-to-date as possible but don't go holding your breath. As you can see I am currently on top of things as I have sat and made my cover this morning and cut all my cardstock up for the rest of the month.

I have decided that I shall mostly be using up bits and pieces, so nothing new will be bought and I don't expect there to be much in the way of embellishment either, but we shall see!

Spiderweb Quilt

2009-08-31T10:49:00.002+01:00

I'm really not sure what is wrong with me. I've got no more than three weeks until I give birth and I've not only decided to take up quilting, I've actually been to the really beautiful Liberty Bell in town and bought fat quarters! I'm not even sure what fat quarters are but I've bought 12 and cut some into strips ready to make my spiderweb.

It's now a race against time to make the quilt before I drop. If I don't it will go into a carrier bag and will be unlikely to ever see the light of day again!

The Big 4-0

2009-08-31T10:40:00.002+01:00

I am now married to a 40 year old! It was Mike's birthday on Friday, not that he really wanted to celebrate, he doesn't really do birthdays. He is so difficult to buy for as well, so my fab sister made him a chocolate cake, yum yum. That was definitely his favourite present. Mike and I dropped Jacob off at nursery and headed for York. We had a stroll along the river and a wander through the shops and then off to see York Minster.

York is probably a bit too far to travel for the day in hindsight, we didn't have enough time to go inside the Minster. Then we got stuck in horrendous Bank Holiday traffic on the way home. Fortunately Grandma was available for an emergency nursery pickup.

Stockley Farm

2009-08-27T10:21:00.005+01:00

Mike is on holiday this week. Typically though, the one day we have together as a family to go and have fun the weather is dreadful. So, yes I know everyone is extremely well wrapped up, but I can assure you that these photos were taken in the month of August! Jacob was very excited to see have ride on a tractor. At 38 weeks pregnant, I was definitely less than excited.

We got to feed some baby goats. Jacob has really little legs and can't reach the pedals, so Mike had to push him around.

How cute are these piglets, born at the begnning of August.

Jacob was a little surprised when this calf went in for a kiss!

The weather wasn't too bad in the end, just the odd shower and a bit windy.

Origami

2009-08-22T12:56:00.002+01:00

For our first anniversary my parents bought us a book on origami, as paper is the symbol attached to 1 year. I was feeling a bit fidgety last night, so as I had an hour before bed I thought I'd have a go. OMG it's really hard.

Here is my first attempt, the crane. According to the book this is a traditional design that many Japanese children learn to fold. I'm not sure i'd be able to do it again. There is something called the inside reverse fold towards the end, which I only achieved through luck.
My 2nd attempt was a lily. This one was a little easier but still very fiddly. Not sure I'll ever become an origami master