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Well I'm only 4 days behind ... this is the page Shimelle set us for 1st September! I'm really pleased with it. Hopefully I'll catch up this evening.

Shimelle's Class

I have finally finished the cover of my album. Its not a wonderful picture but it was difficult to scan as the spiral is so big. I'm hoping to get loads done this evening as I'm now 4 days behind. I've promised Stuart I will study before I do any scrapping - as he puts it - work before play. I have set myself a target of 9 pages - this will probably take about 1.5 hours.

Yet more projects ...

I've signed up for Shimelle's latest course (see course page on link ->) also UKS have started blog prompts - here is todays

Treasure chest: you have a small chest and you’re going to place things in it that symbolise who you are, important milestones, etc. so that someone years after you’re gone will look at it and see the essence of you. For example, you might place a stethoscope if you’re a doctor or medical student, a Bible if your faith is important to you, etc. Which five items would you choose and why? No photographs (though you could use a camera if you're a photographer)...just symbolic items.

I'm going to have a really good think about this ... first thoughts -
marriage course notes (this covers two areas - church, who ran the course and my 16 year marriage)
my scrapbook albums these surely show my life
my computer? shows my interests
my work contract - its where I seem to spend most of my time - either at the location or studying for it!(oh I forgot to mention that - is it a project? supose so - I have a FPC exam in October)

I'll come back and update this when I have thought about it - if I find the time ...

France ...

What a holiday! We had great fun but 3 sites in 2 weeks is just too much.
Paris was great - Hannah loved Euro Disney and the city.
Tours wonderful area with so much to do.
Rouen - wow what a city. I would definately recommend this - the history and sights are amazing. We picked up a walking tour leaflet free from the Tourist Information and had a brilliant day. Actually the place was so brill we went back the next day!

Keswick

The Keswick Convention - wow what a buzz! Not only did we have great weather (a first) but we also had a really great time. Hannah had a wonderful time as her friend from last year, Elspeth, was there. They had kept in touch via Email and Elspeth had said they would not be there at the same time - but - surprise, surprise at the first service there she was. Hannah was over the moon! We hardly saw her again except meal times :)

I had a great time as Stuart looked after Thomas most of the time which freed me to attend all the services. It was so revitalising to attend church/bible study three times a day! I was also able to share them with my Dad so I had someone to talk them over with.

I'm now running around like a lunatic trying to wash, iron, work, sort, pack, clear sewing and artwork ready for our next holiday. Grief - who was it who thought it would be a good idea to only have a week in-between!

So now I'm 39! I'm going grey - What's all the fuss?

OK my birthday has been an gone - I'm 39! Age has never bothered me - I really can't understand the hang up with age. I certainly don't feel 39 - I suppose I look it. LOL I'm going grey - am I bovered? NO! I really can't see the point of trying to kid everyone and dye my hair!

Over the weekend Stu took me out for a meal - whilst I was waiting for the meal I looked around me - I noticed 2 ladies with natural grey hair - did they look ancient? did they look out of place? No they look great - good for them I thought! If they can do it so can I!

As I had just had my hair cut on Friday the grey is now more prominent. When Mum saw it she commented and said I should dye it. Grief even my own mother doesn't know me enough to realise I really don't see the point. Does this make me a slob - someone who doesn't care what they look like?

Why oh why can't people look their age?

Sewing free ......

Yay the outfit has gone in the post today.

Hannah finishes school next Tuesday so I really need to finish the teachers scrapbook - hopefully the children will have sorted themselves out and will give me their pages today.

I recieved the Altered Art kit yesterday and I'm now wondering what I have got myself into! The kit came with two project sheets which uses less than half the stash. I have no idea what to do with the rest!

Anyway tomorrow is another day - hopefully full of wonderful surprises!

JULY!

Where is the year going to? I'll soon be 39 :)I feel much less. Stuart has been asking what I want for my birthday - he doesn't seem to have picked up the hints about a craft robo.

Craft wise I've been working hard on the Christening outfit for my godson. I've finally finished the draft and nearly finished the shoes. Hopefully I'll get it in the post tomorrow so I can get some feedback over the weekend and start the actual outfit.

I also need to get a move on with Hannah's teachers scrapbook. I have asked all the children in her class to scrap an A4 page of themselves - from a class of 25 I have received 9 so not too bad. I now need to put it all together and add a few general pages.

I've also signed up for a jigsaw swap - to make matters worse its an altered art swap. Two firsts there! Rather sad, but I'm quiet excited. Every day I get home hopeful that the kit has arrived but the post seems to be sooooo slow.


I have ordered the July kit from www.3djean.me.uk


Maybe today it will arrive?

Sports Day

Hannah had her first Sports Day at her new school - it was the first I have enjoyed. Each child was grouped according to their ability so Hannah felt it was worth trying rather than just going through the motions. Also, as there were only 3 people in her group she was able to win a medal for each event. This was very diplomatic of the teachers as it encouraged those less able!

she achieved 3 bronze and 3 silver :)

Time passes me by ....

I can't believe it's been so long since I updated this.

I'm soooo 'angry' with Lemon! :) she has shown me another project I fancy http://everyoneisspeshal.blogspot.com/
I can't believe it. I am trying to be so good and UKS keeps throwing me ideas. I also think Paul has a lot to answer for as he has incouraged my interest in Altered Art.

I'm also on yet another diet and the crop I attend are have a crop and bake day with cakes, cakes and more cakes!

Doh - I give up .............. how is a girl suppose to fight temptation?

Bonanza

Well I survied Bonanza - a Scrapbooking event at the NEC. I spent a fortune on altering and distressing products so watch this space for a new style!

I'm off to another show at the weekend this is a general craft show. As I spent up at Bonanza I'm going to have to be very good :)

The {21} Day Challenge

I mentioned before The {21}Day Challenge, well Rhonna (see link)is running round 3 which I'm going to follow if not join in. It has really sparked my imagination with digital scrapping. As when I get a few minutes :) I'm going to look into it!

Cyber crop

Post UKS cyber crop I'm so disorganised but I had great fun. The theme was Mardi Gras and here is a mini book I made





I didn't manage to do much over the weekend but had great fun as Hannah joined in.





Dad even did the blokes challenge

OH NO! I feel another project ....

I spotted this on UKS A 21 day challenge - I'm trying so hard to ignore it but I keep feeling it tugging!

With all my other projects I'm rather snowed under.

I finally managed to finish my first scrap book last week and all ready have the next ready and waiting.

The great news today was that Hannah passed her Grade 2 piano. This was really unexpected as her teacher and myself weren't expecting much. Anyway she just managed a pass so onwards and upwards - she now has her sights on Grade 3 singing? Doh more practising!

What a great weekend

For a change we had a brilliant weekend. Saturday I woke up full of energy and ready to go. I rushed around cleaning and tidying and managed to do the whole house and bathrooms in just over an hour! I'm sure the pull of the all day crop inspired me to move fast. So off I went and scrapped my heart out. I had a great day and actually completed a LO with picture! Only problem is I spent all my Bonanza savings - I've now 8 weeks to save again.

Sunday we went to the park. Hannah and Thomas both had a great time running about and playing. We definately need to get Thomas a ball as he beelined them every time he saw one. Great idea for Easter rather than an egg! In the afternoon we had a great time playing at home whilst Stuart was a real love and washed and cleaned the cars.

TV wise it was J LO weekend. We watched Shall we Dance and Maid in Manhatten. The first was OK but the latter was very funny - even Stu enjoyed it. Last night I ironed to Love Actually - brilliant film - I never seem to tire of it.

Counting the days until Easter!

I made a very rash decision and decided to give up bread for lent! Big mistake - HUGE mistake! Gone is the quick lunch option of butties. I now have to plan ahead and prepare lunch the night before as I stuck with either soup, salad or pasta. I'm also trying to support Hannah who has given up chocolate. So I can't have any chocolate at home - not that I eat that much - but the Bailey's chocs are burning a hole in the pantry, even though they are on the top shelf. Out of sight/out of mind theory is not working. They are a definate magnet at the moment!

I suppose the big saving grace is that I do appear to be losing weight although extremely slowly. The scales tell me this but my clothes don't!

Another reminder that time files ....

I can't believe I've been married for 16 years!! Stuart has really spoilt me by buying 16 roses and taking me out for a meal.

The roses are beautiful and make me smile every time I walk past them.

The meal was great - we tried somewhere new - real gamble - it was great. The food was brilliant and the service worth every penny.

We are supposed to be buying each other a printer but this is proving tricky as Stuart has no idea what to go for. Having studied Which magazine we have finally agreed on one which will hopefully product decent photos. I've loads of scrapbooking pages sat waiting for the pictures.

The family tree is growing very rapidly with information coming from all angles. Its great fun but seems to take loads of time and money!

My AJ has sliped to the bottom of the pile - hopefully I'll get some inspiration this week and I'll catch up with the missed weeks.

Time Flies

WOW I hadn't realise how long it was since I updated my Blog. So much has gone on. Thomas had his opperation and is now a happy chappy. Its amazing how different he is - great fun and I am really enjoying being with him now.

I've just returned from Watford where I visited my best friend - she has just had her first baby. What a sweety! I had a long cuddle - luckily I didn't get broody. Couldn't bare the thought of starting again or all the stitches!

Anyway I was delighted to be asked to be Godmother! Hannah was thrilled also as this sort of makes her God daughter! She has never let me forget that she wanted this couple as Godparents. Even though they are Thomas' Godparents they treat both my children the same. So now the relationship is even closer - I'm so thrilled. I've started a scrap book for the baby. Once I get the parents permission I'll post some pages.

Oh yea I forgot to add that I the family tree bug was too strong. I got hooked - I'm a real push over! Anyway Stuart's Dad was really pleased and turned up with loads of info. Just another hobby to add to the already too long list. Actually Stuart says he wishes I had hobbies instead of obsessions.

Hopefully I'll have time with all my 'obsessions' to not leave updating this for too long.

Have fun all

S x

Office Move

Having been told that we would not be moving offices until next week I turned up to work in a skirt and 3inch heels. Guess what - I'm now trying to pack boxes and run up and down the stairs - I hope they have good insurance as I'm sure I'm taking my life in my own hands. Luckily we are not moving the boxes until Monday when I shall come appropriately dressed. Hopefully the weather will be warmer too!

I'll certainly need to put my feet up tonight. Shame the diet doesn't allow me a glass of wine. However, with all the exercise I'm sure a Balieys coffee won't go amiss.

Back Home

Its my first day back home since Monday - I've been staying at my parents. I'm not sure where to start - should I be really good and do the cleaning or the ironing - or start some of my scrapping/AJ/card making? I've loads to do. Emm I've also some sewing to finsh for a wedding in 2 weeks.

I've decided I've too many hobbies - I've partly done projects all over the place. Perhaps I'll list them this weekend and prioritise them - I'm sure I'll get a shock how many I've started.

Without searching I know I have 5 scrapping pages to finish, a star book to finish, 2 AJ pages to do, a CJ to finish, this years calender to finish, the wedding sewing already mentioned, a valentines card to make, I've no idea how much knitting, cross stitch, beading, 4 cutains, trousers to take up ...... the list is endless!

I'm off to iron and clean so the house is reasonable for when Stuart gets home. Maybe I'll get some projects done this weekend - or maybe it will take me all weekend to find and list them.